Waiting for You to Say You Love Me GL - Chapter 1

The summer leaves flourished, accompanied by a gentle breeze and the chirping of cicadas—it was that time of year again: graduation season.

Every June, the tree-lined avenue in front of L University’s library was always the liveliest. Groups of students, dressed in graduation gowns or other eccentric outfits, gathered under the parasol trees, capturing memories of laughter and tears to tuck away in the scrapbook of their youth.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, scattering dappled patterns on the ground. Watching the nearby graduates playfully roughhousing, Jian Yi’s hurried steps gradually slowed. After all, she had walked this path to the library for four years without even realizing it. The thought of leaving soon filled her with a tinge of melancholy and reluctance.

Glancing at the document folder in her hand, Jian Yi continued toward the library. Tomorrow afternoon was her thesis defense, and today she had come to school for a final consultation with her advisor. After the defense, the number of times she’d return to campus could probably be counted on one hand.

A gust of hot wind tangled her black hair into a mess. Standing under the scorching sun, Jian Yi looked up at the postmodern-designed library, couldn’t resist taking a photo with her phone, then strode confidently inside after swiping her card.

Jian Yi was the epitome of an academic overachiever. From the moment she enrolled as a freshman, her scholarly reputation had spread throughout the Secretarial Studies program. By the time of her graduation, the name “Jian the Overachiever” was practically legendary among the Class of ’13.

Twenty-two years old—Jian Yi had spent all twenty-two years of her life being the “model child” others envied. Honestly, she wanted to rebel just once, but once the label of “good girl” was stuck on her, breaking free from that mold was nearly impossible.

Her thesis was flawless, and with her advisor’s years of sharp judgment, Jian Yi was a shoo-in for this year’s Outstanding Graduate Award.

“Jian Yi, I’m looking forward to your excellent defense tomorrow afternoon,” said Professor Yang, one of L University’s youngest professors—a British-educated returnee not yet thirty.

“Professor Yang, I should be thanking you for your guidance. I’ll do my best tomorrow!”

“It’s still a shame you’re not pursuing graduate studies…”

Jian Yi always brushed off such comments with a smile. Everyone assumed she would continue her education, but to their surprise, she had given up the opportunity for a guaranteed spot at a prestigious university.

If she had to give a reason, it was that Jian Yi didn’t want the label of “overachiever” to follow her forever. Maybe she could prove herself in a different way.

After picking out a few books on finance and trade, Jian Yi settled into her usual spot and began reading carefully. Though her major was Secretarial Studies, she had a strong interest in economics and management, which led her to minor in Business Administration.

She had barely flipped through a few pages when a jarring ringtone shattered the silence. Flustered, Jian Yi silenced her phone and glanced around, meeting the annoyed stares of nearby students. Sheepishly, she nodded in silent apology before scurrying out to the hallway with her phone.

The moment she answered, a booming male voice burst through the receiver.

“Sis! This time… this time I’ve really found true love! You have to help me!”

True love… Jian Yi was no stranger to this. She counted silently in her head before responding in a hushed, slightly exasperated tone, “That’s the fourth time this month, isn’t it?”

“Oh sis~ let me tell you, this time it’s different from before, she… ah! You’ll understand when you meet her tomorrow…”

Even without seeing his face, Jian Yi could vividly imagine his animated expression. The call was from Jian Jie, her twin brother.

Same kindergarten, same elementary school, same middle school, same high school—they even ended up at the same university. What else would you expect from twins? Jian Jie’s reputation at L University rivaled Jian Yi’s own. He was the heartthrob of the broadcasting department, famously known as L University’s playboy.

Jian Yi sometimes regretted her competitive nature. Being competitive in other areas was one thing, but why did she have to compete even in the womb? If she hadn’t been born 11 seconds earlier than Jian Jie, she wouldn’t have been stuck with such an unlucky younger brother. After all, there was a world of difference between being an older sister and a younger one.

Time and again, Jian Yi found herself cleaning up Jian Jie’s messes, all thanks to those fateful 11 seconds.

“Sis~ sis~ you love me the most, and she’s your future sister-in-law~” That magnetic voice of his was a certified girl-killer. When it came to wheedling favors, Jian Yi had to admit defeat—she was no match for Jian Jie.

“Cut to the chase. I have my thesis defense tomorrow afternoon, so don’t even think about scheming.”

“Just the morning! Besides, your defense isn’t until the afternoon—I’ve already checked.”

The story was simple: Jian Jie had recently taken a part-time job as a barista, but his thesis got held up by his advisor for major revisions. With no way to swap his morning shift at the café, he needed someone to cover for him.

And who better for this grand and glorious task than his dear older sister?

“So let me get this straight—I do the work, and you get the paycheck?” Jian Yi quickly distilled the essence from Jian Jie’s lengthy explanation. “Also… why would a broadcasting major like you even take a café job?”

If she hadn’t heard it herself, Jian Yi would never have believed that the pampered Young Master Jian, who’d never lifted a finger in his life, would sacrifice his precious time to serve the masses.

“Sis, you’ve gotten funnier lately. It’s just half a day~ I’ll send you the address. Consider it settled—you get back to studying, and I won’t bother you anymore.”

Though they shared nearly identical faces, their souls couldn’t have been more different. Jian Yi and Jian Jie had been mutually exasperated with each other for over a decade—he thought she was too rigid, she thought he was too frivolous. But bl00d ran thicker than water, and even after years of eye-rolling, their sibling bond remained unshaken. When it really mattered, they could count on each other.

Following the address Jian Jie had sent, Jian Yi arrived at a corner not far from campus, where a simple yet fresh sign caught her eye: LEFT COFFEE.

The café felt vaguely familiar. It was more of a book café than a regular coffee shop. Despite its prime location in the university district, it didn’t get much foot traffic—its prices were too steep for the average student.

Pushing the door open, Jian Yi was greeted by minimalist Scandinavian décor, with light, breezy color schemes. A faint floral scent lingered in the air—gardenias, perhaps, or something similar. Everything was just right, far more pleasant than the overpowering perfumes found in other places.

The café was playing a lighthearted piano melody, yet strangely, the moment Jian Yi stepped inside, time seemed to slow down. But what captivated her most was the silhouette at the counter—head bowed, intently grinding coffee beans…

Jian Yi paused for a couple of seconds, rooted to the spot. That profile was the kind you couldn’t help but steal a few extra glances at. The contours from the forehead to the nose, lips, and chin formed a line so refined it seemed sketched by a master artist. Jian Yi wasn’t one to obsess over looks, but this person’s nose was truly striking—high and straight with a slight upturn at the tip, fair and delicate, exuding an air of elegance.

Just as Jian Yi was lost in admiration of this near-perfect profile, the person suddenly looked up. Whether it was the guilt of staring or her own tendency to get nervous, when their eyes met, Jian Yi froze, unsure of what to say. “I…”

“Jian Jie?” Yun Xin stopped what she was doing and tilted her head slightly to ask.

Only when she saw Yun Xin’s face clearly did Jian Yi understand—this was the goddess Jian Jie had mentioned. It also explained why he, a broadcasting major, had been so insistent on working as a barista. Well, she was indeed more beautiful than any of his exes, and in a way that radiated grace…

Stop! Just stop! Jian Yi mentally scolded herself. What on earth was she thinking?!

“…Hi, um… Jian Jie is my younger brother. I’m… here to cover his shift today.” Jian Yi had never felt so inarticulate before, stumbling over her words and even letting out an awkward chuckle. “My name is Jian Yi. ‘Jian’ as in simple, ‘Yi’ as in radiant.”

The moment she said it, she felt a bit foolish. If Yun Xin knew Jian Jie, of course she’d know their shared surname.

“You and your brother look so alike.”

Her voice carried a cool yet gentle tone, devoid of any aloofness, and was incredibly pleasant to the ear. And when she spoke, there was always a faint smile on her face, which put Jian Yi at ease, making her expression relax naturally. “We’re twins. People at school have mistaken us before…”

Jian Yi and Jian Jie really were too alike, leading to plenty of mix-ups. Once, Jian Yi had even been cornered by one of Jian Jie’s ex-girlfriends at school and scolded mercilessly—the girl, in her fury, had mistaken Jian Yi for Jian Jie in a wig. It was both laughable and exasperating.

Still, Jian Yi was grateful to her parents for not making her look as rugged and masculine as a boy. Though, as a guy, Jian Jie was a bit too delicate and pretty for his own good.

“Is that so? Then you can go change into your uniform in the staff room first.” Yun Xin smiled again before lowering her head to continue grinding the coffee.

“Um…” Jian Yi hesitated for a long moment, unsure how to address her. After much internal debate, she blurted out two cringe-worthy words: “Boss, where’s the staff room?”

Boss? At first, Yun Xin didn’t react, but after a pause, she looked up at Jian Yi’s awkward expression. “The staff room is… I’ll take you there.”

Her hair was medium-length, slightly wavy, soft, and full of luster—clearly well-maintained on a daily basis. The black high-waisted skirt accentuated her well-proportioned figure. Following behind her, Jian Yi couldn’t help but think, She must be at least 170 cm tall. Her presence alone was stronger than Jian Yi and Jian Jie combined. Jian Yi truly couldn’t fathom where that brash kid had gotten the nerve to call her “sister-in-law.”

“We’re here.”

“Huh?” Jian Yi had been lost in thought. “…Thanks.”

Just as Jian Yi turned to push the door open, she heard a voice from behind add, “…Just call me Yun Xin.”

“Mm, I’m Jian Yi…” The words slipped out before she remembered she had already introduced herself earlier. Her smile turned awkward again.

For twins, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Watching Jian Yi’s wide-eyed expression, Yun Xin found herself inexplicably amused by her flustered state. With a light chuckle, she casually replied, “Yeah, you already mentioned that.”