Distance Formula - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

After Bai Biqing and Su Yanshi made arrangements, neither of them expected the outing to become a group of four.

Su Shang insisted on joining, and Hu Liyang happened to run into them and asked to come along. Thus, the four formed a group. Since two of them were quite famous, they were wrapped up tightly with hats and masks, needing only a scarf to cover their entire faces.

“See, fame!” Su Shang hooked her arm around Hu Liyang’s shoulder with a smile. “Little Hu, come shop with me. Two people grouped together won’t be so noticeable.”

Su Shang had many resources and a respectable position in the industry, so Hu Liyang couldn’t afford to offend her. Luckily, her temper was good, and the two got along quite well.

Bai Biqing knowingly glanced behind her, right into Su Shang’s eyes, who raised an eyebrow at her as if seeking credit. The Beta took a deep breath, thinking that since they were long-time friends, she just had to endure it.

Su Yanshi didn’t notice the undercurrent. She fumbled in her pocket, pulled out a mask, and handed it to Bai Biqing. Her voice was muffled beneath the mask. “Teacher Bai, you should wear one too. I haven’t used this mask; it’s just a little wrinkled.”

After saying that, she paused for a few seconds, decided against it, and retracted her hand. “Better go buy a clean one—”

“This one will do.” Bai Biqing grasped her wrist, smiling gently at her. “It’s fine, I don’t mind.”

She took the black mask and put it on. As if she hadn’t noticed Su Yanshi’s reddening earlobes, she led the way. “It’s not far from Central Street; we can walk. Is that okay with you?”

Su Yanshi answered, “Of course. I’m an Alpha; my stamina is good.”

Bai Biqing chuckled upon hearing this. “Yes, you’re an Alpha. So, have you thought about what we’ll do tonight? I hear there’s a lot to do in Shenhai, and the food is great.”

“I can’t eat the food now,” Su Yanshi sighed. “I have to start dieting.”

“Dieting?” Bai Biqing glanced at her figure sideways. “Are you taking on a tragic role later? You still need to lose weight?”

What if she loses too much weight and her health collapses?

Su Yanshi was nonchalant. “I won’t. Losing about five catties will be enough. I can gain it back quickly, slowly, no rush. But cutting out certain foods is necessary.”

Bai Biqing knew actors had to tailor their physiques to their roles. She didn’t press the matter, instead asking about other things. She would ask a question, and Su Yanshi would answer. Laughter from Su Shang would occasionally drift from behind.

The wind in Shenhai was gentle, smoothing out the emotions of autumn, softly sending sincere wishes, and nothing more.

The four walked, chatting, and arrived at Central Street before they knew it. They stood in the shadows. One step forward was the noisy crowd and inviting lights.

Su Yanshi’s hands were in her pockets. She looked around curiously, clearly excited. “This place is so beautiful.”

The small stalls on both sides were closely packed, laughter everywhere. The warm yellow light illuminated the endless street, reaching out of sight, yet feeling completely welcoming.

Su Yanshi lifted the brim of her hat slightly. She reached out her hand to feel the light, smiling, and strode forward. She was so ordinary in the crowd, yet she had never been ordinary. She turned around and waved to Bai Biqing. “Teacher Bai, come on!”

Su Shang had already left with Hu Liyang. The two Omegas always had endless small talk when together. Bai Biqing remained in the darkness, silent, watching the Alpha walk back toward her with a question in her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

Su Yanshi was still smiling. She carried beauty and light, inching closer to the Beta hiding in the dark. Bai Biqing looked down at her, chuckling softly. “Nothing. Let’s go.”

Central Street was crowded at night. They had to stay close to avoid being separated by the throng. Many tourists gathered around the snack stalls. The enticing smells made Su Yanshi look longingly a few times. “Suddenly so hungry.”

Bai Biqing watched her, smiling. “Want to eat a little?”

Su Yanshi shook her head. “An actor needs conviction. Smelling it is enough. Teacher Bai, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? Go buy something?”

“No rush. Let’s look around first. There seems to be more fun stuff ahead. Shall we go?” Bai Biqing tilted her head toward the street.

Su Yanshi agreed. “Let’s go. Out of sight, out of mind.”

The two navigated through the crowd together. The surrounding noise was loud yet surprisingly cozy. Su Yanshi rarely came to such crowded places. Tonight, she was certainly getting her fill.

“What is that stall ahead selling?” Su Yanshi keenly spotted paintbrushes at a stall in the distance.

Bai Biqing looked over upon hearing that. “Hmm… It looks like they let you make your own phone cases. Want to check it out?”

Su Yanshi hesitated. She wasn’t entirely bold. “So many people. I’m a little worried.”

“What are you afraid of?” Bai Biqing lowered her eyes and, through the fabric, grasped the Alpha’s wrist, guiding her forward. “I’ll take you to see.”

“Is that really okay?”

Bai Biqing turned back and raised an eyebrow, her tone gently lifting. “Of course. Trust me.”

The Beta’s palm was warm. With an undeniable determination, she squeezed Su Yanshi through the layers of people. They stood by the side of the stall, asking what it was. Bai Biqing was right: it was making your own phone cases. They had different models, milky white bases, and the stall was covered with colorful soft materials. Ten yuan for two, quite reasonable.

Bai Biqing released her hand just before Su Yanshi became uncomfortable. She leaned down, asking close to her ear, “Want to try?”

Su Yanshi thought for a moment, then smiled sheepishly. “I’m not very good at drawing.”

“You could write. I remember your handwriting is nice; I saw it in an interview.”

Su Yanshi didn’t ask why Bai Biqing had watched her interview. She just cleared her throat. She pondered for a few seconds. “I’ll pay. One for you, one for me.”

Bai Biqing didn’t decline. She got two phone cases matching their phones from the stall owner. After handing one to Su Yanshi, she skillfully picked up a paintbrush and started working. The Alpha glanced over, couldn’t see clearly, and stopped. She held the pen, resting it against her lower lip, hesitating for a long time before finally starting to write.

The Beta was fast. She had a concept before she started painting, effortlessly drawing a blue-furred dog, lying on the ground, staring ahead with a vacant, adorable look. She put down the brush and turned to see that Su Yanshi had also stopped.

They moved away from the crowded area. The Alpha quickly showed her phone case to Bai Biqing. Written clearly on it were two characters: (Qīng Bái – Pure/Clear and White).

Bai Biqing looked at it for a while, unsure of the meaning. She asked, “Why did you decide to write this?”

Su Yanshi’s eyes were shining. She whispered, “I thought about giving it to you, even though it’s not worth much.”

“‘Qīng Bái’—didn’t you introduce yourself by this name? It’s the ‘Qīng’ (Clear) from your name. I couldn’t think of any good phrases right away, so I had to use this. I hope you don’t mind, Teacher Bai.”

Bai Biqing stood still, her eyes fixed on her. After a long moment, a smile emerged. She said softly, “I don’t mind. It’s just that you seem to think the same way as me. It really is quite fun to exchange things.”

She took the phone case, handed over the one she made, and smiled. “Look familiar?”

Su Yanshi glanced at it and immediately knew what it meant. Her face flushed uncontrollably, and she couldn’t gauge Bai Biqing’s attitude. They hadn’t known each other for long. Although their relationship was good, did this mean the Beta was still holding a grudge…

Seeing Su Yanshi remain silent, Bai Biqing knew she was overthinking. She pursed her lips and smiled as expected, then, in front of her, changed her own phone case, found a trash can, and casually threw the old one away.

“What are you thinking?” The Beta’s tone was light but not accusing.

Su Yanshi frowned and thought about it, then asked directly, “Why a dog? Is it still because of what happened a few days ago?”

“No.”

Bai Biqing hooked her mask down with her finger, holding back a laugh. “I just think you resemble one very much.”

This was different from her previous response, yet Su Yanshi understood. She wasn’t angry, just a little at a loss. How could she say she was a dog?

Did she really resemble a dog?

Su Yanshi knew people online compared her to various animals, including canines, but in Bai Biqing’s description, she felt the meaning was subtly different.

“Then… why blue? Is it because of my previous hair color?”

Bai Biqing softly hummed. Her eyes curved into a smile. “Yes.”

“Alright, let’s go look around elsewhere.”

Su Yanshi obediently replied, “Okay.”

She took a step half a beat later, hesitated, and also changed her phone case, throwing the old one into the trash can, duplicating Bai Biqing’s actions with a soft scraping sound.

Central Street did have a lot of things to do, but neither of them was highly interested. Bai Biqing bought a local specialty to try in the middle, counting it as dinner. Halfway through the walk, all she had in her hand was still the phone case.

Su Yanshi stopped at a stall. It sold crystal decorations resembling a beach scene. She held one up to the light and whispered, “The sea is actually quite beautiful.”

Shenhai relies on the sea; it’s famous for its ocean.

Bai Biqing was close and heard clearly. She saw Su Yanshi, with little interest, put the ornament down and prepare to walk ahead, when she suddenly spoke. “Want to go see the seaside?”

Su Yanshi turned back, puzzled. “Isn’t it too late?”

Bai Biqing: “It’s not far. It’s not even nine o’clock.”

The stall owner nearby overheard and smiled in agreement. “Yes, the seaside is still quite lively at this hour. There are many tourists now, and it often stays lit past midnight. Plus, it’s only about a ten-minute walk. If you want to go, you should go soon.”

Bai Biqing looked at her, signaling with her eyes, Are we going?

Su Yanshi felt like her opinion was being sought the entire way. She thought for a moment. “Teacher Bai, you decide.”

“Let’s go then.”

Bai Biqing smiled. “Even if we don’t go to see the sea, a stroll is nice. I looked at the map.”

Su Yanshi agreed. “Okay. Should we tell Teacher Su and the others?”

“I’ll do it.” Bai Biqing took out her phone and found Su Shang’s chat box.

Su Yanshi and I are going to check out the seaside.

Su Shang: Going so late? You’re something else.

Su Shang: In that case, I won’t bother you two. Go on now.

Bai Biqing: …

She put her phone away. It wasn’t that they had to go, but she just felt that with such nice weather today, they should continue to enjoy themselves.

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