Chapter 331: Shorter Than an Ephemeral Bloom
Ning Qingyuan stopped with the water bucket, holding the packet of seeds in his arms, and looked at Ning Xiyue, who had just rushed past like a whirlwind, utterly baffled.
Realizing, he shouted, “Hey, little sister, where are you going? Don’t run so fast, slow down, be careful you don’t fall!”
“Back to the kitchen. Only the cabbage seeds in your hand haven’t been planted yet. Remember to plant them. The water’s already poured.”
Ning Xiyue didn’t even look back, responding as she ran toward the kitchen.
Just as she rounded a corner of the youth hostel, she saw two people standing as if in confrontation ahead. She had to slam on the brakes, quickly stopping and taking a few steps back.
Turning another corner, she bypassed them and ran toward Chen Yechu’s kitchen, grabbing Chen Yechu by the arm and swiftly pulling her outside.
Although this might make Tang Xiaohu feel awkward, better a short, sharp pain than a long one—stopping her in time was for the best.
“Xiyue, where are you pulling me to?” Chen Yechu asked in confusion as she followed Ning Xiyue’s lead.
“The new girl Tang Xiaohu just asked me whether Yu Zhiyu has a partner and what his personality is like. I just brushed her off and told her to ask him herself. Who knew she would actually take me seriously and immediately plan to go ask him?”
This girl really doesn’t hold anything back.
“When I came by, I saw the two of them on the road, standing far apart without saying anything. The atmosphere was tense. I was worried something might happen to the girl, and worried that Yu Zhiyu might falter, leaving you vulnerable.”
Ning Xiyue didn’t hide anything—while running, she briefly explained the situation to Chen Yechu so she’d be mentally prepared.
Hearing this, Chen Yechu froze for a second, realizing her suspicions were true. She sighed with admiration: “So she really has that intention. At lunch today, I saw her when she came forward to introduce herself—eight of every ten seconds, her eyes were on Zhiyu. I had my suspicions then, which proves my eye for this stuff isn’t bad.”
She smiled with pride, pleased with her good intuition.
“It’s not the time to be smiling. This isn’t just about intuition—someone is trying to poach your spot, and you don’t even know if your position is secure.”
Ning Xiyue gave her a helpless glance—truly, worrying about someone else’s business like a hyper-vigilant chaperone.
“Look, those two are still standing there.”
A minute and a bit later, they reached the kitchen’s side corner. The two people they had seen earlier were still there, unmoving, but the atmosphere had grown even more tense.
Tang Xiaohu kept her head down, while Yu Zhiyu’s expression was serious and unreadable.
“Stay here and wait for me. My position isn’t one just anyone can take,” Chen Yechu said, squeezing Ning Xiyue’s hand, and without hesitation walked straight toward the two at the corner.
Ning Xiyue, as an outsider, nodded—there was no need for her to approach. She crouched in the corner, finding a spot with a good view and listening position, eyes fixed ahead, ready to see if she could assist.
“This new comrade, what exactly do you want to ask? If you don’t speak, I’m leaving,” Yu Zhiyu said, a little exasperated. The new youth had suddenly run over to ask about mining recruitment, told him, and then kept blocking him to ask more. Half-hearted muttering, no real words—if not for the fact that she was new, he’d have walked off. His patience was running thin.
“I… I want to ask if you have a partner. If not, I’d like to pursue you, to be in a relationship with you—would that be okay?”
Tang Xiaohu’s words flowed more smoothly now, her courage building. Her voice grew louder, and she finally looked up, gazing at Yu Zhiyu seriously, speaking her heart openly.
She added confidently: “Of course, if you have a partner, just tell me honestly. Don’t lie. I’ll be fine, won’t pester you again, and we can pretend today never happened.”
After speaking, Tang Xiaohu cautiously looked at Yu Zhiyu’s face.
Ning Xiyue, crouched in the corner, listened and was impressed—even a little admiring. The girl had courage and, if she acted as she said, also enough reason and composure to let go if needed.
Chen Yechu, walking forward, heard this and found herself somewhat liking the girl—but someone encroaching on her “spot” was still unpleasant. She might need to step in if necessary.
Yu Zhiyu, the target of Tang Xiaohu’s words, was stunned. His eyes widened. He couldn’t comprehend why a new youth, only here a day, would suddenly say such outrageous things. He hadn’t even interacted directly with her—why would she suddenly…?
Confused, he held back his questions to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and instead answered Tang Xiaohu’s query seriously:
“I’m sorry if I did anything to give you the wrong impression. And you shouldn’t pursue me—I’ve already found the person I want to be with. It has to be her.”
Ning Xiyue in the corner: yue~
Eek—so cheesy!
She touched the goosebumps on her arms, hugged her system’s little turtle, and watched Chen Yechu’s reaction.
“Zhiyu.”
Chen Yechu’s eyes shone with joy, her face calm and smiling. She walked over gracefully and nodded politely to Tang Xiaohu.
At that, Yu Zhiyu’s expression brightened immediately, seeing Chen Yechu approaching, a delighted smile spreading across his face as his voice softened: “Yechu.”
Tang Xiaohu noticed the smile on his face, the clear affection in his eyes. She remembered Ning Xiyue’s advice: “Observe where his gaze lingers—you might find your answer.” Now she understood. She had her answer.
Indeed, it paid to listen to advice and observe carefully, not act impulsively. She must be the one Yu Zhiyu was looking for—how awkward!
Tang Xiaohu was nervous, fingers gripping her clothes, toes curling instinctively inside her shoes.
Chen Yechu reached Yu Zhiyu’s side, arm lightly looping his, smiling warmly at Tang Xiaohu and extending her right hand politely.
“Xiaohu, hello. I haven’t properly introduced myself—I’m Chen Yechu. I’m currently in a relationship with Zhiyu. We both came here last year as youth. Now we work in the mining team. If you ever need a meal ticket, feel free to ask me. Welcome to our youth hostel. From now on, we’ll be comrades, working side by side.”
Ning Xiyue: Key point: in a relationship.
Yu Zhiyu focused immediately, eyes blazing like torches, happy and surprised.
Tang Xiaohu, stunned by Chen Yechu’s words, suddenly felt her nervousness melt. She sensed her friendliness, smiled, and shook her hand back confidently.
“Hello, thank you for welcoming me. It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to working together.”
After speaking, Tang Xiaohu felt completely at ease, no longer embarrassed, and thought Chen Yechu seemed genuinely nice. Polite, kind, and warm.
No wonder Yu Zhiyu liked her—if she were a man, she’d like someone like Chen Yechu too.
Tang Xiaohu sincerely said to the two in front of her, “You two are very compatible—handsome and beautiful. I wish you happiness.”
“Thank you.”
Chen Yechu and Yu Zhiyu both smiled and said thanks.
“All right, I’ll go tidy up. There’s a lot left to organize,” Tang Xiaohu said, waving as she prepared to leave.
“Okay. If you need anything, come ask me. I know all about the house and furniture—feel free to ask,” Chen Yechu said sincerely.
“Thank you, I will.”
Tang Xiaohu took a deep breath, her heart suddenly light.
The sudden flutter of excitement had ended as quickly as it began.
It bloomed and faded in less than two hours—shorter than an ephemeral flower.
But she didn’t regret it. At least she had spoken up and stopped the situation in time. She knew it was easier to cut things off in the bud than after feelings had fully grown.
She was grateful to Ning Xiyue for advice, Yu Zhiyu for clear refusal, and Chen Yechu for her warm sincerity.
From now on, she would focus on her own life, ensuring she had enough to eat, just as Ning Xiyue advised.
At this moment, Tang Xiaohu finally understood: it wasn’t that Ning Xiyue hadn’t told her the answer—it was that every word she’d said had already given the final answer. She was in awe and needed to learn from Xiyue.
Meanwhile, Ning Xiyue, crouched in the corner, watched Chen Yechu and Yu Zhiyu in front of her, both wearing fond, auntie-like smiles.
Too sweet!
