Heart Flutter

Chapter 24

The dorm was utterly dark. Thump, thump, thump.

Her heartbeat grew unnaturally loud and clear. Tang Yan immediately broke into a cold sweat on her forehead. Faced with Aunt Ji’s message, she typed her reply several times in the chat box but ended up deleting it each time. No excuse felt sufficient, nor did it fix the current awkwardness.

Just then, another message arrived:

Aunt Ji: Do not stare at it for too long; it is bad for your eyes.

Tang Yan’s face turned red as an apple. She hastily typed back, I am going to sleep now. Good night!

She shut off her phone in a panic, tucked it under her pillow, and closed her eyes to sleep.

On the other end, Ji Yuqing chuckled softly and replied with two words: Good night.

The weather that day was exceptionally nice, but it was not friendly to the students in military training. The sun was blazing, and although the season was shifting into autumn, the afternoon heat was still fierce. After almost twenty days of intensive drill, the freshmen were already worn down; their early enthusiasm had faded, and they lay on the field like wilted grass.

Outside the sports field fence, a young woman walked by. She wore an off-the-shoulder top with puffy sleeves in a pale blue check pattern and a denim skirt with ruffled edges. Her feet were clad in simple white sneakers that added to her fresh, natural look while making her long legs appear even paler and slimmer. She had dyed her hair a bright shade that glimmered like gold under the sunlight. Holding a cup of iced milk tea and sporting a cheerful smile, she carried a small package in her other hand.

It happened to be a rest period in the middle of training. Tang Yan sat on the ground with her arms raised over her head to shield herself from the sun, resting her face on her knees. Just then, Xia Zihan returned from getting water. She appeared at Tang Yan’s side and nudged her shoulder. Are you all right? Do you want to come have some water?

Right then, a commotion spread through the group. Everyone was looking for Tang Yan.

Where is Tang Yan? Has anyone seen Tang Yan? Tang Yan, someone is looking for you!

Tang Yan vaguely heard her name being called, so she stood up quickly. From among the crowd emerged a girl with golden-dyed hair and a bright smile—Tang Yan nearly failed to recognize her at first glance.

Senior, why are you here? Tang Yan asked.

Shen Yuyin ran a hand through her hair. I changed my hair color. Does it look good?

Tang Yan rubbed her face and answered honestly, It does. It is really nice… just a bit too bright.

Under the blazing sun, it dazzled the eyes.

I will pretend I only heard the first half, said Shen Yuyin, pulling Tang Yan aside to talk. After taking a sip of her own iced milk tea, she handed another unopened cup to Tang Yan. Here, I bought this for you.

Tang Yan looked surprised. Thank you, Senior… but we only have a few minutes of break left, and I might not finish it in one go. She tried returning it.

If you cannot finish it, I will hold it for you. No worries, said Shen Yuyin, pushing it back.

Feeling awkward, Tang Yan accepted it but still felt uneasy. She scratched her head before asking, Senior, did you come because there is some club activity?

No, nothing like that. I just came to see you—is that not allowed?

It is allowed… but it is really sunny here. Tang Yan pointed to a large tree nearby. There is some shade under that tree.

All right. Once you go back to training, I will sit there. Are you free tonight? Let us have dinner together.

Tang Yan did not know how to answer. Their rest period ended just then, so she had to hurry back to training, leaving the question unanswered.

Who was that looking for you just now? Xia Zihan asked curiously.

She is a senior from my club, Tang Yan whispered.

Training now—no more talking! the instructor barked. At once, they all fell silent.

During the subsequent drills, Shen Yuyin stayed on the field. She sat under the shade, drinking her milk tea, playing on her phone, occasionally touching up her makeup, and spraying sunscreen on her arms and legs. As Tang Yan followed her group in formation, she periodically locked eyes with the girl under the tree. Each time, Shen Yuyin waved at her and smiled, making Tang Yan tighten her posture and hold her breath. She could not help feeling that having someone watch her train was a bit strange.

When evening came and training ended, Tang Yan left with Shen Yuyin. Tang Yan felt like a block of wood, hardly knowing what to say; still, she did not want things to become too awkward.

Senior, do you not have any classes today?

No. Tuesday afternoons were my free period; otherwise, I could not have waited for you all afternoon. After saying this, Shen Yuyin paused, then let out a slightly playful sigh. So how were you planning to make it up to me?

Huh? Tang Yan froze for a moment. Her mind went blank, and she looked dazed. Then she stammered, I-I can treat you to dinner.

Silly girl, said Shen Yuyin with a helpless laugh. I asked you to have dinner. How could I let you pay?

But… Tang Yan was still stuck on that question of making it up to her.

Changing the topic, Shen Yuyin teased, You are such a naive person—be careful not to get tricked by some boy.

That will not happen, Tang Yan replied decisively, not even stopping to think. I do not want a boyfriend.

She simply meant she was not interested in romance at the moment, and although Shen Yuyin understood that, she deliberately twisted the words. So you want a girlfriend, then?

Tang Yan tensed and blushed. Th-that is not what I meant at all.

Seeing Tang Yan’s reaction, Shen Yuyin grinned mischievously and gently pinched her flushed cheek. Aw, you are so adorable.

Tang Yan said nothing.

By the way, did you have plans for the National Day holiday? Are you going home?

Tang Yan shook her head. My home is pretty far, so I am not going back.

Oh, said Shen Yuyin, nodding. Want to travel together? It is the longest break before winter vacation.

Tang Yan scratched her head. I might look for a part-time job.

Oh, why get a part-time job during a hard-earned holiday? If you are short on money, I can cover all the expenses—just come have fun with me.

I would need to discuss it with my Aunt Ji…

With a small pout, Shen Yuyin said, You are an adult now. You have the right to make your own decisions. Fine, I will not push you, but let me know once you have decided.

Since Tang Yan needed to return to the field in the evening to practice singing military songs, they did not have much time for dinner. Together, they went to the third floor of the campus cafeteria, ordered a few small dishes, and chatted as they ate.

So how are things between you and your aunt? Are you getting along well? asked Shen Yuyin.

Tang Yan’s eyes lit up at the mention of Aunt Ji. She has been taking really good care of me, and I like her a lot.

Has she ever… mentioned her family to you? pressed on Shen Yuyin.

Tang Yan shook her head. No. I have never met her family, and I do not dare ask. But why would you…

Before she finished, Shen Yuyin cut her off. I am just concerned about you, that is all. You are only starting college. You have four years ahead of you and a lot of roads to travel, but watch out for those with ulterior motives—especially the people closest to you. Do not trust others too easily, or you might get hurt. That is just a piece of advice from me as your senior.

Tang Yan knew what she meant but could not figure out why her senior would bring it up. Something about it felt off, almost like a warning.

While Tang Yan struggled with her doubts, Shen Yuyin quickly steered the conversation away. Tell me about yourself. That way, I can get to know you better.

Tang Yan lowered her head and offered a small smile. There is not much to tell. I was born without a father, and my mother left me to my grandma.

She managed a slightly forced laugh at the end.

Hearing this, a flicker of understanding appeared in Shen Yuyin’s eyes, as though she suddenly realized why Ji Yuqing treated Tang Yan so well despite not being related.

Senior… Senior? Tang Yan called her several times.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Shen Yuyin concealed her unease behind a friendly smile. By the way, you do not need to call me Senior anymore.

Then what should I call you? asked Tang Yan, perplexed.

My name is Shen Yuyin. You can call me Yuyin.

Tang Yan shook her head firmly. That sounds way too familiar…

I think it is perfectly fine. Calling me Senior sounds distant. Or you can pick a nickname if you want.

Tang Yan fiddled with her fingers, obviously torn.

All right, all right, said Shen Yuyin. You can take your time deciding. Let me know when you have figured it out. Until then, it is fine to keep calling me Senior.

Tang Yan immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Okay, Senior.

That night, Tang Yan finished showering early and went to bed. After writing in her diary, she felt restless. She itched to see what happened next in the novel she had been reading. Giving in, she opened it on her phone and quickly became absorbed.

Suddenly, her phone rang, the screen displaying an incoming call. Feeling guilty, she swiped to answer and held the phone to her ear. Hello, Aunt Ji. Good evening.

You are still awake? asked Ji Yuqing.

Yes. I am just… Tang Yan glanced around and quickly grabbed her diary. I am writing in my journal.

The National Day holiday is coming soon, Aunt Ji said. Do you have any plans?

A senior from my club asked me to travel with her… Tang Yan admitted, absentmindedly picking at her diary cover.

What do you think about that? came Aunt Ji’s gentle voice from the other end.

I wanted to hear your thoughts first, Tang Yan replied.

If I said I wanted to take you somewhere during the break, who would you choose?

It was a question that went straight to the heart. Truthfully, it was not difficult at all.

I would go with you, Aunt Ji, Tang Yan answered without hesitation.

Great, said Ji Yuqing in a cheerful tone. Then I will book the plane tickets.

All right… okay…

All right, I will not keep you any longer. I still have some work, so you go to bed soon, and do not stay up reading, or you will hurt your eyes.

Tang Yan tensed as soon as she heard those words.