I Woke Up And My Girlfriend Was Gone - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

“What are you doing here?” Amidst the clamor of the rain, Shen Qingzi’s voice was much higher than usual.

Zuo Yin’s eyes were filled with shock; this was the very question she wanted to ask Shen Qingzi. How could the timing be so perfect? She had just thought of her, and the moment she opened her eyes, the woman appeared right before her.

“Xiao Yin, what happened to you? How did you get so soaked? Did something happen?” As Shen Qingzi spoke, she took off her small blazer and draped it directly over Zuo Yin’s shoulders.

The blazer was filled with Shen Qingzi’s body heat, enveloping Zuo Yin’s chilled, rain-soaked body and adding a touch of warmth to her heart. Zuo Yin clutched the jacket. The words “I fled from home” were impossible for her to say, so she simply explained, “The wind broke my umbrella.”

Zuo Yin’s voice was low, and the torrential rain smashing against the pavement shattered her words. A look of heartache flickered in Shen Qingzi’s eyes. She pulled out her car keys, pressed a button toward the distance, and said, “Alright, it’s okay now. Don’t go back to the dorm today. Come home with me.”

Through the storm, the sound of car locks clicking open rang out twice. Zuo Yin looked toward the noise; a pitch-black car was parked not far away, its bright headlights piercing the curtain of rain.

—Shen Qingzi had just driven out of the school when she spotted the young girl standing helplessly under the eaves.

“Let’s go.” Shen Qingzi didn’t give Zuo Yin a chance to refuse, reaching out with one hand to take her wrist. The massive black umbrella shielded them both. Feeling the warmth from Shen Qingzi’s hand on her wrist, Zuo Yin’s irritable and violent heart finally found peace.

“I’m sorry for the trouble,” Zuo Yin said cautiously, sitting in the car while still wearing the blazer.

“It’s no trouble,” Shen Qingzi replied, closing the passenger door.

Zuo Yin didn’t ride in private cars often, but she knew this one was incredibly expensive. She pulled her soaked body inward, trying to minimize the rainwater touching the seat—she couldn’t afford to pay for even the slightest damage to this vehicle.

“Does this feel any better?” With the sound of the door closing, Shen Qingzi’s voice rang out again.

Zuo Yin was confused. But a moment later, she felt the interior of the cold car begin to warm up, and the cramped seat became comfortable as Shen Qingzi adjusted the settings. Just as Zuo Yin was about to say “Much better,” something soft landed on her head. A small, plush blanket had been draped over her.

“It wouldn’t be good if you caught a cold,” Shen Qingzi said, leaning over and reaching across to wipe the wet hair from Zuo Yin’s face. The scent of irises drifted closer as her slender fingers brushed past Zuo Yin’s ear through the soft blanket, sending a jolt like an electric current through the girl’s heart.

Zuo Yin felt her pulse quicken; such close contact made her quite uncomfortable. She pulled back instinctively, taking the blanket. “I can do it myself.”

“Alright.” Shen Qingzi didn’t push, withdrawing her arm.

At that moment, Zuo Yin noticed a difference in Shen Qingzi’s sleeves. The fabric on the right shoulder was soaked through, the nearly transparent cloth clinging to her skin. But Shen Qingzi had been wearing her blazer earlier—how could her shoulder be wet? And that black umbrella was so large it should have covered her completely.

Unless…

Shen Qingzi smiled slightly and said, “I’m starting the car.”

“Okay.” Zuo Yin nodded, the answer becoming clear. There was no other time she could have gotten wet except when they were sharing the umbrella. No wonder she hadn’t felt a single drop of rain during that walk…

Zuo Yin turned to look at Shen Qingzi. Her lips moved slightly, but she was never good with words and didn’t know how to express her gratitude.

“What is it?” Shen Qingzi noticed her gaze and glanced back.

Zuo Yin shook her head and looked away. Then, clutching the small blanket on her shoulders, she gripped her hands together and said, “Thank you.”

Shen Qingzi was surprised. She looked at the fragile girl and said softly, “There’s no need for ‘thank you’ between us.”

Outside, the storm continued to rage. Ravaged tree branches whipped wildly; it felt as though the entire world was undergoing a catastrophe. Yet, Zuo Yin had never felt such a profound sense of security. At a red light, Shen Qingzi played a French song Zuo Yin had never heard. The melodious tune traveled through the storm, sounding exceptionally light.

Zuo Yin leaned back, looking out the window washed by rain. Leaves were piled wetly at the sewer drains. Even though the world outside was in turmoil, she felt peaceful beside Shen Qingzi.

Shen Qingzi glanced at her and reminded her gently, “If you’re tired, you can close your eyes for a bit, but don’t fall asleep. We’re almost home.”

When the words “we” and “home” were paired together in Shen Qingzi’s voice, Zuo Yin’s heart felt inexplicably full. No one had ever treated her with such tenderness. She clutched the jacket, watching the woman drive through the reflection in the glass.

How could she always appear at exactly the right time? At the art gallery, at the party, and now, on this rainy night…

The wipers moved steadily across the glass. Eventually, a cluster of brightly lit buildings appeared. This was the high-end residential area known as “Little Golden Mountain” in S-City. Shen Qingzi’s home was in the building closest to the river view. Zuo Yin followed her out of the car and into a world she had never touched before.

Passing through the magnificent lobby and the brightly lit elevator, Zuo Yin felt slightly out of place. When the doors opened to a hallway covered in plush carpet, she found herself barely daring to breathe.

“Come in,” Shen Qingzi invited, holding open a heavy door.

“Mm.” Zuo Yin stepped tentatively into the penthouse. It was even more “unaffordable” than the leather seats in the car. The white design reflected a minimalist yet high-end luxury. The marble floors were polished clean, and the white carpets were spotless.

Soaked through, Zuo Yin stood at the entrance, unsure where to step.

“Wear these slippers.” Shen Qingzi pulled a pair of soft cotton slippers from the cabinet and walked across the carpet without a care. Zuo Yin took the slippers, looking at the wet carpet fibers matted down by her footsteps, feeling guilty. “I’m sorry for the trouble, Teacher.”

Shen Qingzi laughed softly. “Do you think a student is worth less than a rug to me?”

The words were so gentle that Zuo Yin felt as if a white halo surrounded the woman. Suddenly, Shen Qingzi frowned. She looked at Zuo Yin’s right arm; a stain of red was bleeding through the water-soaked mint-colored sleeve.

“What happened to your arm?”

In the chaos of the storm, Zuo Yin had forgotten the pain. She instinctively pulled her arm behind her back. “It’s just a cut.”

This didn’t relax Shen Qingzi’s brow. She looked at the pale girl with heartache. “Does it hurt? Why didn’t you tell me when we got in the car?”

“It’s fine. I’ll just clean it up in a bit.” Zuo Yin’s tone was indifferent. She was used to the madness Zuo Lan inflicted when drunk. Though this time, Zuo Lan had been so violent she had nearly killed her.

Shen Qingzi walked to a cabinet and pulled out a first-aid kit. “Come here and let me dress it quickly, then you can go shower.”

“Okay.” Zuo Yin sat on the sofa. But she hadn’t realized that when Shen Qingzi said she would dress it, she meant Shen Qingzi would do it herself.

The sofa was soon dampened by the rain on Zuo Yin’s clothes. Shen Qingzi sat beside her, naturally rolling up her sleeve. The air had turned cold with autumn, and touching the blood-stained sleeve felt chilling. The girl’s slender arm was deathly pale. The narrow gash had turned white from the rain; the bleeding had mostly stopped, but the scabs were still bright red.

“How did this happen?” Shen Qingzi asked, carefully disinfecting the wound with a cotton swab.

“I didn’t dodge in time,” Zuo Yin replied simply.

For some reason, those four words made Shen Qingzi’s heart skip a beat in fear. She supported the injured arm, wrapping it in waterproof gauze. “Didn’t dodge what?”

Zuo Yin watched the white gauze. Suddenly, the image of Zuo Lan’s vicious face flashed in her mind. She jerked her arm back reflexively, causing the gauze to hang loosely. Despite her calm exterior, she was still just a young girl.

A pair of warm hands covered Zuo Yin’s wrist. Shen Qingzi soothed, “It’s okay. It’s over now. You’re safe.”

The panic in Zuo Yin’s face slowly ebbed. “Can I shower now?”

Shen Qingzi tidied the gauze and stood up. “Of course. This way.”

Zuo Yin followed her. The hallway illuminated stylish alcoves filled with calligraphy and paintings. Zuo Yin imagined Shen Qingzi sitting there, sipping tea—she seemed like a crane standing in shallow water, graceful and detached. The gap between their lives felt immense.

“This is hot water, this is cold. Towels are in the niche,” Shen Qingzi explained, tapping the bathtub. “Even though a soak is relaxing, we shouldn’t do that with your injury.”

“Mm.” Zuo Yin nodded.

“Alright, I’ll leave you to it.” Shen Qingzi closed the glass door.

Zuo Yin turned on the shower, finding the water temperature perfect. She let out a soft laugh and put her wet clothes in the hamper. The water washed the blood from her arm. Outside, the rain continued to pour. The heater Shen Qingzi had turned on blew warm air over Zuo Yin’s head. She was no longer afraid.

Closing her eyes, Zuo Yin savored the peace. The steam carried a scent that belonged only to Shen Qingzi. It felt like an embrace. The warmth made her remember the day Shen Qingzi had been pinned in her arms. A strange blush rose to her face.

Knock, knock.

A sharp rapping came from the glass door. Zuo Yin’s heart jumped. She saw a woman’s silhouette through the frosted glass. Zuo Yin felt a pang of “thief’s guilt.” She cleared her throat under the sound of the shower. “What is it?”

“I’ve brought you some of my clothes. They’re on the chair by the door. I think they’ll fit.” Shen Qingzi placed a neatly folded pile on a stool.

Zuo Yin managed a dry “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m leaving now; call me if you need anything.”

Zuo Yin watched the shadow disappear. She breathed a sigh of relief. It was funny—they had already done that together, yet now she was so nervous. She worked the shampoo into a lather. She realized she was standing where Shen Qingzi showered every day, using her products, slowly coating herself in her scent. A strange feeling spread through her heart.

Fifteen minutes later, Zuo Yin finished. The moment she stepped out, she blinked several times. Beside the silk pajamas lay a set of solid-colored underwear. Zuo Yin stared at the clothes, finally understanding what Shen Qingzi meant by “I think they’ll fit.”

Her slender neck moved as she swallowed. Her fingers touched the soft fabric. A door creaked open. Shen Qingzi peeked in. As a cloud of white steam billowed out, Zuo Yin appeared wearing the full set of silk pajamas.

Shen Qingzi dazed for a moment. In her memory, Zuo Yin was always gloomy—like a wild weed. But now, in the silk pajamas, her rough edges were smoothed away, replaced by a cool elegance and a sense of fragility.

“You look beautiful,” Shen Qingzi said. Zuo Yin touched the soft silk and nodded shyly.

“Are you hungry? I made some noodles.” Shen Qingzi brought a small pot to the dining room. She had changed into a white linen dress with a brown apron tied around her waist. “Eat first, then I’ll look at your wound. You need a good sleep.”

Zuo Yin nodded. The noodles, coated in rich chicken broth, filled her mouth with flavor. “Is it good?” Shen Qingzi asked expectantly.

Zuo Yin nodded. To her, this simple meal was a rare delicacy.

“Xiao Yin… can you tell me who did this to you?”

Zuo Yin paused. She swallowed and answered heavily, “My mom.”

“Your mother?” Shen Qingzi was genuinely shocked.

“She was drunk. She mistook me for my dad,” Zuo Yin said calmly.

“So… you went home?” Shen Qingzi felt a pang of guilt.

“Mm.” Zuo Yin saw the guilt. “I was the only one in the dorm, and it felt a bit creepy, so I went back.”

Shen Qingzi didn’t entirely believe the explanation. She felt bad for judging Zuo Lan’s feelings based on a single glimpse of their home. “Where will you go tomorrow?”

Zuo Yin bit through a noodle. Her nervousness resurfaced.

“Stay at my place for a few days,” Shen Qingzi said.

Thump-thump, thump-thump…

Zuo Yin’s heart was racing. She had prepared herself to be sent away, yet the woman was inviting her to stay.

“I have nowhere else to go,” Zuo Yin interrupted. “Then… I’ll be troubling you for a few days, Teacher.”

Shen Qingzi smiled. “It’s no trouble at all.”

A sense of pure sweetness spread through Zuo Yin’s heart. She stood up to clear the empty bowls. Shen Qingzi stopped her. “How can I let an injured person do chores?”

“It’s fine.”

Zuo Yin headed for the kitchen, but Shen Qingzi snatched the bowls away. “Not going to listen to me?”

Zuo Yin stiffened. “No.”

“Then go rest.” Shen Qingzi pushed her toward the living room. Zuo Yin was surprised by her strength. On the coffee table was a plate of exquisite fruit and chocolates. Zuo Yin looked toward the kitchen, hearing the sound of water as Shen Qingzi washed the dishes. She popped a blueberry into her mouth. The storm outside showed no sign of stopping, but Zuo Yin felt entirely at peace.

…

The next morning, the sky was a clear blue. In the dark room, Zuo Yin rolled over lazily. She felt a sense of peace, her face slightly flushed. In this house, everything smelled of Shen Qingzi. That scent had invaded her dreams.

In her dream, the one soaked by the rain was Shen Qingzi. Her white shirt was transparent. Zuo Yin had her hand around Shen Qingzi’s waist, kissing her. It was the same familiar feeling from that night. Every kiss carried the scent of irises.

“Sister…” Zuo Yin whispered. Shen Qingzi reached up to hook her arms around Zuo Yin’s neck.

The room was silent now. Zuo Yin put her arm over her forehead, the dream replaying. How could I have such a dream in her house?

Knock, knock.

“Xiao Yin, time for breakfast.”

Zuo Yin sat up quickly. She stepped out to the smell of scallion pancakes.

“Did you sleep well?” Shen Qingzi asked, bringing out two bowls of congee.

“Very well.”

“Any signs of a cold?”

“No.”

“Being young is nice,” Shen Qingzi laughed.

“Teacher is young, too.”

“I’m different from you,” Shen Qingzi said simply. “Try the pancakes.”

“?” Zuo Yin was surprised. She thought the meal was takeout.

“Is it so hard to believe I can cook?” Shen Qingzi smiled. “I used to make all sorts of things for my sister. My mom said I was better than her.”

“What about now? Why haven’t you made them in a long time?”

Shen Qingzi answered honestly, “She passed away a few years ago. I haven’t had the chance since.”

Zuo Yin felt a sharp pang. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

Shen Qingzi shook her head. “It’s fine. You’re my student; you’ll find out eventually.”

“Mm.” Zuo Yin nodded.

“Eat up.”

Zuo Yin took a spoonful. The egg congee was silky and rich. Holding the bowl, Zuo Yin felt that Shen Qingzi was someone she could never hope to become. “It’s delicious,” she said.

Shen Qingzi’s mood brightened. “Then eat more. After breakfast, I’m taking you somewhere.”

“Where? The art gallery?”

“It’s a secret.”

Since Zuo Yin’s clothes were still wet, Shen Qingzi found her another outfit—this one in a utilitarian style. Zuo Yin stood before the mirror, unable to imagine Shen Qingzi wearing such a thing.

“Ready?” Shen Qingzi’s head popped into the reflection.

“Ready.”

“You suit this much better than I do.”

“Then why didn’t you return it?”

Shen Qingzi leaned against the doorframe. “Xiao Yue—my sister. She liked this style for a while and bought one for me, too. It turns out neither of us suited it.”

Zuo Yin made the connection between “Xiao Yue” and the sister.

“By the way,” Shen Qingzi asked, “when is your birthday?”

“In five or six months.”

“That’s a long time… is there any day coming up that is special to you?”

Zuo Yin looked at herself in the mirror. Yesterday was special. But she kept these thoughts to her heart. “No.”

Shen Qingzi looked slightly discouraged. Then, a bright smile broke across her face. She stood behind Zuo Yin, placing her hands on her shoulders.

“Then you must remember today.”