Chapter 438: Chapter 412: Ball Brother is Very Stable (550+ Monthly Ticket Update)

Xiao Qian had called Professor Liu “teacher” shortly after meeting her, a title usually used by disciples.

In her past life, Professor Liu had such a habit. Most people referred to her as “professor”, while students called her “Boss Liu”, but only Xiao Qian called her “teacher”. It was a habit that had carried over from her past life, a habit that Xiao Qian couldn’t shake, and which Professor Liu didn’t correct as it pleases her.

“What plans do you have for Liu Li’s future?”

“The kid refuses to repeat a grade no matter what. Thankfully the authorities have special policies for families like ours, so he’s been allocated a formal position. It’s a good job. He’s always harboring unrealistic ideals in his head, much like his irresponsible father.”

“Er… don’t you think it would be beneficial for him to experience some hardships due to his personality —”

Xiao Qian stopped mid-sentence as she noticed Professor Liu staring at her as if ready to devour her, much like how she had glared at a fellow student who had fabricated her thesis years ago.

“I will go back and focus on my studies, I am very busy, I will hold off on providing my opinion.” Having gauged Professor Liu’s attitude, Xiao Qian shamelessly made her retreat.

She had gently reminded Professor Liu and gauged her opposition on top of it. Everything else was a matter between them and was not for her to meddle with as an outsider. But she could foresee, the road ahead for little brother Liu Li would be long…

As Xiao Qian returned to the dormitory, she heard a commotion inside just as she reached the doorway.

“Qiuqiu, be careful!”

“Don’t worry~ your brother Qiuqiu is steady!”

Just as Xiao Qian entered the dorm, she saw Qiuqiu standing on a stool, a screwdriver in his mouth, and meddling with a light bulb with Shi Touyu standing by his side passing him tools.

“What are you doing?” Xiao Qian asked.

“I bought a juicer, but there’s nowhere to plug it in. I’m planning on extending a wire from here, so we’ll be able to drink fresh juice in the future. The skin’s been really dry lately, drinking this thing will be good, my Benboba and Baboben can also benefit from it.”

Xiao Qian’s lips twitched at Shi Touyu’s explanation.

Benboba and Baboben are a pair of losers that Shi Touyu sneaks in and raises under his bed, also known as hamsters.

Xiao Qian absolutely despised these creatures, and they filled her with deep loathing and psychological trauma.

Yu Minglang had once let her hold one of them. The sensation of their fluffy bodies was something Xiao Qian could never forget. Not only has Shi Touyu brought these things back and kept them under their bed, he’s even given them odd names!

Xiao Qian could barely tolerate the presence of these two hamsters, and seeing Shi Touyu messing around with them, she turned to leave instantly. Shi Touyu, knowing her temper well, quickly grabbed her.

“Boss Qian, where are you going?”

“I’m going to the dormitory manager to report someone for unauthorized use of electricity, undermining socialism!”

“No, Boss Qian! You’re like a sister to me!” Shi Touyu pleaded.

Xiao Qian pointed a finger at his nose, “Throw those two hamsters out and we can still be friends!”

“…What do those hamsters have to do with fixing the power? Please, when Benboba and Baboben breed, I’ll give you one!” Shi Touyu tried to negotiate. This was the little sprout of love between him and Brother Qiao Zhen.

“I. Don’t. Want. Any.” Xiao Qian firmly refused.

“Since when did you two become so close?” Qiuqiu joked as he completed the electrical works and jumped off the chair.

“Stop kidding me, who would want to be close with this chuunibyo girl? I pray for both your hamsters to get diarrhoea and vomit after drinking your juice, so you could stand living here no more.”

“Hehe, our Boss Qian is straight-talking but with a soft heart. Qiuqiu, let’s have lunch together later?” Shi Touyu asked Qiuqiu, while Xiao Qian was examining the newly installed plug.

“No, I have something to do. Boss Qian, I want to talk to you in private.”

“Alright then, I’m going out to buy fruits~”

Shi Touyu waved to Xiao Qian and left, leaving Xiao Qian with Qiuqiu.

“Boss Qian, Jingjing’s emotions have been quite stable recently. Is there a problem if I take her to the mountains this weekend?”

“As long as the trip does not exceed a day, it should be fine. But I do not suggest you take her to the mountains. Try heading to the beach or an amusement park instead, to avoid triggering any unpleasant memories.”

“Okay, then I will take her to the botanical garden. Jingjing likes flowers.”

Xiao Qian looked at the glowing face of Qiuqiu who was planning with enthusiasm. She suddenly got a bad feeling.

“Qiuqiu, do you have feelings for Jingjing…?”

“Jingjing is a very lovable girl. If possible, I would like to… Boss Qian, do you think I have a chance? She still doesn’t know about my situation. Should I tell her about my actual circumstances and see her reaction?”

Qiuqiu could tell that Jingjing liked him a lot now, but she didn’t know that he has the body of a woman.

Xiao Qian thought for a moment, and then said slowly and seriously to Qiuqiu, “Qiuqiu, Boss Qian wants to give you a piece of advice. You and Jingjing could be friends for life if you don’t poke through that layer of friendship. Once you do, things could… Do you want to witness flowers withering and feel heartbroken, or turn around at their most beautiful moment?”

Qiuqiu frowned, “I understand now.”

Seeing his expression, Xiao Qian felt a little sad.

“Qiuqiu, there are still many choices for your future.”

“It’s okay, I’m used to it…”

All Xiao Qian could do was pat his shoulder. “There’s always someone waiting for you far away. The ones you miss are not right for you.”

“Boss Qian, that doesn’t seem like your style. You usually have a more direct approach. I can handle it.”

“This is really what I think. In a vast sea of people, there will always be a perfect match waiting for one, but some people might never meet, some people choose to spend their life together with someone barely suitable, some people stay single, love isn’t everything in life, we will always find various ways to make ourselves happy.”

Just like Yu Minglang’s feelings for her in his past life.

Qiuqiu burst into laughter, “Right, that’s more like it. Boss Qian, I couldn’t take it if you suddenly started to talk sentimentally.”

“But, in my opinion, marriage isn’t a necessity in life. If you can’t find a suitable partner, it’s better to stay single and live freely than to live reluctantly with someone incompatible.”

This was Xiao Qian’s heartfelt words. From her perspective, many people in the world have no need to get married.

Marriage doesn’t necessarily suit everyone. They say they don’t want to be lonely in their old age, but in reality, some people fight all their lives even after marriage and can’t even reach the age-old companionship stage in their marriage, ultimately dying of anger or divorcing.

Xiao Qian was against the potential future for Qiuqiu and Jingjing.

One has gender dysphoria, the other has experienced severe trauma. If they really are together, they’re bound to encounter numerous issues. Plus, Jingjing’s parents won’t accept Qiuqiu. Why let pure love turn into real scars? Isn’t it better to leave the most wonderful memory?

“Ah, even if I can’t pursue her, I still need to take good care of her. I hope she can recover soon. Don’t worry, Boss Qian, I will definitely take good care of her.” Qiuqiu quickly regained his spirits.

Xiao Qian looked at Qiuqiu, a sense of regret in her eyes.