Bai Ningning tilted her head. “So in a few days… can I lie in bed and play on my phone?”

Could you even use your phone by then?!

Qin Yue chuckled. “As long as you can handle it, you can play on your phone flat on your stomach.”

Bai Ningning smiled too. *Just staying up late? Who couldn’t handle that?* She used to pull all-nighters watching competitions without breaking a sweat.

“Hehe, good.”

Another night of cuddling and nuzzling before sleep. After soft, sweet dreams, they woke up around the same time the next morning.

Bai Ningning opened her eyes to Qin Yue’s lovely face inches away. She blinked curiously. “You’re not working today?”

“No. Got other things to do.” Qin Yue glanced at her. “No classes for you today?”

“No. Why?”

“Good. Go organize my schedule.”

Bai Ningning slowly climbed out of bed, slipped into fluffy pajamas, and padded toward the inner room beside the bedroom—where Qin Yue’s work computer sat.

Alright. Secretary Bai was on duty.

She booted up the computer, logged into QQ, selected the four junior classmates’ accounts added yesterday, and created a new group.

[Princess Dress]: Senior Bai?

[Denim Shorts]: Senior, what’s up?

[Twin Tails]: Senior Bai, is everything okay?

Since she hadn’t memorized their names, Bai Ningning labeled them by the most striking detail. Qin Xin—the only name she recalled—was silent but likely online.

Bai Ningning didn’t reply. She posted a group announcement:

[Ningning Doesn’t Know]: From now on, chat here directly or tag me in the group. I’ve got personal matters today and won’t be at school. Message me tomorrow if needed.

She closed QQ, opened the work software. *Junior classmates can wait. Today, I’m Secretary Bai.*

Flipping through the log from today onward:

August 16: Home consultation with psychologist.

August 17: Wrap-up meeting.

August 18: Celebration banquet and commendation ceremony…

“Qin Yue,” Bai Ningning called back, “you’ve got a psychologist appointment today?”

“Mm.” Qin Yue’s reply was faint. *All because of you.*

In the inner room, Bai Ningning’s thoughts quickened. The schedule noted details: Dr. Chen—highly credentialed, Qin Yue’s close friend.

Could she borrow this chance to address her own issue?

“Qin Yue,” she asked, “after your session… can I talk to her too?”

Qin Yue sat up. “You have psychological issues too?”

“A little.”

The older sister paused, lips pressing slightly. “Fine. Go ahead.”

That afternoon, Dr. Chen arrived in casual wear, empty-handed. After greetings, she settled naturally in the living room.

“Feeling better lately?”

“Much better since that day. No setbacks.”

“Any mindset shifts?”

“None. Same as before—I’m content like this.”

“…Never considered moving on? She’s still a shadow over you.”

“No.” Qin Yue didn’t hesitate. “I’m enjoying this shadow.”

Dr. Chen sighed deeply. “Alright. Since you’re decided, we’ll monitor. Tell me immediately if anything changes.”

“Mm.”

Consultation over, Qin Yue asked, “Free afterward?”

“Of course. Closed my clinic just for you today.”

“Good. She says she has a small issue and wants your advice.”

Dr. Chen blinked. “Her?”

“Bai Ningning.”

*The girl who stole my friend’s peace of mind?*

Dr. Chen weighed it. “Formal medical request… or?”

“Informal. Between friends.”

Formal meant appointments, plans, confidentiality. Informal? No strings.

“Alright.” She nodded. “I’ll take a look.”

In the bedroom, Dr. Chen finally met the girl who’d captivated her friend. Fair, clean face; youthful features; surprisingly curvy figure—full bust, slender waist, captivating long legs. *No wonder.*

Bai Ningning, however, was nervous. First time meeting a psychologist in twenty-plus years. *Stay polite. State the issue clearly.*

“Miss Bai Ningning, hello, I’m—”

“I know who you are, Dr. Chen.” Bai Ningning cut in, face cool. “Please, sit.”

Dr. Chen froze. *So assertive?* Not the meek, “mewling” girl Qin Yue bragged about taming days ago. *Was she exaggerating?*

Dr. Chen sat. “I’m Qin Yue’s friend. I heard you—”

“Yes. I know my issue. Just need advice.” Bai Ningning kept it crisp—doctor’s time was precious. Show cooperation.

Dr. Chen paused. “What issue?”

“My words never match my true thoughts,” Bai Ningning said flatly. “Any way to fix that? Even a little.”

“So your speech and inner feelings don’t align?”

“No. Right now,” Bai Ningning’s pretty face stayed icy, “I’m nervous inside while consulting.”

*You call that nervous? You look like you’re diagnosing me.*

Dr. Chen considered. “Smiling is the most natural social glue. Try smiling when you’re not talking.”

Bai Ningning tugged her lips upward. “Heh. Like this?”

“…Maybe don’t.”