Chapter 338: Fu Yujun & Guan Han [35]

Guan Han flexed her wrist, got up to wash her hands, and then wrung out a damp towel to clean Fu Yujun.

Fu Yujun was in a deep slumber, her limbs as soft as noodles, allowing herself to be handled without resistance.

Guan Han sat at the foot of the bed, leaned down to kiss her, and tucked the blanket snugly around Fu Yujun. She then went to take a shower, rinsed rice to cook porridge, set a timer, and finally returned to bed to sleep.

By then, the sky was already bright.

Unsurprisingly, Fu Yujun slept through breakfast and even missed lunchtime. Just before the last sliver of the setting sun was dragged below the horizon, the small lump in the bedroom finally stirred. Fu Yujun squinted her eyes, gazing at the sunset filtering through the curtains, lost in a daze for a while. With great effort, she propped up her upper body, revealing pale skin marked with faint pinkish marks.

"Guan..." Fu Yujun opened her mouth, her voice unusually hoarse. To make matters worse, the soreness in her waist made her abandon the effort to support herself, and she chose to lie back down again.

Fu Yujun interlaced her fingers and rested them on the blanket in front of her, not bothering to call out anymore. She closed her eyes and lay still, her expression serene.

Only this way could her nearly broken body feel a little more comfortable.

Why had she challenged someone trained in martial arts? Fu Yujun sank into deep self-doubt as she recalled the "painful" experiences of the previous night. How did the absurd saying, "There is no land that can't be plowed, only an ox that dies from exhaustion," even come to be?

Thankfully, she had only asked Guan Han for one night, not three days and three nights—otherwise, would she even be alive now?

After lamenting, she began to reminisce about the joyful memories, her lips curling upward uncontrollably.

She pulled the blanket up to her nose to hide her involuntary laughter.

Suddenly, she felt like she could do it all over again!

......

Guan Han checked on Fu Yujun every ten minutes. When the next ten-minute mark arrived, she pushed the door open and saw that the other woman was already awake, a pair of smiling eyes peeking out from above the blanket.

Guan Han couldn't help but smile.

"You've been sleeping all day. Are you hungry?" Guan Han sat on the edge of the bed, placed her hand over Fu Yujun's, and asked gently.

Fu Yujun shook her head and said, "Thirsty."

Guan Han helped her sit up, picked up the glass of water from the bedside table, and fed her.

Fu Yujun smacked her lips and said, "More."

She drank three full glasses of water before the stinging in her throat was somewhat relieved. Only then did she belatedly ask a question: "How's the soundproofing here?" Last night, she had completely lost control and couldn't remember such details.

Guan Han deliberately put on a thoughtful expression, pondered for a moment, and said, "Probably no one could tell it was you?"

Fu Yujun: "..."

Seeing her stiff expression, Guan Han set aside her teasing and said, "The soundproofing should be pretty good. I've never heard any noise from the neighbors in my room."

Fu Yujun lightly punched her shoulder but ended up straining her sore muscles, letting out a soft hiss.

A flicker of concern appeared in Guan Han's eyes as she asked, "Where does it hurt?"

Fu Yujun grumbled, "Everywhere hurts."

"My fault." Guan Han had her lie face down, took off her shoes, and climbed onto the bed, kneeling on one knee beside her to give her a massage.

There wasn't a single spot on Fu Yujun's body that felt fine. And since she was used to acting spoiled in front of Guan Han, she unconsciously exaggerated her pain, groaning and whining incessantly, even adding a rhythmic flair to it.

Guan Han grew restless listening to her, afraid that continuing might injure her further, so she suggested, "Find something to do."

Fu Yujun immediately stopped groaning, tilted her head, and asked, "Like what?"

"Check your phone, see if anyone's looking for you. Don't you like chatting with your roommates? What if they're sharing something fun in the group chat?"

Fu Yujun reached toward the bedside table.

Guan Han leaned over, her long arm effortlessly retrieving the phone and placing it beside Fu Yujun's pillow.

"Thanks, dear."

Fu Yujun opened the dorm group chat. Everyone seemed busy, as there were only a few messages. She proactively sent several large red packets into the chat.

[[Congratulations on the wealth, great fortune and great profit]]

Wen Shuxian: "The Best Actress of the Feitian Awards is here to claim the red packet. May I ask what joyous occasion has prompted this generosity from the Magnolia Award-winning Best Actress?"

Cui Jiaren: [Stop it, don't be ridiculous @Wen Shuxian]

Fu Yujun: [It's nothing, just a small award.]

Winning an award can't last all night, but sister can!

Wen Shuxian: [Wow, such big talk]

Cui Jiaren: [Waiting with my bowl ready for the tea]

Tang Ruoyao: [I have a vague idea what the happy occasion might be]

Wen Shuxian & Cui Jiaren: [!!!]

[First Sister, please spill the tea!]

Fu Yujun: "???"

Fu Yujun privately messaged Tang Ruoyao: [Can you give me a hint? What do you know?]

Tang Ruoyao: [Qin Yinong called Guan Han this morning and casually asked about you. Guan Han said you were sleeping. When I contacted Guan Han this afternoon, she still said you were sleeping. So what happened last night that made you sleep the entire day?]

Fu Yujun frowned: [Why were both of you calling Guan Han?]

Tang Ruoyao evaded: [Official business]

The morning call was for official business, but the afternoon call was because Qin Yinong sent her to gather gossip.

Tang Ruoyao: [Congratulations! Finally got laid. How's Guan Han's stamina?]

Fu Yujun: [[Shy]]

Tang Ruoyao: [Seems quite satisfactory, no wonder you're sending red packets in the group chat]

Being fellow members of the rainbow community, Fu Yujun couldn't resist showing off: [All night until dawn, and she's still full of energy, her hands aren't even shaking]

Tang Ruoyao screenshotted the chat history and sent it to Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong: [Love you, mwah]

Tang Ruoyao replied with a heart-shaped emoji.

Fu Yujun went to the work group chat and sent another red packet, receiving a flood of "Thank you, boss" responses.

After Guan Han finished massaging her, she helped Fu Yujun brush her teeth and wash up. For dinner, they had seafood congee, savory and delicious. After eating, drinking, and resting sufficiently, Fu Yujun had recovered at least half her energy.

On her right side was a plate of strawberries washed by Guan Han, in her left hand was a script, and a pillow supported her lower back as she leisurely enjoyed her relaxation time.

Guan Han emerged from the bedroom in white practice clothes, took down the sword hanging on the wall, and explained under Fu Yujun's surprised gaze that she was going to the rooftop to practice.

Fu Yujun nearly choked on the strawberry she was eating.

"Aren't you tired at all?"

"I don't think I did much?" Guan Han recalled, not understanding why she would ask.

Fu Yujun gazed at her gloomily.

Guan Han went "Oh" and laughed: "That." She cleared her throat amusedly, standing by the door looking at her, and said, "You should work on your fitness."

Fu Yujun listened to the sound of the door closing: "..."

Was Guan Han mocking her? She was definitely mocking her!

After one night, her field had been plowed into disarray, completely drained, while that water buffalo was still perfectly fine, full of vitality. Is the difference between people really this big?

Today, Guan Han was practicing with her left hand.

Without Fu Yujun to keep her safe, Guan Han unfortunately encountered a peach blossom admirer. Sensing someone approaching within three meters, she sheathed her sword and dialed Fu Yujun downstairs using her sports watch.

"Baby..." Guan Han stumbled over the last two syllables, "...er, I'm almost done practicing. What would you like to eat? I'll buy it for you when I come down."

Fu Yujun replied, "...Fried chicken?"

Guan Han glanced sideways at the girl who had retreated to four meters away and said, "Okay."

A moment later, Guan Han added, "She's gone."

"Male or female?"

"Female."

"Was she pretty?"

"I didn't notice."

"Well done. You get a little red flower as a reward."

"What can I exchange the red flower for?"

"What do you want?"

"I can't think of anything right now. Can I save it for later?"

"Sure."

Guan Han smoothly ran through another set of sword forms before heading downstairs and returning home. When she opened the door, Fu Yujun was still in the same position as when she had left, the only change being that the strawberries on the plate were gone.

"Want more? I'll wash some more."

"I'm full." Fu Yujun beckoned to her and said, "Come here."

"Okay." Guan Han hung her sword back on the wall and walked over.

"Kneel down."

Guan Han complied.

Fu Yujun cupped her face with both hands, leaned down, and gave her a loud kiss on the lips. "Go ahead, you can take a shower now."

Guan Han: "...Okay."

She went to her room to get her clothes and headed to the bathroom for a shower. Only then did it slowly dawn on her—was Fu Yujun treating her like a puppy? Or was this payback for last night when she had made Fu Yujun act like one?

Fu Yujun had practiced dance as a child, and as a female artist, she never neglected her fitness and figure. By midnight, she mustered up a bit more energy and actively wrapped herself around Guan Han's hands, completely forgetting how she had wept pitifully and begged for mercy the night before.

Guan Han sighed inwardly but still fulfilled her request.

With less than a week until the Lunar New Year, Fu Yujun booked plane tickets home for the 28th of the twelfth lunar month—two tickets.

Guan Han had originally planned to visit after the New Year, but she couldn't resist Fu Yujun's constant nagging. Besides, Guan's parents had been asking about it frequently lately, probably worried about Fu Yujun's parents' uncertain attitude and hoping to settle things as soon as possible.

Even if she stayed home for the New Year, Guan Han would still be nagged. With Fu Yujun's double whammy of persuasion, her holiday was bound to be anything but peaceful. So, she agreed to Fu Yujun's proposal.

Guan Han appeared much calmer than Fu Yujun, remaining composed right up until boarding.

Once again, Fu Yujun was filled with admiration: Big sister really is big sister.

After disembarking and retrieving their luggage, Guan Han turned left and strode ahead without looking.

Fu Yujun called out to her, "This way!"

Guan Han looked up at the sign, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

It's to the right—how did I end up going left?

Fu Yujun came over, took her hand, and said, "I'll hold your hand and lead the way."

Guan Han hummed softly in response, pressing her lips together.

......

Fu Yulou and He Wanqing were once again waiting early at the arrival gate.

He Wanqing clasped her hands together, resting them under her chin as if in prayer.

Please, heavens, let Fu Yujun bring her girlfriend home this year.

The flight display showed that Fu Yujun's plane had arrived. He Wanqing stood on tiptoe, eagerly searching the crowd, when she spotted a tall woman walking toward her. The woman had delicate features and a lovely face, dressed in a white blouse and well-fitted beige trousers, with a trench coat draped over her arm. A silver collarbone necklace softened her otherwise sharp and efficient demeanor, lending her a gentle and graceful air.

There was something vaguely familiar about her, but He Wanqing, focused solely on catching sight of her daughter, didn't dwell on it. As the woman passed by, she couldn't help thinking: If only Fu Yujun could bring home a girl like this.

What she didn't notice was that after the tall woman walked past with her suitcase, she stopped and observed them from a distance, neither too close nor too far.

Finally, Fu Yujun emerged.

He Wanqing raised her hand and waved, instinctively scanning the area around and behind her daughter for another figure.

Nothing. Still nothing.

He Wanqing exchanged a glance with her husband, finding mutual encouragement in each other's eyes. They silently agreed not to mention anything about a girlfriend this year, to avoid stirring up Fu Yujun's sadness.

After all, if Fu Yujun had been pursuing someone for so long without success, it was likely over.

Fu Yujun, however, was waiting for her parents to ask. To her surprise, they both acted as if nothing had happened. Unable to hold back, she took the initiative: "Mom, Dad, do you remember the promise I made last year about bringing my girlfriend home?"

He Wanqing immediately fired back with a triple denial: "I don't remember, you didn't, don't make things up."

Fu Yulou chimed in, "Right! There's no such thing!"

Fu Yujun, who had intended to create a surprise, was left speechless.

He Wanqing continued, "What era are we living in? We can't be so old-fashioned. Being single doesn't mean you're lacking anything—it's actually more carefree."

Fu Yulou echoed, "Right! Your mom is absolutely correct!"

Taking a deep breath, Fu Yujun said, "I've already brought her back."

He Wanqing was in the middle of saying, "Our neighbor Aunt Wang's daughter just got divorced not long after getting married, so..." when she abruptly stopped. "What did you say?"

Fu Yujun walked over to Guan Han, took her hand, and led her forward, trying to keep her smile restrained as she said, "Let me formally introduce you—my girlfriend, Guan Han."

Guan Han politely greeted them, "Hello, Uncle and Aunt. You can just call me Xiaohan."

He Wanqing took a closer look—wasn't this the young woman who had just walked by? In the blink of an eye, she had become her daughter-in-law?

Looking more carefully, she realized Guan Han looked exactly like the person they had seen in Fu Yujun's live videos. How could she not have recognized her when she walked right past?

He Wanqing said gently, "My apologies."

Fu Yulou added, "It's our first meeting, and we didn't prepare any gifts for you. We're truly sorry."

This family was even more polite than Guan Han had imagined.

Sensing that Guan Han must be extremely uncomfortable, Fu Yujun stepped in to smooth things over: "It's crowded here. Let's head home first, and we can talk more there."

The four of them made their way to the parking lot.

Fu Yujun held Guan Han's hand with her right hand while walking beside her mother, He Wanqing, who quietly scolded her, "Why didn't you tell us about such an important matter in advance? We're completely unprepared at home."

"Did you prepare meals?"

"Yes."

"What about the red envelopes?"

"Those were prepared last year."

"Then there's nothing to worry about," Fu Yujun reassured with a smile. "Don't be nervous, Mom."

He Wanqing pressed a handkerchief to her forehead, softly sighing, "Oh dear, oh dear." She glanced down at her outfit and grew even more dissatisfied. "Just look at what I'm wearing today!"

Fu Yujun said, "A cheongsam is so beautiful and makes you look younger."

He Wanqing retorted, "Pink! How improper!"

She could find a hundred things wrong with today that made it unsuitable to meet their new daughter-in-law. Fu Yujun could only respond with, "Alright, alright," "Yes, yes," and "You're absolutely right," before turning to smile at Guan Han.

Guan Han tightened her grip on Fu Yujun's fingers slightly, a thin layer of sweat forming between their intertwined hands.

Fu Yulou, dressed in a dark camel-colored overcoat, was tall and slender, wearing glasses and exuding the refined aura of a knowledgeable scholar. This scholar walked ahead of everyone, went to the trunk, and tried to open it twice without success.

He wiped the sweat from his palms on his coat, and his wife approached him quietly to remind him, "Did you press the key?"

Fu Yulou's eyes widened behind his glasses. He took the car key out of his coat pocket, unlocked the trunk, and finally opened it successfully.

He Wanqing shook her head.

Seizing the opportunity, Fu Yujun leaned close to Guan Han's ear and whispered with a smile, "See? They're even more nervous than you are."

Guan Han replied calmly, "I'm not nervous."

Fu Yujun said smoothly, "My mistake. I'm the one who's nervous."

Guan Han couldn't be bothered to argue with her.

Fu Yulou took the wheel, with He Wanqing in the passenger seat, leaving the young couple in the back, which temporarily eased Guan Han's discomfort. He Wanqing occasionally glanced back and smiled at Guan Han.

Guan Han responded with a polite and gracious smile.

He Wanqing tightened her grip on her handbag and let out a soft sigh.

Not informing them in advance had been Fu Yujun's idea. Guan Han was never good at handling such situations—the more formal her parents were, the more uncomfortable she felt. It was better to have a simple, ordinary meeting where they could see each other's true selves.

While Guan Han was looking out the window, Fu Yujun secretly sent a message to her mother.

[She doesn't talk much, so please don't ask too many questions. If you have anything to say, try to talk to me.]

[Also, don't be too enthusiastic—it might scare her.]

......

Fu Yujun's home was pretty much what Guan Han had expected—it looked like the residence of a cultured, intellectual family.

The entrance opened up to a spacious view. The living room featured an antique curio shelf adorned with various ornaments, and the wall opposite the TV displayed a piece of calligraphy. Books were scattered on both the coffee table and the sofa.

Fu Yulou took their luggage and placed it in Fu Yujun's room, while He Wanqing went to make tea.

Guan Han glanced around the room and sat properly on the sofa, her hands resting on her knees.

Fu Yujun placed her hand on top of Guan Han's.

Guan Han shot her a sidelong glance.

Fu Yujun withdrew her hand, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

At first, Guan Han remained expressionless, but within seconds, she too smiled and whispered softly, "Stop fooling around."

Fu Yujun quickly kissed her on the cheek.

Guan Han: "!!!"

Just as she was about to scold her, Fu Yulou emerged from the room, forcing Guan Han to straighten up again.

Fu Yulou paused where he stood, unsure whether to move forward or stay put. Well, he decided to wait for his wife instead, so he changed direction and headed to the tea room to join He Wanqing in preparing tea.

"Try the tea I made." He Wanqing offered.

Guan Han accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Auntie."

He Wanqing asked, "How long have you two been together?"

Fu Yujun replied, "Almost a year."

He Wanqing: "..." So they had kept it from her for that long?

Fu Yujun added, "It only became stable recently."

He Wanqing felt slightly appeased. Young love was always full of twists and turns.

He Wanqing kept Fu Yujun's words in mind, while Fu Yujun actively responded to her questions, answering everything she could. Guan Han, on the other hand, asked no more than a handful of questions. With some time still left before dinner, He Wanqing suggested that Fu Yujun take Guan Han out for a stroll.

She went to the kitchen, while Fu Yulou returned to his study to tinker with his academic work.

Only the two of them remained in the living room.

Fu Yujun asked, "Do you want to go for a walk? We probably can't go too far, just around the building."

Guan Han inquired, "Where's your dog?"

Fu Yujun was taken aback. "Huh?"

Guan Han narrowed her eyes. "A dog named Maomao." It was a name Fu Yujun had murmured several times in her sleep while holding her.

Fu Yujun let out an awkward laugh.

Guan Han stood up, and Fu Yujun grabbed her hand, confessing voluntarily, "There's no dog. I was pretending to be asleep. Please don't be mad."

"I'm not mad," Guan Han replied, lowering her gaze to the fingers clasped around her wrist. "I'd like to see your room."

Hearing that she wasn't angry, Fu Yujun happily led the way.

Perhaps because she was an only child, Fu Yujun's bedroom was larger than hers, decorated in a simple style. It featured a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with a partition, creating a small study-like space.

Guan Han stayed in her room until dinnertime.

She wished she could be like Fu Yujun, able to charm the elders with just a few words, but it seemed to be a natural talent. She remained quiet and reserved, and at the dinner table, she continued to care for Fu Yujun as usual, keeping her gaze fixed on her.

Having lived decades longer, her parents understood well. While a cheerful and sweet-talking personality was pleasant, what mattered most was how well their daughter was treated.

On New Year's Eve, Guan Han received red envelopes from Fu Yujun's parents, just like everyone else. There was an additional one as a meeting gift. Following Fu Yujun's hint, she accepted it, but later, back in the room, she handed them all over to Fu Yujun.

They went to the square to watch the fireworks.

Fu Yujun was bundled up tightly in a long down coat, with only her eyes visible. Her hand was held firmly by Guan Han as they navigated through the bustling crowd.

They made their way through the throng and found a relatively quiet corner. Guan Han pulled down Fu Yujun's mask and, at the peak of the fireworks' brilliance, leaned in to kiss her.

Throughout the Spring Festival, they wandered around Fu Yujun's hometown.

They boated on the lake, where the sky and water merged into one.

The gentle ripples on the water's surface seemed to slow the passage of time.

Fu Yujun lay in the gently rocking boat, legs crossed, eyes half-closed in contentment as she gazed at Guan Han sitting at the stern. "Is this our first official date?" she asked.

"Mm," Guan Han replied, facing away from her, hands braced behind her on the boat deck, her body relaxed as she looked toward the distant, hazy green mountains.

"Turn around and look at me."

Guan Han turned to face her.

She was wearing a black windbreaker that day, the collar turned up high to block the chilly breeze from the river. Her eyes reflected the shimmering lake and mountains as she gazed gently at Fu Yujun.

Fu Yujun said, "Thank you. I'm thoroughly charmed."

Guan Han fell silent.

A moment later, she let out a soft laugh.

Fu Yujun crawled out of the cabin, wearing a matching couple's outfit in a different color, and hugged Guan Han from behind.

Guan Han held Fu Yujun's hands resting on her shoulders, and they lay back together on the boat deck, closing their eyes.

The boatman sang a local folk song, its melody distant and clear.

The green mountains on either shore drifted in and out of the mist, while the clouds in the blue sky shifted and transformed their shapes.

Time is like the water flowing beneath a boat; only when you stop and look back do you realize how far you've traveled.

Sometimes, fate plays harmless little jokes on lovers.

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the day before returning to Beijing, Fu Yujun and Guan Han were out shopping when they brushed past a woman.

Fu Yujun had her hand tucked into Guan Han's coat pocket, chatting and laughing. But the woman froze, turning to stare at the familiar figure. In disbelief, she called out a name: "Fu Yujun?"

Guan Han, with her sharp hearing, faintly caught it and said, "I think someone called your name."

Fu Yujun rested her head on Guan Han's shoulder, pulling her hat brim down slightly. A trace of annoyance tinged her voice as she replied, "Probably a fan."

Guan Han frowned, pulling her hand out of her pocket and preparing for the worst-case scenario.

What if Fu Yujun was discovered here...

She glanced around, quickly selecting the best escape route.

Footsteps approached from behind—the sharp click of high heels on the marble pavement, rapid as drumbeats.

Guan Han pressed Fu Yujun's face into the crook of her neck and turned, warily eyeing the unfamiliar woman running toward them.

The stranger demanded, "Who are you?"

Guan Han retorted coldly, "And who are you?"

Hearing the voice so close, Fu Yujun lifted her head from Guan Han's embrace and stole a glance. Her eyelids twitched.

Wasn't this her ill-fated first love?

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