My Heart Beats - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Yinchi hadn’t seen Xueman for several days. What had that crazy person been busy with lately? No light was on on her balcony, she hadn’t been to the coffee shop for days, they hadn’t bumped into each other in the elevator or on the street corner, and there wasn’t even a text message. Thinking of the person named Henry she had met in the recording studio earlier, Yinchi felt a surge of indignation. Could that person be the one who sent her a house full of fresh flowers? Could they have gone on a trip?

Yinchi furiously devoured her beef brisket noodles. Even after finishing one bowl, she still felt unsatisfied, so she raised her hand to signal the boss: “Another bowl!” Soon after, another steaming hot bowl of curry beef brisket was served. Looking at the bowl full of scallions and large chunks of beef brisket, Yinchi couldn’t help but burp. “Hmph, so what if she’s not here? Do you think I really want to see you?” she thought, picking up her chopsticks again and slurping the noodles with renewed fury.

“Damn it, I’ve never seen you have such a big appetite.” Suddenly, that gentle and sweet voice appeared next to her ear. Yinchi was startled, looking up with half a mouthful of noodles still hanging out of her mouth. “What are you doing here, you crazy person?” “I came to buy red bean soup, this place has the best red bean soup. Hey, you actually managed to eat two bowls of noodles. That’s amazing!” Yinchi put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth, only then realizing she was uncomfortably full. “I’ve been busy lately and haven’t eaten properly. Finally, I got to eat dinner on time and you had to interrupt. I’m leaving.” She raised her hand again to signal: “Waiter, bill please.”

Walking out of the restaurant without looking back, Yinchi burped twice, her heart filled with regret. “Why are you leaving so fast? Wait for me.” Before she could react, Xueman had caught up with her, threading both her arms through Yinchi’s and leaning her head on her shoulder. “Guess where I’ve been these past few days? Take a guess.” Being pulled along by Xueman like this made them look exactly like a pair of young lovers flirting after a meal. Yinchi’s face instantly flushed, and she dared not look at her. “I’m not guessing. Tell me or don’t.” Hurry up and tell me, where did you go? And with whom? Was it that Henry guy?

Xueman held her hand as they walked home. “Teacher Haiyuan asked me to Taiwan for recording. He was very satisfied with the last song, ‘Understood Love’. He has already agreed to be the producer for my first album. We stayed in Taiwan for a week this time and recorded three more songs. Pretty cool, huh?” Oh, so that was it. Yinchi breathed a sigh of relief. “What about Henry? Did he go with you?” Xueman found it strange. They had only met twice, why did Yinchi remember him so clearly? “Of course he did.” The relaxed atmosphere immediately became tense again. Yinchi had a question in her heart, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask it. Xueman looked at her suspiciously, “What’s wrong with this jerk? She’s pulling that sour face again. What did I do to offend her?”

After a long time, Yinchi finally asked in a small, low voice, “What’s your relationship with him? How does he have your house key?” The moment the question left her lips, she felt incredibly stupid. It was such a childish question, what relationship did having a house key imply? But she really, really wanted to know.

Xueman paused for a moment beside her. What is this jerk thinking? Looking at Yinchi’s slightly flushed cheeks, although confused, Xueman was very happy inside. Usually so aloof, she couldn’t contain herself after only a few days apart. Xueman burst out laughing. So she cared that much, cared if she had a boyfriend. “He’s my manager, of course he has my house key. He’s also a musician, and he wrote two songs on the album. That’s all the relationship we have.”

Seeing her smug look, Yinchi knew she had given too much away. She seemed to have revealed some things a little too obviously. “Come, sit for a bit. I just got off the plane, I’m a little tired.” Xueman pulled Yinchi to sit on a stone step. Xueman leaned her head against the left railing, her eyes closed, seemingly genuinely exhausted. “I’ve loved singing since I was little, that’s my original intention for entering the entertainment industry. When I grew up, I got my wish and was admitted to the music academy. After graduation, I formed a band, but things didn’t go well, and it disbanded in less than a year. I came to Guangzhou last year, and this year, I finally have the opportunity to release a record. You jerk…” Xueman turned her face toward her: “Do you think my singing has potential? Or is it just noise?”

Seeing the anticipation and slight hint of arrogance in her eyes, a ripple also spread through Yinchi’s heart. So she cared that much, cared about the insincere things Yinchi had said, cared about whether she held an important place in Yinchi’s heart. Yinchi secretly smiled, and said very seriously, “Apart from that time in the recording studio, actually, the moment I heard your voice that night, I felt like the world had become beautiful. I really like… ahem.” Like? Xueman heard her say “like.” Xiao Chi, what do you like? Who do you like?

“Your voice.”

“Heeey~~” Xueman sighed. She thought there would be a more unique answer. But thinking that this self-proclaimed know-it-all would admit to liking her voice was still satisfying.

“I like it, but compared to me, you’re still three streets away.” What?! Three streets! Just when she was starting to feel a little fondness for her, she became arrogant again. “Can you stop being so narcissistic, you jerk? All you sing is ‘Heart is Pounding’, it’s so boring.” With that, she turned her head away, only to see an old man setting up a snack stall under the street lamp. The little balls were steaming, making a “sizzle” sound, and giving off an inviting aroma. She patted Yinchi’s leg, but her eyes never left those plump little balls. “Hey, hey, hey. What is that? It looks delicious.” Yinchi leaned over to look: “You country bumpkin, those are Takoyaki. They came from Taiwan and have been popular for ages, and you haven’t even tried them.” “I really want to eat some…” Xueman suddenly turned her head, and Yinchi wasn’t prepared; their noses accidentally touched.

It was as if the rest of the world had completely faded, with only a dim street lamp shining on the two people whose cheeks were flushed. At such a close distance, Yinchi saw Xueman’s long eyelashes, and her dark eyes reflected Yinchi’s own image. Her gaze shifted downward, her soft, pink lips slightly parted, appearing so charming and sexy at this moment. The fragrance emanating from her long hair near her neck made Yinchi feel dizzy. God, she was too beautiful.

Compared to the last time Xueman held her while they slept, Yinchi’s handsome face, magnified many times right in front of her, was even more suffocating now. Actually, you look so handsome and charming when you’re not trying to make me angry. Actually, your breath is so warm and gentle, why do you always treat me coldly? Xueman’s heart was pounding. This was the first time she had this feeling of being unable to control herself. In her mind, she couldn’t help but call out: Hug me… And even, If you kiss me right now, I will definitely respond.