BXBX NOVEL Chapter 1 - Aunt Song Qian? A Sign-In System!
Chapter 1: Aunt Song Qian? A Sign-In System!
Although there was no overt display of emotion in their exchange, the room brimmed with an indescribable tension.
Song Qian’s eyes lingered on the young man sharing her bed. His features were nearly flawless: sharply arched brows resembling swords, a few strands of dark hair resting softly across his forehead, and a strikingly defined profile that rendered him extraordinarily handsome. He stood an imposing 185 centimetres tall.
[Song Qian (宋倩): Sòng Qiàn – “倩” conveys elegance and beauty. A common feminine name in China.].
Despite his many charms, Song Qian felt a deep sense of awkwardness.
If there were a hole in the ground at that moment, she would have dived into it without hesitation.
After all, the young man before her had only just come of age and was the same age as her daughter.
What made the situation even more mortifying was that he was her daughter’s childhood friend. And yet, here they were, having spent the night together.
Recalling the events of the previous night, Song Qian’s cheeks flushed a deep red.
She could scarcely believe her impulsiveness. As a woman in my thirties, how could I have acted so boldly around someone my daughter’s age? Even she began to question herself.
“Xiao Bai, about last night… I was too impulsive. Can we treat it as nothing more than a dream? What do you think?”
[Xiao Bai (小白): Xiǎo Bái – Literally means “Little Bai,” a term of endearment or familiarity.].
Song Qian acknowledged that she had let her emotions get the better of her.
Her recklessness had been triggered by Qiao Weidong showing up with Xiao Meng to taunt her. Even her daughter had thoughtlessly disregarded her feelings by leaving with him.
[Qiao Weidong (乔卫东): Qiáo Wèidōng – “卫” suggests defence or protection, “东” means “East.” A name suggesting a guardian-like figure.].
[小 (xiǎo): “small,” “little,” or “young.” 梦 (mèng): “dream,” referring to both literal dreams during sleep and metaphorical aspirations or fantasies.].
Of course, according to their agreement, Qiao Weidong was entitled to take Qiao Yingzi out each month.
[Qiao Yingzi (乔英子): Qiáo Yīngzǐ – “英” signifies heroism or exceptional qualities; “子” can imply “child” or “youth.”].
Song Qian also knew that Qiao Weidong now had a girlfriend who was over a decade younger than him.
So, when he brought Xiao Meng to flaunt in front of her, Song Qian’s anger was inevitable.
Fuelled by this rage, Song Qian had indulged in a little alcohol.
But she was certain she hadn’t been drunk. Otherwise, her memories of the previous night wouldn’t have been so clear.
Su Bai, listening to Song Qian’s words, still felt somewhat disoriented.
[Su Bai (苏白): Sū Bái – “白” means white or pure, a common surname or given name component.].
The previous evening, he had only just crossed over into this world, when a slightly tipsy Song Qian had knocked on his door.
What followed had led to the current awkward predicament.
Even now, Su Bai hadn’t fully adjusted to his new identity.
Since Song Qian had already broached the topic, he agreed, “Alright, Aunt Song Qian. Let’s just consider last night a pleasant dream.”
The moment Su Bai spoke, a faint smile graced Song Qian’s face.
Despite being in her thirties, Song Qian had aged gracefully, with her well-maintained features betraying hardly a trace of time’s passage.
Realising she needed to get up quickly, Song Qian was mindful that today marked the early return of Year Three students to school. More importantly, her daughter Yingzi was due home at any moment.
The thought of Yingzi witnessing her in such a state made Song Qian shudder.
Without delay, she scrambled out of bed and began tidying herself up.
“Xiao Bai, could you please stop looking at me?” she asked cautiously.
“Aunt Song Qian, if I recall, you made the first move last night. Must I really look away now?”
Su Bai’s response made Song Qian’s face flush crimson. She couldn’t believe her own audacity.
Knowing her daughter was on the way home, Song Qian hastily gathered her clothes from the floor and dressed.
She urged Su Bai, “Xiao Bai, it’s the first day of Year Three. Get up quickly, or you’ll be late.”
With that, Song Qian peeked out of Su Bai’s room to ensure Qiao Yingzi hadn’t arrived before swiftly making her exit.
The entire scene was like a masterful depiction of a clandestine rendezvous, unfolding within her own home.
Although Song Qian hoped to forget the incident, she knew that was impossible.
Once Song Qian left, Su Bai sat up in bed, assessing his body.
While he didn’t have the chiselled definition of an eight-pack, his physique was well-proportioned, with visible muscle lines.
But none of that was what mattered most.
Su Bai needed to grasp his identity.
The events of last night confirmed he had crossed into the world of A Little Reunion.
From the memories of his new body, Su Bai quickly pieced together his circumstances.
The original owner of this body shared his name. Both parents resided abroad.
Su Bai and Qiao Yingzi had been inseparable companions since childhood.
However, a period of time spent overseas had caused their temporary separation.
Now back in China, Su Bai was re-entering Spring Breeze High School as a transfer student.
Since his parents remained abroad, Su Bai had taken up residence with Song Qian, who served as his temporary guardian.
Su Bai hadn’t expected Song Qian to look after him so meticulously, down to the neat arrangement of his bedding.
As Su Bai processed this new reality, he prepared to rise when a voice suddenly echoed in his mind:
Host meets system binding criteria. Binding process initiated.
The voice made Su Bai freeze mid-motion.
As someone who had crossed into this world, Su Bai was no stranger to the concept of systems.
Hearing the system’s voice filled him with anticipation, prompting him to abandon his attempts at getting up and instead focus on the system’s introduction.
“Binding complete. Greetings, Host. I am the Divine Sign-In System, ready to serve you,” the system announced.