Chapter 18: The Woman in the Past.

After a three-hour bus ride, they arrived in Bincheng, hundreds of kilometers from Goose City.

The thought of visiting the place where her boyfriend grew up filled Yan Qingxin with excitement.

Who wouldn’t want to know their lover’s past?

But when she suggested buying gifts to bring along, Lu Zhao stopped her.

“No need anymore.”

His nostalgic gaze gave her a bad feeling. Could it be…?

When they reached the destination, Yan Qingxin’s worries eased.

It wasn’t the worst-case scenario—just that the orphanage had shut down due to funding issues.

The children had been transferred to other facilities, leaving this place abandoned.

Pushing open the rusted iron gate, they entered the overgrown, deserted courtyard.

Lu Zhao led Yan Qingxin around, sharing stories of his life here. She listened quietly.

Seeing his faint smile, her heart warmed.

She suddenly recalled the first time she saw him, wearing that same smile.

Bright, kind, like a spring breeze.

It was high summer, sunlight bathing him in a golden glow, making him shine.

Memories are rose-tinted, but the feeling from that day was unchanged.

That was when Yan Qingxin first felt her heart race, realizing not all men were the same.

She’d never dated. Though her old school had boys, none caught her eye.

Not for lack of looks, but something missing—something vital that drew her.

Lu Zhao had it. She didn’t know what, but she knew she wanted it.

“Baby.”

“Hm?”

Lu Zhao, mid-story, turned to her.

She gazed into his eyes, stepping close, cupping his face.

“Do you know when I fell for you?”

“When?”

She leaned in, their noses touching, each reflected in the other’s eyes.

“The first time we met, when you smiled like this.”

That day, Lu Zhao had arrived in Goose City for university registration.

New city, new start, new life—brimming with hope.

It was his lightest day since being reborn.

A reborn boy met a girl whose heart fluttered for him, both finding their summer in each other.

Their lips met, sharing a moment of pure, untainted love.

But their passionate kiss was interrupted by an ill-timed sound.

Clang—like someone kicked a can.

They looked over, spotting a figure hurrying away.

“Hm?” Lu Zhao recognized the silhouette.

“Senior Yun?”

The woman froze mid-step, slowly turning.

“What a coincidence, Junior Lu.”

Yan Qingxin sized up this… odd woman.

Her mixed-race features held an alluring beauty.

Light blonde hair clung to her sweaty neck, a mint-green sunshirt billowing, revealing a white camisole.

Frayed denim shorts showed rust stains from climbing the gate.

Translucent brown glasses glinted in the sun, a lemon-yellow hairpin tucked behind her ear.

Her canvas shoes ground against gravel, a red ankle bracelet jingling as she stepped back.

Despite her youthful, vibrant look, her face was expressionless.

“Ahem, Senior Yun, what’re you doing here?” Lu Zhao smiled awkwardly, greeting her.

“Taking a walk.”

She’s lying, right? Totally lying!

Though her face was blank, Yan Qingxin knew she wasn’t telling the truth.

“Oh, I see.”

Yan Qingxin shot Lu Zhao a stunned look. You bought that?

“Right, Qingxin, let me introduce you. This is my high school senior, Yun Shuiyao. She helped me a lot with my studies.”

Yun Shuiyao finally looked at Yan Qingxin, her emotionless eyes peering through her glasses, then nodded.

Yan Qingxin’s mouth twitched. That’s it? That’s your greeting?

While she inwardly griped, Lu Zhao said, “Senior Yun, this is my girlfriend, Yan Qingxin. She’s in our university, same year as me.”

“Also?”

Yan Qingxin caught the word.

“Yeah, crazy coincidence, right? I was shocked to see Senior Yun at school. She’s Professor Mei’s star student.”

Professor Mei… I need to ask Aunt Mei about this Yun Shuiyao.

“Hi, Senior Yun.”

“Hm.”

“…”

One stayed silent, the other didn’t want to talk. The air grew still.

Caught between them, Lu Zhao felt a chill despite the summer heat.

He quickly caught on, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he glanced at his girlfriend.

Yan Qingxin’s brows furrowed, her eyes seeming to say, “What’s that look?”

“Uh, let’s head out. Find a place to sit?”

“Hmph!” Yan Qingxin haughtily agreed.

“Okay.” Yun Shuiyao showed no other emotion.

They went to a dessert shop. Yun Shuiyao sat first, and Yan Qingxin spoke up.

“Baby! Come with me a sec, I need to talk.”

She stressed “Baby,” staring pointedly at Yun Shuiyao.

Lu Zhao stifled a laugh. “Sure. Senior Yun, wait here. Order what you want.”

“Oh.”

As she picked up the menu, Lu Zhao followed Yan Qingxin.

But he didn’t see her eyes, hidden behind glasses, tracking his back until he was out of sight, then returning to the menu.

Yan Qingxin slapped a hand beside Lu Zhao’s face, pinning him against the wall.

“Baby, why didn’t you ever mention this high school senior at our school?”

Her gritted teeth and forced calm made Lu Zhao want to tease her.

“You never asked. Besides, we…”

“What about you two?!”

His suggestive words panicked her. First loves were a couple’s biggest threat.

Hers was Lu Zhao, but she’d never asked about his!

“She used to tutor me in the library. After she graduated, we didn’t see each other until university.”

Yan Qingxin exhaled quietly, but still eyed him suspiciously. “Really?”

“Of course. Wait, Qingxin, are you jealous?”

She’d never admit to that. Dropping her hand, she puffed out her chest. “Jealous? Me? Is she prettier than me? Does she have my figure? Does she have my money… does she?”

She wasn’t sure about that last one.

“Pfft… haha!” Lu Zhao couldn’t hold it in, doubling over, clutching his stomach at her adorable jealousy.

Embarrassed, Yan Qingxin huffed. “Stop laughing, annoying… Go back, I need to make a call.”

She had to confirm who this Yun Shuiyao was.

Enemies spark at first sight, and rivals sense each other instinctively.

Her gut told her this woman wasn’t just a senior. Lu Zhao might not be interested, but she definitely was!