Online Love, Based on the Real Object - Chapter 31

Before Qi Ning clicked on the message list, she felt just as apprehensive as the first time she had ever received a message from Yun Yu.

Among these dozens of unread messages, would there be any from Yun Yu?

 

She took a deep breath before clicking, her movements feeling as if they were in slow motion. To her surprise, out of the twenty-odd unread messages, eighteen were from Yun Yu.

 

The most recent one was from noon today. This surprised her; didn’t this person usually only come online at night?

 

She looked closely at the timestamps and realized they were sent throughout the day morning, noon, and night as if Yun Yu had been camping out online twenty-four hours a day.

 

The content of the messages was nothing but apologies. As for why she was apologizing, it was naturally about the “ex-girlfriend” topic from a few days ago. Seeing that she had truly angered Qi Ning enough to go offline, Yun Yu’s attitude was incredibly soft. She explained that the “ex” she mentioned wasn’t actually an ex; they had never officially been in a relationship.

 

Her original intention had been to meet that person first and only make it official if things felt right. After meeting, however, they decided they were better suited as friends. Since no relationship was ever confirmed, there was no “ex” to speak of.

 

Her attitude was very sincere. Qi Ning felt a small sense of gratification, and the apprehension she had just felt dissipated.

 

The person on the other end seemed to have a radar for her status; the moment Qi Ning finished reading the logs, a new message popped up.

 

Yun Yu: Are you still angry?

 

It seemed she really had been waiting around the clock for her to log in. Just seeing this sentence made Qi Ning burst into a smile, though she quickly forced her expression back to a neutral state.

 

With a stern face, she typed back letter by letter: Who said I was angry?

 

Yun Yu: Then why haven’t you been online the past few days? I thought you were never coming back [Sad face]

 

70: I’ve just been busy lately.

 

It was rare to see Yun Yu use such an emoji, and Qi Ning felt a tug at her heart. The other side seemed to be thinking of a reply, but Qi Ning didn’t give her much time to think. After a moment, she threw out a direct “fastball.”

 

70: Do you have feelings for me?

 

They were right—instead of overthinking it herself, it was better to just ask. If Yun Yu didn’t have even a shred of interest in her, she planned to uninstall the app. No more meeting in the “Jianghu.”

 

Qi Ning still had her pride.

 

After the question was sent, a long time passed without a reply. Qi Ning couldn’t help but wonder: Is this a hard question to answer? Either you like me or you don’t.

 

After waiting a while longer, the other person finally replied. This time, it was a very long block of text. Just seeing the length made Qi Ning’s heart skip a beat. She steadied herself and read the text carefully, word by word, line by line.

 

Although Yun Yu’s message was long, Qi Ning was able to extract one clear piece of information:

 

—Yun Yu liked her too!

 

This result filled Qi Ning’s heart with joy; it seemed her feelings weren’t unrequited. Driven almost purely by impulse, she suggested meeting offline.

 

It wasn’t entirely impulsive, though; she had been thinking about meeting for a long time. Overthinking through a screen wasn’t working anymore; she needed to see the person. After all, they lived quite close to each other.

 

Yun Yu: When?

 

“…” Yun Yu’s readiness surprised her. She had thought that given Yun Yu’s initial cautious attitude toward making friends, she would suggest acting as a couple online for a while before meeting in person. She hadn’t expected her to ask “When” immediately—she seemed even more eager than Qi Ning.

 

But this was good; better to settle it early. Qi Ning wanted it as soon as possible, even thinking about tomorrow. But before finalizing it, she realized something.

 

She jumped off the sofa and rushed into the bathroom to look in the mirror.

 

Because of the National Day shift adjustments, she had worked seven days straight without a break. She had been working overtime on designs for two days, and then there were the parties and property viewings. It had taken a toll. This was reflected in the faint dark circles under her eyes; she looked a bit haggard.

 

If she looked like a ghost, what about the busy Yun Yu? This wouldn’t do!

 

The first impression of a first meeting was crucial. She had to meet Yun Yu in her best possible state, and she hoped to see the best side of the other person as well. They both needed time to prepare.

 

She ran back to the living room and checked the calendar. The soonest break was the National Day long holiday. Counting the days, she didn’t forget her trip with Chu Yunjing from October 1st to the 5th. She would be resting at home on the 6th and 7th; they would have plenty of time then.

 

Now that she thought about it, leaving those two days free had been the right call! She had the time, but she didn’t know if Yun Yu was free. If not, they’d have to push it back.

 

70: Do you have plans for National Day?

 

Yun Yu: I have plans with a friend. Did you want to meet during the holiday?

 

Qi Ning felt a bit disappointed, thinking that since she already had plans, they’d have to delay it. But soon, another message came through.

 

Yun Yu: We can meet during the long break too. I can adjust my schedule 🙂

 

Qi Ning smiled immediately.

 

70: Look at you, prioritizing romance over friends~

 

Yun Yu: Am I “romance” to you?

 

“…” Qi Ning pursed her lips. She was confident in her looks, so being questioned made her a bit unhappy. Before she could complain, Yun Yu added another line.

 

Yun Yu: My girlfriend?

 

Oh, that kind of “romance.” Qi Ning felt a secret thrill, though she still acted “tsundere” on the surface.

 

70: Who’s your girlfriend! [Sulking.jpg]

 

Yun Yu: Oh, I guess I was just flattering myself then. [Disappointed.jpg]

 

The cat emoji Yun Yu sent was so vivid and cute that Qi Ning’s heart melted. She could almost imagine the real Yun Yu looking disappointed after seeing the reply. Poor thing.

 

Just as she was thinking of a response, the other side suddenly threw a “fastball.” …This one was even more direct than hers.

 

Yun Yu: Don’t you like me?

 

It sounded like a joke, but Qi Ning could feel that she was asking seriously. Did she like her? Or not? Qi Ning had a lot of affection for Yun Yu, but suddenly having to state it clearly felt… a bit hard to say.

 

Yun Yu: I guess not. [Cat sigh.jpg]

 

The reply came quickly, sounding quite dejected—even more so than before. Qi Ning, her IQ back online, suspected the other person was playing hard to get, but she decided to jump into the trap anyway.

 

70: You already know the answer, why ask?

 

Yun Yu: I still want to hear you say it. I’ve been guessing this whole time. While you were offline, I wondered if I was just imagining things. If you really cared, why didn’t you just ask me instead of hiding? You know that in a virtual relationship, once you go offline, I have no way to find you.

 

Yun Yu spoke so earnestly that Qi Ning’s heart stirred. She stopped hiding her feelings and replied just as seriously.

 

70: I’ve been thinking about this just as much as you. The ex-girlfriend was one part of it, but I also didn’t know if you liked me even a little bit, or if I was just overthinking. And I wasn’t sure if what I felt for you was that kind of love, or to what extent.

 

70: I saw the messages you left me, and to be honest, I was very happy. What I’m sure of now is that I have a very strong impression of you. There is definitely “like” there; I can’t say to what extent, but I definitely don’t dislike you.

 

70: I thought about it for a long time before logging on tonight, and I chose to follow my heart. I don’t want to lose contact with you. To be honest, I thought that if you said you had no feelings for me, we should stop talking. It’s because I like you that I want to meet; I want to step out of the screen and see the real you.

 

Her words were a bit of a mess—she didn’t even know what she was saying as she sent it—but luckily, her emotions seemed to get across perfectly.

 

The other side was quiet for a moment before replying solemnly: Then let’s meet.

 

Yun Yu: Let’s meet. Once I’m standing in front of you, it will probably clear up all your insecurities.

 

The frown Qi Ning had been wearing suddenly vanished. In the living room, a soft laugh rang out.

 

70: What if I’m ugly and we “die on sight”?

 

Yun Yu: I’m ugly too. Two negatives make a positive.

 

“Hahahahahaha…” Qi Ning almost died laughing at this unconventional reply. Two “ugly” people meeting—two negatives making a positive made perfect sense.

 

Qi Ning hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. Thinking back, her mood had been poor ever since her “cold war” with Yun Yu started, and the work shifts had left her exhausted. Now, chatting with Yun Yu, all that negative energy vanished instantly.

 

She and Yun Yu set their meeting for the 7th. After returning from Guiyue Bay with Chu Yunjing, she would rest for a day before the meeting. She was very much looking forward to what it would be like to see Yun Yu.

 

Thinking about her dream where she kissed the mole under Yun Yu’s eye, she couldn’t help but cover her mouth. If that mole really becomes mine, there’s nothing wrong with giving it a little kiss, right?

 

After working for over ten days straight, she was finally liberated the day before the long holiday. As soon as she got off work, Qi Ning asked Chen Churan to go shopping. Chen Churan had been swamped lately as well; once the holiday hit, she was like a wild horse let off its leash, even posting a status: “Do not contact me for work during the holidays.”

 

Last year’s swimsuit still fit, but the style was outdated. Qi Ning wanted a new one. Chen Churan held up a swimsuit in front of her with a mischievous look. “Look, this one is perfect for you! 300% head-turn rate!”

 

“…” Why does that line sound so familiar? Qi Ning looked over. It was a tiny string bikini. One look and her eyes rolled to the heavens.

 

The bikini was made of black lace; it looked more like a piece of lingerie than swimwear. “Are you sure that’s a swimsuit and not a sexy nightgown?”

 

Chen Churan put it back. “I think it could be both! Wear it as a swimsuit on vacation, and as lingerie at home. Two for the price of one!”

 

“Get out of here.” Qi Ning rolled her eyes and continued browsing.

 

Chen Churan leaned in, winking. “Ever since the news got out that our Great Beauty Qi is single again, the suitors haven’t stopped coming, have they?”

 

“…” Speaking of suitors, Qi Ning immediately thought of Yun Yu. Her ears turned red.

 

“Ooh~ look at that blushing face. Thinking of someone, aren’t we?”

 

“No, I’m not!” Qi Ning pushed her away and walked toward another shelf, clearly dodging the topic.

 

Despite what she said, it wasn’t long before she sent a message to Yun Yu.

 

70: I bought a new swimsuit today! [Cat roar.gif]

 

Since they had cleared the air, Yun Yu was online almost twenty-four hours a day. Their chat time had increased from just nights to whenever they were free during the day. Qi Ning no longer had to worry about whether it was day or night when messaging her, because no matter when it was, Yun Yu would reply instantly. She had even bought a membership just to get instant push notifications like WeChat—it was quite doting.

 

Yun Yu: Baby, are you going to wear it for me? [Cat tilting head.jpg]

 

At some point, Yun Yu had started calling her “Baby.” Qi Ning used to find the term greasy, but coming from Yun Yu, it didn’t feel that way at all. It seemed the term itself mattered less than who was saying it.

 

70: In your dreams!

 

Yun Yu: Life is hard. [Cat sigh.jpg]

 

Yun Yu: My girlfriend is so rebellious, what should I do? Waiting for advice, it’s urgent.

 

Before Qi Ning could reply, Yun Yu answered herself.

 

Yun Yu: She probably just needs more love. A few hugs and kisses should fix it. [Meow]

 

70: Psh, I bet you wouldn’t even dare to kiss me if I let you!

 

Qi Ning was only bold because she was behind a screen. She’d probably be so nervous she wouldn’t sleep the night before they actually met.

 

Yun Yu: Of course, I’d dare to kiss my own girlfriend. I’m just afraid a certain someone will turn into a ball of nerves when the time comes~ [Giggle]

 

Hah! She took that personally. When had Qi Ning ever been a “coward”?

 

70: I’m going to pin you against a wall and kiss you non-stop, you hear me? [Meme.jpg]

 

70: I’m telling you, I’m going to hold your face and kiss that mole under your eye! No one can stop me!

 

Driven by the provocation, Qi Ning blurted out her true thoughts. She had been daydreaming about that mole for far too long!

 

Qi Ning thought Yun Yu would keep teasing her, but her heart skipped a beat when she saw the reply. Four simple words that completely charmed her…

 

Yun Yu: I am all yours.