Chapter Thirty-Seven: Reflections of a Close Friend

“Keep your voice down!”

“It’s the one you mentioned, Natsuki!”

Su Rouxue nodded, admitting the truth as a blush crept across her cheeks. At the same time, she felt immensely awkward; her friend’s raised voice had suddenly drawn countless eyes in the store, making her wish she could disappear into the floor.

“Oh my god, I thought the couple I shipped was doomed, but not only did they get together—they made it real before I even had a chance to root for them properly!”

“Su Rouxue, I thought we were close! How could you start dating and not tell me right away? Come on, spill it—when did you two get together?”

Liu Siqi’s face was lit with the thrill of gossip, and when she saw Su Rouxue nod in confirmation, her expression shifted to one of utter shock.

Nothing this year had surprised her more than this.

She was dying to climb inside Su Rouxue’s head and see for herself what had happened between the two.

“It’s been almost a month now…”

Su Rouxue lowered her head, the smile on her radiant face fading into a shy awkwardness. Her hands unconsciously tightened around the hem of her denim skirt. To be honest, she didn’t know why she felt so embarrassed—maybe it was just hard to admit she was dating a boy twelve years her junior.

Instantly, her cheeks flushed a deeper red.

“A month?!”

“You’ve been dating for a whole month?!”

“The semester’s barely started, and you two were already a thing?”

Liu Siqi was even more flustered now. She had already been shocked to learn her best friend was dating a younger schoolmate, but to find out they’d known each other long before—now that was beyond belief.

What kind of magic was this?

Her curiosity burned; today, she was determined to get all the details.

“It was just fate. Remember during summer vacation, I told you I wanted some time alone?”

“I went on a trip, and during the tour, I happened to meet a fellow traveler—he turned out to be a freshman at Yuncheng University…”

“To be honest, I’d call it love at first sight. When he came up to talk to me, we started chatting and I found out he was starting at Yuncheng University.”

“That special night, maybe it was the atmosphere, but he confessed to me boldly. I admired his courage—and then…”

“Well, we ended up together!”

Su Rouxue sorted her thoughts quickly, careful not to divulge too many specifics. The whole thing had felt like racing down a highway without stopping for breath.

“Impressive! No wonder you always seem so icy, like a goddess. But when you fall in love, you really go all in.”

“Hehe, you’re amazing. Finally, someone’s managed to win you over.”

“When you have time, bring your boyfriend along and let’s all grab a meal together.”

Liu Siqi’s face broke into a delighted smile. There weren’t many things she cared about so much, but her best friend finding love was definitely top of the list.

She knew well that Su Rouxue’s romantic life had always been pretty quiet—and her family was constantly urging her to find someone. There had been blind dates, and even a big argument when she bailed on one.

But sometimes, Liu Siqi could really understand her; she knew her friend too well. If Su Rouxue didn’t feel completely at ease, no matter how excellent the guy, she would never force herself to date just to please her family.

Now, seeing how Su Rouxue’s face glowed at the mention of Natsuki, Liu Siqi couldn’t help but tease, “That boy of yours is pretty impressive, managing to win you over.”

“So, is this a case of an older woman taking on a younger man, or a colt pulling the carriage?”

Smack!

Su Rouxue gave Liu Siqi’s shoulder a gentle slap. “You really know how to talk!”

She couldn’t help but laugh—her friend always had a way with words.

“Hehe, an eighteen-year-old boyfriend? Boys that age are like treasure, like diamonds! No wonder I’m feeling jealous.”

“You have no idea. I’ve been with my husband for years. When we first moved in together, he was glued to me all the time. Now, sometimes he sneaks off to sleep on the sofa at night. It drives me crazy.”

Liu Siqi’s brows furrowed as she praised Su Rouxue’s young boyfriend, while grumbling about her own.

“Come on, you two are married now—don’t let little things get in the way,” Su Rouxue said with a smile.

“No, this is serious. I wanted to have dinner with you today just to vent a little. Lately, I’m starting to suspect he’s seeing someone else. Ugh…”

Liu Siqi began pouring out her troubles.

“You always let your imagination run wild. Your husband’s so honest—and you’re his first love. There’s no way he’d cheat on you.”

“Couples need more trust. Too much suspicion is bad. I think you’re just too used to each other—maybe it’s time to try something new together, and you’ll find that spark again.”

Su Rouxue offered her advice earnestly.

“Oh? Now the love rookie is teaching me about relationships! But you’re right, we have lost some of that passion.”

“As someone with experience, let me tell you: keep a little mystery between you and your young man. If too many veils are lifted too soon, especially with a handsome, charming boy like that, it could all fizzle out before you know it.”

Liu Siqi nodded, sighing, propping her chin on her hand as she gazed at Su Rouxue.

“It’s all right—I’ll always trust him.”

Su Rouxue smiled gently, her eyes sparkling like stars. That unguarded, enchanting expression was like a rose in full bloom.

“Look at you, hopelessly in love! You really are head over heels.”

“I was just like you at this stage—completely trusting my husband.”

“You’re thirty, yet you still live with the heart of a girl. I envy you so much.”

Liu Siqi truly felt a wave of emotion. When they were younger, she’d been a little possessive of her best friend. But as they grew older, she only hoped Su Rouxue would find someone worthy of her.

They were adults now, halfway through life, with their own judgment. Liu Siqi would offer advice, but more than anything, she wanted her friend’s partner to be reliable.

After all… Su Rouxue really was the ideal, perfect woman. If she were a man, even Liu Siqi would fall for her!

But as her closest friend, all she wished was that this time, Su Rouxue would have a beautiful and lasting love.