My Sweet Little Flower Turned Out to Be a Sinister Ghost - Chapter 35

Bai Qingyu reached out and gently pressed his hands on Qin Zhen and Bai Qingyuan’s shoulders.

Qin Zhen and Bai Qingyuan spun around abruptly, meeting Bai Qingyu’s gentle gaze. Instantly, their hushed discussion died down, and they obediently swallowed the words they were about to say.

Bai Qingyu smiled. “Stop idling. Go fetch the chopsticks and bowls.”

The two nodded quickly, scurrying off toward the kitchen like two little squirrels caught red-handed.

Song Yuehua stood rooted to the spot, taking a deep breath.

“Don’t be nervous,” Bai Qingyu said softly as he walked over to her. “It’s just cooking a couple of dishes. No one will say anything, we care more about the thought behind it.”

Song Yuehua nodded. Only after seeing Qin Zhen and Bai Qingyuan emerge with the bowls and chopsticks did she steady herself. She shuffled into the kitchen almost stiffly, her back ramrod straight as if she were embarking on some monumental task.

Qin Zhen and Bai Qingyuan sat on the sofa, listening to Bai’s mother and Aunt Qin chat.

Occasionally, they glanced up at Bai Qingyu, who was lingering by the kitchen door.

Suddenly, a clattering sound came from the kitchen. Bai’s mother immediately stopped talking and looked toward the kitchen with concern. “Qingyu, why don’t you go check? Make sure Yuehua doesn’t burn herself.”

“It’s fine,” Bai Qingyu replied, standing by the kitchen door without entering. He merely tilted his ear slightly, listening to the sounds inside, and reassured with a smile, “Probably just dropped the lid. Since she hasn’t called for us, let’s not disturb her. Give her some space to manage on her own.”

“Alright, but keep an eye out. Call us if anything happens,” Bai’s mother added before turning back to continue her conversation with Aunt Qin.

Inside the kitchen, Song Yuehua stared at the fallen lid, quickly crouching to pick it up. Her fingertips brushed against some flour on the floor. She stole a glance toward the door and, seeing no one enter, breathed a sigh of relief. Hastily, she wiped the lid with her apron and returned to the stove.

The oil in the pan was already hot. Flustered, she dropped the prepared meatball mixture into the pan. A splash of oil hit her wrist, and she quietly sucked in a sharp breath but didn’t stop, instead watching the meatballs in the pan more carefully.

About an hour later, the Spring Festival Gala’s opening music began playing on the TV. Bai’s mother set a fruit platter on the coffee table and called out to everyone, “Have some fruit first! We’ll start dinner as soon as Yuehua’s dishes are ready!”

Just then, Song Yuehua emerged from the kitchen carrying two plates. One held Four-Joy Meatballs, glistening with a rich, red sauce and sprinkled with vibrant green scallions. The other was a plate of blanched okra, neatly arranged with a small dish of dipping sauce placed beside it.

“Wow! That smells amazing!” Qin Zhen was the first to rush over, leaning in to sniff the dishes, her eyes sparkling. “Sister Yuehua, these meatballs smell delicious just from the aroma!”

“R-really?” Song Yuehua’s eyes instantly lit up, the earlier tension seeming to melt away under the praise. She couldn’t help but let a smile tug at the corners of her lips.

“Mm-hmm!” Qin Zhen nodded vigorously, tugging at Bai Qingyuan’s sleeve. “Qingyuan, smell it, isn’t it fragrant?”

Bai Qingyuan leaned in for a whiff and nodded earnestly. “It does smell pretty good.”

Song Yuehua, feeling a bit embarrassed by the compliments, felt her ears grow warm. She quickly carried the dishes to the dining table. “Don’t praise me too much, they might not taste as good as they look…”

“Come eat while it’s hot.” Bai Qingyu walked over, pulled out the adjacent chair, and gently brushed her fingertips against Song Yuehua’s wrist. “You’ve worked hard. Sit and rest for a while.”

Song Yuehua obediently took her seat, her eyes still lingering on the dishes she had prepared, like a student awaiting her grades.

Soon, the table was fully laid out. Glossy, enticing braised pork, caramel-coated cola chicken wings, vibrant stir-fried seasonal greens, complemented by Song Yuehua’s four-joy meatballs and blanched okra, the table was abundantly spread.

As the host on TV began the countdown, the crackle of firecrackers suddenly erupted outside the window, and someone drew open the living room curtains.

Against the dark night sky, a colorful firework burst into bloom: gold, silver, and pink, like a shower of stars descending.

Everyone joined in the countdown with the TV, their voices brimming with excitement.

“Happy New Year!”

The moment the countdown ended, another massive firework exploded outside, illuminating the entire living room. Laughter filled the air as everyone exchanged New Year’s greetings.

Song Yuehua chimed in with “Happy New Year,” but her gaze subtly drifted toward Bai Qingyu beside her.

Unlike her usual polite, faint smile, Bai Qingyu’s expression was relaxed, her eyes crinkling gently, the curve of her lips soft and genuine. The reflection of the fireworks outside shimmered in her eyes, as if they held a sky full of stars.

As if sensing her gaze, Bai Qingyu turned her head, her eyes resting on Song Yuehua’s face. Her voice was so soft only the two of them could hear: “Yuehua, Happy New Year.”

Song Yuehua’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly nodded, her voice tender: “You too, Qingqing. Happy New Year.”

No matter what the future held, at least in this moment, they were happy.

The fireworks outside continued intermittently for a long time, only gradually fading as the Spring Festival Gala drew to a close.

Glancing at the time, Song Yuehua stood up and said, “It’s getting late. I should head back.”

“I’ll walk you.” Bai Qingyu rose immediately, picking up the down jacket from the sofa and handing it to her. “It’s cold outside, put the hood on.”

Song Yuehua nodded and followed her out.

The motion-sensor light in the hallway was on, their footsteps echoing softly. Though neither spoke, the silence felt comfortable rather than awkward.

As they reached the door, Bai Qingyu suddenly called out, “Yuehua.”

Turning back, Song Yuehua saw her holding out a small box. “A New Year’s gift for you.”

Song Yuehua took the box and opened it.

Inside was a delicate silver bracelet, with a small moon pendant that shimmered gently under the light.

“I…” Song Yuehua flustered, trying to hand the box back. “This is too precious. I can’t accept it…”

“It’s not precious,” Bai Qingyu said with a smile, gently pressing her hand. “I just thought this moon suited you.”

Song Yuehua’s fingertips brushed against the bracelet, the cool metal carried a hint of warmth. She looked up at Bai Qingyu. “Thank you… Qingqing.”

“Happy New Year,” Bai Qingyu repeated, her tone even softer than before. “Next New Year, let’s spend it together again.”

Song Yuehua nodded emphatically, her lips curving into a wide smile. “Yes! We’ll spend it together again next year!”

When she returned home, Song Xiaomi was crouched on the scratching post by the door, tail swaying gently. As soon as she opened the door, he let out a soft “meow” and rubbed against her pant leg.

She bent down to pick up the kitten, her fingers still clutching the small box containing the bracelet, a smile lingering on her lips.

Placing Song Xiaomi on the sofa, she carefully opened the box and fastened the silver bracelet around her wrist once more.

The delicate chain fit snugly against her wrist, the moon pendant dangling just below her palm. The cool metal brushed against her skin, yet it warmed her heart with a glowing tenderness.

She turned her wrist in front of the mirror, watching the moon pendant shimmer faintly under the light, and couldn’t help but grin foolishly. She didn’t even notice when Song Xiaomi nuzzled up to lick her hand.

“This will be my lucky bracelet from now on,” she murmured, gently stroking the pendant before leaning down to rub Song Xiaomi’s head. “Xiaomi, isn’t it pretty? Qingqing gave it to me as a New Year’s gift.”

Song Xiaomi let out a soft “meow,” as if understanding, then burrowed into her arms, curling into a fluffy ball.

Early the next morning, Song Yuehua was awakened by the ringing of her phone before she had fully shaken off her sleepiness.

It was Bai Qingyu calling.

Rubbing her eyes, she answered the phone, her voice still husky from sleep. “Qingqing?”

“Are you awake?” Bai Qingyu’s voice came through the phone, crisp and clear like the morning air. “The weather’s lovely today. Let’s go to the shop to buy some offerings for the temple.”

Song Yuehua snapped awake instantly and nodded eagerly. “I’m awake, I’m awake! I’ll get ready right away. Where should we meet?”

“I’m waiting downstairs for you. Twenty minutes?”

“Okay!”

After hanging up, Song Yuehua scrambled out of bed. After washing up, she deliberately chose a light gray coat and made sure the bracelet was visible.

As she adjusted her hair, her fingers kept drifting to the moon pendant, secretly hoping Bai Qingyu would notice it.

When she went downstairs, Bai Qingyu was already waiting, holding a steaming meat bun.

Seeing her approach, Bai Qingyu smiled and handed her the bun. “Just bought it, still warm. Have a bite to fill your stomach.”

Song Yuehua took the bun and bit into it, the savory juice spreading in her mouth. Chewing, she slid into the passenger seat, her wrist swaying unintentionally.

Bai Qingyu’s gaze fell on the bracelet, her eyes lighting up, but she said nothing and simply started the car.

The two went to the shop to buy offerings, selecting fruits, pastries, and two fresh chrysanthemum bouquets.

Bai’s mother and Aunt Qin were already waiting at the temple, accompanied by Qin Zhen and Bai Qingyuan.

As soon as the two girls met, they clamored to visit the nearby wishing tree. Qin Zhen tugged at Song Yuehua, asking her to help hang a red ribbon inscribed with “I hope Qingyuan and I will be best friends forever” on a high branch.

While Song Yuehua stood on tiptoe to hang the ribbon, Bai Qingyu stood beside her, discreetly supporting her waist to keep her from losing her balance.

After the ribbon was secured, Song Yuehua turned and met Bai Qingyu’s gaze. They both smiled.

During the prayer, Song Yuehua closed her eyes and made her wishes earnestly: May Bai’s mother stay healthy, may Qingyu’s business thrive, may everyone around me be safe and sound, and may… I always stay with Qingqing.

When she opened her eyes, she found Bai Qingyu looking at her with a tender expression. Flustered, she lowered her head and pretended to arrange the offerings, her heart racing.

After leaving the temple, the group went for lunch. Qin Zhen pulled Song Yuehua along, insisting they visit the temple fair. Bai Qingyuan trailed behind resignedly, carrying the rabbit lantern Qin Zhen had just bought.

Mrs. Bai and Aunt Qin walked ahead, chatting about daily life, while Bai Qingyu accompanied Song Yuehua, strolling slowly behind them. In her hand, Bai Qingyu held a stick of candied hawthorn she had bought for Song Yuehua.

“The company opens next Monday,” Bai Qingyu suddenly said. “Would you like to come and take a look? You don’t need to do any work, I just thought it would be nice for you to join in the excitement.”

Song Yuehua’s eyes lit up. “Really? Can I go?”

“Of course,” Bai Qingyu replied with a smile. “You’re my ‘chief secretary.’ How could we have the opening without you?”

Song Yuehua remembered her earlier promise to act as Bai Qingyu’s secretary, and her cheeks flushed again. Still, she nodded firmly. “Okay! I’ll definitely be there!”

As the sun set, they began their way back. Song Yuehua sat in Bai Qingyu’s car, the moon-shaped pendant on her wrist swaying gently with the motion of the vehicle.