RAHHSFL - Chapter 97 [END]
Extra 2 (Part 3)
Qin Juran woke up early the next morning to practice her listening comprehension. She wasn't one for sleeping in, maintaining a regular schedule even two days before her departure. She had already purchased some essentials in the UK, the rest being shipped via airmail. She had packed her small suitcase herself.
Her father had promised to see her off, but yesterday, the driver had casually mentioned he was busy with a project and would visit her in the UK later.
So, tomorrow, it would just be her friends.
Ruan Nan, unable to help with the packing, sat watching TV, her fascination with every channel and celebrity as if she’d never seen television before.
Was there really such a lack of entertainment abroad? Qin Juran, looking at her, tucked a couple of comic books into Ruan Nan's suitcase.
The morning passed quickly. In the afternoon, the dress Zhao Zhen had ordered arrived. Jia Beibei and the others messaged, saying they were coming over to see it. Qin Juran, glancing at Ruan Nan, asked, "Are you really going?”
"Yes," Ruan Nan nodded.
"Aren’t you afraid of what they’ll say? My friends don’t like Chen Xue."
"I have you, don’t I?" Ruan Nan replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Qin Juran looked at her. This woman, wearing her clothes, sleeping in her bed, even cooking lunch for them… Qin Juran thought back over the past seventeen years; no other girl had ever done this for her.
She cleared her throat. "Are you studying in the UK?"
"No, I'm in…"
"Good," Qin Juran interrupted, "as long as it’s not the UK."
"…You don't want to see me again?" Ruan Nan tilted her head, the unexpected question making Qin Juran hesitate. She remembered Jia Beibei mentioning Chen Xue might be going to the UK next semester. She didn’t want to deal with either of them there, even if this "cousin" seemed rather… nice.
Qin Juran, noncommittal, messaged Jia Beibei saying she would be wearing the dress and they didn't need to come over. Jia Beibei replied, sounding dejected: [Ju Ju, you’re kicking us out before you’ve even left?]
[It's not convenient today.]
[What’s not convenient? Are you hiding someone?]
…
At 7:00 PM, the Bentley arrived at Chengjing Manor. The driver was startled to see Ruan Nan coming out with Qin Juran. Qin Juran had Ruan Nan sit in the back, taking the passenger seat herself.
The driver, seeing Ruan Nan coming from the apartment, asked cautiously, "Miss, is this…?"
Qin Juran glanced back. "A cousin of the Chen family's daughter. She’s been studying abroad. She’s joining us for my farewell dinner tonight.”
"Chen? Chen Xue’s family?” the driver whispered.
"Yes." With Ruan Nan in the back seat, Qin Juran didn’t elaborate. The driver, well-trained, simply smiled at Ruan Nan through the rearview mirror, then discreetly gestured something to Qin Juran.
Qin Juran paused, then didn’t say anything more.
When they arrived at the Grand Hyatt, the parking lot was already filled with luxury cars. Half the class was there, and as the most prestigious hotel and entertainment venue in C City, even cars worth hundreds of thousands seemed out of place.
A small fountain gurgled in the hotel plaza, international flags fluttering from the tall flagpole, the grand marble staircase a symbol of status and wealth.
Zhao Zhen had good taste. He had chosen a smoky gray gown for Qin Juran, the sheer fabric draped elegantly over her shoulders, the high-low hem neither too casual nor too formal, the shimmering gray heels accentuating her long legs.
As the Bentley stopped, Qin Juran turned to Ruan Nan. "If you’re having second thoughts, I can drop you off at a hotel, or at Chen’s.”
Ruan Nan shook her head and got out of the car.
The Bentley had already attracted attention. As the driver opened the door, Qin Juran stepped out, Jia Beibei, Zhao Zhen, Xiao Ming, and the others, already waiting, rushing over to greet her.
Under the soft evening light, the Qin family's eldest daughter, emerging from the black Bentley, looked like an ethereal beauty. Zhao Zhen showered her with compliments, Jia Beibei almost wanting to claim her as her own. They had reserved the entire banquet hall, and even other guests couldn't help but stare.
"Ju Ju, you’re so beautiful! Don’t go to the UK! Come back and be a star!"
"Holy crap, Qin Juran, it’s a good thing you’re leaving. If this photo gets posted online, people will be so jealous!”
"Let them be jealous. If anyone tries anything, I'll beat them up.”
Everyone was talking at once, Qin Juran unable to get a word in. Jia Beibei, Zhao Zhen, and the others were also dressed up, the girls in short dresses, the boys in suits that seemed a bit too big for their still-growing frames.
"Hey, Qin Juran, is this your friend?" Jia Beibei finally noticed Ruan Nan, who, in her simple suit, looked older than the high school students.
Everyone turned to look at Ruan Nan.
Qin Juran also looked back, about to make up a story, when Ruan Nan greeted everyone. "Hello, everyone. I’m Chen Xue’s cousin. I’m here for Qin Juran's farewell party."
The mention of Chen Xue made everyone roll their eyes. Xiao Ming, ever the drama queen, retorted, "Your cousin failed to stir up trouble, so she sent you, someone more experienced?"
As others joined in the teasing, Jia Beibei, noticing that Ruan Nan had arrived with Qin Juran, nudged Zhao Zhen. "Ju Ju, why did she come with you?"
Qin Juran looked at Ruan Nan, then, after a moment of hesitation, simply said, "Coincidence.” She didn't mention what had happened yesterday.
Xiao Ming, not wanting to dwell on it, urged Qin Juran towards the entrance. There was a red carpet leading into the banquet hall. The boys joked about who should escort her.
"Stop fighting! Let's walk together! Whoever gets a girlfriend first is a dog!"
They escorted Qin Juran, laughing, leaving Ruan Nan standing there, watching them. Someone tapped her on the shoulder.
She turned around. A young man in a suit, his hair styled with gel, clearly older than Qin Juran and her friends, smiled at her.
"Are you also here for Qin Xuemei’s farewell party?"
Ruan Nan looked at him and nodded curtly.
The young man smiled. "Don’t be afraid. I’m a friend of Qin Xuemei’s senior. I also graduated from this school. I’m in university now. Since you’re alone, why don’t we go in together?”
He offered his arm, as if expecting her to take it. Ruan Nan glanced at him, said, "No, thanks," and walked towards the entrance.
Qin Juran hadn't planned anything too extravagant. It was a Western-style buffet. After a brief speech, everyone started eating and chatting.
Besides her classmates, there were a few other young people from families Qin Juran's family knew, all within a five or six-year age range. Having grown up attending such events, they were comfortable and at ease, the atmosphere quickly becoming lively.
Many people came to toast Qin Juran, who took a few sips of champagne. Zhao Zhen and the others didn’t drink much either. Although tomorrow was Sunday, they didn't want to cause too much trouble, especially with their school's reputation at stake.
"Juran," a young man called out, raising his glass from across the room.
Jia Beibei turned around, blushing as soon as she saw him. "Su Xue Zhang.”
Su Hong was the eldest son of the Su family, two years older than them. He usually socialized with older students or people outside their school. Attending Qin Juran’s farewell party was a gesture of respect.
"Su Xue Zhang," Qin Juran also greeted him.
The Qin and Su families were of similar social standing. She hadn’t interacted much with Su Hong, but Jia Beibei seemed to like him.
"Have you packed everything?" Su Hong asked, smiling.
"Yes."
"I have quite a few friends in the UK, some from your university. I’ll ask them to take care of you.”
"Thank you, Xue Zhang," Qin Juran said, raising her glass slightly.
"Wasn’t another Xue Zhang supposed to be coming with you?" Jia Beibei asked.
Su Hong nodded, pointing behind him. "He’s here. Zhang Xue Zhang, what is he doing back there? He hasn’t even come to greet Qin Xuemei yet."
There was a hint of teasing in his tone and smile. Qin Juran frowned slightly, looking in the direction he was pointing. Ruan Nan was eating a piece of cake, Zhang Xue Zhang standing behind her, his gaze lingering on her, his hand seeming to brush against her back.
Qin Juran's brow furrowed. Su Hong continued, "By the way, Qin Xuemei, who is that girl behind Zhang Xue Zhang? I haven't seen her before."
"She’s supposedly Chen Xue’s cousin," Xiao Ming chimed in.
Su Hong, recalling Chen Xue, who was rather plain-looking, remarked, "Chen Xue is quite average. I didn’t know she had such a beautiful cousin. She’s quite elegant."
A girl nearby, seeing him compliment someone else, especially Chen Xue’s cousin, said snidely, "Elegant? She’s not even wearing a proper dress. Look at that cheap watch! I’ve never seen anyone wear a suit with a sports watch. She’s probably just pretending to be rich.”
Qin Juran had noticed Ruan Nan's black sports watch yesterday. It clashed with her outfit, but Ruan Nan kept looking at it.
"Should we ask her about it? Maybe Chen Xue just hired some fake socialite to show off."
"Yes! Usually, it’s Chen Xue causing trouble for us, but this time…"
"Enough.”
Qin Juran slammed her glass on the table.
Jia Beibei and the others were startled, seeing Qin Juran’s cold expression, they quickly quieted down. "What's wrong, Ju Ju?"
"Chen Xue is Chen Xue. She’s… someone else. Treating her like this makes you no better than Chen Xue.”
Qin Juran's voice wasn’t loud, but her tone silenced everyone. The woman hadn't caused any trouble, so they decided to let it go.
"And her name is Ruan Nan."
Everyone nodded. Su Hong, trying to smooth things over, said, "You'll realize when you’re older that it’s good to have more friends. You guys seem to be done eating. Want to go outside for a bit?"
Outside the banquet hall was an infinity pool with lounge chairs and a small stage for a live band, a perfect place to relax.
Qin Juran and her friends went outside, drinks in hand. Su Hong waved them over. Zhang Xue Zhang whistled, turning to Ruan Nan. "Ruan Jiejie, coming to join us?”
Qin Juran noticed Ruan Nan’s discomfort as she stepped back. Su Hong, sensing something was off, asked what was wrong, and everyone turned to look at Ruan Nan, who, holding her drink, seemed flustered by the sudden attention.
"Come join us, Ruan…”
Before Zhang Xue Zhang could finish, Qin Juran interrupted him. "Ruan Nan, come with us."
Ruan Nan, as if rescued from an awkward situation, nodded at Qin Juran and followed them.
Zhang Xue Zhang was about to say something more, but Qin Juran just stared at him. He didn’t seem embarrassed, just ran a hand through his hair and, putting his arm around Su Hong, walked away.
Outside, there was a low table surrounded by wicker chairs. They gathered around it. Someone had brought a speaker, the upbeat music replacing the live band, a more fitting soundtrack for their age.
Zhao Zhen suggested a game. About twenty people sat in a circle. Ruan Nan was the only one who didn’t know anyone. Another girl, also seeming out of place, sat beside her. Zhang Xue Zhang tried to approach them, but Su Hong called him over.
"What are we playing? Truth or Dare? Mafia?"
"Doesn't matter what we play, as long as the loser drinks.”
"Luo Yitian, why are you always talking about drinking? Did you get dumped again?"
Luo Yitian was perpetually heartbroken. Everyone laughed.
Qin Juran glanced at Ruan Nan, who happened to be looking at her as well. Zhang Xue Zhang's advances hadn't seemed to bother her. Ruan Nan wasn't interested in making friends with these high school students, nor was she interested in the rich boys. It seemed she was only there for Qin Juran.
Their eyes met, and Ruan Nan smiled faintly. Qin Juran also smiled, slightly uncomfortable in her dress and heels, a change from her usual uniform and ponytail. She turned away, smoothing her hair.
After a while, Zhao Zhen suggested Truth or Dare. Everyone agreed. He slammed his hand on the table. "If you’re not playing, leave now. Don’t complain later that we’re being too much.”
Xiao Ming chimed in, "Let's go big or go home!"
The game started. Zhao Zhen brought two chopsticks, spinning them on the table. Whichever two people they pointed at would be paired for the challenge.
He spun the chopsticks. The first round landed on Qin Juran and Xiao Ming.
"Dare, obviously?"
"Hold your horses," Qin Juran retorted.
Zhao Zhen waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. Let's see if you can win this time.”
Xiao Ming, going all in, chose "Dare." He called over a waiter and performed a rather impressive gorilla dance.
Everyone laughed, recording him and posting it in their class group chat, even their homeroom teacher sending a thumbs-up emoticon.
Xiao Ming yelled at them to delete it, then secretly saved the video himself.
…
When it was Qin Juran’s turn, everyone put away their phones. For "Truth," it was always the same questions. Someone was about to ask when Jia Beibei stopped them. "Don’t, don’t, don't. Don’t waste a question asking if she likes anyone. She doesn't.”
True, Qin Juran’s feelings, or lack thereof, were always obvious. She had never shown any interest in anyone.
Zhao Zhen, a mischievous glint in his eyes, asked, "Qin Juran, without talking about liking anyone, when was the last time you felt a spark, for a person or a thing?”
The question was surprisingly insightful, not something one would expect from Zhao Zhen. Everyone was eager to hear her answer.
Qin Juran hesitated. She was about to deny it when her gaze landed on Ruan Nan, and she paused.
The feeling of Ruan Nan falling into her arms on the stairs the night before resurfaced, a strange, almost forbidden longing. Her face flushed. She didn't dare dwell on it, clearing her throat. "Never.”
"No way, Qin Juran! If you’ve never felt a spark, why are you blushing? You were clearly thinking about something!" Xiao Ming persisted.
His words only made her blush deeper, especially with Ruan Nan also looking at her. Qin Juran quickly said, "Within the last three days," and refused to elaborate.
Everyone started speculating, trying to recall who Qin Juran had met in the past three days, Zhao Zhen and Xiao Ming even wondering if it was them.
The game continued. A couple, who had seemingly been secretly crushing on each other, were chosen. Amidst cheers and teasing, they were made to do a "crossed arms" toast.
The atmosphere grew even more lively. "Truth" was now off the table. If you were chosen, it was automatically "Dare."
The chopsticks spun on the table, finally stopping on Ruan Nan and Zhang Xue Zhang, who was sitting across from her.
Everyone cheered. Su Hong waved his hand. "Come on, you two. Choose your dares.”
Ruan Nan calmly picked a card, her brow furrowing as she read it. Zhao Zhen, impatient, snatched the card and read it aloud. "Hug someone of the opposite sex for ten seconds. "
"Woohoo~"
Jia Beibei and the others, perhaps sensing Zhang Xue Zhang’s interest in Chen Xue’s cousin, started cheering. Su Hong chimed in, "No need to choose, right? You two are the ones being punished."
Zhang Xue Zhang took a sip of his drink and walked towards Ruan Nan. "Come on, Jiejie.”
Qin Juran looked at Ruan Nan, who seemed reluctant.
Ruan Nan put down her card. "Sorry, I refuse."
"Cousin, do you have a boyfriend? Is that why you can’t do it?" Zhao Zhen asked.
Ruan Nan looked up, her gaze meeting Qin Juran's for a fleeting moment. "I don’t have a boyfriend."
"Then why are you refusing! It's just a game! Play fair!"
They moved their chairs aside, as if to give them space.
Ruan Nan's resistance only seemed to encourage them, their laughter and jeers growing louder. Zhang Xue Zhang, clearly intoxicated, seemed to be enjoying the attention, his demeanor growing increasingly flirtatious.
Ruan Nan, having stood up to choose the dare, now instinctively stepped back, almost losing her balance. Qin Juran was about to get up to help her when Zhang Xue Zhang, closer, reached out and steadied her.
"Whoa~," the crowd cheered. Zhang Xue Zhang, his confidence boosted, flipped his hair and opened his arms. "Come on, Jiejie. We’ve already held hands.”
Ruan Nan took another two steps back, her back now against the edge of the pool, nowhere left to retreat. All eyes were on her, Zhang Xue Zhang’s gaze now openly mocking.
Everyone waited for Chen Xue’s cousin to make a fool of herself.
Then, Ruan Nan's clear voice rang out, her gaze fixed firmly on Qin Juran. "Qin Juran, I’m not hugging him.”
Her voice, though quiet, carried through the room, but the words were meant for one person, as if simply saying them would make it so.
The words, and the warm summer breeze, reached Qin Juran.
Everyone paused, then started laughing. A grown woman acting like a child, asking for Qin Juran’s help, as if Qin Juran would actually intervene.
"Hey, Jiejie, don’t…”
"There's no need to hug anyone," Qin Juran said suddenly.
"?"
She looked at Ruan Nan. "If the guest refuses, as the host, I shouldn't force her."
Su Hong, looking at Zhang Xue Zhang, his arm still outstretched, said with a forced smile, "Qin Xuemei, it's just a game. There's no need to be so… disrespectful."
"Yeah, yeah, he's so handsome! I wouldn’t mind hugging him," a girl chimed in.
"Then go ahead," Qin Juran said, glancing at her.
Seeing that Qin Juran was clearly on Ruan Nan’s side, the crowd quieted down, about to resume the game, when Ruan Nan suddenly gasped and fell backwards into the pool.
The splash startled everyone. Qin Juran quickly glanced at Zhang Xue Zhang, who just shrugged, as if he had nothing to do with it.
A few people who couldn’t swim started screaming, calling for help. Zhao Zhen was about to ask if Ruan Nan could swim when a flash of blue jumped into the pool.
The cold night water enveloped her. Qin Juran didn't hesitate, swimming towards Ruan Nan.
She really can’t swim.
A wave of panic washed over her. Qin Juran pushed the thought away, swimming faster.
She reached her in the deep end.
The lights reflecting off the water created a shimmering effect. As Ruan Nan opened her eyes underwater, she saw a mermaid with a blue tail.
The mermaid swam towards her, lifting her gently, bringing her to the surface.
Qin Juran pulled Ruan Nan out of the water, gasping for breath. The others who could swim finally rushed over to help. They were both soaked. Jia Beibei handed Qin Juran a large towel, which she immediately wrapped around Ruan Nan.
…
Ruan Nan coughed, spitting out water, surrounded by concerned faces. Zhao Zhen asked, "Cousin, are you drunk? How could you fall in?"
"If you didn't want to hug him, you could have just refused. Why jump into the pool?"
As everyone talked at once, Qin Juran suddenly stood up and kicked Zhang Xue Zhang squarely in the chest.
Everyone stared, stunned. Zhang Xue Zhang, dripping wet, furious, was about to retort when Qin Juran’s cold voice cut him off. "I don’t care how Su Hong chooses his friends, but if you ever come near my friends again, I’ll have you beaten up. Do you understand?"
She was shorter than him, but her aura and tone silenced everyone.
Even Zhang Xue Zhang himself didn't dare argue.
After all, he had been the one who pushed her.
The drama over, the party winding down, most people left. Jia Beibei and the others stayed to help clean up, noticing Qin Juran protectively hovering around Ruan Nan, not saying anything more.
Qin Juran and Ruan Nan borrowed suits from the hotel staff, standing outside, their hair still damp, waiting for their car.
Ruan Nan looked at Qin Juran, who looked back at her.
A farewell party that had ended with them both soaked, as if they’d just had a private dip in a hot spring.
"Aren’t you going to say something?" Qin Juran raised an eyebrow, having seen him push Ruan Nan.
"Say what? Apologize profusely and say it's all my fault for ruining your farewell party?"
"..." How many romance novels had this woman read?
"Why didn't you just move away when he was bothering you?"
Ruan Nan shrugged. "I thought he was your friend.”
"Are my friends usually like that?" Qin Juran frowned.
"Aren't they?" Ruan Nan asked, surprised.
"..."
Qin Juran, exasperated, didn’t respond. After a while, she turned to Ruan Nan. "So, I guess you're staying at my place again tonight?”
Ruan Nan didn’t nod this time, glancing at her watch. "I'll just go back to your place to get my things. I have a train tonight.”
"Why didn’t you tell me earlier?" Qin Juran frowned.
Ruan Nan shook her head, not answering.
What do you mean, no time? You seemed perfectly free yesterday, Qin Juran thought to herself, the words coming out differently. "Should I take you to the station later?"
Ruan Nan looked at Qin Juran, whose face was a mask of indifference, her fingers unconsciously tightening around her handbag strap.
Ruan Nan bit her lip, avoiding Qin Juran's gaze. "No, I've already booked a car.”
As they neared midnight, the road leading to the upscale residential area was quiet and deserted, tall trees lining the sides. The Bentley's headlights cut through the darkness. Qin Juran’s phone buzzed incessantly, Jia Beibei and the others sending photos and chatting in the group.
She didn't bother looking, her mood dampened.
They arrived at Chengjing Manor. After confirming that Ruan Nan didn't need a ride, the driver left. Ruan Nan, glancing at her watch – 11:43 PM – hurried towards the building, Qin Juran trailing behind.
Ruan Nan turned back. "Ju Ju, hurry up.”
Qin Juran, reluctantly catching up, teased her, "What’s the rush, Cinderella? You still have time.”
Ruan Nan, realizing she was being mocked about her "midnight curfew," smiled, slowing down to walk beside Qin Juran. "Do you know why I didn’t want to hug that guy?"
"Why?" Qin Juran asked, unlocking the door.
"Because I like girls.”
The door clicked open, the sound echoing in the summer night.
Qin Juran froze, her hand on the doorknob, staring at her.
Ruan Nan looked up, meeting Qin Juran's gaze. "I know you like girls too. Don’t worry, I won't tell anyone. And I don’t mind when you tell others. I just wanted to let you know… you’re amazing, and you’ll meet someone amazing someday.”
Suddenly exposed, Qin Juran didn’t even have time to process how Ruan Nan had figured it out.
"That 'spark' you mentioned earlier, within the last three days… it was me, wasn’t it?” Ruan Nan asked, blinking innocently.
The girl's pure, intense gaze caught Qin Juran off guard. This was the first time she had been confronted like this, as a woman who liked women. The girl before her, so beautiful, so unexpected, so… intriguing.
The cool night breeze, the soft summer night, Qin Juran felt her face flush, instinctively looking away. "I’ll go get your things…”
"I don’t have anything to get. I just wanted to spend a bit more time with you.” Ruan Nan took a step closer, reaching for Qin Juran's hand.
The next second, Qin Juran was enveloped in a warm embrace.
Ruan Nan pulled her close, a familiar, comforting hug. Although she was shorter than Qin Juran, the embrace was surprisingly secure.
Qin Juran’s phone lit up, a new message:
[Miss, I confirmed with the Chen family, they don't have a cousin. This girl is an imposter. I'm on my way back now. Please be careful!!]
"Who are you?" Qin Juran whispered, turning off her phone but not releasing Ruan Nan.
"My name is Ruan Nan.”
"Why are you here…?"
"To attend your farewell party. To see you one last time.”
Ruan Nan’s answers seemed to avoid the question, yet they also answered the most important one.
A familiar scent of lime filled the air.
Ruan Nan pulled away. Her sports watch showed 11:58 PM. She looked at Qin Juran, as if she might disappear at any moment.
"Will we ever meet again?" Qin Juran asked, tilting her chin.
Ruan Nan’s fingers tightened. She shook her head, then nodded.
A wave of sadness, a sense of disbelief, washed over Qin Juran. Ruan Nan's eyes, in the soft moonlight, shone with an almost otherworldly clarity.
Ruan Nan reached out, and Qin Juran instinctively took her hand, their fingers intertwining.
"Qin Juran, I don't know if we'll meet again here.”
"When you get to the UK, take care of yourself. Don't stay up too late. Don't start smoking at parties. If you can’t make friends, just focus on what you enjoy. You’re good at math, you have a talent for finance, you’ll have your own company someday…”
"You’ll face challenges, but know that if those challenges don't break you, they'll only make you stronger. Be brave and do what you think is right…”
Ruan Nan spoke faster and faster, as if she were running out of time, her words a final message, the distant chimes of midnight echoing around them, the last sentence reaching Qin Juran:
"Because you have to believe that one day, we will meet again.”
Thank you so much ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you for translating the rest of this story!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I enjoy reading this
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