Chapter 57: A Brief Farewell
As the bell rang signaling the end of class, Ning Chu couldn’t help but feel a wave of sadness wash over her. She glanced at the suitcase sitting beside her and sighed quietly to herself.
She wasn’t usually the type to rely on others, but Wen Yang was different.
In this unfamiliar environment, Wen Yang was her first friend. In situations where creeps might be lurking around any corner, he was the only person who could ensure her safety. When she was at her most vulnerable after becoming a woman, it was Wen Yang who patiently comforted and cared for her...
He wasn’t just a friend who might have a thing for her; he was also her close confidant—and the protagonist of her story.
All these overlapping roles and reasons made Ning Chu feel increasingly melancholic. She watched the crowded exit of the classroom, almost hoping her classmates would take a bit longer to clear the doorway.
“Wen Yang, do you want me to drive you to the station?” Zhang Shaoqing’s voice cut through her thoughts.
“No need, there’s a bus that goes straight there,” Wen Yang replied.
“I’ll see you this weekend then? Oh, and don’t forget to grab a couple bowls of that hand-pulled noodle soup from the place near the station.”
“Sure, I’ll see what I can do.”
Wen Yang stood up, grabbing his suitcase and glancing over at Ning Chu, who was still slumped over her desk, silent.
“Ning Chu?”
“Coming.”
She didn’t want to seem too down, but she couldn’t hide the lack of enthusiasm on her face. Expressionless, she stood up and followed her friends out of the classroom.
They walked a few hundred meters along the wide path leading to the dorms until they reached the intersection by the school’s main gate.
Wen Yang came to a stop, adjusting his suitcase. “I’m heading out.”
“Yeah, yeah, get lost already! Don’t forget to bring back that noodle soup!” Ning Chu shouted in mock annoyance.
Wen Yang’s gaze lingered briefly on her face before he nodded and turned toward the gate.
He hadn’t taken more than a couple of steps when he heard hurried footsteps behind him.
Ning Chu rushed to catch up with him, not wanting her friends to get the wrong idea. She quickly explained, “I just need to pick up a package off-campus, that’s all.”
“You and Wen Yang really aren’t a thing, are you?” Zhang Shaoqing teased loudly, always one to stir up trouble. “You didn’t have to walk him all the way here~”
“Of course not...” Wang Jie, the more straightforward of the group, chimed in, trying to defend her. “Come on, stop messing with her.”
Ning Chu did her best to ignore their teasing, though her cheeks were turning a shade of pink. She stole a quick glance at Wen Yang, only to meet his amused gaze. Flustered, she quickly looked away.
“What are you smiling about?”
“Nothing,” Wen Yang said with a soft laugh, slowing his pace. “My uncle’s surgery is tomorrow. I’ll try to be back as soon as I can.”
“Why are you telling me that? Do what you want.”
Ning Chu didn’t dare meet his eyes, keeping her gaze on the brick patterns of the sidewalk as they walked.
As soon as they stepped out through the school gates, she felt Wen Yang’s warm hand reach over and wrap around hers.
She didn’t resist, muttering, “What if someone from school sees us?”
“Then I guess I’m just a creep who’s into guys.”
“You are a creep...”
Ning Chu sighed, though her logic told her she should pull away from his hand, smile, and see him off cheerfully.
Once Wen Yang left, she wouldn’t have to worry about triggering any storylines, or dealing with his persistent presence. She’d also get used to life without the safety net of having the protagonist around.
But it seemed like her emotions were getting the better of her.
Feeling the fine lines of Wen Yang’s hand, the calluses that had formed, and the warmth radiating from him... her earlier feelings of sadness began to soften. The chaos in her mind started to quiet down, and her emotions grew calm. Almost without realizing it, she found herself leaning a little closer to him.
She liked this feeling of being together.
Her mind wasn’t occupied with scheming women, the pressure of the story, or worries about the future...
For once, her heart felt peaceful, with a subtle sweetness, like sipping a light honey tea.
Suddenly, Ning Chu found herself wishing this walk to the bus stop could be a bit longer—just a little more time with him.
But in no time, they arrived at the bus stop.
Wen Yang glanced at the bus schedule and found the route he needed. Then, he turned to look at Ning Chu’s face, which still had a faint blush.
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Not sure what else to say, he squeezed her hand a little tighter.
“Take care on the way back.”
“Mm.”
“And don’t go flirting around while I’m gone. Don’t cause me any trouble.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not like that.”
Ning Chu suddenly felt like one of those clingy girlfriends saying goodbye to her boyfriend.
She glanced down at her hand, still held tightly in Wen Yang’s. She bit her lip, still uncertain of her own feelings.