Running away from the Love-Brain

Underwater World

It was unclear what time it was, but the pitch-black night swallowed up Chi Buyu's long eyelashes, revealing the colorful dreams she might be having in her sleep.

Cui Qijin stared at the ceiling.

It was likely that she had consumed something inappropriate at an inappropriate time—the pineapple cake.

She felt irritable and restless.

Her stomach was uncomfortable, churning as if a zombie were banging around inside.

Cui Qijin threw off the covers, left her room, filled a cup with hot water, and took a sip, only to feel something rise in her throat.

At that moment, the door to another bedroom on the first floor opened, and Ran Yan came out, her hair disheveled. Seeing someone in the living room, she stood there for a moment, dazed.

Once she recognized Cui Qijin, she let out a sigh of relief.

She walked over to the refrigerator, opened it, took out a can of ice-cold beer, smoothly pulled the tab, and tilted her head back, drinking several gulps before putting it down. She then grabbed another bottle, turned, and asked her in a hushed voice, "Want some?"

"No..."

Cui Qijin was halfway through her reply when she suddenly changed her mind, put down her water cup, and extended her hand to take it.

"Thanks."

The cold condensation covered her fingers, forming droplets that pooled in her palm. She didn't drink it right away, but just holding it made her feel a little better.

"Why are you still awake so late?"

The living room was dimly lit by the faint gray-blue moonlight filtering in. Ran Yan pulled out a wooden chair by the dining table, set the beer down, and propped one foot up on the chair, hugging her knees.

"I can't sleep."

Cui Qijin held the beer in her hand, contemplating, and sat down next to her.

Ran Yan nodded. She took another sip of beer, pulled out her phone, and started scrolling absentmindedly, glancing at her from time to time.

Cui Qijin remained seated upright, her eyelashes slightly closed, legs crossed, hands resting on the table, palms stacked together, holding the beer.

Chen Wenran often remarked that her sitting posture resembled some sort of ritual.

She guessed Ran Yan thought the same.

"Do you have something to say to me?" After Ran Yan glanced at her repeatedly, Cui Qijin asked first.

"Ah?"

Ran Yan put her foot down, seemingly influenced by Cui Qijin's serious demeanor. She cleared her throat, "Am I that obvious?"

Cui Qijin replied with a slight "Mm." "If—"

"There is something I want to ask you." Ran Yan interrupted her, but her tone was somewhat vague, "I noticed you seemed off after you came back last night. Did you say something to Shui Shui?"

So that's what it was.

Cui Qijin twisted the beer can in her hand. The coldness had faded, absorbed by the heat radiating from her body.

She felt somewhat unnatural, tightening her jaw.

Just as she was about to speak, Ran Yan sighed to herself, "I didn't want to be like Chen Wenran, keeping a close watch and questioning everything at the slightest sign of trouble, but..."