Kidnapping the Female Teacher's Best Friend - Chapter 79

Chapter 79

After returning to the dorm to change out of her military uniform and grab her pajamas, Mo Zebei headed out with her backpack, phone, and keys.

By the time she reached the school gate, Mu Hanxi was already waiting. The Mu family home was nearby, and by car, it was only a five or six-minute drive.

As soon as Mo Zebei sat in the passenger seat, Mu Hanxi froze.

She unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned over, and cupped Mo Zebei’s chin. Studying her face closely, her tone was a mix of heartache and reproach: “Why didn’t you wear sunscreen?” Their usual contact was via phone calls or WeChat, so they weren’t in the habit of video calling. She hadn’t expected the girl to get so tanned after just a few days.

Mo Zebei was flustered by the sudden intimacy. She lowered her eyes, her fingers nervously picking at the fabric over her knees. “I didn’t buy any…” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

“Silly…” Mu Hanxi gave her cheek a helpless, gentle pinch before pulling back to start the car.

Mo Zebei stole a glance at her, the corners of her mouth curling upward.

“Have you eaten lunch?” Mu Hanxi asked once the car was moving.

“No,” Mo Zebei turned to look at her. “I want to eat something you made…”

“Alright, let’s stop at the supermarket first.” Mu Hanxi was quite busy with work lately; she usually ate at the company or out. She only ate at home on weekends and hadn’t cooked for herself in a long time.

Mo Zebei nodded.

They went to a large supermarket. It was just like old times Mo Zebei followed closely by her side—only the location had changed from City J to City B.

“Do you want beef noodles?” Mu Hanxi turned her head to ask.

With her usual gentleness, Mo Zebei smiled and hummed in agreement.

They bought some beef, green vegetables, and fruit. Finally, under Mo Zebei’s expectant gaze, Mu Hanxi added a tub of ice cream to the cart.

On the drive back, Mu Hanxi couldn’t help but look at her several times; the girl was focused on eating her ice cream with her head down.

“I’m really not afraid of the cold,” Mo Zebei said playfully when she caught another glance. “You don’t need to worry…”

“Even so, you shouldn’t eat too much of it. Cold things are bad for your digestion if you overdo it…”

“Got it, I’ll be careful next time.”

They went to the apartment Mu Hanxi was renting—a high-end, fully furnished one-bedroom studio. It was a stylish space, perfect for a young professional.

After changing into slippers at the door, Mu Hanxi led her inside. “Go take a shower, I’ll go make lunch.”

“Okay.”

Mu Hanxi pointed toward the bathroom, and Mo Zebei headed in with her pajamas.

At home, she usually showered every day, or every two days if she was exhausted. Since starting university, she hadn’t been able to take a proper shower for a whole week, only being able to do a sponge bath at night. She was going stir-crazy.

She took a long time this time, scrubbing herself over and over. When she finally stepped out, she felt like she was floating on a cloud—it was pure bliss.

“It’ll be ready in a moment.” Hearing footsteps, Mu Hanxi poked her head out of the kitchen.

“No rush.” Mo Zebei, now in her pajamas, walked over to the sofa and checked her phone.

Want to have dinner together tonight? A message from Zhou Ruoxin.

I’m out, no need to wait for me.

Okay.

Exiting that chat, Mo Zebei opened an unread message from Qu Junzhi.

I am officially a dead dog. dog panting.jpg

Mo Zebei laughed and replied.

What’s on the schedule for tomorrow?

5km run for the guys, 3km for the girls. I suspect I accidentally enrolled in a military academy. bitter.jpg

Persistence is victory! Mo Zebei replied, sounding righteous.

Persistence my foot! angry typing.jpg Then came a string of complaints.

I feel like after tomorrow, I’ll be gone… I’m 80% sure I came to this school just to undergo a trial; Buddha is trying to transcend me from this mortal realm… I have tasted all the suffering of the world. I beg the Bodhisattva to open their eyes and let me ascend to heaven already…

Mo Zebei replied with only four words.

The Buddha is merciful.

Qu Junzhi huffed and typed back through gritted teeth.

This is peak cruelty; there is no mercy here.

Mo Zebei grinned, accidentally rubbing salt into the wound.

I came out to find her. She’s calling me to eat beef noodles now. happy.jpg

???!!! Be a human for once! stinky dog.jpg

Mo Zebei didn’t reply; she put her phone away and walked to the dining table.

“Eat while it’s hot,” Mu Hanxi handed her the chopsticks.

“Have you eaten?”

“Mhm.”

Mo Zebei took the chopsticks and took a bite.

“How is school? Have you adjusted?”

Mo Zebei looked up at her, hesitating. “I actually… don’t really want to live in the dorm.”

“Why?”

“It’s inconvenient…” and she didn’t feel free there.

Mu Hanxi assumed she was talking about the showering situation. She thought for a moment, then stood up. “This is a spare key to my apartment.” She placed the key next to Mo Zebei’s left hand. “Whenever you want to shower, just come over. If I’m not here, use the key.”

Mo Zebei was stunned. Mu Hanxi was actually giving her the key to her home. Then, she thought of another important question—now was the perfect time to ask.

“Sister Mu…” Her heart was racing, her eyes hidden with nervousness. “Are you… single right now?”

This time, it was Mu Hanxi’s turn to be stunned.

She looked at Mo Zebei, then down at the key on the table, and roughly understood what the girl might be thinking. Nowadays, many young couples spend the night at each other’s places when they are in a passionate relationship…

With a blush, she poked Mo Zebei’s forehead. “What kind of messy things are filling up that little head of yours?”

Mo Zebei lowered her head, her face burning with embarrassment. “I didn’t mean anything else, I was just curious…”

Mu Hanxi looked away, her voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz: “I’m single…”

Mo Zebei’s eyes instantly lit up, and a beautiful curve formed on her lips.

When Mu Hanxi turned back, she saw that radiant smile.

Feeling a bit annoyed and acting like a young girl, she pinched Mo Zebei’s cheek. “What are you laughing at?” She added, “You’re not allowed not to answer.”

Mo Zebei looked at her, her gaze tender and focused. “I’m just happy to hear you’re single…”

The girl’s eyes were clear and soft. Being stared at so earnestly made Mu Hanxi feel a sudden wave of awkwardness. “Just eat, the noodles are getting cold.” She slowly withdrew her hand and stood up to go back to the bedroom.

Mo Zebei ate her noodles, picking up the key and gripping it tightly in her hand.

Inside the bedroom, Mu Hanxi’s mind was in a bit of a turmoil. Mo Zebei’s expression when she spoke kept flashing in her head; something felt a little… different.

After eating, Mo Zebei washed the dishes and went into the bathroom to change back into her regular clothes. Mu Hanxi still hadn’t come out of the bedroom.

She didn’t call for her, instead going to the sofa to lie down on her side for a nap.

Seven or eight minutes later, Mu Hanxi emerged. She looked around before spotting the girl.

Moving quietly, she walked over. It seemed she was asleep.

She went back to the bedroom to get a thin blanket and draped it over Mo Zebei’s stomach. Just as she was about to pull her hand away, it was suddenly caught.

“Little ghost?” Mu Hanxi called softly twice, but there was no response.

She tugged gently, but the grip was tight.

Left with no choice, she sat down beside her to keep her company.

In deep sleep, Mo Zebei’s coolness faded, replaced by a touch of docility that made one want to protect her. Mu Hanxi watched her, her expression softening. Memories flooded back—bits and pieces of their history together since they met.

It was strange; despite their six or seven-year age gap, there were no barriers or generational divides. Instead, they were very close an experience Mu Hanxi had never had before.

Forty minutes later, Mu Hanxi’s phone rang, and Mo Zebei slowly opened her eyes.

Mu Hanxi looked at her. “I forgot to set it to silent… do you want to sleep more?”

Mo Zebei shook her head gently.

Mu Hanxi tried to pull her hand back, but the girl still held on tight.

“I need to take a call.”

“Mhm…” Mo Zebei slowly let go.

“Hanxi,” it was Mu Hanxi’s mother. “Are you coming home for dinner?”

“I won’t be back, Mom. Tell the helper not to prepare anything for me.”

“Alright, back to work then.” Mu Hanxi had mentioned she had things to do when she left, so her mother assumed she was working.

After hanging up, Mu Hanxi poured Mo Zebei a glass of warm water.

Mo Zebei took a few sips and checked her watch. “Do you still have work to do today?” It was already past 3:00 PM.

Mu Hanxi hummed in affirmation.

“Then you should go do it. Don’t worry about me, I’ll just stay here by myself.”

“Okay, call me if you need anything.”

Mo Zebei nodded.

Mu Hanxi went into the bedroom, and Mo Zebei sat on the sofa drinking water. After a bit, she went to the kitchen to wash some fruit.

Before she finished, Mu Hanxi came out. “Chuqing is coming over. She’ll be here in a bit.”

Mo Zebei hummed.

Within eight minutes, Liu Chuqing arrived. It was quite a coincidence—Mu Hanxi had lived here for a while, but this was Liu Chuqing’s first time visiting the apartment, and it just so happened that Mo Zebei was there.

When Liu Chuqing saw Mo Zebei, she froze. Her first words were: “Why are you here?” Her tone sounded very unfriendly.

Mu Hanxi’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as she stepped in to explain. Mo Zebei sat there thinking: Liu Chuqing didn’t like her—or rather, had a clear hostility toward her. She felt it vividly today.

“Come eat some fruit,” Mu Hanxi invited them.

Mo Zebei had just taken two steps when her phone rang. It was Meng Yuanhao. She gestured toward it and stepped onto the balcony.

Meng Yuanhao’s school also had a week of military training and a half-day off. He rambled for several minutes, and Mo Zebei didn’t say much until he asked a question.

“We’ll talk tonight,” Mo Zebei sighed. “I have something going on here.”

“Okay.”

When Mo Zebei returned, she found Liu Chuqing chatting and laughing with Mu Hanxi, her face completely free of any gloom. Mo Zebei narrowed her eyes slightly and walked over.

Seeing her approach, Liu Chuqing deliberately leaned closer to Mu Hanxi.

Mo Zebei paused. She realized something—did this person like Mu Hanxi?

“Come sit,” Mu Hanxi patted the empty spot next to her.

Mo Zebei pursed her lips and sat down right next to Mu Hanxi. The smile in Liu Chuqing’s eyes faded, replaced briefly by a chill before disappearing.

“Hanxi, I booked a table at Blue Whale. Let’s have dinner together tonight.”

Mu Hanxi was startled and instinctively looked at Mo Zebei. She had originally planned to have dinner with her, but she didn’t know Chuqing had already made a reservation.

Mo Zebei kept her head down eating fruit, not looking at her.

“What time?” Mu Hanxi asked. if it was early, she could invite the girl along.

“7:00 PM.”

7:00 PM was too late; Mo Zebei would have to start her evening self-study.

Seeing the conflict in her eyes, Mo Zebei spoke up. “Sister Mu, I have plans with a classmate to eat back at school.” She stood up. “It’s getting late, I should head back.”

Mu Hanxi grabbed her arm. Mo Zebei turned to look at her.

“I’ll drive you.”

Mo Zebei thought she meant just walking her to the elevator, so she didn’t refuse.

But then Mu Hanxi went to grab her car keys. Both Mo Zebei and Liu Chuqing were stunned.

She was going to drive her all the way back to campus.

Liu Chuqing’s expression darkened again. “I have some things at the office to handle. I’ll go take care of them. See you tonight.”

Mu Hanxi nodded. Liu Chuqing left before they did.

After seeing Liu Chuqing out, Mu Hanxi whispered an explanation to Mo Zebei: “She wasn’t like this before. I don’t know what’s wrong with her today.” She had been so rude, questioning Mo Zebei the moment she walked in.

Mo Zebei looked down and stayed silent. She had a pretty good idea why.

Mu Hanxi dropped her off at the school gate. Mo Zebei didn’t rush to get out; she pulled the key from her pocket. “Does anyone else have a key to your apartment besides me?”

“My mom has one.”

Mo Zebei nodded and added softly, “Don’t give it to anyone else.”

“…” Mu Hanxi poked her head. “Who do you think I would give it to?”

Mo Zebei grinned. “So, as long as I want to shower, I can go to your apartment?”

Mu Hanxi hummed in affirmation.

Mo Zebei narrowed her eyes, looking completely satisfied.

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