Chapter 459 : But... But She Was First
"So nervous~"
Xia Li sat in the corner of a café. She had learned that Xia You often worked here, and just imagining Xia You in a maid outfit made her heart race with excitement.
It wasn’t just seeing Xia You in her maid uniform that had Xia Li so jittery. She had a more important goal today: confessing her love to her beloved Xia You.
She had enrolled at S University just to attend the same school as Xia You. Now that she had achieved that dream, the only thing left was to confess her feelings. If Xia You accepted her, Xia Li felt like she could die happy.
As Xia Li’s thoughts ran wild, a familiar voice interrupted her. "Xia Li, you’re here! Why didn’t you tell me? I thought you weren’t coming~"
Startled, Xia Li glanced up at the person she had been longing to see: Xia You. Compared to summer break, Xia You seemed brighter, with a constant, gentle smile on her face.
She’s even prettier now. And in that maid uniform? She’s a literal goddess!
"I-I saw you were busy, so I thought I’d wait until you had a moment to talk," Xia Li stammered.
"It’s fine! It’s not that busy right now. Besides, you’re a customer too! Want something to eat? It’s on me, so don’t be shy—order whatever you like."
Xia You handed Xia Li a menu as she spoke.
Looking at the menu, Xia Li blinked in confusion. She didn’t recognize most of the items and suffered from indecision, making the choice even harder.
Seeing Xia Li’s struggle, Xia You chuckled lightly. "I recommend this one: ‘Don’t Mind the Name, It’s Delicious Cake’ paired with a latte. Perfect combination!"
Hearing the name of the cake, Xia Li was reminded of her family’s menu, which also had a similarly whimsical naming style. "Then… I’ll have that."
"Alright, just sit tight. I’ll be back in a moment."
As Xia You walked away, Xia Li took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. Though she had rehearsed her confession countless times in a corner of her room before coming, the moment she saw Xia You, her mind went blank.
Before long, Xia You returned, setting the cake and coffee on the table before sitting down.
"So, uh… how’s the job here?"
"It’s great! I really like it here."
"Oh~"
The two of them continued chatting about mundane topics as time passed. As the café got busier, Xia You felt obligated to get back to work.
Just as she was about to excuse herself, Xia Li suddenly spoke up.
"Xia You!"
"Huh?"
"I-I’ve liked you for a long time. Since we were kids, since the first time I saw you, I’ve liked you. I know this might be sudden, but I have to say it. Will you be my girlfriend? Or, um… can I be yours?"
Hearing Xia Li’s words, Xia You raised an eyebrow, though she didn’t seem particularly surprised. She had sensed Xia Li’s feelings for her for some time.
"Xia Li, I’ve always thought of you as a little sister. Besides… I already have someone I like. I’m sorry."
Xia Li bit her lip in frustration and asked, "The person you like… it’s Ling Ning, isn’t it?"
"Yes," Xia You admitted without hesitation. It was better to be direct and end Xia Li’s hopes cleanly.
"But Ling Ning is already with Bai Yiyue! I… I saw them kissing at the villa last time!"
"Oh."
Xia You’s nonchalant response caught Xia Li off guard. This wasn’t the reaction she had expected. Shouldn’t Xia You be upset upon hearing that her crush had kissed someone else?
Before Xia Li could press further, a booming voice called out, "Xia You! Where are you? Get over here and help already!"
"Coming!" Xia You called back before turning to Xia Li. "I need to get back to work. Sorry."
As Xia You walked away, Xia Li felt all the strength drain from her body. She slumped back into her seat, staring at the half-eaten cake in front of her. Even though it tasted great, she had no appetite.
How did it come to this? But… but she was first!
Sighing softly, Xia Li got up and left the café. She needed to find a place to vent her frustration. She wasn’t just heartbroken—her love hadn’t even had a chance to start before it was over.
Her entire world felt gray.
Lost in thought, Xia Li absentmindedly stepped onto the street, failing to notice the changing traffic signal. When she finally looked up, a massive truck was bearing down on her.
"Is this how my life ends?"
Just as she braced herself for the worst, she smelled a faint floral scent and realized she was being pulled into someone’s arms.
"You need to watch the traffic lights when crossing!"
"T-thank you. I’m so sorry."
Xia Li stammered. Looking up, she saw that her savior was a sophisticated-looking woman in professional attire. The longer she looked, the more familiar the woman seemed. Then it hit her—this was Bai Yiyue’s manager, Wu Zhi, whom she had met back home.
Wu Zhi also recognized Xia Li and asked curiously, "Xia Li, right? What are you doing here?"
"I… I’m studying at S University."
"I see. Be more careful crossing the street. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going."
Wu Zhi turned to leave, but Xia Li called out, "Wait!"
Turning back, Wu Zhi raised an eyebrow. "Is there something else?"
"Are you going to drink? Can I join you?" Xia Li blurted, eyeing the beer Wu Zhi was holding. She didn’t know why she said it—she just needed someone to drink with.
Wu Zhi initially wanted to refuse, but seeing Xia Li’s desolate expression, she felt a pang of empathy. With a resigned sigh, she said, "Fine. But you’ll have to help carry the drinks."
"Okay~"
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
Author’s Note:
This salted fish begs for feedback! Gentle readers, have mercy on this humble writer~