After the Divorce, I Ended Up with My Ex-Husband’s "White Moonlight" [Transmigration] - Chapter 34

“Now?” Ning Qi pondered for a long moment. “I haven’t really thought about it.” She had never truly considered the questions of love and marriage; though these are the daydreams of most young women, Ning Qi had felt estranged from them since childhood.

Seeing a sudden shadow of sorrow cross her face, Qin Shi assumed the previous marriage had left a bitter taste in her mouth. Before she could offer comfort, Ning Qi looked up and laughed. “As for the future, I’ll let fate take the lead. Though, I must admit, I am curious.”

“Curious?”

“Exactly!” Ning Qi explained, perhaps rambling a bit to fill the silence. “After experiencing an unfortunate marriage, wouldn’t one naturally want to find something normal and happy? Is that so hard to understand?” She tilted her head, smiling at Qin Shi.

“It is not hard to understand,” Qin Shi replied. “Then… do you have someone in mind?”

This time, Ning Qi didn’t hesitate. “Of course not. I’ve never even been in love before.”

“Then do you want to be in love?” Qin Shi’s eyes flickered with satisfaction at the speed of the answer, and she pressed further.

“I do!” Ning Qi nodded. In her family of five, she was the only one without a partner. Every day back home, she was fed “dog food” (displays of affection) by her parents, her brother, and Sister Mu. Of course she wanted to experience romance for herself.

The Huo family’s backyard was deserted save for the two of them. A few dim lights flickered along the corridor of the small garden. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of grass and flowers. It was a world away from the bustling living room; here, it was quiet enough to hear the soft calls of night birds.

Suddenly, Ning Qi felt a strange tension. Why am I discussing this here with Qin Shi? Her mind raced. “Maybe we should—” Go back.

But Qin Shi interrupted her. “If you want to, then find someone to love.”

“Well…” Ning Qi scratched her head. Looking at Qin Shi’s deadpan, serious face while discussing the topic of “sweet romance” felt inexplicably surreal. “These things can’t be rushed. It’s not like you can find the right person the moment you decide to look.”

According to the original novel, Qin Shi had never been in love either. Right! Ning Qi recalled how Qin Shi’s ears had flushed red earlier from a simple joke. She was definitely a novice.

“Qin Shi, let me tell you—even though I’ve never been in love, I know that finding someone you have chemistry with, someone you actually get along with, is incredibly difficult. It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack—”

“Those are just theories,” Qin Shi said.

“Qin Shi,” Ning Qi sighed, her words cut off again. She looked Qin Shi up and down. “You’re acting very strange today.”

“Perhaps it is because I, too, wish to be in love,” Qin Shi said earnestly. Then, she asked, “So… would you like to try with me?”

Try how? Is falling in love supposed to be this casual? Ning Qi froze, looking up to find Qin Shi watching her in silence.

The thought of being with Qin Shi sent a jolt through her. Ning Qi was so startled she took two steps back.

“Is there anyone else here?” Qin Shi asked, frowning slightly.

At that, Ning Qi instinctively scanned their surroundings. Indeed, they were alone. She wondered when Qin Shi had developed feelings for the same sex. In her original assumptions, even if Qin Shi didn’t like Lu Mingze, she would eventually find a man. Though, in this world, same-sex marriage was perfectly legal.

“Do you think I am not good enough?” Qin Shi asked again.

“No, no!” Ning Qi waved her hands frantically. Even with her limited social experience, she knew Qin Shi was an extraordinary person. But she struggled to find the words. “Being a ‘good person’ doesn’t necessarily mean a relationship will work out, right?”

“You’ve never tried,” Qin Shi countered, clearly unconvinced. She added, “And neither have I.”

“Qin Shi, are you serious?” Ning Qi paused, her voice steadying. Qin Shi didn’t answer in words, but her gaze said everything.

“I—” Ning Qi opened her mouth, her voice barely a whisper. Just as she was about to answer, a voice rang out: “Miss Qin.”

Ning Qi turned to see a middle-aged woman, slightly plump, carrying several plants she had likely just uprooted, with fresh soil still clinging to them.

“Auntie Zhang,” Qin Shi greeted her, then turned to introduce her to Ning Qi.

“Hello!” Ning Qi replied quickly, wondering how long the woman had been standing there.

“And this is…”

“I’m Ning Qi,” she introduced herself hurriedly. “I’m Qin Shi’s friend. We came together to congratulate Young Master Jiang and Miss Huo.”

“Miss Ning,” Auntie Zhang looked from her to the living room. “Why not go inside? It’s windy out here.”

“I just wanted some fresh air,” Ning Qi smiled.

“Ah, I see.” Auntie Zhang turned back to Qin Shi. “Miss Qin, you and your friend continue your chat then.” She gestured to the plants. “I need to find a place for these to stay.”

“We… we’re actually finished talking,” Ning Qi said, a bit flustered. “Please, don’t mind us. We were just heading back in.”

Ning Qi walked away briskly. After a few steps, she looked back. Auntie Zhang was wandering deeper into the yard, but Qin Shi remained where she was. She stood perfectly still under the amber glow of the garden lights, looking strangely lonely.

This person just threw my heart into a chaotic race, yet she stays so calm while I’m a mess! And yet, Ning Qi realized she hated seeing Qin Shi look so somber.

With a sigh of resignation, Ning Qi ran back. “Qin Shi, the party isn’t over yet! We should go back in.” Finally, Qin Shi moved, offering a simple, “Okay.”

The Ride Home

“I was wondering where you two had disappeared to!” Huo Han met them in the living room, a knowing smile on her face.

“Just took a walk,” Qin Shi replied. Ning Qi only smiled, feeling a bit guilty—Huo Han treated Qin Shi like a sister, and here Ning Qi was, potentially “leading her astray.”

In the original book, Qin Shi had been a cold, ruthless woman who did everything to make Lu Mingze love her. Now, she was suggesting they “try” dating. Ning Qi wondered if something she had said had rewired Qin Shi’s brain.

“Well,” Huo Han said, noting Qin Shi’s usual stoic behavior. “I’m just glad you didn’t leave early today. I assume you’re taking Miss Ning home? In that case, you two should head out.”

“It’s alright,” Ning Qi interjected. “I can just call a taxi. My place isn’t far.”

“Nonsense,” Huo Han said, her eyes drifting between the two of them. They both seemed… different. But she decided to let Qin Shi handle her own affairs. “It’s late; taxis will be hard to find. Besides, didn’t you come together? I’m sure Xiao Shi doesn’t mind the trouble. If you feel bad about it…” Huo Han teased, “You can always prepare a gift for our Xiao Shi later.”

“Cousin Huo…” Qin Shi sighed, then turned to the silent Ning Qi. “Let’s go.”

“Actually, Qin Shi, you don’t have to listen to Miss Huo—”

“I’m not listening to her,” Qin Shi said. “It is only right.”

Was it “right” because they came together, or for some other reason? Ning Qi didn’t ask. She followed Qin Shi out.

She waited on the steps for a few minutes until Qin Shi pulled the car around. The window slid down, and Ning Qi climbed into the passenger seat. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to sit in the back, but Qin Shi had already opened the front door for her.

Once inside, Ning Qi buckled her seatbelt and promptly closed her eyes. She needed to think. Qin Shi didn’t disturb her; instead, she let out a soft, barely audible chuckle that Ning Qi missed.

Soft, ambient music filled the car. Ning Qi intended to organize her thoughts, but to her surprise, she fell asleep during the twenty-minute drive. When Qin Shi woke her, she felt like one of those people who can fall asleep the moment they touch a car seat.

“Are we here?” Ning Qi rubbed her eyes, voice thick with sleep.

“We are.” Qin Shi turned off the music and switched on the interior light. She turned to face her. “So, you’ve had the whole ride to think. What are your thoughts?”

My thought is: Qin Shi, please don’t sit so close to me! Ning Qi’s heart was hammering. It took a moment to find her voice. “Um, Qin Shi… do you want to experience the feeling of being in love, or do you actually want a girlfriend?”

She had never considered dating Qin Shi before, but now that the idea was out there, she looked at her differently. If she viewed Qin Shi as a potential girlfriend…

It actually seemed quite wonderful. A smile spread across Ning Qi’s face.

“Either is fine.”

“What does ‘either is fine’ mean?” Ning Qi pressed.

“You’ve already asked your question,” Qin Shi countered, refusing to elaborate.

Ning Qi smiled, steadying her nerves. “Alright then, Miss Qin Shi, what questions do you have for me?”

“Do you dislike me?” Qin Shi asked.

“Not at all!” Ning Qi shook her head. “I don’t dislike you at all.” In fact, Qin Shi was her favorite person in this world.

Qin Shi looked satisfied. “You have never been in love, and neither have I.”

“So… we could try dating once?” Ning Qi asked tentatively.

“Yes,” Qin Shi replied with absolute gravity.

Wow, finding a girlfriend is this easy? Ning Qi looked at Qin Shi and felt like she had just struck gold. If her family were here, they’d surely give her a thumbs up for her efficiency. However, she had one final question.

“Qin Shi, can I ask… if,” Ning Qi took a deep breath, “if everything goes well, how far do you intend for us to go?”

“To marriage,” Qin Shi answered, short and clear.