WSIDMYBCHTLM – Chapter 49

Under the drizzling rain, with damp and humid air, students carrying bags walked downstairs in twos and threes, casting frequent glances around the corridor.

Kong Nianxi’s lips curved into a bright smile as she walked shoulder to shoulder-with Xi Ning, attracting attention. Both of them had exceptional qualities—one cold, one charming—standing together in an eerie harmony, pleasing to the eye.

On reaching the ground floor, Xi Ning opened the umbrella, and Kong Nianxi followed, standing close to the umbrella with her and linking her arms.

The newly bought automatic folding umbrella felt slightly heavy in her hand, with a sturdy frame more than sufficient to shelter the two. As Xi Ning’s gaze inadvertently fell on their intertwined arms, she quickly averted her eyes and said nothing, walking towards the school gate.

Raindrops fell crisply on the umbrella’s surface, and the path leading to the gate was filled with students leaving with their umbrellas, wandering in the colorful “sea” of flowers and foliage. The sturdy folding umbrella created a private space just for the two of them.

Xi Ning remained silent, her eyes fixed on the black umbrella ahead as they walked. The rain had caused traffic congestion, making it crowded near the school gate. The crowd had to stop, inching forward slowly like snails.

After a while, Kong Nianxi grew a bit impatient. Leaning sideways, she rested her chin on Xi Ning’s shoulder and murmured, “So slow…”

Her chin brushed against Xi Ning’s shoulder before moving away, and then she turned her face, studying Xi Ning’s delicate earlobe intently. “I just realized, your ears are quite beautiful.”

The warm, humid breath brushed against sensitive earlobes, causing a tingling sensation.

Almost instinctively, Xi Ning’s shoulder twitched, causing Kong Nianxi’s chin to slide down.

“What are you doing?” Kong Nianxi couldn’t help but laugh, lightly tapping her shoulder.

As the crowd began to move again, Xi Ning followed, saying, “We’ll be out soon.”

It was a dismissive answer, tinged with a hint of shyness.

Kong Nianxi glanced at her with a slight smile, not pursuing the topic further but with a deeper interest in her eyes.

“Let me hold the umbrella.”

She raised her arm, but Xi Ning, holding the umbrella, didn’t move her hand. “It’s okay, we’re almost there.”

Kong Nianxi replied, “Can you at least switch hands holding the umbrella?”

Her sweet tone had a hint of coquetry. Xi Ning was puzzled by the request, which seemed a bit unreasonable. She hesitated for several seconds before complying.

Kong Nianxi’s request made Xi Ning regret a bit. Walking side by side, as she lowered her left hand, Kong Nianxi’s hand came over, and her cool fingertips interlaced with Xi Ning’s.

Xi Ning hadn’t held hands with anyone since elementary school, let alone interlaced fingers in such an intimate and ambiguous way. It felt strange and unfamiliar, but she couldn’t refuse Kong Nianxi’s weak or coquettish gesture.

She reluctantly shifted the umbrella to her other hand, and their fingers interlocked between them.

But after the switch, Xi Ning felt a bit regretful.

As they walked side by side, she had just lowered her left hand when Kong Nianxi’s hand came over, with her cool fingertips inserted between Xi Ning’s warm ones, intertwining their fingers.

Xi Ning hadn’t held hands like that in years, let alone interlacing fingers in such an intimate way. It felt strange and unfamiliar, and she couldn’t help but retract her hand slightly, but Kong Nianxi held on firmly.

“Don’t move, I just want to check something,” Kong Nianxi said softly by Xi Ning’s ear.

“What do you want to check?” Xi Ning asked, trying to move her fingers, but Kong Nianxi’s hand remained intertwined with hers, creating a delicate and cool sensation.

Kong Nianxi smiled and leaned closer to her ear, whispering, “I want to check if you also have feelings for me.”

Xi Ning felt a bit nervous and glanced around.

They had just reached the gate, surrounded by a crowded space, not suitable for conversation.

Fortunately, Kong Nianxi didn’t say more. Taking advantage of Xi Ning’s compromised state, she held her hand tightly, interlocking their fingers, then lightly released them to compare their hand sizes. Xi Ning’s fingers were slightly longer due to her height.

One hand holding the umbrella, the other held in that playful manner, Xi Ning felt a bit flustered. Kong Nianxi’s fingers brushed lightly against hers, tickling and itching, causing Xi Ning to involuntarily clench her fingers, but that didn’t deter Kong Nianxi’s curiosity. Her icy touch traced Xi Ning’s fingertips, lightly pressed, hooked, and finally brushed over a faint black mole near Xi Ning’s thumb.

Finally emerging from the crowded school gate, Xi Ning pulled back her hand, feeling an abnormal warmth in her palm, almost reddening her eartips.

With her hand now free, Kong Nianxi felt a slight disappointment.

Xi Ning’s hand was beautiful, slender, and soft, slightly larger than hers, providing a sense of security when held. These thoughts, tinged with a bit of embarrassment, quickly vanished from Kong Nianxi’s mind as she regained her composure, adjusting her long hair.

“Alright, I’ve reached my conclusion,” she said lightly.

Xi Ning looked at her in surprise.

Kong Nianxi pouted slightly, her voice carrying a hint of grievance. “Why do you look at me like that? I’ve erased everything and confessed to you frankly. Can’t I seek some sweet comfort without rushing you for an answer?”

Xi Ning hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of guilt and sourness. “I’m sorry, I—”

Kong Nianxi suddenly covered her mouth. “I don’t want to hear it.”

Xi Ning blinked, then smiled back, slightly squinting her eyes. “Are you about to say something that will make me feel cold?”

“Crackle.”

Raindrops gathered on the leaves and pattered on the umbrella, making a sound.

Xi Ning, tall and composed, held the umbrella steadily. Her slender fingers gripped the handle firmly. Even in the dim shadow under the umbrella, her long and beautiful eyes remained bright, her expression calm yet soft. “I just want you to give me a little more time.”

Kong Nianxi chuckled softly. “I guessed right. I still understand you very well.”

Understand?

Xi Ning pondered her words, her gaze slightly puzzled.

Kong Nianxi’s eyes scanned her face, and a thought seemed to strike her, but she suppressed a smile. “But then again, maybe not completely.”

Like not understanding what happened to you in the past.

The road in front of the school gate was congested with vehicles picking up students, so Xi Ning said, “Since someone is here to pick you up, I’ll walk back alone.”

After speaking, she turned her head and took out a small umbrella from her bag, stepping onto the crosswalk without looking back, and walking in the opposite direction without hesitation.

“Wait.” Xi Ning subconsciously grabbed the corner of her clothes.

Kong Nianxi stopped and turned around with a smile. “What’s wrong? Do you have something else?”

“…” Xi Ning looked at her expression. “Don’t be angry first.”

“I’m not angry, why would I be angry?” Kong Nianxi stared at her, then curled her lips. “You seem reluctant to leave. Do you want to go home with me?”

Xi Ning paused and let go of her hand. “I need to go back for something this week.”

Kong Nianxi opened her mouth as if to say something, glanced at the cars behind them, then turned back and chuckled. “See you next week then.”

“…”

Xi Ning watched her safely cross to the other side of the road before withdrawing her gaze.

Closing the car door, Xi Mu curiously leaned over and asked, “Who was that just now? I couldn’t see clearly under the umbrella, why were you arguing?”

Xi Ning fastened her seatbelt and gave him a cold look. “Does it concern you?”

Xi Mu was startled by the icy undertone in her eyes and pouted, saying, “Why are you so touchy lately? I wouldn’t have asked if you hadn’t wanted to.”

Xi Ning felt a bit annoyed but ignored him, turning her head to look out of the car window.

Their driver picked them up, and the car drove towards home, reaching the doorstep soon.

As they entered, a well-dressed Mrs. Xu greeted them, “Finally, you’re back. Hurry up and change into something presentable; we are about to leave.”

Xi Mu tossed his school bag onto the sofa, puzzled. “Where are we going? Why the rush?”

Mrs. Xu replied, “One of my old classmates’ daughter is having her 18th birthday celebration tonight. Stop dawdling and change, don’t be too boisterous, be more serious.”

“Alright, Miss Xu,” Xi Mu nodded repeatedly and headed to his room.

Xi Ning also silently went upstairs but was stopped by Mrs. Xu. “Oh right, Ning Ning, my old classmate is your Aunt Meng, and her daughter is Qiu Ying. I remember you were classmates in middle school, and you had a good relationship, right?”

Upon hearing that distant name, Xi Ning suddenly stopped.

Mrs. Xu continued, “But did you two drift apart because you attended different high schools? You were very close before… Oh, Ning Ning, you should make more friends.”

Xi Ning turned back, “Can I not go?”

Mrs. Xu was a bit surprised; Xi Ning was usually obedient and rarely objected to their requests. Plus, it was just a birthday party; she asked, “What’s wrong? Why don’t you want to go, dear? Aren’t you friends?”

“Moreover, Qiu Ying specifically mentioned that she hoped you would come.”

“…”

Xi Ning didn’t respond. She had always been a well-behaved child, good at studies and obedient, creating an image of the ideal child in others’ eyes. She was accustomed to this role and had never liked sharing her emotions, even with her closest family. So, to her parents, she had grown up smoothly except for that incident in ninth grade that alarmed the school and resulted in a meeting with her parents. However, Xi Ning behaved normally afterward, and her parents gradually forgot about it.

Mrs. Xu took the school bag off Xi Ning’s shoulder, sighing, “My dear, you are good at everything, but your personality is too introverted. You don’t want to share anything with us, just like your father. If only you were a bit more like your brother, Bo, who is open-hearted. Sigh.”

Mr. Xi walked out, adjusting his tie, and overheard their conversation, chuckling, “That means my genes are strong. Look, Ning Ning is smart like me, just a bit reserved, but she’ll grow out of it.”

“But why do I feel like she’s becoming more like you as she grows older, more introverted, especially when something is bothering her.”

“…”

Once they started bickering, Xi Ning felt it was better to leave. She quietly went upstairs.

Since the other party mentioned her explicitly, she couldn’t easily refuse.

Xi Ning sat on her bed in a daze.

Fragmented memories surfaced, and she felt as if the shadows she thought she had forgotten were still affecting her to this day.

At night, as the lights began to illuminate the city, Xi Ning sat expressionless, staring ahead as Mrs. Xu conversed with another elegantly dressed woman.

“Ning Ning has grown so tall!”

“Yes, time flies. Little Ying Ying is already eighteen.”

“…”

Some meaningless small talk. Xi Ning kept her head down throughout, especially since a girl was standing behind the woman.

Being polite, Xi Ning found an excuse and retreated to her seat soon after.

Xi Mu handed her a glass of juice, “Hey, why don’t you sneak away now if you don’t want to be here? It’s just a birthday party; you two are so awkward with each other. I wouldn’t come either.”

Xi Mu, having attended the same middle school as Xi Ning, naturally knew about the incident in ninth grade. However, it had been a while, and his easy-going nature didn’t allow him to fully understand the emotional impact on a girl. He vaguely remembered a particularly unpleasant boy from that time who, after being rejected, had spread malicious rumors about Xi Ning under the guise of friendship, taking advantage of her indiscriminate trust in friends. When Xi Ning confronted him, he became emotional and jumped from the second floor of the school building, causing a minor injury but a major commotion.

As for Qiu Ying, she was Xi Ning’s best friend during middle school, but their friendship quietly soured. Xi Mu didn’t know the details of what happened between them; he only found out when he accidentally witnessed them arguing. However, Qiu Ying’s words at the time were harsh, indicating she believed the rumors spread by that unpleasant boy. Xi Ning was undoubtedly deeply affected, as evidenced by her subsequent distancing from all middle school classmates.

Thinking about this, Xi Mu felt sorry for his sister. At such a young age and encountering such things, it was understandable why Xi Ning had become like this. If he were in her shoes, he probably wouldn’t believe in love anymore either.

Xi Ning took the glass he offered, her expression indifferent. “It’s all in the past.”

Xi Mu widened his eyes, “Do you feel that way?”

Xi Ning took a sip of juice, not in the mood to discuss this with him. “If you’re free, go outside for some fresh air.”

Feeling rejected again, Xi Mu sniffed and got up, “Fine, I’ll leave on my own.”

“…”

Once he left, Xi Ning put the glass on the dining table and lowered her eyelids, a layer of dark melancholy clouding her eyes.

After sitting alone for a while, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Mrs. Xu sent a message.

[Mrs. Xu: Darling, add this friend~]

She followed up with a WeChat ID

.

Xi Ning stared at her phone. She rarely added strangers to her contacts; her friend list had only a few numbers.

After hesitating for a while, she finally clicked the send button. The other person almost instantly accepted the friend request.

[xxx: Xi Ning, I’m Qiu Ying.]

The message popped up on the screen, causing Xi Ning’s fingers to freeze. It seemed as though Qiu Ying feared being blocked, as a second message came immediately, a lengthy one.

[xxx: Thank you for coming to my eighteenth birthday party. I didn’t expect you to come. I understand you don’t want to see me again, so forgive me for taking the liberty to get your contact this way. I owe you an apology for my selfish and hurtful words in the past. I should feel guilty and apologize for the burden I caused you, but I shamelessly tried to push the blame onto you. I am not worthy, but I arrogantly thought I understood you. So, I want to do my best to alleviate the burden I caused you, as I have moved on, and I hope you won’t be affected anymore. Lastly, thank you for showing me how beautiful it is to love girls at such a wonderful age.]

“…”

Xi Ning stared at her phone, her slender fingers tensing up. Her lowered eyes revealed no emotion, resembling a frozen picture, quietly sitting in the chair, exuding a gloomy aura.

After a long while, a faint curve appeared at the corner of her lips as she chuckled coldly.

Before jumping out of the rear window, he had said fiercely, “You forced me to die; you ruined me. You will never have peace!”

Before their last argument, she pointed at her and said, “I became abnormal because of you. You hurt me, and you don’t deserve to be loved.”

Now, they casually let go with a simple “I’m sorry.” Can saying sorry erase the hurt caused by actions and words?

She trusted this person the most, yet they could turn around without any burden and stab her with a knife.

It felt like returning to that summer, where no matter where she went, people would point fingers at her from afar, with isolated, gossipy, and strange glances.

Though it had been a long time, that sense of injustice and anger still felt so vivid.

She lowered her head, staring at her feet, and her vision gradually blurred, tears welling up at the corners of her eyes.

For a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, how calm and composed could she be, how restrained could she remain?

For some time, she treated the word “like” as if it were a venomous creature, like a box filled with darkness, unsure of what would emerge once opened.

Fortunately, people were busy coming and going, and no one noticed this momentary pause in the corner.

Wiping away the traces of tears, it seemed like the haze that had been suppressed at the bottom for years also evaporated and dissipated. Her vision became clear again, and Xi Ning sighed deeply, feeling much lighter in her chest.

Since they both didn’t care anymore, why punish herself?

Her phone, grasped in her palm, vibrated again. Xi Ning hesitated for a while before lowering her gaze to look. Her eyes reddened slightly, then quickly dispersed the gloom, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

【Kong Nianxi: Have you had dinner? I ordered takeout alone… pitiful.jpg】

【Image】

【Image】

Kong Nianxi shared her dinner with her, a vegetable salad, a plate of barbecue, and a cup of milk tea. In the corners of the photos, one could even see Tata’s furry paw attempting to steal some food.

These were just two ordinary photos, but they held a different power for her at this moment, like a warm sun, comforting and bright, filling every fold in her heart.

Someone who had once been hysterical to her now thanked her and said liking someone was a wonderful thing.

It seemed true; there was no burden, no loss of control, nor crazy possessiveness.

And this feeling of goodness seemed to be what “liking” truly was.

【Xi Ning: Drinking milk tea at night will keep you awake.】

【Kong Nianxi: Then don’t sleep, it’s perfect for thinking about you.】

【Xi Ning: …You’re a bit cheesy.】

【Kong Nianxi: …】

【Kong Nianxi: Can you chat?】

Sitting for a long time had made Xi Ning’s back uncomfortable. She changed her sitting posture, rested her arm on the table, picked up the glass of juice nearby, and tasted its sweetness.

Setting the glass down, after a long silence, she started editing her message.

【Xi Ning: There’s something I want to tell you.】

After a brief silence, there was a reply from the other side.

【Kong Nianxi: What is it?】

【Kong Nianxi: Wait, don’t say it yet.】

【Kong Nianxi: How about you tell me tomorrow at school?】

Xi Ning: “…”

She didn’t know what Kong Nianxi was thinking, but she felt it was better to explain the matter sooner rather than later.

【Xi Ning: He is my younger brother.】

【Kong Nianxi: …What?】

【Xi Ning: It’s the same person you saw after school.】

There was another long silence.

【Kong Nianxi: Is this what you wanted to say? Nothing else? Wait… it’s not some step-sibling kind of thing, is it?】

Xi Ning clenched her fingers and typed back: 【Biological younger brother.】

【Kong Nianxi: So, why are you suddenly telling me this now? I remember when he mentioned your relationship, you didn’t object.】

Xi Ning paused for a while, suppressing the curve of her lips.

【Kong Nianxi: Biological siblings? Quite interesting.】

【Xi Ning: I just wanted to explain clearly.】

After a few seconds.

【Kong Nianxi: Then if I hadn’t seen him this afternoon, would you have remembered to explain to me? You… have never been serious, right?】

【Kong Nianxi: I feel like, at least I’m sincere. It was my first confession, my first time lowering my stance. I can wait, but I don’t have enough courage to be trampled upon.】

Her heart raced, anxious and lost, mixed with chaotic emotions, rushing into her brain. She was eager to explain, and her tapping fingers were somewhat erratic: 【Because only after explaining clearly can I honestly say I like you.】

“…”

The atmosphere on the screen noticeably cooled down.

The chat interface froze for a long time, making Xi Ning’s ears burn when she saw the last message she sent, and she even raised her hand, wanting to retract the message.

【Kong Nianxi: Say that last part again.】

You have retracted a message.

【Kong Nianxi: …】

【Kong Nianxi: Xi Ning, you can’t play like this.】

Rubbing her hot ears, Xi Ning blinked quickly, but she couldn’t go back to the moment before.

【Kong Nianxi: Where are you now?】

【Xi Ning: xx Center】

【Kong Nianxi: Then I want to see you downstairs at my place before nine, okay?】

“…”

Xi Ning bit her lip, feeling a sense of foreboding about what it meant to go to Kong Nianxi’s place now.

【Kong Nianxi: If it’s inconvenient, forget it.】

【Xi Ning: It’s fine.】

She wasn’t sure what had gotten into her, but when she came to her senses, she had already called for a ride and was seated in the swiftly moving car driven by the driver.

Thirty minutes later, standing downstairs at the apartment building, she still felt a bit dazed.

“Xi Ning? Xi Xi already told me, just come upstairs~” The housekeeper still remembered her, warmly welcoming her inside and even pressing the elevator for her.

Xi Ning politely smiled at her and stepped into the elevator slowly.

As the elevator ascended floor by floor, her heartbeat became more and more erratic, and she couldn’t help but lightly press her chest, trying to suppress this strange feeling.

When the elevator door opened, she saw Kong Nianxi’s bright face.

“You’re twenty minutes early~ I commend you for that.” Kong Nianxi glanced at her phone, smiling as she walked over, holding her hand and leading her into the open room.

The familiar furnishings greeted Xi Ning as she followed Kong Nianxi into the entrance, closing the door behind her. Turning around, she saw Kong Nianxi blocking her way.

“Why did you retract the message?” Kong Nianxi’s voice was lazy as she took a few steps forward, pushing Xi Ning to the door, leaving her with no retreat.

The atmosphere instantly became ambiguous.

Kong Nianxi was wearing thin sleepwear, and through the soft fabric, Xi Ning could feel the warmth in front of her. Their eyes met intimately, and the temperature between them rose.

Kong Nianxi smiled, leaning softly against Xi Ning, “I saw it, you said you like me~”

Xi Ning took half a step back, her back against the door, creating a slight gap between their bodies, but Kong Nianxi closed the distance, pressing her soft body closer.

“You won’t deny what you’ve said, will you?” Kong Nianxi raised an eyebrow.

“Of course not.” Xi Ning felt a bit breathless with her chest pressed, whispering, “You first, step back.”

“No.” Kong Nianxi pouted, refusing to relent, “Say it again, and I’ll let go.”

“I…” Typing out words and saying them aloud were entirely different experiences. Xi Ning pursed her lips, feeling embarrassed for a moment, but since she had already spoken, there was nothing wrong with admitting it.

“I like you.”

Her voice was tender and clear, striking deep into their hearts.

“You, say it again.”

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