I leaned back, still sobbing. Dr. Lu handed me a tissue and said gently, "Look at you. If someone saw you now, they'd say you're a child, not a teacher." I couldn't help but laugh through my tears and playfully hit his chest. He was stunned, and so was I when I realized my hand was still resting there. We both looked at it—him at my hand, me at his chest. Embarrassed, I quickly pulled it away and muttered, "Sorry, Dr. Lu…" He blushed slightly but met my eyes and smiled. "It's fine… as long as you're happy."
I quickly brought the tissue up to cover my face. I was blushing so hard, my heart pounding like crazy. Why does he always say things like this when he gets the chance? Dr. Lu looked smug and proud, clearly enjoying my reaction.
Then, he suddenly took my hand. "Come with me—I want to show you a place." Without giving me time to ask questions, he led me to his car and started driving. After a short while, we pulled up in front of a gaming center. I blinked in confusion.
"Why are we here, Dr. Lu?" He replied, "Whenever I feel down, I come here to play. No one else knows about this place."
I was speechless for a second. "Really? You don't seem like the type… you look more like a college student than a doctor right now." He smirked at that, clearly enjoying the compliment. Taking my hand again, he led me inside.
We played a few games—a shooting match, a boxing duel. To his surprise, I won the boxing game. He stared at me in disbelief while I raised a proud brow. We both burst out laughing.
After finishing up, we stepped outside to catch our breath. Under the glow of the moonlight, he turned to me and asked softly, "How do you feel now?" I looked up at him and smiled. "After so many years… it feels like the burden in my heart has finally lifted."
He drove me back to his place. As I reached to open the door to leave, he called out to me and handed me a small gift. I blinked—when had he even bought this?
"Qin," he said, "Don't blame yourself for the past. Let it go. Live the present happily. I'll be here whenever you feel down." I nodded, holding the gift close. Then I stepped out of the car and closed the door.
I didn't look back. He was still in the car, watching me—waiting, hoping. His smile slowly faded when I didn't turn.
But just before I reached my door, I turned around with a bright smile and called out, "Dr. Lu!" He immediately jumped out of the car, grinning from ear to ear.
I raised the gift in my hand and said, "Thanks for the present. Next time, it's my treat!" He nodded happily, his eyes shining. I went inside and closed the door.
A moment later, my phone rang. It was him. I walked over to the window, opened it, and smiled down at him. "What now, Dr. Lu?" I teased.
In a low, warm voice, he replied, "Take care, Qin. I'll wait for your treat." Then he hung up, waved at me, and drove off. I waved back, smiling to myself.