Chapter 13 — Your baby is here
Nan Xu returned the jacket to Xie Hejing. On the way, she kept feeling like she had forgotten something, but no matter how she tried, she couldn’t remember what it was.
Just as they stepped out of the alley, a loud rumble rolled across the sky, making her chest tighten.
“It’s going to rain,” Nan Xu said, looking up.
She hadn’t brought an umbrella, and Xie Hejing was definitely not the type to carry one.
Sure enough, after only a few steps, fat raindrops began pelting down on their backs. Within moments, Nan Xu’s shoulders were soaked.
The two of them had no choice but to duck into the entryway of a building to wait it out. Rain hammered the ground, pattering and splashing up a damp, earthy smell. Lightning split the distance with a blinding flash—this storm was not going to be small.
Standing at the front, watching the downpour intensify, Xie Hejing let out a cold laugh. Trouble just kept coming tonight.
Without hesitation, he called Zhang Huiwan.
“Xie Hejing, so you do remember to call me. Why is it so late and you still haven’t brought Jiaojiao back?” Her voice on the other end carried obvious worry.
Nan Xu stepped forward, wanting to explain, but Xie Hejing raised a hand to stop her. He leaned against the wall, rain-speckled bangs clinging to his forehead.
“It’s raining here. Sorry to trouble you, but could you come pick us up?”
“Can’t you just get a cab?” Zhang Huiwan asked.
But taxis almost never came through this narrow street at night, and even if one did, it would be a struggle for it to drive in.
“It’s hard to get a taxi here, and I’m fine with that, but your baby is here, you know. Are you sure you’re not going to come and pick us up?”
Nan Xu’s eyelashes fluttered. His tone was lazy, the kind of clear, velvety voice unique to a teenage boy. Against the backdrop of nothing but rain in the night and the shelter of the entryway, the single word “baby” struck something inside her.
It was the first time anyone had ever used that word to describe her, even if it was said half in jest. A faint, inexplicable tremor rose in her chest.
Zhang Huiwan glanced at the clock. “Fine, I’ll come in a bit. Watch over Jiaojiao—make sure she doesn’t catch cold.”
The wind carried rain into the entryway, and with her thin jacket, Nan Xu shivered almost immediately, sneezing.
Hearing that, Xie Hejing tossed his jacket at her.
It was still warm from his body. Nan Xu looked at him—without it, he was only in a thin black long-sleeved T-shirt, the wind whistling through the hall making it obvious he’d be cold too.
“I don’t need—”
“Wear it,” Xie Hejing cut in firmly. “If you catch a cold, don’t expect me to play nurse.”
Nan Xu sniffled lightly. She didn’t need him to take care of her.
But another sneeze slipped out anyway. And then, suddenly, she remembered what it was she had been forgetting.
She had promised to treat Xie Hejing to food—but in the rush to leave the noodle shop earlier, she’d completely forgotten to pay.
When she told him, he just looked lazy and indifferent. “Forgotten, so what?”
Nan Xu shook her head. “But it’s not easy for him to make a living.”
True enough—but Xie Hejing had already paid earlier. She’d just been too focused on her noodles to notice.
“Look at that rain. And it’s not exactly close to the noodle shop. You planning to run back to settle the bill? The place is already closed by now,” he said.
Nan Xu frowned. The idea of owing someone money made her anxious.
Tilting his head, watching her worried expression, Xie Hejing drawled, “Just think of it as a free meal.”
“This is your first time here, so they won’t recognize you, but they should recognize me. If they’re looking for someone, they’ll be looking for me,” Xie Hejing said casually. “What are you worried about?”
“No, it doesn’t matter who they come after. We can’t do this.” Nan Xu’s usually gentle face carried a rare seriousness, making her look almost solemn.
Xie Hejing yawned. “Can’t do what?”
“We can’t owe people money. We can’t just eat and not pay.”
“Mm. Then we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”
Soon, Zhang Huiwan’s car pulled into the alley. Spotting the two of them taking shelter from the rain under the stairwell, she grabbed an umbrella and walked over.
Nan Xu had Xie Hejing’s jacket draped over her shoulders. This detail clearly pleased Zhang Huiwan. “Not bad. You know how to take care of your sister—looks like my lessons didn’t go to waste.”
She never suppressed her child’s playful nature—he could go out and fool around as much as he wanted—but when it came to girls, she demanded politeness, respect, and self-control.
That was her unshakable rule for Xie Hejing.
He answered lazily, “Mm. The famous educator of Zhi’an City, Mrs. Zhang… may your son get in the car now?”
Zhang Huiwan tossed him an umbrella without missing a beat, then turned and ushered Nan Xu into the car.
Once inside, Nan Xu’s nose stung, and she sneezed. Zhang Huiwan quickly adjusted the heater, and the car grew warmer.
“Xie Hejing, what’s wrong with eating at home? Why drag your sister out here to eat this unsanitary street food?”
“Auntie, it was me. I wanted to come.” Nan Xu rushed to explain.
“…” Zhang Huiwan paused. “So… my cooking has gotten worse lately? You two don’t like my food anymore?” Her voice carried a touch of loss, even hurt.
Xie Hejing raised an eyebrow. The great educator Zhang was starting to “act” again.
Nan Xu panicked—she hadn’t expected Aunt Zhang to think that way. Quickly, she blurted, “No, your cooking is still just as delicious as before.”
Afraid her words weren’t convincing enough, she struggled to put her thoughts together to comfort the “wounded” Aunt Zhang. But when she turned her head, her eyes met Xie Hejing’s gaze—those dark eyes glimmering with amusement.
He leaned back in the seat, head tilted slightly, relaxed. The smile curving his lips was vivid, alive—and beautiful.
Nan Xu’s breath caught, her cheeks warming. She thought, maybe it’s just because the car is too hot.
Seeing her still trying to explain, Xie Hejing ran a hand through his damp hair and spoke lazily.
“I’m the one who wanted to come. She was being good, just afraid you’d scold me.”
Nan Xu’s eyes widened in shock—not only because of what he said, but because he had just stood up for her.
It was clearly her idea to come…
Hearing this, Zhang Huiwan chuckled. “Alright then. Since your sister is covering for you, I’ll let it go this time.”
“Mm.” He arched a brow, turned to glance at Nan Xu, and added, “Thanks, little sister—”
In his line of sight, Nan Xu was staring back at him, lips pressed tight, fingers nervously twisting his jacket. And silently, she mouthed a single phrase—
As for what she said…
His gaze dropped to her lips.
The light from the passing cars briefly illuminated her lips, giving them a faint sheen.
His Adam’s apple bobbed.
He hadn’t caught a single word she’d actually spoken.
Seeing the slight daze on his face, Nan Xu leaned a little closer and asked, “Brother, what are you looking at?”
Her lashes fluttered as she looked up at him with innocent clarity.
Xie Hejing let out a low laugh.
So obedient.