Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

【Today, you had a brief encounter with the demon cult’s enchanting maiden. She mentioned that you may meet again in the future. What kind of fate could this be for you?】

Demon cult maiden… That title actually suited her quite well.

Later, the little cat’s owner rushed to the bus stop, relieved to have found their pet. Lin Zhengran and Han Wenwen handed the kitten over, receiving heartfelt gratitude before they parted ways.

Winter passed, and spring arrived once more.

This was the final semester of elementary school. After the New Year, Little He Qing had asked her mother, “Mom, when can I go to junior high and study with Lin Zhengran?”

Aunt He replied, “Probably in September. When junior high starts, you’ll see him again. I’ll register you in August during summer break.”

“What day in September?”

“That depends. It’s usually at the start of the month, but the exact date changes every year.”

Little He Qing smiled and responded with an "Okay!" before running to her bedroom. She flipped open a brand-new planner and began counting down the days until September 1st.

Aunt He stood at the bedroom door, watching her daughter lie on the bed, resting her cheek on one hand, gleefully kicking her legs as she counted the remaining days.

Four years had passed, yet He Qing still longed to return to that northern town.

Aunt He had once thought that their childhood connection would fade with time. But now, it seemed stronger than ever.

Having gone through a failed marriage herself, she gently reminded her daughter, “Qingqing, when you finally meet your Ranran again, keep a close eye on him. Don’t let him run away this time.”

Hearing this, He Qing’s face turned bright red. She stammered, “M-Mom… What are you saying?”

Aunt He sighed, speaking from the heart. “I mean exactly what I said. I truly hope my Qingqing can stay with the person she likes—forever.” Then, she left for the kitchen, completely ignoring her daughter’s flushed embarrassment.

The final six months passed with He Qing marking off days in her notebook, counting each one with her fingers.

She watched the countdown go from over a hundred days to fifty… then from fifty to ten.

The start of school. Midterms. Finals. Summer break.

Her smile grew with each passing day.

"Just ten more days… Ten more days and I’ll see him again!"

Two days later, Lin Zhengran was lounging at home, watching TV with his parents.

The family sprawled lazily on the couch—Lin Yingjun hugging his wife, Lin Xiaoli resting against his chest, and Lin Zhengran stretched out, legs propped up.

Lin Xiaoli patted her son’s leg and asked, “Ranran, you only have five days left before junior high registration. Are you nervous? Once school starts, you won’t be able to come home every day—it’s a boarding school.”

Lin Zhengran chuckled. "What's there to be nervous about? It’s just junior high."

And it gives you two lovebirds more alone time. You should be thanking me.

Just then, the phone rang.

Lin Xiaoli checked the caller ID and immediately sat up, delighted. “It’s Qingqing! Hurry and answer! Ask if she’s coming back soon!”

Lin Zhengran picked up the phone. Before he could even say hello, he was met with the sound of sobbing.

"Lin… Lin Zhengran… Are you listening? I have bad news…"

She choked on her words, sniffling. "I might not be able to see you when school starts."

Lin Zhengran’s heart skipped a beat.

He knew how much she had been looking forward to this. Every time she called, she would count down the days. He quickly retreated to his bedroom for privacy and asked, “What happened?”

He Qing explained between sniffles, “Mom said there’s been an issue with my school registration. I might have to wait a whole month before I can join you. We won’t be able to meet at the start of the semester.”

Hearing that, Lin Zhengran let out a sigh of relief. “You scared me. For a second, I thought you weren’t coming at all.”

Over the phone, He Qing sat curled up on her bed, hugging her knees and wiping her tears. "How could I not come?! I’d crawl back if I had to! We promised—no one’s allowed to go back on their word!"

Lin Zhengran chuckled. So she can joke now, huh?

Still sniffling, He Qing murmured, “I had everything planned out. I even asked Mom exactly when I could go back to town. But now, I have to wait another whole month…”

“It’s just a month. What’s the big deal? We haven’t seen each other in years—what’s another month?”

"It is a big deal," she mumbled, burying her face in her knees. “A month is so long… And I already made you a gift for when we meet. I spent so much time learning how to make it—it’s a chocolate dessert.”

Her voice grew more pitiful. “If I wait another month, it’ll spoil… And even if I make a new one, it won’t turn out as good. This batch was the best I ever made.”

Lin Zhengran hummed. “Got it. So basically, you’re crying because of your chocolate?”

He Qing sniffled, then burst into laughter. “No! That’s not what I meant! Stop teasing me!” She blushed, tracing Lin Zhengran’s name on her bedsheet with her finger.

Then, taking a deep breath, she whispered, “I just… I miss you, Lin Zhengran. I want to see you.”

She hesitated for a moment, then added, “So I came up with a plan with Wenwen. I don’t know if you’ll agree…”

Lin Zhengran was curious. “What plan?”

Timidly, He Qing explained her idea.

Lin Zhengran was stunned.

Is this really the same timid He Qing?

She actually wanted them to leave home at the same time and meet halfway between the north and south!

His eyes widened. “Are you insane?! Do you know how far apart we are? Even by high-speed train, a round trip in one day is impossible. And where would we even stay? Your courage is way too much—I’m not agreeing to this.”

But He Qing’s voice, though teary, was firm. “I’m not scared… And it’s only halfway. There will be places to stay.”

She tried to persuade him. “Please… Just this once? I’m begging you.”

She pleaded with him for a long time, insisting that she was older now, almost a teenager, with her own ID card. She wasn’t a little kid anymore.

She even lied.

“I’m already on the way…”

Lin Zhengran couldn’t believe it.

Are all girls this reckless now? Do they even think before acting?

After hanging up, he turned to his mother and said, “I need to go find He Qing.”

Lin Yingjun and Lin Xiaoli, who were still watching TV, were stunned.

Mouths hanging open, they were speechless.

After Lin Zhengran half-explained the situation, the couple exchanged a look.

Today’s kids were truly something else.

Lin Yingjun handed his son a phone. “Take this. Check in with us while you’re traveling.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m heading out.”

And with that, Lin Zhengran boarded a train south.

Sitting by the window, he watched the scenery blur past and let out a tired sigh.

What the hell am I doing? I could’ve spent these last two days sleeping in, but instead, I’m wasting time and energy on this nonsense?

He gritted his teeth.

That dumb girl is getting an earful when I see her.

Meanwhile, He Qing, overjoyed by Lin Zhengran’s agreement, packed a small bag, carefully placing her dessert inside.

She nervously told her mother, “Mom, I’m going to Wenwen’s. I’m sleeping over at her place tonight.”

Aunt He, tending to Grandma, raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You’re not coming home?”

He Qing guiltily avoided her gaze. “Mm… We’re having a sleepover. I’m heading out now.”

“Slow down! Why are you in such a rush?”

She had already bolted.

With her ticket in hand and Wenwen’s borrowed phone, He Qing boarded the train north.

Her heart pounded in anticipation—just a few more hours, and she would see Lin Zhengran again.

Since this was her first time traveling alone, she kept her phone on, following Lin Zhengran’s instructions every step of the way.