“Liu Changqing…”
An Yuanyao called out softly, but her gaze remained fixed on Lan Yixian in front of her. She scanned her from head to toe, her eyes lingering on her chest. Her own face turned pale as she reflexively looked down at herself, tugging her shirt at the collar in an attempt to cover up.
Lan Yixian also glanced over An Yuanyao but showed little reaction. Instead, her gaze shifted to Liu Changqing, who had just walked out. Her lips parted slightly, as if to speak, but no words ca out. She lowered her head instead.
“Have you eaten? If not, I can heat sothing up for you…”
“I’ll skip dinner tonight,” Liu Changqing replied.
He walked to An Yuanyao’s side and tugged lightly at her arm.
“You’re sweating. Doesn’t it feel sticky? Go wash your face.”
“……”
An Yuanyao stared at him, noting that he showed no signs of guilt or discomfort. She glanced back at Lan Yixian, then silently turned and headed toward the bathroom.
The sound of the bathroom door closing broke the tension. Liu Changqing exhaled slowly, raised his head after a mont of thought, and walked over to the sofa, sitting down.
Grabbing a tissue from the coffee table, he wiped the sweat off his forehead.
“You can move back tomorrow.”
“……”
Lan Yixian didn’t react to his words imdiately. She rely looked at him for a mont before lowering her head again.
Noticing her silence, Liu Changqing crumpled the tissue in his hand and tossed it into the trash.
“You owed over 60,000 yuan, right?”
“It was originally 60,000, but the interest…”
“The creditor is now. You and your daughter don’t need to worry about being harassed again.”
“The creditor is you? What… what do you an?”
Lan Yixian blinked in confusion, then stepped forward and stared at Liu Changqing.
Without eting her gaze, Liu Changqing said softly,
“I asked soone to settle it for you. I covered the debt for now, so no one will co after you anymore. I’m not in desperate need of the 60,000 right now, so you can repay it whenever you’re able. Just focus on raising your daughter first.”
“So… we can go ho tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
Lan Yixian’s face lit up with a smile.
“Thank you, Liu Changqing…”
“It’s no trouble. You’ve helped a lot these past few days.”
“Let heat up so porridge for you.”
“No need, I—”
“This will be the last ti,” Lan Yixian interrupted firmly.
Liu Changqing looked at her in surprise. Her expression was hard to read. Though she smiled, there was a sadness to it.
Why does she seem sad?
Without saying more, Lan Yixian turned and walked toward the kitchen. Monts later, the sound of the gas stove being lit filled the quiet room.
Liu Changqing glanced toward the kitchen before shifting his attention back.
The bathroom door opened, and An Yuanyao erged, her complexion looking better after washing her face. She sat down on the sofa without a word, her gaze locked on Liu Changqing.
Feeling her stare, Liu Changqing turned to et her eyes and asked,
“Does your arm itch?”
He had noticed the small, red mosquito bites on her arm. Judging by the number, it was clear she had been sitting outside for quite so ti.
Before she could respond, Liu Changqing got up and headed to the bathroom. When he returned, he held a bottle of floral water. Sitting down beside her, he twisted the cap open and poured so into his palm.
“Stretch out your arm.”
An Yuanyao obediently extended her arm.
Grasping her wrist, Liu Changqing applied the floral water, his touch soothing the irritation. After finishing one arm, he moved to the other, carefully rubbing the cooling liquid into her skin.
“Where else itches?”
“Well…”
An Yuanyao hesitated before extending her leg toward him. She lifted her skirt slightly, revealing mosquito bites on her calves and ankles.
“……”
Liu Changqing remained silent, handing her the bottle of floral water instead.
“Do it yourself.”
“You’re leaving it half-done?” she muttered under her breath while taking the bottle.
“What did you say?”
“N-nothing.”
She quickly poured so of the liquid into her hand and began applying it to her legs, her face slightly flushed as she focused on her task.
Liu Changqing watched her quietly. Though her earlier mumble had been almost inaudible, he had heard it clearly.
After a mont, he spoke softly.
“Her na is Lan Yixian. She couldn’t go ho because of her debts, so she’s been staying here temporarily. Her daughter is in the sa class as my son. That’s how we know each other.”
Hearing his explanation, An Yuanyao’s hands paused briefly before she shook her head.
“Why are you telling this? I don’t care…”
“Really?”
“But this is the last ti. If I find out later—”
She stopped mid-sentence, realizing she had no right to make demands of him.
“There won’t be a next ti.”
“Hm?”
Liu Changqing’s response caught her off guard, and she turned to look at him.
He t her gaze, a mix of guilt and a faint smile on his face. Before she could speak, he continued,
“About earlier today… I’m sorry for what I said to you.”
“What did you say?”
“If you didn’t hear, forget it. I won’t repeat myself.”
An Yuanyao grinned, tugging at his arm.
“Co on, just say it again. I didn’t hear you clearly!”
“I said I won’t repeat myself…”
Before Liu Changqing could say more, Lan Yixian walked out of the kitchen, carrying a bowl. She placed it gently on the coffee table in front of him.
“This ti… I added sugar to the porridge.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s nothing.”
Lan Yixian shook her head lightly and added,
“I’ll head to bed now. Tomorrow morning, I’ll take Shiyan and go ho.”
“Alright.”
“Thank you for taking care of us these past few days. I’ll repay the money as soon as I can.”
“No rush. You—”
Before he could finish, Liu Changqing noticed the redness in Lan Yixian’s eyes. Pausing briefly, he nodded.
“Alright.”
Lan Yixian responded with a quiet hum before heading to her room. The sound of the door closing left the living room in silence.
Liu Changqing stared blankly for a mont before turning to An Yuanyao, who was still holding onto his arm.
After a mont of hesitation, he said,
“You can sleep in my room tonight.”
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