Xiao Qian had called Professor Liu âteacherâ shortly after meeting her, a title usually used by disciples.
In her past life, Professor Liu had such a habit. Most people referred to her as âprofessorâ, while students called her âBoss Liuâ, but only Xiao Qian called her âteacherâ. It was a habit that had carried over from her past life, a habit that Xiao Qian couldnât shake, and which Professor Liu didnât correct as it pleases her.
âWhat plans do you have for Liu Liâs future?â
âThe kid refuses to repeat a grade no matter what. Thankfully the authorities have special policies for families like ours, so heâs been allocated a formal position. Itâs a good job. Heâs always harboring unrealistic ideals in his head, much like his irresponsible father.â
âEr⦠donât you think it would be beneficial for him to experience some hardships due to his personality ââ
Xiao Qian stopped mid-sentence as she noticed Professor Liu staring at her as if ready to devour her, much like how she had glared at a fellow student who had fabricated her thesis years ago.
âI will go back and focus on my studies, I am very busy, I will hold off on providing my opinion.â Having gauged Professor Liuâs attitude, Xiao Qian shamelessly made her retreat.
She had gently reminded Professor Liu and gauged her opposition on top of it. Everything else was a matter between them and was not for her to meddle with as an outsider. But she could foresee, the road ahead for little brother Liu Li would be longâ¦
As Xiao Qian returned to the dormitory, she heard a commotion inside just as she reached the doorway.
âQiuqiu, be careful!â
âDonât worry~ your brother Qiuqiu is steady!â
Just as Xiao Qian entered the dorm, she saw Qiuqiu standing on a stool, a screwdriver in his mouth, and meddling with a light bulb with Shi Touyu standing by his side passing him tools.
âWhat are you doing?â Xiao Qian asked.
âI bought a juicer, but thereâs nowhere to plug it in. Iâm planning on extending a wire from here, so weâll be able to drink fresh juice in the future. The skinâs been really dry lately, drinking this thing will be good, my Benboba and Baboben can also benefit from it.â
Xiao Qianâs lips twitched at Shi Touyuâs explanation.
Benboba and Baboben are a pair of losers that Shi Touyu sneaks in and raises under his bed, also known as hamsters.
Xiao Qian absolutely despised these creatures, and they filled her with deep loathing and psychological trauma.
Yu Minglang had once let her hold one of them. The sensation of their fluffy bodies was something Xiao Qian could never forget. Not only has Shi Touyu brought these things back and kept them under their bed, heâs even given them odd names!
Xiao Qian could barely tolerate the presence of these two hamsters, and seeing Shi Touyu messing around with them, she turned to leave instantly. Shi Touyu, knowing her temper well, quickly grabbed her.
âBoss Qian, where are you going?â
âIâm going to the dormitory manager to report someone for unauthorized use of electricity, undermining socialism!â
âNo, Boss Qian! Youâre like a sister to me!â Shi Touyu pleaded.
Xiao Qian pointed a finger at his nose, âThrow those two hamsters out and we can still be friends!â
ââ¦What do those hamsters have to do with fixing the power? Please, when Benboba and Baboben breed, Iâll give you one!â Shi Touyu tried to negotiate. This was the little sprout of love between him and Brother Qiao Zhen.
âI. Donât. Want. Any.â Xiao Qian firmly refused.
âSince when did you two become so close?â Qiuqiu joked as he completed the electrical works and jumped off the chair.
âStop kidding me, who would want to be close with this chuunibyo girl? I pray for both your hamsters to get diarrhoea and vomit after drinking your juice, so you could stand living here no more.â
âHehe, our Boss Qian is straight-talking but with a soft heart. Qiuqiu, letâs have lunch together later?â Shi Touyu asked Qiuqiu, while Xiao Qian was examining the newly installed plug.
âNo, I have something to do. Boss Qian, I want to talk to you in private.â
âAlright then, Iâm going out to buy fruits~â
Shi Touyu waved to Xiao Qian and left, leaving Xiao Qian with Qiuqiu.
âBoss Qian, Jingjingâs emotions have been quite stable recently. Is there a problem if I take her to the mountains this weekend?â
âAs long as the trip does not exceed a day, it should be fine. But I do not suggest you take her to the mountains. Try heading to the beach or an amusement park instead, to avoid triggering any unpleasant memories.â
âOkay, then I will take her to the botanical garden. Jingjing likes flowers.â
Xiao Qian looked at the glowing face of Qiuqiu who was planning with enthusiasm. She suddenly got a bad feeling.
âQiuqiu, do you have feelings for Jingjingâ¦?â
âJingjing is a very lovable girl. If possible, I would like to⦠Boss Qian, do you think I have a chance? She still doesnât know about my situation. Should I tell her about my actual circumstances and see her reaction?â
Qiuqiu could tell that Jingjing liked him a lot now, but she didnât know that he has the body of a woman.
Xiao Qian thought for a moment, and then said slowly and seriously to Qiuqiu, âQiuqiu, Boss Qian wants to give you a piece of advice. You and Jingjing could be friends for life if you donât poke through that layer of friendship. Once you do, things could⦠Do you want to witness flowers withering and feel heartbroken, or turn around at their most beautiful moment?â
Qiuqiu frowned, âI understand now.â
Seeing his expression, Xiao Qian felt a little sad.
âQiuqiu, there are still many choices for your future.â
âItâs okay, Iâm used to itâ¦â
All Xiao Qian could do was pat his shoulder. âThereâs always someone waiting for you far away. The ones you miss are not right for you.â
âBoss Qian, that doesnât seem like your style. You usually have a more direct approach. I can handle it.â
âThis is really what I think. In a vast sea of people, there will always be a perfect match waiting for one, but some people might never meet, some people choose to spend their life together with someone barely suitable, some people stay single, love isnât everything in life, we will always find various ways to make ourselves happy.â
Just like Yu Minglangâs feelings for her in his past life.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Qiuqiu burst into laughter, âRight, thatâs more like it. Boss Qian, I couldnât take it if you suddenly started to talk sentimentally.â
âBut, in my opinion, marriage isnât a necessity in life. If you canât find a suitable partner, itâs better to stay single and live freely than to live reluctantly with someone incompatible.â
This was Xiao Qianâs heartfelt words. From her perspective, many people in the world have no need to get married.
Marriage doesnât necessarily suit everyone. They say they donât want to be lonely in their old age, but in reality, some people fight all their lives even after marriage and canât even reach the age-old companionship stage in their marriage, ultimately dying of anger or divorcing.
Xiao Qian was against the potential future for Qiuqiu and Jingjing.
One has gender dysphoria, the other has experienced severe trauma. If they really are together, theyâre bound to encounter numerous issues. Plus, Jingjingâs parents wonât accept Qiuqiu. Why let pure love turn into real scars? Isnât it better to leave the most wonderful memory?
âAh, even if I canât pursue her, I still need to take good care of her. I hope she can recover soon. Donât worry, Boss Qian, I will definitely take good care of her.â Qiuqiu quickly regained his spirits.
Xiao Qian looked at Qiuqiu, a sense of regret in her eyes.