A week later, Gu Qianran was rubbing her only-just-healed neck while quietly conspiring with Bai Ziyuan and Ji Tang about Bai Zilu's coming-of-age celebration. The System had been quiet lately, and both Li Junyao and Li Junsheng were too busy putting out corporate fires to bother her, so Gu Qianran meant to savor these days without surveillance.
Although using someone else's coming-of-age as a way to relax felt a little off.
They finally chose the venue Ji Tang had picked, a restaurant with classic antique charm. After nailing down a few more details, everyone split up to prepare, determined to give the half-dead-from-senior-year, sand-sculpture-in-residence a huge surprise.
In the middle of preparations, they still found time to visit the two elders of the Bai family. Qin Qiufan could not have been happier. That very night, Qin Qiufan packed her bags to travel with her husband, not sparing a single glance for Bai Ziyuan and Bai Zilu.
In Qin Qiufan's words: "Someone finally fancies the two of you. Your dad and I can lay down our burdens. Our long-postponed travel plans can finally happen. You two just live with Gu Qianran and Ji Tang. Your dad and I are off. Whatever you do, do not come disturb us!"
…
In Gu Qianran's living room, the Bai sisters turned in unison to look at their girlfriends with chilled, betrayed eyes. Were the two of them not attractive enough already? Why did Qin Qiufan make it sound like "finally, someone looked your way"?
Also, were daughters not supposed to be a mother's little cotton-padded jackets? Was this how Qin Qiufan treated little cotton-padded jackets?
Qin Qiufan: Little cotton-padded jackets? Please. More like summer quilts. Two of them. Heavy and hot. Tsk.
Gu Qianran did the right thing immediately, pulling Bai Ziyuan into her arms and murmuring, "My little sweetheart is the prettiest. Do not listen to our mom's nonsense." Bai Ziyuan beamed, snug in Gu Qianran's arms. The two of them looked so harmonious they might as well have been one family already.
Ji Tang pressed her lips together, touched the item in her pocket, and said nothing. Bai Zilu was displeased. Bai Zilu rolled like a salted fish across the sofa and landed in Ji Tang's arms, pouting, "Why is this little sweetheart not comforting this fairy here? Look at that little sweetheart next door. So on point!" Bai Zilu threw Bai Ziyuan a beautifully executed eye roll.
Ji Tang massaged her brow. "Older sister, you are about to be an adult. Could you be a little less childish?"
Bai Zilu's eyes lit up. Bai Zilu grabbed Ji Tang's hand, thrilled. "What did you just call me? Quick, say it twice more. I love hearing you call me that." Bai Zilu's gaze suddenly turned sultry and, in a whisper, added, "Especially in bed."
Ha. Woman. Still think older sister is childish? Older sister's level is very high.
The moment Bai Zilu's eyes changed, Gu Qianran knew Bai Zilu was about to cause mischief. Gu Qianran very wisely covered Bai Ziyuan's ears.
What followed was Bai Zilu's earth-shattering, ghost-weeping declaration. Gu Qianran went speechless, took the innocent child by the hand, and fled the strangely charged living room. Gu Qianran was honestly afraid she would be forced to witness a live spring palace show in her own home.
After Bai Zilu finished her provocative speech, Bai Zilu realized Ji Tang was looking at her with a curious shade of… pity.
"But usually, you are the one moaning the loudest," Ji Tang looked at Bai Zilu as if at a fool. Every time Bai Zilu bragged about counterattacking, once things felt good, Bai Zilu turned boneless faster than anyone.
Bai Zilu processed the problem and flushed scarlet. With shaky bravado, Bai Zilu blustered, "Just you wait. I will counterattack!"
Bai Zilu really had only wanted to prove Bai Zilu was not childish and maybe tease Ji Tang a little. Why did Ji Tang have to speak such cruel truth? Oh no.
To make it worse, Ji Tang leaned in, imitating Bai Zilu's style, and gave Bai Zilu's ear a slow lick. Ji Tang whispered, "Besides, you are about to be of age, are you not?"
It felt like an electric current. From ear to toes, Bai Zilu went soft all over. Ji Tang caught Bai Zilu's collapsing weight and smiled with indulgent fondness. And this one thinks she will counterattack? Ji Tang could wait a very long time.
One week later, last self-study period. Out of the corner of Bai Zilu's eye, a few familiar figures headed downstairs. Bai Zilu's lips curled. Bai Zilu grabbed her bag and slipped out the back door like a pro. She knew these little rascals were setting up a surprise for her. With Bai Ziyuan involved, surprises tended to become scares. Bai Zilu wanted to be mentally prepared so she would not make a fool of herself on something as important as a coming-of-age.
Alright, fine. Bai Zilu admitted self-study period was boring. Bai Zilu just wanted to skip class. Why did senior year need an extra self-study period anyway? Utterly useless.
Bai Zilu followed Gu Qianran's group at a careful distance until they turned into a desolate alley. Bai Zilu finally felt suspicious. Could a place like this have any kind of surprise? It felt like a legitimate fright was brewing.
Then someone patted Bai Zilu on the back.
Bai Zilu: ...
Now that was a real fright. With the silence and emptiness all around, Bai Zilu's heart pounded with panicky speed. Bai Zilu remembered reading somewhere about three lamps on the human body and how one must never look back at ghosts or a lamp would go out.
In a flash, Bai Zilu shrugged off the hand, took off at a sprint deeper into the alley, muttering for demons and monsters to stay away.
Ji Tang, who had noticed the tail and had meant to guide Bai Zilu along: Huh?
Ji Tang had only patted her. Why did Bai Zilu think of that?
Ji Tang hurried to catch up, calling Bai Zilu's name, hoping to corral both body and runaway imagination.
Bai Zilu ran several hundred meters through sheer fear. The "ghost" behind Bai Zilu drew nearer and even called Bai Zilu's name. An image of a soul-collecting underworld messenger flashed through Bai Zilu's mind, and Bai Zilu ran faster.
Ji Tang: That is it. One word. I am going to say it many, many times.
Bai Zilu kept sprinting. Why was this underworld runner still calling her? Bai Zilu did not want to die. Bai Zilu had not yet eaten the little cake at her own party. Wait. Why did this underworld runner sound exactly like Ji Tang…?
Bai Zilu whirled around and indeed saw Ji Tang's face, the very picture of life-weary resignation. Heaven knew what Bai Zilu had imagined. Bai Zilu had run so fast she had actually pulled ahead of Ji Tang.
One look at Ji Tang's expression and Bai Zilu knew Bai Zilu had once again overthought it. Bai Zilu refused to reveal the embarrassment of moments ago and jerkily shifted the subject. "Ji Tang? What are you doing here?"
Ji Tang wanted to ask the same. Ji Tang pulled out a tissue to blot Bai Zilu's sweat and asked, "So you are truly becoming an adult? Why do I feel your IQ is still eight years old?"
Bai Zilu paused, then inspiration struck. "If older sister is an adult or not, you can test and see, cannot you?"
Ji Tang stared, speechless, and then her ears flushed a deep red. The two of them tacitly dropped the earlier topic, interlaced their fingers, and walked toward the restaurant.
Bai Zilu glanced down at their linked hands and smiled. Ji Tang was actually shy. Following them had really paid off. At the very least, Bai Zilu got to see a shy Ji Tang. Worth it.
However, when Bai Zilu saw a whole table of Sichuan dishes, Bai Zilu realized Bai Zilu had rejoiced too soon.
Chapter 56
Bai Ziyuan smiled with counterfeit sweetness. "Older sister, I specially picked these for you. They are extra enjoyable. Come, come."
Bai Zilu: … So this was the trap.
Bai Zilu narrowed her eyes, picked up a chopstick full of food, and, before Bai Ziyuan could react, swiftly fed it straight into Bai Ziyuan's mouth. Bai Ziyuan's eyes widened, then she started chewing with real enthusiasm. "Heh, just teasing you. That one is tomato."
Seeing nothing fake in Bai Ziyuan's expression, Bai Zilu relaxed. So Bai Ziyuan was only joking. How could Bai Ziyuan really order an entire Sichuan spread? Bai Zilu took a bite herself.
Then Bai Zilu smiled like a villain from the shadows. "Bai Ziyuan, you little brat. You dared trick older sister."
Bai Ziyuan cried injustice. The two chased each other like a pair of elementary schoolers.
Gu Qianran and Ji Tang: sigh.jpg
Once again, they doubted Bai Zilu's psychological age.
When the wrestling match finally ended, Gu Qianran hauled Bai Ziyuan back into Gu Qianran's arms. Bai Zilu looked as tragic as a martyr. "But it is a whole table of Sichuan. Do we really have to eat Sichuan?"
Since Bai Ziyuan had ordered, Ji Tang did not doubt and nodded, lifting a bite to her lips. After all, Bai Ziyuan was frightened of spice and had seemed fine. Maybe Bai Zilu just had a lower tolerance for heat. Worst case, Ji Tang could rinse the oil off in tea.
Ji Tang popped it in. "Of course…"
Ji Tang promptly spat it out and reached for water. "…Of course we absolutely do not have to." Was that chili tossed with chili? How was it so spicy? Bai Ziyuan, you little monster.
Bai Ziyuan snickered and hid her merit. Though red dominated the table, Bai Ziyuan had only chosen two actually spicy dishes, and by perfect, cruel fate, Ji Tang and Bai Zilu had both struck the jackpot.
Bai Zilu tested a bite of the dish Bai Ziyuan was eating and immediately understood. Bai Zilu glared. "Oh, so you set me up."
Bai Ziyuan hid behind Gu Qianran and did not fear Bai Zilu at all. Bai Ziyuan chirped, "Hey now, this only proves you and Ji Tang are linked mind to mind. I am using these dishes to wish you business blazing red and helping Boss Ji earn lots of money."
Ji Tang's eyes lit up at that and she gave Bai Ziyuan a look of approval. Bai Zilu pouted. Bai Zilu did not believe a word.
Aside from the two spicy dishes, the rest suited Bai Zilu's tastes. Bai Zilu ate her fill and even called for a bottle of wine. "I am an adult now. Of course I have to have a drink to mark it."
Ji Tang could not dissuade her, so Ji Tang coaxed her to drink less. Bai Zilu picked a fruit wine with very low alcohol that normally would not get anyone drunk. Sweet fruitiness bloomed across the tongue. Bai Zilu liked it immediately and kept sipping without pause.
Fruit wine usually did not intoxicate. But was Bai Zilu just anyone? No. Bai Zilu belonged to the same one-sip-down bloodline as Bai Ziyuan. Before Gu Qianran and Bai Ziyuan realized, something was off in Bai Zilu's eyes.
Ji Tang waved a hand in front of her for a long time. Bai Zilu only sat there smiling silly, occasionally lifting those shining, wet eyes to look at Ji Tang, obedient as could be. It reminded Ji Tang of that stormy night. When Ji Tang had led Bai Zilu home, Bai Zilu had looked up at Ji Tang with the same docile gaze.
Ji Tang's expression turned very gentle. Ji Tang smoothed a hand over Bai Zilu's hair. Bai Zilu nuzzled into Ji Tang's palm and leaned against Ji Tang's shoulder.
Gu Qianran arched a brow at the pair. "Seriously, Ji Tang, she is drunk already? Are we still doing the next part of the plan?" Do not just pet the dog, strike that, Gu Qianran meant do not forget the schedule.
Ji Tang shot Gu Qianran a helpless look. "Does this look like someone who can keep going? Forget it. I will take her back. Let us all head out together."
Of course they would not go on. That was part of Ji Tang's plan. Ji Tang had not expected Bai Zilu to get tipsy, but would that not make the surprise even better?
Ji Tang pictured the setup waiting at home and let a tiny smile curve her lips. A coming-of-age was important. Ji Tang had to give Bai Zilu a memory that would never fade.
Gu Qianran nodded and went to settle the bill. Bai Ziyuan hailed two cabs, which arrived quickly. Hand in hand, the two headed toward the curb, the sunset stretching their shadows long.
Bai Zilu saw this and, copying them, grabbed Ji Tang's hand and refused to let go no matter what Ji Tang said. Ji Tang blinked, then chuckled softly. The two Bai sisters must have been raised on cuteness. One by one, they were unbearably adorable.
Cute, like the sun.
Ji Tang's eyes chilled. Ji Tang put away the dangerous thought and focused on guiding Bai Zilu while following behind Gu Qianran. Bai Ziyuan looked back, gave a little huff, and dragged Gu Qianran forward at a run, muttering about not playing the third wheel.
Bai Ziyuan: Ah, the way Ji Tang looks at Bai Zilu is practically sparking. What a perfect chance to boost their relationship. Bai Ziyuan selflessly whisked Gu Qianran away to create an opportunity for the two behind. Bai Ziyuan truly is a good little sister.
The taxi arrived very quickly. Ji Tang lifted Bai Zilu into the back seat and sat on Bai Zilu's right. Fruit wine kicks in gently. Bai Zilu was already half awake, but her head was still foggy.
Leaning on Ji Tang, Bai Zilu asked in a soft voice, "Are we going home?"
Ji Tang nodded lightly. "Of course. Doze a bit. There is a surprise waiting for you at home."
Like a child who had just received candy, Bai Zilu rested against Ji Tang and fell asleep at ease. Ji Tang turned her head and watched that quiet sleeping face, tracing the lines with her gaze. Before meeting Bai Zilu, Ji Tang had never imagined dating, let alone dating a girl. Maybe Ji Tang's whole life would have been to make money, then make more money, then carry a bank card into the grave.
It was Bai Zilu who brought a clear bright color into that dull life and broke the closed loop Ji Tang had been living in.
Someone so delicate made it impossible to find a reason not to love her.
With a brake, the taxi stopped at their building. By then Bai Zilu was nearly fully awake, but still pretended to be groggy. Bai Zilu wanted to see what kind of surprise Ji Tang would give a her like this.
Ji Tang brought Bai Zilu upstairs. At their door, Ji Tang's lips curved. Ji Tang set Bai Zilu beside the door. "Bai Zilu, open it."
Bai Zilu's heartbeat quickened. Bai Zilu pushed the door. First came darkness. Then a soft glow bloomed on the floor, forming a circle. Inside it was a bouquet of lilies.
Somewhat uncharacteristically shy, Ji Tang picked up the flowers, handed them to Bai Zilu, and said, "Um, that night you said I was perfunctory, so I thought I would make up for it. Bai Zilu, this bouquet is for you."
"Bai Zilu, I like you."
Bai Zilu took the bouquet, heart hammering. So that night when Ji Tang did not answer directly, it was because Ji Tang was saving up a grand move. Bai Zilu's eyes blurred with tears. With a whimper, Bai Zilu threw herself into Ji Tang's arms and kissed her.
Ji Tang felt that Ji Tang might also be drunk. Drunk on a fruit wine named Bai Zilu.
Bai Zilu was sweet.
Bai Zilu's eyes turned pink at the corners from the kissing. In a voice that could hook a soul, Bai Zilu whispered to Ji Tang, "Ji Tang, I am so happy. I am an adult now."
Ji Tang's gaze darkened. "And then?"
Bai Zilu licked her lips. "What do you think?"
Another sleepless night. Gu Qianran listened to the sounds from next door, looked down at the girlfriend in her arms who would not indulge any cuddling, and ground her teeth while searching Taobao for soundproof walls.