The Goddess and the Ugly Duckling

Brief Reunion

When Xiaoya sat on the bus back to Nancheng, she truly felt as though she had been cut off from the outside world for ages.

She gave her all trying to hold back the burning warmth within her eyes.

The last time she planed to meet up with Lu Xiaobei she had dolled herself up meticulously and left to meet her with no care in the world. But now, even though she couldn't be described as being unkempt, she couldn't be said to be a ray of sunshine either.

The teacher stretched out their hand, and with no avenue of escape, Xiaoya could only hand over her phone.

Lu Xiaobei listened quietly, allowing her to vent the feelings on her heart.

Lu Xiaobei looked at her seriously, and Xiaoya unconsciously avoided her gaze. But unable to bear the pressure, she soon admitted it al honestly. "I dreamt that my mom kept going to your school and stuck posters up in bold, and because you couldn't take the pressure any more, you ended up breaking up with me."

With the exception of that month she had spent at winter camp with Lu Xiaobei, this was Xiaoya's first time living in a dormitory. And at Yunta High School, whether it was waking up every morning, eating a meal, washing clothes in the afternoon, or washing up in the evening each and every one of these tasks was like declaring war.

When the bus arrived at the station it was not yet eight. Xiaoya's was in no hurry to get off the bus. She saw her mother anxiously staring at the people debarking the bus, staring all the more intently whenever a young girl appeared, seeming to fear she would miss her.

With the exception of that month she had spent at winter camp with Lu Xiaobei, this was Xiaoya's first time living in a dormitory. And at Yunta High School, whether it was waking up every morning, eating a meal, washing clothes in the afternoon, or washing up in the evening each and every one of these tasks was like declaring war.

Lu Xiaobei looked at her seriously, and Xiaoya unconsciously avoided her gaze. But unable to bear the pressure, she soon admitted it al honestly. "I dreamt that my mom kept going to your school and stuck posters up in bold, and because you couldn't take the pressure any more, you ended up breaking up with me."

Xiaoya no longer disobeyed Lu Xiaobei, getting on the seven-thirty bus. But just as she wanted to sniffle, she saw Lu Xiaobei buying a ticket to go with her on the bus.

Xiaoya didn't know how best to explain it, so her words were almost incoherent. "No, it's not that... I'm not afraid of that... I just know my parents, they will never accept this, no matter who comes to explain it to them it'd all be useless... So what terrifies me is my mother saying some very bad things and leaving a really bad impression on your mom. Because after that even your family would be unwilling to let us stay together. I also... I also feel that I'm just so useless. If the one you were with wasn't me, they would have been an outstanding person just like you, and would've definitely figured out a way to handle this perfectly, just like you... I really hate that I'm like this. I hate that I'm holding you back..."

Xiaoya: "I only got two days off and I have to head back to Yunta Town straight after."

Lu Xiaobei said nothing further. As Xiaoya kept walking adown the stretch of road, she felt she may have said something wrong. Some things should really not be said. They had just reunited and now they had to say goodbye again.

The time given between the final afternoon session and lights out in the dorms was only half an hour. Each dorm room only had two shower heads despite having ten girls housed, so they were only allotted a measly five minutes of shower time each. Time which was no where near enough. What's more, the town this high school was located in was not comparable to Nancheng, meaning, the showers had no hot water. So in the washing room, students fought over the hot water there to mix with the water for their bath.

Lu Xiaobei sighed. "I figured it was something came up, so you don't need to apologise to me, okay? But this is the South Station, didn't you arrange to meet your mom at the northern one?"

Xiaoya still moved to tug on Lu Xiaobei's sleeve, feeling a bit resentful—a bit peeved. "Why are you always so concerned about others, huh?"

Sitting on the bus, Xiaoya pressed her nose against the window, staring at Lu Xiaobei who stood on the platform waving back at her.

So on the front leg, Xiaoya had been forced apart from her love, and on the back leg, she had been thrown into a completely strange environment so, of course, she was feeling troubled. Which was why when Lu Xiaobei saw her and teased that she resembled a little panda bear, Xiaoya, who was aware the shadow under her eyes were too dark, also didn't refute.

Cheng Kexin walked over to Xiaoya's bed, explaining, "I'm so sorry. I was outside and was about to come back in when I saw the teacher looking in through the window. She saw the other girl's were reading a novel and wanted to go in to confiscate it, so I had no choice but to let her in. I didn't know you were usng your phone.

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

Lu Xiaobei took Xiaoya's knapsack from her back, helping her carry it. The bag was light, causing Lu Xiaobei to ask curiously, "You're just taking this little?"

"Yeah, I report in next week." Lu Xiaobei didn't care much about her own matters, so she asked, "Do you want to go eat first, like a lot? I think you lost a lot of weight, so you're probably haven't been eating much at the school."

Xiaoya: "I only got two days off and I have to head back to Yunta Town straight after."

Xiaoya: What does any of that have to do with it?

"Yeah, I report in next week." Lu Xiaobei didn't care much about her own matters, so she asked, "Do you want to go eat first, like a lot? I think you lost a lot of weight, so you're probably haven't been eating much at the school."

Lu Xiaobei sighed. "I figured it was something came up, so you don't need to apologise to me, okay? But this is the South Station, didn't you arrange to meet your mom at the northern one?"

Lu Xiaobei said nothing further. As Xiaoya kept walking adown the stretch of road, she felt she may have said something wrong. Some things should really not be said. They had just reunited and now they had to say goodbye again.

Does her mother not love her?

Xiaoya tried to change the topic. "When are you starting university soon?"

N/A

The last time she planed to meet up with Lu Xiaobei she had dolled herself up meticulously and left to meet her with no care in the world. But now, even though she couldn't be described as being unkempt, she couldn't be said to be a ray of sunshine either.

The last time she planed to meet up with Lu Xiaobei she had dolled herself up meticulously and left to meet her with no care in the world. But now, even though she couldn't be described as being unkempt, she couldn't be said to be a ray of sunshine either.

So panting, Xiaoya now lugged the bag of fruits and snacks up to her dorm room. Yunta High was completed sealed off—it management militarized to a T. So even though the school does have a snack bar, it didn't have many snacks, let alone any fruits. Her mother had packed about a dozen large apples which were not exactly light to lift.

The environment at home was too oppressive. Even though Xiaoya and her mother hadn't quarrelled once, it would be better to say the two hadn't really spoken to one another at all. Apart from giving her thanks at dinner, Xiaoya's mother never asked her daughter about how she was at school, and Xiaoya, herself, had no desire to bring up any matter of her own volition.

"Yeah, I report in next week." Lu Xiaobei didn't care much about her own matters, so she asked, "Do you want to go eat first, like a lot? I think you lost a lot of weight, so you're probably haven't been eating much at the school."

In the end, Xiaoya and her roommates could only stare at one another with eyes full of tears.

Xiaoya suddenly stopped walking. "Captain, I'm sorry."

When the hour hand pointed to six, Lu Xiaobei finally spoke, "You need to get on the bus, if you don't get on this bus you won't make it to the north station in time for eight."

Xiaoya: "Really?"

Lu Xiaobei sighed. "I figured it was something came up, so you don't need to apologise to me, okay? But this is the South Station, didn't you arrange to meet your mom at the northern one?"

N/A

With the exception of that month she had spent at winter camp with Lu Xiaobei, this was Xiaoya's first time living in a dormitory. And at Yunta High School, whether it was waking up every morning, eating a meal, washing clothes in the afternoon, or washing up in the evening each and every one of these tasks was like declaring war.

At Xiaoya's unexpected sentence, Lu Xiaobei grew worried. "What?"

Lu Xiaobei stroked Xiaoya's hair gently. "Talking two buses like this means you're spending more than an hour on these trips. You must be tired."

Sitting on the bus, Xiaoya pressed her nose against the window, staring at Lu Xiaobei who stood on the platform waving back at her.

Lu Xiaobei: "Xiaoya, you don't need to be scared, I just wanted you to be okay. You don't have to worry, alright? Neither me nor anyone from my family will go to see your parents if you don't want us to."

Xiaoya really was immensely sorry. "My mom called my dorm yesterday. My dad went on a business trip and couldn't come pick me up. So she told me I had take the bus to the North Station and she would be waiting for me there. I don't think I can go out to eat with you. I can only stay about a half hour at most."

She said before she would no longer cry. She wanted to to become stronger. She wanted to no longer just hide behind others.

Xiaoya then fawningly kissed the corner of Lu Xiaobei's lips. They were seated in the back and close together too, so no one else would notice then on the bus.

Xiaoya: What does any of that have to do with it?

Sitting on the bus, Xiaoya pressed her nose against the window, staring at Lu Xiaobei who stood on the platform waving back at her.

Xiaoya no longer disobeyed Lu Xiaobei, getting on the seven-thirty bus. But just as she wanted to sniffle, she saw Lu Xiaobei buying a ticket to go with her on the bus.

Lu Xiaobei sighed. "I figured it was something came up, so you don't need to apologise to me, okay? But this is the South Station, didn't you arrange to meet your mom at the northern one?"

Sitting on the bus, Xiaoya pressed her nose against the window, staring at Lu Xiaobei who stood on the platform waving back at her.

So on the front leg, Xiaoya had been forced apart from her love, and on the back leg, she had been thrown into a completely strange environment so, of course, she was feeling troubled. Which was why when Lu Xiaobei saw her and teased that she resembled a little panda bear, Xiaoya, who was aware the shadow under her eyes were too dark, also didn't refute.

Xiaoya let out a sigh then a laugh. "So we can still be together for another half an hour?"

Lu Xiaobei sighed. "I figured it was something came up, so you don't need to apologise to me, okay? But this is the South Station, didn't you arrange to meet your mom at the northern one?"

Lu Xiaobei took Xiaoya's knapsack from her back, helping her carry it. The bag was light, causing Lu Xiaobei to ask curiously, "You're just taking this little?"

Xiaoya took hold of of Lu Xiaobei's wrist and leaned her head against her shoulder, mumbling, "I told my mom I would meet her at the North Station at eight and I'll be taking a bus there to go meet her later. I couldn't risk meeting up with you there because I was scared we'd be seen by her. But... I really, really, wanted to see you. Even though we talk with each other every day, I don't get to see you, I don't get to touch you, and I just couldn't take it any more.

Lu Xiaobei: "You knucklehead."

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

Lu Xiaobei: "I won't break up with you. Plus, your mom is not someone who would do that kind of thing."

So panting, Xiaoya now lugged the bag of fruits and snacks up to her dorm room. Yunta High was completed sealed off—it management militarized to a T. So even though the school does have a snack bar, it didn't have many snacks, let alone any fruits. Her mother had packed about a dozen large apples which were not exactly light to lift.

Lu Xiaobei: "Xiaoya, you don't need to be scared, I just wanted you to be okay. You don't have to worry, alright? Neither me nor anyone from my family will go to see your parents if you don't want us to."

Xiaoya: "Really?"

"Yeah, I report in next week." Lu Xiaobei didn't care much about her own matters, so she asked, "Do you want to go eat first, like a lot? I think you lost a lot of weight, so you're probably haven't been eating much at the school."

Lu Xiaobei stroked Xiaoya's hair gently. "Talking two buses like this means you're spending more than an hour on these trips. You must be tired."

N/A

Xiaoya: ???

Lu Xiaobei said nothing further. As Xiaoya kept walking adown the stretch of road, she felt she may have said something wrong. Some things should really not be said. They had just reunited and now they had to say goodbye again.

Xiaoya: "I only got two days off and I have to head back to Yunta Town straight after."

Looking back, Xiaoya saw the teacher on monitor duty.

Lu Xiaobei: "I won't break up with you. Plus, your mom is not someone who would do that kind of thing."

"But you can't help but have it affect you. So every day you think about it, and every night you dream about it." Lu Xiaobei caressed the dark circle under Xiaoya's eyes.

Xiaoya had her head against Lu Xiaobei's shoulder, so when she shook her head she resembled a small animal rubbing against it's master. "I'm not tired. And even if I'm a teensy bit tired, I'm also happy."

Lu Xiaobei: "I'll walk there with you. I'm the one who messed up in the first place."

Lu Xiaobei looked at her seriously, and Xiaoya unconsciously avoided her gaze. But unable to bear the pressure, she soon admitted it al honestly. "I dreamt that my mom kept going to your school and stuck posters up in bold, and because you couldn't take the pressure any more, you ended up breaking up with me."

When Xiaoya sat on the bus back to Nancheng, she truly felt as though she had been cut off from the outside world for ages.

No, she does love her. She loves her more than anyone else in the world.

Lu Xiaobei listened quietly, allowing her to vent the feelings on her heart.

Xiaoya and Lu Xiaobei didn't go anywhere, the two stood right there in the station, beside the station sign. Xiaoya went on to talk about the unreasonable rules at Yunta High, along with the students and the teachers, about who said what, with no rhyme or reason behind it, droning away.

The time given between the final afternoon session and lights out in the dorms was only half an hour. Each dorm room only had two shower heads despite having ten girls housed, so they were only allotted a measly five minutes of shower time each. Time which was no where near enough. What's more, the town this high school was located in was not comparable to Nancheng, meaning, the showers had no hot water. So in the washing room, students fought over the hot water there to mix with the water for their bath.

Xiaoya had her head against Lu Xiaobei's shoulder, so when she shook her head she resembled a small animal rubbing against it's master. "I'm not tired. And even if I'm a teensy bit tired, I'm also happy."

Xiaoya: "Really?"

At Xiaoya's unexpected sentence, Lu Xiaobei grew worried. "What?"

The teacher stretched out their hand, and with no avenue of escape, Xiaoya could only hand over her phone.

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

Xiaoya took hold of of Lu Xiaobei's wrist and leaned her head against her shoulder, mumbling, "I told my mom I would meet her at the North Station at eight and I'll be taking a bus there to go meet her later. I couldn't risk meeting up with you there because I was scared we'd be seen by her. But... I really, really, wanted to see you. Even though we talk with each other every day, I don't get to see you, I don't get to touch you, and I just couldn't take it any more.

Lu Xiaobei listened quietly, allowing her to vent the feelings on her heart.

Because the dorm room doors were all wooden, the school cut a small box the height of a person's head and installed a pane of glass to make it convenient for the teacher on duty to inspect the inside of the rooms fro the outside. As a result, if Xiaoya sat in the corner of her bunk and leaned against the wall, it became a dead zone, allowing her to play on her phone without having to hide.

After reading the comments below, she wrote a post for the recent updates and was planning to post it when she heard a knock erupt on the metal frame of her bed.

The last time she planed to meet up with Lu Xiaobei she had dolled herself up meticulously and left to meet her with no care in the world. But now, even though she couldn't be described as being unkempt, she couldn't be said to be a ray of sunshine either.

In addition to this, Xiaoya's father, who still knew nothing at all, was living a carefree life at home. On his way driving XIaoya back to school, he even did his best to advise his daughter, saying, "Your mother sent you to Yunta High for your own good. With stuff like that, it's always the girl who ends up getting the shot end of the stick. For that little hoodlum it'll just a momentary satisfaction, but you'll just be falling into a trap head first."

Lu Xiaobei and Xiaoya pushed and bickered with each other for a few seconds beside the driver until Lu Xiaobei said nothing further and directly lead Xiaoya by both hands to the second to last row of the bus.

When the hour hand pointed to six, Lu Xiaobei finally spoke, "You need to get on the bus, if you don't get on this bus you won't make it to the north station in time for eight."

So on the front leg, Xiaoya had been forced apart from her love, and on the back leg, she had been thrown into a completely strange environment so, of course, she was feeling troubled. Which was why when Lu Xiaobei saw her and teased that she resembled a little panda bear, Xiaoya, who was aware the shadow under her eyes were too dark, also didn't refute.

Lu Xiaobei: "So tell me, what happened in those nightmares?"

But Xiaoya hugged Lu Xiaobei, "I want to stay for a little while longer, I can just take the next bus."

No, she does love her. She loves her more than anyone else in the world.

Xiaoya suddenly stopped walking. "Captain, I'm sorry."

But Xiaoya hugged Lu Xiaobei, "I want to stay for a little while longer, I can just take the next bus."

Lu Xiaobei and Xiaoya pushed and bickered with each other for a few seconds beside the driver until Lu Xiaobei said nothing further and directly lead Xiaoya by both hands to the second to last row of the bus.

Lu Xiaobei: "Be good, don't be capricious. Your mom said she'll be waiting at the North Station, so if you're not on the first bus she'll definitely be worried."

The environment at home was too oppressive. Even though Xiaoya and her mother hadn't quarrelled once, it would be better to say the two hadn't really spoken to one another at all. Apart from giving her thanks at dinner, Xiaoya's mother never asked her daughter about how she was at school, and Xiaoya, herself, had no desire to bring up any matter of her own volition.

After Xiaoya sent Lu Xiaobei a message she had arrived safely, she scrolled through the forum and happened to come across the question she had replied to before "What's it like being friends with a goddess?"

After Xiaoya sent Lu Xiaobei a message she had arrived safely, she scrolled through the forum and happened to come across the question she had replied to before "What's it like being friends with a goddess?"

Xiaoya: ...

But Xiaoya hugged Lu Xiaobei, "I want to stay for a little while longer, I can just take the next bus."

Xiaoya still moved to tug on Lu Xiaobei's sleeve, feeling a bit resentful—a bit peeved. "Why are you always so concerned about others, huh?"

Lu Xiaobei listened quietly, allowing her to vent the feelings on her heart.

The time given between the final afternoon session and lights out in the dorms was only half an hour. Each dorm room only had two shower heads despite having ten girls housed, so they were only allotted a measly five minutes of shower time each. Time which was no where near enough. What's more, the town this high school was located in was not comparable to Nancheng, meaning, the showers had no hot water. So in the washing room, students fought over the hot water there to mix with the water for their bath.

Hugging her backpack, Xiaoya walked off the bus, calling out, "Mom."

Lu Xiaobei: "I'll walk there with you. I'm the one who messed up in the first place."

When Lu Xiaobei was done speaking, Xiaoya was shivering and her face was a few shades paler.

Xiaoya: "No, I was clearly the one who confessed to you first."

Xiaoya didn't know how best to explain it, so her words were almost incoherent. "No, it's not that... I'm not afraid of that... I just know my parents, they will never accept this, no matter who comes to explain it to them it'd all be useless... So what terrifies me is my mother saying some very bad things and leaving a really bad impression on your mom. Because after that even your family would be unwilling to let us stay together. I also... I also feel that I'm just so useless. If the one you were with wasn't me, they would have been an outstanding person just like you, and would've definitely figured out a way to handle this perfectly, just like you... I really hate that I'm like this. I hate that I'm holding you back..."

Xiaoya didn't know how best to explain it, so her words were almost incoherent. "No, it's not that... I'm not afraid of that... I just know my parents, they will never accept this, no matter who comes to explain it to them it'd all be useless... So what terrifies me is my mother saying some very bad things and leaving a really bad impression on your mom. Because after that even your family would be unwilling to let us stay together. I also... I also feel that I'm just so useless. If the one you were with wasn't me, they would have been an outstanding person just like you, and would've definitely figured out a way to handle this perfectly, just like you... I really hate that I'm like this. I hate that I'm holding you back..."

In addition to this, Xiaoya's father, who still knew nothing at all, was living a carefree life at home. On his way driving XIaoya back to school, he even did his best to advise his daughter, saying, "Your mother sent you to Yunta High for your own good. With stuff like that, it's always the girl who ends up getting the shot end of the stick. For that little hoodlum it'll just a momentary satisfaction, but you'll just be falling into a trap head first."

When Xiaoya got back to her room, a few of her roommates were huddled together reading a novel. After she greeted them, she put the stuff she brought into her cupboard then went straight for her bunk. Her bunk bed was against the corner where the hallway was located, and although others did not like that position Xiaoya found it all right.

After Xiaoya sent Lu Xiaobei a message she had arrived safely, she scrolled through the forum and happened to come across the question she had replied to before "What's it like being friends with a goddess?"

Lu Xiaobei: "You knucklehead."

When Xiaoya sat on the bus back to Nancheng, she truly felt as though she had been cut off from the outside world for ages.

In addition to this, Xiaoya's father, who still knew nothing at all, was living a carefree life at home. On his way driving XIaoya back to school, he even did his best to advise his daughter, saying, "Your mother sent you to Yunta High for your own good. With stuff like that, it's always the girl who ends up getting the shot end of the stick. For that little hoodlum it'll just a momentary satisfaction, but you'll just be falling into a trap head first."

When the hour hand pointed to six, Lu Xiaobei finally spoke, "You need to get on the bus, if you don't get on this bus you won't make it to the north station in time for eight."

Xiaoya no longer disobeyed Lu Xiaobei, getting on the seven-thirty bus. But just as she wanted to sniffle, she saw Lu Xiaobei buying a ticket to go with her on the bus.

Xiaoya: "I only got two days off and I have to head back to Yunta Town straight after."

At Xiaoya's unexpected sentence, Lu Xiaobei grew worried. "What?"

Lu Xiaobei took Xiaoya's knapsack from her back, helping her carry it. The bag was light, causing Lu Xiaobei to ask curiously, "You're just taking this little?"

Anyhow, unlike at home, at school, Xiaoya felt a lot more at ease despite the living conditions there being far from as good as those at her home. During her classes, Xiaoya could listen attentively, allowing her attention to be diverted for a short period of time, and at night there, she could use her phone to chat with Lu Xiaobei. If not for Lu Xiaobei's strictness about not allowing her to use the phone during the day, she would've taken the phone out with her.

Looking back, Xiaoya saw the teacher on monitor duty.

With the exception of that month she had spent at winter camp with Lu Xiaobei, this was Xiaoya's first time living in a dormitory. And at Yunta High School, whether it was waking up every morning, eating a meal, washing clothes in the afternoon, or washing up in the evening each and every one of these tasks was like declaring war.

The time given between the final afternoon session and lights out in the dorms was only half an hour. Each dorm room only had two shower heads despite having ten girls housed, so they were only allotted a measly five minutes of shower time each. Time which was no where near enough. What's more, the town this high school was located in was not comparable to Nancheng, meaning, the showers had no hot water. So in the washing room, students fought over the hot water there to mix with the water for their bath.

Xiaoya: ???

When Xiaoya got back to her room, a few of her roommates were huddled together reading a novel. After she greeted them, she put the stuff she brought into her cupboard then went straight for her bunk. Her bunk bed was against the corner where the hallway was located, and although others did not like that position Xiaoya found it all right.

Lu Xiaobei: "My mom has been in Shanghai recently and she won't be returning to the Netherlands until the middle of next month. I told her about us, about our situation, and she's willing to meet your parents and explain to them that nothing about this is something abnormal. There are many countries and regions where its all legal and recognised."

At Xiaoya's unexpected sentence, Lu Xiaobei grew worried. "What?"

After Xiaoya sent Lu Xiaobei a message she had arrived safely, she scrolled through the forum and happened to come across the question she had replied to before "What's it like being friends with a goddess?"

She said before she would no longer cry. She wanted to to become stronger. She wanted to no longer just hide behind others.

Scared and panicked, she pushed Lu Xiaobei off the bus. "You can't be thinking of meeting my mother, right? You shouldn't. I'm scared she might say something to you. I'm not kidding, I really am scared—scared to the point it's taken over all my nightmares."

At Xiaoya's unexpected sentence, Lu Xiaobei grew worried. "What?"

Scared and panicked, she pushed Lu Xiaobei off the bus. "You can't be thinking of meeting my mother, right? You shouldn't. I'm scared she might say something to you. I'm not kidding, I really am scared—scared to the point it's taken over all my nightmares."

The last time she planed to meet up with Lu Xiaobei she had dolled herself up meticulously and left to meet her with no care in the world. But now, even though she couldn't be described as being unkempt, she couldn't be said to be a ray of sunshine either.

Lu Xiaobei and Xiaoya pushed and bickered with each other for a few seconds beside the driver until Lu Xiaobei said nothing further and directly lead Xiaoya by both hands to the second to last row of the bus.

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

Lu Xiaobei looked at her seriously, and Xiaoya unconsciously avoided her gaze. But unable to bear the pressure, she soon admitted it al honestly. "I dreamt that my mom kept going to your school and stuck posters up in bold, and because you couldn't take the pressure any more, you ended up breaking up with me."

The time for their reunion was too short, and the days they spent together after classes were out back then now seemed like an age long passed. Lu Xiaobei comforted Xiaoya as much as she could, and the bus driver soon reminded her she needed to get off the bus.

Lu Xiaobei: "Be good, don't be capricious. Your mom said she'll be waiting at the North Station, so if you're not on the first bus she'll definitely be worried."

The last time she planed to meet up with Lu Xiaobei she had dolled herself up meticulously and left to meet her with no care in the world. But now, even though she couldn't be described as being unkempt, she couldn't be said to be a ray of sunshine either.

So panting, Xiaoya now lugged the bag of fruits and snacks up to her dorm room. Yunta High was completed sealed off—it management militarized to a T. So even though the school does have a snack bar, it didn't have many snacks, let alone any fruits. Her mother had packed about a dozen large apples which were not exactly light to lift.

Following the teacher's exit, Xiaoya asked confusedly, "when dd the teacher show up?"

Xiaoya suddenly stopped walking. "Captain, I'm sorry."

Xiaoya didn't make a fuss any more, but she was still visibly frightened. Seeing her like this, the frustration Lu Xiaobei felt earlier was now completely covered in heartache. "I just told the bus driver to find a place let me off right before it arrives at the North Station. So I won't be meeting your mom."

Scared and panicked, she pushed Lu Xiaobei off the bus. "You can't be thinking of meeting my mother, right? You shouldn't. I'm scared she might say something to you. I'm not kidding, I really am scared—scared to the point it's taken over all my nightmares."

Sitting on the bus, Xiaoya pressed her nose against the window, staring at Lu Xiaobei who stood on the platform waving back at her.

Lu Xiaobei and Xiaoya pushed and bickered with each other for a few seconds beside the driver until Lu Xiaobei said nothing further and directly lead Xiaoya by both hands to the second to last row of the bus.

But Xiaoya hugged Lu Xiaobei, "I want to stay for a little while longer, I can just take the next bus."

Xiaoya took hold of of Lu Xiaobei's wrist and leaned her head against her shoulder, mumbling, "I told my mom I would meet her at the North Station at eight and I'll be taking a bus there to go meet her later. I couldn't risk meeting up with you there because I was scared we'd be seen by her. But... I really, really, wanted to see you. Even though we talk with each other every day, I don't get to see you, I don't get to touch you, and I just couldn't take it any more.

Xiaoya: "Really?"

Xiaoya let out a sigh then a laugh. "So we can still be together for another half an hour?"

After Xiaoya sent Lu Xiaobei a message she had arrived safely, she scrolled through the forum and happened to come across the question she had replied to before "What's it like being friends with a goddess?"

She is just unwilling to to let her daughter walk a difficult road. Even though that road can also reach the end, it has many twists and turns, and it' filled with many thorns.

Lu Xiaobei: "Really."

Lu Xiaobei: "I won't break up with you. Plus, your mom is not someone who would do that kind of thing."

Xiaoya let out a sigh then a laugh. "So we can still be together for another half an hour?"

Lu Xiaobei: "So tell me, what happened in those nightmares?"

Lu Xiaobei took Xiaoya's knapsack from her back, helping her carry it. The bag was light, causing Lu Xiaobei to ask curiously, "You're just taking this little?"

In the end, Xiaoya and her roommates could only stare at one another with eyes full of tears.

◈◇◈

Cheng Kexin walked over to Xiaoya's bed, explaining, "I'm so sorry. I was outside and was about to come back in when I saw the teacher looking in through the window. She saw the other girl's were reading a novel and wanted to go in to confiscate it, so I had no choice but to let her in. I didn't know you were usng your phone.

Lu Xiaobei: "Be good, don't be capricious. Your mom said she'll be waiting at the North Station, so if you're not on the first bus she'll definitely be worried."

Xiaoya let out a sigh then a laugh. "So we can still be together for another half an hour?"

Lu Xiaobei pressed her forehead against Xiaoya's. "Yes, but you acting like that just cost us a minute."

Xiaoya: ???

Looking back, Xiaoya saw the teacher on monitor duty.

At Xiaoya's unexpected sentence, Lu Xiaobei grew worried. "What?"

In the end, Xiaoya and her roommates could only stare at one another with eyes full of tears.

Xiaoya: "No, I was clearly the one who confessed to you first."

Lu Xiaobei: "Really."

When the hour hand pointed to six, Lu Xiaobei finally spoke, "You need to get on the bus, if you don't get on this bus you won't make it to the north station in time for eight."

Xiaoya then fawningly kissed the corner of Lu Xiaobei's lips. They were seated in the back and close together too, so no one else would notice then on the bus.

Xiaoya: ???

Lu Xiaobei: "So tell me, what happened in those nightmares?"

◈◇◈

Hugging her backpack, Xiaoya walked off the bus, calling out, "Mom."

Xiaoya then fawningly kissed the corner of Lu Xiaobei's lips. They were seated in the back and close together too, so no one else would notice then on the bus.

"But you can't help but have it affect you. So every day you think about it, and every night you dream about it." Lu Xiaobei caressed the dark circle under Xiaoya's eyes.

Lu Xiaobei: "So tell me, what happened in those nightmares?"

Xiaoya: ...

Lu Xiaobei took Xiaoya's knapsack from her back, helping her carry it. The bag was light, causing Lu Xiaobei to ask curiously, "You're just taking this little?"

Following the teacher's exit, Xiaoya asked confusedly, "when dd the teacher show up?"

Xiaoya couldn't figure out if she preferred staying at school more, or at her home.

Xiaoya: "I only got two days off and I have to head back to Yunta Town straight after."

No, she does love her. She loves her more than anyone else in the world.

Lu Xiaobei sighed. "I figured it was something came up, so you don't need to apologise to me, okay? But this is the South Station, didn't you arrange to meet your mom at the northern one?"

Sitting on the bus, Xiaoya pressed her nose against the window, staring at Lu Xiaobei who stood on the platform waving back at her.

Lu Xiaobei looked at her seriously, and Xiaoya unconsciously avoided her gaze. But unable to bear the pressure, she soon admitted it al honestly. "I dreamt that my mom kept going to your school and stuck posters up in bold, and because you couldn't take the pressure any more, you ended up breaking up with me."

Xiaoya: "I know... I know it's just a dream too."

Lu Xiaobei: "I won't break up with you. Plus, your mom is not someone who would do that kind of thing."

No, she does love her. She loves her more than anyone else in the world.

Xiaoya: ???

Xiaoya still moved to tug on Lu Xiaobei's sleeve, feeling a bit resentful—a bit peeved. "Why are you always so concerned about others, huh?"

"Yeah, I report in next week." Lu Xiaobei didn't care much about her own matters, so she asked, "Do you want to go eat first, like a lot? I think you lost a lot of weight, so you're probably haven't been eating much at the school."

After reading the comments below, she wrote a post for the recent updates and was planning to post it when she heard a knock erupt on the metal frame of her bed.

Xiaoya: What does any of that have to do with it?

After reading the comments below, she wrote a post for the recent updates and was planning to post it when she heard a knock erupt on the metal frame of her bed.

Xiaoya: "I know... I know it's just a dream too."

Her father had returned from his business trip on Saturday, so he drove her straight back to Yunta High on Sunday. When she bid her parents farewell while carrying two big bags of snacks, she had undoubtedly felt relieved.

So on the front leg, Xiaoya had been forced apart from her love, and on the back leg, she had been thrown into a completely strange environment so, of course, she was feeling troubled. Which was why when Lu Xiaobei saw her and teased that she resembled a little panda bear, Xiaoya, who was aware the shadow under her eyes were too dark, also didn't refute.

Hugging her backpack, Xiaoya walked off the bus, calling out, "Mom."

Lu Xiaobei stroked Xiaoya's hair gently. "Talking two buses like this means you're spending more than an hour on these trips. You must be tired."

Anyhow, unlike at home, at school, Xiaoya felt a lot more at ease despite the living conditions there being far from as good as those at her home. During her classes, Xiaoya could listen attentively, allowing her attention to be diverted for a short period of time, and at night there, she could use her phone to chat with Lu Xiaobei. If not for Lu Xiaobei's strictness about not allowing her to use the phone during the day, she would've taken the phone out with her.

Lu Xiaobei: "My mom has been in Shanghai recently and she won't be returning to the Netherlands until the middle of next month. I told her about us, about our situation, and she's willing to meet your parents and explain to them that nothing about this is something abnormal. There are many countries and regions where its all legal and recognised."

N/A

"But you can't help but have it affect you. So every day you think about it, and every night you dream about it." Lu Xiaobei caressed the dark circle under Xiaoya's eyes.

Lu Xiaobei pressed her forehead against Xiaoya's. "Yes, but you acting like that just cost us a minute."

Lu Xiaobei: "So tell me, what happened in those nightmares?"

Lu Xiaobei: "Be good, don't be capricious. Your mom said she'll be waiting at the North Station, so if you're not on the first bus she'll definitely be worried."

Hugging her backpack, Xiaoya walked off the bus, calling out, "Mom."

The environment at home was too oppressive. Even though Xiaoya and her mother hadn't quarrelled once, it would be better to say the two hadn't really spoken to one another at all. Apart from giving her thanks at dinner, Xiaoya's mother never asked her daughter about how she was at school, and Xiaoya, herself, had no desire to bring up any matter of her own volition.

"But you can't help but have it affect you. So every day you think about it, and every night you dream about it." Lu Xiaobei caressed the dark circle under Xiaoya's eyes.

Xiaoya no longer disobeyed Lu Xiaobei, getting on the seven-thirty bus. But just as she wanted to sniffle, she saw Lu Xiaobei buying a ticket to go with her on the bus.

Lu Xiaobei: "My mom has been in Shanghai recently and she won't be returning to the Netherlands until the middle of next month. I told her about us, about our situation, and she's willing to meet your parents and explain to them that nothing about this is something abnormal. There are many countries and regions where its all legal and recognised."

Xiaoya: ...

She gave her all trying to hold back the burning warmth within her eyes.

Xiaoya tried to change the topic. "When are you starting university soon?"

When Lu Xiaobei was done speaking, Xiaoya was shivering and her face was a few shades paler.

Xiaoya: "Really?"

Brief Reunion

Brief Reunion

The time for their reunion was too short, and the days they spent together after classes were out back then now seemed like an age long passed. Lu Xiaobei comforted Xiaoya as much as she could, and the bus driver soon reminded her she needed to get off the bus.

When Lu Xiaobei was done speaking, Xiaoya was shivering and her face was a few shades paler.

Lu Xiaobei said nothing further. As Xiaoya kept walking adown the stretch of road, she felt she may have said something wrong. Some things should really not be said. They had just reunited and now they had to say goodbye again.

Anyhow, unlike at home, at school, Xiaoya felt a lot more at ease despite the living conditions there being far from as good as those at her home. During her classes, Xiaoya could listen attentively, allowing her attention to be diverted for a short period of time, and at night there, she could use her phone to chat with Lu Xiaobei. If not for Lu Xiaobei's strictness about not allowing her to use the phone during the day, she would've taken the phone out with her.

Lu Xiaobei: "Xiaoya, you don't need to be scared, I just wanted you to be okay. You don't have to worry, alright? Neither me nor anyone from my family will go to see your parents if you don't want us to."

Xiaoya still moved to tug on Lu Xiaobei's sleeve, feeling a bit resentful—a bit peeved. "Why are you always so concerned about others, huh?"

She gave her all trying to hold back the burning warmth within her eyes.

In addition to this, Xiaoya's father, who still knew nothing at all, was living a carefree life at home. On his way driving XIaoya back to school, he even did his best to advise his daughter, saying, "Your mother sent you to Yunta High for your own good. With stuff like that, it's always the girl who ends up getting the shot end of the stick. For that little hoodlum it'll just a momentary satisfaction, but you'll just be falling into a trap head first."

Xiaoya: "Really?"

Xiaoya didn't know how best to explain it, so her words were almost incoherent. "No, it's not that... I'm not afraid of that... I just know my parents, they will never accept this, no matter who comes to explain it to them it'd all be useless... So what terrifies me is my mother saying some very bad things and leaving a really bad impression on your mom. Because after that even your family would be unwilling to let us stay together. I also... I also feel that I'm just so useless. If the one you were with wasn't me, they would have been an outstanding person just like you, and would've definitely figured out a way to handle this perfectly, just like you... I really hate that I'm like this. I hate that I'm holding you back..."

Lu Xiaobei looked at her seriously, and Xiaoya unconsciously avoided her gaze. But unable to bear the pressure, she soon admitted it al honestly. "I dreamt that my mom kept going to your school and stuck posters up in bold, and because you couldn't take the pressure any more, you ended up breaking up with me."

Xiaoya couldn't figure out if she preferred staying at school more, or at her home.

Xiaoya didn't know how best to explain it, so her words were almost incoherent. "No, it's not that... I'm not afraid of that... I just know my parents, they will never accept this, no matter who comes to explain it to them it'd all be useless... So what terrifies me is my mother saying some very bad things and leaving a really bad impression on your mom. Because after that even your family would be unwilling to let us stay together. I also... I also feel that I'm just so useless. If the one you were with wasn't me, they would have been an outstanding person just like you, and would've definitely figured out a way to handle this perfectly, just like you... I really hate that I'm like this. I hate that I'm holding you back..."

Following the teacher's exit, Xiaoya asked confusedly, "when dd the teacher show up?"

When Xiaoya got back to her room, a few of her roommates were huddled together reading a novel. After she greeted them, she put the stuff she brought into her cupboard then went straight for her bunk. Her bunk bed was against the corner where the hallway was located, and although others did not like that position Xiaoya found it all right.

Xiaoya had her head against Lu Xiaobei's shoulder, so when she shook her head she resembled a small animal rubbing against it's master. "I'm not tired. And even if I'm a teensy bit tired, I'm also happy."

Xiaoya tried to change the topic. "When are you starting university soon?"

"Yeah, I report in next week." Lu Xiaobei didn't care much about her own matters, so she asked, "Do you want to go eat first, like a lot? I think you lost a lot of weight, so you're probably haven't been eating much at the school."

The time for their reunion was too short, and the days they spent together after classes were out back then now seemed like an age long passed. Lu Xiaobei comforted Xiaoya as much as she could, and the bus driver soon reminded her she needed to get off the bus.

Xiaoya tried to change the topic. "When are you starting university soon?"

When Xiaoya sat on the bus back to Nancheng, she truly felt as though she had been cut off from the outside world for ages.

Xiaoya still moved to tug on Lu Xiaobei's sleeve, feeling a bit resentful—a bit peeved. "Why are you always so concerned about others, huh?"

Brief Reunion

Lu Xiaobei looked at her seriously, and Xiaoya unconsciously avoided her gaze. But unable to bear the pressure, she soon admitted it al honestly. "I dreamt that my mom kept going to your school and stuck posters up in bold, and because you couldn't take the pressure any more, you ended up breaking up with me."

Sitting on the bus, Xiaoya pressed her nose against the window, staring at Lu Xiaobei who stood on the platform waving back at her.

In addition to this, Xiaoya's father, who still knew nothing at all, was living a carefree life at home. On his way driving XIaoya back to school, he even did his best to advise his daughter, saying, "Your mother sent you to Yunta High for your own good. With stuff like that, it's always the girl who ends up getting the shot end of the stick. For that little hoodlum it'll just a momentary satisfaction, but you'll just be falling into a trap head first."

She gave her all trying to hold back the burning warmth within her eyes.

With the exception of that month she had spent at winter camp with Lu Xiaobei, this was Xiaoya's first time living in a dormitory. And at Yunta High School, whether it was waking up every morning, eating a meal, washing clothes in the afternoon, or washing up in the evening each and every one of these tasks was like declaring war.

Lu Xiaobei stroked Xiaoya's hair gently. "Talking two buses like this means you're spending more than an hour on these trips. You must be tired."

When Xiaoya got back to her room, a few of her roommates were huddled together reading a novel. After she greeted them, she put the stuff she brought into her cupboard then went straight for her bunk. Her bunk bed was against the corner where the hallway was located, and although others did not like that position Xiaoya found it all right.

She said before she would no longer cry. She wanted to to become stronger. She wanted to no longer just hide behind others.

Hugging her backpack, Xiaoya walked off the bus, calling out, "Mom."

In the end, Xiaoya and her roommates could only stare at one another with eyes full of tears.

Xiaoya still moved to tug on Lu Xiaobei's sleeve, feeling a bit resentful—a bit peeved. "Why are you always so concerned about others, huh?"

When the bus arrived at the station it was not yet eight. Xiaoya's was in no hurry to get off the bus. She saw her mother anxiously staring at the people debarking the bus, staring all the more intently whenever a young girl appeared, seeming to fear she would miss her.

Xiaoya suddenly stopped walking. "Captain, I'm sorry."

Xiaoya: "I know... I know it's just a dream too."

Lu Xiaobei: "So tell me, what happened in those nightmares?"

After Xiaoya sent Lu Xiaobei a message she had arrived safely, she scrolled through the forum and happened to come across the question she had replied to before "What's it like being friends with a goddess?"

Lu Xiaobei: "I won't break up with you. Plus, your mom is not someone who would do that kind of thing."

Xiaoya: "Really?"

Xiaoya: ???

Does her mother not love her?

Xiaoya didn't make a fuss any more, but she was still visibly frightened. Seeing her like this, the frustration Lu Xiaobei felt earlier was now completely covered in heartache. "I just told the bus driver to find a place let me off right before it arrives at the North Station. So I won't be meeting your mom."

When the bus arrived at the station it was not yet eight. Xiaoya's was in no hurry to get off the bus. She saw her mother anxiously staring at the people debarking the bus, staring all the more intently whenever a young girl appeared, seeming to fear she would miss her.

Sitting on the bus, Xiaoya pressed her nose against the window, staring at Lu Xiaobei who stood on the platform waving back at her.

Lu Xiaobei pressed her forehead against Xiaoya's. "Yes, but you acting like that just cost us a minute."

Lu Xiaobei stroked Xiaoya's hair gently. "Talking two buses like this means you're spending more than an hour on these trips. You must be tired."

No, she does love her. She loves her more than anyone else in the world.

But Xiaoya hugged Lu Xiaobei, "I want to stay for a little while longer, I can just take the next bus."

She is just unwilling to to let her daughter walk a difficult road. Even though that road can also reach the end, it has many twists and turns, and it' filled with many thorns.

"But you can't help but have it affect you. So every day you think about it, and every night you dream about it." Lu Xiaobei caressed the dark circle under Xiaoya's eyes.

Hugging her backpack, Xiaoya walked off the bus, calling out, "Mom."

Anyhow, unlike at home, at school, Xiaoya felt a lot more at ease despite the living conditions there being far from as good as those at her home. During her classes, Xiaoya could listen attentively, allowing her attention to be diverted for a short period of time, and at night there, she could use her phone to chat with Lu Xiaobei. If not for Lu Xiaobei's strictness about not allowing her to use the phone during the day, she would've taken the phone out with her.

Following the teacher's exit, Xiaoya asked confusedly, "when dd the teacher show up?"

Her father had returned from his business trip on Saturday, so he drove her straight back to Yunta High on Sunday. When she bid her parents farewell while carrying two big bags of snacks, she had undoubtedly felt relieved.

When Xiaoya sat on the bus back to Nancheng, she truly felt as though she had been cut off from the outside world for ages.

Looking back, Xiaoya saw the teacher on monitor duty.

Xiaoya couldn't figure out if she preferred staying at school more, or at her home.

Xiaoya and Lu Xiaobei didn't go anywhere, the two stood right there in the station, beside the station sign. Xiaoya went on to talk about the unreasonable rules at Yunta High, along with the students and the teachers, about who said what, with no rhyme or reason behind it, droning away.

Xiaoya: "I only got two days off and I have to head back to Yunta Town straight after."

When the hour hand pointed to six, Lu Xiaobei finally spoke, "You need to get on the bus, if you don't get on this bus you won't make it to the north station in time for eight."

No, she does love her. She loves her more than anyone else in the world.

Lu Xiaobei: "My mom has been in Shanghai recently and she won't be returning to the Netherlands until the middle of next month. I told her about us, about our situation, and she's willing to meet your parents and explain to them that nothing about this is something abnormal. There are many countries and regions where its all legal and recognised."

Her father had returned from his business trip on Saturday, so he drove her straight back to Yunta High on Sunday. When she bid her parents farewell while carrying two big bags of snacks, she had undoubtedly felt relieved.

She is just unwilling to to let her daughter walk a difficult road. Even though that road can also reach the end, it has many twists and turns, and it' filled with many thorns.

Xiaoya and Lu Xiaobei didn't go anywhere, the two stood right there in the station, beside the station sign. Xiaoya went on to talk about the unreasonable rules at Yunta High, along with the students and the teachers, about who said what, with no rhyme or reason behind it, droning away.

"Yeah, I report in next week." Lu Xiaobei didn't care much about her own matters, so she asked, "Do you want to go eat first, like a lot? I think you lost a lot of weight, so you're probably haven't been eating much at the school."

Lu Xiaobei: "I won't break up with you. Plus, your mom is not someone who would do that kind of thing."

Xiaoya had her head against Lu Xiaobei's shoulder, so when she shook her head she resembled a small animal rubbing against it's master. "I'm not tired. And even if I'm a teensy bit tired, I'm also happy."

The environment at home was too oppressive. Even though Xiaoya and her mother hadn't quarrelled once, it would be better to say the two hadn't really spoken to one another at all. Apart from giving her thanks at dinner, Xiaoya's mother never asked her daughter about how she was at school, and Xiaoya, herself, had no desire to bring up any matter of her own volition.

After reading the comments below, she wrote a post for the recent updates and was planning to post it when she heard a knock erupt on the metal frame of her bed.

In the end, Xiaoya and her roommates could only stare at one another with eyes full of tears.

Xiaoya still moved to tug on Lu Xiaobei's sleeve, feeling a bit resentful—a bit peeved. "Why are you always so concerned about others, huh?"

In addition to this, Xiaoya's father, who still knew nothing at all, was living a carefree life at home. On his way driving XIaoya back to school, he even did his best to advise his daughter, saying, "Your mother sent you to Yunta High for your own good. With stuff like that, it's always the girl who ends up getting the shot end of the stick. For that little hoodlum it'll just a momentary satisfaction, but you'll just be falling into a trap head first."

Xiaoya took hold of of Lu Xiaobei's wrist and leaned her head against her shoulder, mumbling, "I told my mom I would meet her at the North Station at eight and I'll be taking a bus there to go meet her later. I couldn't risk meeting up with you there because I was scared we'd be seen by her. But... I really, really, wanted to see you. Even though we talk with each other every day, I don't get to see you, I don't get to touch you, and I just couldn't take it any more.

Xiaoya: What does any of that have to do with it?

Lu Xiaobei: "Xiaoya, you don't need to be scared, I just wanted you to be okay. You don't have to worry, alright? Neither me nor anyone from my family will go to see your parents if you don't want us to."

Xiaoya had her head against Lu Xiaobei's shoulder, so when she shook her head she resembled a small animal rubbing against it's master. "I'm not tired. And even if I'm a teensy bit tired, I'm also happy."

Xiaoya: "I know... I know it's just a dream too."

Anyhow, unlike at home, at school, Xiaoya felt a lot more at ease despite the living conditions there being far from as good as those at her home. During her classes, Xiaoya could listen attentively, allowing her attention to be diverted for a short period of time, and at night there, she could use her phone to chat with Lu Xiaobei. If not for Lu Xiaobei's strictness about not allowing her to use the phone during the day, she would've taken the phone out with her.

Xiaoya: "No, I was clearly the one who confessed to you first."

"But you can't help but have it affect you. So every day you think about it, and every night you dream about it." Lu Xiaobei caressed the dark circle under Xiaoya's eyes.

Lu Xiaobei stroked Xiaoya's hair gently. "Talking two buses like this means you're spending more than an hour on these trips. You must be tired."

The environment at home was too oppressive. Even though Xiaoya and her mother hadn't quarrelled once, it would be better to say the two hadn't really spoken to one another at all. Apart from giving her thanks at dinner, Xiaoya's mother never asked her daughter about how she was at school, and Xiaoya, herself, had no desire to bring up any matter of her own volition.

Xiaoya took hold of of Lu Xiaobei's wrist and leaned her head against her shoulder, mumbling, "I told my mom I would meet her at the North Station at eight and I'll be taking a bus there to go meet her later. I couldn't risk meeting up with you there because I was scared we'd be seen by her. But... I really, really, wanted to see you. Even though we talk with each other every day, I don't get to see you, I don't get to touch you, and I just couldn't take it any more.

Xiaoya tried to change the topic. "When are you starting university soon?"

In the end, Xiaoya and her roommates could only stare at one another with eyes full of tears.

So panting, Xiaoya now lugged the bag of fruits and snacks up to her dorm room. Yunta High was completed sealed off—it management militarized to a T. So even though the school does have a snack bar, it didn't have many snacks, let alone any fruits. Her mother had packed about a dozen large apples which were not exactly light to lift.

Looking back, Xiaoya saw the teacher on monitor duty.

When Xiaoya got back to her room, a few of her roommates were huddled together reading a novel. After she greeted them, she put the stuff she brought into her cupboard then went straight for her bunk. Her bunk bed was against the corner where the hallway was located, and although others did not like that position Xiaoya found it all right.

The time for their reunion was too short, and the days they spent together after classes were out back then now seemed like an age long passed. Lu Xiaobei comforted Xiaoya as much as she could, and the bus driver soon reminded her she needed to get off the bus.

After reading the comments below, she wrote a post for the recent updates and was planning to post it when she heard a knock erupt on the metal frame of her bed.

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

Because the dorm room doors were all wooden, the school cut a small box the height of a person's head and installed a pane of glass to make it convenient for the teacher on duty to inspect the inside of the rooms fro the outside. As a result, if Xiaoya sat in the corner of her bunk and leaned against the wall, it became a dead zone, allowing her to play on her phone without having to hide.

Lu Xiaobei said nothing further. As Xiaoya kept walking adown the stretch of road, she felt she may have said something wrong. Some things should really not be said. They had just reunited and now they had to say goodbye again.

After Xiaoya sent Lu Xiaobei a message she had arrived safely, she scrolled through the forum and happened to come across the question she had replied to before "What's it like being friends with a goddess?"

Lu Xiaobei: "My mom has been in Shanghai recently and she won't be returning to the Netherlands until the middle of next month. I told her about us, about our situation, and she's willing to meet your parents and explain to them that nothing about this is something abnormal. There are many countries and regions where its all legal and recognised."

Xiaoya then fawningly kissed the corner of Lu Xiaobei's lips. They were seated in the back and close together too, so no one else would notice then on the bus.

Lu Xiaobei: "My mom has been in Shanghai recently and she won't be returning to the Netherlands until the middle of next month. I told her about us, about our situation, and she's willing to meet your parents and explain to them that nothing about this is something abnormal. There are many countries and regions where its all legal and recognised."

Xiaoya really was immensely sorry. "My mom called my dorm yesterday. My dad went on a business trip and couldn't come pick me up. So she told me I had take the bus to the North Station and she would be waiting for me there. I don't think I can go out to eat with you. I can only stay about a half hour at most."

When Xiaoya got back to her room, a few of her roommates were huddled together reading a novel. After she greeted them, she put the stuff she brought into her cupboard then went straight for her bunk. Her bunk bed was against the corner where the hallway was located, and although others did not like that position Xiaoya found it all right.

After reading the comments below, she wrote a post for the recent updates and was planning to post it when she heard a knock erupt on the metal frame of her bed.

Xiaoya really was immensely sorry. "My mom called my dorm yesterday. My dad went on a business trip and couldn't come pick me up. So she told me I had take the bus to the North Station and she would be waiting for me there. I don't think I can go out to eat with you. I can only stay about a half hour at most."

Xiaoya didn't make a fuss any more, but she was still visibly frightened. Seeing her like this, the frustration Lu Xiaobei felt earlier was now completely covered in heartache. "I just told the bus driver to find a place let me off right before it arrives at the North Station. So I won't be meeting your mom."

Xiaoya didn't know how best to explain it, so her words were almost incoherent. "No, it's not that... I'm not afraid of that... I just know my parents, they will never accept this, no matter who comes to explain it to them it'd all be useless... So what terrifies me is my mother saying some very bad things and leaving a really bad impression on your mom. Because after that even your family would be unwilling to let us stay together. I also... I also feel that I'm just so useless. If the one you were with wasn't me, they would have been an outstanding person just like you, and would've definitely figured out a way to handle this perfectly, just like you... I really hate that I'm like this. I hate that I'm holding you back..."

Looking back, Xiaoya saw the teacher on monitor duty.

Lu Xiaobei: "Be good, don't be capricious. Your mom said she'll be waiting at the North Station, so if you're not on the first bus she'll definitely be worried."

Xiaoya: ???

Xiaoya no longer disobeyed Lu Xiaobei, getting on the seven-thirty bus. But just as she wanted to sniffle, she saw Lu Xiaobei buying a ticket to go with her on the bus.

Lu Xiaobei: "I'll walk there with you. I'm the one who messed up in the first place."

Xiaoya took hold of of Lu Xiaobei's wrist and leaned her head against her shoulder, mumbling, "I told my mom I would meet her at the North Station at eight and I'll be taking a bus there to go meet her later. I couldn't risk meeting up with you there because I was scared we'd be seen by her. But... I really, really, wanted to see you. Even though we talk with each other every day, I don't get to see you, I don't get to touch you, and I just couldn't take it any more.

Lu Xiaobei: "So tell me, what happened in those nightmares?"

Xiaoya suddenly stopped walking. "Captain, I'm sorry."

She said before she would no longer cry. She wanted to to become stronger. She wanted to no longer just hide behind others.

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

The teacher stretched out their hand, and with no avenue of escape, Xiaoya could only hand over her phone.

Xiaoya couldn't figure out if she preferred staying at school more, or at her home.

When the bus arrived at the station it was not yet eight. Xiaoya's was in no hurry to get off the bus. She saw her mother anxiously staring at the people debarking the bus, staring all the more intently whenever a young girl appeared, seeming to fear she would miss her.

When Lu Xiaobei was done speaking, Xiaoya was shivering and her face was a few shades paler.

Following the teacher's exit, Xiaoya asked confusedly, "when dd the teacher show up?"

Xiaoya had her head against Lu Xiaobei's shoulder, so when she shook her head she resembled a small animal rubbing against it's master. "I'm not tired. And even if I'm a teensy bit tired, I'm also happy."

Following the teacher's exit, Xiaoya asked confusedly, "when dd the teacher show up?"

Xiaoya then fawningly kissed the corner of Lu Xiaobei's lips. They were seated in the back and close together too, so no one else would notice then on the bus.

Xiaoya: ...

Xiaoya: "I only got two days off and I have to head back to Yunta Town straight after."

The last time she planed to meet up with Lu Xiaobei she had dolled herself up meticulously and left to meet her with no care in the world. But now, even though she couldn't be described as being unkempt, she couldn't be said to be a ray of sunshine either.

Xiaoya tried to change the topic. "When are you starting university soon?"

Cheng Kexin walked over to Xiaoya's bed, explaining, "I'm so sorry. I was outside and was about to come back in when I saw the teacher looking in through the window. She saw the other girl's were reading a novel and wanted to go in to confiscate it, so I had no choice but to let her in. I didn't know you were usng your phone.

After Xiaoya sent Lu Xiaobei a message she had arrived safely, she scrolled through the forum and happened to come across the question she had replied to before "What's it like being friends with a goddess?"

So on the front leg, Xiaoya had been forced apart from her love, and on the back leg, she had been thrown into a completely strange environment so, of course, she was feeling troubled. Which was why when Lu Xiaobei saw her and teased that she resembled a little panda bear, Xiaoya, who was aware the shadow under her eyes were too dark, also didn't refute.

Lu Xiaobei: "So tell me, what happened in those nightmares?"

In addition to this, Xiaoya's father, who still knew nothing at all, was living a carefree life at home. On his way driving XIaoya back to school, he even did his best to advise his daughter, saying, "Your mother sent you to Yunta High for your own good. With stuff like that, it's always the girl who ends up getting the shot end of the stick. For that little hoodlum it'll just a momentary satisfaction, but you'll just be falling into a trap head first."

Anyhow, unlike at home, at school, Xiaoya felt a lot more at ease despite the living conditions there being far from as good as those at her home. During her classes, Xiaoya could listen attentively, allowing her attention to be diverted for a short period of time, and at night there, she could use her phone to chat with Lu Xiaobei. If not for Lu Xiaobei's strictness about not allowing her to use the phone during the day, she would've taken the phone out with her.

When the hour hand pointed to six, Lu Xiaobei finally spoke, "You need to get on the bus, if you don't get on this bus you won't make it to the north station in time for eight."

She is just unwilling to to let her daughter walk a difficult road. Even though that road can also reach the end, it has many twists and turns, and it' filled with many thorns.

In the end, Xiaoya and her roommates could only stare at one another with eyes full of tears.

Xiaoya had her head against Lu Xiaobei's shoulder, so when she shook her head she resembled a small animal rubbing against it's master. "I'm not tired. And even if I'm a teensy bit tired, I'm also happy."

Xiaoya: What does any of that have to do with it?

Lu Xiaobei then said: "Can you please listen to what I have to say."

When the bus arrived at the station it was not yet eight. Xiaoya's was in no hurry to get off the bus. She saw her mother anxiously staring at the people debarking the bus, staring all the more intently whenever a young girl appeared, seeming to fear she would miss her.

Xiaoya: "Really?"

Xiaoya really was immensely sorry. "My mom called my dorm yesterday. My dad went on a business trip and couldn't come pick me up. So she told me I had take the bus to the North Station and she would be waiting for me there. I don't think I can go out to eat with you. I can only stay about a half hour at most."

Lu Xiaobei and Xiaoya pushed and bickered with each other for a few seconds beside the driver until Lu Xiaobei said nothing further and directly lead Xiaoya by both hands to the second to last row of the bus.