Lin Wei, like a small animal that had finally found its home after endless grievances, crashed into Yu Qing’s arms.
Her arms tightly wrapped around her waist, and her tear-stained face buried deep into the familiar, fragrant hollow of her neck.
Unstoppable tears instantly soaked the fabric on Yu Qing’s shoulder, the warm and damp sensation seeping clearly through the thin clothing.
Yu Qing’s body stiffened sharply.
Even though she had prepared herself, such direct contact was still hard to accept.
The girl’s soft body pressed against her without any gap.
Even with two layers of clothing between them, Yu Qing could still feel the other’s rapid heartbeat and warm body heat.
Lin Wei’s hair brushed against her cheek and neck, bringing a tingling sensation mixed with the fresh scent of shampoo, weaving together into an overwhelming sensory experience.
Yu Qing’s mind went blank for a moment.
Her arms instinctively wanted to rise but froze mid-air, wanting to return the embrace but feeling troubled.
In the end, she did nothing, letting it serve as silent comfort.
“Yiyi… wu… why didn’t you tell me you were going to participate in the School Anniversary…”
Lin Wei’s muffled sobs came, thick with nasal sound and unmistakable sadness.
“I thought… I thought you hated me…”
Her tears were scorching.
Yu Qing couldn’t help but freeze.
She had never thought that just hiding something could make Lin Wei so sad.
The fluster and embarrassment from such closeness were swallowed by a stronger, instinctive sense of guilt and pity.
I really envy you, Mei Xue.
Yu Qing lowered her head, looking at the girl buried in her neck, her gaze indifferent.
You have friends who care about you so much, who like you, yet you don’t know how to cherish them.
Since you don’t need it, then I’ll gladly accept it.
Yu Qing took a deep breath, trying to look gentler, though her voice was a bit softer than usual due to nerves.
“Silly Weiwei, how could I hate you.”
She hesitated, then finally raised her hand, awkwardly and gently placing it on Lin Wei’s trembling back, patting it in an inexperienced way.
The action seemed to comfort Lin Wei even more.
She cried harder, her arms tightening around Yu Qing as if she wanted to embed herself into the other’s body.
“Then… why didn’t you tell me you were going to perform? And with Senior Yu Qing too… I didn’t know anything…”
Yu Qing fell silent for a moment.
She also didn’t quite understand why Mei Xue was hiding it from Lin Wei, so she simply made up a reason.
“I wanted to give you a surprise, but the performance wasn’t fully formed yet. I was afraid to say it too soon in case it didn’t work out and disappointed you.”
She had hastily made up this reason on the way over.
It sounded reasonable enough—at least enough to fool Lin Wei.
“Really?”
Lin Wei lifted her head, tearful eyes looking at her, long lashes still clinging with droplets, her voice hoarse but carrying a hint of hope.
“It’s not because you wanted to avoid me?”
Up close, Lin Wei’s tear-red eyes resembled a little rabbit.
Her nose was red, and the face that was usually bright and lively was now filled with vulnerability and uncertainty.
Yu Qing’s heart felt a gentle tug.
She reached out, carefully wiping away the tears from Lin Wei’s cheek with her fingertips, treating her as if she were a fragile treasure.
“Of course not.”
She met Lin Wei’s gaze, striving to make her own look sincere.
“You’re my best friend, silly Weiwei. How could I avoid you.”
As the words left her mouth, they were meant as comfort, but in truth, a part of Yu Qing’s own feelings seeped through.
Lin Wei’s innocence and passion could be overwhelming at times, but it was also hard to truly dislike her.
The skin her fingertip touched was delicate and warm.
After wiping away the tears, Yu Qing quickly withdrew her hand as if burned, her ears tinged with heat.
“But, Senior Yu Qing…”
Lin Wei spoke hesitantly, seeming to have lingering doubts about Yu Qing’s dance partner.
“Teacher Shen arranged it.”
Yu Qing immediately pushed the responsibility onto Shen Tang, her tone carrying a hint of helpless resignation as she continued her fabrication.
“Teacher Shen said Senior Yu Qing’s build and strength were more suitable, and… he learned pretty earnestly, too.”
“That’s not it…”
Lin Wei shook her head, looking back at Yu Qing seriously.
“If Yiyi came running to me, then what about Senior Yu Qing? Didn’t you two agree to practice tonight? If you stood him up, wouldn’t Senior be upset too?”
“Him, huh.”
Yu Qing paused, a strange warmth welling up inside her.
Her lips curled into a faint smile, and the tension that had built up earlier faded away.
“Silly Weiwei, did you forget whose phone I used to call you? Your Senior Yu Qing told me about you crying as soon as he got back, and then I hurried over. Your Senior Yu Qing is probably playing games in the Dormitory right now.”
“Ugh! Why does Senior Yu Qing tell everything? But, Senior is really a good person! I even troubled him so much, and it’s already the second time. Next time, I must properly thank him!”
No, darling, it’s the fifth time.
Yu Qing pressed her lips together, a complex look flashing in her eyes, but she said nothing.
Hearing it was arranged by Yu Qing, Lin Wei’s mood brightened, but she still pouted a little.
“Then… can I come watch next time you practice? I promise not to make a fuss! I’ll just quietly watch from the side!”
Why are you coming again?
Yu Qing sighed inwardly.
This was something Mei Xue must never find out about.
Though she no longer planned to hesitate, she would hide it as long as possible.
She was about to refuse, but then she met Lin Wei’s expectant gaze.
The words of rejection reached her lips and swallowed back down.
“Not… yet.”
Yu Qing carefully chose her words, trying to sound less harsh.
“The School Anniversary is coming, but our moves still aren’t smooth. The rehearsal is chaotic, and there’s really nothing worth watching.”
“When we get better, during the dress rehearsal, I’ll definitely invite you first, okay?”
Lin Wei’s eyes brightened, though she was still a bit disappointed.
But hearing that Yiyi would invite her first made her resistance fade.
She nodded hard.
“Mm! It’s a promise! Pinky swear!”
Then she stretched out her little finger, shaking it childishly.
Yu Qing stared at the slender pinky finger, dazed for a moment, then laughed softly.
This was truly Lin Wei’s doing.
She extended her own pinky, hooking it gently with Lin Wei’s.
The moment their fingertips touched, a subtle electric current seemed to pass between them.
Lin Wei’s fingers were soft and warm, making Yu Qing’s heart feel warm as well.
“Pinky swear, hang on tight, not allowed to break for a hundred years!”
Lin Wei recited seriously, then released her grip with a satisfied smile, tears still on her face but her smile shining like sunlight.
Ha.
A quiet laugh rose in Yu Qing’s heart.
You’re so easy to fool, Weiwei~.