Starting Off By Confessing To My Classmate's Mother

Fang Zhiya knew deep down that this child held a special place in her heart. That's why, despite her embarrassment, she mustered the courage to speak.

"What you saw earlier... it's actually something natural. They were just engaging in... reproduction," she explained haltingly.

"It's an instinct..."

She immediately realized how unsuited she was to give this kind of education. For others, these words might come easily, even casually. For instance, the boisterous neighbor next door wouldn't hesitate to lecture her on such matters, and even joke about charging a fee. Yet, when it came to discussing these topics with a child, Fang Zhiya found herself fumbling for words.

"So... they were using domestic violence to reproduce?" Li Zhiyan asked innocently, his brows furrowing in mock confusion.

Fang Zhiya's face turned a shade darker as she nodded lightly. "Um... yes, but listen carefully, Xiao Yan. Having children is something that should only happen when you're older."

"You're still too young to be thinking about such things, understand?"

Li Zhiyan sat down, feigning an overwhelmed posture. To think that traditional and reserved Aunt Fang—someone who carefully strapped down her generous figure daily to avoid attracting attention—would venture into a discussion about... this. She must have steeled herself, driven by the fear that he might stray down the wrong path.

After all, he knew how conservative she was. Her decision to bring up such a topic revealed how much she cared about him.

And, in a way, it made sense. He had appeared at her lowest, pulling her out of a life spiraling toward despair. Without him, her current situation might have been unthinkable.

"Aunt Fang, but... I am grown up," he teased with a sly grin.

Her face flushed even more. "Xiao Yan, Auntie knows you're technically an adult now, but you're still only eighteen! Besides, university is just around the corner. Your focus should be on your studies. Work hard so you can have a bright future, understand?"

This advice, while well-meaning, felt out of place. After all, he didn't need to worry about finding a job—he already owned a thriving internet café at the age of eighteen. Still, he decided to humor her.

"But Aunt Fang, I really want to try... you know, that sort of thing," he said, his voice tinged with mock sincerity.

Her composure wavered, and her face turned crimson. This child really is bold! The forbidden box had been opened, and now she had no idea how to close it.

"Well then... you need to find a girlfriend first!" she stammered. "You can't do those kinds of things unless you're in a committed relationship. And even then, you must take responsibility for the girl. Understand?"

Her voice grew quieter with each word, barely audible by the end. She wanted to educate him, but she was struggling to maintain her composure.

"I don't want a girlfriend..." Li Zhiyan murmured.

"What?" Her voice was shaky, and her embarrassment had reached its peak.

Li Zhiyan watched her, a mix of amusement and fondness bubbling within him. Her traditional nature was endearing, but her reaction also confirmed just how much she cared about him.

As her face grew redder, a group of customers arrived, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

"Auntie, two bowls of noodles, please!"

"And add two iced green bean soups with extra ice!" another chimed in.

Grateful for the reprieve, Fang Zhiya rushed to take their orders, immersing herself in the work. Yet, she couldn't shake off the lingering embarrassment. Why did I even try to discuss such a topic? she lamented.

Over the next hour, more and more customers came, keeping both of them busy. Fang Zhiya couldn't help but let her mind wander. If only Xiao Yan were my son… The thought was fleeting but filled her with warmth. How wonderful would it be to have such a filial and hardworking child by her side?

After the crowd thinned, she returned with two bowls of iced green bean soup, placing one in front of Li Zhiyan.

"Xiao Yan, it must've been exhausting in this heat. Have some soup to cool down."

The refreshing sweetness of the dessert was a welcome reprieve, and Li Zhiyan couldn't help but let out a contented sigh.

"Aunt Fang, I don't want a girlfriend," he repeated, his tone serious this time. "But I'm really curious about... those things. What should I do?"

Her hand froze mid-air, the spoon trembling slightly. She took a deep breath, determined to guide him down the right path.

"Well... those things are normal, but they should only happen in a proper relationship, one where both people are willing and committed to each other. Xiao Yan, you need to have the right perspective on love and relationships, okay?"

She tried her best to explain, though her words were restrained by her conservative upbringing. Certain phrases—like "kissing" or "intimacy"—felt too overwhelming to voice. She skirted around them, framing her guidance with vague but earnest advice.

"Do you understand, Xiao Yan? You have to take responsibility for your actions. Only then can you—"

"I understand, Aunt Fang," he interrupted, nodding solemnly. "I'll remember your words."

His seemingly obedient response made her heart swell with relief. This child really is so well-behaved. How could I not like him?

"Aunt Fang, can I ask for a small favor?" he said hesitantly, his gaze falling to her hands.

"What is it?" she replied without hesitation. She owed him so much—of course, she'd do whatever she could to repay him.

"I've never held a girl's hand before. Can I... hold yours?"

Her breath hitched. She hadn't expected that.

"Xiao Yan..." she began, her voice faltering. Was this really appropriate?

He looked at her with pleading eyes, an innocent expression that tugged at her heartstrings. Poor child... He hasn't even experienced the smallest gestures of affection.

"Please, Aunt Fang."

Her resolve wavered. Wasn't it just holding hands? What harm could it do? Yet, a nagging voice reminded her of traditional propriety: Men and women should not touch hands unless they're married!

Still, this was Xiao Yan. And after what he'd witnessed earlier today, she didn't want him spiraling into the wrong ideas.

She hesitated, her heart torn between her principles and her compassion.

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