Chapter 26: Think Of Me
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
A gust of cold wind blows into the helmet, making the teardrop slide down.
"Ruoxian..."
Song Qingluo panicked even more and hurriedly took off her helmet, "What's wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable somewhere?"
She anxiously took off her gloves and threw them aside. Her fingertips cautiously and gently touched her face, wiping away the traces of tears.
Wen Ruoxian's face was pale, her lips were slightly parted, taking deep breaths, and her eyes shimmered with tears revealing a hint of fear. Trembling, she grabs Song Qingluo's wrist, her voice hoarse, "It’s too fast... it's really frightening."
Pfft──
It turns out it's fear.
Song Qingluo both wants to laugh and feels sorry. She also sighed in relief, hugging her and soothing, “I was wrong, I won't ride that fast next time."
The helmet is in the way, and with one swift hand, she removes the burden. Her cheek presses against Wen Ruoxian's hair as she caresses.
Her fingertips move from the corner of the eye to the jaw, cradling her face. Wen Ruoxian slowly closes her eyes.
Her limbs go completely limp, almost all the weight of her body leaning on Song Qingluo. Her head rests comfortably on her shoulder.
The sky is slightly clear, by the spacious roadside, a fiery red motorcycle stands silently. The two lean against each other, only the wind brushing past them, carrying away silent thoughts.
Song Qingluo pats and comforts Wen Ruoxian's back, saying gently, "Ruoxian, don't worry. Although riding a motorcycle might feel fast, I never intentionally pursue speed. I can control the speed, and I won't do anything beyond my control. Safety is always the most important."
"Riding a motorcycle for the first time can be uncomfortable, it's okay. If you trust me, it will get better after a few more rides. I promise to go slower for you.”
Being hugged and coaxed again and again softened her heart.
In an instant, thousands of feelings came to her heart.
On ordinary days, Wen Ruoxian appears serious and cold, restrained and disciplined. She always seems to enjoy educating others. However, in reality, her heart is so tender, so accommodating, as if she never has a temper, always gentle and composed.
Six years is too long, so long that Song Qingluo is not certain whether she likes Wen Ruoxian as a person or an idealized perfect image she created in her imagination.
Every day and night of being together, joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness feel all real.
Whenever Song Qingluo discovers a side of her, the shadow in her imagination fades a bit, and the specific person before her becomes clearer.
She also has moments of fear and tears.
She can be stern, shy, strong-willed, and funny.
This is the Wen Ruoxian she searched for six years, shedding the fervor of youth, removing filters and halos. She is still fascinated by her.
"Don't cry," Song Qingluo notices new tear marks at the corner of Wen Ruoxian's eyes and gently wipes them away.
Wen Ruoxian opens her eyes, belatedly realizing that she cried from being scared while riding a motorcycle. She's even comforted by a younger sister who is five years her junior. The more she thinks about it, the more embarrassed she feels. She becomes too self-conscious to lean on others anymore.
She straightens up, lifting her hand to tidy her hair. "I wasn't crying."
After saying that, she turned her face away.
The warmth in her arms suddenly disappeared, and Song Qingluo felt a bit reluctant. She still wanted to hug her, but seeing the embarrassment on her face, she couldn't help but tease, "Not crying? Then what is it? Is someone shedding pearls instead of tears?"
Wen Ruoxian lowered her eyes in silence.
"Alright, alright, I won't tease you." Song Qingluo hugs her again, "Let's take a break, and we'll head back when you feel better."
"I'm fine, we can go." Wen Ruoxian doesn't want to dampen her mood.
"You were so scared you cried though."
“...”
She has a premonition that this incident will become a laughing stock, stored in the memory of the Young Miss for a very long time. It might be brought up frequently in the future to tease her.
After all, she is the older sister and needs to save her face.
"The fast speed is quite exciting. It reduces stress, relaxes, and makes the body and mind clear."
"Really?" Song Qingluo asks, leaning close to her ear, "How about we go a little faster on the way back?"
Wen Ruoxian's face turned pale instantly.
Then, she is mercilessly mocked, "Hahaha..."
She looked at Song Qingluo helplessly and waited until she finished laughing before sighing, “Okay I admit, I cried from being scared, now you've teased me enough."
Song Qingluo immediately stops laughing, "Okay, I won't tease you anymore.”
"Mm."
Quite obedient.
"Will you still be my 'mudguard' then?"
"Of course."
"What if you get scared and cry again?"
"It won't happen..."
Song Qingluo's eyes and brows radiate joy, "I declare, from now on, the back seat of this motorcycle belongs exclusively to Miss Wen Ruoxian, my Ruoxian-jiejie."
"You can give rides to others too," Wen Ruoxian doesn't want to bother her, this baseless agreement has turned her into a self-proclaimed overlord.
But hearing her call "Ruoxian-jiejie," there's a subtle and pleasant sensation in her heart.
When Ranran called her like that in the past, she always felt repelled. She once thought she didn't like the words “Jiejie," thinking it was pretentious and artificial. Now, when Song Qingluo calls her like that, she feels a tickle in her heart. So, is it the issue of being called “Jiejie," or is it a matter of the person saying it?
Of course, many things don't need to be figured out.
She herself considers herself a “Jiejie”.
"This is the most expensive one among all my motorcycles," Song Qingluo says with a sense of importance, patting the gas tank, "The most expensive bike for the most cherished person."
Wen Ruoxian looks into her bright eyes and also smiles, reassuring her, "Okay, as long as you're happy."
After a short break, the two embark on the return journey.
Song Qingluo slows down significantly, cruising leisurely on the country road in third gear.
This time, Wen Ruoxian doesn't hesitate and embraces her waist.
During winter, bundled up in layers of clothing and wearing protective gear, despite being close together, they can't feel each other's warmth. Only the strength of the hands around her waist tells Song Qingluo that the person behind her completely trusts and relies on her at this moment.
It feels as if her whole being is embraced in Wen Ruoxian's arms.
Clear skies with scattered clouds, sunlight casting a slanting glow, the wind lifting strands of hair from beneath the helmet. Heartbeats quicken, and a sudden, overwhelming sense of happiness fills the air.
"Yo-ho!—"
"Why are you shouting?"
"Because I'm super happy!"
"I'm happy too."
….
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
That night, Wen Ruoxian couldn't sleep until one in the morning. She had many strange dreams.
In the dreams, there were many people, faces passing by one after another – parents, classmates, Ranran, Jiang Yu, and... the silver-haired girl.
Her long hair flowed like a river of moonlight, a tall and slender figure. She couldn't see her face clearly, but deep down, she knew her name – Song Qingluo.
She walks towards her.
A mischievous smile on her face, yet her eyes are filled with a menacing light—
Like a fierce beast locking onto its prey.
She steps back, retreating until she's cornered against the wall, nowhere to escape. She helplessly watches as Song Qingluo pounces, grabbing her hands and forcefully kissing her.
And she can only passively accept.
Song Qingluo's passion is like a blazing fire as if she wants to devour her whole, more fierce than a wild beast. She can hardly catch her breath, suffocating under the pressure, and the sensation forces her to wake up...
Opening her eyes, she finds nothing but darkness.
Wen Ruoxian's face was buried in the quilt, the light duck-down fabric covering her mouth and nose, making it hard for her to breathe.
She pulls the covers apart, gasping for air as she sits up.
The room is pitch black, and a dim orange glow emanates from the small night lamp on the dressing table. The bedside digital clock shows 4:50 a.m.
It's still dark outside, and silence prevails.
Her cheeks are slightly flushed; Wen Ruoxian reaches up to touch them, and calmed her breath.
The dream is still vividly imprinted in her mind.
The imagery is blurry, but the sensations are profound. She remembers the soft touch on her lips, the firm grip on her wrist, her own heart racing, and the urgent, short breaths that belonged to Song Qingluo.
A strong sense of shame enveloped her.
She dreamt of Song Qingluo again, in such an absurd setting. In her heart, Song Qingluo should be like a younger sister, even in dreams, she should dream of Ranran.
No...
It's too sinful.
How can she imagine Ranran again?
And Qingluo can't either.
It must be because she's been too sensitive lately, unable to control overthinking, probably due to spending too much time living with Song Qingluo. She can't let herself procrastinate any longer; she needs to return to living alone.
Wen Ruoxian lies back in bed, and forced herself to close her eyes.
….
This year, the company didn't organize an annual party. Before the holiday break, they distributed the year-end bonuses, with each person receiving an extra red envelope and a box of gifts. They had a simple lottery activity in the office.
Everyone enjoyed it.
On the last working day before the New Year, Wen Ruoxian is in the office organizing things. With more than ten days away, the room inevitably gathers dust. She puts the decorations on her desk into the bookshelf and drawers, shreds unimportant expired documents, and finally covers the sofa and chairs with dust covers.
She has a slight cleanliness obsession, doing this every year.
"Ruoxian..."
The office door is pushed open, and Song Qingluo comes in carrying two large boxes. "Only two left, I brought them all."
“Mm, just put them on the desk." Wen Ruoxian only glances at her, avoiding direct eye contact.
Afraid that she might recall that night's dream.
But with just this glance, she notices that the Young Miss seems a bit down, appearing not as happy as before she went out.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Song Qingluo shakes her head lightly, "I just ran into Manager Cao a moment ago..."
Wen Ruoxian frowns, "Did she give you a hard time?"
Song Qingluo hides a sly smile in her eyes and pretends to be troubled, "Not really. Maybe I'm just overthinking. After all, the way she used to treat me... But it's all in the past now."
As she spoke, she snuggled softly next to Wen Ruoxian.
Earlier, she went to the administrative department to collect storage boxes, and her former colleagues surrounded her for a chat. Since she was promoted to the position of the President’s secretary, everyone felt she had influential connections. Colleagues who used to gossip with her seemed uneasy, and others who knew her kept speaking positively, some with a bit of flattery.
Manager Cao is still a smiling fox.
On the surface, she maintains politeness and courtesy, but her smile seems quite fake.
This year, there weren't enough storage boxes. After each department took what they needed, there were only a few left. Manager Cao intended to keep the remaining two for herself, but Song Qingluo grabbed them without saying a word.
Don't agree? Hold it in!
It’s very satisfying to see other people being frustrated but not daring to say anything.
“Mm, don't pay attention to her," Wen Ruoxian comforted, "Part of her year-end bonus has been deducted this year. She will definitely feel uncomfortable and her complexion will not look good."
Song Qingluo was stunned: "Is it because of me?"
"No."
"…Oh."
"Breaking the company's rules and regulations can only have three chances. CEO Cheng has also reprimanded department managers."
Song Qingluo lowers her head, suppressing a laugh, “President Wen is also stern and impartial."
Wen Ruoxian smiled and said nothing more. She reached for a storage box to put miscellaneous items inside. Song Qingluo helped her, sneakily observing her expression.
The old-fashioned has been acting strangely for the past two days.
Ever since returning from the club, she's been avoiding her gaze.
Speaking as if they've returned to the time when they first met. Serious, warm, and calm.
She's not sure which nerve is acting up again.
Could it be that riding on her motorcycle left some lingering effects, causing a drastic change in temperament?
"When are you going back to your hometown?" Song Qingluo casually asked, trying to test if she had any intention of returning.
Wen Ruoxian paused for a moment, her face became obviously gloomy, and she said in a low voice: "Tomorrow afternoon, in the next province. It's a quick drive.”
As expected.
Song Qingluo can't hide her disappointment, "I'm going on vacation with my Mom. We have a flight tomorrow afternoon."
"Isn't vacation supposed to be enjoyable? Why do you sound sad?" Hearing her sigh, Wen Ruoxian can't help but turn her face, looking at her with restrained concern.
Song Qingluo pouted: "Because then I won't be able to see you, and there's also a six-hour time difference, so far away..."
Wen Ruoxian smiled helplessly, "Why are you so clingy?"
But she breathed a sigh of relief.
She can finally take some time away from the ancestor to calm down and sort out her messy thoughts.
She needs to be alone to adjust.
Song Qingluo looks deeply at her, "But I'm only clingy to you."
Wen Ruoxian quickly averted her gaze.
She can't let the ancestor continue to cling to her. If it goes on like this, who knows what she might come up with, disrupting her originally peaceful life.
Ordinary people are prone to finding trouble for themselves.
"Oh, I have something to give you." Song Qingluo turned to fetch her bag, took out an exquisitely crafted long wooden box, and presented it to Wen Ruoxian like a treasure.
"What's this?"
"Open it and take a look."
Unable to resist her expectant gaze, Wen Ruoxian nervously took the long wooden box and gently opened it.
A necklace is revealed before her eyes.
The pendant is a pure silver miniature figure, a girl with long hair, carrying a violin on her shoulder, in the posture of playing.
A miniature version of Song Qingluo.
"This..."
"It's me."
Song Qingluo takes out the necklace, grabs one of Wen Ruoxian's hands, and places it in her palm, saying, "When I'm not around, you have to think of me.”
Afterward, she pulled out another necklace from her pocket.
It's a Wen Ruoxian wearing glasses.
"I'll think of you too."
Author's Note:
Wen-jiejie: Why does it look so much like a couple’s necklace (Hmm?
It's a bit early today. I still want to tell the little cuties, don't wait if it's not updated by twelve.