Chapter 9: You’re Pretty Easy to Take Care Of

Su Yumian walked ahead, while the man followed a step behind. Compared to last night’s nervousness, she had obviously returned to normal. Shao Wenbai drove the car over, and Su Yumian got into the passenger seat. On the way, they passed by a fruit supermarket.

Su Yumian suddenly spoke up, “Can you stop for a moment? Just two minutes. I want to buy some fruit.”

“Fruit?”

“Mm, for the professor.”

Shao Wenbai gripped the steering wheel, a bit puzzled. “Is that really necessary?”

Su Yumian: “?”

She suddenly found it amusing. “Do you always visit people empty-handed?”

Shao Wenbai nodded honestly. Su Yumian silently gave him a thumbs-up. 

Impressive.

Maybe big shots really don’t sweat the small stuff? Despite his words, the man still pulled over.

—

Ouyang Wenqiu lived on Huanshan Road, not far from B University.

Rows of Western-style villas blended with Chinese elements—independent homes, simple yet rich in heritage. Beyond a grove of maple trees, the residence came into view.

Six years…

Su Yumian tightened her grip on her seatbelt. Looking at the fruit basket by her feet, she suddenly felt nervous. Shao Wenbai seemed to sense it. “Not getting out?”

Su Yumian bit her lip. “I want to wait a little.”

The man looked at her for two seconds, then nodded. “I’ll go in first.”

“…”

Su Yumian was grateful that he didn’t ask anything.

Watching him leave, she took a couple of deep breaths before finally unbuckling her seatbelt and stepping out of the car.

It was the season of full bloom.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, a light floral scent drifted in with the breeze. By the railing, some green vegetables drooped lifelessly—probably neglected since their owner had been sick.

Before she even reached the door, Su Yumian heard the professor’s voice. Her heart trembled slightly, and she quickly followed after Shao Wenbai. “Professor.”

Ouyang Wenqiu set down the latest biology journal and adjusted her reading glasses. “Eh? Wenbai? What brings you here?”

Shao Wenbai stepped forward to support her, walking slowly by her side. “Came to check on you. Are you feeling better?”

“It’s just a minor issue. No need for all of you to come running over.”

She patted his hand. “I’m fine, really! Nothing to worry about.”

Shao Wenbai hesitated briefly. “I brought someone with me today.”

“Who?” Ouyang Wenqiu looked puzzled.

Following his gaze, Su Yumian appeared at the entrance, standing obediently with her head lowered—like a child who had done something wrong.

Ouyang Wenqiu’s pupils trembled. She instinctively took two steps forward, but the initial surprise and faint joy in her eyes quickly turned into complexity and deliberate indifference.

“What are you doing here?” she asked stiffly.

“Teacher…” Su Yumian felt at a loss.

Ouyang Wenqiu’s voice hardened, expression unreadable. “Back then, who was it that swore to pursue love? Who said they could give up everything for it? Why are you here now?”

Su Yumian pressed her lips together tightly. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Teacher… I’m sorry. I let you down.”

“And?” Ouyang Wenqiu, rarely this stern, pressed on.

Su Yumian took a shaky breath. “And… I was wrong.”

After a brief pause, she softly added, “Is it too late?”

“Finally…” Ouyang Wenqiu sighed. Her expression gradually softened. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for you?”

“Six years. A full six years.”

Tears welled up in Su Yumian’s eyes as she choked out, “I… I didn’t know…” Teacher had been waiting for her all this time?

“It’s enough that you’ve realized it now.”

Though Ouyang Wenqiu didn’t say more, she could imagine how much hardship and pain lay behind this awakening. A trace of heartache surfaced on her face.

Su Yumian’s nose tingled. She couldn’t hold back any longer and threw herself into the professor’s arms. “Teacher…”

A dry, gentle hand patted her back. Ouyang Wenqiu’s heart softened a little more.

“Alright, alright… You’re a grown woman now, still crying like this. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

Shao Wenbai silently watched from the side. When the two embraced and reconciled, he quietly stepped onto the balcony, giving them space to talk.

After years apart, Ouyang Wenqiu naturally asked about Su Yumian’s current situation, though she deliberately avoided the topic of relationships.

The fact that she could say “I was wrong” already proved that the path she chose—or rather, the person she chose—was unreliable.

Since that was the case, there was no need to dig into her wounds.

Su Yumian said, “I rented a place near campus. I’ve started reviewing and plan to take the graduate entrance exam for your program at the end of the year…”

Ouyang Wenqiu’s eyes lit up, overwhelmed with joy. “Really? Are you serious?”

She even confirmed it twice.

“Yes.” Su Yumian nodded, ashamed to meet her teacher’s eyes. She had abandoned a perfectly paved path, only to now come crawling back…

“Good! Good! You should’ve done this sooner! You must take my graduate exam! At last, that reserved spot won’t go to waste—”

Su Yumian was stunned. She had suspected that the professor might have saved a spot for her, but hearing it confirmed still felt unbelievable.

Su Yumian… what did you do to deserve this?

“Teacher, I’m not even sure if I can pass…” she hesitated. Please don’t get your hopes too high.

Ouyang Wenqiu declared, “As long as you’re determined, you will pass! I know your abilities better than anyone. Unless you deliberately flunk just to mess with this old woman!”

“How could I—” Su Yumian was caught between laughter and tears.

“It’s getting late. You and Wenbai—wait, where is Wenbai?”

“Teacher.” Shao Wenbai stepped in from the balcony.

“It’s already lunchtime. You and your junior must stay and eat. I’ll cook personally!”

Su Yumian’s face instantly changed, and Shao Wenbai’s expression was equally complicated.

“Uh… Maybe you shouldn’t bother. I can cook instead.”

It wasn’t that Su Yumian didn’t appreciate the offer—it was just that… when the professor cooked, she feared the kitchen might not survive.

Ouyang Wenqiu coughed awkwardly, clearly aware of her own culinary skills. But in front of her students, she couldn’t lose face, so she muttered, “Ahem… well, I am still recovering. It’s not the best time to cook… Not ideal…”

Su Yumian swiftly tied on an apron and headed to the kitchen. Shao Wenbai rolled up his sleeves and followed. “I’ll help.” Ouyang Wenqiu watched them with a thoughtful smile.

The fridge was fully stocked with fresh ingredients. Since the professor was still recovering, Su Yumian planned to make something light. Shao Wenbai asked, “What do you need me to do?”

Su Yumian glanced at the vegetable basin. “Can you wash vegetables?”

“…”

“Shouldn’t be too hard.”

Su Yumian stepped aside to give him space. Though his movements were inexperienced, he washed the leafy greens carefully, making sure there was no dirt left. Casually, Su Yumian asked, “Any food preferences?”

“None.”

“Any dietary restrictions?”

“Nope.”

“…You’re pretty easy to take care of,” she mumbled under her breath.

Unlike Jiang Yihuai, who was picky and had endless demands.