Tidal Sands

Next book: Rippling Dreams

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In her twenty-three years, Xi Yao has never held a boy's hand. Partly because her family was strict, partly because the boys around her seemed immature, and most importantly, because she thought maintaining a romantic relationship was exhausting.

Then one day, her older brother asks her to deliver something to his roommate.

The man looks as if he's just woken up. With a weary expression, he thanks her impatiently.

Xi Yao's heart blooms like a flower in the desert. She lowers her head and makes up her mind.

She's going to pursue him, and she absolutely won't lose interest after three minutes.

-

Zhou Xingjian sees through Xi Yao's intentions, but thinks she's fickle, like a player who flirts and then runs away. On the principle that he shouldn't hold his roommate's little sister accountable, he stays level-headed and doesn't cross any lines.

Until one day, he accidentally sees a chat window on Xi Yao's phone screen

"Any progress with your brother's roommate?"

"If you ask me, just follow the outline you wrote. It's not like you don't hate trouble."

Zhou Xingjian frowns. He knows Xi Yao is now an online writer.

But he never expected to become material for one of her novels.

-

Xi Yao thinks Zhou Xingjian has been acting strangely lately, but she can't put her finger on what's wrong. She assumes it's because her writer's block has gotten so bad that she's losing her mind.

Later, she realizes Zhou Xingjian seems to know that she's been treating him like a tool for her writing.

Xi Yao panics, terrified of losing this perfect source of inspiration. She guiltily lies: "Actually... this is a novel I've been reading lately. Fiction and reality are supposed to be kept separate, right?"

She waits nervously for his answer.

Instead, Zhou Xingjian gives her a meaningful look. "How far have you gotten?"

"Have you reached the part where you force yourself on him?"

*

1. Three-year age gap, both are virgins, happy ending.

2. Written for fun, don't take the logic seriously. The plot serves the main characters.

*

Blurb for Rippling Dreams:

During the few months she spends traveling in a small town, Shu Ran meets Bai Shiyue.

He's Lin Anye's childhood friend and the owner of this guesthouse. After years apart, he's shed his youthful awkwardness and become polished and courteous with everyone.

One night, everyone drinks until they're dead drunk.

Shu Ran leaves her room and sees Bai Shiyue standing in the corridor, looking at her as if he's been waiting.

Bai Shiyue blocks her way and asks, "Do you like him?"

Shu Ran's expression stills. She leaves him with an "Of course," then hurries away.

-

Having realized Lin Anye's feelings, Shu Ran intends to use them, but keeps to her boundaries and maintains the respectful manner of a younger schoolmate.

Later, she happens to pass by and hears Lin Anye pleading:

"I know she's not your type."

"So could you give me some advice?"

Shu Ran's heart sinks. She knew her disguise would eventually be exposed.

But she never expected Bai Shiyue to agree so readily.

-

Fueled by alcohol, Lin Anye decides to confess to Shu Ran, but can't find her.

With no other choice, he calls Bai Shiyue.

At that moment, Bai Shiyue has just entered his room and locked the door. Holding his phone, he looks at Shu Ran on the bed in her bathrobe and gives an ambiguous laugh.

"She's not available right now."

Theme: Love is about being in the right place at the right time, with the right people