"What to do When the Pretty Woman I Kissed is My Best Friend's Professor" - Chapter 134

After a long embrace, Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) recalled the scene she had witnessed on the day she sent Yan He off for her overseas assignment. She deliberately cleared her throat. Yan He looked at her with those clear eyes. Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) blinked, then deliberately said, “I told you, I saw it all when I went to send you off that day.”

Yan He was momentarily confused about what she meant: “Ah? Saw what?”

She only thought of how vulnerable Jie-jie (Sister/Elder Sister) had seemed that day, making her want to give her everything. Yan He kissed her lips, and her hand moved down to find her Jie-jie‘s (Sister/Elder Sister’s) hand. After their fingers intertwined, a different warmth spread across the surface of their skin. Even though they had held hands many times, Yan He’s heart still fluttered every time they did it again.

Her voice softened. She felt an immense sense of happiness securely enveloping her. She looked at the lover who brought her this happiness and softly said, “Jie-jie, I was really happy when you came to send me off.”

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) stroked her head with her other hand. The soft sensation softened her voice as well: “I didn’t ask you back then, how is your waist?”

She was asking about the waist she injured while skiing, which had long since healed. But Yan He’s heart felt incredibly tender; she hadn’t expected her Jie-jie (Sister/Elder Sister) to still remember this.

“It healed quickly. It snowed in Bolzano after you left.” Listening to her heartbeat, the sadness Yan He had felt after Bolzano completely vanished now: “I brought back a small bottle of snow. It was placed on my windowsill, but it melted a long time ago.”

It had melted right after she arrived at the Bolzano airport. The life of that bottle of snow was very short, but after it turned to water, she brought it back. It was merely symbolic, and she had already obtained the person it symbolized.

“There will be another chance.” Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) lips briefly touched hers. More than intimacy, it was like comfort mixed with guilt.

Of course, they would have a chance. The future was still long, and they had plenty of opportunities to go to those places. Yan He thought of the Naples seaside, which Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) couldn’t accompany her to, and hummed softly, giving her earlobe a gentle, punishing bite.

“Why didn’t you tell me Grandma was sick then?”

She had only just heard it from Grandma Shen, and thus, she also learned that Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) hasty return was because her father’s mistress had caused trouble. If Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) had told her directly, she wouldn’t have blamed all of this on Tan Ning. Thinking of this, Yan He couldn’t help but feel a little bad for Tan Ning.

She then recalled Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) seeing her off at the airport. Yan He didn’t like goodbyes, and at that moment, she had never seen Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) look so distressed. She actually had many, many things she wanted to say to Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen), but now, listening to her heartbeat, she felt that she had a lifetime to tell her everything.

“I just felt… I didn’t want you to be bothered by those things too.” Looking back, she had been presumptuous.

“Silly girl.” Her little dog smiled and said this.

I’m clearly the silliest one, yet you’re calling me silly. Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) squeezed her hand.

Yan He looked up at the woman she deeply loved and softly said, “If we don’t have enough time in the future… then don’t come to see me off.” She didn’t say the rest of the sentence. She couldn’t bear to see her lover so distraught. But she believed Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) would understand.

Her lover is the smartest person; how could she not understand the meaning of her words?

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) hugged her but didn’t speak, nor did she agree. Yan He knew this was a silent refusal.

If she refused, then so be it. Yan He sighed softly and asked her: “—So, Jie-jie, what did you see that day?”

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) let out a slight huff and didn’t speak.

Yan He reviewed her experiences that morning—taking a taxi from home to the airport, meeting Teacher Yao and the others, passing through security, and then receiving her Jie-jie‘s (Sister/Elder Sister’s) call—Wait a minute, Teacher Yao?

Her mind stopped its whirlwind of recollections. She remembered that when Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) was standing not far away, Yao Yao (Teacher Yao) had walked over and patted her on the shoulder, reminding her it was time to leave. Could it be because of this?

Yan He understood in her heart, but she deliberately pretended not to know and asked again, “Jie-jie still hasn’t told me what you saw?”

“It wasn’t much.” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) pouted. Although her tone was light, the underlying feeling of being wronged couldn’t be concealed: “I just saw someone patting our little one’s shoulder, that’s all.”

Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) words confirmed Yan He’s guess. She laughed, threw herself into Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) arms, and kissed her fiercely: “Oh, that was my superior!”

The little one rubbed her face against her Jie-jie‘s (Sister/Elder Sister’s) in a fawning way: “Jie-jie is my girlfriend, I shouldn’t be jealous of her.”

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) pouted and replied, “Didn’t you get jealous of Tan Ning?”

“That’s different.” Yan He straightened up, looking down at Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) with her arms crossed: “Who told her she met you so many years before me? Let me think—” Yan He pretended to be deep in thought, but her internal calculations had long since worked out the time: “She knew you eight years earlier!”

“But now, you are the one by my side. Tan Ning and I are just ordinary friends. Oh—at best, she is my grandma’s ‘old-but-young friend,’ but aren’t you too!”

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) stroked the head of the little dog who was being jealous in front of her. Staying in one position was becoming uncomfortable. Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) sat on the sofa and patted Yan He, signaling that she wanted to change positions.

She stretched her legs out, and Yan He naturally lay down on her lap, looking up at her.

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) mischievously placed her hand lightly over Yan He’s eyes, blocking her vision. Yan He gently pulled down her hand, tracing the logo on her Jie-jie‘s (Sister/Elder Sister’s) clothing with her fingertip.

“When do you plan to tell Tan Ning about us?” There was a slight nasal sound in Yan He’s voice. She asked deliberately, but in reality, she wasn’t that concerned.

Whether Tan Ning knew about her relationship with Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) was not important. She had already gained possession of Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen)—and that was enough.

“She is currently your mentor…”

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) hadn’t finished her sentence when Yan He also thought of this point. She covered her face, shaking her head on Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) lap: “Never mind, never mind. Let’s not let her know. We’ll talk about it after I graduate!”

Her thigh felt a little ticklish. Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) bent down to kiss her forehead and pulled her up. Yan He leaned softly into her arms, noticing that Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) skin was cool.

“Why are you so boneless?” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) smiled, tapping her chin.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) gaze fell on the bouquet of roses. Having just mentioned Tan Ning, she naturally thought of the flowers Yan He had given her before. The first time she gave her baby’s breath, the second time—strictly speaking, it wasn’t the second time; those were flowers from the school.

The next time was in Bolzano, when she gave her roses—and did it sneakily.

“So, why did you think of giving me baby’s breath before?” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) rested her chin on her hand and smiled. Thinking of the time Yan He arrived, she asked, “The flower shop downstairs hadn’t opened yet when you arrived, had it?”

“You gave Teacher Tan Ning baby’s breath.” Yan He leaned on her shoulder. Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) could feel her every move, and naturally felt the vibration in her chest when she spoke: “They had just opened when I got downstairs, so I picked the biggest and best-looking bouquet of red roses.”

She had to give Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) flowers; she had to make up for all the flowers she had previously given Tan Ning.

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) was amused by her description, her tenderness unmistakable in her eyes: “I see. Our little one is so thoughtful.”

She didn’t tell Yan He that she had actually only given Tan Ning flowers twice: once for Teacher’s Day years ago, and once when Tan Ning had just given birth (which Yan He witnessed).

“Jie-jie has things she’s hiding from me!” Her little dog began to list them one by one: “Jie-jie changed her perfume, and she can speak Italian! You didn’t tell me about any of it.”

“When did you find out?” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) smiled, completely unbothered by being caught. She knew Yan He would find out and wasn’t nervous at all.

“Fruity scent, very similar to your own smell, in Bolzano.” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) rubbed her hair again, messing it up before stopping: “Couldn’t you smell it yourself? Silly goose.”

“Mine?” Yan He felt incredibly silly. She had completely forgotten what perfume she had—she didn’t even remember if she had sprayed perfume on herself at the time.

“It was yours.” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) smiled warmly. She put her arm around Yan He’s shoulder and slowly said, “English Pear & Freesia.”

Yan He vaguely recalled—it seemed to be a gift from Li Xiuxi. She had long forgotten the scent.

“Getting jealous of your own self.” Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) slender index finger tapped her chin. “As for Italian—which little one kept introducing me to others as her friend? I couldn’t bear to expose you.”

Yan He pursed her lips, her face flushed.

She didn’t speak, but a vibrating sound saved her from the current embarrassment.

“Is something ringing?” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) looked up, searching for the source of the sound.

Yan He quickly felt her pocket: “Ah! It’s my phone ringing!” She glanced at the caller ID: it was Madam He (He-nüshi, her mother) returning her call.

Yan He blinked: “It’s my mom’s call.”

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) nodded quietly, gesturing for Yan He to answer the phone. She unhurriedly picked up the clear glass on the table and took a sip.

As soon as Yan He answered the phone, she heard Madam He (He-nüshi) on the other end ask, “I heard your dad say you’ve arrived home?”

“Well… I’m not at home, but I have arrived.” Yan He’s sentence was a bit disjointed. Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) couldn’t help but smile.

“Then where are you? When are you coming back?” Madam He’s (He-nüshi’s) tone was light. “Do you want to have dinner together tonight?”

Yan He blinked furiously at Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) and tapped her lips. Her tone was deliberately casual: “Ah, I won’t be going back today. I’m at my girlfriend’s place.”

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) raised an eyebrow. Yan He touched her raised eyebrow.

“Oh, you’re at your girl—hmm?” Madam He’s (He-nüshi’s) voice cut off abruptly. Yan He had turned on the speakerphone, so they could only hear breathing on the other end.

Madam He (He-nüshi) thought she had misheard. She asked again: “Did you just say—you’re at your friend’s house?”

“Yes, but not just a friend. My. Girl. Friend.” Yan He deliberately emphasized the three words girl friend, sounding a bit staccato.

Madam He (He-nüshi) was silent for a long time before asking, “So—you succeeded in your confession.”

Yan He smiled proudly, the triumphant implication obvious in her tone: “Yes.”

“Alright. So you plan to—sleep—at your. Girl. Friend’s. House, right?” Madam He (He-nüshi) quickly accepted the situation. She repeated Yan He’s cadence from earlier.

“Yes, yes.”

Madam He (He-nüshi) on the other end let out a meaningful “Oh—” sound and then asked, “Are you still planning to come back?”

The speakerphone was on, so Madam He’s (He-nüshi’s) teasing words clearly reached Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) ears. She winked at Yan He, and the latter winked back. They both laughed simultaneously.

“Yes, yes, I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Alright. If it’s convenient, let me meet your. Girl. Friend.” Madam He (He-nüshi) again mimicked Yan He’s tone from earlier, emphasizing the three words girl friend.

Yan He didn’t say anything. Immediately, Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) saw her ears turn red at a visible speed. She couldn’t resist. She reached out and pinched Yan He’s ear, making the latter shiver.

“Alright, alright, I won’t disturb the two of you anymore.” Madam He (He-nüshi) emphasized: “Remember! Arrange a time for me to meet your girlfriend!”

Yan He raised an eyebrow at Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen). The latter briefly avoided her gaze but then nodded.

“Okay, okay,” Yan He agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) pinched her cheek: “So eager for us to meet?”

Yan He held her hand and smiled: “After all, I’ve already met your family. So—for fairness, you should meet mine too, right?”

Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) gaze was profound. She stared at Yan He’s lips for a long time, then smiled and kissed her.

When the kiss ended, Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) suddenly remembered something and tried to stand up: “I prepared a birthday gift for you, but you were on assignment at the time, so I didn’t get a chance to give it to you.”

“I’ve already received my gift.” Yan He pulled her back, smiling widely. She had already received the best gift of her life so far. As for the others, they were no longer important.

“What is it?” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) was puzzled, then immediately realized Yan He was referring to the Christmas holiday. Her face flushed. She gave Yan He a scolding look and gently pinched the soft flesh around her waist, only to feel the beautiful ab lines on the little one’s abdomen.

“It’s different,” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) insisted, her ears slightly red.

So, Yan He watched her take out an exquisite box from the cabinet in the corner of the living room. The box was about the size of a laptop, dark-colored, with a few gilded letters printed on it. Yan He recognized the brand; it was very expensive, definitely more than she could afford right now.

Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) face was still flushed as she handed the gift box to Yan He.

“Isn’t it too expensive?” Yan He held the box, hesitating.

“What’s expensive about it?” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) tapped her nose: “You are Jie-jie‘s (Sister/Elder Sister’s) most precious gift, you know?”

A ribbon was tied on the box. Maybe all ribbons looked the same? Yan He looked at the ribbon, then at Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) neck. She suddenly remembered the brief dream she had on the plane.

“Why is your face red?” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) asked, a little confused.

Yan He shook her head, stuttering: “N-nothing!”

Saying this, she reached out and untied the ribbon on top. The ribbon fell apart, softly landing on the table. Inside was a dark-colored scarf. Yan He’s eyes sparkled. She took out the scarf and handed it to Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen), smiling slyly: “A gift from Jie-jie—of course, Jie-jie has to tie it on me!”

Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) smiled, helped her tie the scarf, and smoothed out the folds of the scarf hanging over her chest. She laughed: “It looks good!”

“It’s just the right season for a scarf,” Yan He admired herself in the nearby glass: “Today is the Beginning of Spring. Everything is reviving, and everything is just beginning.”

“Oh, is it? Is today the Beginning of Spring?” Only then did Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) realize the significance of the day. No wonder Grandma had said she was bringing her spring rolls.

She helped Yan He take off the scarf and neatly placed it back in the box: “Alright, remember to take it with you.”

Saying this, Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) suddenly remembered something: “Remember to help me put on my necklace later.”

She had said she wanted Yan He to personally help her put on the necklace she had given her.

Yan He also remembered and smiled in agreement.

After helping Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) put on the necklace, and before the two of them tumbled onto the bed, Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen), whose wrists were tied together with the gift ribbon, suddenly remembered the postcard she had forgotten beside the roses.

She tried to break free from Yan He’s embrace: “I want to go—go see what you wrote on the postcard!”

Yan He hugged her from behind, her ears red all the way to her neck. She whispered, “Read it after I leave!”

“Then tell me what you wrote, okay?” Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) stopped moving, turned her head, and looked at her, smiling sweetly.

Yan He bit her lip, struggling for a long time, and finally used a kiss to stop Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) next words.

Forget it—Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen) was dizzy from the kiss. She thought, There will be time in the future. They had all the time in the world.

Yan He lay on the bed, looking up at the woman pinning her down, and trembling, she caressed her face.

It felt like a dream.

She saw the ribbon tied around her wrist—it was the one that had appeared in her dream. It was the birthday gift her girlfriend, Shen Jinrong (Professor Shen), had given her. It had been tied on Shen Jinrong’s (Professor Shen’s) wrist just now, and now it was on her own.

She thought of what she had written on that postcard, every stroke a testament to her feelings—

【My singular courage, the source of my romanticism.

It’s all you, and it’s all for you.】

THE END