Chapter 10: The Ex’s Tenderness, Like Sugar in Broken Glass

Gao Qinghe stood at the door of the shared apartment, shopping bags in hand, knocking for a long time before the door finally creaked open with a squeak.

Li Xiang peeked out with half his body, his gaze somewhat evasive. It only swept over her face for half a second before quickly darting away, landing on the tips of her shoes.

"...You're back." His voice was low, not daring to look at her for more than a glance.

What's going on with him?

Gao Qinghe stepped inside, feeling puzzled. Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly froze.

Sitting by the dining table in the living room was an unexpected figure. That head of golden hair looked glaringly out of place in the cramped, shabby little room.

"Lin Xi, you..." Gao Qinghe spoke instinctively, then startled herself with her own soft, gentle voice.

Oh right, I'm a woman now.

Lin Xi slowly turned her head. Her cat-like, narrow eyes squinted slightly as she looked Gao Qinghe up and down. Her gaze moved from the beige little dress to the luxury shopping bag in her hand, a flicker of suspicion passing through her eyes.

"Sigh—" But then, as if giving up on something, she let out a big sigh. "So this is Gao Jingdong's cousin?"

"Yeah..." Li Xiang scratched the back of his head, genuine worry in his voice. "Gao Jingdong's whereabouts are unknown right now. It's been a whole day with no news. When I went to his room, I saw he didn't even take his phone. I'm afraid he might do something rash..."

He looked at Lin Xi, then at himself, a troubled expression on his face.

This brother Li Xiang really is reliable.

"She absolutely cannot stay here alone with Li Xiang in this house!"

A slightly harsh and somewhat frantic voice came from the other corner of the living room.

Gao Qinghe turned and only then saw Li Xiang's girlfriend sitting at the dining table, eyes wide with anger, face livid, glaring at her with intense vigilance.

Alright—so after all that talk, these people want to kick me out.

"Calm down first. We'll definitely figure something out, and Gao Jingdong might still come back, right?" Lin Xi's comforting voice was gentle yet firm. "He might have just gone out for something urgent and forgotten his phone..."

"I don't care!" Li Xiang's girlfriend suddenly stood up, the chair legs scraping against the floor with a harsh, grating sound. "Can she prove she's Gao Jingdong's cousin? Besides, I don't care who she is! She hasn't paid rent, she can't stay here even for a single day!"

This... is a bit unreasonable, isn't it? You haven't paid rent either, have you?

Gao Qinghe stood dumbfounded in the living room, the paper bag in her hand trembling slightly, at a loss for what to do.

Li Xiang shrank back, frightened. Only Lin Xi was still trying to reason with her. "Sister Xiao Qin, don't get so worked up..."

But she wouldn't listen at all. With a dismissive wave of her hand, she strode towards Gao Qinghe, her manner aggressive and imposing.

"You b*tch, I don't know who you are, but don't you dare try to seduce my boyfriend! Didn't you say your luggage was stolen? Huh?" She pointed at the large and small bags in Gao Qinghe's hands. "Where did you get the money for clothes? Probably money from seducing men and selling yourself, right?! Where are my clothes?!"

"Stop it!" Lin Xi shouted loudly, abruptly standing up and blocking the way in front of Gao Qinghe, her golden hair tracing an arc in the air. "Sister Xiao Qin, you're not calm right now. The things you're saying are too hurtful!"

As she spoke, she turned to look at Gao Qinghe, her eyes softening. "It's okay, don't be afraid. Sister Xiao Qin doesn't mean it like that. Come, sit down first. Whatever it is, we can talk about it slowly."

...Lin Xi...!

I knew you still remembered our past feelings! You're still protecting me like this...!

Gao Qinghe's eyes instantly welled up with tears.

Why is she here?

It must be because she's worried about my safety! Otherwise, after cutting off all contact, why would she come looking for me at my place...!

"Ah, little sister... your name is Gao Qinghe, right? Don't cry first, it's okay, it's really okay. Sister Xiao Qin truly doesn't have any other meaning, she's just a bit agitated. She's a very good person..." Seeing Gao Qinghe's tears, Lin Xi quickly stepped forward, placing her hand on Gao Qinghe's shoulder. The firm, warm pressure through the fabric transmitted a familiar warmth.

Gao Qinghe cried even harder.

When was the last time Lin Xi spoke to me in such a gentle voice?

The last scene in her memory was Lin Xi's resolute departure on that snowy day. She had never imagined she would see this caring side of Lin Xi again in this form.

"Ah, it's okay, it's okay, don't cry... I know, with Gao Jingdong not around and your luggage stolen, you must be very uneasy." Lin Xi spoke as she gently drew Gao Qinghe into her embrace. "It's okay. Everyone here is a good person. You don't need to worry..."

Gao Qinghe's nose buried into the hollow of Lin Xi's shoulder. The familiar scent of metallic rose perfume instantly enveloped her. That sweet fragrance with a hint of coldness reminded her of their countless late-night embraces.

Lin Xi's arms encircled Gao Qinghe's back, her palm patting gently, as if soothing a frightened child.

Resentment, longing, and gratitude surged up all at once.

The tears finally broke through the dam. Gao Qinghe couldn't help but sob loudly.