Qing Xinxue’s scream was instantly torn apart by the rapidly plummeting gale. Her heart felt as if an invisible hand had violently seized it, then flung it high into the sky.
Overwhelming fear instinctively made her clench her eyes shut. Her body felt as helpless as a kite with a broken string.
Almost purely by instinct, she used all her strength, clinging to it like a drowning person to a lifeline, to tightly embrace Lan Yucheng’s arm. Her entire body pressed against Lan Yucheng, as if trying to embed herself into the other woman’s form.
The violent wind, the sensation of weightlessness, the screams of other tourists… Amidst all the chaotic sensory input, only Lan Yucheng’s rock-solid presence remained exceptionally clear.
From the corner of Qing Xinxue’s tightly shut eyes, a tear—whether from fright or some other emotion—was instantly whisked away by the rapidly descending air current.
She thought hazily,
‘Sister Cheng… she really isn’t afraid, is she? Or… is she just waiting for me in this way?’
As for whether Lan Yucheng was truly fearless…
‘It’s really high!!!!’
She screamed inwardly.
However, to maintain her image in front of Qing Xinxue, she truly didn’t utter a sound. She merely squeezed her eyes shut, tensed her entire body, and prayed for the time to pass quickly.
Fortunately, such thrilling rides are inherently short.
Gritting her teeth, she managed to endure it.
After they disembarked, Qing Xinxue first glanced at Lan Yucheng. Seeing that she showed no particular expression, she lowered her head, a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
“So Sister Cheng really isn’t afraid…”
Perhaps sensing Qing Xinxue’s crestfallen mood, Lan Yucheng paused in place and spoke.
“Xiaoxue, help me to the restroom.”
“Huh? Okay!”
Qing Xinxue obediently helped her to the door of a restroom stall.
“Then I’ll wait outside for Sister Cheng, okay?”
Qing Xinxue said sweetly, turning to walk out. But Lan Yucheng grabbed her arm.
“Hm?”
Qing Xinxue turned back, puzzled, meeting Lan Yucheng’s gaze.
“Sister Cheng?”
“Well… I think…”
Lan Yucheng bit her lip, then pulled Qing Xinxue into the stall.
The stall was small. The moment Qing Xinxue stepped in, Lan Yucheng pressed her against the wall.
“Sister Cheng?”
Qing Xinxue didn’t dare to look up, only feeling Lan Yucheng’s breath fanning her forehead, one exhalation after another. Her heart rate rapidly accelerated, and her face flushed crimson, as if it might start bleeding.
“My stomach hurts a little.”
Lan Yucheng frowned, her complexion somewhat pale.
“…Stomach hurts?”
Qing Xinxue thought for a moment, then looked at Lan Yucheng’s face and understood the reason.
“Sister Cheng, why didn’t you tell me you were on your period today?”
Qing Xinxue quickly rummaged through her bag, pulling out a sanitary napkin and several painkillers. Lan Yucheng took them. After taking the pills, she spoke with a hint of apology.
“It seems I won’t be able to go on any other rides with you later.”
“It’s fine!”
Qing Xinxue didn’t mind in the slightest. Instead, she felt a surge of emotion, touched that Lan Yucheng would still come out to play with her even at a time like this.
“Sister Cheng is so good to me!”
But after a brief moment of gratitude, a powerful wave of guilt surged forth, unstoppable. Lan Yucheng was so kind to her, yet how could she have done such a thing?
“Today… I’ll have to trouble you to take care of me.”
Lan Yucheng spoke these words, expending nearly all her strength. Then, her vision blurred, and she collapsed towards Qing Xinxue.
“Sister Cheng!”
Qing Xinxue cried out in alarm, quickly catching Lan Yucheng in her arms.
“If only the painkillers would take effect faster,” she murmured, her pretty face etched with worry. She held Lan Yucheng tightly and started to walk out.
Qing Xinxue found herself in a bit of a predicament. Lan Yucheng wasn’t heavy, but Qing Xinxue’s strength wasn’t enough to carry her all the way.
Just as Qing Xinxue was pondering what to do, a voice came from beside her.
“Do you need any help?”
Qing Xinxue turned her head to look towards the restroom entrance. It was a beautiful older sister who appeared to be slightly older than herself. She nodded excitedly.
“Sister Cheng seems to have fainted, and home is still some distance from here.”
“Is that so?”
Su Yiyi nodded slightly and walked towards Lan Yucheng. “Should we take her to the hospital first?” She picked up Lan Yucheng in one swift motion, instinctively gauging her weight, and found her to be significantly lighter than she had expected.
“Thank you!”
Qing Xinxue quickly expressed her gratitude, then followed Su Yiyi out of the amusement park. At the car door, Qing Xinxue pulled open the back door. After Su Yiyi placed Lan Yucheng inside, Qing Xinxue immediately got in, adjusting Lan Yucheng so she could rest comfortably on her shoulder.
Su Yiyi naturally took the driver’s seat. She glanced at the coat on the passenger seat, picked it up, and handed it back. “Cover her with this, so she doesn’t get cold.”
Qing Xinxue quickly took it, thanked her, and immediately covered Lan Yucheng snugly. Su Yiyi drove quickly, and the road was surprisingly smooth, with only green lights. Upon arriving at the hospital, after a thorough check-up, fortunately, there were no serious issues.
Qing Xinxue, having paid the fees, sat beside Su Yiyi and thanked her again. “Thank you, beautiful older sister!”
Upon hearing this address, Su Yiyi couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “You really have a way with words. I have a name, Su Yiyi, so please don’t call me ‘beautiful older sister’ anymore.”
Qing Xinxue nodded, though it was clear she hadn’t really taken Su Yiyi’s words to heart. “Beautiful Sister Su Yiyi! If you’re free today, I’d like to treat you to a meal.”
“I just said not to call me ‘beautiful older sister.’ This is a small matter, no need for a treat,” Su Yiyi waved her hand, indicating refusal.
“How can that be? Big Sister came to the amusement park to have fun! Now, because of us, you didn’t get to play, so I must compensate you!”
“Then… how about we play together next time?” Su Yiyi tentatively suggested.
“Okay!”
Qing Xinxue considered it for a moment, then immediately announced with excitement. Su Yiyi looked at Qing Xinxue’s excited expression, her own mood significantly brightened. She had come to the amusement park to play and relax. Her goal had been achieved, so how could it be considered that she hadn’t had fun? On the contrary, she felt as if she had… gained a little!
“By the way, who is that girl to you?” The two had become quite familiar, and Su Yiyi asked somewhat gossipy.
Qing Xinxue thought seriously for a moment after hearing this. “A very important person!” she said with great conviction, her tone devoid of any doubt.
“You like her very much,” Su Yiyi’s lips curved into a slight smile as she looked at her.
“Mmm… I like her,” Qing Xinxue replied, her face flushing. She immediately lowered her head, afraid Su Yiyi would see, then added an explanation. “It’s just normal liking!”
But saying that… obviously implies there’s something more, doesn’t it? Su Yiyi found herself a little intrigued by this. “What if… I could help you be with her?”
“Really!?”
Qing Xinxue looked up in surprise, but upon meeting Su Yiyi’s gaze, she shyly lowered her head again.
“Cowards don’t get love, you know.”
“…Then, what should I do?”