A Moment Too Late (GL) - Chapter 94

– Are you still single?

She wanted to ask.

But she didn’t dare.

Afraid that her presence was just a self-deceiving dream.

Just a wishful fantasy.

The night was hazy, and the distant sky blended with the dark lake water in a gentle blue. The lights on the lakeshore twinkled like stars, and in the silence, a faint tea fragrance spread on the tip of her tongue.

Shu Yubai quietly watched the girl across from her.

Her skin seemed to have a pale, glossy sheen. Her black hair, porcelain-like jaw, and rosy lips; an earring shaped like a seven-pointed star gleamed with a soft golden light on her earlobe.

Her phone screen lit up for a moment, accompanied by a ringtone. Shu Yubai glanced at the name on the screen, which was a repeated character: Qian Qian.

Who is Qian Qian?

Shu Yubai recalled the woman she saw at the art exhibition.

Is it her? Shu Yubai looked at Nan Xue’s expression again. She answered the phone and held it to her ear. Perhaps it was an illusion, but there seemed to be a slight smile in her eyes, like melting ice.

Nan Xue listened to the call, lowering her lashes, and softly instructed, “I won’t be back tonight. I’m having dinner with a friend. Don’t wait up.”

Nan Xue hung up, her pale fingers placing the phone gently on the table, a cool touch. She looked up at Shu Yubai.

Shu Yubai lowered her head and suddenly bent down, rummaging through her bag. After a while, she took out a small box and held it in her palm. She opened it, revealing a diamond ring and a bracelet.

There were words engraved on it; her fingertip brushed over the cool, uneven lines.

“Returning this to you.”

Shu Yubai pushed the box over and stood up. The night wind was a bit chilly, lifting her hair. She said, “I’m leaving.”

“Wait.”

Nan Xue stood up and walked over. Shu Yubai’s fingers felt a slight warmth as Nan Xue leaned over and put the box back into her hand.

“Keep it.”

Nan Xue straightened up. Shu Yubai turned her head and caught sight of the clarity in her eyes.

Her thick lashes trembled slightly as she looked into the distance and said, “See you next week.”

••••

“Actually, the problem can be very simple. How about I help you analyze it… Do you still like her or not?”

Shi Chu asked Shu Yubai.

Shu Yubai lowered her head, wearing a thin cotton T-shirt. The outlines of her spine were visible on her balanced back, making her look a bit thin. She rested her chin on her hand and stared blankly at the coffee table, recalling the moments they spent together.

Her face felt a bit hot, and she didn’t say anything.

“Then I’ll take that as a yes.”

Shi Chu said.

The living room had a light green leather sofa with a white rug underneath. A Ragdoll cat lay on it, scratching at Shi Chu’s shoes, relaxed and content.

“It’s simple. If you like her, go after her—oh, by the way, does she have a girlfriend now? You should find out from someone.”

Shi Chu suggested.

Shu Yubai was taken aback.

She thought of someone, Lin Lan.

Lin Lan’s chocolate-colored teddy that she had been fostering was already sent back. Since Lin Lan returned to the country, they hadn’t been in the same city and only occasionally kept in touch via WeChat.

In the past, it would have been fine to ask her, but now, it seemed too obvious. Besides, they were not in close contact, and Nan Xue and Lin Lan had probably drifted apart.

There was a small vase on the glass coffee table with a white rose inside. The petals curled beautifully. Shi Chu’s fingertips lightly brushed over the rose petals as she said, “I think she can’t let go that easily. Think about it, if Nan Xue really didn’t like you anymore, why would she be so vague about whether she has someone or not?”

She took a sip of hot water from her cup:

“If she had someone, she’d say so. If she didn’t, she’d say no. It wouldn’t matter either way—but from what you described, it seems like she’s intentionally being ambiguous, testing your reaction.”

Testing her reaction?

Shu Yubai shook her head lightly and sighed:

“I don’t believe it myself… What does she like about me? If Nan Xue wanted a girlfriend, she could easily find anyone.”

Shi Chu was stunned by her lack of self-esteem and said:

“You think you’re not good enough?”

Shu Yubai looked at her: “…”

Shi Chu then hugged her arm and sweetly praised her: “Sister, you’re so gentle, elegant, and talented in painting—most importantly, you two have spent so much time together. This kind of feeling and bond can’t be compared to anyone else.”

“Be confident, okay?”

Shi Chu said, “I have a feeling she’s actually… playing a game with you.”

Shu Yubai’s eyes widened, then she shook her head with a laugh:

“Impossible, she’s not that kind of person. How could she have so many schemes? I know her better than you do… Forget it, there’s no need to say more, I know what’s going on.”

Li Nian came out of the kitchen carrying a fruit plate with several washed fruits: strawberries, grapes, and a few kiwis. She leaned over to place the plate on the coffee table and said softly, “Xiao Shi, have some fruit.”

The two of them fell silent at once, stopping their conversation. After Shu Yubai’s mother left and returned to her room, they began whispering again: “I heard you say you’ve known each other for many years, since you were kids. Have you ever thought that if she really moved on, if it didn’t matter to her anymore, you could continue being regular friends? But she hasn’t.”

Shi Chu pointed a finger at Shu Yubai and said confidently:

“She’s hiding something.”

As she spoke, a small white creature, blue eyes, and a pink-tipped nose bounced over, sniffing around Shi Chu’s slippers before standing up on its hind legs, looking up with round, curious eyes.

“A little rabbit.”

Shi Chu petted its head, smoothing its fur as she asked, “Where did you get it? It’s so cute.”

Shu Yubai reminisced sadly, “It was bought by Nan Xue. After we broke up, it was kept at my mom’s place.”

••••

In the following days, Shu Yubai resumed her routine of driving to school for classes and returning home afterward.

These days, there was a bit of change.

Teaching became easier with experience. Shu Yubai gradually began to share her own insights rather than just reading from the script. The PPT became more of a guide, providing an outline, while she improvised the rest.

She walked into the classroom with her textbook in her arms, surprised to find the room full of students—more precisely, it was packed.

In a large lecture hall, some seats are typically empty, especially in a major course. Some students always skip, thinking the theory class is pointless. This was the usual situation for other teachers handling this course as well.

Shu Yubai was momentarily puzzled and bewildered.

She exchanged glances with the students before calmly and quietly stepping onto the podium. She lowered her head, took out a USB drive from her bag, and loaded the courseware, then checked the microphone.

The class bell rang.

The crowd gradually took their seats.

“Alright, in this class we will learn about the history of Western art—”

She clicked open the PPT.

A clicking sound was heard.

Shu Yubai looked up to see a student in the front row taking a photo of the courseware.

“?”

She glanced at the PPT. It was blank except for a title. What was there to photograph?

The student looked down at the photo they had just taken and posted it online:

“Finally, it’s our turn to be taught by the goddess. So moved, I won’t skip this class.” The photo showed a woman standing at the podium.

With loosely tied black hair, she was quietly looking at her lecture notes.

Since it was a class, she was dressed conservatively. In the early spring, she wore a long-sleeved chiffon dress, the white chest area slightly translucent with lace, the delicate and soft fabric adorned with light-colored flower prints, a lavender hue that made her skin look fair and gentle.

The post quickly garnered many likes.

Comments:

“55555 she’s really beautiful!”

“Art school goddess…”

“When will Teacher Shu teach us?”

“I heard her lectures are interesting too. Crying.”

•••••

On the other side.

A slender young figure was drinking black tea, her shoulder-length black hair framing a small, full mouth pressed against the edge of a white porcelain cup. During her leisure time, she opened Shu Yubai’s social media feed.

She had just recently added her. Shu Yubai’s feed was very clean, filled with many small green plant photos, and pictures of her cat lounging comfortably in the sun on the balcony. Scrolling down further, there was a picture of a small white rabbit.

The caption read, “The moon is thinking of you.”

Moon was the rabbit’s name.

What did she mean by that?

Nan Xue raised an eyebrow lightly and continued scrolling.

Nothing more.

She had seen it all.

Nan Xue scrolled back and stopped at the caption “is thinking of you,” remaining still.

A subtle ripple crossed her dark eyes.

She laughed at herself softly, exited the app, and casually flipped through the feed when she paused. Who was this person? She checked the note—oh, it was a distant cousin of hers.

The latest post read:

“Finally, it’s our turn to be taught by the goddess Shu. So moved, I won’t skip this class.” There was a photo underneath.

The person in the photo had long, elegant eyelashes, quietly focused on the lecture notes. Her black hair highlighted her fair and smooth forehead, and the bridge of her nose arched gracefully.

The skin from her neck to her chest was smooth and fair.

Nan Xue’s pupils contracted slightly.

Her slender white index finger hovered in the air, motionless, before slowly relaxing after a while.

••••

Walking from the lake embankment along the blue stone path by the shore, there was a small park with an unknown scenic spot. Hidden in a secluded bamboo grove was a private dining restaurant.

Shu Yubai had arranged to meet You Fu there for a meal.

“Senior Sister, I’m here.”

She stood at the entrance and sent a message to You Fu.

Since being with Nan Xue, she had been avoiding any situation that might look bad, rarely dining alone with You Fu. Now that she and Nan Xue had separated, Shu Yubai didn’t see any problem with it—it’s just a meal.

Besides, You Fu had serious business to discuss with her.

Why avoid suspicion?

The restaurant was converted from an old house. Possibly due to the high prices and the need for reservations, there were very few patrons, making it always quiet and empty.

From outside the white pebble courtyard, looking through the transparent floor-to-ceiling windows, only a few waiters could be seen. The lighting was dim but tranquil.

A minute later, You Fu appeared at the entrance.

Early spring, the weather was very warm. You Fu wore a fitted short-to-medium length dress, showing her slim waist and well-proportioned figure. Her curly hair rested on her shoulders, and her lips were a bright red. When they met, she smiled at Shu Yubai from a distance.

“Junior Sister.”

Shu Yubai walked over and waved, “Senior Sister.”

At the entrance, a waiter in a well-fitted vest saw them and asked, “Do you have a reservation?” You Fu gave him her name, and he immediately bowed slightly and led them inside.

They sat by the window, where soft music played in the background, reminiscent of the gentle sound of spring water.

Shu Yubai glanced out the window and saw a clear pond with no fish, small decorations, bamboo groves, orchids between the rocks, and a small waterfall.

Because they had reserved in advance, the dishes were served quickly and were still hot.

“This time, I wanted to discuss something with you. Next week, I have a personal art exhibition at the art museum, but the organizer thinks there are too few paintings and asked if I could find someone else to join me.”

You Fu took a sip of tea and said, “So, I thought of you.”

“Is that convenient for you? Let’s do it together.”

So, that was the reason.

Why treat her to a meal for this? Being able to exhibit with You Fu was a great opportunity for Shu Yubai, and she should be the one treating.

Shu Yubai smiled lightly and said, “Senior Sister, you’re too kind. I’d be delighted.”

You Fu looked into her eyes, her red lips curving into a smile.

She casually asked, “Have you and Nan Xue been separated for a long time?”

“…”

Shu Yubai lowered her eyes, her face momentarily pale.

“Yes… I suppose.”

She nodded slowly and asked, “Why do you ask, Senior Sister?”

You Fu smiled and said, “I always thought you two weren’t a good match, and it turns out you really did break up.”

Shu Yubai lowered her head in embarrassment, silent. She picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth.

“Have you considered anyone else?”

You Fu looked at her. Shu Yubai was startled, her movements pausing for a moment. Just as she was about to shake her head, the woman across from her suddenly reached out with a warm towel and gently wiped the corner of her mouth.

You Fu put down the towel and explained nonchalantly, “There was some sauce.”

Click.

It was the sound of a porcelain cup being lightly placed on the table.

The bamboo curtain in the adjacent room was lifted, revealing a pair of clear, black-and-white eyes.

Shu Yubai looked over and immediately froze.

The girl wore a white T-shirt with a few light blue watermarks, slim-fit jeans with rolled-up cuffs, revealing a sliver of fair, cold ankle—very delicate.

Her shoulder-length black hair was tucked behind one ear, a gold seven-pointed star earring on her earlobe. Standing there, her red lips were silent, her expression slightly cold and distant.