Gu Hangshen patted her on the head, "Xiaoqiao went with her mentor to City D to participate in the art troupe's practicum and won't be back anytime soon. She heard you were returning to the country and was ready to rush back overnight, but I told her not to come. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet in the future. It's not urgent at this moment."
"That's how it is..." Gu Xiaorou nodded, "Brother is right, studies are the most important."
"Good girl, let's go home!"
"Mm." Gu Xiaorou had no doubts.
Gu Hangshen looked at Qin Yao indistinctly, "Is this kid good to you?"
"Mm! He's very nice to me." Gu Xiaorou was holding both Gu Hangshen and Qin Yao's arms with a sweet smile.
Qin Yao walked beside them, responding with a smile.
Having seen enough of the joyous reunions of friends and family, having seen enough of Qin Yao's deep affection, and having seen enough of Gu Hangshen's "well-intentioned efforts," Gong Xiaoqiao stood up and left.
At the same time, Gu Hangshen's phone started to ring. He glanced at the name flashing on the screen and pressed reject.
The phone rang again a few seconds later.
"I'll take this call."
Gu Hangshen walked a short distance away to answer the phone, "Xiaoqiao, what's up?"
Gong Xiaoqiao leaned against the marble column outside the airport entrance, watching him from afar, "Gu Hangshen, I feel so bad, so bad..."
"What's wrong? Where do you feel uncomfortable?"
"I feel terrible..."
"What exactly is wrong? Speak to me, baby!"
"My stomach hurts...it hurts so much..."
"Is it that time of the month...? Didn't I buy you painkillers last time, did you take them?"
"I did, but it still hurts..."
"Don't go to class, go back to your dorm and rest well."
"Gu Hangshen, I want to see you."
"Alright, tonight..."
"I want to see you now."
"I can't right now, I'm in a meeting."
"That night, when you called me in the middle of the night, I went to you."
Gu Hangshen was caught between laughter and tears, "Xiaoqiao, don't be wilful. I really am busy right now! Be a good girl, and I'll come see you after I'm done, okay?"
"No..."
"Baby, be good. I'm hanging up now, and I'll come see you tonight."
Gong Xiaoqiao held her phone, staring blankly as Gu Hangshen ended the call, watching him personally hold the umbrella over Gu Xiaorou as she got into the car...
Baby...?
Heh...you've only ever had one "baby"...
Foolishly trying to ascertain my weight in your heart, I finally face the truth I knew but didn't want to admit.
Outside, the wind and rain were fierce; no sooner had she stepped out than her umbrella was blown away.
Numbly walking through the curtain of rain, she watched luxury cars carrying her heartache drive further and further away.
Several taxis honked behind her, but seeing her with no reaction, they too left one after another.
A man in a black jacket, wearing sunglasses and a duckbill cap, hurried past Gong Xiaoqiao with a floral umbrella.
Not taking many steps, the man doubled back, looking at Gong Xiaoqiao in astonishment and with joy in his voice, "Hey! Little junior sister! How did you know I was coming to City A today? Did you come to pick me up in the rain on purpose?"
Gong Xiaoqiao raised her head, looking expressionlessly at the man's coquettish and effeminate face, then gently rested her head on his chest.
"Hey hey! Don't stick to me when you're all wet!" he exclaimed, yet he didn't push her away, instead pulling her into his embrace with a frivolous grin, "Be good, be good! Your second senior brother cares for you!"
"I'm already in enough pain as it is..."