Chapter 32: A Plate of Caramel Pudding

Chapter 32: A Plate of Caramel Pudding

Yan Huan glanced at Tong Yingying, who had already sat down, wearing a look that screamed, “Are you sure?”

While it was indeed a good thing that this good-for-nothing was finally of some use in the shop, judging by her past “idea-generating” exploits—

She might chat a bit and then blow up Bai Yi’s modifier just like that.

“Ding ding!”

Seeing Yan Huan standing there, Tong Yingying pressed the bell in her hand and just stared at him.

That look, if she added a finger-pointing gesture, would almost match the expression of a husky from my past life.

Translation: “Stop yapping, get moving!”

“…”

Forget it; after all, Tong Jie hadn’t had a drink today. Her mind should still be somewhat normal. Probably.

“Alright, I’ll go get busy.”

Yan Huan raised an eyebrow but didn’t insist further.

After all, the shop actually needed help right now, and Tong Jie wasn’t going to expand into any other territory, so he could come back anytime.

He glanced back at Bai Yi one last time before turning to leave.

Watching Yan Huan depart, Bai Yi felt the sorrow that had been temporarily soothed by his warm water and a few words start to resurface.

She instinctively wanted to sniffle, but under Tong Yingying’s scrutinizing gaze, she abandoned the idea.

Since Yan Huan left, it seemed Tong Yingying’s gaze had unconsciously sharpened.

She took a deep breath, opened a cigarette box, revealing several neatly arranged ladies’ cigarettes inside.

With her left hand, she deftly twirled a flip-lighter, striking it to ignite the cigarette she had pulled out.

Under her red bangs, her eyes seemed to ignite as well alongside the lit cigarette.

Through the swirling smoke, one could see her expression shifting from lifeless to seductively languid.

However, Tong Yingying definitely exuded a vibe that made Bai Yi feel she was hard to deal with, a very typical South District vibe.

Then, Bai Yi watched as she reached into her jacket pocket, searching for something.

“Bang!”

A stun baton was placed on the table.

Bai Yi’s eyes widened as she cautiously stole a glance at Tong Yingying, only to find her still rummaging through her pockets.

“Bang!”

Another neatly folded butterfly knife thudded onto the table.

“…”

Seeing that Tong Yingying was still going to pull out something else, Bai Yi hurriedly stood up and timidly said, “I-I’ll leave right away, no need to trouble you.”

“Why the rush? Sit.”

Bai Yi didn’t dare to sit, but in the end, Tong Yingying didn’t produce an M1917 Smith & Wesson, instead retrieving a small iron flask from within her jacket.

Tong Yingying cautiously glanced in the direction where Yan Huan had gone, then opened the flask and took a small sip.

So she was pouring herself a drink…

But why so carefully?

Bai Yi didn’t understand. However, after hesitating for a moment, she sat back down in her chair.

As the warm liquor slid down her throat, a relaxed expression spread over Tong Yingying’s face, making her conversation with Bai Yi much lighter,

“Why are you so dressed up at this hour—mask, sunglasses? Really, someone not knowing would think you’re a creepy stalker. Also, with how you plan to leave, can you really see the road?”

“…”

Honestly, Bai Yi’s day had been just like that.

Fully armed, she had been following Yan Huan all the way until arriving in the South District.

Feeling a bit guilty, Bai Yi averted her gaze, “Uh, sure.”

Upon hearing this, Tong Yingying immediately rolled her eyes.

“Didn’t you catch my meaning? I meant you should take off your sunglasses and mask so we can talk.”

“I’d prefer not to.”

“Oh, is it because you’re ugly and scared to show your face?”

“…”

Bai Yi lowered her head, biting her lip, remaining silent.

Noticing her continued silence, Tong Yingying suddenly leaned closer.

I caught you!

In the next moment, she snatched the sunglasses off Bai Yi’s face.

When the glasses were suddenly removed, it revealed Bai Yi’s gorgeous eyes that were already glistening with tears.

“What are you doing?!”

Bai Yi was taken aback, trying to grab the sunglasses back.

Tong Yingying leaned back in her chair, refusing to return them, her expression carrying a hint of surprise,

“Why, you look pretty good. What’s there to be shy about?”

“I…”

“Also, what are you doing crying alone at a tavern at night? This isn’t a children’s playground, you know?”

Bai Yi turned her gaze away slightly and muttered softly,

“But you have minors working in your shop too, right?”

“Look at you little brats, all charming and eloquent. Preparing for the entrance exams, huh?”

Tong Yingying placed Bai Yi’s tear-streaked sunglasses on the table and casually pulled over an ashtray from the back seat,

“Linyi Gate’s part-time laws permit a maximum of 28 working hours a week. I’m hiring employees legally and legit, any problems with that?”

“…”

Flicking the ash, Tong Yingying gazed seriously at the sunglasses on the table,

“Webber sunglasses, over five thousand. If you can afford those, you probably don’t live in the South District, right? Where did you come from? Looking so pretty, do you not know what might happen wandering around crying at this hour? Take off the mask; maybe I can help you.”

Bai Yi said nothing, simply reaching out to retrieve the sunglasses.

As she stood up, she softly stated, “No thanks, I’ll leave now.”

“Suit yourself; whether you go or not, I’ll be calling the police.”

Tong Yingying waved goodbye, seemingly bored, as she took out her phone to scroll through videos.

“Call the police? Why?”

Bai Yi turned around in disbelief, looking at Tong Yingying, who returned her gaze with an expression that seemed to say, “Are you serious?”

“Honestly, your phone’s broken, and dressed like that with no cash, where could you even go? Can you guarantee your safety? This is the South District! Should I wait for the police to come investigate tomorrow morning, affecting my business?”

Bai Yi glanced at the shattered screen of the phone in her hand, which was easily visible to Tong Yingying.

Opening her mouth but finding no words, her eyes grew increasingly teary.

For someone with a pocket watch, Tong Yingying’s concerns weren’t that big a deal.

However, she truly didn’t know where to go.

She had fallen out with her mother after being found out by her, and now, she would undoubtedly get a tongue-lashing because of her.

She had impulsively smashed her phone during their argument, and now without cash on her, she couldn’t pay for anything.

“…”

Lost in thought, Bai Yi couldn’t help but let the tears flow again.

She didn’t know what to do but still attempted to leave repeatedly.

Why?

Because she didn’t want to go home at all, didn’t want to see her mother.

She just wanted to hide, hide in a place where her mother would never find her.

Two silent tears slowly fell, and her grip around the pocket watch tightened.

Tong Yingying had been scrolling on her phone, suddenly feeling a wave of chills wash over her.

She frowned and put her phone down, casting a sidelong glance at the teary-eyed girl standing before her, as if her words had struck a deep chord.

???

Wait, she’s crying just from that?!

“Damn it.”

Just as she was about to curse, Yan Huan’s voice at the cash register rang out,

“Total 298, do you want to go with the flat or…?”

Tong Yingying’s vibrant demeanor instantly soured; she straightened up slightly, rolling her eyes and flicking ash into the ashtray.

Turning back to the sobbing Bai Yi, she gestured with her hand, speaking softly,

“Looking at you so young and running here crying, it’s probably family issues two-thirds of the time and school issues one-third.”

Bai Yi looked up blankly, her gaze meeting Tong Yingying’s scrutinizing eyes.

With a slight smile, Tong Yingying asked,

“Am I right? Family issues?”

“…Yeah.”

“What’s the big deal? Even I’m not that old and still quarrel with my family. They never thought highly of me; that hasn’t changed much. In their eyes, I’ll always have something that doesn’t satisfy them. You see? I’m doing fine, eating well, and still have handsome guys checking me out.”

Bai Yi blinked, her expression slightly shifting as if Tong Yingying’s remarks had sparked some change.

After a moment of silence, she refocused, slowly untying her mask in front of Tong Yingying.

Tong Yingying cast a sideways glance at her, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

This girl was indeed really beautiful.

“That’s because you’ve grown up and can stand on your own. My situation is a bit different.”

Tong Yingying took a sip of her drink and rolled her eyes,

“Oh really? By the time I’m your age, I’ll probably understand.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

Bai Yi sniffled and said,

“I just don’t understand how to relate to my mom. I only need her simple acknowledgment, but to get that acknowledgment, I have to betray myself so many times. Every time, she just compares me to others, and sometimes I really don’t know if she wants me or someone else.”

“So, you want to avoid living so exhaustingly while still gaining her acknowledgment?”

“…”

Bai Yi didn’t respond, but Tong Yingying pressed on, resting her chin on her palm,

“What about your dad?”

Bai Yi shook her head, saying,

“My mom remarried, but my uncle is very busy and rarely comes home.”

“How does he treat you?”

“Honestly… he’s great. He’s nothing like my mom, at least he listens to me.”

Suddenly, Tong Yingying’s eyes lit up, reminiscent of two small light bulbs.

Raising a finger, she suddenly laughed and said,

“Hey, I have an idea!”

“Ah?”

Bai Yi opened her mouth, about to say something, but felt someone approaching.

She turned around just in time to see Yan Huan’s expressionless face.

“Tong Jie.”

Tong Yingying’s sunny demeanor instantly stiffened.

Rolling her eyes, she pulled back her finger and spread her hands before Bai Yi, saying,

“Forget it, it’s gone now.”

She also stubbed out the remaining half of her cigarette in the ashtray.

Tong Yingying stealthily tucked the liquor flask back into her chest, while Yan Huan glanced at Bai Yi, who had removed her mask and sunglasses, surprise written all over his face.

“Wait a second… why do I feel like I recognize you? You’re Bai Yi from our school, right?”

His expression shifted from surprise to excitement gradually.

“Ah, huh?”

Bai Yi froze for a moment, feeling a bit anxious,

“No, I… uh…”

He actually recognized her?

She averted her gaze, preparing to stammer out an explanation, but Tong Yingying cut in,

“A classmate, huh?”

“Not just that; she’s a star! She’s acted in movies, and I’m a fan of hers. She sings very well but hardly comes to school.”

Star. Fan?!

Bai Yi’s face flushed bright red; she quickly raised her head to look at Yan Huan, incredulity washing over her,

“Yan Huan. No, I mean President Yan, you really have listened to the songs I wrote?”

Tong Yingying blinked, exchanging glances between Bai Yi’s suddenly flushed face and the smiling Yan Huan.

Same school, handsome guy and pretty girl, idol fan, same-age heartthrobs.

Wow.

How is it I feel like the bad woman who lures young boys here?!

“Definitely.”

Yan Huan smiled, nodding as he opened his phone to show his music app, revealing a playlist.

One labeled “Bai Yi” contained only two songs—the very ones she had sung.

P.S.: She added them while on the bus in the afternoon.

But at that moment, he seemed like a long-time fan very enthusiastic about Bai Yi,

“I’ve been following you for a while. I was pretty glad to hear you enrolled at Far Moon, but it’s a shame we didn’t get to meet this whole semester.”

A fan of ten years, just showing up!

So, the Yan Huan that her mother always mentioned—

Was actually a fan of the songs she held in such disregard?!

“But you haven’t released anything new in ages; I wonder if…”

“I will! I’ll have new songs uploaded soon!!!”

Bai Yi opened her mouth, cutting off Yan Huan before he could finish.

“Is that so?”

Bai Yi’s heart raced like crazy; she felt like she ought to record what Yan Huan had just said.

So that every time her mother would talk about Yan Huan’s greatness and what she needed to do, she could play that video for her!

No! She should record it to replay every night for her mother!

Feeling Bai Yi’s eager eyes, Yan Huan sensed his guess was right.

Just now, he really did hear Bai Yi arguing with her mother outside, but he didn’t catch exactly what her mother had said.

He could only infer her desires from her disdain for other activities.

In recent years, she had participated in many variety shows and films, but since none of those were “her own decisions,” Yan Huan presumed her true passion lay in singing, an endeavor far less celebrated.

Why did she despise herself so?

Yan Huan also spotted glimpses of the truth from her earlier conversation with Tong Yingying.

It likely related to her mother.

“Is that so? That’s great…”

“Hey, hold on, both of you.”

While the atmosphere over there felt right for a fan meet-up, like the first encounter between the leads of a youth romance comedy.

Tong Yingying, meanwhile, was about to pop a vein. She rubbed her forehead, hastily interrupting,

“Isn’t the issue how to resolve why she ran off by herself to the South District? You’re a star, with money at home, enrolled at Far Moon—why did you run away from home?”

“…Yeah.”

Bai Yi awkwardly nodded.

Tong Yingying’s eyes lit up again, revealing her signature “I have a great idea” expression,

“Then it’s simple, just call your family and tell them to come pick you up.”

“No, no way!”

Bai Yi quickly rejected it, tightening her grip around the pocket watch, which seemed to begin shaking again.

“Tick-tock… tick-tock… tick-tock…”

The surreal sound of a clock echoed slowly, and whether it was an illusion or not, the chatter of the guests outside seemed to slow for a moment.

No. She didn’t want to hear her mother’s denial again.

If it was like before…

As her desire for the modifier began to surface, Yan Huan noticed his pupils slightly constricted and quickly interrupted the increasingly vexed Tong Yingying,

“No need to rush. Let’s sit down and really think this through.”

Feeling her brilliant idea rejected once more, the veins on Tong Yingying’s forehead began to throb.

Her hands itched; it was the kind of itch that needed to be satisfied with a stun baton.

“She can’t stay out forever, right? Staying out can cause problems, and I can’t be responsible for her staying here.”

Bai Yi clenched her skirt tightly; she understood they couldn’t keep festering like this endlessly.

“Tong Jie! Something’s happening over here, can you come help me?”

Just then, Tian Li’s voice rang from the bar, pushing Tong Yingying’s already fuming expression even further south.

She scratched her red hair, reluctantly standing up,

“Fine, fine, you guys are sharp; I already feel like an old woman who can’t keep up with your brainwaves.”

As Tong Yingying left, Yan Huan turned to Bai Yi, appearing optimistic as he asked,

“Hey, are you going to the weekend gaming expo? Are you going to be singing there?”

“Ah…”

Bai Yi blinked, only to shake her head,

“Well… probably not, just there to meet up with everyone.”

“Is that so?”

“I’ve never sung in public before, and it’s been a long time since I went to a recording studio.”

“Really? That’s such a pity. I thought I could hear you sing there. As luck would have it, the student council has two tickets; I specially got one to go see you.”

Yan Huan smiled slightly, pulling out the ticket that Ya Qiao Mu had given him to show Bai Yi, saying regretfully.

Bai Yi’s pupils shrank ever so slightly; she quickly turned to look at Yan Huan but just as quickly averted her gaze.

The Sunday event required rehearsal on Friday, and contact on Thursday, leaving only Wednesday night right now.

Moreover, her mother certainly wouldn’t endorse her singing there.

After all, in her eyes, her music was nothing but amateurish.

But Yan Huan fought for a ticket just to come watch her?!

For some reason, the heart that had been adamantly resistant began to entertain the thought of going home and genuinely attending the event this weekend.

“Little Huan, over here!”

“Coming, just a moment!”

“Hurry, it’s urgent!”

And besides, staying here would just be a nuisance for others.

Bai Yi opened her mouth, paused for a moment, and ultimately whispered to Yan Huan,

“If I need to call my mother later, could you talk to her on my behalf?”

Yan Huan turned back, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course.”

“…”

“Should we call your mom?”

“…Yeah.”

Yan Huan smiled, handing over the phone. Bai Yi extended her delicate fingers, dialing a string of numbers on the keypad.

Click, connected.

Yan Huan placed the phone to his ear, and after a few seconds, it was answered,

“Hello, is this Bai Yi’s mother? I’m her classmate, Yan Huan. Well, it’s like this…”

Listening to Yan Huan’s composed conversations, Bai Yi lowered her head, not daring to listen, fearing she would hear her mother’s scolding.

Not expecting, at that moment, her stomach betrayed her and rumbled audibly.

“Gululu~”

Her cheeks turned crimson as she rushed to cover her belly.

Bai Yi had only eaten that morning at a friend’s place, spending the rest of her day outside. Naturally, at this hour, she was ravenous.

She secretly glanced at the young man beside her, relieved to see he was still occupied talking to her mother, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort.

“Okay, I’ll hand the phone to her.”

On the other end, the call was winding down, and Yan Huan said, returning the phone.

Bai Yi hesitated nervously, reluctant to take the call.

However, looking at Yan Huan, she deliberated for a moment before finally picking up the phone.

“Hello?”

“Stay there. I’ll be right over. Make preparations for tomorrow; there’s an event this weekend.”

No reprimands, and no excess emotion; Zuo Jiangqin’s voice was as cold as an announcement.

That tone pierced Bai Yi’s heart like a cold blade, and she opened her mouth to reply,

“Uh-huh.”

Inside, however, she felt an overwhelming sense of regret for having made the call.

“Beep, beep, beep…”

The call ended.

Bai Yi felt as if a strength had been sapped from her; she placed Yan Huan’s phone down and only managed to say “thank you” after a while.

“Don’t mention it. You sit here for a moment while I handle something else.”

“Okay.”

Bai Yi nodded.

At this moment, it wasn’t until Yan Huan left that the emotions bubbling within her began to disperse again.

What if things went south when she returned home and argued with her mother again?

Or worse, what if they didn’t even argue and her mother was already disappointed in her? After all, she had never met her expectations.

What if she really wasn’t cut out for singing?

Perhaps her long-held aspiration was merely a one-sided wish, and she had no real talent, never likely to get anyone to like her songs.

So annoying.

Other people’s evaluations.

Wouldn’t it be better if she just didn’t exist?

But isn’t that exactly how she felt right now?

She had indifference, yet still suffered like this.

If that were the case…

Why not wish for everyone else not to exist?

“Click, click, click…”

As this thought crossed her mind, the pocket watch began to rotate faster in her hand.

The once motionless hands of the watch started to tremble, as if signaling the awakening of some force.

And around her, the clocks on the tavern walls seemed to slow down little by little, as if dragged down by some heaviness emanating from her very being.

“Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock… tick-tock…”

“Tap.”

Just as Bai Yi had that thought, a plate suddenly appeared before her.

She snapped back to reality, and the cold atmosphere dissipated instantly.

Bai Yi looked down at the table, a plate of caramel pudding sitting there.

Pudding?

She turned to see Yan Huan smiling beside her.

“I—”

Gazing at the pudding on the table, Bai Yi quickly raised her broken phone,

“Thank you. But my phone’s broken, I’ll pay you as soon as my mom arrives.”

“No need. Didn’t you just say you were hungry? Go ahead and eat.”

“Wait?”

He heard her stomach rumble just now?

Bai Yi’s face flushed as she felt awkwardly at a loss.

And then, from the other side, Tong Yingying’s voice came again,

“Little Huan! Come collect money, take care of the orders!”

Bai Yi was about to say something, but Yan Huan raised a finger to his lips with a shushing gesture,

“Shh, I made this for you secretly. If Tong Jie finds out, it might get tricky.”

“How could I possibly— I…”

Yan Huan smiled slightly, saying simply,

“I’m your fan, so what’s wrong with treating my idol to a little snack?”

Fan?!

I—

Bai Yi’s breathing quickened, and she hurriedly expressed her gratitude to Yan Huan,

“Thank you!”

“No problem.”

Yan Huan smiled and was about to leave when he seemed to recall something and turned back,

“By the way, Bai Yi.”

“Ah?”

Bai Yi looked at him curiously, unsure what he had to say.

Yan Huan then turned back, speaking sincerely,

“Your songs really are beautiful, and I’m looking forward to you uploading new ones. Also, good luck this weekend; I’ll be watching you live.”

“…”

“Little Huan!”

“Coming!”

Bai Yi watched as Yan Huan left after finishing his words, but his voice lingered, blending with the aroma of the caramel pudding before her.

Feeling a bit hungry, she opened her mouth slightly and gently spooned a piece into her mouth.

The perfectly sweet flavor blossomed, just like the words she had just heard.

Sure enough, everything he said was encapsulated in this moment.

And this was the first time Bai Yi heard someone say they liked her songs.

Her mother’s negating voice echoed in her ears, and the comparisons day after day fostered resentment.

Resentment towards that boy who was better than her in every way.

Yet unexpectedly, the acknowledgment she had waited for so long came from that very boy she had despised so much.

“Wuwu… wuwu…”

Just a single bite, and she had already lowered her head, silently shedding tears.

The pocket watch in her hand seemed to melt away alongside the pudding, the hands on it spinning sluggishly.

“Tick-tock… tick-tock…”

Then, it fell completely silent.