My Straight Girlfriend with Skin Hunger Syndrome - Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Ying Yuan wanted to see Yi Shanshan, but she didn’t want to see a crazed Yi Shanshan. It was already sweltering summer, and she feared she’d get another nosebleed—how embarrassing!

So she agreed to Yi Shanshan’s request, which made Yi Shanshan jump for joy on the other end of the phone. She was so happy, her face mask even fell off.

“Suddenly life is full of possibilities!!!” Yi Shanshan shouted.

Ying Yuan smiled, looking at Yi Shanshan on her phone screen and then glancing out the window at the bright moon. She too felt life was starting to become interesting again.

They arranged a time. The day after tomorrow, Ying Yuan would return to the city early in the morning to meet Yi Shanshan, and they would go to the banquet together that evening.

The next day, Ying Yuan followed her planned schedule. She measured Grandma’s blood pressure in the morning and carefully portioned out her medication into individual packets.

A lightbulb had burned out in the house, and the new fixtures she’d ordered online had arrived. Grandpa helped her steady the ladder as she climbed up to remove the old bulb and install the new one.

By evening, the fierce sun had dipped lower, painting the azure sky with fiery orange and crimson streaks.

Ying Yuan stepped out of the house, intending to pick a couple of homegrown cantaloupes from the garden.

The cantaloupes were fresh and juicy, completely natural and pesticide-free. Their pale green skins were so thin that their sweet fragrance permeated the air without needing to be cut open.

For Yi Shanshan to eat.

She’d barely taken a few steps when her phone rang.

A call from Yi Shanshan at this hour felt odd.

Ying Yuan stopped walking and answered immediately. Yi Shanshan’s bright voice rang through the speaker: “Ying Yuan, how do I get to your place? What’s this ‘Third Group’ thing? My GPS isn’t showing it at all!”

Ying Yuan’s eyes widened in shock as she looked around. “Shanshan, where are you?”

“Hehe~ I’m at your hometown!” Yi Shanshan giggled.

Ying Yuan’s feet began pacing back and forth like ants on a hot pan. “You’re really here? I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow?”

“Coming back when I said I would? That’s no fun at all!” Yi Shanshan sounded smug. “I’m a romantic at heart. I wanted to surprise you!”

A surprise, indeed. Is this… a good thing?

Too stunned to feel anything beyond the shock, Ying Yuan hadn’t yet processed whether this was a joy or a disaster.

“Share your location,” Ying Yuan said. “Stay put, I’ll come get you.”

“You don’t need to move a muscle! I’m already in a car. Just wait for me—I’ll be there soon!”

She had a point. Yi Shanshan always traveled with a chauffeur.

After ending the call, Ying Yuan shared her location.

The map showed Yi Shanshan wasn’t far away, but their village’s group designations were a mess, placing her on a different street.

The dot representing Yi Shanshan on Ying Yuan’s phone rounded a corner and began closing the distance rapidly.

Ying Yuan’s emotions gradually awakened. As the distance narrowed, her heart pounded faster and faster.

I’m going to see Yi Shanshan again.

Yi Shanshan had actually come all the way to her hometown just to find her.

Last night’s mad rant still echoed in Ying Yuan’s ears: Yi Shanshan threatening to kidnap her, spank her in the car, and tattle to her grandparents.

But Ying Yuan had agreed to her demands last night, hadn’t she?

So today… surely none of that unreasonable stuff would happen, right?

Ying Yuan took a deep breath, then another.

The stifling air filled her lungs, and she began to worry she’d get a nosebleed any second now.

The car had already turned onto the straight road where Ying Yuan was standing. She pocketed her phone and looked up.

Sure enough, it was a luxury sedan that screamed wealth. Though discreetly black, its sleek lines and spotless body reflected sunlight and tree shadows like a mirror.

The car slowed to a crawl on the narrow village lane, driving cautiously.

As the temperature cooled, many grandfathers and grandmothers sat on their doorsteps or under the shade of trees outside their gates, lazily fanning themselves in the heat.

When a car like that drove into the village, all eyes glued to it. Uncles and aunties passing by would stop in their tracks, peering through the windows, wondering whose children or relatives it might be.

Besides the heat rising in her chest, Ying Yuan’s cheeks began to burn.

The villagers had lived here for decades, knowing each other intimately. Normally, when Ying Yuan walked down the street, she’d greet everyone with a simple hello.

Now, Yi Shanshan’s car was crawling in like it was rolling out a red carpet, drawing all eyes. Ying Yuan stood rooted to the spot, yet she knew she had to approach it.

Her foot had barely moved when Grandma pointed her fan at her and asked, “Ying Yuan, is that yours?”

“I… uh, my classmate,” Ying Yuan answered awkwardly.

“Oh, a classmate came to visit? How nice.”

The news spread like wildfire through the small area. Even though everyone knew, they still asked Ying Yuan as she passed by, “Ying Yuan, a classmate, huh?”

Ying Yuan nodded, her smile strained and embarrassed.

As the car drew closer, it finally stopped.

Ying Yuan instantly saw what was about to happen. Her mind screamed, No, no, no!, but it was too late. There wasn’t time to pull out her phone and warn Yi Shanshan.

Ying Yuan stood frozen, watching the car’s back door swing open as Yi Shanshan practically bounced out.

Ah, it’s the dazzling Yi Shanshan.

To surprise Ying Yuan, she had arrived early and meticulously dressed for the occasion. Her hair was styled in pigtails adorned with colorful braids, and she wore a tiered, cake-like dress of pink and white lace.

Elaborate patterns covered her calf-high socks, and her patent leather shoes gleamed like bright candies.

Her makeup perfectly complemented the outfit: long, curled eyelashes; fresh, summery eyeshadow; rosy blush; and shimmering lips.

Emerging onto the village street, she looked like a living doll flung from a vibrant anime world into reality—incredibly beautiful, yet utterly out of place.

The grandparents, uncles, and aunts gathered in front of their houses on both sides of the street stared in stunned silence: “!!!!”

Ying Yuan: “……”

Yi Shanshan, however, paid no attention to the onlookers. As soon as she stepped out of the car, her eyes locked only on Ying Yuan.

Ying Yuan stood a short distance away, wearing a simple white T-shirt and brown shorts.

A hint of melancholy lingered on her face, yet she still exuded an ethereal freshness.

Like a clear mountain spring in the sweltering summer, she drew you in with a single glance, compelling you to rush toward her with all your might.

Yi Shanshan took long strides, running toward her.

As she beamed brightly, she spread her arms wide.

Even if the sun might scorch you, who could resist embracing its incandescent warmth?

Ying Yuan smiled faintly, feigning indifference to the astonished gazes around them. She took two steps forward and opened her arms as well.

Yi Shanshan crashed into her embrace, like a soft, fragrant, and delightfully squishy little cake.

A sweet, familiar warmth enveloped Ying Yuan—long-missed yet still capable of igniting a rush of adrenaline.

Yi Shanshan clung tightly to Ying Yuan’s neck, refusing to let go.

Ying Yuan could only gently stroke her back, giving her time to calm down.

“You haven’t answered me yet—are you surprised?” Yi Shanshan pressed her face against Ying Yuan’s neck, heedless of the summer heat.

Though her heart churned with complex emotions, as she held Yi Shanshan in her arms, Ying Yuan had to admit: she truly was happy.

“A surprise,” Ying Yuan replied.

Yi Shanshan swayed joyfully in her arms. “See? See? I knew it!”

“Are you hot?” Ying Yuan asked.

Yi Shanshan shook her head vigorously. “Not at all! The car’s AC was freezing. Coming down to hug you is just right.”

Ying Yuan’s arm brushed against Yi Shanshan’s, bare skin touching. Yi Shanshan was indeed cool and soft, making Ying Yuan want to cup her palm over it to warm her up.

They could have stayed locked in their embrace forever, but the surrounding villagers had reached their limit.

An aunt in a bright red blouse approached, fanning herself as she scrutinized them from head to toe.

“Ying Yuan,” the aunt said, “is this a classmate of yours?”

Ying Yuan reluctantly released her grip, turning to face the familiar faces of the people who had watched her grow up. A blush still crept up her cheeks. “Yes, Second Aunt. My classmate came to visit.”

The aunt eyed Yi Shanshan. “So pretty! You can tell she’s from a prestigious university.”

Yi Shanshan’s arm slid down from Ying Yuan’s neck, but she remained unwilling to let go. Her fingers trailed down Ying Yuan’s arm until she grasped her hand.

Yi Shanshan flashed the stranger a radiant smile, her voice warm and enthusiastic. “Hello, Second Aunt! Thank you for the compliment. Ying Yuan and I were classmates in both high school and college.”

“Oh my! So you’re a B City girl, then?”

“Yes, yes! It’s not far from here.”

“What’s your surname? Where’s your hometown?”

“My surname is Yi, and I’m from Zhengwen District, right in the city.”

“Aiyo, a true city girl! You just look so delicate and sweet…”

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha…” Yi Shanshan laughed heartily.

If they kept chatting, Yi Shanshan’s entire family history would be laid bare.

Ying Yuan quickly chimed in with a few polite remarks, then led Yi Shanshan deeper into the crowd.

“Don’t look around too much,” Ying Yuan whispered. “If you make eye contact, you’ll get stuck in another conversation.”

Though curious, Yi Shanshan obediently lowered her gaze, her shoulder brushing against Ying Yuan’s arm as she focused all her attention on her companion.

“Does everyone here know you?”

Ying Yuan: “Everyone knows everyone else.”

Yi Shanshan: “Wow~”

Ying Yuan: “After today, everyone will know you too.”

Yi Shanshan: “Huh?”

Ying Yuan: “You’ll be the talk of the town for weeks. Every Lunar New Year, my grandparents will ask me, ‘Is that pretty city girl named Yi coming again?'”

Yi Shanshan: “Ah…”

Yi Shanshan: “Then I should visit Grandpa and Grandma this Lunar New Year, since you’ll be here?”

Ying Yuan: “!!!”

I truly admire these extroverted people, Ying Yuan thought. We haven’t even met properly yet, and she’s already talking about seeing me over the holidays.

“You’re really not… annoyed?” Ying Yuan frowned slightly.

“Not at all!” Yi Shanshan replied quickly. “What’s there to be annoyed about? Everyone’s just being enthusiastic. They don’t mean any harm.”

“Besides…” Yi Shanshan looped her arm through Ying Yuan’s, pressing close and tilting her head to smile up at her. Her eyes seemed to fill with laughter, as if trying to pour all her joy into Ying Yuan’s gaze. “Seeing you makes everything else fade away. I’m just so happy~”

The tree shadows swayed gently, and the cicadas buzzed in rhythmic waves. The summer heat enveloped Ying Yuan completely, and she smiled back. “Mm, as long as you’re happy.”

Ying Yuan led Yi Shanshan back home, pushing open the peeling red gate.

Her grandparents were surprised by the sudden visit from Ying Yuan’s classmate, but they warmly welcomed Yi Shanshan.

For example, they ushered her into the only air-conditioned bedroom and turned on the AC, something they wouldn’t normally do at that time of day.

Like a watermelon, cool and refreshing, hauled from the well—a single slice reveals crimson flesh bursting with sweet juice.

Like… well, they weren’t exactly chatty old folks to begin with, and they certainly didn’t have much in common with a girl so young. Still, they stayed by her side, doing their best to make conversation.

“Ying Yuan doesn’t bring friends home much,” Grandma said. “The last time was… back in elementary school. Meimei from the next village used to love my pickled radishes.”

Yi Shanshan laughed, pulling Ying Yuan’s hand even as she sat in her chair. “If only I’d known you back in elementary school, Ying Yuan! I would have come over all the time.”

Grandma chuckled. “You didn’t go to elementary school around here, did you?”

“No, I went to Canyang First Primary School,” Yi Shanshan replied.

“I know that school,” Grandma said, glancing at Ying Yuan. “Uncle Liu’s youngest son is trying to get in this year. It’s been quite the ordeal.”

Canyang First Primary School was a renowned private elementary school for the elite, known for its exorbitant tuition and limited enrollment.

Yi Shanshan’s privileged background had allowed her to choose her education freely from a young age. But for children from ordinary families like Ying Yuan’s, it was more a matter of attending whichever school was closest and available.

Ying Yuan had been raised by her grandparents, so she ended up attending the local county school.

“Even if I got in, the burden would still be heavy,” Ying Yuan said.

“Exactly, exactly!” Yi Shanshan immediately chimed in. “Canyang First Primary School has been doing multilingual instruction for over a decade and pushing all sorts of extracurriculars. Just one day of classes leaves you completely brain-fried. Kids should just be playing more!”

She turned to Ying Yuan, her face radiating envy. “Like you, Ying Yuan! Growing up so close to nature—what a blissful childhood! And we still ended up at the same university in the end. I’m an art student, so my college entrance exam score was way lower than yours.”

Ying Yuan smiled.

When she mentioned “burden,” she meant the family’s financial strain. Yi Shanshan, however, wouldn’t even consider such a possibility.

Still, it was true: ordinary people have ordinary worries, and even princesses have their own kind of troubles.

Ying Yuan said, “Art students’ specialized courses require not just hard work but also natural talent. They study more and work harder than we do, mastering a highly specialized professional skill early on.”

Yi Shanshan quipped, “Are we just trading compliments now?”

She tilted her head and leaned against Ying Yuan. “Acting like this in front of Grandpa and Grandma—we’re really shameless!”

This made everyone laugh.

After sitting for a while, Grandma told Ying Yuan to take Shanshan out to play.

Leaving the elders’ room, Ying Yuan and Yi Shanshan stood in the small courtyard, gazing in a daze at the vividly colorful sky.

“There’s not much to do in the village,” Ying Yuan said, “but we have internet at home, so you can play on your phone.”

“Standing here with you? Who’d want to play on their phone…” Yi Shanshan replied.

“Hmm?” Ying Yuan tilted her head.

“This is where you grew up,” Yi Shanshan said.

“That’s right,” Ying Yuan confirmed.

“And the person who raised you is inside,” Yi Shanshan added.

“Yes,” Ying Yuan replied.

Yi Shanshan smiled. “I used to wonder what kind of environment could produce someone like you. Now, I’m in the answer.”

Ying Yuan froze.

Yi Shanshan took her hand. “Ying Yuan, tell me all about it. Like, was that grapevine in the courtyard planted when you were a child? Do you like Grandma’s pickled cucumbers?

“Which room is yours? What route did you take to school and back?

“How many close friends do you have in the neighboring village? What do you all do for fun together?

“Which bed do you sleep in? When you’re lying alone in your room, what do you think about?”

Yi Shanshan’s eyes suddenly sparkled, her gaze fixed on Ying Yuan like an excited puppy anticipating a treat:

“Are we going to sleep in your room, in your bed tonight? If so, we can save the last question for later, when it’s quiet and dark…”