Chapter 65

Lin Miaomiao still couldn't believe what Ye Bai had confessed. She stared at herself in the mirror, her hand reaching up to touch her face, questioning, "Am I real?" She sank onto her bed, her cellphone filled with messages from Ye Bai, but Miaomiao didn't know how to respond.

Lying on her back, Miaomiao pondered deeply. She still couldn't wrap her head around the fact that the world she had known wasn't the world she had expected.

As Ye Bai recounted how he ended up in this world and how it intersected with his own, Miaomiao's disbelief persisted. Ye Bai's story about how he ended up here and how this whole thing is like some parallel universe inside a TV show—it was mind-blowing stuff.

At first, she didn't believe it. Ye Bai just wanted to alleviate the pain if he had a terminal disease. But when Ye Bai revealed the photo of her future self, portrayed by an actress, Lin Miaomiao's heart skipped a beat. 'Whoa, this is actually real!'

...

Ye Bai sat there, staring at his cellphone, the light from the screen filling the room. Their chat with Lin Miaomiao was full of his messages, but she hadn't even opened them.

He wasn't sure if telling Lin Miaomiao the truth was the right move. Maybe he should've just kept it to himself. Her silence made him even more unsure. Tomorrow's trip to the cram school felt like a big deal, promising either resolution or more trouble.

As he thought about what to do next, Ye Bai knew he had to face the situation. Despite feeling uncertain, he couldn't avoid talking to Miaomiao. Tomorrow had to bring some clarity, and he hoped honesty would help fix things.

...

Wang Shengnan pulled at the blanket enveloping Lin Miaomiao's body. Lin Miaomiao swiftly halted the blanket's escape from her grasp, reluctant to let go of the fleeting comfort it provided. She had slept late because of the circumstances Ye Bai had confessed and she craved a few more moments of rest. Suddenly, she felt a soft impact against her body—a pillow.

Lin Miaomiao opened her eyes and looked to see who had hit her. Upon opening them, she saw Wang Shengnan holding another pillow ready to hit her again.

"Mom, why did you hit me with a pillow so early in the morning?" Miaomiao inquired with a mixture of curiosity and irritation.

"Miaomiao, get up there, you still have cram school to attend." Wang Shengnan replied.

Lin Miaomiao got up upon hearing that she still had to go to cram school. Though she was reluctant, she preferred going to cram school than being watched over by her mother 24/7. With a resigned sigh, she swung her legs off the bed and shuffled towards the bathroom to prepare for the day.

Meanwhile, Wang Shengnan, observing her daughter's sluggish movements, she gathered the disheveled blanket, and made her way to the laundry room ready to attend to her morning chores.

...

Lin Dawei drove Lin Miaomiao to the cram school, as the car stop on the side of the building. "Remember, don't travel alone. I'll pick you up later when you're done," Lin Dawei reminded her with a fatherly tone.

Lin Miaomiao nodded in agreement as she stepped out of the car. "Okay, bye, Dad," she replied before closing the door and heading towards the school entrance.

As Lin Miaomiao made her way through the corridors, she couldn't help but notice the familiar faces of her classmates, each one offering a friendly greeting and a smile as she passed by.

Upon entering the classroom, Lin Miaomiao's eyes immediately landed on Jiang Tianhao, who was already waiting for her.

"Miaomiao!" Jiang Tianhao called out, his voice filled with enthusiasm as he awaited her arrival.

"Hey, Brother!" she exclaimed, reciprocating his high-five with equal enthusiasm.

Miaomiao scanned the classroom and realized that she knew almost all of the students. "Why does it feel like the first day of class here?" she remarked.

Jiang Tianhao chuckled. "I was surprised too when I walked in."

Lin Miaomiao's gaze then shifted to Qian Sanyi, who was seated nearby. "What are you doing here?" she asked. She glanced back at Jiang Tianhao, "He's not leaving us any peace," she added, pointing at Qian Sanyi.

Qian Sanyi met her gaze with a knowing smile. "Look to the past and learn about the new. Don't you understand?" he said with a slight smile.

Rolling her eyes, Lin Miaomiao shook her head. "I don't care about you," she muttered under her breath.

Glancing around the room once more, Lin Miaomiao noticed the absence of a few more classmates, including Deng Xiaoqi, Liang Yunshu, and Wei Xindi. "Where's Xiaoqi, Yunshu, and Xindi? Are they joining us today?" she inquired, turning back to Jiang Tianhao for answers.

Jiang Tianhao shook his head in response. "Yunshu and Xindi mentioned something about a family vacation."

A pang of envy flickered across Lin Miaomiao's face at the mention of a vacation. "Must be nice," she muttered, a hint of longing in her voice. "And what about Xiaoqi?"

"I don't know. Did she mention anything to you?" Jiang Tianhao asked

Shaking her head, Lin Miaomiao adjusted her glasses with a sigh. "No, she didn't say anything. Our group feels incomplete without her," she admitted, her tone tinged with disappointment. "It's just not the same."

"But we're all here," Jiang Tianhao chimed in cheerfully, trying to lift her spirits. "And by the way, where's Ye Bai?"

Lin Miaomiao's expression suddenly shifted, a hint of apprehension clouding her features, catching the attention of both Jiang Tianhao and Qian Sanyi.

"What's wrong, Miaomiao? Did something happen with Ye Bai?" Jiang Tianhao asked, concern evident in his voice as he observed her pale complexion.

Qian Sanyi's brow furrowed, waiting for her response.

Quickly shaking her head, Lin Miaomiao assured them, "No, everything's fine," she said, though her tone lacked conviction.

Just then, Ye Bai entered the classroom, greeted by several students as he made his way to his seat.

Upon seeing Lin Miaomiao, relief washed over Ye Bai's face, and he couldn't help but smile as their eyes met.

He fist-bumped Jiang Tianhao and Qian Sanyi before locking eyes with Lin Miaomiao.

"Can we talk?" Ye Bai asked Lin Miaomiao, his eyes pleading.

Sensing his urgency, Lin Miaomiao nodded in agreement. Together, they set their bags down and exited the classroom, leaving Jiang Tianhao and Qian Sanyi to exchange curious glances as they watched them go.

"Think they had a disagreement?" Jiang Tianhao wondered aloud, turning to Qian Sanyi for insight.

Qian Sanyi shook his head. "I don't know, but before we part ways yesterday their relationship is alright."

Jiang Tianhao nodded and sat back to his seat. "True, and Ye Bai is the kind of person who wouldn't bully Miaomiao. Maybe it's Miaomiao who bullies Ye Bai," Jiang Tianhao joked.

Qian Sanyi agreed with a nod.

...

They found a secluded spot where no one was around. As they stopped in the area, Ye Bai quickly embraced Lin Miaomiao, surprising her. "Y-Ye Bai, what are you doing?" she said, looking around to check if there were any students nearby.

"Why didn't you read my text messages?" Ye Bai asked, tightening his embrace.

Resting her head against Ye Bai's chest, Lin Miaomiao sighed. "I don't know how to answer. I don't know how to handle the truth. I don't even know if I'm real," she said, holding onto Ye Bai tightly.

The sudden truth made Miaomiao question her world. She felt anger and fear. Was she a puppet of some person, made to do what that person wanted? A shiver ran down her spine as the weight of the truth settled in.

Gently cupping Miaomiao's cheeks, he looked into her eyes. "You are real, Lin Miaomiao. You're a genuine person. You're the mischievous girl I always follow. You're the girl I've liked, who brightens my every day," Ye Bai said, before kissing her lips tenderly, filled with love.

After releasing the kiss, Lin Miaomiao looked at him with affection, slowly touching her lips and feeling content.

Perhaps it didn't matter whether her world was scripted or not. What mattered was the warmth of his arms, the tenderness in his touch.

"Lin Miaomiao, if you have any questions, just tell me, and I'll answer. But please, don't avoid me," Ye Bai said firmly.

Hearing Ye Bai's plea, she nodded and hugged him. "Yes, I won't avoid you. But you have to answer all my questions."

Ye Bai smiled and brushed Lin Miaomiao's hair with his hands. "I promise."

...

Lin Miaomiao and Ye Bai returned together, feeling a deeper connection between them.

Jiang Tianhao and Qian Sanyi observed the pair, focusing on Lin Miaomiao, who appeared to have slightly reddened eyes.

Despite Qian Sanyi's longing to inquire about what had happened and express his concern for Lin Miaomiao, he found himself at a loss for words. Silently, he watched over them, his worry mingling with a sense of helplessness.

As Lin Miaomiao and Ye Bai settled side by side, an unspoken understanding seemed to pass between them. Ye Bai's attentive care for Lin Miaomiao spoke volumes, providing her with the solace and support she needed.

Jiang Tianhao and Qian Sanyi exchanged glances as they observed the pair. It appeared that reconciliation had been reached between them, whether they had experienced difficulties or disagreements.

With a newfound sense of ease, Lin Miaomiao reclaimed her vivacious spirit, effortlessly engaging in playful banter with her classmates once more. Her laughter resonated through the air, especially when shared with Ye Bai.

...

"Ye Bai, Miaomiao," called Lin Dawei to the two who had just come out of the cram school.

The two turned around, and Lin Miaomiao quickly approached her father. "Dad!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his. "Where's your car?" she asked, scanning the area for Lin Dawei's vehicle.

"There's no parking space here," Lin Dawei replied to his daughter as they walked. Then, he looked at Ye Bai. "How about you, Ye Bai, do you need a ride?" he asked.

Ye Bai smiled and responded, "Oh, no, uncle." He pointed to his bike on the side. "I rode my bike here; the cram school isn't far from home."

Lin Dawei nodded in understanding at Ye Bai's answer.

"Dad, tomorrow I'm going to Ye Bai's place, you can pick me up there," Lin Miaomiao informed him.

Lin Dawei furrowed his brow slightly, "If your mom agrees, why not," he consented.

"Help me convince her," Miaomiao pleaded playfully to gain approval.

"Why didn't you mention Ye Bai's name? I think you'll be allowed as long as you mention his name," teased Lin Dawei. Ye Bai scratched his nose as he listened to them.

Lin Miaomiao nodded, "Okay, I'll do that."

Ye Bai then got on his bike. "Miaomiao, Uncle, I'll head off first," he bid them farewell.

Lin Dawei and Lin Miaomiao both smiled at Ye Bai. "Take care cycling," Lin Dawei reminded him. Lin Miaomiao waved goodbye, "See you tomorrow."

Ye Bai waved back and started pedaling his bike towards home.

...

Ye Bai breathed a sigh of relief as he arrived home, especially now that Lin Miaomiao seemed to be back to her usual self. He quickly unpacked his belongings in his room and lay down on the bed. Now, he was mentally preparing himself for the questions Lin Miaomiao might ask tomorrow. If possible, he planned to answer all of her questions truthfully.

*Ring*

Ye Bai glanced at his phone and picked it up to see the notification.

Meowmeow: Xiaobai, Mom agreed that I can come over to your place. ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

Ye Bai smiled and began typing a reply on his phone.

Xiaobai: Okay👌 I'll tell Mom that you're coming over tomorrow so she can prepare your favorite food. It's been a while since you visited, and Mom often asks when you'll come over.

Meowmeow: It's embarrassing to have Auntie Wu prepare food for me. But I want Braised pork (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

Xiaobai: Hahaha, You're even embarrassed about that.

Ye Bai teased Lin Miaomiao with a smile.

Meowmeow: I like all of Auntie Wu's cooking, I mean even if she just cooks Braised pork and doesn't make a lot [shy.gif]

Xiaobai: Okay, I'll let my mother know.

Lin Miaomiao panicked at Ye Bai's words.

Meowmeow: Xiaobai, just say that you're the one who wants Braised pork please, Auntie might say I'm picky.

Xiaobai: Okay, I'm just teasing you.

Meowmeow: [punching.gif]

Meowmeow: [punching.gif]

Meowmeow: [punching.gif]

Meowmeow: This will be real tomorrow. [punching.gif]

Xiaobai: Okay, that's enough, and start working on the assignments given by the teacher.

Upon reading Xiaobai's message, Lin Miaomiao quickly looked at the table where their teacher's assignments were stacked before the vacation.

Her eyes dimmed.

Meowmeow: Please help me! Tomorrow I'll bring the assignments. Let's do teamwork.

Xiaobai: Teamwork? What if when you come here tomorrow, I'm the only one doing the assignments?

Meowmeow: (⁠ʘ⁠ᴗ⁠ʘ⁠✿⁠) I'll cheer for you and massage your shoulders while you work.

Xiaobai: Nope! You'll do your own assignments. But you can ask if there's anything you don't understand.

Meowmeow: [pout.gif.]

Xiaobai: Don't be sad, I'll buy lots of snacks so you're always full of energy.

Meowmeow: You better keep your promise and bring lots.

Meowmeow: I'll sort out the things I'll bring tomorrow. Chat you later. (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧

Xiaobai: Okay

With a smile, Ye Bai set his phone down after chatting with Lin Miaomiao.