Ruan Xingchen glanced at the wall clock in the living room—it was already past six.
The days were growing longer as the weather warmed up, which was why she hadn't noticed how late it had gotten.
Lu Jingyuan looked at the little girl with the faint bruises on her face, his tone softening unconsciously. Have you eaten dinner?
Ruan Xingchen nodded. I have.
Though she was still a little hungry, she could always cook noodles later tonight.
She stepped aside to let him in.
There were no men's slippers, so Lu Jingyuan simply stepped onto the cold floor.
Only then did Lu Bai snap out of her daze. Looking up and seeing who it was, she sat straight at once, her nerves on edge as her eyes darted nervously around the room.
Lu Jingyuan strode over to the sofa and sat down. He loosened his tie, leaned back lazily, crossed his long legs, and stared at Lu Bai with a clear warning in his dark eyes.
Uncle and niece fell silent at the same time, the air turning icy cold.
Glancing between them, Ruan Xingchen shrugged and walked into the kitchen.
Guests deserved at least some water or tea—and she still had fruit left from the cheap relatives' visit to wash and cut up for them.
Young and unable to hold her tense posture for long, Lu Bai finally caved. Uncle.
Lu Jingyuan nodded faintly, glancing toward the kitchen. I'm driving you back to school.
Lu Bai's face fell. Can I stay and go to school with Xingchen tomorrow?
No.
You're so unreasonable! Lu Bai stood up. I came here for something important!
Her confidence faded quickly, and she mumbled sadly. The teacher said even as an art student, Xingchen's grades are too low to get into University C. But I don't want to be apart from her. I'm gonna make her study these two months—at least enough not to hand in blank exam papers.
They'd been inseparable since primary school. She spent more time with Xingchen than with her own mother. University without Xingchen would feel wrong.
Ever since her mother died and Xingchen fell seriously ill all those years ago, she'd never studied hard again. Lu Bai had even begged teachers to let her skip grades into junior high and high school—but University C wasn't so easy to get into.
She was stressed out of her mind.
Lu Jingyuan tapped his finger lightly on the sofa, unmoved. Worry about yourself first.
Bai Bai. Ruan Xingchen walked out of the kitchen, setting the fruit tray down gently. She looked at Lu Bai seriously. It's okay if I don't get into University C. There's another college in the old town with really low entry scores—it's still in City C. I can go there instead.
Lu Bai's stubborn temper flared up at once. I don't care! You're gonna study whether you like it or not these next two months!
Bai Bai… Ruan Xingchen whispered softly.
Watching the two girls bicker, Lu Jingyuan stood and headed for the door.
It's late. I'm taking you back to school.
Lu Bai shot Ruan Xingchen one final warning glare, grabbed her bag, and followed him out.
Watching them leave, Ruan Xingchen blinked.
They didn't even drink the water or eat the fruit…
…
In the car, Lu Bai still felt frustrated, grasping at straws. Uncle, can you talk some sense into her for me?
If you can't persuade her, neither can I. Lu Jingyuan's voice remained calm and emotionless. Besides, you've always wanted computer science. University A is far better than University C.
Lu Bai fell silent.
She knew he was right—University A's computer program was top-tier, even her own mother wanted her to go there. But she'd always aimed for University C just to stay with Xingchen.
After a moment, she asked quietly. If Xingchen really can't get in… can you pull some strings to get her into University C?
I can. Lu Jingyuan paused, then added firmly before Lu Bai could get hopeful. But she'll get in only if she earns it herself.
Lu Bai stared in shock. Why?! You like her! Don't deny it—you kissed her! If you like her, why won't you help?
Lu Jingyuan frowned. She told you?
Just answer me—will you help or not?!
No.
Then I'll ask Jiang Heng instead!
The car screeched to an abrupt stop.
His expression turned icy cold. Get out.
Lu Bai was close to tears, pointing angrily at him. If you dump me here, I'll tell Grandma you bully me! I'll make her find twenty women for you to drive you crazy!
Lu Jingyuan scoffed and restarted the car.
…
After they left, Ruan Xingchen finished the fruit alone.
She washed the fruit plate and dinner bowls, then went to shower and change into pajamas.
Her facial injuries weren't serious anymore—just a little ugly.
Since Lu Bai was back at school, she might as well go too soon.
Stepping out of the bathroom, the doorbell suddenly rang.
Confused, she peeked through the peephole and opened the door. Uncle?
Lu Jingyuan's eyes darkened. He leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips, holding himself back from more. Don't go to school these two days. Stay home and rest, okay?
Caught off guard, she blinked. Why?
Just listen to me. He ruffled her hair gently. Rest early.
She nodded obediently. Good night, uncle.
Good night.
She hesitated slightly before closing the door.
After she locked up, Lu Jingyuan turned and walked toward the emergency staircase.
…
Ruan Xingchen stayed comfortably at home for the next two days.
She had no idea how chaotic school had become because of her.
After the He family's business partnerships all got canceled, Mrs. He refused to give up and stormed into the school demanding to see Ruan Xingchen. The girl who'd led the fight followed behind her, her face swollen and tearful—clearly punished badly at home.
At the teachers' request, Lu Bai went to meet them.
Not one to hold back, she slapped the bully twice the second she saw her. Who gave you the guts to hit my Xingchen while I wasn't around?!
Shocked, Mrs. He turned to the principal nervously. Who is this girl?
The principal glanced at Lu Bai. Mr. Lu's niece.
He added quietly. And Ruan Xingchen's best friend.
Realizing who Lu Bai was, Mrs. He rushed forward desperately. Miss Lu, please beg your uncle to forgive us! Our daughter knows she was wrong—we'll apologize properly to that girl!
Lu Bai smiled faintly. Funny. I heard your family even filed a police complaint saying my uncle abused his power.
Mrs. He looked embarrassed, waving her hands quickly. No—never! That was all a misunderstanding!
Lu Bai's eyes glinted. She leaned in and whispered something in her ear.
Mrs. He looked surprised. Is that really true?
Lu Bai lifted her chin confidently. Why would I lie?
Gritting her teeth, Mrs. He nodded. I understand now.
Secretly, Lu Bai celebrated her clever plan.
…
Two days later was Friday.
Knowing there was no school on the weekend, Ruan Xingchen decided to stay home until Monday.
Her facial bruises had faded almost completely now, invisible if you didn't look closely.
Humming happily, she bought groceries at the market and stored them in Lu Jingyuan's fridge. Then she remembered she needed sanitary pads, grabbed her keys, and headed downstairs.
When she came back from the bathroom, the doorbell rang again.
Opening the door, she froze seeing Fang Xinxin and the couple from her distant relatives standing there crying pitifully.
Spotting Ruan Xingchen, He Xiuzhen burst into tears. Xingchen, you have to help our Xinxin!
Confused, Ruan Xingchen looked at Xinxin. What happened?
Fang Rong sighed dramatically. The girls in her dorm bully her nonstop. Look at her arms…
He pulled Xinxin's sleeve up, revealing dark purple bruises everywhere. She never told us until we visited her today… such a silly child.
He Xiuzhen wiped her tears. We asked the teachers, but there are no empty dorm beds left. We're terrified to leave her there. Xingchen, you live close to the school… please take her in temporarily. I beg you.
Ruan Xingchen stayed silent.
Desperate, He Xiuzhen promised quickly. They'll rearrange the dormitories once the new semester starts in two months. She won't bother you long.
Please, Fang Rong added. Just two months. Help your cousin out.
Ruan Xingchen stared at them calmly.
Finally she understood what Lu Bai meant—these random relatives were all sneaky weasels hiding bad intentions.
Still not speaking, she watched as He Xiuzhen cried louder, even pretending to kneel before her. Xingchen, we have no other choice! For your mother's sake—we were sisters once—please help our daughter!