26. The Secret of Love

"What solution?" Everyone fixed their gaze on her.

"Marriage. Have a child." Tang Yiyi gestured between Xiaoxiao and Xu Bin.

The group exchanged silent glances; Xu Bin lowered his head once more.

Tang Yiyi suddenly realized she'd said something she shouldn't have. Their reactions made it clear that this path was closed.

She truly didn't understand what the issue was between Xu Bin and Xiaoxiao. Xiaoxiao seemed aloof and reserved, lacking the usual girlish clinginess, but her love for Xu Bin was undoubtedly deep.

Xiaoxiao taught piano to children, earning a hundred yuan an hour. For events and competitions at various organizations, she charged at least three thousand per piece, but when it came to rehearsing and arranging music for Xu Bin's band, not only did she refuse payment, she even turned down many lucrative training opportunities for his sake.

Tang Yiyi considered herself a practical person. If she were Xiaoxiao, she'd certainly squeeze Xu Bin's rehearsals between her paid sessions, never jeopardizing her own earnings.

She had once seen Xiaoxiao watching Xu Bin sing, her gaze growing dreamy. She hadn't even heard others call her name.

Yet Tang Yiyi also noticed something odd: Xiaoxiao had never visited Shengshi Hall, and Xu Bin never mentioned having a girlfriend named Xiaoxiao in front of anyone. Tang Yiyi assumed they had just started dating and didn't want others to know.

Perhaps the consensus that marriage was impossible simply meant it wasn't the right time.

Xu Bin slapped his thigh. "Forget it. Let's focus on the preliminary audition first. Maybe we won't even make it past that."

"You're hopeless," the others snapped at him.

"But..." Tang Yiyi raised her hand hesitantly, signaling she had something more to say. Everyone watched her warily, expecting trouble. "Will the audition be broadcast live?"

Xu Bin let out a sigh of relief. "My dad never watches TV."

"Just because your master doesn't watch doesn't mean your mistress won't. And what if other patients see it and mention it to him? You know how fast news spreads in Magnolia Alley."

Xu Bin was stunned.

Wentao patted his shoulder. "I have a classmate who works at the TV station. I can ask him tomorrow, see if he can find out."

"Good, ask him tomorrow," Xu Bin replied, troubled.

Tang Yiyi looked at Xu Bin and suddenly felt sorry for him. He was like a mouse trapped in a bellows, struggling to balance his own dreams with the expectations of his elders in a narrow, suffocating space.

Back in Magnolia Alley, only Xiao Xie and Liu Xin were busy in the noodle shop, Uncle Chen was in the kitchen, and Qin Baike was nowhere to be seen.

Tang Yiyi went to the clinic to pick up some needles, then returned to a table in the noodle shop to wait for Xiao Xie to finish with the current rush. Outside, a line of taxis was parked—night shift drivers coming in for a late meal.

They chatted loudly, discussing the day's earnings, recounting bizarre passengers, and sharing tales of supernatural happenings in the city. These men were the lifeblood of the city at night, keeping it vibrant and alive at all hours.

Tang Yiyi propped her chin on her hand, listening to them talk, marveling at how lively and vivid everything felt.

When Xiao Xie finally finished, she sat across from Tang Yiyi. "Yiyi, how long does acupuncture take?"

"Half an hour. There are several main and auxiliary points."

Xiao Xie looked distressed, as if she might wring water from her face. "Ah? I don’t have the time! The boss is entertaining his auntie—he'll be over soon, and Xin will leave soon."

"Why does Liu Xin leave so early?"

"He has an exam tomorrow, so he needs to go home early. Actually, he never stays past midnight; the boss worries he won't have energy for class the next day."

Tang Yiyi glanced at Liu Xin washing dishes in the kitchen. "Did he find the noodle shop job himself? Why not tutor kids in painting?"

Xiao Xie waved her hand dismissively. "He's too shy, and his speech is so awkward—how could he teach anyone? Anyway, he was already here when I started."

Tang Yiyi laughed. "If he had your personality, he could teach on a big stage with no problem."

"Heh, I wouldn't dare get on stage. What would I even say?" Xiao Xie covered her mouth, unable to contain her laughter. When she'd calmed down, she pointed to her stomach. "So what should I do about this?"

Tang Yiyi thought for a moment. "I'll stick an auricular seed on your ear. It works well, won't interfere with your work, and you can press it whenever you have time."

"Auricular seed? What's that?"

"Wait here."

Tang Yiyi returned to the clinic, put down the needles, and brought out a piece of tape with vaccaria seeds attached.

"Start two days early as a preventive measure. When your cycle begins, I'll change it for you. Do it for three months, and afterward the pain will ease."

"Wow, Yiyi, you're amazing." Xiao Xie took the tape, turning it over in her hands.

Tang Yiyi quickly applied the tape to Xiao Xie's ear. Just then, an SUV stopped beneath the magnolia tree; Qin Baike stepped out of the car.