Sweet Kiss - Chapter 3.1

Chapter 3.1: “Living Together”

Li Yansui’s heart fluttered slightly, then she obediently got into the car.

The car started slowly, leaving the school behind.

The scenery outside passed by, and the atmosphere in the car was a bit silent. Bai Tingshou seemed focused on the road ahead, not saying a word.

Li Yansui stole a few glances at him but couldn’t find the right topic, so she closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.

The car was filled with a faint, familiar fragrance that Li Yansui found comforting.

Bai Tingshou glanced at her through the rearview mirror, a small smile forming on his lips, his eyes full of affection.

When they arrived at Bai’s house, Ms. Yu was just finishing the last dish.

Seeing the table filled with her favorite dishes made Li Yansui feel warm inside. Even in a new place, someone remembered her preferences.

“You’re back, Suisui! Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner,” Ms. Yu called out as they entered the living room.

Li Yansui responded and went to the kitchen to help.

Ms. Yu didn’t stop her, instead watching her with a warm smile, occasionally asking about her day.

In the living room, Bai Tingshou played chess and chatted with his father, though he frequently glanced towards the kitchen to see Li Yansui helping his mother.

He felt a mix of emotions, seeing them look like a family.

His father noticed his thoughts and asked with a smile, “Suisui transferred to your school today, right?”

Bai Tingshou smiled and nodded slightly.

“Time flies. You two are already in your final year,” his father said, placing a chess piece that trapped Bai Tingshou.

“Dad, that’s a bit unfair,” Bai Tingshou said, dodging the attack while chatting with his father.

“It’s because your mind isn’t on the game. Otherwise, how could I trap you?” his father replied, with pride and satisfaction in his eyes.

He knew his son’s chess skills were on par with his own, if not better in some ways.

Right now, Bai Tingshou made frequent mistakes, indicating his mind was elsewhere.

Bai Tingshou neither confirmed nor denied it. After placing the final piece, he said with a smile, “You win.”

Ms. Yu brought out the dishes and set them on the table, calling everyone to eat.

“Suisui, try my cooking and see if it’s still as good,” she said with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling like blooming flowers.

Li Yansui took a piece of meat and tasted it, nodding, “It’s as delicious as always!”

“Eat more; you’re too thin,” Ms. Yu said with a smile, her eyes showing concern. She added a small piece of rib to Li Yansui’s plate and said, “I heard from Tingshou that you like sweet food, so I specially learned this dish for you. Try it and see if you like it.”

“It’s delicious; I trust your cooking unconditionally!” Li Yansui praised, eating two more pieces of ribs.

Bai’s father watched their interaction with loving eyes.

Bai Tingshou momentarily felt like an outsider and sighed inwardly.

The dinner table was filled with laughter and conversation. Li Yansui chatted with his parents about school, with Bai Tingshou occasionally joining in. They looked like a happy family, envied by anyone who saw them.

As Ms. Yu was happily chatting with Li Yansui, she suddenly asked, “Sui, where are you staying now?”

Li Yansui was taken aback by the unexpected question and answered honestly, “I haven’t decided yet, but I plan to stay in the dorms.” Her tone was calm, as if she had already made up her mind.

Bai Tingshou’s fingers paused for a moment.

Ms. Yu frowned and put down her chopsticks. “No way! Why didn’t you tell me earlier? You’re a girl, and I’m not comfortable with you staying outside. It’s safer to stay with us.”

Bai Tingshou silently agreed with his mother’s suggestion.

Ms. Yu glanced at Bai Tingshou and continued, “You should stay with Tingshou. That way, you two can look out for each other, and I’ll feel more at ease.”

Li Yansui could hardly believe it and struggled to swallow her food.

“Auntie, it’s safe at the school dorms, and…” Li Yansui began to refuse, but Bai’s father interrupted her, “Suisui, while the dorms might be fine, it’s a new environment, and we and your aunt worry about you. Plus, your aunt told us to take good care of you.”

Hearing her aunt mention it, Li Yansui hesitated.

Bai’s father continued, “And Tingshou’s place is not only close to the school but also spacious. It’d be more convenient for both of you, wouldn’t it?”

His reasoning left Li Yansui with no choice but to agree.

“Thank you, Uncle and Auntie,” she said with a polite smile, unable to reject their kindness.

After dinner, Bai Tingshou helped his father clean up, and then the two prepared to leave.

Ms. Yu’s eyes revealed her reluctance. If it weren’t for school the next day, she would have wanted them to stay longer. But she quickly composed herself and reminded Bai Tingshou, “Be careful on the way back and send me a message when you get home.”

Bai Tingshou smiled and replied, “Okay, I will.”

Ms. Yu watched them leave with a heavy heart. Bai’s father hugged her and comforted her, “Don’t worry, they’re not kids anymore. They can take care of themselves. Now, come inside, it’s getting chilly.”

Li Yansui sat in the back seat, looking out the window.

The car felt spacious, but the atmosphere was still awkwardly silent.

“Will I be bothering you?” Li Yansui broke the silence after a while.

“No,” Bai Tingshou replied calmly, looking out the window. “Besides, we’ve lived together before. What’s there to worry about?”

Li Yansui said nothing, her ears turning a bit red. She hadn’t expected him to remember that.

Bai Tingshou glanced at her, his smile growing.

Both lost in their thoughts; they remained silent.

Soon, they arrived at Bai Tingshou’s apartment. He carried both their bags upstairs, with Li Yansui following slowly behind.

At the door, Bai Tingshou handed her the keys. “Open the door.”

Li Yansui took the keys, muttering, “Don’t you have hands? Why do I have to open it?”

Bai Tingshou pretended not to hear.

Li Yansui inserted the key, turned it, and pushed the door open.

The apartment was dark.

Bai Tingshou waited at the entrance as Li Yansui turned on the lights.

With the lights on, the apartment looked similar to their previous place.

Li Yansui went inside.