All the Female Protagonists Who Have Been Saved Have Become Obsessed [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 50.2

Zhou Xi paused the TV, silencing the room, a faint awkwardness between them.

Clearing her throat, Zhou Xi called, “Beixia.”

Avoiding her eyes, “I thought about what you said last night, seriously.”

Beixia looked up sharply.

Zhou Xi said, “You’re young, exams are close. Don’t get distracted. After exams, I’ll wait. If you still feel the same, I’ll, ahem, consider your words seriously.”

Beixia’s heart raced for Zhou Xi’s gentleness, considering her despite the suddenness.

This was the person she loved, always shining.

Sleepless, Beixia had thought much.

Would Zhou Xi find her disgusting, send her away, never see her again? She hadn’t expected Zhou Xi to seriously consider her feelings.

“Zhou Xi,” Beixia’s voice trembled, “Can you hug me?”

Zhou Xi softened, opening her arms. Beixia rushed in, hugging tightly, nearly choking her.

Zhou Xi patted her shoulder, chuckling, “Study hard, got it?”

“Mm.” Beixia’s heart settled.

“You’ll wait for me?”

“Yes,” Zhou Xi said.

Beixia’s lips curved, tears falling.

Thank heaven, after so much suffering, she met Zhou Xi.

Zhou Xi was heaven’s gift, so wonderful.

Zhou Xi patted her back, sighing inwardly.

She hoped this was right.

At lunch, Zhou Xi cooked dumplings. Relaxed, Beixia yawned. Zhou Xi canceled afternoon plans, sending her to sleep.

Maybe from confessing or her attachment, Beixia resisted her room but was shooed back.

Zhou Xi opened her laptop, checking her writer’s column. Two articles, hitting parents’ pain points, had high shares. Parents even asked about kids in comments.

Zhou Xi sighed, closing the laptop, holding her head.

She didn’t know what to do. She’d wait for Beixia, but once the task ended, would she leave? She wasn’t ready to face Beixia’s feelings, just pretending.

She cared for the kid she raised.

Zhou Xi acted unaffected.

No matter how sweet her words, her heart couldn’t shift. A kid she saw as a sister confessed.

Zhou Xi felt trapped, torn.

Should she keep being kind or keep distance?

Rubbing her temples, she fretted.

She didn’t want Beixia’s exams affected.

Time passed. Seeing Beixia, Zhou Xi reminded herself to stay distant, but Beixia, unaware, was like a pleading puppy, eyes bright, eager to cling, though restrained, caring for Zhou Xi, drawing closer.

Zhou Xi could only ignore it, troubled.

After dinner, they washed dishes in the kitchen.

Zhou Xi washed, Beixia dried. Each fingertip touch brought a brighter smile to Beixia’s face, a girl who rarely smiled, now doing so often.

Beixia asked, “Tea later?”

Zhou Xi nodded.

Beixia couldn’t find tea on the counter. Zhou Xi said, “Maybe up top.”

Opening the cabinet, Beixia stood behind her, their fingers brushing. Zhou Xi froze. Beixia pulled back. Zhou Xi grabbed the tea, turning to see Beixia, now nearly her height, no longer at eye level.

Beixia’s childish features were fading, her rounded eyes sharpening, pupils lighter, subtly changed.

Zhou Xi faltered. Was this the same pitiful kid?

She’d grown unnoticed.

“Careful!”

Beixia’s hand cushioned Zhou Xi’s head as she nearly hit the open cabinet.

Zhou Xi, flustered, ducked out, uneasy.

“Drink this. Boil water.” She hung her apron.

Beixia, holding the tea, looked puzzled, brewing it. Zhou Xi turned on the TV, sitting distracted, glancing at the kitchen, noticing Beixia’s height.

From the living room, Beixia’s profile showed stretched lines, sharp nose, thin lips, pointed chin, pale neck.

Beixia turned. Zhou Xi, guilty, looked at the TV.

Beixia asked, “Add honey?”

Zhou Xi nodded absently, fiddling with the remote, pretending to channel surf, mind elsewhere.

Beixia brought the teapot, filling the room with tea’s scent.

Squatting opposite, she poured steadily.

Zhou Xi watched, avoiding notice, eyes darting.

Beixia stared, “Were you sneaking looks at me?”

Meeting her deep, lit eyes, Zhou Xi protested, “I look openly!”

Beixia smiled, showing white teeth, eyes bright, “Then I was sneaking looks at sister. You’re too pretty today.”

A direct hit, leaving Zhou Xi speechless.

Beixia’s loose hair fell, her low ponytail playful.

Who taught this kid?

Zhou Xi’s heart tingled, murmuring.

Beixia set the tea, “I’m doing homework.”

School was near.

She left, leaving Zhou Xi pondering.

An old aunt couldn’t resist a teen’s youth and energy.

Zhou Xi covered her face, shaking her head.

Stop thinking this mess!

Winter break passed. Zhou Xi worked earlier than Beixia’s school.

Beixia stayed home, studying. On the last day, Wu Huimin invited her out.

That year, Wu Huimin’s cheeks rounded, visibly chubbier.

Seeing Beixia, she waved hard, Wen Chao beside her, looking lazy.

“Beixia! Here!” Wu Huimin called.

Beixia approached. Wu Huimin gasped, “Did you grow taller?” Tilting her head, puzzled.

Wen Chao mocked, “Isn’t Beixia past growing?”

Both girls glared. Wen Chao zipped his mouth shut.

Wu Huimin stood before Beixia, measuring with her hand, thrilled, “You really grew.”

Beixia’s eyes lit up, closer to Zhou Xi’s height.

Wen Chao, impatient, “Done chatting? Why’d you call us?”

Wu Huimin rolled her eyes, then shyly said, “My friend’s birthday’s soon. Help me pick a gift.”

“Us? No other friends?” Wen Chao asked, confused.

Wu Huimin glared, embarrassed, “It’s a guy. You’re the only guy I know.”

“Then why Beixia?” Wen Chao pointed.

“I’d be shy with just you. You know Beixia!” Wu Huimin grabbed Beixia’s arm, sticking out her tongue.

Wen Chao gave up, “For this, you dragged me out?”

“You’re free anyway,” Wu Huimin huffed.

“Let’s go,” Wen Chao said.

Wu Huimin smiled, looking at Beixia, who said, “Let’s go.”

She released Beixia’s arm, skipping ahead.

Beixia thought.

A gift? Should she get Zhou Xi one?

Living off Zhou Xi, using her money felt wrong.

What gift cost nothing?

Beixia pondered, entering a boutique with Wu Huimin.

Wen Chao looked around, “Not quite right. More for girls gifting girls.”

“What then?” Wu Huimin fretted.

“His hobbies?” Wen Chao asked.

“He likes soccer,” Wu Huimin said.

“Get a soccer ball,” Wen Chao suggested.

“No,” Wu Huimin said, disappointed, “I want something unique.”

“Something sports-related he uses.”

Wu Huimin’s eyes lit, “Let’s check a sports store.”

Walking, Wu Huimin picked a gift. Beixia thought of Zhou Xi’s hobbies, wanting a special gift.