A Moment Too Late (GL) - Chapter 81

On this kind of spring night, amidst the bustle, there was a sense of tranquility and timelessness. Sitting by the lakeside at this moment, Shu Yubai gazed at the girl in front of her, whose eyes were filled with the gentle light of the moon.

“Are you talking about her?”

The wind brushed by, and Shu Yubai turned her head slightly, her little finger tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

The baker turned and walked away into the night, a bow tied at the back of her neck as part of her apron. As if sensing something, Shu Yubai glanced at her departing figure just as she looked back. Their eyes met for a moment.

The baker was young, with rosy lips, fair skin, and a rather delicate appearance.

She looked at Shu Yubai and suddenly smiled.

Shu Yubai was taken aback, coughing slightly and lowering her gaze.

“What do you think?”

Nan Xue glanced at Shu Yubai expressionlessly. “You looked at her for a long time when she walked over.”

“Did I?”

Shu Yubai laughed softly. “You noticed that?”

A cool breeze blew, making the small candle on the table flicker. The flickering flame illuminated Nan Xue’s eyes, giving them an indescribable beauty in that instant.

Shu Yubai propped her chin and looked at her.

She was momentarily dazed.

Nan Xue: “…”

So, she admitted it? Admitted that the girl in the apron was good-looking? Nan Xue lowered her head without saying a word but bit down hard on the straw. When her lips left it, the straw was flattened, bearing several teeth marks.

Shu Yubai glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, barely holding back her laughter. She casually asked Nan Xue, “Do you want more to drink? If not, I’ll go settle the bill.”

“No more.”

Nan Xue was hoping for a comforting word or a little coaxing from her.

She didn’t get it.

Sitting there coldly, not saying a word, her small lips made her look somewhat spoiled.

Shu Yubai stood up to pay the bill, while Nan Xue sat there in a huff, her head down, pale cheeks hidden behind her dark hair, her neck white as snow.

Shu Yubai, however, wasn’t the least bit angry, as if she was used to it.

Nan Xue’s pouty look was something she found quite endearing.

She lowered her head and opened the QR code for payment. When she reached the counter, the cashier politely informed her that the bill had been taken care of.

“Why?” Shu Yubai asked, bewildered.

“Someone paid for you.” The cashier couldn’t help but laugh, pointing to the baker. “She paid for you.”

Inside the shop, through a gap in the white linen, Shu Yubai saw the girl busying herself.

“Isn’t this a bit much?”

Shu Yubai frowned and asked softly, “Can I pay again?”

“What’s the point of paying again?” The cashier stifled a laugh, seriously suggesting, “Why not add her on WeChat and send her a red envelope?”

••••

On this kind of spring night, amidst the bustle, there was a sense of tranquility and timelessness. Sitting by the lakeside at this moment, Shu Yubai gazed at the girl in front of her, whose eyes were filled with the gentle light of the moon.

“Why did it take so long?” Nan Xue asked, holding her hand, still feeling a bit upset.

“Someone paid for our bill. It took a while to pay them back.”

Shu Yubai leaned back on the bench, looking at the shimmering lake, relaxing her neck.

“Who?”

Nan Xue asked indifferently.

Shu Yubai couldn’t help but laugh. She turned to look at Nan Xue. “It was that girl from before… she asked for my WeChat.”

“And you gave it to her?”

Nan Xue asked.

“Yes.”

Shu Yubai opened her phone, ready to show her. Suddenly, Nan Xue stood up and walked down the path without a word.

“What’s wrong?” Shu Yubai stood up and followed her, holding her hand.

“…”

Nan Xue didn’t respond, turning half her face, her dark hair revealing her jaw as if waiting for her to speak.

Shu Yubai: “Are you angry?”

“No.”

Nan Xue shook off her hand and walked ahead. “I’m not angry. It’s just WeChat, go chat with her.”

Earlier, it had rained, and by evening, the temperature had dropped. The distant mountains blurred in the dark night. The lake reflected the lights of countless homes. Not far away, there were voices in the park, and the fountain changed with the music.

In the wind, there was faint music from afar. Nan Xue stood up and followed the hurried crowd into the small park without a word.

Shu Yubai followed her, unable to hold back, and started laughing.

“Nan Xue… slow down.”

Ahead was a grove in the small park, conveniently empty.

She quickly caught up and hugged her from behind, her cheek pressed against her warm, slender back, nuzzling lightly, stifling her laughter.

The girl stiffened, turning her face silently to look at her.

Shu Yubai couldn’t help but hook her arms around her slender neck and kissed her.

In the darkness, with only a streetlamp casting light, she closed her eyes. Their warm breaths mingled in the cool breeze, her lips gently pressing against Nan Xue’s, her tongue lightly brushing with warmth.

Nan Xue’s eyes widened.

She trembled slightly, her pale hand gently pushing against Shu Yubai’s shoulder. “Sister…”

“I was just kidding.”

Shu Yubai whispered into her red-hot ear. “How could I? I didn’t give her my WeChat.”

Her lips kissed her ear lightly. “I only need you. I don’t want anyone else.”