I'm Actually Panicking Because My Heart Doesn't Beat (GL) - Chapter 85

Guan Xiaoxuan placed all of her strange tools in Bai Zhiqi’s dorm room, then left the girls’ dorm with only Song Yi in tow.

For now, she felt that Bai Zhiqi’s dorm was relatively safe. The Bureau of the Strange probably wouldn’t check there anytime soon. After all, the incident with Cheng Yi had been a while ago, and since the case had already been closed, there shouldn’t be any reason for them to revisit it.

Meanwhile, in the office of the Bureau of the Strange, Xing Tianqing was staring blankly at the empty document on her screen.

At the top of the file were a few bold black words — [Investigation Report].

Every time a strange incident happened, Xing Tianqing would write up an investigation report, adding notes and summaries. Today, she was working on the report for the ghost woman at the bus stop — in other words, Song Yi’s case.

But each time she typed a few words, she’d delete them. In the end, the document was still blank.

Knock knock knock—

Xiao An knocked on the door and walked in. When she saw Xing Tianqing zoning out in front of the screen, she sighed and said, “Captain Xing, you’ve been staring at that report forever and still haven’t written anything?”

Xing Tianqing shot her a sideways glance. “What, you need something?”

“I just need your signature. There were a few strange case reports we picked up from the police, but not many turned out to be real. They’re all closed now. I need your signature on the paperwork.” Xiao An handed over the documents and added seriously, “That coffin the Sixth Hospital found — we’ve finally got some leads. But we still need more analysis. It’ll take a few more days.”

Xing Tianqing picked up her pen and casually signed her name on the documents. Then she said, “Have them take their time analyzing it. I’ve already reported the black coffin case upstairs. They’re waiting on my report, so make sure to follow up.”

“Got it.” Xiao An took the signed papers back. She glanced at Xing Tianqing’s expression, then asked, “Captain Xing, why haven’t we seen Xiaoxuan around the office lately? Is she doing okay?”

At the mention of Guan Xiaoxuan’s name, Xing Tianqing turned to look at her and asked, puzzled, “Why, you looking for her?”

Xiao An grinned. “Not really. It’s just that things have been quiet lately, so I thought we could celebrate a little. Maybe a team dinner — and also to celebrate Xiaoxuan’s safe return. What do you think, Captain?”

Xing Tianqing looked at her, leaning back lazily in her chair. “Sounds more like you all are just bored and want an excuse to hang out.”

“Hehe, maybe a bit. But we really do want to celebrate for Guan Xiaoxuan — make things lively again.”

“Fine. Since you’re all so eager, how about we wait a few more days?”

Xing Tianqing glanced at the calendar on her desk and thought out loud, “In about two weeks, Xiaoxuan’s training at the Bureau will be over. And it’ll be the end of the month too — perfect timing for a little celebration. How’s that?”

“Works for me.” Xiao An nodded. “I’ll pick a good day and let everyone know. Sound good?”

“Sure.” Xing Tianqing waved her hand. “Go on, get back to work. I still need to finish this report.”

After Xiao An left, Xing Tianqing turned her eyes back to the blank document, propping her chin on her hand, still lost in thought.

Truthfully, she’d been in a daze these past few days.

A few days ago, she had confessed her feelings to Guan Xiaoxuan at her place — said she wanted to date. Maybe she was too blunt about it, but she clearly saw Xiaoxuan freeze up. Then Xiaoxuan quickly pushed her out the door, saying she needed time to think.

Now several days had passed. Xing Tianqing had run into Guan Xiaoxuan a few times since, but it was like the confession never happened. Xiaoxuan just greeted her like usual and went inside, acting completely normal.

There wasn’t the slightest sign that she’d been confessed to.

Xing Tianqing was frustrated and full of doubts. What was going on with Guan Xiaoxuan? Did she like her or not?

At first, Xing Tianqing thought that Xiaoxuan’s constant need to see her meant she was definitely interested. Then, after everything that had happened between them, Xing Tianqing had finally accepted her feelings. So why was Guan Xiaoxuan acting so unbothered now?

Damn it — wasn’t she the one who fell first?

Xing Tianqing only went with the flow and agreed to try dating. So how did she end up being the one all anxious?

Annoyed, she leaned back in her chair and turned to look out the window.

The sun was already leaning westward — it was a little past four in the afternoon. From her angle, she could see the street outside, where parents were picking up their kids from school on scooters. Most of the children were in school uniforms.

There were also some older students, probably in junior or senior high, walking in groups and goofing around.

Then it hit her — Guan Xiaoxuan should be out of class soon.

She sat there thinking for a while, then suddenly stood up, grabbed her things, and walked out of the office. As she passed Xiao An’s desk, she called out, “I’m heading out for a bit. You all handle things here.”

Xiao An hadn’t even looked up when she saw Xing Tianqing rushing out the door.

“Where’s she going in such a hurry?” Qiu Nan peeked over from the next desk, holding a red brush and drawing talismans on yellow paper.

“Who knows.” Xiao An shrugged. “As long as we get off work on time.”

Xing Tianqing didn’t go anywhere else. She drove straight to the gate of Guan Xiaoxuan’s university and parked by the roadside.

The university had several entrances, but this one had the most student traffic — plus a bus stop nearby. If Xiaoxuan wanted to go home, she had to pass through here. Even if she took a shared bike, she’d need to cross the street to get one.

Checking the time, Xing Tianqing rolled down the window and kept her eyes on the school gate.

She remembered Guan Xiaoxuan had a full schedule today, so she wouldn’t be out until after five. For now, she hadn’t left campus yet.

After waiting about ten minutes, Xing Tianqing finally spotted her coming out.

Today, Guan Xiaoxuan was wearing simple blue jeans and a white denim jacket. Her long hair was loose down her back, swaying with her steps. As she walked, a breeze lifted the ends of her hair, brushing it away from her cheeks.

Maybe she heard something behind her, because she turned around and paused, waiting.

Zhang Wen came running up with a canvas bag slung across her shoulder. She beamed and threw her arms around Xiaoxuan, happily linking arms with her. The two walked toward the school gate together.

Xing Tianqing wasn’t usually the jealous type, but when she saw Zhang Wen holding onto Guan Xiaoxuan’s arm today, a wave of jealousy suddenly hit her. Her chest felt tight and sour.

Oh, Guan Xiaoxuan, huh.

No wonder you said you needed time to think—turns out there’s someone else in the picture.

Xing Tianqing grumbled inwardly, though she didn’t seriously think of being jealous of Zhang Wen. She knew the two of them were good friends. Even if she liked Guan Xiaoxuan, she couldn’t expect her to stop having friends just for that.

Beep beep—

Xing Tianqing pressed the car horn, drawing the attention of many people—Guan Xiaoxuan and Zhang Wen included.

Zhang Wen didn’t think much of it, but Guan Xiaoxuan recognized Xing Tianqing’s car immediately. When she saw the window roll down and Tianqing tilt her head to look at them, waving cheerfully, she had a feeling.

“Huh?” Zhang Wen, still holding Guan Xiaoxuan’s arm, looked curious. “Is that Captain Xing?”

Guan Xiaoxuan nodded. “Let’s go say hi. She might be here for me.”

Zhang Wen’s eyes widened in surprise. She gave Guan Xiaoxuan a look that screamed “you’ve got something going on”, then poked her in the side, making Xiaoxuan jump a little.

“Cut it out,” Guan Xiaoxuan whispered. “She might not even be here for me. Don’t get all gossipy.”

Right as she finished speaking, Xing Tianqing called out, “Guan Xiaoxuan! I came to pick you up!”

Zhang Wen’s mouth dropped open. Her face lit up with amusement as she dragged Guan Xiaoxuan toward the car.

“Captain Xing,” Zhang Wen said sweetly, still holding onto Xiaoxuan, “so you came to pick her up, huh?”

“Yep.” Xing Tianqing smiled back. “We live together, and I just happened to be nearby. Figured I’d save her the trouble of squeezing onto the bus.”

Guan Xiaoxuan looked helplessly at Zhang Wen, who was grinning from ear to ear. “I don’t take the bus anymore—I usually ride a shared bike home.”

“Still, a car ride is way more comfortable,” Zhang Wen said, playing along. She could tell she was the third wheel here, so she smiled and added, “I’ve got to run and grab some stuff for my dormmates anyway. Captain Xing, you take Xiaoxuan home. I won’t get in your way.”

With that, she let go of Guan Xiaoxuan’s arm and ran off.

The two of them watched as Zhang Wen skipped away like a happy little bird, then exchanged a glance full of quiet resignation.

“Hop in,” Xing Tianqing said with a soft laugh.

Left with no choice, Guan Xiaoxuan opened the door and climbed in. After buckling her seatbelt, Xing Tianqing started driving.

The whole ride, Guan Xiaoxuan was wondering why Xing Tianqing came to pick her up out of nowhere. Was it really just a coincidence?

Maybe sensing her confusion, Xing Tianqing cleared her throat while waiting at a red light and said, “Okay, fine, it wasn’t just on the way. Things were quiet at the Bureau today, so I came to pick you up.”

Guan Xiaoxuan turned to look at her and said thoughtfully, “But… the Bureau and the school are in opposite directions, right?”

“I have a car. Doesn’t really matter where I go,” Xing Tianqing replied, glancing at her. “The weather’s getting warmer now. Taking the bus or riding a bike isn’t great, right? So… how about I come pick you up every day?”

The way she said it was way too suggestive. Guan Xiaoxuan instantly thought back to when Xing Tianqing was at her house a few days ago, asking if she’d consider being in a relationship.

So… was this Xing Tianqing coming to ask for an answer?

Guan Xiaoxuan froze, unsure what to say. Luckily, the light turned green and Xing Tianqing didn’t push her for a response. She just said, “I’m not rushing you. I just want you to seriously think about it.”

“Okay,” Guan Xiaoxuan said softly, looking straight ahead as she hugged her backpack. “I… I have been thinking about it. I just haven’t figured it out yet. Can you give me a few more days?”

Even Xing Tianqing’s ears turned red. She felt like she was acting like some lovesick kid, nervously asking for an answer. She let out a low grunt of acknowledgment and didn’t say anything more.