Back at the small town rental apartment, this thirty-something square meter place had carried Han Wenwen through over six years of her life.

Exactly the same amount of time she had been in love with Lin Zhengran.

Thinking about how she was about to terminate the lease and leave for good, Han Wenwen felt surprisingly sentimental.

Lin Zhengran sat on her single bed as usual, glancing around the room.

“This place might be small, but the location and the view are actually pretty nice.”

“You were the one who helped me rent it, of course it’s nice.” Han, barefoot, pulled out a suitcase from under the bed, standing on the carpet as she rummaged for what she wanted to bring:

“Brother Zhengran, when we get to the new house, can I lay down carpet in the bedroom too? It feels much nicer walking barefoot in the room than wearing slippers.”

“Sure, it’s everyone’s bedroom anyway. You all can decorate it however you like.”

Han Wenwen smiled, and suddenly pulled out a few pairs of Lin Zhengran’s socks and underwear from the suitcase.

These were left from when Lin Zhengran used to change clothes here. A certain little fox was quite happy to wash Lin Zhengran’s personal items.

According to her, things Brother Zhengran wore smelled really good, and washing them always gave her an intimate feeling.

So every time Lin Zhengran came over, Han Wenwen would keep his socks and give him a new pair.

As for the underwear... it wasn’t used, just something she had bought from a store.

Han Wenwen had planned that if Brother Zhengran ever spent the night here, she’d have him wear the new ones. But after coming back from the high school trip, Lin Zhengran hadn’t stayed over even once.

Looking at the brand-new fabric, Han Wenwen said with regret, “These underwear are totally new, and Brother Zhengran never even wore them.”

Lin Zhengran glanced at the underwear. “Take it to the new place, maybe I’ll wear it there.”

Han Wenwen looked at him, not too pleased, and asked curiously:

“How about trying them on now? I bought them especially for you, remember? I even said I’d set aside a space in my room just for your clothes. In the end, I never did it, so these underwear and socks kind of make up for that.”

Lin Zhengran saw her holding up a pair of men’s underwear with both hands and resisted: “How am I supposed to try it now? I’d have to strip everything I’m wearing just for that.”

“Come on, we’re not doing anything today anyway.”

“Nope.”

Han Wenwen pouted and whined as she stood up, pushing Lin Zhengran down onto the bed: “Just try them? Why not, Brother Zhengran? These were expensive! It’d be a waste not to wear them.”

Lying on the pillow, Lin Zhengran looked up at the little fox with ideas of her own. Her hand was resting on his chest.

He gave in helplessly: “I didn’t say I wouldn’t wear them, just not here. And are you really trying to have me test them now? Aren’t we supposed to be packing?”

Han Wenwen bit her lip shyly, her fox-like eyes enchanting and seductive. The hand holding the underwear traced his lips lightly, and she whispered:

“What do you mean ‘not packing’? It doesn’t have to be a whole day of making out, even just the morning would be fine. We can pack in the afternoon. If I really spent this rare alone time packing, then there’s something wrong with my brain.”

She was just about to kiss him when her phone suddenly rang.

The little fox visibly froze, her expression turned fearful, her fingers clenched slightly.

Lin Zhengran turned to grab her phone from the bed to check it.

Han Wenwen didn’t speak or move.

It wasn’t what she feared—it wasn’t her uncle.

It was a voice message from Jiang Xueli:

“Han Wenwen, I know today’s a special day for you, but you’d better behave! Don’t get all handsy with Zhengran while moving! I can totally see that gooey look you’ve been giving him lately, don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

Frozen a moment ago, Han Wenwen suddenly relaxed and chuckled.

“Lili’s way too suspicious of me. Although... she’s not wrong.”

There was a second message. Jiang Xueli’s proud tone had softened a lot:

“Also... is something going on with you lately? Yesterday when you told me about moving, you seemed kinda off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

Anyway, if something’s bothering you, you can always tell us girls. Or if you’d rather not, just tell Zhengran. We’re sisters—we’ve got your back. Message me when you get this. Unless I’m just being overly sensitive again.”

After the message ended, Han Wenwen pursed her lips. Lin Zhengran asked, “Wanna reply?”

Han Wenwen nodded.

Lin Zhengran pressed the record button and held the phone to Han Wenwen’s mouth. She did her best to sound normal and replied with something like “I’m fine,” even throwing in a playful tease for Lili.

But Lin Zhengran looked at her, noticing the light in her eyes wasn’t as bright as usual. He sat up again and hugged the dazed Han Wenwen who had been staring at him.

“Wenwen, let’s not force it today if you’re not in the mood.”

Han Wenwen tried to explain: “It’s not that I’m not in the mood, I just…” halfway through, she hugged Lin Zhengran tightly, knowing lying to Brother Zhengran was pointless.

“I’m sorry, Brother Zhengran. Even though I’m with you, my mind’s wandering. I’m wasting such precious time.”

Lin Zhengran held her tightly in his arms. “Don’t overthink it. Let’s pack the room first.”

“Mm… just hold me a few more minutes, then we’ll pack.”

After the hug, the two of them started packing all the big and small things in the room, loading them into boxes.

They kept busy all the way till noon. Han Wenwen was so tired she sat against the bed and fell asleep.

Clearly, the little fox hadn’t slept well the night before due to everything on her mind.

Lin Zhengran finished packing the last box, then turned to look at Han Wenwen who had dozed off.

He gently laid her flat on the bed.

As she slept, two lines of tears slid down the corners of her eyes. Her expression carried faint resentment and unwillingness.

After all these years, Han Wenwen thought she no longer cared about the mother who abandoned her. Whether that woman lived or died had nothing to do with her.

Though she still held some resentment when she remembered her childhood, she had already embraced a new life.

But seeing the photo her uncle had sent made her realize the issue was still buried deep. Deep down, she still hated that heartless woman.

She thought the woman deserved her fate, yet she also felt pity for her because of those few good years in her memory.

She wanted answers from her.

It hadn’t been long when Han Wenwen suddenly woke up from her dream, eyes red, seeing Lin Zhengran sitting beside her, keeping watch.

She cried and flung herself into his arms. “Brother Zhengran… what should I do? I really don’t want to see her, but why…”

Lin Zhengran comforted the trembling Han Wenwen in his arms. Even someone like her, always so bold and passionate, had moments of doubt:

“I know you still want to see her, but you’re not ready to forgive her. But meeting her doesn’t have to mean forgiveness. Don’t be scared. I’ll be right there with you.

Once you get through this, you won’t feel so terrible the next time those memories come back. I’ve got you, always.”

Han Wenwen bit her lip, clinging tightly to Lin Zhengran, her eyes wet.

That day, Lin Zhengran held her hand as he called the school to ask for leave.

Then the two of them boarded the car heading south.