Chapter Sixty-Four: The Sparring Partner

The conversation with Wenxiu made Mrs. Chu realize that her new employer, though the studio was newly established, was wealthy and not lacking in funds. The new boss had helped her solve her family’s difficulties, and since her own daughter was classmates with the boss’s younger sister, Mrs. Chu made up her mind—she would do everything she could to assist her employer.

After Yu Qian and Chu Yueyue agreed to meet often during the summer break, the Chu family took their leave.

Seeing Yu Qian so happy, Wenxiu asked, “You really like Chu Yueyue as a friend, don’t you?”

“Yes! She’s helped me so much, just like Lin Su!”

“Well, I’ve done what I can. The rest is up to them,” Wenxiu shrugged, without much opinion.

Yu Qian hugged Wenxiu and whispered, “Thank you, Xiu Xiu!”

Wenxiu replied softly with a small laugh, “What’s there to thank? If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t even have the chance to be here. We don’t need to draw lines between us.”

Yu Qian nodded vigorously.

...

A week later, Zhou Jingchen finally appeared at the Yu family’s breakfast table one morning.

“Oh, you’re not avoiding me anymore?” Yu Qian teased as she came downstairs and saw the young man sitting upright in his chair.

Zhou Jingchen blushed at the sight of her, didn’t say a word, just stared at her with a silly grin.

“What are you grinning about?” Yu Qian reached out to cover his crimson face.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Jingchen rubbed his cheek against her palm. Yu Qian shivered and withdrew her hand. “What are you doing?”

“Qian Qian, I missed you!” he kept smiling foolishly.

Yu Qian rolled her eyes and pulled out the chair beside him to sit. “You missed me, but you avoided me for so many days.”

Mentioning it only made things worse—Zhou Jingchen’s face flushed even deeper. “Qian Qian, that day…”

“What about that day?” Yu Qian glared at him, a look that warned him not to dare say it aloud.

“That day…” Zhou Jingchen began, but Aunt Chen came out carrying breakfast. “What about that day?”

Yu Qian quickly intercepted, “Nothing! Auntie, what’s for breakfast today?”

She shot him a warning glance, forbidding him to speak.

“I made black rice porridge and some steamed buns,” Aunt Chen smiled, not asking further.

After years as a housekeeper, she understood well what to ask and what not to.

After breakfast, Yu Qian dragged Zhou Jingchen toward the practice room. When they reached the door, Zhou Jingchen refused to enter. “Qian Qian, you’re still young. This isn’t right.”

Yu Qian, exasperated, pulled him along. “What are you thinking! I just want you to practice calligraphy with me!”

Just a few days ago, she’d received an assignment from Wang Xizhi: write a piece, no copying allowed, and create her own style. Yu Qian had been practicing for two days, dissatisfied with her results. If she hadn’t thought that Zhou Jingchen’s presence would help her focus, she wouldn’t have insisted he join her in the practice room.

Zhou Jingchen breathed a sigh of relief—it was only calligraphy practice. If it were like that day, he figured he wouldn’t dare get too close to her until she came of age.

He didn’t want to lose control and make a mistake.

After all, the minimum was three years, the maximum was death.

He wanted Yu Qian for a lifetime; if he failed to restrain himself, he’d regret it forever.

Yu Qian paid no attention to his thoughts. Inside, she pressed him down onto the sofa, set out tea leaves, cups, and hot water. “You’re sitting here today, and you’re not allowed to leave!”

He smiled and asked, “Not even to go to the bathroom?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not that unreasonable. Eating and bathroom breaks—I won’t stop you.”

He patted her head and smiled again. “Go ahead, I’ll keep you company.”

As long as she didn’t tempt him, he could accompany her all she wanted.

The rest of the day, except for meals and bathroom breaks, Zhou Jingchen sat properly on the sofa, keeping Yu Qian company as she practiced her calligraphy. Whenever Yu Qian grew tired, he would step forward to massage her hands and knead her shoulders.

Yu Qian was very satisfied—having a handsome companion truly made calligraphy practice much more pleasant.