...
The journey was bumpy, but they finally reached their destination.
After getting out of the car, Special Week also carried Lucian's luggage down. "Trainer-san, I'll carry it for you."
"No need. Why do I feel Spe-chan is still distant with me?"
"No, no." Special Week guarded the luggage. "Trainer-san sat in the car for so long, you must be tired. And it's not heavy for me—I can lift it high with one hand. If you don't believe me..."
After saying that, she really tried to lift the bottom of the suitcase upward.
Lucian quickly stopped her. "What is Spe-chan doing? I believe you, okay?"
"You believe? Good if you believe." Special Week put the suitcase back on the ground.
Lucian helplessly smiled. He was truly defeated by this silly girl.
...
After putting his luggage in the guest room, Lucian came out.
The sun hadn't set yet; the sky was like old book pages, tinged with yellowed spots.
The ranch sky seemed even vaster, as if walking to the limit of one's vision could reach the end of the distance.
Animal cries came from afar; a lone tree bent its back, dry yellow leaves rustling in the wind, as if complaining about the ruthlessness of time.
Tina went to prepare ingredients; Special Week sat on the corridor floor.
Lucian sat beside her. "Spe-chan, what are you thinking about?"
"It feels like time passes so quickly. When I left, that tree was still lush, with all green leaves." Special Week propped her cheeks, sometimes sentimental. "But I still haven't become Japan's number one horse girl."
"Then look at it again next year? Maybe it turns green, and you become number one in Japan." Lucian patted her shoulder. "Besides, the current Spe-chan has already made a name for herself. Very impressive."
"Trainer-san, thank you for always believing in me." Special Week looked at Lucian, also seeing herself in his pupils.
They gazed at each other silently; the atmosphere was just right.
Special Week pressed her legs together and slowly moved closer to Lucian.
"Trainer Lu, I brought all the ingredients back." At that moment, Tina's untimely voice came.
Special Week was startled awake, quickly turned her head down to hide her embarrassment from her mother.
Tina carried two bags of ingredients and walked over. "Why are you both sitting here?"
Lucian stood up to help Tina with one bag. "Chatting with Spe-chan about things like 'Japan's number one.'"
"So that's it. Our Spe-chan is an outstanding horse girl!"
There was a large banner at home saying "Japan's Number One," prepared by Tina. Every time she picked up Special Week or sent her to the station, she would pull out this banner.
But Tina was also puzzled—talking about dreams, why was Spe-chan's face so red?
"Auntie Tina, where's the kitchen? It's about time to prepare dinner."
"Alright, I'll show you."
After Lucian and Tina left, Special Week let out a long breath.
Counting today, it had been almost a month since she last kissed Trainer-san.
She puffed out her chest, tugged down her white long skirt a bit, looked at her little pride, and said resentfully, "You clearly said you liked them, but Trainer-san just now showed no reaction."
...
The freshly bought ingredients were very fresh; Lucian rolled up his sleeves and showed off his skills in the kitchen.
Tina originally wanted to help, but suddenly found she was just taking up space in the kitchen, and Lucian was very focused, his attitude toward her growing colder.
She honestly exited the kitchen and sat at the dining table. "Spe-chan, is Trainer Lu always this cold when cooking?"
Special Week nodded. "That's how it is, but Trainer-san is just in the zone, so it's not intentional coldness toward Mom."
"What a serious man." Tina propped her chin and suddenly said.
She suddenly leaned close to Special Week and whispered, "Spe-chan, Trainer Lu is so excellent—has he started a family?"
"Trainer-san is only three or four years older than me; he wouldn't get married that fast."
"A big boy, huh~" Tina quietly observed Special Week's reaction. "Does he have a girlfriend?"
"No." Special Week's gaze dodged, but she was also puzzled inside.
"Any type he likes?"
"Mom, why are you suddenly asking so much?"
"Just wondering if Little Lu likes the big sister type..."
Tina felt her daughter was indeed at the age to talk about love.
But she thought Special Week was silly and dazed; if she didn't recognize her own heart, missing something would be bad.
"Huh?" Tina's words left Special Week full of surprise, her inner guard rising. "Why ask such a thing..."
"Emmm... Does Spe-chan want Trainer Lu to become Dad?"
"No way!" Special Week slammed the table hard, making it shake. "No, no way..."
Tina held Special Week's hand, signaling her to lower her voice, then pulled her to sit. "I was just joking. Why is Spe-chan so worked up?"
"Spe-chan, tell Mom honestly—are you in love with Trainer Lu?"
Under Tina's interrogating gaze, Special Week could only nod honestly.
"It's good you know your own heart. Spe-chan is at the age for love; I just don't want you to miss something and regret it." Tina breathed a sigh of relief. "So I was just testing you. At my age, I could be Little Lu's mom—did you really believe what I said?"
"So that's it." Special Week slowly exhaled, calming her heart.
Scared to death—she thought her mom was going to steal Trainer from her.
But she also felt Tina's concern was a bit unnecessary, because she and Lucian had already done many, many intimate things.
Thinking of this, Special Week clamped her legs tighter and straightened her back.
But these things definitely couldn't be told to Tina.
"Mom, actually I'm troubled too, because Trainer-san is excellent... It seems many people like him." Since it was out in the open, Special Week didn't hold back and told Tina her worries.
"That's normal..."
Tina was about to speak when Lucian suddenly came out of the kitchen. "Stir-fried pork with green peppers—try it first; it'll get cold later."
Tina: "Little Lu, no need to make too much; just enough is fine."
"I know; it's already in the pan. It'll be quick." Lucian said and returned to the kitchen.
Tina looked at Special Week. "Spe-chan, let's talk about this tonight."
"Tonight?" Special Week hesitated a bit. "Alright."
...