Meng Po Gave Her a Bowl of Soup (GL) - Chapter 19

Song Wanyue nearly stumbled, something quite uncharacteristic for a teacher who always paid attention to her appearance on campus. She turned her head, gritting her teeth as she looked at Qin Xiao.

This big—liar—!

Xu Ruying had already closed in on the two of them, her eyes half-squinted as she scrutinized Qin Xiao with a gaze as cold as icy charcoal. Qin Xiao noticed her, instinctively shrinking her hands and whispered to Song Wanyue, “There’s a murderous aura.”

Song Wanyue: “…”

Alright.

At this point, Teacher Qin had completely fallen in Song Wanyue’s mind to the level of a fraud—Soul Catcher, yeah right, she believed that as much as she believed in ghosts.

Xu Ruying looked at Song Wanyue, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”

That smile—honestly, it would’ve been better if she hadn’t smiled at all.

Song Wanyue couldn’t help but smile. Even though she’d encountered a fraud, bringing her along wasn’t entirely in vain. “This is Qin Xiao, a new intern teacher at the school, just graduated. She’s a very honest kid, don’t scare her.”

Xu Ruying’s body stiffened a bit as she looked at Song Wanyue helplessly, “Not your student?”

Didn’t she say yesterday that a student was pursuing her? It made her rush over here in anger from so far away.

A gentle breeze brushed by, and Song Wanyue’s eyes were filled with laughter and warmth. “I just wanted you to come and see.”

After saying this, she glanced at Qin Xiao, who was staring blankly at Xu Ruying. After a moment of silence, Qin Xiao swallowed and whispered to Song Wanyue, “Teacher, who is she? She’s so beautiful.”

Song Wanyue had been smiling and listening closely, but as soon as those words reached her ears, she immediately became serious. She looked at Qin Xiao and responded, “You can call her Aunt Xu.”

Xu Ruying: “…”

Qin Xiao: “…”

Unexpectedly promoted to an “Aunt,” Xu Ruying gave a smile filled with the unique warmth of an elder and looked at Qin Xiao. “Xiao Qin, what would you like to eat? Auntie will treat you.”

From Wanyue’s behavior, it seemed this girl wasn’t a rival in love, and… they seemed to have a good relationship.

Aside from Zhang Hui, Song Wanyue doesn’t have many close friends. Although this child doesn’t seem very bright, she has a pure and clean smile.

Song Wanyue is not as easygoing as she appears. She seems gentle to everyone, but over the years, very few people have truly stayed in her heart.

In the past, she naively believed that having Mingyu in the world was enough.

But now, having lost her dearest person, and thinking about the year-long appointment with Meng Po, Xu Ruying has to plan for her future.

She always hopes for Wanyue to be a bit happier and more joyful.

Qin Xiao did not disappoint everyone’s expectations. She took the two elegant and graceful women into a small, unremarkable eatery for grilled skewers. She was very familiar with the place, immediately ordering a bunch of skewers and several bottles of chilled drinks, looking very content.

Xu Ruying, feeling helpless, occasionally glanced at Wanyue, wondering if her stomach could handle such indulgence. Wanyue seemed quite excited, looking around and saying, “It hasn’t changed much from before.”

Qin Xiao, curious, asked, “Teacher Song, have you been here with others before?”

Song Wanyue looked at her and said, “It’s after work now. Call me ‘sister.’”

Qin Xiao obeyed, “Sister.”

Song Wanyue glanced at Xu Ruying, who was sanitizing the bowls and chopsticks, and said, “I used to come here with my lover.”

Xu Ruying’s hand trembled slightly, almost scalded by the hot water. Qin Xiao was also surprised, “Your lover?”

Song Wanyue nodded, her tone as usual, “When we first came to Beijing, we were tight on money. But young people have cravings, so we often came here to treat ourselves. The food here is very good.”

As if reminiscing, she sniffed the aroma of the grilled meat in the air. “Later, I may have been too greedy, and we came here so often that my lover started learning to barbecue at home. Her cooking was just as good.”

Xu Ruying continued to sanitize the utensils in silence. Qin Xiao, feeling sentimental and a bit at a loss for words, said, “Then I’ll come with you in the future, sister.”

Xu Ruying froze for a moment, her dark eyes fixed on Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao, feeling Xu Ruying’s gaze, smiled happily, “Auntie, you should come along too.”

Xu Ruying: “…”

Maybe use your head, child…

Young people are really something else.

The hot, oil-dripping skewers arrived, sprinkled generously with cumin and chili. Qin Xiao ate with oily lips, enjoying the heat and spiciness, fanning herself while eating.

Xu Ruying and Song Wanyue laughed, recalling their younger days when they were just like that.

In the end, Qin Xiao, still not satisfied, ordered a few bottles of beer.

Xu Ruying wanted to stop her, worried that Wanyue might suffer from the heat, spiciness, and coldness affecting her stomach. But Qin Xiao said casually, “Let her have some. Auntie, I see that Sister always seems troubled. A drink will help her relax.”

Xu Ruying paused and withdrew her hand, not saying anything more, only giving Qin Xiao a cold glance.

This child might seem unremarkable, but she has a sharp, seemingly naive wisdom.

Beer and grilled skewers—truly a golden combination.

Song Wanyue hadn’t relaxed in a long time. Even though her lover had taken on a different form to be by her side, as long as she could sense her faint presence, she remained happy and content.

But she wished this companionship could last longer.

Qin Xiao was right; she was always troubled, not for any other reason but because Wanyue felt an underlying anxiety.

Every time she went next door, she carefully observed.

She noticed that over time, Xu Ruying hadn’t bought any new appliances or household items, still living with a “short-term stay” feeling. In fact, she had bought more things for Huang Lan and herself than for her own home.

Gaining and losing are relative.

Wanyue had lost once before, experiencing the pain of having her heart crushed and swallowing the sorrow mixed with blood and tears. She didn’t know if she could withstand it a second time.

Current happiness was a luxury, unknown and filled with apprehension for her.

When she was troubled, a few drinks would make her somewhat tipsy.

Wanyue’s reaction to alcohol was different from others.

Most people would cry or fall into a stupor when drunk.

But Wanyue tended to laugh more the more she drank.

Now, with her cheek resting on her hand, her eyes slightly red and misty, she looked at Xu Ruying with a gentle, affectionate gaze, a light smile on her lips.

She kept laughing and laughing, making others’ hearts ache, and making Xu Ruying feel a bit sad.

Wanyue was looking at her and smiling..

That look seemed to be gazing at Xu Ruying, but also at someone else.

She was thinking of Mingyu again.

She knew.

“Sister, you’re a bit drunk. Have some more to eat.”

Qin Xiao was truly a good kid, even though she was slightly tipsy herself, she still cared about Wanyue.

Wanyue turned to her with a flirtatious look, “Sister’s not drunk, you little brat.”

Qin Xiao: “…”

Xu Ruying: “…”

Not drunk?

Qin Xiao was also a delicate girl. Though not a traditional beauty, she had a quiet, refined look that became more appealing the more you looked at her. With a ponytail, she would have a unique charm. She stared at Song Wanyue for a while and said softly, “Sister, you look so sad. Are you missing someone?”

This question made Xu Ruying’s heart tremble, and Song Wanyue was slightly stunned. She then smiled, her frail body swaying slightly, “Yes, Sister is thinking of someone. I miss her so much.”

Xu Ruying, unable to bear the pain, forcibly took the wine bottle from Song Wanyue’s hand. “Stop drinking.”

Song Wanyue frowned, her eyes red and full of feigned annoyance and grievance, “Who are you to control me?”

Xu Ruying was silent. Indeed, she no longer had the right to control Wanyue.

“Auntie is still waiting for you at home. Do you want her to see you in this drunken state?”

At this moment, only Huang Lan could restrain Song Wanyue. Wanyue pursed her lips in grievance and lowered her head. “I don’t want her to.”

Xu Ruying: “…”

This pitiful look was like an arrow to Xu Ruying’s heart. She had no choice but to support Wanyue. “Let’s go home. I’ll take you back.”

“Home…”

Song Wanyue murmured, a glint of tears in the corner of her eye. Qin Xiao, who had also stood up after having several skewers, managed to stay sober enough to call for a ride: “I’ll help you get a taxi.”

Xu Ruying glanced at her. “I’ll arrange for someone to take you home.”

Was this child really drunk?

Perhaps due to years of professional habit, Xu Ruying felt that Qin Xiao wasn’t as simple as she seemed. From what she had said, at least Qin Xiao didn’t appear as ignorant as she acted.

Qin Xiao swayed a bit. “I’m going to the restroom.”

Xu Ruying: “…”

Watching the child wobble away to the restroom, Xu Ruying lowered her head and touched Wanyue’s face, which was slightly warm—clearly affected by the alcohol.

Her attention was on Wanyue, unaware that Qin Xiao had turned back and cast a deep glance at them.

In the restroom, there was no one around.

Qin Xiao quickly pulled out a tiny bottle the size of a pinky from her pocket. Her face was no longer flushed, and her steps were steady. She swiftly bit her finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto her pale fingertip, which she collected in the bottle. She then looked around, sealed the bottle, and put it away.

Just as she finished, her head buzzed, and she heard a curse from her ear.

—You little brat, a traitor who dares to help outsiders deal with your own ancestors.

Qin Xiao’s lips curled into a slight smile. She splashed some cold water on her face, humming a little tune, pretending not to hear anything.

When Qin Xiao returned, Xu Ruying arranged for someone to take her home.

While Xu Ruying made the call, Qin Xiao approached Song Wanyue and whispered, “Sister?”

Song Wanyue was dazed and unable to keep her eyes open.

“Stop pretending. Time is urgent.” Qin Xiao’s voice was low and somewhat hurried. Song Wanyue opened her eyes in surprise. Did she actually know that she was pretending to be drunk? Her acting was convincing enough to fool even those closest to her.

Qin Xiao suddenly dropped her previous charade and quickly handed the small bottle to her. “This is for you.”

Song Wanyue looked at the small bottle in her palm. “What is this…?”

Qin Xiao glanced at Xu Ruying, who was still on the phone, occasionally looking inside. “To keep it short, this is the blood of the 170th generation descendant. It’s very precious, something that cannot be bought with a fortune. Truly, Sister, do you know how many people have begged me for it without a glance?”

Song Wanyue: “…”

Is this really keeping it short?

Qin Xiao smiled at her. “Sister, if you trust me, when you get home and are alone, apply a small amount to your forehead. You’ll see her as she really is.”

Song Wanyue’s skin crawled at the thought. “It’s a bit… disgusting.”

She was very particular about cleanliness.

Except for Mingyu, she couldn’t accept anything else.

••••

Qin Xiao was truly speechless. She looked into Wanyue’s eyes. “Haven’t you always wanted to see her?”

Song Wanyue, now serious, stared at her. “Who exactly are you?”

How did Qin Xiao know?

Qin Xiao smiled at her. “Heavenly secrets must not be revealed. Sister, remember, don’t tell anyone what you see, including your lover.”

Your lover…

After saying this, Qin Xiao staggered to her feet, once again pretending to be drunk. “Is the car here? Then I’ll leave first. Sister, goodbye.”

Xu Ruying watched as Qin Xiao was taken away and called for Xiao He to come pick them up.

When Xiao He arrived, she saw Xu Ruying supporting her sister-in-law, staring in shock for a long time.

Xu Ruying, too tired to explain, helped Wanyue into the car. Xiao He came over to assist but was suddenly met with a cold glance from Xu Ruying.

Xiao He hesitated, withdrawing her hand from around Wanyue’s waist.

Xu Ruying then looked away, comforting the tipsy Wanyue. “Yes, we’re going home soon.”

Wanyue still felt uncomfortable.

She wasn’t someone with a low tolerance for alcohol, but with matters weighing on her heart, even a small amount of alcohol could turn into endless sadness.

Xu Ruying intended to help her lie down in the back seat, adjusting the reclining chair for her. But Wanyue, seeming dissatisfied, frowned and mumbled, snuggling closer to her.

Seeing this through the rearview mirror, Xiao He pursed her lips. Xu Ruying looked up and met her gaze. “I’ll send you a person later to check her identity.”

She wanted to verify if Qin Xiao’s origins were as claimed.

She wasn’t suspicious.

Just that this world was too complex.

She had to be cautious about everyone around Wanyue.

She was her treasure, and she wouldn’t allow anyone to harm her.

Throughout the ride, Wanyue clung to her like a little kitten. Her breathing was light and slow, mixed with the smell of alcohol and her unique scent, slowly seeping into Xu Ruying’s senses. She shifted uncomfortably but Wanyue, like a clingy cat, stayed close to the warmth, unwilling to give any space.

This was her Wanyue.

The person she held dear to her heart.

Even with a different body, Mingyu’s soul within couldn’t help but be moved.

But how could she use this body to disrespectful her?

Xu Ruying gritted her teeth, biting her lip hard enough to taste blood, which helped her regain a bit of composure.

She had managed to hold it together all the way home.

At the bottom of the building, Miss Song started causing a fuss again. She refused to go inside, clinging to Xu Ruying like a child, saying, “I want freedom, I want peace. I don’t want to go home and play cards with the elderly.”

Xu Ruying: “…”

Song Wanyue whimpered a few times, hugging Xu Ruying’s waist. “I’m always getting the king of bombs. It’s so pitiful.”

Xu Ruying: “…”

After 10 minutes of this commotion, Huang Lan, who had received Xu Ruying’s call, came downstairs. She looked at Wanyue with concern. “What’s going on?”

Xu Ruying felt a bit embarrassed. After all, it was her first time picking up Wanyue, and now she was dealing with this situation. It was difficult to explain to her parents.

As she hesitated on how to respond, Huang Lan overheard what Wanyue was saying. She chuckled and looked at Xu Ruying, giving a simple translation: “She doesn’t want to go home, and I don’t want her either. Just take her home and make some porridge or something.”

Xu Ruying: “…”

Huang Lan yawned, covering her mouth and stretching. “That’s it then. I’m going back to sleep. Thanks, Xiao Xu. Don’t knock on my door at night. I won’t open it. Old people need good sleep to live long. I’m so tired. Bye.”

Xu Ruying: “………”

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