Fifty Assists

It is well known that the outskirts of a city are referred to as the "suburbs" or, more colloquially, the "countryside."

However, it’s clear that the area around Tianhai City isn’t limited to just one countryside. There are many villages, each of which can be considered part of the countryside.

In fact, for some of the city’s native residents, anything beyond the third ring road might as well be the countryside, and the people living there are often labeled as "country folk" or "outsiders."

When Bai Xing mentioned the countryside, it was unlikely to be the same countryside where Lu Qing had spent his childhood. Therefore, her words could be interpreted as, "Take me with you when you go back to your hometown someday," or perhaps, "I want to travel with you."

In truth, the young girl didn’t care whether it was her home or Lu Qing’s—she simply wanted to enjoy the experience together.

The abacus clicked crisply, beads sliding smoothly.

Lu Qing could easily discern her subtle intentions. Moreover, the mention of the countryside aligned with his own plans, though he had originally intended to revisit the past with Su Ling.

For him, "revisiting the paths he had walked with someone important, recapturing the faded memories of the past," was a profoundly romantic and meaningful act.

After all, there was no need to share memories with people who didn’t matter, nor was it necessary to let unimportant individuals delve so deeply into his life.

If he could guide someone through the journey of his memories, the distance between them would transcend time and space, crossing into an indescribable, mystical boundary—

Lu Qing called this "fusion of feelings."

【I step into your life, and you revisit my past.】

【We grow closer, understanding each other without words, sharing in each other’s experiences.】

This marked a qualitative shift in their relationship, a pivotal moment where he began to see her as someone truly special.

He hadn’t yet shared this with her, but given her personality, he doubted she would refuse.

Now, Bai Xing had taken the initiative, extending the invitation first…

"..."

Lu Qing felt a headache coming on.

"What’s wrong, senior? Can’t you go out with me?"

As if sensing his hesitation, Bai Xing’s expression tightened, her tone sharpening as she began to piece things together.

"It’s not that," Lu Qing replied, leaning against the windowsill and gazing out at the bustling streets below, the flow of people and cars in the distance.

His mind drifted to the serene scenes of his childhood in the old courtyard.

The two fell silent for a moment.

"Bai Xing," he finally spoke.

"Hmm?"

"Do you consider yourself someone who cherishes the past?"

Out of nowhere, he posed this question.

"Cherishes the past...?"

"Yeah."

The girl thought for a moment, unsure of the deeper meaning behind his words.

She answered naively, "I don’t think so... I’ve never been particularly obsessed with anything from my childhood or past. But I do think you, senior, are someone who holds onto the past very tightly."

"Is that so?"

"Mm-hmm."

She nodded.

"Sometimes, I can tell from your expression that you’re reminiscing about something from long ago... and you’ll stay lost in thought for a while. Like when we’re at the milk tea shop, you’ll suddenly stare off into space... not looking at your phone or any particular passerby... That kind of look is hard to hide.

My teacher once told me, 'To understand someone, just observe the subtle expressions they reveal in the mundane moments of life, and you’ll catch glimpses of their past.' Even if it’s just fragments, I can sense that you, senior, have a story. A very complex one that you haven’t fully shared with me yet."

"..."

Her words carried a hidden meaning.

Lu Qing had intended to ask her if she had any sentimental attachment to old places or cherished past memories, using her answer to decide whether to accompany her on this journey. Instead, she had turned the tables, making it seem as though he was the one being distant.

In truth, he already had his answer—

Bai Xing’s willingness to work tirelessly to save money for her grandmother’s medical expenses was proof enough that she and he were cut from the same cloth.

Her stubbornness was positive, upward-striving;

And his own stubbornness, when it came to those close to him, was similarly positive.

But two positives could sometimes clash, leading to a stalemate.

He decided not to delve deeper into the topic and instead laid out his plans:

"The countryside trip will have to wait. This winter break is a crucial period for me—I need to focus on launching my new book. I can’t afford to miss this opportunity. So even if I wanted to revisit the countryside, it would have to wait until summer. And even then, I’m not sure what other commitments I might have, so I can’t make any promises right now."

In Lu Qing’s plans, the winter break was packed with major tasks—

First, after stockpiling enough drafts, he would publish his book online, engage in promotional battles, and see if the data supported a successful completion or if unexpected issues would arise.

Second, there was the hot spring showdown he had agreed to with Su Ling. Originally scheduled for the holidays, the competition would now take place during the winter break.

Given how their relationship had evolved, Lu Qing wasn’t confident about winning... and he had no idea what kind of antics Su Ling might pull during that time.

On top of that, he had promised to take Su Ling shopping for swimsuits and yukatas before the break. A promise was a promise, and finding the time for that was another headache.

Lu Qing felt the pressure mounting, his stress levels rising. If only someone could take his place and accompany Su Ling on her shopping trip.

【Is there anyone who could handle this for me?】

He pondered.

At the moment, Bai Xing was out of the question. The two of them together would be a minefield of hidden agendas, with every word potentially carrying a double meaning.

Tang Hua was even less realistic—her social anxiety made it impossible for her to go out with others. She could manage on her own, but being with someone else would inevitably lead to her treating them like vermin, which was more than a little unsettling.

That left Lin Mu as the most reliable option...

【The bratty girl and Su Ling seem to get along on the surface. Maybe I should ask her if she’d be willing to accompany Su Ling on a shopping trip for swimwear?】

A strange idea formed in his mind.

Once it appeared, it was hard to shake, and the more he thought about it, the more fitting it seemed.

Just then, Bai Xing’s disappointed expression caught his eye:

"Alright, senior, I understand. Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine on my own. Even if no one accompanies me, it’s okay. Really, it’s fine."

"..."

Lu Qing sighed. "Playing the guilt card, huh? Exploiting my weaknesses to push past my boundaries?"

"I’m not doing anything like that. You’ve already come to see me, and you’ve acknowledged our relationship in front of others. Oh well, if you’re tired of me and want to leave me behind, even refusing to travel together, that’s fine. I’ll manage. Just focus on your own things, senior."

She laughed, half-joking, half-defiant.

Unlike Su Ling—

Bai Xing’s approach was one of relentless pursuit.

She didn’t waste time wondering whether her boyfriend would accept her invitation. She simply made her request, and if it was rejected, she had no regrets;

But if it was accepted, it was an outright win.

She couldn’t stand the idea of "liking someone, wanting to be with them, but being too afraid to say it."

She believed that overflowing emotions should be expressed, should be shared. Otherwise, the regret that followed years later, staring into a mirror and crying, would be entirely her own fault.

There were no second chances in life.

...

As expected.

Lu Qing appeared deeply conflicted, and he genuinely felt the weight of the situation.

But at the same time, he couldn’t help but be swayed by her approach.

No guy could resist the idea of the girl he cared about actively inviting him on a thrilling, intimate journey together.

The problem was, scheduling something six months in advance felt a bit too far off.

Lu Qing wasn’t sure how to respond, nor could he outright refuse under her clear expectations—

Just then.

A faint, weak voice came from another corner of the room:

"Xing... Xing’er, is... is that your boyfriend?"

"?!"

Both of them turned immediately.

They saw the elderly woman, who had been lying down, now sitting up. Her thin, IV-pierced arm trembled as she pointed in their direction, asking weakly:

"You two... when are you... getting married?"

...

...