[No Love on the Other Shore] (1-10)

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-23

Chapter 1 I'm a Good Kid

Summer in his memory was a season of farewell.

The river flowed through the city, the air thick and sultry. The asphalt roads under the blazing sun softened, exuding a bitter smell. Along the sidewalk stood lush, verdant plane trees, cicadas hiding among them, chirping loudly. The leaves didn't sway, a cool breeze was a luxury, and his restless heart found no solace.

"Xu Ke, I don't want to go, not even a little bit," his sister said to him. "I'd rather face your pig-headed brain every day," she said, her gaze drifting elsewhere. The fourteen-year-old girl was at an awkward age; she disdained, or rather, didn't know how to express her feelings of loss, whether joy, sadness, or anger, her words always tinged with sarcasm.

Behind him, his mother's busy figure grew, the room gradually emptying, suitcases overflowing with clothes.

Night fell, and an orange-red moon hung in the sky. Downstairs in the open space or at the alley entrance, adults sat on reclining chairs and bamboo beds, chatting idly, while children chased each other and played. The Milky Way was clearly visible overhead, with the occasional shooting star streaking across the sky. Everything seemed calm and peaceful, just like any other day.

That night, his family fell apart.

But it wasn't such a big deal. Human life is but a fleeting moment, like dust in the sky, and the cycle of gathering and parting is as ever-changing as interstellar space, an unpredictable world.

He still spent seven years leisurely, though somewhat lonely.

Loneliness had been his constant companion throughout those seven long years of growth. Even now, as he ate, drank, and played with a large group of people, this feeling of being adrift was even stronger, but fortunately, he had grown accustomed to it.

Some say that if a child is disappointed in his family, he will inevitably be disappointed in society.

Fortunately, Xu Ke didn't become a problem child; it was just that years of independent living had made him slightly more worldly, sophisticated, and mature than his peers. And thus, he had many friends but few true confidants.

Most of their friends were just fair-weather friends, like teammates on the university basketball team and a few girls in the cheerleading squad. During the summer holidays, when they had nothing to do, this group would get together every now and then, and before long, most of the girls in the team who seemed decent enough were taken.

Yan Xiluo was one of the few survivors. It wasn't that she wasn't beautiful; on the contrary, her qualities were beyond the reach of most. To use a popular internet phrase, "Those smarter than me aren't as pretty, and those prettier than me aren't as smart," and our Yan Xiluo fit the bill perfectly.

Yan Xiluo had a bit of a crush on Xu Ke, which was obvious to everyone. When the two were together, they looked very pleasing to the eye, and others ambiguously tried to set them up. In contrast, Xu Ke's attitude was more subtle and difficult to discern, perfectly fitting the first two of the "no initiative, no rejection, no responsibility" mantra. As for the last one, the truth was unclear, and opinions varied.

That night, everyone was a little drunk and helped each other home. As the music ended and the party was over, Xu Ke suddenly felt empty inside. For some reason, a thought struck him, and he took Yan Xiluo back to his rented apartment off-campus. He had some feelings for Yan Xiluo; she was beautiful, generous, and not naive. She knew when to be respectful, and her flirting skills were sophisticated—neither too low nor too uninteresting.

However, he was still somewhat unclear about the concept of bringing a woman home for the night. Beyond nervousness, there was a strong desire to fill a void.

For a long time, this tedious emptiness had taken root in his lonely heart. It

was a late August night, the air thick with the humid heat of summer.

The young girl's body slowly came into view, white and voluptuous.

The intense visual impact overwhelmed his mind in an instant; he was powerless to resist.

Yet, the woman in his arms was so unfamiliar.

Desire surged, but his heart remained empty.

Loneliness still lingered.

Without warning, he suddenly pushed her away, his hazy eyes gradually fading, hiding disappointment.

Yan Xiluo opened her eyes in surprise, still clutching the hem of his clothes.

"I'm sorry," he said, his expression full of remorse, pulling the thin blanket from the bed and gently draping it over the beautiful woman. "You should rest."

"I like you," she said, each word clear and distinct.

"I'm sorry," he said calmly, looking at her, "I don't have those feelings for you.

" Yan Xiluo bit her lip, then smiled softly. "In that case, let's be friends," she said, her expression extremely carefree and natural.

"I'm sorry about today. It's late, you can rest here," Xu Ke said, fiddling with his slightly disheveled hair, picking up his backpack and walking out. "Remember to lock the door when you leave; just put the key in the flowerpot outside."

The door closed gently.

Closing her eyes, Yan Xiluo wrapped herself tightly in the blanket, the cold touch sending a shiver down her spine. Remaining unmoved by a woman's advances? She smiled self-deprecatingly. This outcome was unexpected.

Homeless. Xu Ke pondered where to go.

The new semester was about to begin, and even late at night, the area around the school was bustling with activity—restaurants, bars, nightclubs, internet cafes, all teeming with people.

A sense of desolation gradually welled up within him, lingering in his chest, like the simple, clear warmth he had experienced during countless nights of solitary contemplation in the darkness—a warmth many easily possessed, yet which he yearned for but could not attain.

He was, after all, a vulnerable person, struggling to maintain a facade of nonchalance.

He entered an internet cafe, turned on a computer, and logged into MSN in stealth mode.

In the pale blue interface that took up almost half the screen, there was only one contact. Hovering the mouse over it revealed a strange name that took up several rows: "Where the hell have you been? Still going through your rebellious phase? You don't call, and your emails are only 10 bytes long. You even dared to log in invisibly, are you itching for a beating? What, still busy? Busy chasing girls, huh? Times have changed, even hobbits are in demand now, don't forget my years of hard work... What are you staring at? Remember to send some photos, not landscapes, and don't send any from ten years ago!!!" It ended with a row of middle fingers.

Looking at the little green figure, Xu Ke sighed. This guy was troublesome, online 24/7, never sleeps.

In his inbox, there were five new emails, all from the same person.

He opened the top one; a photo slowly appeared, showing a person grinning with a grotesque smile.

Hmm, outdated hairstyle, dehydrated skin, severe sleep deprivation, dark circles, stiff expression, casual clothes, awkward posture yet thinking he looks cool… He couldn't help but grin, saved the photo, and started writing a reply:

“All well, busy, don't worry.”

After thinking for a moment, he changed it to “Busy, everything is fine, don't worry,” and then sent it.

After finishing all this, his mood seemed to improve.

“Excuse me… classmate, can I have your MSN?” The girl next to him walked over and asked in a low voice, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“I don't use MSN,” he replied gently.

“But…”, the girl pointed to his computer screen, hesitating.

“Oh, I see,” he smiled, moving the mouse to the contacts section, “There’s only this one idiot on it, and I never message her.”

“Then QQ is fine too,” she didn’t want to be the second idiot in Xu Ke’s eyes.

“I don’t use it either.”

“Others, like Yahoo Messenger…”, the girl’s voice grew softer,

“I don’t use those either,” he lowered his head and continued checking his emails.

The girl stared at him, her face flushed, embarrassed and ashamed.

"However," he finally spoke, "I prefer using my phone," and then rattled off a string of numbers.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, the girl quickly took out her phone, wrote them down, and dialed.

Xu Ke's phone, which was on the table, vibrated. He picked it up and shook it at her. "It's more convenient this way," he said with a smile.

The girl suddenly felt her heart race, and feeling slightly dizzy, she returned to her seat.

The world quieted down.

The sky finally began to lighten, the summer dawn fresh and beautiful. He couldn't help but think of the person in the photo, and her bright eyes.

Xu Ke glanced at the time on the screen, estimating that it was time to go home.

Women were a nuisance to him. The initial encounters brought a certain unavoidable, vulgar vanity, but afterwards, it became increasingly dull. He

still had to maintain appearances.

He took the SIM card out of his phone and threw it into a roadside trash can.

Aside from occasionally telling white lies, he was a good kid, he thought to himself.

So, what about you? Someone who started dating in sixth grade, are you still considered a good kid?

Chapter 2: A Sudden Realization Young

Jiang Yunuo dragged her small, clumsy suitcase behind her mother.

She couldn't help but look back.

Through the twilight, the child's eyes, like the setting sun, swayed helplessly in the gloomy clouds.

Just for a moment, she couldn't bear to look anymore.

At an age when she didn't yet know what parting was, this unfamiliar pain pounded hard against her heart. Beat after beat, until she sat in the cabin, looking down at this gray-green land from the clouds.

"I should think of something else," she told herself, "like the glamorous world of capitalism." So, she imagined again and again in her mind: towering buildings, modern women, and beggars covered in newspapers sleeping on the streets in the freezing cold. These impressions all came from the simple and unpretentious newspapers and magazines of that time.

She tried to despise and forget the lingering reluctance in her heart; she didn't want to show her weakness, even as he drifted further and further away.

That year, she was not yet fourteen, and he was not yet thirteen. In

their innocent youth, they grew up together amidst arguments, fights, and mutual teasing. There were cold wars and even bloodshed, fostering both mutual dislike and a deep, blood-related bond between the children.

In Jiang Yunuo's childhood, Xu Ke was a hypocritical child, a cunning and cruel heart hidden beneath a sunny and cute exterior. Children are natural adventurers; in their colorful world, there are all sorts of imaginary enemies. They categorize those around them directly as friends or foe, straightforward and clear.

Xu Ke loved to act cute, and was adept at it.

Xu Ke enjoyed burning ants, dissecting silkworms, and removing a bee's only weapon.

The moment she raised her fist, Xu Ke would immediately put on a pitiful expression and beg for mercy.

Jiang Yunuo hated such cunning, and therefore, she was ruthless when she struck.

The two were close in age, and it should have been a close contest, but during those years, the boy's development seemed to have entered a frozen world.

Jiang Yunnuo's height was an absolute advantage.

Although he was only born 11 months later, Xu Ke was a full head shorter than his sister.

Those dark days were extremely long, and his hope of retaliation gradually shattered, to the point that a sense of powerless desolation spread through his six-year-old heart.

Their parents remained busy, constantly navigating the adult world—work, calculation, lies, and day-to-day cold wars.

No one pitied his anxiety.

Countless days and nights, their only companion was a distant relative they had invited from the countryside, whom they called Aunt Lin.

Aunt Lin took care of their daily lives. She was in her forties, with a bodhisattva-like appearance, efficient in her work, and caring and kind to the two children.

However, no matter how good she was, she could not replace a mother.

From that time on, a subtle void appeared in the children's relationship.

This void widened with the years, yet it was habitually hidden beneath a facade of indifference.

When Jiang Yunuo reached school age, to save trouble, his parents unanimously decided to send him to school early as well.

Same school, same grade, same class.

Jiang Yunuo was dejected.

That boy, with fair skin, petite stature, a sweet voice, and innocent, bewildered eyes, seemed to her like the type who deserved a beating. He should stay in kindergarten, counting the little red flowers on the wall every day, or imitating cat and dog barks.

"Don't tell anyone you're my brother," Jiang Yunuo warned him after the first day of school.

"Why?" Xu Ke blinked, not quite understanding.

"So embarrassing," Jiang Yunuo impatiently waved her fist.

Xu Ke remained silent, turning around and clutching a Doraemon comic book on the table.

Jiang Yunuo patted his head comfortingly, quite generously, "Here, it's yours."

Before long, the entrance exams were approaching.

Jiang Yunuo had been in this school for six years.

His academic and physical education were both excellent; teachers valued him, and classmates envied him. She had a pleasant personality and appearance, and often received little notes and flowers from her. She was also popular, with many friends, even Lei Yuan had to give her some face.

Lei Yuan was quite a character, having repeated two grades, with all the school's troublemakers following his lead, and a menacing look that made him seem like he was about to punch someone at any moment; the teachers dreaded mentioning him. He was also her deskmate, and as the saying goes, everyone has their match, Lei Yuan and she were on good terms.

Her life seemed carefree.

Meanwhile, Xu Ke, at 120 centimeters tall, still sat firmly in the first row of the classroom, standing at the very front of the morning exercise line.

Many times, he had already given up hope.

Children whose minds are not yet mature often show the most direct cruelty towards those who are outwardly weak.

He didn't even have a single close male friend.

His appearance was too striking, and the boys jokingly questioned his gender.

Such questioning sometimes escalated into violent harassment.

The children would surround him, several hands grabbing his shorts, threatening to verify his identity.

The afternoon sun slanted across the corridor between classes. Jiang Yunuo leaned lazily against the railing, squinting. She wondered how this seemingly frail boy would cope.

Although Xu Ke had few male friends, he was the first choice for girls to tease and joke with.

During breaks, three or five girls would often chase after him, and he, being slow, would eventually hide in the boys' restroom.

Jiang Yunuo had tried to help him, for example, by forcing him to get up and run every morning to build up his strength so he would no longer be bullied by those girls, but the chase continued.

Jiang Yunuo suddenly realized that her sympathy for him was completely unnecessary. A glint of excitement shone in the boy's eyes, and his smile was playful and smug.

He was enjoying himself.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yunuo smiled slightly, a little smugly.

At this moment, Xu Ke's face turned red with anger. Clutching her pants tightly, she was pushed and shoved through the crowd, finally bursting into curses.

"Interesting," she thought.

The children who had been cursed at retaliated angrily with their fists. The skinny boy fought back desperately, even though he was too weak to defend himself.

Jiang Yunuo immediately rushed forward without hesitation.

A chaotic brawl ensued.

Until someone pulled them apart.

"What are you doing?" Lei Yuan stood out from the crowd. "Five to two," he said, "Do you have any shame?"

The boys remained silent.

Jiang Yunuo gave a mocking smile and turned to look at Xu Ke.

The boy stood to the side, panting heavily, his face swollen like a pig's head.

She wasn't in much better shape; blood was flowing from her nose. She wiped it haphazardly with the back of her hand, not feeling any pain, only thinking that she hadn't had enough of a beating.

Lei Yuan pulled out a tissue from somewhere and handed it to her; it still had black fingerprints on it. She took it and casually wiped her hands.

The provocative children had long since dispersed.

Jiang Yunnuo glanced at Xu Ke, "Hey, aren't you going to thank them?"

Xu Ke glared at her and turned to leave,

seemingly enduring immense displeasure.

Back home, the eleven-year-old boy asked her seriously, "Sister, Lei Yuan likes you, right?"

She glared at him.

"You like him too, right?" he asked again.

She was both ashamed and angry, "You idiot, don't talk nonsense."

"Jiang Yunnuo, you're having a puppy love," Xu Ke concluded, "You're only twelve, a little older than me, but I can't ignore your mistakes." He dodged a fierce punch and continued lecturing, "That Lei Yuan, a little hooligan, not a good person, you have to be careful… Ouch… Don't pay any more attention to him… Ouch, that hurts! He's malicious, has ulterior motives, and is incredibly lecherous…" Xu Ke dodged left and right, muttering to himself.

"So what if you're having a puppy love? It's none of your business," she said, tired of hitting him, but unable to shut his mouth, so she might as well let him talk to his heart's content.

"Of course it's none of my business, but you…" the boy, already prepared to run away, "you'll get pregnant," he shouted.

For the twelve-year-old girl, this was the most shameful curse. At that moment, she felt utter disgust for the fleeing boy. She once again hated herself for being deceived by his thin, harmless appearance, regretting her help and the pity she had unconsciously felt for him. She was filled with resentment and shame.

However, she quickly let it go.

At the dinner table, the child pouted and asked, "Aunt Lin, aren't Mom and Dad coming home for dinner again?"

"Yes, your dad has a dinner party today. Your mom… called to say she'll be home late."

Xu Ke didn't say anything more, lowering his head to eat.

He repeated the same question tirelessly every day, only to be disappointed and frustrated time and time again.

In Jiang Yunuo's eyes, this behavior was undoubtedly childish and weak.

She sighed inwardly.

Actually, he was just a child too.

Chapter 3: Early Sex Education

As time passed, someone's dark personality became increasingly apparent.

Malice was his true nature.

Unfortunately, Jiang Yunuo was foolish enough to protect him for over ten years, assuming he looked like a child and thus protecting him as a weakling.

But it wasn't entirely her fault; after all, she was indeed, uh, too "petite." Thinking of this, Xu Ke felt a little frustrated. The nude images on the computer screen that had initially been arousing were now somewhat tiresome after his recent masturbation climax. Was it a bit too early for a 13-year-old to learn how to solve problems with his hands? He couldn't do this too often, or he'd really become a hobbit. Looking at the time on the screen, it was 10:30. Time to sleep. Luckily, tomorrow was the weekend, no need to get up early.

Outside the window, thunder rumbled; it was raining. Xu Ke sat on the edge of the bed, thought for a moment, then picked up his pillow and lazily walked out of his room…

Jiang Yunuo entered the room with a teacup, in high spirits at the thought of not having school tomorrow. On a stormy night like this, snuggled in warm bedding, reading his favorite novel and sipping fragrant cocoa, it was truly delightful. Uh, the bedding seemed thicker now. She pursed her lips helplessly, then abruptly threw back the covers, predictably finding the slender boy curled up in a ball, chuckling to himself, still pretending to be asleep.

"You're doing this again, so unoriginal," she said, grabbing his ear and pulling him off the bed.

"Sister, it hurts! I need a tickle!" he cried, leaping up and quickly reaching out. Ticklish Jiang Yunnuo quickly grabbed the hands that were trying to attack. Xu Ke pulled her along, sending Jiang Yunnuo sprawling under the covers, grabbing his short, soft, black hair in her haste. Xu Ke struck again, his free hands taking turns attacking her weak points. Jiang Yunnuo, terrified of tickling, dodged and laughed, powerless to defend herself.

"Okay, stop..." Jiang Yunuo jumped off the bed, grabbed her pillow, and said, "Don't make a fuss anymore, or I'm leaving."

"Yeah, you started it. I was already asleep," Xu Ke raised her hands as a promise. "Sister, this kind of weather is scary. Thunder and lightning are so annoying." After saying that, she obediently shrank back into the blanket, only revealing her watery eyes. How old is she, still acting like a child? I'm really exasperated by her. Jiang Yunuo rolled her eyes, pulled a piece of the blanket over herself, turned off the light, and went to sleep.

Morning.

Cold, so cold. Is it snowing? It's not winter... The chilly feeling finally overcame her sleepiness. Xu Ke reluctantly opened her eyes and found that only a corner of the blanket was draped over Jiang Yunuo, while the rest was lying on the floor.

"Really, she's supposed to be the older sister, always stealing the blanket. She doesn't know how to take care of people at all..." Xu Ke muttered as she went to pull the blanket over herself, but found that Jiang Yunuo was already awake, staring blankly at one spot with a very strange expression. Following her gaze… Oh no, this is terrible! Her little “tent” has been discovered! Xu Ke quickly pulled the blanket over himself. Both of their faces turned bright red.

“Um, this… it’s nothing… all men do this, usually when they wake up in the morning… it’s a normal physiological phenomenon, it’s called…” Xu Ke patiently explained.

“Shut up!” Jiang Yunnuo screamed.

Such a violent reaction! Xu Ke was startled. Seeing Jiang Yunnuo’s embarrassed, angry, and bewildered expression, he couldn’t help but find it amusing, and a mischievous idea took hold. “Sister, actually, girls also… undergo certain changes as they grow up. Um… your period probably hasn’t come yet, right?” Hehe.

“What?” Jiang Yunnuo innocently fell for the trap.

“You know, that…” What an idiot, Jiang Yunnuo.

"What?"

"Some girls in my class have had it, they bleed for a few days each month..." Xu Ke, seeing the person staring blankly, got more and more excited as he spoke, "Right, there are usually warning signs beforehand, like feeling weak, a little abdominal pain, etc. It varies from person to person. Sister, you're almost fourteen, you don't even know this?" Incredibly, "This phenomenon is called primary sexual characteristics, and..." He pointed to the already bulging area under her pajamas, saying each word with unwavering confidence, "Breasts, a woman's secondary sexual characteristics."

"Ah, you pervert!" Jiang Yunuo finally snapped out of her daze and swung a pillow at him.

"It's your own ignorance, okay? I explained it so clearly, you should thank me... Don't hit me."

"You're still a child, how would you know these things?"

"You idiot Jiang Yunnuo, there are books in the library, and there are resources online. Besides, we'll be taking a course on this next semester. I was just doing some pre-study. Also, I'm not a child anymore... Waaah... Stop throwing my pillow!"

"You damn Xu Ke, get out of here! Now, immediately, get out!" Jiang Yunnuo was completely enraged.

"Oh, right, if you haven't started your period by 18, you'd better go to the hospital for a checkup. Maybe you're a boy like me... Ugh..."

Thus, Jiang Yunnuo received her first "sex education," and Xu Ke was her teacher. Although what she learned in class later proved that Xu Ke's lecture was actually quite wholesome, she still felt incredibly embarrassed whenever she thought about it.

From that day on, the two of them had an awkward relationship for quite some time. If it weren't for what happened later, who knows how long this situation would have lasted.

Chapter 4 The Last Supper

After that morning, Jiang Yunnuo began to treat him with indifference. For example, when talking to him, she would never look him in the eye, and her tone would mostly become cool and commanding. What's funny is that there was a hint of shyness hidden in her cold expression.

Hmm, she looks fierce, but she's actually a fool. Sadly, she herself doesn't know it. Thinking about this, Xu Ke couldn't help but laugh. Jiang Yunuo, what an awkward yet adorable child...

Uh? What day is it today? In the evening, she actually saw her parents, who were always nowhere to be seen, at home. These two seemed to have reached the point of no return, but now they were sitting at the dining table, having dinner with their two children whom they hadn't seen in a long time. The daughter, who looked just like her father, and the son, who seemed to have completely inherited his mother's beauty and handsomeness, and the parents, who kept putting food on their children's plates and asking after them, what a harmonious and joyful scene of family happiness. Unfortunately...

the situation was strange, something was wrong. The two children looked at each other warily.

To match their parents' rare display of paternal love, Xu Ke wore a sweet and happy smile.

"Dad, Mom, do you have something to say? Have you finally decided to get a divorce?" Jiang Yunuo asked indifferently, looking at her parents. Tsk tsk, what a perfect couple. It's a pity marriage can't be maintained by matching appearances.

"Ahem, no..." Compared to his daughter's coldness, Xu Ruihuai showed a hint of embarrassment. This daughter, though young, was precocious and difficult to deal with; his cheerful son was much more adorable. Thinking of his son, the slight displeasure on his face gradually disappeared, and he continued, "Actually, we're already divorced. All the formalities are complete."

"Dad, you're so funny. So, who will my brother and I live with from now on?" Jiang Yunuo's tone was as if she were discussing the weather.

"I've already bought tickets to France, for tomorrow's flight," her mother Jiang Min's soft voice rang out.

"Oh, so that means we'll continue living with Dad?"

"Not you two, your brother will go with him. You'll come with me tomorrow," Jiang Min corrected.

"What?" Jiang Yunuo was quite surprised.

"No, I want to stay with my sister."

"The timing is a bit rushed, but you'll be able to start the new school year there." Jiang Min ignored her son's protest and only explained to her daughter.

"I already said I don't want to be separated from my sister. As for Mom and Dad, you can stay with either of them," Xu Ke's tone was filled with anger.

"Keke," Xu Ruihuai seemed a little tired as he rubbed his temples, "All the formalities have been completed. Your mother... uh, and I don't want any more changes. It's a waste of time. Besides, you and your sister will have a chance to meet." Xu Ke

finally understood what power meant. In the eyes of these parents, their children were ignorant children with no ability to make decisions. The parents' decision was, of course, the best arrangement, beyond question, without any room for protest. Was the initial arrangement, with the son taking the father's surname and the daughter taking the mother's surname, already preparing for today's separation? How ridiculous! What kind of people were his parents? Were they just cold and domineering? Why did he feel their cruelty? He could tolerate their indifference and accept their stubbornness, but now... this situation... he could no longer endure it. " I promise, is it really over?"

"How selfish! What was the point of bringing us into this world? To be played with like monkeys? I've had enough!" Jiang Yunnuo shoved the object in front of her and ran back to her room.

"Yunnuo, how dare you talk like that?" Xu Ruihuai shouted, then glanced at his ex-wife. She calmly sipped her red wine.

He could only keep adding food to his son's bowl, softly comforting him, "Don't worry, when you're older you can fly over to see them..."

But no one could predict what would happen next...

The boy before him no longer looked pitiful or playful; his dark eyes held undisguised disappointment, pain, and... anger. Before tonight, he was a child with a sweet smile. But now, he exuded a cold aura. Beneath his neat, thick eyebrows, long, slightly curled eyelashes drooped, half-concealing his eyes, which shone like morning light. Below his beautiful nose, his once smiling, pink and lovely lips were now tightly pressed together... Such a handsome face should be bathed in sunlight. Looking at Xu Ke, who was almost as tall as her, Jiang Yunnuo sighed deeply. It turned out that what she couldn't stand most wasn't his rudeness, but his silence.

"Silly girl, smile!" Jiang Yunnuo couldn't help but pinch the taut face in front of her. "We can still call each other often, write emails."

"Hmm."

"Smile!"

Xu Ke slightly tugged at the corners of his mouth to indicate he was smiling, then softly said, "Sister, you must remember me."

If it were before, Jiang Yunnuo would have kicked him and said, "Come on, I want to live a few more days," or "You really know me."

But now, "Ah? That… how could that be? You're my only brother," she shuddered, a chill running down her spine as she said it for the first time.

"Oh, I see," Xu Ke paused, then suddenly pointed to the ground and said, "Ew, what a huge cockroach!"

"Where? Where…?" Jiang Yunnuo quickly looked down.

"Just kidding, silly..." A barely audible voice, accompanied by a soft laugh, escaped from those lips so close together. Xu Ke pouted and, fearlessly, kissed Jiang Yunnuo's lips, but her hand, which she tried to retaliate, was firmly grasped by the one who had foreseen this.

"You... die..."

"Nuonuo, someone as bad as me, you must never forget..."

The one you've forgotten is you, isn't it?

Jiang Yunnuo closed the photo album she had looked at countless times and sighed deeply. Since when did he stop calling? His email replies became increasingly brief, and the voice on the other end of the line was always cold and monotonous. So, the one who broke his promise is you, isn't it?

Jiang Yunnuo threw the photo album and clothes into her suitcase, and then carefully put the plane ticket and the stolen passport with her. Yes, she had gone to great lengths to steal the passport from Jiang Min. She could never understand why Jiang Min would hide her passport. In her eyes, Jiang Min was a strange mother. Upon arriving at their new home in France, Jiang Min, unusually composed and elegant, embraced her with some excitement, saying, "Promise, from now on, it's just the two of us, relying on each other. I will make you live a happy life."

"Not just the two of us, you also have a son."

Hearing this, Jiang Min's eyes dimmed instantly. She gently pushed her daughter away and silently began packing her luggage.

The "happy life" she referred to meant spending exorbitant tuition fees to send her daughter to a boarding school for the elite. Jiang Yunuo spent five years there, in a campus with virtually no holidays. It was a completely different world compared to the leisurely and fashionable life in France. Meticulous teaching, endless research reports, and almost demanding interest cultivation… the school's motto was to work themselves to the bone to get students into the world's top universities!

However, Jiang Yunuo wasn't a good student; her principle was to only put in 70% effort in her studies, so she only got into a second-rate university in her hometown.

But this school had once been her dream school.

Chapter 5: I've Lost You.

Finally back in this city, almost 7 years…

Now, as an exchange student from a university in France, Jiang Yunuo is a third-year student at a university in V city.

This is a second-rate university that is little known in the country. But locally, it's incredibly popular. It's a gathering place for the sons of wealthy and powerful families from the province and neighboring cities. A lax study atmosphere, excessive material comparisons, and a plethora of extracurricular activities. Jiang Yunuo was quite satisfied with this situation; no pressure to study, and plenty of excitement to watch—why not?

Jiang Yunuo's dormitory was in this newly built building. After entering the main gate, men were on the left and women on the right, with staircases on both sides. The second to eighth floors were separated by an iron gate. On the right side of the first floor, outside the girls' dormitory, was a small gatehouse. The auntie at the gate had a stern and vigilant expression, her face clearly saying, "Men and dogs not allowed." This situation was quite novel to Jiang Yunuo for a while. If this happened in Europe, would students take to the streets to protest the school's inhumanity? But how could this mere iron gate stop the surging tide of passion among these young men and women in their early twenties?

After about ten days, she gradually became familiar with the three girls in her dormitory. After all, they were all young girls in the prime of their lives, studying the same major. Jiang Yunuo, with her open and easygoing personality, quickly integrated into this small group. Just as men like to brag and talk about beautiful women and sex when they get together, girls of this age naturally revolve around all sorts of handsome men, especially those in their lives.

"There's a ball game in the department later," Zhou Yu and Huang Zixi walked in excitedly with their lunchboxes at noon.

"What ball game?" Guan Ying, sitting at the table, elegantly sipped her milk tea and asked unhurriedly.

"Lin, the handsome guy, is starting, so it's a football game, of course," Zixi winked at Guan Ying, "You'll go watch, right?"

A certain light flashed in Guan Ying's eyes, and she smiled slightly, "Yes."

"Yunuo, let's go together," Huang Zixi continued to persuade.

"Watching a bunch of silly boys running around in the hot sun, I'd rather take a nap. I have classes in the afternoon," Jiang Yunuo, lying on the bed, half-closed her eyes, lazy and unwilling to move.

“You’re always like this, indifferent to everything, so boring,” Zhou Yu shook her head.

“No, Yun Nuo is more interested in hairy European hunks,” Huang Zixi teased.

“Actually, I prefer women, especially your type,” Jiang Yun Nuo said, swallowing hard as she looked at Huang Zixi.

“Stop it, I need to save my appetite for Xiao Xuanxuan.”

“I heard his nickname on the court is ‘Wind Rider,’ his dribbling speed is indeed very fast,” Guan Ying said with a look of fascination, her elegant demeanor undiminished.

Wind Rider! Jiang Yun Nuo’s stomach churned.

“Who is that Wind Rider?” she asked, barely managing to suppress the urge to vomit.

“Lin Xuan!” the other three exclaimed in unison, looking at her as if she were a monster. “

Oh,” she shrugged, continuing fearlessly, “So, who exactly is Lin Xuan?”

“Jiang Yun Nuo!” the three shouted in unison.

"I can't stand you! It's been almost a month since school started, and besides the three of us, who else do you know?" Zhou Yu pointed a finger at her, indignant. Guan

Ying finally rolled her eyes

, losing all composure. Huang Zixi sighed and said good-naturedly, "Excellent grades, outstanding appearance, clean background, he's the tallest, most handsome, coldest, coolest, and most like a block of ice among all the handsome guys in our class."

"Oh, so he's just a block of ice? I can melt an iceberg," Jiang Yunuo started to act cool, and the girls laughed and dispersed.

In the afternoon, before class.

"The people in the Economics Department are so pitiful, that perverted old man always runs overtime," Huang Zixi muttered.

"Perfect, I can suffer a few less minutes in the next Calculus class," Jiang Yunuo said lazily, then looked around at the students waiting outside the classroom like herself.

Huh, what's that so dazzling? About two meters to the right. Jiang Yunuo's gaze swept over the light source and then returned to the source.

A tall, handsome man with fair skin and an elegant demeanor leaned against the opposite wall, staring intently at her.

Jiang Yunuo, used to seeing Europeans with their high noses and big eyes, couldn't help but admire him inwardly. "Truly an oriental beauty," she thought, "leaning gracefully, a feast for the eyes."

Looking around to make sure he was looking at her, she smiled and nodded in greeting. One shouldn't be too rude.

But to her surprise, he immediately looked away, then, seemingly annoyed, walked away without a second glance.

Yunuo was stunned, shrugging self-deprecatingly. "Haughty and aloof," she thought, "he certainly has the looks."

Huang Zixi grabbed her with a grin, pointing at the handsome man's retreating figure, and laughed, "That Lin Xuan, could he be interested in you?"

"Hmm, hard to say," Jiang Yunuo nodded seriously, "So, you two should give up."

"How shameless!" Huang Zixi laughed loudly.

This was Jiang Yunuo and Lin Xuan's first encounter. Aside from a slight moment of amazement, there was only awkwardness. Little did she know, someone was already impatient and preparing to make their move. Often, a man's nature is like a wolf; whether gentle or rugged, when they find their prey, they only have one thing to do: pursue!

A few days later, the three were chatting in their dorm room when Guan Ying excitedly rushed in, completely lacking her usual composure. "They asked me to go ice skating tonight?" she exclaimed, downing her water in one gulp. Guan Ying was a public figure in the class. She was about 166 cm tall, slender, fair-skinned, elegant, and talented in singing and dancing. She was a pillar of strength in the eyes of the girls and a beauty of elegance in the eyes of the boys.

"Who?" Huang Zixi reacted the fastest.

"Zhong Ming and Lin Xuan."

"Our class's number one and number two male leads, Guan Ying, truly lives up to expectations!" Huang Zixi made a drooling face.

“What number one or number two? They’re just choosing the tallest among the short,” Zhou Yu scoffed, turning back to her novel.

“But I want to bring someone,” Guan Ying continued.

“Oh?” Huang Zixi’s eyes lit up, and Zhou Yu turned to

look at Jiang Yunuo. Guan Ying looked at Jiang Yunuo and said, “It’s the weekend today, they’re both going home. So, it’ll just be you and me.”

With a “thump,” Zhou Yu threw her novel on the table and pulled the covers over her head to sleep.

Huang Zixi glanced at Zhou Yu and complained, “Honestly, I can stay home too!” Guan

Ying didn’t speak, but just stared at Jiang Yunuo.

Jiang Yunuo laughed, “Don’t be like that, you’re perfectly content with having two women on each side, why bring anyone else?”

“If you’re not going, then I’m not going either,” Guan Ying’s expression flickered, a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

Huang Zixi understood somewhat and pulled Jiang Yunuo aside, saying, "Don't ruin her good time, you should go with her."

"Okay," Jiang Yunuo, sitting at the table, rested her chin on her hand and smiled at Guan Ying.

Guan Ying felt a little embarrassed and quickly changed the subject, asking, "You're on MSN 24/7, who are you waiting for?"

Jiang Yunuo looked at the screen, the little gray figure next to the name still visible, and the smile on her face unconsciously disappeared. "A guy who doesn't keep his word," she answered softly.

Picking up her phone, she dialed the number she knew by heart, but the woman's cold voice still came through the phone: "User not in service area, please call back later. "

She closed her eyes, recalling the scene of her reunion with her father that day.

Xu Ruihuai told her with considerable pride that Xu Ke had been admitted to a prestigious university in the north. Then he complained that the boy hadn't been home for over a year, only occasionally calling to let her know he was safe.

Jiang Yunuo asked, "Didn't you go see him?"

Xu Ruihuai spread his hands and said, "The company has expanded again, how can I leave? Besides, Keke has been independent since he was little. He moved out on his own when he was 15. He's very good at taking care of himself, so there's no need to worry."

Jiang Yunuo smiled and said, "With a father like that, of course he'll become a cockroach."

Xu Ruihuai was a little embarrassed and explained, "I have no choice. I've never mistreated him financially."

Jiang Yunuo got angry when she heard this. "How can you say such things? You really are a businessman. He's your only son, not an employee working for you."

Xu Ruihuai's face also darkened, and he said in a low voice, "You girl, why do you still talk like that? So sarcastic." Then she changed the subject and asked, "How's your mother?" "Is she alright?" "She's fine.

She changes boyfriends one after another, living a very comfortable life."

Xu Ruihuai lowered his head and said "Oh," without saying anything more, lost in thought. She then asked about Keke's major. Xu Ruihuai hesitated for a long time, saying it was mathematics one moment and finance the next.

Jiang Yunuo sighed inwardly, deciding not to linger any longer. She asked for Xu Ke's phone number and got up to leave.

But she couldn't get through to him even once.

"I'll send him another email," Jiang Yunuo thought, accessing her inbox. "Why is his phone always off? Go home," she typed, but then hesitated, unsure how to continue. Feeling somewhat discouraged, she sent the email directly.

For a long time, he had stopped mentioning his situation, his emails only containing words like "busy," "well," and "don't worry." She scrolled through the emails, each with almost identical content, then deleted them one by one. A blurry figure surfaced in her mind—no cute expression, no soft voice, no playful smile… It was a completely new, unfamiliar, and cold figure, existing in loneliness and desolation, then drifting further and further away.

Now, aside from childhood memories, she knew almost nothing about him. Suddenly, a thought she had never had before flashed through her mind, filling her with utter despair. That little shadow she couldn't shake off, that clingy child, had vanished, long since disappeared from her life, before she even realized it.

Everything was gradually changing with time, but she was oblivious.

So… I had already lost you.

Chapter 6: I'm Not Infatuated with You .

Stepping into the city's largest ice rink, one is immediately transported to a world of ice and snow. Although it's still a sunny October, the indoor temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius, and the crystal-white artificial ice rink exudes a chill. The surrounding 3D lighting makes the pure white ice surface even more translucent, soft music flows quietly, and couples holding hands twirl and dance on the shimmering ice—everything is so romantic and delightful, inspiring daydreams.

"Tsk, they really know how to pick a place," Jiang Yunuo thought to himself. "Of course, this is the place to woo a girl. Holding hands, hugging waists—the relationship will heat up in no time!" Lin Xuan was indeed ambitious and cunning; it seemed Ying was doomed this time.

"Shall we skate together?" A gentle, pleasant male voice sounded in his ear. Lin Xuan extended his hand to Jiang Yunuo, his face slightly flushed.

Handsome guy, you've got the wrong person, haven't you? Yunuo felt a little embarrassed and couldn't help but look at Guan Ying beside him. The latter merely glanced at them expressionlessly and skated off first. Zhong Ming, who followed, smiled at them. Uh, what's going on?

Lin Xuan tried his best to hide his emotions. To be honest, even when he participated in a high-profile match last time, playing the full 90 minutes, including extra time and a penalty shootout, he had never been this nervous, and he even managed a hat trick. But now, he couldn't help but find himself in a state of anxious passivity.

Jiang Yunuo, standing before him, wore a simple black t-shirt and neat jeans. Her long, dark flaxen hair cascaded softly over her shoulders. She was petite, with a fair complexion and delicate features. Aside from a pair of oversized oval earrings, she wore no other adornments. She appeared natural, relaxed, and at ease—a comfortable aura, like a faint, refreshing floral fragrance that subtly attracts attention… This seemingly small girl always wore an indifferent expression, her clear, smiling eyes occasionally revealing a knowing understanding, and her slightly upturned lips carrying a hint of playful smirk… She seemed… well, in Zhong Ming's words, difficult to win over.

Noticing her hesitation, his palms became slightly damp, but he could only gaze intently at her, silently praying for her consent.

Yunuo readily agreed, ignoring the hand in front of her, and deftly began to slide away.

"Nice pose," Lin Xuan had already followed.

"It's alright, but she's inferior to Guan Ying. Someone who's trained in dance is different from us. You two would be more compatible," Yun Nuo hinted, pointing to the graceful figure in the distance. She was being quite gossipy, actually thinking of being a "coal miner" (someone who works as a matchmaker).

Lin Xuan didn't reply. Yun Nuo scratched her head, unsure what to say. The two remained silent. One was nervous, the other awkward, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Why go back to China to study information security? Wouldn't it be better in Europe?" After a while, someone suddenly spoke up.

"Ah? Because..." Yun Nuo snapped out of her reverie, trying to figure out how to answer, and didn't notice the road ahead. Several boys were shoving each other, one of them falling to the ground, about to collide with her.

"Careful," Lin Xuan gently pulled her hand, and the two slid past each other.

"Thank you," Yun Nuo smiled, only to find her hand still being held. She tried to pull away, but the other's hand tightened. What was this person doing? She tried again, but Lin Xuan's grip gradually increased. Yunnuo looked at him with amusement. Despite his cold, unwavering expression, he was behaving childishly. They secretly struggled for a while, pulling and tugging, but she couldn't break free. Then, a mischievous thought crossed her mind. Without making a sound, she took Lin Xuan's hand and pulled him towards a more crowded area of the ice rink.

Thinking she had given up, Lin Xuan breathed a sigh of relief, his tense expression slowly easing. Just as he was secretly relieved, he was suddenly pulled forcefully, and in full view of everyone, he gracefully fell to the ground.

The culprit moved his almost numb hand, suppressing a laugh, and said, "I'm tired, I'm going to get some water," then pointed to a spot not far away, "Guan Ying is over there, go find her," before quickly disappearing into the ice, fleeing to a dark corner, far away from the troublemaker.

Just as Jiang Yunnuo was unfastening her ice skates, pondering an excuse to leave, a glass of juice appeared on the low table in front of her. "Didn't you say you wanted some water?" Lin Xuan was slightly out of breath, but instead of sitting down, he leaned against a pillar with a can of beer in his hand, looking coldly at the bustling ice rink.

"Go join them, it's so boring standing here," Jiang Yunnuo nudged his foot. This guy was quick on the uptake.

He ignored her, just sipping his drink half-heartedly.

She was angry. "Sorry, I accidentally made you fall," she said, feigning ignorance being her specialty.

After a while, Lin Xuan strolled over, sat down beside her, and slowly said, "You really hate... being with me that much?"

That was too... direct.

Lin Xuan anxiously observed her reaction, a flicker of frustration and resentment in his eyes. That look, that slightly aggrieved expression, really resembled... that child from his memory. She couldn't help but pause slightly.

"You hate me?" she cautiously pressed for confirmation.

"No, how could I?" she quickly waved her hand, "It's just..."

"What?" he asked nervously.

"Guan Ying is a nice person, and she's nice to you too," she answered directly.

Lin Xuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his expression softening, and replied, "I'm not interested in what others think, I just want to know what you think."

"To me, you're still a stranger," she answered calmly, taking a casual sip of her juice.

"It's just a matter of time, I can wait," his eyes brightened.

"Cough, cough..." Someone choked, "Damn it, are you ever going to stop?"

Back at school, Guan Ying chatted and laughed with her as usual. After washing up, the two lay on their respective beds. After a long while, Guan Ying said softly, "Yunnuo, Xiao Xuanxuan is very good to you." For a moment, the room was quiet, and no one spoke again.

On Monday in class, Jiang Yunnuo had just put her books on her desk when Lin Xuan walked over and said shyly, "Go sit in the front, there's an empty seat next to me."

"No problem, I like sitting here," she refused outright.

Lin Xuan glanced at her, greeted the boy next to her. The boy understood, patted her shoulder with an ambiguous expression, picked up his books, and left. Jiang Yunnuo glared at him, but Lin Xuan pointed seriously to the door; the teacher had come in.

After that, the same scene played out every day, even every class. Everyone tacitly agreed that the seats to Jiang Yunnuo's left and right were occupied by someone surnamed Lin. Jiang Yunuo was completely exasperated. Back in France, people had shown her interest before, inviting her for coffee or a movie, but as long as she politely declined, they would usually walk away. This persistent pursuit was a first for her. Sometimes, when she couldn't take it anymore and spoke harshly, he would just smile gently, truly playing to her stubborn nature. "Tch, it's just a small matter, I'll tolerate it. Let's see what else you can do."

As it turned out, Lin Xuan was extremely strategic. After repeated rejections of dinner invitations, their chance encounters in the library and teaching buildings increased significantly.

In the evenings, Jiang Yunuo usually liked to stay in the night study room to read or attend elective courses that interested her. Now, unexpectedly, she would often see his familiar figure in the back rows of the classroom. So she thought, it seems it's time to change locations. The school has two libraries, one in the north and one in the south, and three teaching buildings are open at night. You can choose one each day from Monday to Friday, so you'll have a good search. Let's see who has the patience.

"It took me over two hours again today," this person said, sitting down in the chair next to her without a word, opening a book and starting to read.

"Excessive energy," Jiang Yunnuo thought, extremely resentful. How could you find me like this? You're ruthless. She had specifically chosen the most secluded classroom on the 8th floor of Building C. At first, she was worried about encountering something unclean (she'd been reading too many ghost stories lately), but then she realized that this place was a paradise for couples. Passionate, fiery, and full of youthful vigor, what ghost would dare approach? She, on the other hand, was seen as a thorn by the Adams and Eves lurking in the corners, all wanting to get rid of her as soon as possible.

The person continued in a relaxed tone, "It's alright, climbing stairs isn't as tiring as playing soccer, it just takes time. If you don't run around everywhere, it'll be easier for me to find you." The more time they spent together, the less nervous she felt speaking in front of her.

"...", ignoring her.

"See, no matter where you go, I can find you," he continued, still staring at his book. "Since you don't hate me, why do you always want to run away? We can try to get along." He had said so much to her in one breath, and surprisingly, he wasn't out of breath, and his heartbeat was normal—a good sign. He had to try harder, harder, and even harder.

"Get along?" Jiang Yunnuo repeated with a smile, her gaze sweeping over the corner at the front of the classroom, where a couple was passionately kissing. Then she looked at the back of the classroom; the two there were even more outrageous, practically wanting to meld each other into their bodies. Calm down, that's too violent; their clothes will tear. Then she looked at the couple next to her, hand in hand, gazing at each other, sparks flying where their eyes met, leaving nothing but barrenness.

Lin Xuan followed her gaze, a faint blush immediately spreading across his jade-like face, somewhat embarrassed. "For lovers, this is all very normal," he paused, "Why don't you try to accept me?"

"Listen carefully," Jiang Yunnuo sighed inwardly, gently lifting his handsome chin, staring into his dark eyes, and said, word by word, "If you want to play the game of unrequited love, that's fine, but don't bother me. I don't dislike you, but I absolutely loathe this feeling of being forced."

Jiang Yunnuo's expression was calm and indifferent, as if it were none of her business, yet her words brooked no argument. Lin Xuan quietly watched her. His thin lips were tightly closed, his two handsome, thick eyebrows furrowed unconsciously, his face filled with undisguised disappointment, pain, and a hint of anger.

Jiang Yunnuo didn't look at him again, picked up her book, and walked out. Meanwhile, Lin Xuan's surprised and resentful expression kept flashing through her mind. Silence, a wounded expression, gradually overlapped with the youthful face of many years ago… Jiang Yunuo couldn't help but feel annoyed that she cared so much, and almost foolishly wanted to go back and apologize.

Chapter 7 A Moment of Heartbeat During

class, Jiang Yunuo still sat in the special seat that occupied three people, but this time someone dared not act presumptuously. The uneventful days continued as usual.

That evening, Jiang Yunuo sat in the study room reading. Just as she was yawning, someone sat down in the seat next to her. "Hello," she said, propping her head up with her arm, looking at the person who had disappeared from her sight for more than a month.

Lin Xuan in front of her looked a little tired, his blue jersey was covered in dust, and there were several cuts on his arms and legs, with traces of blood still stuck to the wounds. But these did not detract from his handsomeness and elegance; instead, they added a touch of melancholy to his dejected chivalrous air, melancholy but not decadent. Therefore, he attracted frequent glances from the girls as soon as he entered the classroom.

"You're injured," Jiang Yunuo said.

“Nothing serious,” Lin Xuan said, looking at his arm.

“Is something wrong?”

“Nothing, I just wanted to see you,” Lin Xuan sighed, his expression somewhat helpless. “After the match, I thought of you and couldn’t help but come.” He clenched his fist slightly, seemingly annoyed at his inability to hold back. Noticing she was just looking at him without saying anything, he said somewhat awkwardly, “I’m sorry, I won’t bother you for long, I’ll leave right away,” his eyes hiding a hint of melancholy and reluctance.

Seeing him stand up, Jiang Yunnuo finally couldn’t help but gently tug at his sleeve, saying, “You haven’t had dinner yet, have you? I’ll go with you.” This familiar melancholy and loneliness always made her feel a little reluctant.

The two walked out of the school side by side, neither speaking.

“Lin Xuan,” she suddenly called his name softly with a smile, then said, “Be my boyfriend,” but as soon as the words left her mouth, she was taken aback. What a bizarre situation! In their pursuit, she was the one who confessed first. Jiang Yunnuo, Jiang Yunnuo, have you lost your mind? Could it be that he had actually fallen for this person?

"Huh?" The person's eyes widened in disbelief. "Why? No... I mean, why did you suddenly change your mind?"

Because, because…

“Because…you’re not a bad person, maybe I can try to like you?” Jiang Yunnuo reached out her hand to him. How would you know if you didn’t try?

Lin Xuan lowered his head, looking at her earnestly, and gently asked, “So now, can I kiss you?”

She slightly raised her face, and his lips were already on hers, carefully tasting, and then she discovered it was a strange, unsatisfying flavor.

“First time?” The person who asked seemed even more embarrassed.

“No, it’s just been a long time,” she replied casually, her expression blank.

Jiang Yunnuo, what are you thinking? That was just a hobbit’s youthful, ignorant prank. What’s wrong with you? You’re still reminiscing about your own brother… God, you’re a pedophile, you’re crazy…” Jiang Yunnuo suppressed the urge to scream, angrily shaking her head, trying to banish the incessantly screaming voice in her head. The voice suddenly weakened, saying: "Thinking about it is useless. He's gone, out of your life. He doesn't need you anymore...

" "What's wrong?" Lin Xuan noticed her suddenly fluctuating expression and felt a little strange.

"Nothing, just suddenly decided to start dating, a little excited," she smiled nonchalantly.

And so, the two of them began, somewhat impulsive, somewhat confused, somewhat helpless—at least that's how she felt.

No movie theaters, no romantic parks, no elegant cafes. Their perfect moments would only happen in two places: the study room teeming with bookworms, or the football field during a match. In everyone's eyes, they were a couple utterly devoid of romance.

Under the pitiful gaze of someone, and in the spirit of sacrificing herself to cultivate their relationship, Jiang Yunuo finally agreed to go watch a football match she had never been a fan of. And from then on, she couldn't stop. From then on, as the girlfriend of the team's key player, Jiang Yunuo was always invited to attend—well, of course, as a spectator, serving tea and water, and offering words of comfort. There's no way around it, you're his girlfriend, and you asked to do it yourself, so you have to be responsible. How can you just think about leaving when you're unhappy?

Since they became a couple, Lin Xuan wasn't as clingy as before, only occasionally inviting her to watch him play soccer. Gradually, she developed a habit of watching the games, or more accurately, watching the players. Looking at that youthful, vibrant black hair, that resolute and composed face, that focused and determined gaze, that elegant and beautiful body language… everyone has a lustful heart, right? Sometimes, looking at that spirited, young, and handsome figure, Jiang Yunnuo would suddenly think: Maybe, I've already fallen for you.

"You two really don't seem like you're deeply in love," Huang Zixi casually remarked. "Unlike when I was in high school, we were inseparable, so passionate. You've only been together for a little over a month, and you're already like an old married couple, no passion at all."

"Yeah, Lin Xuan used to pursue you quite diligently, how come he cooled off as soon as he got you?" Zhou Yu quickly chimed in.

"That's good, saves time and effort. It takes him so many years to get to where we are, it's so hard for him," Jiang Yunuo said with a grin.

"Tell me about you, you're so unromantic, you don't care about anything. Lin Xuan is strange too, he's never given you any flowers or plants," Zhou Yu said, starting to apply nail polish.

"It's just mutual attraction, maybe not to the point of really liking each other yet," Guan Ying, who had been silent until now, suddenly said quietly, "Sometimes, a boy's desire to conquer makes him ignore his original preferences."

Zhou Yu's nail polish was crooked, and she hurriedly looked for nail polish remover in the drawer.

Huang Zixi picked up her bag and said, "I'm leaving first. You guys hurry up, or you'll have to sit in the back again."

"Zixi, wait for me," Guan Ying also walked towards the door. As she passed Jiang Yunuo, she suddenly leaned close to her ear and whispered, "So, I choose not to give up."

Jiang Yunuo immediately laughed and called out to her, "Guan Ying, do you know what I admire most about you?" She paused and said, "It's the way you talk, it's so cool."

Guan Ying: Is what I said that funny?

During another halftime break, Jiang Yunuo, as usual, served tea and water.

"Where did those beauties come from?" She gestured with her chin towards the several unfamiliar beauties.

"Oh, those are the freshmen who just joined the cheerleading team," Lin Xuan looked back and then emptied a bottle of water.

A variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own charm, they were all in the prime of their youth. Even as a girl herself, her heart was fluttering. These guys really know how to enjoy themselves; playing football is one thing, but having beauties to feast their eyes on is another.

"I'm out of water," Lin Xuan shook the empty bottle.

"Little Xuanxuan, I have some here," the pretty girl A quickly handed over her bottled water.

Interesting, they called each other so affectionately, like they were quite familiar. Someone watched with a grin.

"Thank you, no need," Lin Xuan immediately blushed, then said to the person watching the show, "Yunnuo, could you go buy me a bottle? The second half is about to start." "

Okay, little Xuanxuan," Yunnuo mimicked.

"There's some in the basketball court next door, just around the grove, not too far," Lin Xuan said, then leaned down and kissed her.

Basketball court, basketball court, it's right here! I've never been inside before? Wow, it's lively, there's a game here too.

On the court, two teams wearing red jerseys and black jerseys were fiercely battling it out. No wonder it's more lively than the football match over there. Look at all the players here, all over 180cm tall! Unlike those football players, whose skill levels are all over the place (the above comments do not represent the author's opinion). The female spectators' support is overwhelmingly in favor, and they're all screaming with excitement.

The stands are packed with people, flags fluttering and banners waving. Jiang Yunuo, standing at the entrance, was a little dizzy looking around. After searching for a while, she finally found a small shop in the stairwell opposite. She had no choice but to walk around the side of the field. She wandered around, and since she didn't like watching the game, she just looked at the words on the banners. Out of the corner of her eye, she felt like someone on the field was glancing at her every now and then. Pshaw, haven't they ever seen a pretty girl before? Distracted during the game. Ignoring him, she continued reading. It was all "Warmly support xxx," "Go xx," and the like—boring. "Hmm, the one I just passed by is alright, it says: 'XX, XX, I love you, like a mouse loves rice!'"

The name... Jiang Yunuo surveyed the people on the court, then went back and grabbed a "little mouse" holding a banner, asking, "Rice, is that him?" She pointed to a man in black who was doing a layup. The "little mouse" nodded excitedly, saying, "Yes, yes!" Then he grabbed Yunuo's hand and shook it, "So you're a fan too! Join our club, we have his detailed information..." Before he could finish, he was startled by Jiang Yunuo's cold expression. This didn't seem like a fan, it seemed like... an enemy plotting murder!

Jiang Yunuo felt a mix of surprise, joy, and grievance. She gently pushed the "little mouse's" hand away and strode into the court.

The basketball court immediately fell silent.

"Excuse me, student, we're having a game, please..." The captain, referee, and substitutes all gathered around, but because the other person was a girl, they didn't dare to approach her.

Jiang Yunnuo walked straight up to a man in black, who stared intently at her.

She raised her hand and swiftly threw a punch at his face.

Chapter 8 Familiar Stranger

This punch was nimble, decisive, and incredibly powerful.

The stands erupted in gasps, whistles, and exclamations. Everyone sighed: it seems to be another love affair.

The man in black slowly raised his hand, casually wiping away a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth. His eyes never left the woman before him, and then he smiled slightly: "Jiang Yunnuo, it really is you."

Even if Mount Tai collapsed before him, and a woman slapped him in the face, he wouldn't change color; he'd even be smiling! So handsome, so handsome! Instantly, a hazy pink cloud floated before the women's eyes, and some quick-witted ones hurriedly pulled out their phones to take pictures.

"You..." The past was too complicated to explain in a few words. It seemed that the anger that had been forgotten in her heart still couldn't be vented, and she also seemed to feel a little guilty for her impulsiveness. Just seconds ago, Jiang Yunuo was aggressive, but now she didn't know how to speak, and stood there blankly for a moment

. "What about me?" the man in black asked softly, looking at her with some amusement, then turned to the captain and said, "I'm not fighting anymore, you should find someone else quickly," and then took Jiang Yunuo's arm and walked outside.

"That woman is going to get beaten up!" someone in the stands shouted. The captain, who was just announcing that the match should continue, was startled, worried that something bad would happen, and turned to chase after her, but he couldn't catch up. He could only shout loudly, "Brother, don't be impulsive, a good man doesn't fight with a woman."

"What era are we living in? Still using such outdated language." Jiang Yunnuo turned around and hissed darkly, "I don't need your interference. Today, I'm going to act on behalf of Heaven and clean house."

The two walked to a secluded spot in the grove, and Jiang Yunnuo's arm was released. After moving around a bit, she frowned and said, "Damn, did you have to use that much force?"

"I should be the one saying that," the man pointed to his already bruised and swollen lip.

"Hehe, it's alright, not too serious," she said, feeling a little guilty. She had practiced Taekwondo for several years, and in her excitement, she had forgotten to control her strength.

"You haven't grown any taller, but you've got quite the strength," he said, comparing their heights with his hands. He noticed that Jiang Yunnuo only reached his Adam's apple and teased, "Did Jiang Min abuse you and not feed you?"

"Is it because Xu Ruihuai waters you with shit every day that you've grown so strong?" Jiang Yunnuo wasn't too short, at least 163 cm, but someone had changed so much that she had to crane her neck to look at him.

"Seven years have passed, and you've gotten worse. People who've been to barbarian lands are different," Xu Ke couldn't help but reach out and ruffle her long hair, so soft and smooth.

Jiang Yunnuo irritably brushed his hand away. This kid was the same as always, always trying to make her angry. This was the first time they'd met in seven years! And she'd actually spent so much time arguing with him about something as trivial as height. Seriously, this was completely different from the reunion she'd imagined! It didn't have to be all tears and a tearful embrace; at least there should have been some emotion, and then he could have said in that signature sweet voice, "Sister, you're finally back! I've been waiting so long!" Uh, Jiang Yunnuo looked at the big guy in front of her and thought: If he really did that, I'd kick him out before I was disgusted to death.

“Even if I’m so handsome I’ll leave you speechless, you should at least consider your own pride,” Xu Ke waved his hand in front of her eyes and asked, “When did you get back?” There was no surprise, no emotion; his expression was utterly calm. Meanwhile, her excitement plummeted, her mood sinking to rock bottom.

“None of your business,” she replied coldly.

“Didn’t you come back to find me?” He seemed quite self-aware. “No wonder you wrote to me last time asking me to come home. You’re studying at this school too, right?”

Mentioning those emails made Jiang Yunuo even angrier: “Yes, I came back to see if you were dead, and I was very disappointed.”

“So you hit me the moment we met.”

“Xu Ruihuai said you were studying up north,” Jiang Yunuo decided to stop arguing with this stubborn guy.

“I got my acceptance letter there, but then I didn’t want to go,” he explained casually.

“Why didn’t you go? Why did you lie?”

“No reason. If I didn’t want to go, I didn’t go,” he glanced at her. “Xu Ruihuai wouldn’t care about these things, so it’s not a lie,” his playful expression tinged with coldness. From those eyes, black as jewels, emanated a different kind of anger and chill, unlike the helpless rage of his youth. Instead, there was a world-weary, aloof desolation, and a carefree, nonchalant attitude.

Jiang Yunuo had never seen this expression on Xu Ke's face before. He had grown much taller, no longer the delicate and slender figure of his youth. His facial features were more defined, exuding a resolute and masculine aura. Yet, his striking features hadn't changed much, still retaining some of the androgynous beauty of his youth, only now appearing more vibrant. So, Jiang Yunuo had recognized him effortlessly at the basketball court, only she hadn't expected to meet him there.

But now, she felt a slight doubt; this Xu Ke seemed so unfamiliar. Somewhat listless, utterly unmoved. He often smiled, but it lacked the sincerity of before, a slight mischief and naiveté, because his eyes were cold. Such a smile had lost its meaning, merely a vivid mask. Even casual acquaintances, like nodding acquaintances or strangers on the street, might exchange a gentle smile amidst their hurried pace, but it would vanish in an instant.

Conversations with strangers end after a few words. But with him, there was no depth, yet a lingering sense of unease. Jiang Yunuo wasn't lacking in topics; rather, there were questions she didn't know how to ask. Why didn't you call? Why were your replies so brief? Why did you never mention your recent situation?… Yet, facing someone with such a calm expression, all her excitement vanished. Yes, we've both grown up, and become distant. As siblings who haven't seen each other for years, such estrangement is probably normal. That kind of blame, that inexplicable anger, doesn't belong to us; it's ambiguous, tangled. So, when I see you now, living a carefree life, I feel at ease.

The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat oppressive. Xu Ke, arms crossed, leaned lazily against a tree trunk, looking at the suddenly silent girl with some confusion. She had become more beautiful, with delicate features, long, flowing hair, fair skin, a bright expression, and a calm demeanor—when she wasn't throwing a tantrum. Her fierce personality remained unchanged. But now, she hung her head, her brows slightly furrowed, biting her lower lip, a hint of confusion and helplessness flashing across her face. She looked so small, like a doll.

With a silent sigh, he spoke in a low voice, "These past few years, you…"

"You…" she uttered simultaneously.

They both stopped, exchanging smiles. This moment, like a gentle breeze, swept away the gloom in Jiang Yunuo's heart. Coco was still so adorable; she couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch his cheek, just like years ago.

"Yunuo," someone whispered beside her.

Seeing the newcomer, Jiang Yunuo waved and smiled, "Lin Xuan, what brings you here?"

"I've been looking for you," Lin Xuan said hesitantly as he approached. The gentle smile before him had never graced him with such warmth before. The Yunuo he knew was indifferent, playful, unexpected, and even somewhat fierce. So what was the situation now?

Lin Xuan, wasn't he the key player on the football team? Sister, you're certainly popular.

The atmosphere was a little strange. Jiang Yunuo glanced at Xu Ke, then at Lin Xuan; the former seemed thoughtful, while the latter looked wary. "Is Xiao Xuanxuan jealous?" Jiang Yunuo gently patted Xu Ke's face. "This is my beloved younger brother Xu Ke, whom I've reunited with after many years." She then pressed his injured lip hard with her finger. "Lin Xuan, my boyfriend, is also a third-year computer science student."

Xu Ke winced in pain. "Don't touch other men in front of your boyfriend!" He nodded at Lin Xuan. "We've known each other for a long time. You can even handle my older sister, you're really something. She's quite troublesome, so please bear with her."

"Hey, what do you mean?" Jiang Yunuo jumped up and was about to press the bruise on his face again. Lin Xuan quickly grabbed her hand and said to Xu Ke, "Let's eat together, we can talk while we eat."

"No thanks, I won't have an appetite with this firecracker in my face. See you later," he said, and then he drifted away.

"He's right."

"What?"

"When you talk to him, you're like a firecracker, not like this normally."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Evening, at the library.

Xu Ke opened his laptop, searching for information online. This case was proving quite troublesome; it seemed he'd need to spend more time on it.

Suddenly remembering something, he opened a folder containing over a dozen photos, all of the same person.

"Who is this? She's really cute," a beautiful young woman walked over unnoticed and gracefully sat down in a nearby chair. The appearance of this stunningly handsome couple created a pinkish haze around them, and in the large room, the faint sound of swallowing could be heard. The two perpetrators seemed used to it, remaining calm. "Xu, isn't this...that girl from today? Why...um, was she so mean to you?" Looking at the photos, the girl finally remembered, but was too embarrassed to ask directly. Being beaten by a woman in front of so many people was incredibly humiliating for a grown man.

"Because I owe her a lot of money, she's here to collect," Xu Ke closed the folder, answering casually.

"Ha, I don't believe it!" the beautiful girl giggled.

Chapter 9 Parallel Lines of Happiness

Jiang Yunuo met Xu Ke for the second time at a small restaurant near the school called "Classmate Rendezvous."

Don't let its old-fashioned and straightforward name fool you; the dishes were plentiful, delicious, and inexpensive, and more importantly, they had all four flavors: spicy, sour, and numbing. Plus, back in Europe, Jiang Yunuo couldn't get used to bread and butter, and even French cuisine tasted bland to her. She had to force herself to cook, eventually developing third-rate culinary skills and an incredibly addictive love for spicy food. Now that she'd found such a great place, she was constantly running there. Poor Lin Xuan, who couldn't handle spicy food, would get goosebumps and break out in a cold sweat just from the aroma of the spicy food at the door, leaving him no choice but to accompany his girlfriend.

At first, Jiang Yunuo considerately said, "I'll go eat somewhere else with you first, and then we'll come here." Lin Xuan always resolutely refused. It's too picky for a grown man to run around for a meal. After a while, she stopped asking and happily ate her meal, watching him grit his teeth as he ate, and shamelessly laughing, "You're getting cuter and cuter."

As soon as they entered, Jiang Yunuo and Lin Xuan saw Xu Ke.

He was always so eye-catching.

No matter how noisy the surroundings, even if he just sat lazily in the corner without saying a word, he could still attract everyone's attention.

Their group was incredibly arrogant; a bunch of cool men and beautiful women, oblivious to everyone else, loudly drinking and making a ruckus. A dozen or so men and women squeezed together two large tables, easily taking over half of the small tavern.

Jiang Yunuo carefully counted; there were already six beer bottles in front of Xu Ke, not counting those on the floor. She never knew he could drink so much, without batting an eye, just a slightly flushed cheek and half-closed eyes. That languid air overshadowed even the beautiful girls sitting on either side of him.

The two girls were strikingly beautiful and stylishly dressed, their cheerleading outfits perfectly accentuating their figures. They clung to Xu Ke, one on each side, their poses alluring and seductive. Every time he finished a bottle, they would each give him a loud kiss, which he readily accepted with a nonchalant smile. This fiery scene left Jiang Yunuo speechless; this kid was getting more and more wanton.

"You're not thinking of punching him again, are you?" Lin Xuan asked his girlfriend suspiciously, worried she might start throwing a tantrum again. This woman, usually so calm and collected, became incredibly fierce around Xu Ke.

She shook her head helplessly, "He's grown up, I can't control him anymore." Saying this, she picked up a tissue from the table, folded it into a paper airplane, and wrote on the wing: "Drink less, be careful of drunken misbehavior." After a moment's thought, she crossed out the last four words and replaced them with: "Bladder bursting." He's a grown man, full of youthful vigor; those kinds of things are none of his parents' business. He looked at it again before throwing it away.

Bingo! The plane wobbled and landed overhead. Jiang Yunuo made a smug face at Lin Xuan.

Xu Ke reached up and picked up the unidentified flying object above his head, seeing the beautiful Song typeface on it. Years ago, he had mocked Jiang Yunuo's terrible handwriting, calling it the scribbles of someone with hemiplegia. After her outburst, she holed up in her room practicing calligraphy, and after several months, she could finally write proper Song typeface. Those old memories were still vivid, including the numb, painful feeling of her stabbing her forehead hard when she was angry.

Looking up, he unexpectedly saw Yunuo's childlike expression and Lin Xuan's loving smile. So he wrote on the wing: "As long as you're happy." Then he gently tossed it back.

As long as you're happy, just like you are now.

Looking at those four words, and at the plate of delicious-looking twice-cooked beef in front of her, Jiang Yunuo suddenly lost her appetite. Not far away, Xu Ke, surrounded by people, looked completely at ease. The noisy crowd separated them, and the distance suddenly seemed vast. He belonged to them; his friends, his life—all unknown to her—but he was happy. He was happy even without her.

Lin Xuan gently took her hand and said softly, "I don't really understand how you feel right now. I'm an only child. Maybe, like parents, watching your child grow up day by day, have their own life, and slowly no longer need you, is also very disheartening… Siblings probably feel something similar."

For the first time, she realized Lin Xuan could be so perceptive; perhaps many times, he just didn't say it.

Jiang Yunuo stared blankly at the handsome face before her, full of concern, and said softly, "Back then, we were truly happy."

"Wait for me," Lin Xuan looked at her deeply, then suddenly released her hand and ran out.

A few minutes later, he returned, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, holding a vibrant red rose in his hand.

"I haven't given you this yet," he said shyly, catching his breath slightly. "Happiness exists in different ways at different times."

The rose in his hand was a bud, its petals still glistening with dewdrops, its deep red color dazzling, like a lover's eyes, silently conveying tender affection. A warm current of emotion and joy flowed through her heart, a strange feeling she had never experienced before. Yunnuo didn't speak, but simply raised her hand and gently wiped the sweat from Lin Xuan's forehead with a tissue. At that moment, he leaned down and tenderly kissed her lips.

Xu Ke gently pushed the girl beside him away and opened a bottle of wine for himself.

"Xu, today's game was just a friendly match, aren't you a little too excited? Don't drink too much," the captain advised with a smile.

"I'm in a good mood today," he said casually, tilting his head back to gulp down half a bottle. His stomach churned, and he hurriedly pushed aside his female companion, staggering to the back restroom. His stomach continued to cramp, and he vomited repeatedly, only bringing up clear water. He then realized he hadn't eaten anything, just been drinking. "This is fucking awful," he muttered under his breath. After feeling a little better, he turned on the tap and splashed cold water on his face, wiping it casually. He looked quietly at himself in the mirror, a faint sadness in his eyes…

"Let's go," Lin Xuan said, paying the bill, turning to take Yun Nuo's hand, and walking out.

She couldn't help but look back, at that handsome face amidst the shadows. He silently toyed with the glass in his hand, his lowered eyelids obscuring the faint starlight in his eyes. A carefree smile played on his lips, appearing somewhat unreal in the swirling smoke. The scene was dreamlike.

Just then, Jiang Yunnuo's shoulder was gently bumped by someone walking in, who apologized repeatedly.

"It's alright," Jiang Yunnuo smiled and shook her head. In an instant, she was captivated by the beauty of the woman before her; her appearance was flawless, her virtues innate. A woman like this could only be a natural beauty, God's favorite, or "Fairy Sister."

"Fairy Sister" seemed momentarily stunned upon seeing Jiang Yunnuo, then gave her a polite, charming smile before gracefully taking her seat.

"Xi Luo, you're so late! Have a drink first," the girl beside Xu Ke scolded, rising to offer her a seat. Yan Xi Luo smiled apologetically, took the already poured wine glass, and shyly parted her red lips: "Sorry I'm late again. I'll drink first." With that, she raised her head slightly and drained the glass.

Watching the beautiful woman drink, her beauty and playful demeanor were a feast for the eyes; everyone at the table was intoxicated, clapping and cheering enthusiastically.

Yan Xiluo sat down and softly said to someone who was unusually silent today, "Xu, don't drink anymore, it's bad for your health."

Xu Ke didn't speak, but just smiled, picked up the bottle, and clinked glasses with her.

Their expressions were cold as their glasses gleamed.

When Yun Nuo and Lin Xuan left "Classmate Appointment," it was completely dark, and the evening breeze was cool.

A song was playing softly in a roadside shop:

...

The last act of love is letting go .

I turned on the radio and listened to

the sobbing voices of others' failures, as if telling the same sorrow .

Your dependence is still in my heart

...

Chapter 10 Faded Roses

People in love are all busy. Jiang Yun Nuo was no exception.

Busy reading Sports Weekly, busy reading the sports section on Sina, busy remembering the names of big and small stars, busy absorbing the results of various matches. Then she discovered that stars were very lucky; domestic minorities could find flight attendants, and international big names found supermodels. What profession could be more glamorous than being a football player? Those guys on the national team, who were praised and then criticized, ultimately reaped fame and fortune, and had beautiful women by their side. Then she realized that the allure of gossip far outweighed the technical jargon. For example, a certain female commentator on a website—fans didn't love her infatuated commentary about which stars were handsome or cool, but rather her semi-nude photos that she posted each time. Or the news about who was getting married for the nth time, or who had gotten divorced, and so on. Before even understanding what "offside" meant, she absorbed a lot of this gossip and could talk about it quite fluently, earning her the nickname "fake fan" from Lin Xuan.

She secretly mocked herself, realizing she was ultimately just a little woman who prioritized other people's interests. But Lin Xuan was an introverted and quiet person; besides football, he often couldn't find other topics to discuss. So, cultivating shared interests was crucial. She liked traditional Chinese painting, but he found ink wash landscapes ethereal and lifeless. She likes horror movies, while he prefers light entertainment. She likes boxing, but he finds it too bloody, too cruel to beat someone to death like that, so he gives it up. However, life is inherently cruel; how can these open and aboveboard fights compare to the hidden harm? And he says, then we should avoid these unnecessary injuries even more. So, he only ever has one hobby.

Girls say that although such a man is a bit boring, he always keeps his promises, and besides, he's handsome.

But being his girlfriend is a bit tiring. Constantly accommodating someone is exhausting.

He used to indulge her eating spicy food, and gradually he started to like that flavor too. When he tried to accommodate her, his own tastes would change. But now, he's starting to resist such influences, refusing more indulgences. Some changes may not be related to feelings, but simply to one's mindset. When you solve a problem, will you still be as concerned about her as before?

Therefore, playing hard to get, being aloof, is the killer move in relationships, effective on both men and women.

It was just that Jiang Yunuo's stubborn personality made it difficult for her to understand immediately.

She seemed fierce, but was actually a fool. This was someone's assessment years ago.

When she didn't intend to accept someone, she could reject them without hesitation. When she decided to be good to someone, she spared no effort, displaying a chivalrous spirit of "I'd rather be wronged than wrong others." However, love doesn't require chivalry.

Recently, Xu Ke felt herself becoming increasingly gossipy, always subtly inquiring about Lin Xuan. Amidst many ambiguous and suspicious glances (don't be surprised, BL is popular now, and seeing a handsome guy makes you question his sexual orientation), she discovered that the guy had a very good reputation, a model of good character in everyone's eyes, and a clean record with no criminal record. By "criminal record," she meant he had never cheated on anyone, nor had he been cheated on (excluding any mentally unhealthy behavior or acts of revenge against women), because before Jiang Yunuo, he had never had a girlfriend, excluding his crushes from kindergarten to high school. His experience was like a blank sheet of paper, pure and impeccable.

It seems that silly girl has a good eye for men. Xu Ke secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Despite never having raised a child, he felt like a father. His precious child, whom he had carefully nurtured, had been snatched away by some unexpected person. As a father, he had the right to object, to curse, but he couldn't, not even a little bit.

He heard there was a football match today.

Leaving the basketball court, passing the faculty cafeteria, he decided to eat lunch at the student cafeteria, which was further away.

That way, he could cross that grove of trees.

Under the indifferent winter sunlight, a slender figure stood in the stands. Although it was expected, it still disappointed him greatly.

Jiang Yunuo wasn't watching the game; she sat there with her head down, idly counting the ants at her feet.

Silly girl, why is she dressed so lightly? In December, she's only wearing a black trench coat. Although she looks alright dressed like that, but… Xu Ke looked at her hands resting on her knees; the lake-blue nail polish made her slender fingers appear even whiter, almost transparent. Those hands must be very cold.

Jiang Yunuo has always been sensitive to cold in both winter and summer. Even in the sweltering heat of August, her hands and feet would be icy cold if she stayed quietly indoors without sunlight, let alone in winter. She remembered when she was younger, Xu Ke would often hide under the bed and pretend to be a ghost to scare her before bed. At first, she would playfully kick and punch him, but after falling asleep, she liked to hug him like a koala, absorbing his warmth.

"It's quite windy here," Xu Ke casually tossed his coat onto her.

Startled, Jiang Yunuo, who had been lost in thought, realized that dark clouds were overhead. Looking up, she saw his gently smiling face, which seemed even more radiant than the sunlight behind him. The slight anger that had just risen vanished instantly. "Sit down," she said, gesturing to the empty seat beside her. It seemed like she hadn't seen him in a long time. This guy never initiated contact with her; it was probably just a coincidence today.

"Busy, huh?" How could he be idle surrounded by so many beautiful women?

“Yeah,” he replied, his eyes still fixed on the field, “but I’m a bit lacking compared to you,” he added pointedly.

“You’re so disrespectful, at least greet your older sister first,” she poked his forehead. What an impolite child.

“Hmm, your eye-tracking skills are pretty good,” he commented while watching the game.

“…”

“I’m talking about you, sister,” he continued teasingly, “when did you start liking to follow boys around?”

“You…”, somewhat embarrassed and angry, but still feigning calmness, “You wouldn’t understand feelings,” how could a womanizer like you understand?

“A woman in love has low IQ…”

came a flurry of punches and kicks. This woman, she always resorts to violence when she can’t win an argument, she never improves.

He had to grab her hand; it was indeed very cold.

"Hi, Xu Ke," Lin Xuan said during halftime, coming over for a drink of water. The two greeted each other.

Jiang Yunnuo glanced behind Xu Ke, subtly withdrawing her hand. "Even the fairy sister is here! Today's quite lively." Xu Ke's hand tightened unconsciously, but she still managed to slip away.

"Hello!" Yan Xiluo was very polite and elegant, displaying the demeanor of a well-bred young lady.

"What brings you here?" Xu Ke asked curiously.

Yan Xiluo winked playfully at him, then looked at Lin Xuan and said, "I heard your team is recruiting cheerleaders. Can I sign up?"

"Sure, just talk to our team leader," he said, his face slightly flushed for some reason.

"Where is he? Could you please take me there?" she asked with a smile.

Lin Xuan nodded and walked down from the stands with her.

"I didn't realize your girlfriend was so hot," Jiang Yunnuo said with a smile, watching their retreating figures.

Xu Ke frowned slightly.

"You mind? Don't you want her to stand out so much?" Jiang Yunuo looked at him curiously. "Tsk, so petty."

"Petty," he retorted, "Don't you have any sense of crisis?"

"You're already overthinking things after just a few words. If something really happened, you'd be ready to die," she said, pinching his cheek. "You're doomed. You're deeply in love. You'll definitely be a jealous husband in the future." Whether

a girl with this kind of personality is a blessing or a curse is hard to say. "But I like it," he muttered softly to himself.

"What? If you like it, then do it," she rolled her eyes at him, inexplicably annoyed.

However, most of the time, a sense of crisis is necessary.

As Christmas approached, Jiang Yunuo and Lin Xuan went on fewer and fewer dates.

As for the football matches, Lin Xuan didn't insist, so she stopped going.

This wasn't necessarily a bad thing; being alone was much more convenient. It was just that some things were left unresolved for too long.

It was the annual Winter Games Cup university football tournament again.

The school's team was playing its first home game.

Before comparing the skills and stamina of the two teams, the quality of their cheerleading squads would naturally be compared. Everything should adapt to market demands; in today's booming "beauty economy," anyone who doesn't understand this will fall behind. With beautiful women by your side, you gain popularity. Think of Beckham's rise to fame. He was once considered a villain in England's history, and while his own qualities were certainly impressive, his glamorous celebrity wives were the unsung heroes behind his popularity. And then there's the first wife of David Beckham; her angelic smile occasionally captured by photographers on the field led to countless articles about their private lives. Therefore, hero and beauty are always the perfect combination.

In the crowd, the two stood out.

The man was handsome and refined, the girl stunningly beautiful, and they were chatting and laughing alone.

Lin Xuan remained shy, his face slightly flushed and his eyes flickering as he spoke. In contrast, Yan Xiluo appeared poised and elegant.

Lively music began to play, and the lovely girls ran onto the field.

He stood there for a long time, his face filled with disbelief and amazement. Only then did Jiang Yunuo realize that the man's gaze could be so intense. The world around him was noisy and chaotic, but in his eyes was a pure and flawless sanctuary, a space so clear it could only hold a captivating figure and a sweet, joyful face. His gaze was suffocatingly passionate. He displayed his uncontrollable infatuation, oblivious to everyone else. At this moment, he showed none of his usual shyness.

This is what men are like, this is what love is like, this is life.

Although she had already sensed it, she still felt a pang of heartache.

That nonchalance was a carefully crafted facade.

Unconsciously, she had already fallen in love.

Jiang Yunuo smiled slightly and walked out of the excited crowd.

From now on, such exhilarating scenes would no longer concern her.

From now on, please do not interfere in her life.

From now on, everything will be in the past.

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