“At this moment, you are Fang’er’s Yi Ge alone, but who knows how many women’s Yi Ge you will become in the future. Fang’er believes your words now, but there is also the phrase ‘forced by circumstances’ in this world. As a member of the royal family, you must consider the bigger picture. How could you act as you please? Rather than facing mutual dilemmas and suffering later, it’s better not to start now.”
“Yi Ge, Fang’er is selfish. Fang’er only wants an ordinary life—teaching, earning money, sleeping in. As the saying goes, ‘counting money until your fingers cramp and waking up naturally from sleep’—that would be enough for this lifetime. Teaching is my passion, earning money is a necessity and also a joy in life. If there’s a chance to travel and appreciate different customs, that would be the icing on the cake and Fang’er’s lifelong wish, making this life worthwhile.”
“Fang’er, in this life, I only wish to be Fang’er’s Yi Ge alone. I will also fulfill Fang’er’s wish—not confining you to a single place. You can do as you please, but Yi Ge will never let go in this lifetime. I will accompany Fang’er forever.”
After cycling Qin Ran back to the guesthouse, Qin Yi went to find Old Zhu. He needed to thoroughly understand the Lin family’s situation to find a way to get closer to Lin Fang. He hadn’t forgotten that Lin Fang’s soul was brought back by his poisonous kiss. Her words before she fell unconscious still echoed in his ears:
“Do I even have the right to hate you? My life was saved by you, and my body carries your blood. You are the legitimate son of a prince, a man above men, free to do as you please. And I? Just a common girl, as insignificant as an ant before you. If you want me to live, I can barely survive. If you want me dead, what power do I have to resist?”
The sorrow and helplessness in her words made Qin Yi’s heart ache every time he recalled them. This time, he must be careful not to hurt Fang’er again or scare her away. If he couldn’t win her back within the old monk’s deadline, he would rather let his soul scatter in this world than return alone.
From Caixing Foodie to the Public Security Bureau’s guesthouse, Qin Ran pestered Qin Yi along the way, asking what he meant by “the woman who calls me Yi Ge in this lifetime is only one”—did he already have someone in his heart? But Qin Yi remained silent, lost in his own thoughts, ignoring his sister’s questions.
After Qin Yi left, Qin Ran had nothing to do in the guesthouse. She wanted to go out, but it was still too early. A nap? She wasn’t sleepy anymore. Yoga? She had just eaten breakfast—not the right time. Watching TV? Impossible. The staff had told her yesterday that the guesthouse TV was just for show. If she really wanted to watch, all she’d get was static.
Bored, Qin Ran started playing a mobile game. Phones back then had limited functions, and game options were scarce. She played Tetris.
While she could effortlessly perform advanced yoga poses most people couldn’t, she struggled with the simplicity of Tetris. Her highest level was five before failing.
After failing repeatedly, she was finally about to pass level five when her phone rang. Staring at the unfamiliar number, she let it ring, stubbornly refusing to answer.
The caller was more patient than Qin Ran was with her game, dialing repeatedly until she finally gave in and answered.
“Hello, this is Lin’s Talent School. Are you Teacher Qin Ran?” The voice belonged to a girl, somewhat familiar, but Qin Ran couldn’t place it.
“Lin’s Talent School? Didn’t your principal say they didn’t want me yesterday? Why are you calling?” Qin Ran was impatient.
“Teacher Qin Ran, I’m Lin Fang, the legal representative of Lin’s Talent School. Regarding your yoga teaching proposal, I’d like to meet with you. Are you free this weekend? I’ll be returning to the provincial capital tomorrow evening and won’t be back until winter break.” The voice remained gentle, unbothered by her tone.
“Lin Fang? The owner of Caixing Foodie? No wonder your voice sounds familiar—we met this morning. Sure, I’m free now. Where should we meet? I’ll head over.” Remembering the composed, articulate girl who had calmly handled Ji Xiaorong’s tantrum, Qin Ran grew interested.
Lin Fang replied, “Since it’s about your teaching, let’s meet at the school. I’ll wait for you here.”
“Alright, I’ll drive over now.” Whether or not the teaching opportunity panned out, Qin Ran was excited to have something to do. After informing Qin Yi of her plans, she drove straight to Lin’s Talent School.
The school’s campus was slightly smaller than the No. 2 High School across the street. However, with fewer boarding students and three-story buildings instead of single-story ones, the teaching area was actually larger.
The principal’s office was on the second floor of the administrative building. Lin Fang greeted Qin Ran directly:
“Teacher Qin Ran, Principal Wang mentioned your yoga proposal yesterday. She felt there was no need for a yoga class here because our small town has little awareness of yoga. Moreover, locals have only recently started prospering and are still focused on making money, with little time for anything else. She worried a yoga class wouldn’t attract students.
Honestly—and please don’t laugh—while yoga, like martial arts, benefits the body, martial arts are a traditional practice here. People see it as a way to strengthen themselves, but yoga is largely unknown, especially in our conservative city. Acceptance might take time.”
Principal Wang, whom Lin Fang referred to, was her former school administrator at No. 2 High School, now the principal of Lin’s Talent School, with Lin Guicheng as vice principal. The school had a faculty housing area, where Principal Wang had relocated from the No. 1 High School’s teachers’ quarters.
“So why did you call me here? Just to hear this?” Qin Ran was blunt.
Lin Fang handed her a cup of black tea and smiled. “Just because people don’t accept yoga now doesn’t mean they won’t later. I invited you to train a few yoga teachers for me. When people become truly wealthy, consumption will become a trend. By then, health awareness will rise, and yoga will be in demand.”
“So you’re preparing early to avoid scrambling later?” Qin Ran caught on quickly.
Lin Fang smiled. “Exactly. If you teach well, I’ll offer you a university professor’s salary.”
“Ha! I’m barely older than you, just graduated this year. You trust my skills without even seeing me practice?” Qin Ran was surprised by the generous offer despite her lack of credentials.
“I may not practice yoga, but I can appreciate skill,” Lin Fang explained. “Talent isn’t tied to age. Principal Wang described your confident yet humble conversation yesterday. That convinced me of your ability. I rushed back to meet you because I believe in this collaboration.”
“But there are many renowned yoga instructors who’d jump at your offer. Why choose me?” Qin Ran was genuinely puzzled.
“While this school is for profit, all our teachers genuinely love teaching. Famous people often prioritize fame over teaching. You, however, chose to teach yoga despite financial loss—proving your passion.” Lin Fang spoke sincerely.
Qin Ran pressed, “I drove here in a private car, showing my family’s wealth. I don’t need a job for money. How do you know I’m not just here for fun?”
Lin Fang laughed. “Your question itself reveals your love for yoga. Maybe you came out of curiosity, but once you start teaching, it won’t just be for fun.”
“I’m curious—you’re so young, yet you speak with such wisdom, like someone with decades of experience. Are you really only nineteen?” Qin Ran asked bluntly.
Lin Fang replied, “As the saying goes, ‘poor children mature early.’ Everyone has their own life experiences.”
She paused, then added, “A child born only to await death, yet doted on by her family—what can such a child do with endless free time? Either live aimlessly as expected or fill the void with learning and reflection.”
“You chose the latter. Through constant reflection, you’ve gained insights surpassing even those with rich life experiences.” Qin Ran finished her thought.
Lin Fang smiled. “I wouldn’t say my insights are superior—just that I’ve experienced differently.”
“Alright, I accept your offer. But I need to discuss it with my brother.” More than the job, Qin Ran was drawn to Lin Fang herself—a rare blend of maturity and youth in a nineteen-year-old, intriguing someone like Qin Ran, who’d grown up privileged and untested.
“You can talk to him now,” Lin Fang said playfully.
Qin Ran shook her head. “Not now. He’s working on a case. I can’t disturb him.”
Lin Fang gestured toward the door. “No need to call. You can tell him in person.”
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