November 21st, Saturday Evening

"So we lost in the end? Ah, it’s fine. Our class was weak anyway—you did your best. By the way, are you coming to the hospital today or heading straight home?" HuiXiang sat on the hospital bed, chatting with Qinmu on the phone.

Qingyu sat quietly nearby, reading a book. A plain white porcelain vase on the table held a few lilies. Beside it sat a pot of daffodils, brought by HuiXiang’s friend days ago; the buds had formed and would surely bloom soon.

"I’ll still come over. Feeling better? I’m on the bus now. You haven’t eaten yet, right? I’ll bring dinner later—saves you from going out." Qinmu stood on the crowded bus, phone pressed to her ear. Students and office workers packed the carriage, creating that unbearable rush-hour crush. She turned up her earphone volume slightly to hear HuiXiang over the noise.

"Okay, be careful on the way. Don’t rush crossing streets. Sister and I are still here—you don’t need to worry." HuiXiang chatted a bit more before hanging up.

Qingyu looked up, her sky-blue hair and white-framed glasses giving her a mature, artistic air. She set her book down carefully. "Qinmu’s coming? It’s late—I should buy dinner downstairs."

"No need! Brother will bring it. Rest, Sister. Mom’s coming to care for me tonight. You’ve been tired these past days."

"How can I? Mom works hard too. I have free time now to help. Once I start working again, I won’t have this chance."

HuiXiang gazed at Qingyu’s tired face with concern. "Really, don’t push yourself. Look at those dark circles—you’ve been waking for me at night. Go home and rest. Mom will handle things, and I won’t trouble her."

Qingyu relented. "Then I’ll stay later. Qinmu’s bringing food—we can’t waste it."

When Qinmu arrived, a light rain had dampened her uniform jacket, but her inner clothes stayed dry. She carried three meal boxes into the ward, where Qingyu and HuiXiang were chatting.

Qinmu avoided Qingyu as yesterday. She ate silently, then fled the hospital hastily. Though they’d exchanged words these past days, she kept her guard up. Qingyu felt awkward—she’d wanted to suggest a café chat alone, but never found the chance. Reconciliation seemed distant, and the thought clenched her heart.

Back home, Qinmu sank into the bathtub. Hot water washed away the day’s fatigue. Such comfort was perfect.

But Qi Yao’s words nagged at her. Had he spoken to HuiXiang like that before? So shameless? It felt like befriending a wolf. How could she ignore it if he harassed her precious sister? Qinmu couldn’t stay calm. She called HuiXiang immediately. "Hey, important thing."

"What is it, Sister?" HuiXiang asked, flustered by Qinmu’s grave tone. Qingyu had left, leaving her alone in the ward.

"Stay away from Qi Yao. He’s no good." Qinmu gritted her teeth.

"Oh? I’ve ignored him already. But why call like this? Did he say something rude to you?" HuiXiang suddenly understood.

"Ugh. He mistook me for you today and said awful things. I held back—or he wouldn’t have walked off the playground." Qinmu’s anger flared.

"Relax! He didn’t recognize you—mission accomplished. Though, Brother, if Qi Yao knew you were a girl, he’d go wild." HuiXiang teased mischievously.

"Don’t joke! Those who guessed are fine—but don’t tell others. I’m stressed enough. If he knew, I’d get daily confessions. I won’t be prey to a predator." Qinmu sighed, thinking of Tu Shen and Yufei Han—quiet now, but troublemakers for sure.

"Sister, what are you doing? I hear water—are you bathing?" HuiXiang caught the splashing sound.

"Yeah, soaking. Exhausted today—just relaxing."

"After I’m back, let’s bathe together~" HuiXiang chuckled slyly.

Qinmu’s face flushed. "No! Don’t be silly—"

"Haha, kidding! Keep bathing—just don’t panic and drop your phone in the tub." HuiXiang’s laughter ended the call. Qinmu sighed, sinking deeper into the warm water. Winter baths were bliss—melting away stress. Then her phone lit up: a QQ message from Yufei Han. Qinmu opened it warily.

"No match tomorrow, so I quit proxy duty. Handle it yourself. I won’t visit your school, but you’re free tonight, right? Dinner? My treat."

Qinmu voice-messaged back fast. "Okay. But where? Too far, and I can’t go."

Yufei Han replied: "Plenty of restaurants near your place. I’ve tried bumping into you there before—no luck. Pick a Chinese spot."

She sent time and location. Qinmu screenshot the chat—no reason to refuse free food. Settling back into the bath, she relaxed—until the phone rang again. Annoyed, she almost tossed it into the water. But the caller ID stopped her: Tu Shen.

"Hey, gorgeous! Free tomorrow to shop with me? Your taste beats mine—look at your sister’s stylish outfits when she skips school."

"I’ve no eye for fashion. I see clothes like a guy—can’t judge. And my sister picks her own clothes."

"Bring her too! With two beauties guiding me, my style can’t go wrong."

"Sorry. Sister’s hospitalized. And I’m busy tomorrow. Try another time." Qinmu replied bluntly.