My Straight Childhood Friend Successfully Pursued Me After The Breakup - Chapter 32

April 19th, nine o’clock in the morning.

Zuo Xian had just woken up when she noticed a message Tao Ran had sent her in the middle of the night.

“Happy Birthday. I’ve mailed a birthday surprise to you. It should arrive at your house tonight.”

Zuo Xian was a little curious about what it was. She sent several messages asking Tao Ran, but she didn’t reply—either Tao Ran was busy or trying to maintain the mystery.

In any case, it was only a matter of tonight, so Zuo Xian wasn’t in a hurry. The gift would eventually be in her hands.

While eating breakfast and browsing her phone, she received a bank transfer notification from Zuo Zhimi.

She counted the digits: a six-figure sum.

Although Zuo Zhimi was wealthy and didn’t hold back on Zuo Xian’s daily expenses, she did maintain a certain control over her allowance.

Knowing the amount was so generous this time, Zuo Xian understood that her mother was likely too busy to accompany her, and thus compensated with a large hongbao (cash gift).

Sure enough, Zuo Zhimi’s message followed immediately.

“Mom is a little busy these few days. I’ll make it up to you in a couple of days. Go out and have fun with your friends today. If you run short of money, come to Mom for reimbursement.”

Zuo Xian:”Okay, Mom.”

After breakfast, Zuo Xian contacted Aunt Li to come and pick her up, and then they would go to pick up Xue Shuangxi.

As soon as Xue Shuangxi opened the car door, her eyes lit up at the sight of the exquisitely dressed Zuo Xian in the back seat.

With the car door open, sunlight fell on Zuo Xian’s profile. Her skin was as fair and flawless as snow. She wore light makeup; the perfectly applied cosmetics accentuated her features, giving her a vibrant and untamed beauty.

She wore a stylish sweater with a wide collar that exposed her beautiful shoulder and neck line, and one shoulder. Her short skirt sat just above her knees, seeming a little too short when she sat down.

Normally, the Zuo Xian Xue Shuangxi saw was always in her school uniform, bare-faced, and full of youthful energy, but possessing only a student-like aura.

With just a little effort today, Zuo Xian’s inherent blend of sweetness and charm suddenly burst forth, making the impact on Xue Shuangxi, who was used to her student look, particularly striking.

A flicker of amazement crossed Xue Shuangxi’s eyes, and as soon as they met, she praised Zuo Xian as the most unique beauty, unparalleled in heaven or on earth.

For lunch, Zuo Xian chose a Japanese restaurant with good reviews and reserved a private room.

The food was delicious and suited both of their tastes. While eating, Xue Shuangxi gave Zuo Xian the gift she had prepared: a pair of earrings.

Zuo Xian put them on right away. They perfectly complemented her makeup and outfit for the day.

After lunch, Zuo Xian heard that a new ski resort had opened in Lu City, boasting an excellent environment and complete facilities. Since both of them had skiing experience, they didn’t have the hassle of learning from scratch, and they enjoyed themselves thoroughly all afternoon.

In the changing room, Xue Shuangxi took off her thick ski jacket, glancing at Zuo Xian, who was sitting on the bench, scrolling on her phone.

She had been in this state all day, checking her phone frequently. Xue Shuangxi knew she was probably waiting for a message from Tao Ran. She wasn’t entirely clear what Tao Ran was doing abroad, only that she was busy every day.

She knew this, yet seeing Zuo Xian glued to her phone like a ‘wife-gazing stone’ a metaphor for waiting eagerly, she felt a pang of sadness.

During dinner, Zuo Xian’s absent-mindedness became even more apparent, as if she were waiting for something.

Xue Shuangxi finished her meal and put down her chopsticks.

“You can’t be like this. It’s your birthday, after all. Why are you so gloomy?”

“Huh?” Zuo Xian was startled, then laughed. “Not at all, I’m quite happy.”

“Do you take me for a fool or a blind person?”

Seeing Xue Shuangxi’s serious expression, Zuo Xian lowered her gaze, bit her lip, and lightly pinched the straw, stirring her orange juice in circles.

“It’s actually nothing…”

“So what is it?”

Zuo Xian sighed. “It’s just that Tao Ran sent me a message this morning saying she mailed a gift back and it would arrive tonight.”

“Just that?”

Zuo Xian shifted her gaze. “I’ve sent her messages, but she hasn’t replied, so I feel like… she might be coming back to China to give me a surprise.”

Even Xue Shuangxi was speechless. “Isn’t that possibility a bit small? Tao Ran is in Country D, not the next city over. She can’t just drop everything and come. If she could really return to China for your birthday surprise, then…”

Zuo Xian looked at her: “Then what?”

Xue Shuangxi waved her hand grandly. “Then she’s totally in love with you, and a rare relationship-focused romantic. Go talk to her immediately.”

However, Xue Shuangxi didn’t hold out much hope. Where in the world were there so many mutually affectionate and ultimately love-drunk people? One shouldn’t let their own birthday be overshadowed by a mere possibility.

As Zuo Xian’s good friend, Xue Shuangxi felt she had the duty and responsibility to help Zuo Xian find her happiness again.

So, she took Zuo Xian to a good spot.

Night fell. Various shops stood side-by-side along the street. The darkness was the dawn of young people’s nightlife. Amidst the lively long street, a quiet little bar stood modestly, lacking much presence.

Pushing open the heavy glass door, the door frame struck the hanging wind chime, producing a light and melodious sound.

The small bar played slow, lyrical Cantonese songs. A few customers chatted softly, and the atmosphere was exceptionally pleasant.

“Why did you bring me here?” Zuo Xian looked around and turned to Xue Shuangxi.

Xue Shuangxi winked at her. “I’m close with the owner of this place. Her cocktails are especially good. I’m treating you for your birthday.”

The real reason was that she didn’t want to see Zuo Xian constantly preoccupied with someone thousands of miles away, so she brought her for a drink to distract her.

“Oh? Isn’t this our little Sister Xue?” A woman nearby tilted her head and approached with a smile.

The lighting in the small bar was dim, and it wasn’t until the woman got closer that Zuo Xian could clearly see her appearance.

Her shoulder-length short hair was permed and dyed, well-styled with a hint of artistic messiness. A smile hung on her lips, and the way she looked at the two of them was like a very tolerant elder sister.

“Sister Lin.” Xue Shuangxi put her arm around Zuo Xian’s shoulder. “I brought my friend to check out the place and try your skills.”

“Friend? Are you sure she’s not your girlfriend?” Lin Chu teased, looking at Xue Shuangxi’s arm draped over Zuo Xian.

Xue Shuangxi’s face crumpled. “Sister Lin, I beg you, stop fooling around. What nonsense are you talking about?”

Lin Chu chuckled. “Alright, alright. Take your friend and find a seat.”

“Got it!” Xue Shuangxi led Zuo Xian to a seat, then went to the bar counter, leaned on it, and looked at Lin Chu.

“Make me something strong, sis.”

Lin Chu glanced at her. “Does your sister allow you to drink strong stuff?”

At the mention of Xue Ying, Xue Shuangxi’s smile vanished. “She can’t control me.”

“I wouldn’t dare. If I sent you home drunk, Xue Ying would come looking for me to settle the score.”

“Aiya, just make it. I promise I won’t tell her I drank it here,” Xue Shuangxi begged with her hands clasped together. “Make your signature one.”

“Fine, fine. Just don’t tell your sister,” Lin Chu waved her hand and then turned her attention to the girl Zuo Shuangxi brought, who was sitting in the corner.

“What about her?”

Lin Chu looked at the girl, noticed she seemed preoccupied, and took the liberty to decide: “Give her the same as you.”

“Perfect, no problem!”

Finally, two light blue cocktails were placed on the table. Zuo Xian and Xue Shuangxi knew the drinks were quite strong, so they drank slowly, chatting and savoring.

But even with the forewarning, Zuo Xian hadn’t expected the drink to be that strong. She wasn’t drinking fast, yet after one glass, her head started to feel dizzy.

What surprised her even more was that Xue Shuangxi seemed perfectly fine, as if she hadn’t drunk anything. Zuo Xian couldn’t help but marvel at her tolerance for alcohol.

After holding out for a little while longer, Zuo Xian couldn’t take it anymore. “I can’t. I need to go home.”

“Ah? Don’t you want to hang out a bit longer?”

Under the dim light, Zuo Xian’s eyes were hazy, and she leaned against the back of the chair, frowning slightly.

“No, I’m a little dizzy.”

Xue Shuangxi wanted to stay longer, but Zuo Xian had no energy to keep her company. She messaged Aunt Li to come and pick her up. Before she left, Xue Shuangxi wished her a happy birthday again.

On the way back, Zuo Xian sat listlessly in the back seat, her eyes half-closed. The light and shadows outside the car reflected on her long lashes, plating her profile with a gold edge.

Her brows were faintly furrowed. Her clear, glass-like eyes shimmered with a subtle watery sheen as she gazed blankly out the car window, her expression holding an indescribable vulnerability and melancholy.

Contrary to what Xue Shuangxi had hoped, the slight intoxication didn’t make Zuo Xian feel better. Instead, it released the feelings and yearning she had suppressed for a long time.

Peeling back her seemingly carefree exterior revealed the deep-seated girlish worries she didn’t know how to share with anyone.

Tao Ran.

Her mind was full of Tao Ran, all sorts of images of Tao Ran, finally settling on one moment.

Tao Ran, who had secretly kissed the corner of her lips in public, in the crowded airport.

The scene gradually turned into a silent movie in her memory. The surrounding noise was completely blocked out by her brain, leaving only those gentle, smiling eyes and… soft, warm lips.

The corner of her eyes gradually moistened. An immense sense of grievance welled up in Zuo Xian’s heart. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the headrest.

Tao Ran, you kiss me and then you don’t take responsibility, you bad woman.

Bad…

“Xianzai (Little Xian), we’re home,” Aunt Li turned to her and asked, “Should I see you up?”

Zuo Xian was startled awake. She shook her head. “No need. Grandma Liu is home.”

“Be careful then.” Aunt Li watched Zuo Xian’s unsteady figure with some worry.

The lobby downstairs was empty. The clean, reflective tiles mirrored the vague, unsteady outline of the girl.

Her head was very dizzy and uncomfortable. Zuo Xian rested her head against the cool elevator wall, took a long breath. Her reaction was slow, but the nerves in her brain were excitedly jumping.

Ding—

The sixth floor arrived. Zuo Xian half-closed her eyes, fumbled with the fingerprint lock, and only got it right on the second try.

Opening the door, she was surprised to find the lights still on inside. Could it be that Grandma Liu was waiting for her?

“Grandma Liu, I told you; you don’t have to wait for me.” Zuo Xian was drunk, and her speech was a bit slurred, stickier than usual, sounding like a mix of petulance and complaint.

She leaned on the wall and half-bent down to take off her shoes. Today, she was wearing a pair of ankle boots with a complex design that was difficult to remove. She struggled for a long time but couldn’t get them off.

Zuo Xian grew a little annoyed, pursing her lips tightly as if arguing with the shoes. She mumbled, “Even you are bullying me. I’ll… I’ll throw you into the trash can later…”

Suddenly, a pair of hands firmly steadied her. Zuo Xian thought it was Grandma Liu and mumbled, “Go to sleep. You’re old. Don’t stay up late.”

Then, a pleasant, soft laugh rang out—a clear voice familiar to her very bones.

“Not sleeping. Waiting for you.”