A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 35

[Are there any other photos?]

Night. Nan Xue’s room.

After sending the message, she patiently waited, trying to calm herself down. But seeing the images of the two together still made her somewhat agitated. She propped her head up, lowered her gaze, and lightly pinched her neck with her slender fingers.

After a moment, she heard a ding.

The person sent her all the photos taken.

Nan Xue looked down, expressionless, browsing through them one by one. Her long index finger gently swiped the screen, tapping and zooming in. She was wearing a thin, white cotton nightgown, and the cold wind coming in made her feel chilled to the bone.

The photos showed the two figures.

They walked out of a villa, then seemed to turn and go to a nearby street to buy groceries and shop, and then returned.

They were shoulder to shoulder, laughing and talking, looking very close.

Nan Xue stared at the photo.

Did Shu Yubai really like her?

But wasn’t it her that Shu Yubai liked before?

She took a deep breath and replied to the person: [Where is this villa located?]

After a while, the person sent her the location.

Nan Xue glanced at it; fortunately, it wasn’t far.

It was past ten at night.

Nan Xue picked up her phone to check, and saw that Shu Yubai had replied to her WeChat message.

The previous message was still there: [Are you there?]

Shu Yubai: [Yes, is there something?]

Shu Yubai: [Do you want to return the painting?”]

Nan Xue’s fingers trembled slightly as she replied: [No]

Nan Xue: [I would like to ask you some questions about painting.]

On the other side.

Shu Yubai looked at the message and smiled lightly. It had been a long time since someone had directly told her they liked her paintings and wanted to ask her about painting. Perhaps this person was an amateur who was interested in painting? Otherwise, why would they spend a lot of money on her paintings and ask her about painting?

Eager learners are always likable.

Her delicate fingers trembled slightly as she replied: [Sure, go ahead and ask.]

The two began to chat.

Shu Yubai explained to her how beginners should choose materials, which steps to take first, and how to find a teacher.

The other person listened intently.

When the conversation was over, the other person said: [Good night, sister.]

She looked at the message, smiled, and replied: [Good night.]

It was the first time she had such a pleasant conversation with a stranger.

It felt as though they had known each other for many years, with a unique sense of intimacy.

A few days later, Shu Yubai continued as before, discussing painting with You Fu, going to her studio to paint together, and visiting the hospital to consult with various doctors.

Previously, an X-ray had shown that the problem with her hand was mainly due to bone proliferation.

Treatment was troublesome, requiring surgery with a certain risk of failure. If the surgery failed, her hand would be completely ruined. Western medicine’s approach involved anti-inflammatory medication and surgical treatment. Later, she also consulted traditional Chinese medicine, which suggested that the issue was due to a damp and cold living environment combined with excessive psychological stress.

A suitable solution had yet to be found.

Her mother even joked: She regretted not insuring her hands back then; otherwise, the insurance company would have to pay a lot now.

In recent days, the girl who bought her paintings seemed to have taken a liking to her, chatting with her every day.

[Good morning], [Good night], never missing a single day.

The topics of conversation were mostly about aesthetics and appreciation, but as time went on, other subjects were added.

One day, she received a photo with the question: [Sister, who is she? Is she your friend?]

The photo showed two hands holding milk tea, one hand slightly more delicate; the other hand had distinct joints, was a bit thinner, and wore a wristwatch.

This was a picture taken during one of her outings with You Fu.

Shu Yubai hesitated for a moment and replied: [Yes.]

The other person asked: [Not a girlfriend?]

Shu Yubai was surprised and then reviewed the photos she had shared. They were all either from outings or pictures of her pets, with no clear indication of her sexual orientation. How could she have figured it out?

After a while, the person sent another photo, also taken from her social media.

It showed two different people’s hands forming a heart shape.

So that’s what it was.

Shu Yubai smiled gently and replied: [Not at the moment.]

What happens in the future is uncertain. At her age, she needs to consider finding someone to spend the rest of her life with. A man is not an option; it can only be a woman. Could it be You Fu? Or someone else.

Who knows.

On the other side, Nan Xue fell into contemplation over the message.

[Not at the moment.]

After a while, she asked: [Does sister have someone she likes?]

Shu Yubai looked at the message, paused in silence, and replied: [Yes.]

The other person asked: [Who is she?]

Shu Yubai smiled and replied: [I won’t tell you.]

Nan Xue looked at the message and remembered how Shu Yubai looked at You Fu, with a hint of admiration, as if her eyes were shining.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she asked: [Is it someone you like very, very much?]

Shu Yubai lowered her gaze, as if recalling something, with a faint smile at the corners of her lips.

She replied: [Yes. It feels like love at first sight.]

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Translator's note: Oh, who's that lucky one she feels love at first sight for? 🧐 Haha... Nan Xue, you need to hurry up and chase her; she might slip away and fall for someone else.

To Be Continued...