Novel Wait
Chapter 30 - Song Qian’s Growing Despair
Chapter 30: Song Qian’s Growing Despair
“Yingzi, I won’t be joining you all for dinner. I’ve got something to handle at home. You guys go ahead,” Su Bai said before turning to leave.
Though Qiao Yingzi felt a bit disappointed, she didn’t push him to stay. Still, she pulled him aside to whisper, “Su Bai, my grades improved this time, but my ranking dropped. Mum’s definitely upset. Can you go back and keep her company? Maybe cheer her up a bit?”
Having lived with her mother for so many years, Qiao Yingzi understood Song Qian’s moods well.
The moment she got home earlier, she had noticed her mother’s sour expression. Even if Song Qian hadn’t said much, Yingzi knew this wasn’t something that would blow over easily.
“You want me to convince your mum not to give you a hard time over this?” Su Bai asked.
“Exactly! You’re always so sharp—you get me!”
“Sharp? So we’re alike, huh? Both flat-chested?”
“Get lost!”
Yingzi huffed and stomped off, but she felt reassured leaving her mother in Su Bai’s hands. If anyone could handle the situation, it was him.
If he succeeded, the issue of her third-place ranking would be forgotten, and the pressure would ease.
But Yingzi was also realistic. With the arrival of two academic prodigies at Chunfeng High, she accepted that third place might be her new normal.
There was no catching up to Lin Leier’s monstrous 720+ score, let alone Su Bai, the “perfect scorer.” Competing with him was a lost cause.
Su Bai, watching Yingzi walk away, sighed. Why is everyone entrusting me with their mothers today?
First Fang Yifan, now Yingzi. Su Bai felt like he’d somehow been recruited to resolve the world’s family dramas.
With a mixture of resignation and curiosity, he headed back to Shuxiang Yayuan, knowing Song Qian was alone at home. He needed to act quickly—Yingzi and her father wouldn’t be gone for long.
Su Bai opened the door to find the apartment in darkness, save for the faint glow of streetlights filtering through the window.
In the dim light, he saw Song Qian sitting on the couch, her figure outlined against the shadows. She looked up as he entered, and he immediately flipped on the lights.
The first thing he noticed was the tear streaks on her face.
Song Qian quickly wiped them away.
“Xiaobai, weren’t you supposed to have dinner with Aunt Wenjie? Why are you back so soon?”
“I barely got there before Aunt Wenjie downed a bottle of sake. I didn’t even get to eat before I had to take her home,” Su Bai explained.
Hearing this, Song Qian frowned.
“That Tong Wenjie! Is that what she calls hosting? Unbelievable. Wait here—I’ll make you something to eat.”
Song Qian stood up to head to the kitchen, but Su Bai gently caught her hand.
“No need. I’m not really hungry,” he said.
The touch made Song Qian’s face flush slightly, and she sat back down beside him.
“Su Bai, do you think Yingzi doesn’t like me anymore?” she asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
As a single mother, Song Qian had always been strict with Yingzi, believing everything she did was for her daughter’s good.
Her entire life revolved around Yingzi.
It hurt to see Yingzi pulling away emotionally, even if Song Qian told herself that her daughter would someday understand and appreciate her sacrifices.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
“Honestly, I know you’re doing everything out of love for Yingzi, but from what I’ve seen, you might be a bit too strict sometimes,” Su Bai said gently.
“Yingzi’s ranking dropped, but her score improved significantly. That’s a big achievement, and she worked really hard for it. You need to acknowledge her effort—show her you appreciate it.”
“I think if you loosen up a little, she’ll be more open with you.”
“How about this: let me help Yingzi with her studies. I guarantee she’ll score over 700 on her college entrance exams.”
Given Yingzi’s natural aptitude, Su Bai was confident he could help her achieve this goal.
“Really?” Song Qian asked, her eyes lighting up with hope.
“Of course. Trust me, okay?”
Hearing Su Bai’s reassurance, Song Qian felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She looked at him, her heart filled with a mix of gratitude and something deeper.
For a moment, their eyes met, the space between them charged with unspoken emotions.
Last time, it had been Song Qian who acted impulsively.
This time, Su Bai decided to take the initiative. He wrapped his arms around her and leaned in.
And just like that, the moment unfolded naturally.