Do Not Approach

40

On nights like this...

With a good friend by her side, the eldest miss near, and her sister's surgery finally scheduled, the tension in Mu Xiaoxiao's heart loosened under the cool evening breeze. She took off her jacket and draped it over Qin Yi's legs, protecting her from mosquito bites. Then, she sat down next to her wheelchair, chatting with Zhang Qiao.

It had been a long time since Mu Xiaoxiao allowed herself to relax like this. Sometimes, she did feel exhausted, though that kind of weariness only became clear when she stopped moving. In the midst of busyness, it remained hidden.

After a sip of beer, Zhang Qiao set aside her usual teasing. "How's Qiuqiu doing? No issues, right?"

Mu Xiaoxiao nodded and glanced at Qin Yi. "Thanks to the eldest miss."

Qin Yi held her gaze, captivated by the light in Mu Xiaoxiao's eyes and the smile on her lips. She couldn't look away.

"Once your sister's situation is sorted out, you should take a break too," Zhang Qiao said gently. Despite their bickering, the two friends had a deep bond, one forged through years of love and rivalry. "You've been working so hard for so long. Look, everyone's going home or traveling during this break. We'll be seniors soon-if you don't enjoy life now, there won't be time later."

Mu Xiaoxiao chuckled. "I feel pretty relaxed at Qin Yi's place."

"That's not the same!" Zhang Qiao nudged her with her foot. "Life is meant to be enjoyed. If you give everything away, what's left for yourself?"

Mu Xiaoxiao took another sip of beer, her cheeks flushing slightly under the moonlight. "Grandma and Mom's health isn't great. I always think about making enough money to lighten their burdens."

"I think they'd rather see you take care of yourself." Zhang Qiao had visited the orphanage with Mu Xiaoxiao before, deeply impressed by the optimism of her grandmother and mother. Meeting them had made her understand where Mu Xiaoxiao's personality came from.

Who says only blood ties are the strongest bonds?

Mu Xiaoxiao smiled softly. "It's not just them-it's the little ones too."

Her expression softened as she thought of her younger siblings, her smile tinged with affection. "When Grandma and Mom get too old to do everything, someone has to take over for them, right?"

Zhang Qiao was taken aback. "You're kidding, right? You really want to do that?"

She shot a glance at Qin Yi. If Mu Xiaoxiao was serious, they'd have to put a stop to this idea fast. That kind of commitment wouldn't just take a day or two-it could consume a lifetime.

Zhang Qiao expected Qin Yi to object, but when she looked over, she saw Qin Yi gazing intently at Mu Xiaoxiao, as if the entire world began and ended with her. Her gaze was so gentle, filled with affection and tenderness.

It was as if...

Zhang Qiao had a feeling that if Mu Xiaoxiao wanted to go to the orphanage, Qin Yi would wholeheartedly support her, even if it meant breaking through the sky.

She had been a fan of Qin Yi for so many years, but it was the first time she had seen her with such a look in her eyes.

Qin Yi was truly invested.

"And you know, you walk along the path thinking that so many things in this world won't affect your heart anymore, but when you truly encounter them, you find yourself helpless, becoming entangled." Mu Xiaoxiao's words were very artistic. Zhang Qiao might not understand, but the eldest miss certainly did.

These were the innermost thoughts of Xiaoxiao.

Though she appeared bright and cheerful, deep down, she had a heart full of scars, repeatedly hurt by those closest to her. She had told herself countless times that this was it. She would exert all her strength to be good to those around her; no one else could ever enter her heart again.