Chapter 63: A Nighttime Conversation

As night fell, the sky was sprinkled with countless stars, and the bright moon shone dazzlingly. The small, twinkling stars clustered around it, inviting people to lose themselves in the depths of the night sky. The roads below were bathed in dim yellow light, blending perfectly with the radiant silver stars above, enveloping the world in tranquility and peace. The evening breeze gently brushed against the curtains, and in such a serene and beautiful night, there was no need to dwell on sorrows or worries. One could simply gaze quietly at the sky, savoring such rare calm.

Yet, despite the beauty of the scenery, Wang Yuqing had no mood to appreciate it tonight. She moved a small chair onto the balcony and sat there, staring blankly outside. Her beautiful large eyes were filled with melancholy. After a long while, she sighed softly.

"Yuqing, come eat," her aunt's voice called from inside. Wang Yuqing replied, gently drew the curtains shut, and went to the dining room. But as she sat down and picked up her chopsticks, the dishes she usually enjoyed now held no appeal.

"What's wrong, Yuqing? Why aren't you eating? Are you feeling ill?" Her attentive aunt noticed Wang Yuqing’s reluctance and asked.

"No, I’m just not very hungry," she replied quietly.

"Not hungry? You should still eat a little. Here, have some chicken, and some egg." Her aunt placed food in her bowl.

"Listen to your aunt, even if you’re not hungry, eat more. You’re still growing, you need to eat," her uncle chimed in.

Wang Yuqing couldn’t help but smile at her uncle’s words about growing—she was already a senior in high school, her body had long since matured. Still, that faint smile eased her mood, and she finally began to eat.

But halfway through her meal, she recalled what Gao Zheng had said to her today, and her mood soured again. The delicious food tasted bland; with worries weighing on her, she could hardly eat. She stood up and said, "Uncle, Aunt, I’m full. I’ll head back to my room," and left the table.

"Look, Old Wang, Yuqing has been in low spirits since she came back from her classmate’s house. Do you think she’s troubled by something?" her aunt asked once Wang Yuqing had returned to her room. Normally, Yuqing would help wash the dishes, but tonight she left halfway through dinner. It was unusual, and her aunt sensed something was amiss.

"Troubled? What could it be? My niece has always been well-behaved. If anything was wrong, she’d tell us. Maybe she’s just tired, going to bed early is good," her uncle replied, unconcerned. In his eyes, Yuqing was always obedient and open with her family, perhaps she was simply exhausted from visiting her friend.

Her aunt cast him a glance—how could Old Wang understand? As girls grew older, there were things they couldn’t share with their parents. But Yuqing was usually so sensible. Maybe she was just overthinking it.

In her bedroom, Wang Yuqing hugged a teddy bear and leaned against her bed, lost in thought. At this time, she would usually focus on her studies, but tonight her mind wandered. She knew Gao Zheng’s intentions—he liked her. But Wang Yuqing felt nothing for Gao Zheng; her heart had been stolen years ago by Xiao Lin. She worried that if Gao Zheng truly began to pursue her, Xiao Lin would find out, and she was afraid of losing him.

Thinking this, Wang Yuqing picked up her phone and scrolled to Xiao Lin’s number. She wanted to call him, but hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject. After much uncertainty, she sent him a text: "Are you asleep?"

A minute later, Xiao Lin replied, "No, it’s still early. Is something wrong?"

Seeing his question, Wang Yuqing felt a tightness in her chest. After a while, she replied, "Nothing." As soon as she sent the message, she buried her head under the quilt.

Xiao Lin looked at her text, and being shrewd, immediately sensed that Wang Yuqing had something on her mind. He was watching TV with his grandmother, but gestured that he was stepping out to make a call, and went outside to dial Wang Yuqing’s number.

A warm ringtone played, "Sincerely good to you, expecting nothing in return, loving someone and wishing them well, a warmth from the heart—you're more important than myself." Wang Yuqing poked her head out from under the covers and, seeing Xiao Lin’s call, immediately sat upright.

"Hello, Yuqing?" Xiao Lin’s cheerful voice came through the phone.

"Mm? I’m here," Wang Yuqing tried to suppress her excitement.

"Yuqing, if there’s something bothering you, tell me. Maybe I can help," Xiao Lin said.

"It’s nothing really, just a small matter," Wang Yuqing hesitated, unsure how Xiao Lin would react if he knew Gao Zheng wanted to pursue her.

"Yuqing, if you see me as a friend, then tell me," Xiao Lin raised his voice, sensing her hesitation.

"Well, someone wants to pursue me," Wang Yuqing finally confessed, no longer wavering.

"Haha, is that what’s troubling you? I thought it was something serious," Xiao Lin chuckled. With her beauty, it was only natural for someone to pursue her.

"Isn’t this important?" Wang Yuqing heard his laughter and felt annoyed. He sounded so happy—did he want lots of people chasing after her?

"Of course it’s important, Yuqing, listen to me. Someone as beautiful, talented, and accomplished as you is bound to be pursued. Every boy likes you—they call you the goddess, don’t they? If you’re not interested, just turn them down," Xiao Lin explained.

"Beautiful, talented, goddess..." Wang Yuqing’s spirits lifted as she heard his words and explanation. She timidly asked, "Do you like me too?"

"Ah!" Xiao Lin exclaimed, "Of course I do. I’m a normal guy, after all. The only thing is, I don’t know if I have a chance." He clicked his tongue teasingly at the end.

"Hehe, you do have a chance," Wang Yuqing replied, then immediately hung up. Her mood had improved, and she rolled joyfully on the bed—Xiao Lin liked her. Her heart was sweet as honey.

"You do have a chance, you do have a chance..." Xiao Lin’s mind echoed her words. He looked up at the night sky and saw Vega and Altair shining brightly. Filled with passion, he declared, "Wang Yuqing, I really like you. Wait for me—I’ll bring you happiness!" His sudden shout startled a few wandering cats in the darkness.