Chapter Sixty-Two: Matching Outfits

By afternoon, Qin Jianguo and Wang Manshu returned home, only to find several people slumped on the sofa, heads drooping, leaving them bewildered. What on earth had you all been through? Yet, it wasn’t their place to ask. The lingering scent of alcohol in the air spoke for itself.

That night, Qin Xuan lay on his bed in a haze, sensing someone slip into his arms. His eyes were too heavy to open, and he simply let her be. The next morning, Qin Xuan awoke, gazing at Nan Zhiyi sleeping soundly in his embrace. He fell into deep contemplation, then fled the room as if escaping, not even bothering with slippers.

Once he left, Nan Zhiyi slowly opened her eyes, staring at Qin Xuan’s retreating figure, sulking. You run even when I practically throw myself at you? She grabbed a pillow, pressing it to her face and breathing in its residual warmth, like a lovesick fool.

Everyone always yearned for holidays while at school, and once on break, wished it’d last a little longer. Yet, boredom soon crept in. Thankfully, Qin Xuan’s family didn’t have many relatives, and his parents’ friends didn’t require his presence. Being a couch potato for a month at home wasn’t so bad.

For Nan Zhiyi, it was even more comfortable here. In the past, she’d be rushing everywhere during the New Year; now, she finally had a chance to relax. Although her progress in winning over Qin Xuan was slow, and she’d even been beaten up by Liu Ruoxi, she wasn’t about to admit defeat! Besides, she’d be here until school started—there was still hope.

“Brother! Let’s go out and have some fun, I’m so bored!” Qin Lin’er, still not fully recovered, was restless.

Qin Xuan, engrossed in a mobile game, didn’t look up. “Let me finish this round!”

Qin Lin’er lay across Qin Xuan’s legs, watching her older brother—looking exactly like an internet-addicted youth—and sighed deeply. Hopeless. Might as well bury him outside.

Eventually, Qin Xuan led his team to victory with a miraculous record of two kills and seven deaths. Seeing his teammates boasting scores like twelve to zero and nine to zero, he shook his head. If he hadn’t given away a few kills, the enemy team wouldn’t be worth anything. Clearly, the key to victory was still him!

He put away his phone, pretending not to notice the disdainful looks from those around him.

“Let’s go,” Qin Xuan suggested. “We should buy Zhiyi some clothes.” Nan Zhiyi had come over with just a backpack and a few outfits—such courage! Wasn’t she worried about being sold off?

...

It was the same commercial street as last time. Though only the second day of the New Year, most shops were already open.

Nan Zhiyi casually picked out a few pieces, then, seeing Qin Xuan still standing outside, motioned for him to come over while Ruoxi and Lin’er weren’t around.

Qin Xuan walked over, noticing two identical garments in Nan Zhiyi’s hands.

“What’s this?” Qin Xuan asked, curious.

“Couples’ outfits!” Nan Zhiyi held the clothes against Qin Xuan, startling him.

“This... No way!” Qin Xuan immediately grasped her intention. If Liu Ruoxi saw this, she’d skin him alive. He wasn’t ready to die yet.

“Oh, come on, we’ll wear them secretly!” Nan Zhiyi tempted him step by step.

Qin Xuan thought: Who’s “we” with you?

“Forget it, this isn’t right,” Qin Xuan replied, puzzled. He’d made things clear to Zhiyi, so why did she insist on clinging to him?

“Hmph!” Nan Zhiyi stomped her foot angrily as Qin Xuan walked away. Just you wait!

In the end, Nan Zhiyi still bought the couples’ outfit, making sure Ruoxi didn’t notice.

Once home, she secretly changed into her new clothes and spun in front of the mirror, pleased. Not bad, she thought, admiring herself. The pink bear on her white shirt looked adorably silly.

But... holding the other piece of the couples’ outfit, Nan Zhiyi wondered how she might gift it to Qin Xuan. She finally tucked it away, refusing to take off her own shirt, and strutted out to show off.

She flaunted herself before the others on the sofa.

“Qin Xuan, how is it? Does it look good?”

Qin Xuan nearly choked on his water. Oh, dear! You really bought it!

Worried Ruoxi might catch on, Qin Xuan nodded hurriedly. “Looks good, looks good!”

Nan Zhiyi sensed his perfunctory response and went to block Liu Ruoxi’s view of the TV.

Annoyed, Liu Ruoxi snapped, “Are you showing off like a peacock?”

Nan Zhiyi retorted, “I’m just showing you my new outfit. Isn’t it cute?”

“It’s cute! Now move!” Liu Ruoxi said, helpless.

Then she looked at the shirt with surprise. It seemed familiar... “Wait! Isn’t this a couples’ outfit?” Liu Ruoxi recalled seeing the set at the mall. So... damn it! What are you up to?

Nan Zhiyi hadn’t expected Ruoxi to realize it so quickly.

“Where’s the other one? Hand it over!” Liu Ruoxi held out her hand, eyes threatening.

“Uh... I don’t have it!” Nan Zhiyi said stubbornly. She’d bought the couples’ outfit herself—no way she’d give it to Ruoxi!

“You don’t, eh?” Liu Ruoxi stood up slowly, dragging Nan Zhiyi toward the guest room.

Nan Zhiyi struggled desperately, but Ruoxi locked her hands.

Watching Nan Zhiyi about to be beaten again, Qin Xuan and Qin Lin’er exchanged glances, seeing sympathy in each other’s eyes.

Soon enough, Nan Zhiyi emerged, clutching her backside, raging inside: I came to steal hearts, not to get beaten!

The couples’ outfit had been snatched away. She was furious.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, storming out the door without a second thought.

The others watched her leave, baffled. What’s this—running away from home? She didn’t even take her bag!

When she hadn’t returned after a long while, Qin Xuan began to worry and quickly messaged her.

Before he could send his message, Nan Zhiyi’s arrived.

“Qin Xuan! I think I’m lost...”

Qin Xuan widened his eyes, suppressing laughter. Incredible!

“Where are you now?”

“I don’t know!”

Qin Xuan thought for a moment. “What buildings are nearby?”

Nan Zhiyi looked around from the roadside. “There’s a street lamp in front of me, and a tree beside it. I’m standing under the tree. Come find me!”

Qin Xuan: I can’t rescue you—just take a cab!

He sighed helplessly. Fine, I’ll go look for her.

Seeing Qin Xuan changing his shoes and heading out, Liu Ruoxi called after him, “Where are you going?”

“Nan Zhiyi’s lost. I’m going to find her.”

With that, Qin Xuan left, leaving Ruoxi and Lin’er exchanging puzzled looks.

“Send me your location. Stay put and find somewhere to rest,” Qin Xuan instructed Nan Zhiyi.

“Okay!”

Qin Xuan looked at the location she sent and was speechless. Are you a marathon runner? So far away!

Though he grumbled inwardly, he still followed the directions.

After about half an hour, Qin Xuan watched as the icon on his map drew closer.

Turning a corner, he spotted Nan Zhiyi crouching beneath a tree, clutching her clothes.

Seeing Qin Xuan, Nan Zhiyi quickly stood and ran toward him.

“Ha!” Nan Zhiyi launched herself at Qin Xuan, catching him off guard and sending him stumbling backwards.

Afraid she might fall, he had to steady her by wrapping an arm around her waist.

“Are you stupid? You’re a hopeless case—getting lost and running around!” Qin Xuan scolded.

“I’m just not familiar with the area! Next time, I won’t get lost, promise.” Nan Zhiyi rubbed her head, innocent.

“Alright, come down now,” Qin Xuan noticed passersby giving them odd looks.

“Okay...” Nan Zhiyi reluctantly hopped off him.

“Huh?” Qin Xuan glanced around curiously. Wasn’t this the very place where the two of them got lost as children? You really know how to pick a spot!

“This is for you!” Nan Zhiyi handed Qin Xuan the clothes she held.

Qin Xuan saw it was the same pink bear couples’ outfit. He hesitated, not wanting to accept, but seeing the hopeful look in Nan Zhiyi’s eyes, he couldn’t refuse. Taking it, he felt almost unsteady holding it.

Seeing him accept, Nan Zhiyi beamed happily. Since couples’ outfits had to be bought as a set, the spare piece... would have to go to Qin Lin’er!