My girlfriend isn't as cute as me.

The growth diary that was previously stored away in the corner of the memory bookshelf suddenly gained a lot of health and sports knowledge.

"If you let me use the lockers in the lobby, I'll take these clothes; otherwise, I have nowhere to put them. Also, don't misunderstand, I just happened to be out of casual clothes, that's all... We'll talk about the baby later." Lin Jiu peeked half her head out from under her clothes, her long black hair falling over her shoulders, revealing her bright red ears.

"You can use it, you can use anything. You can even use the wardrobe in my room!"

"No, this is a bit... oh, right."

Lin Jiu put down the clothes and bowed her head to Wang Yuting.

"I'm sorry, I opened your room without your permission."

"Eh?"

Wang Yuting tilted her head, seemingly not quite understanding Lin Jiu's meaning.

"Why should you apologize? You didn't do anything wrong, and you didn't cheat on me."

"No, I still feel guilty because I trespassed into a girl's room."

"I see. From now on, my room will always be open for you."

Wang Yuting opened her arms wide, making a double entendre, indicating that Lin Jiu should hug her.

Lin Jiu looked up at her, clearly not understanding what she meant: "You don't mind?"

"Why should I mind? Didn't I tell you you can take anything in this house, feel free to take whatever you want? My room is quite big, play around as much as you want, and go to sleep when you're tired." Seeing that Lin Jiu didn't hug her, Wang Yuting leaned back strategically to hide her embarrassment. "I even gave you the key to the house, what else do I not trust you about? If you get bored at home, I haven't set a password for the computer in the room, you can use it freely. You can also play the game console, when I switch shifts to the weekend, I'll play games with you."

"But……"

"There's no 'but' about it!"

Wang Yuting suddenly stood up, took two steps forward, reached out and ruffled Lin Jiu's hair, and said seriously, "Don't act like an outsider. When you signed that contract, this was your home! You're in your own home, why are you apologizing?"

"Um……"

Lin Jiu let her mess up his hair, feeling the warmth of her palm, and nodded gently.

Wang Yuting then smiled.

"I'm going to take a shower."

Wang Yuting turned and walked towards the washroom.

She seemed to have thought of something, and a mischievous smile appeared on her lips.

"Jiujiu, shall we shower together?"

"..."

Lin Jiu nodded instinctively at first.

Then he realized what Wang Yuting had said and quickly shook his head.

Lin Jiu's little head was shaking so much that she almost got dizzy.

"You little pervert."

Wang Yuting covered her mouth and chuckled, then turned and walked into the washroom.

After Wang Yuting closed the door, she clutched her chest, panting heavily, her heart pounding. Despite her seemingly effortless demeanor, she was actually more aggressive than defensive; she was only good at putting on a brave front.

What if Lin Jiu agreed and actually came in?

Wang Yuting calmed her racing heart and thought carefully about the problem.

Therefore, there is only one answer!

I'd like to apply for half a day off next year for Women's Day!

Chapter Thirty-Seven: After the Clouds Part, the Moon Shines Bright

One night passed.

When the alarm on her phone went off for the first time, Lin Jiu instinctively reached out and swiped the screen, just like a cat with a conditioned reflex.

Lin Jiu slowly stretched out his body, his curled-up sleeping posture resembling a blooming flower. His slender yet strong waist gently lifted, and Brother Qin Tianzhu, as always, was full of energy, the blanket draped over him transforming into a swaying camper. Lin Jiu consciously relaxed his limbs; the soft sofa was so comfortable that he almost fell asleep again, but he slowly opened his eyes.

When you wake up, you should never jump out of bed immediately, as this can easily damage your brain, leaving you feeling groggy and lethargic all day.

Slowly move your body like this, gradually waking it up, and then naturally lower your legs to touch the ground.

Lin Jiu sat on the sofa, slowly tilting her head back, revealing eyes sparkling like stars beneath her thick bangs.

He slept soundly and peacefully that night.

Last night, Wang Yuting suggested that they change their sleeping arrangements, with her sleeping on the sofa and Lin Jiu sleeping on the bed.

Lin Jiu refused.

He looked at Wang Yuting's long, slender legs, then at his own short legs that fit perfectly into the sofa. He simply couldn't bring himself to let Wang Yuting shrink into that cramped sofa; if he did, he would never forgive himself.

Short legs are fine.

At least in this one-bedroom apartment, I have a place to sleep peacefully at night.

Lin Jiu successfully found a reason for himself that having short legs also had its advantages, and he slept exceptionally well that night.

The sky outside the window was still gray, the night had not completely faded, and the stars could still be vaguely seen.

The house was somewhat dark, but Lin Jiu had already memorized every detail of it; he could walk around freely even with his eyes closed. As long as Wang Yuting didn't litter with beer cans, Lin Jiu wouldn't be knocked out.

"..."

Lin Jiu kept her footsteps low and tiptoed to the washroom to brush her teeth and wash her face, trying not to make any noise.

Wang Yuting was also on the night shift today. She was exhausted from last night and had become overly excited because of Lin Jiu, so she was fast asleep now. Lin Jiu didn't want to wake her, so he planned to make breakfast first before going to school. He would go home at noon to cook for her and prepare her lunchbox for dinner.

Today is Monday. The pleasant weekend is over, and it's time for the most difficult day of the week again.

Lin Jiu changed into his school uniform and trousers in the washroom. Looking at himself in the mirror, he felt as if he had changed. He couldn't quite put his finger on the change; his light dark circles were now almost invisible, and his eyes even seemed bigger. Because of his newfound confidence, he felt his back was straighter. It was as if an older sister was supporting him from behind, encouraging him to be more confident.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Lin Jiu had a fair assessment of his appearance. Even without grooming, he was definitely on par with other high school students his age. Lin Jiu resembled his mother, a second-tier singer who excelled in everything except singing. She harbored ambitions to perform at major music events, but most of her fans were drawn to her looks.

"haven't seen you for a long time."

Lin Jiu looked at herself in the mirror and said softly.

Before the age of ten, he was full of vigor and had extraordinary talent.

Despite his young age, he possesses an exceptionally good memory. He doesn't waste time, learning to sing and dance to fulfill his mother's expectations. He always wears a confident smile, as if nothing in the world can stump him.

Welcome back.

Lin Jiu pointed her finger at the mirror.

The reflection in the mirror seemed to have completed a dialogue with him, everything was understood without words.

"...It's so heavy."

Lin Jiu tugged at his drooping pants and sighed.

In just two days, he was already uncomfortable with the feeling of school pants and wanted to switch back to his home clothes.

Never go back.

A faint sadness welled up in Lin Jiu's heart as she skillfully put on the pink apron.

This is Lin Jiu's breakfast today.

Unlike the dishes she had time to prepare slowly the previous two days, Lin Jiu's breakfast this time was much simpler.

The main dish was plain porridge, but Lin Jiu chopped the remaining vegetables from the refrigerator into small pieces and cooked them together with beaten egg. The only seasoning was salt, and finally, chopped green onions were added on top.

The healthy porridge will be a little less salty, but Lin Jiu considered that the late-night snack last night was a bit greasy, and Wang Yuting might not have an appetite after waking up, so it would be better to eat something light.

The most delicious seasoning for cooking is the cook's love. Just thinking about the happy smile on Wang Yuting's face when she ate made Lin Jiu unable to resist shaking her head and swaying her body in the kitchen, her calves stomping on the floor.

After the porridge was cooked, Lin Jiu ladled it out and poured it into the round lunchbox that she had used to pack soup for Wang Yuting yesterday.

After putting the lid on, he didn't forget to stick a note on it.

"Microwave on medium heat for three minutes, and remember to eat properly."

As Lin Jiu ate her nutritious and healthy porridge, she turned to look at the rising sun outside the window, a gentle smile appearing on her face.

In the small houses of the urban village, the sun never rises; the surrounding light is blocked by other buildings, and the place is always damp. Especially during the rainy season, large amounts of water seep from the walls, and the floors become sticky and slippery. Clothes hanging on the balcony always have a musty smell, and he lived in that environment for eight years.

Now that the clouds have parted and the moon is shining, it seems that everything will be alright.

At 7:00 a.m. sharp, Lin Jiu put on her shoes and carried her backpack on her shoulder.

I'm going out.

Lin Jiu turned to look at the house and murmured to herself.

"Be careful on the road~"

A girl's languid voice drifted over.

Lin Jiu was stunned. He was just about to leave when he realized he was having auditory hallucinations.

"It's not a hallucination."

The girl seemed to see through his thoughts, and her tone revealed a smile.

Lin Jiu turned around and saw Wang Yuting, wearing pink pajamas, smiling at him. Because the pajamas were designed for warmth, they looked particularly thick, giving her a somewhat naive appearance.

She's lost some of her femininity, but gained more girlish charm.

"You got up so early?" Lin Jiu asked, somewhat surprised. "Or did I wake you up?"

"How could that be! I slept soundly!" Wang Yuting said confidently. She could only be proud of her sleep quality, saying that she was second to none. "I got up so I could say hello to you before you left. Praise me!"

Lin Jiu looked at her expression, somewhat surprised.

Wang Yuting wasn't lying; her thinking was simple.

Every time she went out, she would glance at the empty house with a lonely look.

What about Lin Jiu?

Does he feel lonely too?

So she estimated the time and set her alarm to get up.

This is truly a blessing for someone who has trouble getting out of bed.