“To S University, S University, S University!” Lin Xin shouted hastily inside the taxi.
The taxi driver glanced at her and said, “Little girl, don’t worry.”
How could Lin Xin not be anxious? She just realized she should have gone to S University a long time ago to check. Her index finger was constantly tapping on her seat as she sat in the car.
Lin Xinyu had never seen her this nervous before. He held her hand and reassuringly said, “Don’t worry, we will be there soon.”
Over the past three years, Lin Xinyu not only grew physically but also developed a mature temperament. In fact, he was the most adultlike among his peers.
With Lin Xinyu’s encouragement, Lin Xin no longer felt anxious. She leaned back on the car seat and closed her eyes, pretending to rest. Lin Xinyu was worried and wanted to ask why she suddenly wanted to go to S University, but he decided not to. Instead, he inched closer and sat next to her. Then, he put his arm around her shoulders and drew her head to rest against his.
It was not rush hour yet so their taxi got to S University without delay. Lin Xin got off the car and headed straight for the Education Bureau. She had lived here since birth, so she was very familiar with the place. The Education Bureau’s work hours weren’t over yet, and a plump teacher could be seen organizing some documents.
Lin Xin ran over and asked, “Is Professor Lin Mo Yuan in?”
The plump teacher was surprised and said, “We don’t have a Professor Lin Mo Yuan here.”
Lin Xin refused to back down and continued, “They’re from the economics department. Please try to remember.”
The plump teacher regarded Lin Xin with an infuriated look as she thought, ‘What foolish student would not remember their professor’s name?’ Annoyed, she answered, “Our school has many teachers and I know all their names. If I can’t remember their name, then they’re not teaching here.”
Lin Xin grabbed her and asked, “How about Professor Xie Cong Wen from the Literature Department, or any department related to Literature?”
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The plump teacher glared at her. “No!”
“Then, can you help me ask someone else?” Lin Xin seized the teacher’s hand and pleaded, “Help me ask around, please!”
The plump teacher turned to leave but Lin Xin blocked her. So, she reached out her hand, planning to push Lin Xin aside, when Lin Xinyu strode forward to grab her wrist and twist it a little. The teacher let out a pained “Ow!” as the documents on her hands fell and scattered on the floor. She looked at the teenager who was half a head taller than her and fearfully asked, “You… What are you trying to do? I, I, I’ll call the police!”
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“We just wanted to ask,” Lin Xinyu said. “We do not want to do anything.”
The fat teacher’s voice softened, “There really aren’t any professors with those names.”
Lin Xinyu stepped forward, wanting to inquire more, but Lin Xin grabbed his arm and said dejectedly, “I don’t think there’s anything more to ask. Let’s go back.”
Lin Xinyu nodded obediently and followed her quietly. They passed by a small forest path and a stadium without a word, and soon they reached the west gate.
It started to drizzle. They took shelter in a bus stop in front of the school and the rain quickly soaked the road.
Lin Xin hugged her legs as she sat on the steel bench, watching the scenery around her get drenched.
This was exactly how she remembered everything to be. But why were her parents not here? She only wanted to see them and somehow prove that she was still in her own world. However, the truth hit her in the face – she was merely indulging in her wildest fantasies.
It had been almost a decade since her parents left, yet the pain stung as strong as ever whenever she remembered them.
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Lin Xin’s tears mixed with the running of her nose as she whimpered, wiping her face on her arms.
The rain poured harder and drifted into the open bus stop. Lin Xinyu took off his school uniform and used his body and clothes to shield Lin Xin from the wind and rain, remaining as motionless as a pole.
Lin Xinyu remembered that the last time she cried was three years ago. The reason, it seemed, was also because of her parents. If she wanted to cry, then let her cry. He’d just stay by her side and protect her.
As the wind and rain receded, Lin Xin’s cries became choked up sobs as she regained her calm. When she discovered that Lin Xinyu was shielding her from the rain with half of his body wet, Lin Xin realized the mistake she’d made. She quickly took off Lin Xinyu’s wet shirt and made him put his school uniform back on. As Lin Xin zipped his jacket up, she cried, “Why are you so stupid?”
Lin Xinyu tugged on his sleeve as he smiled, saying, “I’m fine.”
Lin Xin’s heart warmed. She pulled his hand and walked out of the bus stop.
“Let’s get a ride and chat on the way.”
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“Alright.”
T/N: A special thanks to Axeloid for joining us on Discord and my lovely lil sister who helped me title this chapter!
Happy to be back! Looking forward to reading your comments~
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