Normally, Qin Ran appeared calm and composed, as if nothing could ruffle her. But once you got to know her, you'd realize that her calmness wasn't due to indifference but rather social anxiety. She didn't like interacting with others, and she didn't know how to engage with people.
When she participated in events, Yu Shuman often thought that Qin Ran had grown to the point where she was unrecognizable. But then, in a different context, she would see that Qin Ran was still the same as before.
Yu Shuman couldn't help but poke at her phone screen, staring at Qin Ran's message, frustrated to the point of wanting to poke a hole in it. Sometimes, her junior was really hard to understand.
Qin Ran seemed perfectly suited for the cutthroat world of business, holding a wine glass and blending in seamlessly with her surroundings. But as soon as she returned to daily life, she would shrink from a giant into a rabbit burrowing into the ground, refusing to stick her head out no matter how much you prodded.
But through Qin Ran's series of reactions, Yu Shuman realized one thing: Qin Ran had likely guessed that she took leave because she had figured out Qin Ran's feelings.
Yu Shuman also knew exactly what Qin Ran was afraid of—that she would dislike her and distance herself. Sometimes, her junior was just too easy to read.
Yu Shuman needed to find Qin Ran and talk things through. Over the two weeks she had been away, she had come to understand many things and had made some decisions. She wasn't someone who was indecisive or hesitant, quite the opposite of Qin Ran. She quickly realized one thing: not only did Qin Ran like her, but she also had some feelings for Qin Ran.
She should have recognized her feelings earlier, especially during the "Debut! Girls" reality show. What could make someone consider another person so important? Sisterly bonds or close friendships didn't entirely explain it.
She had shared good times with her roommates, living together for over two years. Even though she had known Qin Ran for longer, they hadn't spent as much time together. Yet, despite this, the most important person to her had always been Qin Ran.
It was Qin Ran who had always given her strength.
Yu Shuman asked herself if her feelings for Qin Ran were as pure as she believed. When they first met, at a time when she was at her lowest, the little bunny handkerchief Qin Ran handed her to wipe her tears became a ray of light in her darkest moments.
Later on, she grew to love all sorts of bunny-related things.
After figuring things out, Yu Shuman returned to her hometown to talk to her mother.
Yu's mother was overjoyed to see her daughter return, but Yu Shuman felt that the conversation she needed to have wouldn't be one her mother would enjoy.
After following her mother home from work, Yu Shuman asked her mother to sit down while she cooked dinner. After they had finished eating, Yu's mother asked, "Manman, what's going on? Is someone bullying you? Or is work not going well?"
Yu's mother looked at her daughter with a loving gaze, always wanting to protect her. However, life hadn't gone as planned—she had divorced early, leaving her to raise Yu Shuman alone without providing a comfortable life. She had fallen ill during Yu Shuman's crucial years in high school, burdening her daughter. Even now, she felt unable to help her daughter much.
In truth, Yu's mother felt guilty toward Yu Shuman, so when her daughter sought her out, she wanted to comfort her no matter the issue. Yu's mother would do anything for her daughter.
But when Yu Shuman pressed her lips together, her mother, who knew her well, was shocked. She knew Yu Shuman's straightforward nature, and now she could see that something was bothering her deeply. However, her daughter's expression didn't seem to indicate that she had suffered any injustice—it likely wasn't some scandal from the entertainment industry.
Yu's mother tightened her grip on her pants under the table, but her gaze remained warm and encouraging, urging Yu Shuman to speak.
After a long pause, Yu Shuman sighed, then looked at her mother with determination in her eyes. "Mom, I've fallen in love with someone."
The heavy weight in Yu's mother's heart eased slightly. She had feared it was something more serious, but it turned out her daughter had simply fallen in love. Yu's mother relaxed a bit. "You're grown up now, and it's perfectly normal to fall in love. I'm not one of those old-fashioned parents who forbid relationships. Besides, you're at the right age for it…"
Relaxing, Yu's mother started speaking in a long string of words, encouraging her daughter to pursue a happy relationship. Before she could finish, Yu Shuman interrupted, "Mom, she's a woman, just like me."
The weight in Yu's mother's heart suddenly became awkwardly suspended. On one hand, she could accept that her daughter had fallen in love with someone of the same gender. But on the other hand, she struggled because it was a woman.
Yu's mother felt as if she had swallowed something bitter. She wanted to slap her thigh and say, "What kind of situation is this?"
Maintaining a smile, Yu's mother tried to reason with Yu Shuman, "My dear, you're still young. It's not unusual to make mistakes and fall for someone you shouldn't. It's normal."
Yu's mother spoke earnestly, trying to guide her daughter, but Yu Shuman just listened without responding.
Yu's mother knew this expression all too well. It meant, "You can talk, but I won't take it to heart."
Her mother's mouth twitched slightly as she remembered a crucial question: "Do I know the person you're in love with?"
Only then did Yu Shuman's expression change. She looked up at her mother and shook her head. But Yu's mother knew her daughter well and could tell that she was lying to protect someone, someone she didn't want her mother to dislike.
Who could be someone she knew but didn't want her mother to dislike? Yu's mother thought it over and had a pretty good idea—it must be Qin Ran. Everything started to make sense. Even though Yu Shuman was a warm-hearted person, she didn't usually get too attached to others. But with Qin Ran, she talked about her constantly and even brought her home for the New Year's holidays.
Yu's mother was almost certain she had figured it out. Her heart tightened, and she continued trying to persuade Yu Shuman, "Listen, I don't have anything against same-sex relationships, but this is a tough path to walk, especially in our country. And in your line of work, everything about your life will be exposed to the public. You might be able to handle it, but what if the person you like gets harassed because of it? How will you protect her?"
Yu Shuman remained silent as her mother tried to reason with her. Yu's mother then changed tactics, "Are you and this person together?"
Yu Shuman shook her head. "No."
This time, her answer was honest, and Yu's mother felt some relief but not much.
Because she realized that if Yu Shuman was talking about it even before they were together, she was serious about being with Qin Ran. She was trying to protect Qin Ran from her disapproval, which meant she had fallen deeply for her.
Seeing this, Yu's mother felt a bit helpless and decided to extend the conversation. "Let's leave it at that for today. We'll talk more about this tomorrow."
And so, they didn't just talk the next day, or the day after, but all the way until the fifth day. In the end, it was Yu's mother who gave in. Yu Shuman was too resolute. She told her mother, "I really like her, but I haven't confessed my feelings yet. I don't even know if we can be together. But, Mom, I really want to be with her."
"Even though you haven't confessed yet?"
Yu Shuman's eyes were full of determination as she replied, "Yes."
Yu's mother sighed, finally lowering her head. "Alright, then. But you must treat her well in the future, no matter how she responds. Don't force anything. And if you do end up together, remember to come home for New Year's Eve dinner next year."
Yu Shuman smiled and said, "I will. I'll bring her home."
She hadn't even considered the possibility that Qin Ran might reject her. After all, she knew that Qin Ran liked her too. Now that she had sorted out her feelings and convinced her mother, wasn't it only natural for them to be together?
Yu Shuman stayed at home for two more days, then returned to Beijing just as her leave was ending. But when she got home, smiling and ready to find Qin Ran, she discovered the house was empty—no one was there.
Yu Shuman took a deep breath, her smile freezing on her face.
She immediately called Qin Ran, wanting to talk things through, but found herself unable to reach her. No matter how patient she was, she couldn't help but get frustrated. She called Sister Li, asking where Qin Ran was, but Sister Li, as her manager, genuinely didn't know Qin Ran's whereabouts.
All Yu Shuman could do was wait. But after two more days, Qin Ran still hadn't shown up. Yu Shuman even checked the school, but with the October break, it was empty.
When she rushed to the company, she couldn't find Qin Ran in the chairman's office either. Her frustration grew by the day. Finally, she got a lead. Sister Li quietly informed her that Qin Ran would be attending a gala that evening, and that Yu Shuman's name wasn't on the guest list.
Yu Shuman smiled and thanked Sister Li, then turned to Lucy and Xiao An to help her get ready. Tonight, she planned to sneak into the event with Sister Li's help. Whether she had a seat or not, whether she could have dinner or not, at least she would be able to catch Qin Ran in the waiting area.
As someone who frequently attended events, Yu Shuman always had new dresses to wear. Looking at her new gown, she wondered: where did all these dresses come from? She had been in the entertainment industry for almost a year now and had learned a lot about how things worked. She knew that she only wore these high-end, custom-made dresses once.
Tonight's dress was a recent addition from the July Autumn/Winter Fashion Week collection. The fact that it was already in her hands meant it had been ordered as soon as it was released.
In the past, she hadn't understood how she could get such exclusive dresses or guessed their prices. But now, even if she wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, she understood the reason.
Xiao An helped Yu Shuman put on her earrings and made a final check on her outfit. Yu Shuman stood up, "Let's go."
Yu Shuman: Who can relate? I came out to my family, and when I got back, I found out my junior was hiding from me!