A Friend I've Loved for a Long Time - Chapter 20.2

Yu Mingxia’s gaze fell on where Yun Zhi was holding her arm. Any trace of yesterday’s disappointment was instantly healed. She bit her lip, but she couldn’t stop the smile from spreading, her heart filled with sheer joy. She’s holding my arm again. And it’s not to help me up a mountain this time—she’s just holding me. And she made me breakfast.

“Okay.”

Hearing the reply, Yun Zhi smiled. Noticing the other two hadn’t left, she added, “Oh, I’m sorry, I only prepared enough for two. If you…”

Before she could finish the sentence with “want some, you can go buy your own,” the two women shook their heads frantically. “No, no! You two enjoy. Eat plenty!” They shot a look at Mingxia that was clearly meant just for her.

Once they left, Qu Lan asked worriedly, “Can she even eat more?”

“She has to, even if she can’t,” Yu Chuxue laughed, watching the two walk away. This relationship was progressing at light speed. “I think they look quite a match. Especially just now, when Yun Zhi was holding her arm… Tsk, do you think she has a crush on Mingxia?”

The smile on Yu Chuxue’s face faded. Just yesterday she had asked Mingxia about Yun Zhi and offered to help. Mingxia, clearly annoyed, told her that Yun Zhi already liked someone and told Chuxue not to interfere.

Yu Chuxue looked at the empty hallway. “Let’s not meddle. Come on, let’s get the meeting materials ready.”

“Sushi, glutinous rice balls, and preserved egg with lean meat porridge,” Yun Zhi explained as she opened the lunch box in the lounge. She handed Mingxia a pair of brand-new silver chopsticks. “They’re new. Give it a try.”

Yun Zhi’s enthusiasm made Yu Mingxia happy, but it also felt a bit surreal. She reached out to take the chopsticks, but just as she was about to touch them, Yun Zhi pulled her hand back.

A gentle voice reached her ears: “Actually, let me feed you.”

Yun Zhi blinked, her smile tender. The surreal feeling deepened. Yu Mingxia even began to wonder if she was in a dream.

“Ah—” Yun Zhi picked up a glutinous rice ball and urged her to open her mouth like she was coaxing a child.

Yu Mingxia obediently opened her mouth. As she chewed slowly, her mind was racing, but seeing the expectation in Yun Zhi’s eyes, she forgot her worries and offered the praise her friend wanted. “It’s delicious.”

Sure enough, Yun Zhi had been waiting for the feedback. She looked proud. “Of course! My cooking is top-notch.” As she spoke, she picked up a piece of sushi and held it to Mingxia’s lips.

Yu Mingxia took a small bite, her eyes fixed on Yun Zhi’s downcast lashes. Ever since Yun Zhi got close, her heart hadn’t stopped racing. The faint scent of lime on her friend was intoxicating, making it impossible to think clearly about what Yun Zhi was actually up to.

“From now on, I’ll bring you breakfast often! Or you can come to my place for dinner after work!”

“Cough—cough—”

Caught off guard, Yu Mingxia choked and couldn’t stop coughing. Did I hear that right? Is this really a dream? Why is she suddenly being so intimate?

Seeing her choke, Yun Zhi hurried to the water dispenser and brought her a cup of warm water. Once Mingxia took the cup, Yun Zhi reached out and patted her back to help her catch her breath.

The moment Yun Zhi’s palm touched her, Yu Mingxia’s back stiffened.

Did I scare her? Yun Zhi wondered.

After drinking some water, Yu Mingxia caught her breath and asked softly, “Are you serious?”

“Huh?” Yun Zhi assumed she was talking about coming over for dinner. “Of course! Best friends visiting each other is only natural.”

Their relationship had indeed progressed; in Yun Zhi’s words, they had moved from “friends” to “best friends.” Yu Mingxia looked down and smiled, her joy no longer containable.

“What are you smiling at?” Yun Zhi asked, handing her the chopsticks.

This time, Mingxia didn’t take them. She answered the question first: “I’m just happy to have a best friend.” Then she added, “But I haven’t had enough of my best friend feeding me breakfast yet.”

For some reason, the way the words “best friend” sounded coming from Yu Mingxia felt a bit strange to Yun Zhi—almost a bit… improper? But the concept of being improper felt so far removed from Yu Mingxia. She didn’t know why the thought even crossed her mind.

“Fine, open up. I’ll feed you.”

Regardless, Mingxia was sincerely treating her as a friend. Her apology had to be even more sincere. There was no way a girl with Mingxia’s temperament would say those things. But then, Nan Qiao had no reason to lie either. Yun Zhi felt troubled again.

Noticing Yun Zhi was distracted, Yu Mingxia made a guess. Yun Zhi is worried about something. She asked casually, “You look like you have something on your mind?”

“No, haha, nothing.” Yun Zhi smiled, trying to brush it off. Yu Mingxia just smiled back.

This was the longest and largest breakfast Yu Mingxia had ever eaten. By the time Yun Zhi was packing up the lunch box, Mingxia felt incredibly full—a sensation she hadn’t felt in a long time. She hadn’t just eaten one breakfast today; she’d eaten three. Given Yun Zhi’s enthusiasm, that one round was basically two in itself.

At exactly 12:00 PM.

Yu Mingxia shut down her computer and instinctively looked toward Yun Zhi, catching her gaze. Yun Zhi’s lips curved into a smile. “Mingxia, let me treat you to lunch.”

Yu Mingxia was stunned. Usually, she was the one who spoke first, and then Yun Zhi would ask if the rest of the studio team was coming.

“You treated me to breakfast, so I should treat you to lunch,” Mingxia said.

Yun Zhi rejected the idea immediately. “No, no, no! It’s my treat. Let’s go, let’s go!”

Yun Zhi’s voice was soft, carrying a hint of a pouting, spoiled tone. She even took Mingxia’s arm and pulled her toward the door. Yu Mingxia felt her breathing stop. Today’s Yun Zhi was too unusual.

Maybe this is just how she acts with best friends, she thought. I just haven’t had time to get used to this sudden happiness.

She couldn’t refuse the invitation, but she did ask, “Should we ask your team?”

“I already told Xiao Bai they’re on their own from now on,” Yun Zhi replied, pressing the elevator button and letting go of Mingxia’s arm.

From now on…?

Yu Mingxia felt a sense of loss when her arm was released, but her heart leaped at those words. Did she mean they would eat together every day? Even though they shared an office, Yun Zhi usually ate with her studio staff; they only had a few private moments.

Yun Zhi didn’t notice the reaction. She was watching the elevator display as it descended from the 20th floor. A few seconds later, the doors opened to reveal Yu Chuxue.

Yu Mingxia bit her lip and shot her sister a look. Yu Chuxue raised an eyebrow; she could clearly see the annoyance in her sister’s eyes. It was as if she were saying: Why are you here? Can you get lost?

“President Yu, what a coincidence,” Yun Zhi greeted her politely.

Even though she’d run into Yun Zhi several times lately, Yu Chuxue felt the other woman was terrifyingly distant. While she didn’t need Yun Zhi to be overly close, she found it odd that she was so cold every time they met.

“We’re close in age, just call me by my name. Or you can call me ‘Sister’ like Mingxia does,” Yu Chuxue said, trying to close the gap.

As soon as she said it, Yu Mingxia shot her a glare. Yu Chuxue felt helpless. Don’t you see who I’m doing this for? Wouldn’t it be better if she and Yun Zhi were closer? Maybe she could help.

But Yu Chuxue didn’t know that in Yun Zhi’s mind, she was already a sister who bullied and exploited her younger sibling. As Mingxia’s friend, Yun Zhi was firmly on Mingxia’s side. Call her ‘Sister’? I’m not that stupid. What if she starts exploiting me like she does Mingxia?

“I’d rather not,” Yun Zhi declined.

Yu Chuxue finally realized that Yun Zhi’s attitude toward her wasn’t just “cold.” She looked at Mingxia, who only gave her a flat look. Chuxue understood—it definitely had something to do with her sister. Fine, as long as my sister is happy. I don’t care about my image in her heart.

The elevator reached the first floor. Yu Chuxue didn’t pry further and left.

As Yun Zhi and Yu Mingxia walked side by side, several employees looked their way, unable to hide their curiosity. Yun Zhi ignored the whispers and asked, “Is your sister much older than you?”

Yu Mingxia paused. “Just one year.”

If she was only one year older, Chuxue would have been one grade ahead in school. Since Mingxia graduated from Yun High, Chuxue likely did too.

The restaurant they booked was a bit far, so Yun Zhi made small talk. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked when your birthday is?” From their previous chat, she knew Mingxia had seen her files. But she knew very little about Mingxia. After Jiang Yan’an’s reminder yesterday, she had searched for her online.

But information was scarce. Details like birthday or height weren’t listed. Yu Mingxia didn’t do interviews, so there was little public information; even the “Top Science Scorer” bit was dug up from old news. Even back then, Mingxia hadn’t given interviews. It was hard for people to imagine that “L&Y Chief Designer” and “Top Science Scorer” were the same person.

Yu Mingxia was quite mysterious online. Yun Zhi thought that even if she were in the fashion world, she might not have recognized Mingxia immediately.

Yu Mingxia hesitated for a moment, then said, “August 23rd.”

“That’s the same day as my friend’s birthday!” Yun Zhi was shocked. She never expected Mingxia to share a birthday with Nan Qiao.

Yu Mingxia bit her lip and looked down. She knew exactly which “friend” she was talking about. She had once overheard Yun Zhi’s birthday wishes to Nan Qiao. Happy birthday, I hope you’re happy every day. Even if those words weren’t meant for her.

“The year ’97?” Yun Zhi asked. She knew they were in the same year, but wasn’t sure of the birth year.

“98,” Yu Mingxia replied.

Yun Zhi was stunned. “You’re a year younger than me?”

They were walking along the road, and Yun Zhi stopped in her tracks to look at her. Before Mingxia could answer, a motorcycle sped past them far too close. Mingxia reached out and pulled Yun Zhi toward her, trying to get her further onto the sidewalk.

In her state of surprise, Yun Zhi was off-balance. The pull caused her to wrap her arms around Mingxia’s waist. The two shared a brief hug.

“Whoa! Why can’t that bike stay in the middle? What if someone got hurt?” Once she steadied herself, Yun Zhi let go and grumbled.

When she didn’t get a response, she saw Mingxia looking dazed. Her cheeks were flushed red. Yun Zhi wondered if she’d been scared by the bike. It couldn’t be because I hugged her, could it?

Yun Zhi suddenly paused and looked at her. “Your face is red… it’s not because I hugged you, is it?”

Yu Mingxia snapped out of it and swallowed. She forced a smile. “I was just a bit startled.”

Yun Zhi nodded. I thought so. A quick hug wouldn’t make her blush that fast. Besides, what’s there to be shy about? We’re friends. Yu Mingxia’s skin was very fair, which made the blush even more obvious.

To avoid further questions, Yu Mingxia changed the subject. “What were you going to say before?”

Yun Zhi’s thoughts were diverted. “Oh, right. You’re a year younger than me.”

Yu Mingxia gave a soft “Mm.”

They were less than two hundred meters from the restaurant. Yun Zhi stopped again, looking like she’d made a major decision. “If I were your sister, I’d definitely value you more than Yu Chuxue does.”

Yu Mingxia hesitated, wanting to explain that Chuxue wasn’t actually that bad. Even though she had used her sister to gain sympathy before, she didn’t want Yun Zhi to have a massive prejudice. But before she could speak, Yun Zhi said something that left her speechless.

“What did you say?”

“Why don’t you be my younger sister?” Yun Zhi repeated, thinking she hadn’t heard.

Yu Mingxia: “…” She wanted to laugh. From anger. Before she could even turn their friendship into romance, Yun Zhi was trying to turn it into family.

“Really! I’m a great older sister. I raised my own sister by hand. She gets whatever she wants. When she goes to competitions behind my back, I still vote for her every day.” Yun Zhi thought she didn’t believe her and pushed harder.

Yu Mingxia: “…”

“I refuse.”

It was the first time Yu Mingxia had rejected her so bluntly, and her tone was much colder. She was truly angry.

Yun Zhi could feel it on the way back and throughout the afternoon in the office. Even though Mingxia was still talking to her, she wasn’t happy and didn’t smile like usual.

Yun Zhi wasn’t used to it. As work time drew to an end, she leaned in close to her. Mingxia was slightly startled by the sudden proximity.

“Don’t be mad,” Yun Zhi whispered. There were only a few centimeters between them. Yun Zhi was leaning over the desk, propping her chin and looking at her with sincere eyes.

Yu Mingxia bit her lip. she wanted to look away but couldn’t bear to lose the chance to see her this close. “I’m not mad. Really.”

She wasn’t angry; she was just reflecting on whether her previous behavior had given Yun Zhi the wrong impression. Like… that she desperately wanted a sister who was good to her. If it weren’t for that misunderstanding, she was sure Yun Zhi wouldn’t have said those things. She’d clearly overplayed her part.

“Not mad?”

“Not mad.”

“Is your work done?”

“Mm, finished.”

Yun Zhi suddenly broke into a grin, staring at her without blinking. “Then let’s go shopping!”

Yu Mingxia naturally couldn’t refuse. But she felt even more that Yun Zhi was acting strange today. It felt as though… she were making a special effort to be with her. Breakfast, lunch, and now shopping—things Yun Zhi had never proactively invited her to do before.

Of course, Yu Mingxia knew Yun Zhi wasn’t doing this out of romantic interest. While she couldn’t guess the reason, she could see that Yun Zhi still only viewed her as a “best friend.”

After dinner, they arrived at the shopping center. Yun Zhi led Yu Mingxia into a brand-name boutique. The sales assistant, seeing two women dressed in high-end brands, greeted them enthusiastically. But before she could speak, Yun Zhi had already picked out two dresses. Mingxia took them blankly.

“These two would look great on you. Go try them on,” Yun Zhi said, giving her a wink.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Yu Mingxia didn’t remind her that she was a designer herself. She nodded and entered the fitting room. Yun Zhi sat on the sofa, looking around. The assistant was showering her with praise, from her looks to her outfit.

Yun Zhi didn’t let the flattery go to waste. she pointed to a few other dresses. “Bring those over for me to look at.”

The assistant handed her a red dress. “This is a new arrival for the season. You have such fair skin and a great figure, you’d look stunning in this. Want to try it?”

“I’m not the one wearing it,” Yun Zhi replied. she walked to the fitting room and knocked. “Mingxia, try this one? I think it would suit you.”

The door opened and Yu Mingxia stepped out. Yun Zhi had chosen a sea-green dress for her. The moment she saw her, Yun Zhi’s breath hitched. Even the assistants fell silent.

“Whoa… say something,” Yun Zhi said, her eyes fixed on her. “If you don’t speak, I’ll think a beauty from a painting has stepped out.”

It was the first time she’d heard such a direct compliment from Yun Zhi. Yu Mingxia was overjoyed and smiled at her. Yun Zhi used to think Mingxia looked best in red, but she realized now that a beauty looks good in anything. Whether it was vibrant and seductive or fresh and elegant, Yu Mingxia could pull it off.

Yu Mingxia tried on every dress Yun Zhi selected before changing back into her own clothes.

“So? Do you like them?” Yun Zhi asked eagerly.

Yu Mingxia caught a signal in her eyes—she wanted a positive answer. Was it because she’d chosen them herself? Though puzzled, Mingxia nodded.

“Great!” Yun Zhi cheered.

Then, Yu Mingxia saw her pull a card from her bag and hand it to the assistant. “Charge it.”

Yu Mingxia: “?”

“I’ll pay for it myself.”

“I chose these for you, so of course it’s my treat,” Yun Zhi argued.

The assistant packed the clothes while the transaction was being processed at the counter. Seeing Mingxia’s reaction, Yun Zhi pouted. “Aren’t we friends? Why are you rejecting me?”

Even though she knew Yun Zhi was faking it, Yu Mingxia panicked. “I’m not rejecting you! It’s because we’re friends that I shouldn’t let you spend your money.”

Yun Zhi didn’t argue. Once the card was swiped, she grabbed the bags and took Mingxia’s arm. “Let’s go, let’s go! Next shop!”

Yu Mingxia knew the deed was done. she’d just have to find a way to transfer the money back later.

But “next shop”?

This time Yun Zhi pulled her into a qipao boutique with a strong vintage vibe. She stuffed several pieces into Mingxia’s hands. “Xiaxia, go try these on!”

Hearing the nickname “Xiaxia,” Yu Mingxia was speechless. She entered the fitting room as told.

“Wow! You look incredible in a qipao. One day you have to wear one so I can take photos. Be my model, okay?”

Yu Mingxia felt like she was floating on a cloud with all the praise. Before she knew it, she had hummed an “Mm” in agreement. Then she heard Yun Zhi’s voice again: “Charge it.”

Yu Mingxia snapped out of it. “?”

“Oh, you’re my model! Of course the clothes are provided by me. It’s my responsibility,” Yun Zhi said solemnly.

Seeing how happy she was to pay, Mingxia let her. She’d just repay her later.

Throughout the evening, all Yu Mingxia heard was “beautiful,” “buy it,” and “charge it.” Or else she was being coaxed—using both soft words and pressure—into trying on more clothes.

Yu Mingxia was full of questions. Her confusion deepened, and her mind began to wander. Is Yun Zhi trying to say goodbye? Did something happen at the office?

She couldn’t seriously want to be my older sister, could she?