[No Love on the Other Shore] (31-40)

Chapter 31 Love Until Death
Jiang Yunuo leaned against the back of the tour bus seat, playing cards with three single guys in the back. When the game got tense, she excitedly blurted out "Damn it!" The boys chuckled, "Jiang Yunuo, who can you rely on?" They were the only ones making a ruckus on the bus; everyone else was in pairs, whispering sweet nothings. Guan Ying had
a false alarm that day; thankfully, it was just a bluff. After the alarm was over, she suddenly realized Lei Yuan wasn't so hateful after all. After all, ignorance is bliss, and perhaps her initial thoughts had been a bit extreme. But thinking about the fear she'd had over the past few days, she still felt lingering unease, and therefore, her attitude towards Lei Yuan was somewhat cold.
Lei Yuan, oblivious to her feelings, cautiously followed behind, pondering where he had gone wrong. "Wife, what's wrong with you these past few days?" He put his arm around Guan Ying's shoulder, lowering his head to kiss her soft earlobe—his invincible weapon. Guan Ying's face flushed red instantly, and she pushed him away forcefully, "Get out of the way. Um, I want to eat an apple, don't peel it."
Seeing this, Lei Yuan thought he had a chance, and quickly took out an apple and a knife from his bag. Relieved, he dropped his timid expression, and his somewhat boisterous personality returned. Looking up at someone outside the car window, he loudly shouted, "Didn't you say you weren't coming?"
Jiang Yunuo, who was concentrating on memorizing cards, was startled by Lei Yuan's loud voice, her hand trembling, and the cards almost flew out of her hand. She turned her head and, sure enough, saw Xu Ke boarding the car with his travel backpack.
"I wanted to come again," Xu Ke said, greeting everyone around him. He walked from the front of the car, occasionally being nudged and patted, laughing and joking with several boys, instantly enlivening the atmosphere in the carriage.
"Yours?" Xu Ke asked Jiang Yunuo, pointing to the backpack on the seat next to him.
"No," Jiang Yunuo shook her head, "This seat is taken."
Xu Ke tossed the bag, whose owner it was, onto an empty seat in the last row, took off his own backpack, and placed it casually on the chair next to her.
"Let me play," Xu Ke said, having watched the game for a while. Finally, he couldn't resist reaching for Jiang Yunnuo's cards, and without thinking, he tossed them down while lecturing her, "You're hiding these cards, why don't you just throw them away... You're lucky, but your skills are terrible..." This caused the others to laugh.
Jiang Yunnuo ignored him and sat down to read her novel.
Lu Chengyu hurriedly ran onto the bus, only to find his seat taken. He looked around before finally finding his backpack in the last row. Lu Chengyu shook his head slightly, patted Xu Ke on the back of the head, and then sat down to watch them play cards.
Xu Ke played a few rounds absentmindedly, finding it boring, so he shoved his cards into Lu Chengyu's hand and sat down to listen to his MP3. He turned the volume up to the maximum, trying to drown out the roar of the car engine, and the loud, rhythmic music blaring from his earpiece made him restless.
He turned his head slightly and glanced at Jiang Yunuo beside him. She was huddled in the corner, engrossed in a book, clearly not interested in talking. The two seats, though not very spacious, felt empty now. She was avoiding him again. Xu Ke knew very well that if he had said he would come on this spring outing, she certainly wouldn't be on the bus now; she wanted to be as far away from him as possible. Why did he always end up in this frustrating stalemate?
Xu Ke got an apple and a knife from Lei Yuan and stuffed them into Jiang Yunuo's hands.
"I won't eat," Jiang Yunuo said, still looking down at the book in her hands and the two extra things, even though she couldn't concentrate on a single word. She was figuring out how to endure the three or four-hour journey. The bus had already started moving, and the wind blew in through the half-open window, rustling the pages of her book, chaotic and disordered, just like her current state of mind.
"I want to eat it, sis, can you peel it for me?" Xu Ke leaned back lazily in his chair, his expression gentle and harmless, with a hint of coquetry.
If it were before, Jiang Yunnuo would have shoved the apple back and demanded he peel one for her too. She had always been somewhat domineering in his presence. But now, a feeling stirred within her. It was as if the child who used to cling to her, tugging at her clothes and pleading, "Sis, will you go out and play with me... Sis, I want ice cream, will you buy it for me... Sis, let's watch Doraemon together..." A warm feeling flowed through her heart, like standing under the warm winter sun, a small sense of happiness radiating around her.
Jiang Yunnuo lowered her head to peel the apple, the wind blowing through her long hair, strands falling beside her face. Her face was small and round, still retaining a childlike quality, with curved sideburns, delicate earlobes, long eyelashes, and a straight nose. She liked to purse her lips slightly, her thin upper lip curling up slightly... A few playful strands of hair danced in the air, obstructing his view, and Xu Ke almost reached out to brush them away. However, all he could do was gently close the car window.
Xu Ke took the apple that Jiang Yunnuo had peeled and held it to her lips, asking, "Aren't you going to eat some?"
The fragrant aroma and sweet and sour fruity taste were very tempting, and Jiang Yunnuo couldn't resist taking a small bite. Ouch, so sour! She grimaced and pushed it away.
Xu Ke smiled softly, "Is it that sour?" and then took a bite from the small notch in the apple.
Jiang Yunuo's cheeks flushed. She turned to look at the fleeting scenery outside the window, trying to wash away the unsettling thoughts in her mind. She silently muttered to herself, "He didn't mean it, I'm overthinking it, he didn't mean it, I'm overthinking it..." After repeating this calming mantra several times, she felt ridiculous. Really, it's such a small thing, is it really worth making such a fuss?
After some time, she suddenly heard Xu Ke say, "Sister, I want to sleep for a while." Before she could react, he put one earpiece of his MP3 player into her ear, then sat down a little lower, resting his head on her shoulder, his long legs dangling out of the aisle. "Why are you so short?" he complained.
Jiang Yunuo was slightly startled, then tried to sit up straight so he could sleep more comfortably.
The carriage swayed, and the music in her ears was plaintive and soft...
"It's so noisy, are we there yet?" In her drowsy state, she seemed to hear someone making a commotion.
"Not yet, go to sleep. I'll wake you when we arrive," a gentle male voice sounded beside her, and someone lightly covered her ears.
When she woke up again, she realized that the person who said he was going to sleep was sitting there full of energy, while she was sound asleep in his arms.
"You're drooling again," Xu Ke reminded her earnestly.
She instinctively wiped it away, then realized she'd been tricked, and lightly punched him in the chest.
He lowered his head and smiled, his deep laughter like a rich, delicious coffee, incredibly charming, making one let down their guard.
The journey was peaceful.
When the tour bus arrived at the resort, night had already fallen.
The group got off the bus and walked into the hotel in a large group. It was peak tourist season, and the rooms had been booked in advance, standard rooms for two people. When assigning rooms, Guan Ying insisted on clinging to Jiang Yunuo despite someone's resentful gaze, so the resentful man looked at Jiang Yunuo with great frustration, "Mistress, give me back my woman."
Jiang Yunnuo shook her head, unable to resist kindly whispering in Lei Yuan's ear, "You asked for it. Who told you to go to bed without a condom?"
Lei Yuan blushed instantly, pointing at her but unable to utter a word, "You...you woman..."
After putting down their luggage and hastily finishing dinner, the group went to karaoke. The resort's entertainment center is usually quiet, with only four or five karaoke rooms, but all were full during the May Day holiday. Their group of over thirty had to stay in the lobby. A few tables of casual diners had left when they saw so many students suddenly appearing and making a ruckus. There were only two or three microphones, but plenty of mic hogs. The boys were scrambling for the microphones, a veritable sea of talented singers.
Jiang Yunuo listened to music while playing dice with Lu Chengyu and the others. Xu Ke was unusually well-behaved today, not causing any trouble or grabbing the microphone, sitting far away from her and not even glancing at her. She was anxious, her wins and losses mixed, and after a few drinks, she was feeling a little dizzy.
Suddenly, someone shouted, "Xu Ke, Xu Ke, Xu Ke..."
She didn't dare look in that direction, but tried to catch any fragments of his name in the chaotic air.
Then, amidst laughter, Xu Ke was pushed in front of the big screen by several people.
Lei Yuan shoved the microphone into his hand, saying, "Sing 'I'll Love You Till I Die,'"
"Are you fucking kidding me? This song won't do, it's too difficult," Xu Ke laughed, tossing the microphone back.
Lei Yuan smiled, leaned closer, and whispered something.
Xu Ke paused slightly, then obediently took the microphone.
Chapter 32 I Hope You're Happy
Love each other as if every day is the end of the world, every second is so beautiful it brings tears to your eyes. Regardless of whether others approve or disapprove, as long as you bravely come with me…
His voice was deep and magnetic, his expression gentle, his eyes like water.
Suddenly, the surroundings became quiet; someone softly whistled.
Jiang Yunnuo raised her glass to her lips, but forgot to drink. She listened intently, as if every word tugged at her heartbeat, bringing a slight pain.
Many miracles only exist because we believe in them. "Even in death, love is the only way; it's not enough to be passionate and unrestrained..."
He grinned roguishly, took a deep breath, and roared out the words, his voice slightly hoarse, possessing a rugged, masculine quality that stirred even greater emotions in the others, who joined in the singing. The voices of more than a dozen people nearly lifted the roof off, drawing the attention of waiters and passersby. They watched with smiles, captivated by this youthful, unbridled passion.
The melody rose higher and higher, and Xu Ke smiled and shook his head, his hand holding the microphone falling to his sides. He leaned against the bar, his gaze sweeping over the singers, finally meeting her gentle, watery eyes. Their gazes locked and sank into each other in the boiling air, as if shedding cold shackles and forgetting terrible taboos.
He looked at her quietly, a warm smile blooming gently on his lips, piercing through the darkness and stinging her eyes.
He raised the microphone, his voice striking her heart with a deep, resonant sound. " Even in
the darkest of times, love is the only way; it's not enough to be passionate and unrestrained." Hair will turn white, earth will bury it, but longing will not decay…
Jiang Yunuo put down her wine glass, a few drops spilling
onto the table. She stood up, but felt her legs go weak. Somewhat flustered, she pushed open the door and went out, but the noise inside was still deafening. The stars twinkled brightly in the dark blue night sky. She sat down weakly on the steps by the door, two little people in her head playing tug-of-war, neither giving an inch, until she felt dizzy.
A faint smell of tobacco wafted around her. She beckoned to the person standing beside her, “Give me a cigarette.”
Lu Chengyu handed her a cigarette and a lighter.
She put the cigarette between her teeth, took a deep drag, the strong tar smell choking her nostrils, the smoke swirling around her. She coughed a few times, suppressing her urges, and tears still welled up.
“How pathetic,” she laughed self-deprecatingly, wiping away her tears.
Lu Chengyu glanced at her, lightly flicking the ash from his cigarette, and said, "Tired?"
"Yes," she replied after a slight pause. The internal struggle of fighting with both hands was exhausting. With distracting thoughts, no matter how much she struggled, she would only end up flustered, exhausted, and even suffering a qi deviation. "...I'm so tired," she murmured, closing her eyes wearily.
"Why bother?" Lu Chengyu tossed away his cigarette butt. In the dim light, his face appeared resolute and handsome, with thick eyebrows, sharp eyes, and thin lips. Yet, his expression was warm.
Jiang Yunnuo didn't answer. She was momentarily confused, not having time to ponder his words, her mind filled with a sudden thought... Why not try other methods? She wasn't an action-oriented person, yet she liked to act impulsively and foolishly at inappropriate times, without even realizing it. She
stood up and climbed two steps, just to be at eye level with him. "God help me," she thought. "No need for a dramatic, earth-shattering spark, just a little bit of attraction is enough..." So, she leaned closer to his face, close enough to feel his breath.
Lu Chengyu stepped back slightly, but didn't back away, instead looking at her with some surprise. She, however, kept staring at his lips.
There was a pleasant smell of smoke, a spicy smell of alcohol, mixed with the faint scent of sweat unique to young men—not unpleasant. But... no ice cream... Yes, the scent of ice cream on someone was missing, a sweet, warm scent. Ever since that night of near-car accident, she had always associated someone with ice cream. She loved ice cream; it was always her first choice for dessert.
She suddenly stopped, wrinkling her nose in exasperation. "I thought your skin was good. Look, look, your pores are a bit large, and you have quite a few blackheads. You've been smoking and drinking too much!" So, it wasn't that she wasn't trying, but that she was an ice cream addict.
Lu Chengyu took a step back. "I'm not a woman, why bother with these things?" he said, grinning, his handsome features gleaming.
"Tired, going back to sleep," Jiang Yunnuo said as she walked down the steps. The moonlight was perfect, the air fresh, and in the distance, the hazy, dark outlines of mountains stretched out. The world was vast, yet she longed to find a place where no one knew her.
Lu Chengyu walked beside her. "It's late, I'll take you home."
Xu Ke sat on the sofa, his eyes slightly narrowed, watching the blurry figure gradually disappear through the gap of a few centimeters between the two doors. He suddenly felt a discomfort in his throat, as if a fishbone was stuck there. He coughed lightly a few times and picked up the steaming chrysanthemum tea from the coffee table.
"Careful, it's hot," the waiter kindly reminded him.
Xu Ke hummed in response, still holding the scalding green tea tightly, the intense heat washing over his palm in waves. Gradually, the pain in a certain part of his body subsided.
"I thought, there really might be a miracle," he told himself.
He abruptly slammed down his teacup, the porcelain clattering against the glass with a sharp, jarring sound. He strode towards the door…
Lu Chengyu's room was on the first floor. Jiang Yunnuo absentmindedly entered the elevator. The two doors slowly closed, like a smooth mirror, reflecting her own face—pale, haggard, and lifeless, as if terminally ill.
Then, someone reached out and blocked the door from the outside.
Jiang Yunnuo recognized the person and involuntarily took a step back.
Xu Ke walked in and stood beside her, saying nothing.
The door finally closed, and Xu Ke pressed the button marked five.
Only the fifth floor, yet time seemed to pass incredibly slowly. The digital display beside the door remained unchanged for a long time, as if it were broken.
In the cramped space, silence was always unbearably oppressive.
With a "ding," they finally arrived. Jiang Yunuo secretly breathed a sigh of relief and immediately went out.
Behind her, heavy footsteps followed; they lived in adjacent rooms.
She opened the door, but someone grabbed her arm and pushed her inside. She turned around abruptly, angrily asking, "What are you doing?"
Xu Ke slammed the door shut and approached her step by step until she was backed against the wall. "Jiang Yunuo, what exactly is going on between you and Lu Chengyu?" His voice was tired and hoarse.
She came to her senses, her expression awkward. "It's none of your business."
Xu Ke stared at her for a moment, then asked hesitantly, "You like him?"
She lowered her head, unsure how to answer.
He took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. "I don't have many friends, just one or two," he leaned down slightly to look at her, "If you're just trying to avoid me this way, then don't go and bother him."
What was he saying? What did he mean by avoiding me? Jiang Yunnuo's heart pounded. In her panic, she could only try to change the subject, "Haven't you messed with enough people? You... you're promiscuous. What right do you have to say that to me?" Her hasty words left her face flushed, and there was a sour undertone to her tone.
"I..." Xu Ke suddenly took a few steps back, leaning against the wall like her, sighing helplessly, "I know... you always try to avoid me. Give me some time, I'll try... we'll be like before... like when we were little, but I need time. If... you really like someone... I hope you'll be happy." His mouth was dry, and the two short sentences were broken and incredibly difficult to utter.
Jiang Yunnuo couldn't help but look up at him. His face was slightly thin, his brows furrowed with exhaustion, and his eyes flashed with undisguised struggle and helplessness. He was tired too, wasn't he? Suddenly, a heart-wrenching pain swept over her. She began to hate herself, how selfish and cold-hearted she was, only knowing how to reject and escape, never stopping to think that his pain was just as heavy, so unbearable that it burst forth. She had never failed to feel his deep dependence on her. But after years of separation, leaving him alone to grow up in solitude, their feelings had veered off course, drifting further and further away.
"Coco," she softly called his name, her heart trembling, yet she didn't know how to comfort him; any words would seem pale and powerless at this moment.
She reached out and touched his face, hoping to wipe away the endless sorrow.
Her hand was slightly cool but exceptionally gentle; Xu Ke couldn't help but grasp it, gently pressing it against his face.
"It's my fault," she said, her eyes glistening with clear tears, "I shouldn't have left you alone... all these years," her forehead pressed against his chest, tears soaking his clothes, "I'm sorry..."
Xu Ke felt the warm dampness on his chest, lifted her face, and those tears fell into his heart.
"It's not your fault, it's me...because of me..." His voice trembled slightly, and he hesitated several times before finally unable to utter the last few words.
He wiped away her tears with his fingers, but the tears still fell silently. He pulled her into his arms in a moment of panic, lowered his head, and kissed her eyes, gently touching them, trying to kiss away all her bitterness and sorrow.
A strange emotion gradually mixed with his deep pity; the burning scent of his body washed over her, and the surprise made her forget to cry.
Her heart pounded faster and faster, her cheeks burned, and she stood there, stunned. Both of them remained still, the only sound the other's suppressed breathing.
He looked down at her; she shyly looked away, her eyes like water, her nose slightly red, her lips like fire.
Xu Ke's mind went blank, his blood rushed to his head, and without thinking, he kissed her lips.
Reason, utterly defeated.
Chapter 33 Everything is in chaos
. Persistence and abandonment are separated by a mere thought.
His lips were thin and soft, his warm breath brushing against her cheek, carrying a hint of restraint and probing. The light, shallow touch made her restless, her resistance and tolerance gradually fading away.
Who had provoked whom? Who had so easily crossed that forbidden zone? And who had made everything irreversible?
Whether to punish him or herself, she parted her lips and bit down hard. The softness between her teeth brought an indescribable pleasure, a vengeful thrill.
Xu Ke winced in pain, letting out a low groan, and pushed her away slightly. Suddenly,
the sound of a key turning in the lock came from outside the door.
The two who had been embracing finally separated.
When Lei Yuan walked in, he saw the two standing silently facing each other, their auras strange, a meter apart. One's face was as red as a Fuji apple, and the other was covering her mouth with her hand in a resentful manner. "What, you two are arguing again?" He barged in and brazenly stood between them, making Jiang Yunnuo's heart almost jump out of her chest.
"Yunnuo, you hit him? What did this kid do to you again? Kids grow up, you can only teach them slowly, you can't use force. Besides, you can't hit him in the face..." Jiang Yunnuo tried to ignore his nagging and turned to find the TV remote. The room was too quiet, except for someone's noisy voice.
"What are you doing?" Xu Ke wiped his mouth and looked at Lei Yuan holding his backpack, asking strangely.
Lei Yuan looked happy and whispered in his ear, "Be smart, switch rooms with Guan Ying." He shoved the backpack into his hand and started unpacking Guan Ying's luggage. He was mentally prepared for both of them to object and decided to be firm. Guan Ying had finally agreed, and he couldn't let them break up their relationship. Spring nights are short, and it's not manly not to cherish them.
But no one said a word.
Xu Ke glanced at Jiang Yunnuo, who was engrossed in watching a soap opera. He couldn't help but stick out his tongue and lick his lower lip. The faint, sweet taste stimulated his taste buds. This was the most intimate contact between them, simply because she had rejected him again.
Without a word, Lei Yuan pulled the room key from Xu Ke's pocket and tossed the key Guan Ying had given him onto the table. Before leaving, he added, "Don't upset your sister. The two of them should get along well; a good man doesn't fight with a woman."
Jiang Yunnuo sat on the bed, hugging a pillow, and whispered, "Be nice to Guan Ying, don't cause a death."
Lei Yuan felt a little embarrassed, chuckled, and closed the door behind him.
Jiang Yunnuo rested her chin on the pillow and continued watching TV. Xu Ke was nervous; the quieter she was, the more nervous he became—he'd never been this nervous even when making the game-winning three-pointer. He clenched his fist, then relaxed it, took a deep breath, and finally looked up at her, feeling like an uninvited guest who had inadvertently entered someone else's territory, his head spinning, unsure what to do.
But he wasn't the only one nervous.
Jiang Yunnuo pretended to be nonchalant as she watched the incredibly intense drama series. At this moment, the delicate Zi Ling finally managed to utter over ten "I'm dizzy"s in one breath. Jiang Yun Nuo couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat for her. Only when she was sure she couldn't bear the atmosphere any longer did she hurriedly grab her pajamas and run into the bathroom as if escaping.
Water poured from the showerhead, and she forgot to take off her clothes, foolishly jumping into the bathtub.
Chaos, everything was in chaos.
Xu Ke sat down on the edge of the bed, scratching his hair helplessly.
After a while, he walked to the bathroom door, knocked, and only after hearing the sound of water inside gradually subside did he say, "I'm going out, you should go to sleep early."
Although the mountain nights were damp and chilly, it was still May, and Jiang Yunuo, curled up in bed, soon felt uncomfortably hot. She pushed the covers off, only draping a corner over herself, yet still felt a slight chill. Unable to fall asleep, she checked her phone; it was midnight.
The single bed a meter away was still empty, with only a small, dim light shining from the headboard.
Xu Ke wandered aimlessly through the streets for a while, then strolled into an internet cafe to play Counter-Strike.
The thrill of the kill numbed him in the smoky atmosphere.
"Damn, he kicked me out!" The person next to him slammed their hand on the keyboard.
They got up and wandered around the internet cafe, finally stopping beside Xu Ke. "Hey, you didn't kick me out, did you?"
"No," Xu Ke replied to the girl behind him without looking up.
The girl leaned over, staring at his computer screen, her long, curly chestnut hair brushing against his shoulder. "You're playing well," she said. "Add me, let's wipe them out together!"
So the two teamed up online, employing the same ruthless and fast-paced style, and ultimately emerged victorious. The girl laughed heartily for a long time.
Xu Ke checked the time; it was two in the morning. He couldn't hold on any longer and prepared to head home.
"Let's go, together," the girl stood up and skipped after him.
"My name is Zhou Xiaoquan, what's yours?" the girl asked, extending her hand to him as she caught up.
He gently squeezed her hand. "Xu Ke."
Zhou Xiaoquan giggled. "Such a feminine name. Is your nickname Coco?" she said, then softly called out twice, "Coco, Coco."
Xu Ke's heart skipped a beat, and he frowned slightly. "Don't call me that."
Zhou Xiaoquan shrugged indifferently. "Do you care?"
The two chatted idly until they reached Xu Ke's room.
Zhou Xiaoquan said, "Hey, we're really destined to meet, same hotel, same floor, I'm staying over there," she pointed to the room at the end of the corridor, "Are you coming out again tomorrow night?" "
Maybe," Xu Ke thought for a moment and answered.
Zhou Xiaoquan said, "Okay, I'll come find you at nine tonight, wait for me," and then hummed a song and leisurely walked away.
Xu Ke wearily pinched the bridge of his nose, gently opened the door, and went in.
He originally walked to his bedside, but changed direction halfway.
The person on the bed was breathing evenly, looking like she was already fast asleep, long hair scattered on the pillow.
Xu Ke stood beside her for a while, and finally leaned down, his hands on the bed, quietly looking at her, she was so close to him, yet so far away.
The next night, there was a knock on the door. Jiang Yunnuo checked the time and thought to herself that she was really punctual.
Xu Ke was taking a shower. Jiang Yunnuo threw the remote control on the bed and slowly went to open the door.
The moment the door opened, Zhou Xiaoquan was slightly taken aback. She saw a girl about her age, perhaps a little younger, wearing a light blue loungewear outfit, leaning against the wall with a smile. She looked somewhat docile, yet subtly exuded an air of untamed arrogance.
"Where's Xu Ke?" Zhou Xiaoquan glanced behind her, chewing gum, his expression habitually haughty.
Dark smoky eye makeup, voluminous curly hair, a vibrant figure… Jiang Yunuo sighed inwardly, thinking, "What does this brat have that he's surrounded by beauties?" "Still taking a shower," she replied.
Before she finished speaking, Xu Ke emerged from the bathroom, water droplets still clinging to his hair, wearing a white t-shirt and linen cotton trousers. Zhou Xiaoquan looked him up and down, thinking to herself, "This guy's pretty handsome."
Xu Ke greeted her, grabbed his phone and keys from the table and put them in his pocket, then said to Jiang Yunuo, "Lock the door, I have the key."
“Okay,” Jiang Yunuo nodded and closed the door.
Zhou Xiaoquan chuckled, “Your little girlfriend is quite obedient, letting you go out alone so late at night, you really have the heart to do that.”
Xu Ke thought to himself, “Because I’m her brother. ”
Jiang Yunuo kept pressing the remote control, changing TV channels again and again, before suddenly throwing the remote on the ground.
In the resort’s bar, Lu Chengyu was chatting with some classmates. One of them whispered, “A beautiful girl came in, and there are no guys around, I’ll go meet her.”
Another person chuckled, “What? Isn’t that Jiang Yunuo?”
Lu Chengyu looked up and saw Jiang Yunuo sitting down at the bar and ordering a drink. She drank it in big gulps, and soon ordered another.
The two people from before shouted at her, “Yunuo, take it easy!”
Jiang Yunuo then noticed them, smiling and waving at them.
Lu Chengyu walked over, “Why are you here alone?”
“Just bored,” she smiled lazily.
“You’ll get drunk if you drink like this.”
“Don’t worry, I can hold my liquor well,” she said, finishing another glass as she spoke.
Lu Chengyu frowned at her, leaning close to her ear to ask, “Where’s Xu Ke?”
“Who knows? He’s got so many commitments.”
Lu Chengyu waved for two more glasses of wine. “You drink. If you get drunk, I’ll carry you home.” His dark eyebrows looked especially beautiful under the orange light.
Jiang Yunnuo couldn’t help but glance at him a few more times. The same thick, dark eyebrows, the same beautiful shape. Too bad, you’re not him. After a while, she said, “No need. I suddenly… want to make a bet with myself. But the chances of winning are slim; I’m pretty unlucky.”
“What?” he asked curiously.
“Hehe,” she smiled but didn’t answer, “I want to be alone, is that okay?”
Unexpectedly, she said this. Lu Chengyu never liked to force people. He slowly walked out the door. Before he knew it, it was already past midnight. The classmates who had come with him had already gone home. He glanced back at the girl under the lamplight, recalling that rainy afternoon, her carefree, solitary figure on the bleachers by the playground, seemingly glimpsing a fragile soul filled with boundless loneliness and desolation. In the crowd, she had become accustomed to burying these feelings deep within.
He didn't know if he could open that door to her heart; he was already lost in the crowd. A voice suddenly whispered in his mind, "Forget it." He picked up the phone and dialed. The usually calm man suddenly felt a surge of anger, yelling into the receiver, "Where the hell are you?"
Chapter 34: The Chaos Continues
Lu Chengyu, Xu Ke, and Lei Yuan had spent three years at the same high school.
Back then, friendships between boys began exceptionally simply. Perhaps it stemmed from a thrilling ball game, a shared interest in a particular AV actress, or perhaps during lunch break, they were caught by school leaders smoking and discussing the girls' figures in the class, and subsequently branded as having poor class morals. At that time, the homeroom teacher was a handsome young man who taught physics. He was very ambitious and eager to make a name for himself in the country's education. He felt deeply ashamed because of this, so he disregarded the brotherhood they had once shared when playing football together and ordered them to write a 5,000-word self-criticism and call their parents.
After that, they started calling Xu Ke "Xiao Qiang" because his parents never showed up. He said his parents were divorced and he lived alone. In his own world, he could go online whenever he wanted, pick up girls whenever he wanted, watch porn without fear, and stay up late or skip breakfast without anyone nagging him. This freedom was extremely enviable to them, a group of rebellious teenagers still kept under their parents' thumbs. From then on, someone's image suddenly became much more impressive. Moreover, Xu Ke's physics grades were quite good, so the matter of calling his parents was eventually dropped.
They thus had a new hideout: Xu Ke's "doghouse.
" Lu Chengyu remembered that at the time, a copy of *One Hundred Years of Solitude* lay quietly on Xu Ke's desk, its worn condition comparable to Xu Ke's physics textbook. Lu Chengyu picked it up casually and looked at it; a girl's photograph slipped silently from the pages. He couldn't remember what the girl looked like, but he remembered the words on the book's title page: "The first person in the family will be tied to a tree, and the last person in the family will be eaten by ants."
He asked curiously why the last person would be eaten by ants.
Xu Ke explained that the last child in the family for centuries was the only one born of love, yet he was also the product of his parents' incest…
Lu Chengyu disliked tragedies and such complicated emotions; he preferred horror movies and Journey to the West. Life had many interesting things to do, and he didn't want to waste time on depressing stories, so he tossed the book aside. Xu Ke carefully kept the girl's photo.
Years later, when Lu Chengyu saw Jiang Yunuo again, a long-forgotten corner of his memory was slowly revealed.
Xu Ke received a call from Lu Chengyu, wondering what he wanted. He thought he'd finish his game before meeting him. However, he was restless all night, feeling something was about to happen, but couldn't quite put his finger on it. He tragically died in CS, much to Zhou Xiaoquan's dismay. Frustration and the disastrous outcome fueled his desire to win, leading him to repeatedly engage in battle, only to die again and again, until he felt like smashing his keyboard in frustration. During this time, his phone vibrated several times until the battery died, which he attributed to his mistakes in the game.
Lu Chengyu stood at the bar entrance, smoking, glancing occasionally at Jiang Yunnuo inside. Her alcohol tolerance was truly impressive; she hadn't passed out after drinking so much, and still politely refused the attempts to flirt with the men around her. He wondered if he should go in, knock that stubborn girl out, and take her away. Well, blame yourself for not being cooperative.
Jiang Yunnuo glanced at the clock on the wall, almost laughing, thinking, "I'm really unlucky. "
She paid the bill, walked out of the bar, her steps unsteady.
"Why are you still here?" she asked, narrowing her eyes, recognizing Lu Chengyu.
"You've had your fill," Lu Chengyu said, reaching out to support her shoulder, "Leaving you here alone, I can't explain it to anyone."
Jiang Yunnuo asked, "Who do I have to explain to? My parents haven't cared about me for a long time. Who else, my brother? That kid?" She chuckled softly.
Lu Chengyu unconsciously tightened his grip on her shoulders and whispered in her ear, "I can't explain to myself..." He suddenly noticed a figure standing under the streetlight, hands in his trouser pockets, staring straight at them. Lu Chengyu raised the corners of his mouth, "I can't explain to myself."
Xu Ke waited for them to approach and said to Jiang Yunnuo, "What time is it? Still wandering around outside?"
"I'm talking to you," Jiang Yunnuo tilted her head and leaned gently on Lu Chengyu's shoulder.
Xu Ke had just lost at CS and was already full of resentment. When she returned to the hotel and found Jiang Yunnuo wasn't there, she started to panic. Suddenly remembering the bar Lu Chengyu had mentioned on the phone, she rushed over. Seeing her drunken state, Xu Ke didn't want to pay her any more attention and turned to Lu Chengyu. "What do you want? You've been calling me non-stop," she thought, wondering if he'd invited her to watch a show.
Lu Chengyu retorted, "I only called you twice, and your phone was off."
"What do you mean only twice? It was dead from all the calls," Xu Ke was so annoyed that she hadn't even checked the caller ID.
Lu Chengyu's mind raced. He glanced down at Jiang Yunnuo.
Her expression was somewhat unnatural.
"I'm going to buy a pack of cigarettes. You guys go back first," he said, letting go of her hand, thinking, "Where can I buy cigarettes this late in this remote area?"
Jiang Yunnuo felt a little dizzy and stood there in a daze.
"Come on, what are you standing there for?" Xu Ke seemed a little impatient.
Jiang Yunnuo sighed, as if she couldn't take a step.
Xu Ke shook his head, took her hand, and strode forward, not caring whether she could keep up.
Jiang Yunnuo followed behind, running and walking, her ankles aching from the straps of her high-heeled sandals. She grabbed his arm, but he showed no sign of accommodating her. Frustrated, she bit his arm.
Xu Ke slowed down and turned to look at her. "Are you a dog? You like biting people so much."
"You're late," she said softly, her face slightly flushed.
He glanced at her but didn't speak.
Jiang Yunnuo's thoughts were unusually complex, and being ignored like this made her feel discouraged, so she stopped walking.
Xu Ke turned around. "What is it now?"
"You walk by yourself, my feet hurt," she said, swaying as she squatted down to untie her shoelaces.
Xu Ke stared at the thin, pointed heels. "What kind of shoes did you buy? Are you torturing yourself?"
She stood barefoot on the ground, carrying the shoes, and stormed off. Her feet were delicate and slender, her skin almost blindingly white, her toes rounded, her nails neatly trimmed and coated with a thin layer of pale purple paint, shimmering like grape seeds. The only flaw was a few fine red marks scattered around her ankles.
Xu Ke bent down and scooped her up in his arms.
They walked through the lobby, out of the elevator, and into the room.
"Damn, I'm exhausted," he said, slightly out of breath, as he put her down.
Jiang Yunnuo blushed, her heart pounding, feeling dizzy and unsteady. She reached out and grabbed Xu Ke's shoulder, muttering under her breath, "You brat."
Xu Ke brushed her hand away and walked into the room.
What was with his attitude? This wasn't his place to be angry. Jiang Yunnuo grabbed his sleeve, all her anger finally bursting out, "What do you mean? Not answering my calls is one thing, but then you go out and flirt with other women at night? Are you a werewolf?"
Xu Ke turned to look at her.
"You, you're a womanizer, a philanderer, a philanderer, a gigolo..." Jiang Yunnuo guessed that someone was about to explode, so she simply closed her eyes and rambled on, saying whatever was most offensive. When she ran out of words, she refused to back down, so she muttered softly, "It's all your fault, making me drink so much, I feel terrible, and you won't even answer my calls, why do you treat me like this, why..."
"Did I tell you to go drinking?" Xu Ke approached her, his expression calm.
"It was you, I made a bet with myself, and I lost," she seemed tired, her eyes half-closed, gently leaning on his shoulder.
"What bet did you make?" His voice was deep and gentle, seemingly possessing a soothing magic.
"It's just... before I get drunk, you'll find me..." She suddenly closed her eyes and sobbed softly twice, one hand still tightly clutching his clothes, her expression somewhat frightened and helpless, like a child separated from their family in a crowded street, "But you're with someone else... um, are you ignoring me..."
Xu Ke felt a warmth in his heart, opened his arms and gently embraced her, "Don't you like me being with someone else?"
"Um."
"Don't you like being separated from me?"
"Um."
"Don't you like... that I'm your brother?"
"..."
Not hearing her answer, he couldn't help but feel a little anxious, gently holding her and rocking her, "Say something."
She snuggled against him, adjusting to a more comfortable position, her breathing gradually becoming calm and even.
"Can you fall asleep standing up?"
He carried her to the bed and lay down beside her.
In the moonlight, her face was gentle and beautiful, like a dream.
Just being together like this, even for just a few minutes, he thought.
Chapter 35 Escaping the Gates of Hell
Headache, limbs weak, the bitter fruit of a hangover.
A warm breath brushed against her ear, lingering and captivating.
Jiang Yunuo rubbed her eyes, and that handsome face gradually came into focus. Dawn was breaking, and the sound of rain pattered outside the window, carrying a sweet scent of morning. For a fleeting moment, she had the illusion of returning to her childhood, a time when gender boundaries were less defined, and how they had slept peacefully in each other's arms through countless lonely and cold nights. This mutual comfort seemed to have never ceased; the days of separation were perhaps just insignificant gaps in her memory.
His expression as he slept was the same as before: his brows relaxed, his thin lips slightly parted, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, innocent and unguarded. She gently stroked his brows, his nose, and finally his lips, her hand lingering briefly before quickly moving away. Her emotions were no longer as unrestrained as when she was drunk.
His arm was behind her head, tangled with her long hair, an ambiguous yet peaceful sight. The person was still the same, but her feelings had changed. She quietly sat up, wanting to leave. He seemed to sense her movement, shifting slightly, moving closer to her.
She suddenly tensed, shrinking back, but behind her was a cold wall, leaving her nowhere to retreat. Afraid he would suddenly wake up, she remained motionless, simply closing her eyes tightly until she heard his breathing gradually return to normal. Sleepiness returned, and just as she relaxed her guard, she was unexpectedly pulled into a warm embrace. She couldn't help but gasp, her hands resting on his shoulders.
Xu Ke slightly opened his eyes, finding Jiang Yunnuo staring at him, her face flushed. He instinctively wanted to release her, but the soft feeling made him unable to resist. He couldn't help but kiss her forehead, "It's still early, sleep a little longer," his voice deep and husky, incredibly alluring.
Jiang Yunnuo gently pushed him away, "No, we're going hiking later."
“Isn’t it raining?” He kissed her cheek again.
“Can you let go of me first?” Her voice sounded soft and weak.
Xu Ke’s heart skipped a beat, his gaze shifting to her lips, like pink flower petals. “Nuonuo, I…” He didn’t know how to begin. “I…”
His face flushed slightly, his eyes filled with pleading. Jiang Yunnuo suddenly felt the softest corner of her heart gently touched. In a moment of passion, she gently kissed his lips. “Is this okay?”
The sudden happiness stirred up an even stronger impulse within her. Xu Ke pushed Jiang Yunnuo away. “You smell of alcohol. Go wash up.”
The sound of the shower came from the bathroom. Xu Ke lay on the bed, feeling a kind of pent-up frustration. Tossing and turning, his hand finally moved to a certain hot spot on his body, slowly and rhythmically stroking it. After a while, the scent of hormones filled the room.
When Jiang Yunnuo changed into a t-shirt and jeans and came out of the bathroom, Xu Ke was sitting on the edge of the bed watching TV. Then, he stood up expressionlessly, walked past her expressionlessly, and went to the bathroom to wash up, completely different from the warm and affectionate man he had been half an hour earlier.
Jiang Yunuo quietly dried her hair, began packing her bag, and put on her sneakers. Xu Ke finally spoke to her, "Where are you going?", his words flat and distant.
"To eat, then go out for a walk," she said, tying her shoelaces and standing up. "Aren't you coming?"
The two walked into the restaurant one after the other in silence.
"Why are you angry?" Jiang Yunuo couldn't help but ask, just because she smelled of alcohol?
Xu Ke was clearly taken aback. "No, I'm not angry."
"You're lying," she stopped and looked directly into his eyes.
"Really not," Xu Ke smiled at her, "maybe I slept too late last night and have a bit of a headache," he made up a reason.
What else could he say? That he was annoyed because he wanted to sleep with his sister? That his desire for her was growing stronger and uncontrollable? That sordid desire had begun at fourteen. In the bizarre, nightly dreams, her image was ever-present, leaving him drenched in sweat upon waking.
Morality and temptation intertwined; one moment he desperately wanted to be near her, the next he wanted to distance himself, never to see her again, just like the seven years of separation when, upon their reunion, he had become accustomed to wearing a mask of indifference, deceiving himself.
Yet now, he could see the half-open gates of hell, just one step away. There might be ultimate pleasure there, but it filled him with dread. Her resolute avoidance had once caused him heartache and despair, but now, she no longer rejected him, while he considered retreating. The contradictions within human nature are ever-present; ultimately, people love themselves more.
Xu Ke's eyes flickered, but Jiang Yunnuo didn't press further. The more one cares for someone, the more sensitive and tender one becomes; strong pride is merely the last line of defense.
The breakfast at the restaurant was buffet style. Jiang Yunuo hesitated between hot milk and iced orange juice, not because she couldn't choose, but because she was absent-minded.
"Sister, what do you want to drink?" His expression seemed to hint at something, though there had never been any inappropriate advances between them.
She didn't speak, but simply picked up a glass of milk, a heavy, full glass, tilting it slightly, almost spilling the milk. She held the glass with both hands; sometimes people need warm touch, no matter the season.
The mountain air was a bit chilly, so being drenched in iced orange juice would be unpleasant. It was around ten o'clock, and there weren't many diners. The waiters had already begun bringing food into the kitchen. At the other end of the restaurant, Lei Yuan's light-colored shirt was covered in yellowish juice stains. Guan Ying put down her empty glass, grabbed her bag, and rushed out, creating a whirlwind as she passed Jiang Yunuo and the others.
It happened so suddenly that by the time Jiang Yunuo came to her senses, she was nowhere to be found.
"What happened?" the two asked Lei Yuan as they walked over with their trays.
Lei Yuan crumpled the tissue in his hand and threw it on the table. "How the hell should I know? Women are so unreasonable."
Jiang Yunnuo said, "You must have bullied her." Guan Ying's manners and composure were always excellent; she would never do something so outrageous without reason. "Guan Ying is angry, and the consequences will be severe."
"I just told her that I plan to go abroad after graduation," Lei Yuan said, pouting with a wronged expression.
“Why would a law student like you go abroad?” Jiang Yunuo glared at him. “You know Guan Ying is planning to stay at the university for graduate school. How will you be with her if you leave?”
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t come back, and I didn’t say I was breaking up with her.”
“You’re being unreasonable. You didn’t say you wanted to be with her either.”
“She didn’t even give me a chance to speak,” Lei Yuan tugged at his wet clothes. “You girls are all so fierce.”
“And then?” Xu Ke peeled a boiled egg and put it on Jiang Yunuo’s plate. “Eat up.”
“Then she asked, what about her? I just said I didn’t know. And then, that was it.”
"What do you mean you don't know? You fucking took advantage of her and then said you were leaving. Anyone would be angry in that situation. If it were me, I would have thrown hot milk on her," Jiang Yunuo pushed the plate in front of her aside. "I can't eat, I'm full of anger... What's wrong with Guan Ying? You played her like that. She's not some random girl, someone you can just call and call. What do you mean by that?" Jiang Yunuo got angrier and angrier as
she spoke. "I'm not a casual person either," Lei Yuan said, stunned by her words.
"When you're casual, you're not human, are you?" Jiang Yunuo raised her voice.
Xu Ke held her hand beside her. Jiang Yunuo glanced at him. "You half-finished men, you're so clueless. If you hadn't decided to be together, you shouldn't have gotten involved in her in the first place. And now you want to break up? Aren't you sick?" She shook off his hand and walked out of the restaurant.
"Why is your sister more agitated than me, the person involved?" Lei Yuan slumped back in his chair, fuming. "She can't stand these women. It's not a big deal."
“You’re wrong. I won’t help you this time either.” Xu Ke picked up an egg from Jiang Yunuo’s plate, a sudden pang of pain shooting through her heart. She stuffed the whole egg into her mouth, chewing it like wax.
They were both wrong, wrong from the very beginning.
Jiang Yunuo returned to her place. Guan Ying seemed to know she was coming back, standing outside with her luggage. Jiang Yunuo opened the door and let her in, quickly tidying up Xu Ke’s luggage and tossing it back into the next room.
“Forget it, let’s talk to him again. Men and women sometimes really think completely different things,” Jiang Yunuo pulled her to sit down on the sofa.
“You all know,” Guan Ying smiled gently at her. “He must still feel really wronged. I like him more than he likes me. This feeling is too tiring. Breaking up like this isn’t so bad.”
“Guan Ying, it’s not that he doesn’t like you enough, it’s just that love isn’t his whole life.”
“That’s right, but I was so stupid, I almost made him my everything,” her words were clear and slow. “Back then, if he had said something like ‘let’s go together,’ I would have followed him without hesitation… But thankfully, he didn’t say that. What right does he have to control my future?”
"Ha, men are so boring," Guan Ying laughed and winked at Jiang Yunuo. "Why not be a lesbian?"
Jiang Yunuo shook her head. "Come on, how could you change your sexual orientation because of him?"
"You're right. Who am I? If I liked women, countless boys would commit suicide. I can't live against my conscience.
" "You're really thick-skinned," Jiang Yunuo gently pinched her cheek. After
they finished laughing and joking, Guan Ying suddenly seemed thoughtful. "Actually, I've always felt that whether it's a man or a woman, once they fall in love with someone, they will give their all and won't give up easily. Some people are indifferent to love, maybe because they haven't met the one they truly like." A trace of desolation appeared between her brows. "Xiao Jiang, sometimes I think, Lei Yuan isn't indifferent, it's just that he has someone else in his heart."
Chapter 36 Pig's Head and Meat Buns
After returning from the spring outing, Guan Ying and Lei Yuan had broken up.
What is a heartbroken person like? Some people are tormenting themselves, while others have made enemies of money.
Guan Ying bought a bunch of new clothes, wearing a different outfit every day, happily and always looking radiant and full of energy. However, the girl who used to lean on her boyfriend, smiling sweetly, was gone.
The person who used to be at odds with her was now holding a cigarette in one hand and a can of cola in the other, staring blankly at the food on the table. The school cafeteria didn't serve alcoholic beverages, so Lei Yuan had to drink cola. What was so good about cola? It tasted like Chinese medicine, but Guan Ying loved it. He had even tried using cola to wash dishes; it was grease-free and worked wonders, proving it was much more effective than beer. So, he often nagged Guan Ying, saying cola was like dish soap, and she shouldn't use her stomach as a dishwasher. But she wouldn't listen; this seemingly gentle and refined girl was stubbornly principled.
Lei Yuan's chin was covered in stubble, his hair slightly disheveled, a far cry from his previous gentle and refined style, now adopting a颓废 (颓废 is a difficult word to translate directly, but it implies a state of decadence, listlessness, and melancholy) and melancholic look. Jiang Yunuo sat down next to Lei Yuan with her lunchbox, thinking to herself, "This is the true nature of a petty thug." "Hey, you look great," she said.
Lei Yuan glanced at her. "I don't want to talk to a woman like you."
"What? It's not like I dumped you," Jiang Yunuo couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm like this, and you're still laughing?" he retorted angrily.
"Regretful? You only know how to cherish something after you lose it, how unoriginal," Jiang Yunuo said, resting her chin on her hand, looking at him with schadenfreude.
"Alright, you're getting more and more excited."
"I haven't finished yet. If Guan Ying doesn't dump you, I'll break up with her," she said, initially joking, but immediately realizing she'd gone too far. After all, he was going through a painful breakup; his heart was still fragile, and his emotions were vulnerable.
Sure enough, Lei Yuan shook his head, his eyes growing even dimmer. "Looks like I'm really a terrible person. Even serious criminals get suspended death sentences, but my little case falls into your hands and you don't even need to interrogate me, you just shoot me outright." He suddenly looked at her, puzzled. "What do you women think you have in your heads all day? Do you think every man is a Casanova? All you do is talk about love and nothing else? All I want to do is go abroad, it's not like I'm having an affair, is it really that big of a deal?"
“The problem is,” Jiang Yunuo tapped her head, pondering how to translate her Earthly thoughts into Martian language so that the person in front of her, who looked so bitter and resentful, would find it easier to accept, “Guan Ying has subconsciously included you in her life, and your sudden appearance as a new target has disrupted her plans. She’ll think you don’t care about her, and that your future excludes her. She’s disappointed, she feels a lot of pressure, and you don’t understand. So, it’s better to end it quickly than to drag it out. It’s better to go your separate ways than to get entangled in something fruitless…”
At this point, her heart suddenly skipped a beat, and the fog seemed to gradually dissipate, revealing a cruel truth. “It’s better to go your separate ways than to get entangled in something fruitless”—did he think the same way? So, he’d avoided her since that day? How many days had it been? Four days, five days, or a week? Sometimes, she'd see him in her department's classes. She'd be in the front row, and he'd be sitting far away at the back. Even in their rare encounters on campus, he'd avoid her gaze… He finally made this decision, just like she had before.
"Yunnuo," Lei Yuan waved his hand in front of her eyes, "Hey, what are you thinking about?" After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Do you think I still have a chance?"
Jiang Yunnuo smiled. "She really cares about you." Lei Yuan took a sip of his cola
and didn't say anything more.
Jiang Yunnuo stirred the rice in her bowl and casually asked, "What's Xu Ke been up to lately? I haven't seen him anywhere."
Lei Yuan said, "It's the same as before: classes, meals, playing ball, and sleeping. As for whether I've been chasing girls, I don't know."
Jiang Yunuo closed her lunchbox. "I'm leaving now. Don't be too sad. You still need to eat. Let's save our lives first."
"Talk to me a little longer."
"No time. I have an elective class later," she said, turning to leave.
Lei Yuan called after her, "When the pressure is too much, everyone wants to escape. Men and women are the same in this respect."
That evening, Jiang Yunuo went to her elective sketching class. The sketching teacher was quite impressed with her, saying that her lines were vivid and smooth, her composition harmonious, and that she had a certain artistic foundation. Jiang Yunuo beamed with pride for a long time. Actually, she had just liked to copy the oddly proportioned handsome guys in comic books since she was a child. Perhaps that's why she gradually developed a feel for it when she put pen to paper. In her spare time, she would occasionally stay in the studio and draw a few still lifes on the teacher's desk. Over time, she drew quite a few apples, bananas, jars, and plaster sculptures.
Her sketching teacher was a cheerful old man who liked to assign different tasks based on each student's learning progress. At this moment, he was praising Jiang Yunuo's recently submitted drawing of David, and then enthusiastically encouraged her, "You could try figure sketching."
Jiang Yunuo thought to herself, "Teacher, you're forcing me. The difference between a plaster sculpture and a living person is too big for me." She remembered when she was young, she used both soft and hard tactics to force Xu Ke to sit on the small stool in front of her as her model. At that time, Xu Ke was still a very small child with chubby cheeks. She pretended to draw for a long time, and a pig's head appeared on the paper. The second time seemed slightly better, because the pig's head turned into a meat bun. Finally, she couldn't bear it anymore and threw down her pen, screaming, "How could I have such an ugly little brother like you?" For this, the little meat bun got a beating.
Even the smallest things reminded her of him.
Jiang Yunuo was lost in thought when the sketching teacher, already enthusiastically speaking, "Give it a try. I'll find you a model; you only need to draw the head." He waved to the back of the classroom, "Hey, you reading, come to the front. This isn't a study room; everyone here is either drawing or a model." The other students laughed.
Jiang Yunuo turned around and was immediately bewildered.
Xu Ke walked over and said, "Excuse me, teacher, I'm waiting for someone."
The sketching teacher chuckled and pointed to the bench next to the podium, "No need to stand as punishment while waiting for your girlfriend. Sit down." More laughter erupted around them.
Xu Ke had no choice but to sit down. His seat faced Jiang Yunuo, their eyes meeting, both feeling somewhat awkward.
Jiang Yunuo's mind was as blank as the canvas in front of her, unsure how to make her first stroke. "Teacher, could you please draw a sample?" she said.
As the sketching teacher sketched the basic outline on the paper, he began chanting his twelve-word mantra, "Everything is difficult at the beginning, and the expressions of a person are much richer than those of a statue... So you must observe more, experience more, sketch more, and copy less... Hmm, young man, you look quite spirited."
Hearing this, Jiang Yunuo's face flushed red instantly. She thought to herself, "What the hell am I doing?" She quickly glanced at Xu Ke, muttering to herself, "Just a pig's head."
The sketching teacher handed the pencil back to Jiang Yunuo, pointing to Xu Ke on the stage, "Observe real objects more, especially the eyes. The eyes of a person are very important; they represent their thoughts... Come on, think about it again."
Reluctantly, Jiang Yunuo forced herself to look up and "observe" the person in front of her. The guy was looking at her, his eyes burning, lost in thought, and seemingly a little haggard. What did he mean? He disappeared a while ago, and now he's playing the ambiguity game... Boring kid, boring pig's head, boring bun. Thinking this, she glared back at him fiercely, thinking, "See? See? Who's afraid of who?" Then, she noticed that his face was red.
Painting requires a calm and focused mind, but she was distracted, scribbling on the paper until the end of class.
Xu Ke, with his backpack slung across his shoulder, stood behind her, silently watching her methodically put the paper, pens, and other items into her backpack one by one. Finally, she slowly turned to face him. The studio's operating lights were dazzling, their world like daytime. Easels stood all around, and outside was a dark corridor, silent, as if time had stood still.
His eyes, like the deep night, were a captivating landscape under the brilliance.
"I'm sorry," he said, "Could you please forgive my hesitation and cowardice?" What is cowardice? Is it letting oneself sink deeper into uncontrollable emotions, or fleeing hastily because one is afraid to face you? If I had to choose, I would rather submit to my weak will and lose myself… because, when I'm not by your side, I can't even feel my own existence.
At this moment, Jiang Yunuo felt as if she were awaiting a verdict, filled with unease and even inexplicable fear.
"I miss you," he said again.
She suddenly kicked him, but he didn't flinch, standing firmly before her like a tree rooted to the soil. Then, she kicked him again, and again… but the force gradually diminished until it disappeared.
He approached her, taking her hand. "Do you…miss me?"
"No," she said, slowly nestling into his embrace. "I hate you, don't you know?" Her lips pressed against his chin.
He abruptly lowered his head, kissing her lips so urgently, as if a moment's hesitation would bring everything back to square one.
His tongue grazed her lips, then frantically explored between her teeth, gently touching, softly sucking…
After a long while, he reluctantly released her, taking a deep breath.
"I feel dizzy," he said, pressing his forehead against hers, "It's like you're spinning around in front of me."
She chuckled and pinched his cheek. "I didn't notice. I thought you were a seasoned pro, a master kisser. How come you're so clumsy? Do you and other people just go straight to bed?" A few strands of hair fell over his eyes, his gaze slightly dazed, radiating a captivating sensuality, like the lingering sweetness of creamy ice cream. She tiptoed, hooking her arm around his neck. "You little rascal, let me show you what kissing is..."
She pressed her lips to his, intently savoring the sweetness on her tongue, his taste. She gently teased and seduced him, gradually their bodies intertwining, their breaths mingling and swirling, until they parted, both breathing softly.
"More," he said, his brow furrowing slightly, his face flushed, as he leaned in again.
"No more, the lights are about to go out," she said, lowering her head slightly to avoid him.
"You think you're so great?" He lifted his arm and pulled her into his embrace, pinching her chin. "So what if you've had a childish romance..." His words trailed off as he kissed her passionately, his kisses growing more intense and passionate with each thrust, from a diligent student to a valiant soldier...
Chapter 37 Let's Go on a Date
Jiang Yunuo stared blankly at her phone, hesitating whether to call him.
The moment her finger touched the dial button, her heart leaped. What should she say? She remembered last night; it felt like a dream, surrounded by bright lights that blinded her, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Twenty hours later, it felt like an eternity. The longer time passed, the more uneasy she felt. She couldn't be sure if it was a dream or reality.
When two people aren't together, will their hearts leave without hesitation?
"Ah," a chocolate was shoved into her mouth with extreme roughness.
Guan Ying asked her, "Who are you thinking about? I didn't hear you when I talked to you."
Jiang Yunuo gently tossed her phone onto the bed. "Thinking about you."
Friday night was the perfect time for a date, and the dorm was quiet.
Guan Ying chuckled. "You've been acting strange since you came back last night," she paused, then continued, "Little Jiang, something's up. Who could it be?"
"No way, don't talk nonsense," Jiang Yunuo said, a little embarrassed to look at her, and walked to the bookshelf, randomly pulling out a book.
Guan Ying looked at her with a smile. "Look, your face is all red. Who is it?"
"Really, no one, sister," she whispered.
"You're not a good friend... Fine, if you don't want to say, that's fine, just don't get too involved. Learn from my mistakes."
Jiang Yunuo felt a pang of sympathy, thinking, if I could, I'd tell you first. She tried to change the subject. "I ran into Lei Yuan at dinner yesterday. He seemed pretty upset.
" "Really?" Guan Ying's expression remained unchanged. "Don't worry, he'll be fine in a few days."
“Actually, aren’t you being too sensitive about some things? He…”
“It’s all in the past, let’s not bring it up again, okay?” Guan Ying knew what Jiang Yunnuo meant by “some things.” She didn’t want to think about it anymore, so she interrupted her, her words tinged with impatience. She rarely acted like this; she might disdain arguing with you, or simply laugh it off, but she had never reacted like this before. Some people, some things, if you can’t easily forget them, if you still care, become a thorn in your heart, causing pain unexpectedly, without time to hide it.
Jiang Yunnuo remained silent, the two of them holding their books, lost in their own thoughts.
As fate would have it, in the corridor, at the other end of the iron gate, someone suddenly called out, “406, Jiang Yunnuo,” it was Lei Yuan’s voice. Jiang Yunnuo paused, then put down her book and went out. The moment she opened the door, Guan Ying watched her retreating figure, her eyes dimming. She slumped weakly onto her desk, a bitter smile playing on her lips. She drew circles on the table with her finger, returning to the starting point from the end; the process disappeared, the displacement equal to zero. History always repeats itself, doesn't it?
Jiang Yunnuo looked at Lei Yuan with some dissatisfaction through the iron gate, "After so many days of silence, you finally decided to come find her?"
Lei Yuan shook his head, "I'm not looking for her, I'm looking for you. Um... your brother seems to be sick."
"What's wrong with him?"
Lei Yuan suddenly laughed, "When he's not doing anything, he just sits there grinning like an idiot, don't you think he's sick?" Just then, he was shoved aside.
Xu Ke walked over and stepped between the two, kicking Lei Yuan from behind, "Get lost, why the hell aren't you playing ball? What are you dawdling for?"
"I just wanted to talk to Yunnuo a bit more... Damn it, stop kicking me, I'm leaving, okay?" As she spoke, her laughter faded into the distance.
Xu Ke turned around and looked at Jiang Yunnuo, her face slightly red, her eyes full of laughter.
Jiang Yunnuo suddenly felt a little embarrassed, lowered her head and asked softly, "Is there anything else?"
Her face was round and rosy, very cute.
“It’s nothing,” he said. Through a gap of a few centimeters between the wall and the iron gate, he suddenly reached out and gently stroked her face. “I just missed you.”
His voice was deep and gentle, melodious and captivating as it traveled through the quiet, empty corridor.
Beside the iron gate, the doors of two girls’ dorm rooms opened simultaneously; some came out to take out the trash, others simply stood in the aisle combing their hair. For a moment, people came and went, creating a lively scene.
Jiang Yunuo quickly stepped back a little. “Aren’t you going to play ball?”
Xu Ke shook his head.
“Then let’s go to the library to study,” she said.
There were only about ten people scattered in the study room. The two entered through the back door. Jiang Yunuo was about to walk forward when Xu Ke grabbed her and pulled her to sit in the corner of the last row.
Jiang Yunuo opened her books to do her homework.
Xu Ke said, “Stop messing around, I can’t even study.”
Jiang Yunuo found it strange. “I wasn’t talking to you.”
“You’re wrong, and you won’t admit it,” he pointed to his heart, “You’ve been making a scene here, you’re practically doing somersaults.”
Jiang Yunnuo’s face flushed again, and she turned her head away from him.
Xu Ke leaned close to her ear and whispered, “What should I do? I want to kiss you again.”
Jiang Yunnuo felt a mix of panic and excitement, and looked up at him blankly.
“If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to resist,” Xu Ke sighed, “Stop reading, let’s go see a movie.”
“No,” she shook her head; it felt a little strange for the two siblings to watch a movie together.
“How about we go for a walk?” he shook her arm.
Jiang Yunnuo helplessly poked his forehead and put away her book. She had been sitting there for half an hour, but hadn’t been able to concentrate on a single word.
The area around the school was brightly lit, but the campus itself was quiet and elegant. In the inky sky, a crescent moon floated faintly, its light tinged with a transparent blue. The dark green forest, its branches dappled with leaves, was dense and layered, seemingly growing wildly and spreading in the warm night.
Under the streetlights, the two figures were at least twenty centimeters apart.
"Do you know what a 'itchy tree' is in our school?" Xu Ke looked at her sideways, his eyes sparkling.
"What's a 'itchy tree'?"
"If you scratch it, its branches and leaves will keep swaying."
"Is it a mimosa?" Her curiosity was piqued.
"It's not a grass, it's a tree," he said confidently. "Do you want to see it?"
"Yes," she nodded obediently.
The two walked into the forest, deeper into it, where only a thin moonlight shone.
Xu Ke stopped beside a small tree. "It looks like this one."
Jiang Yunnuo touched the trunk, stopped, touched it again, "It's not at all," she said, looking up, unable to see the expression on the person beside her's face. "You're lying."
“I didn’t,” he whispered, lowering his head to kiss her, as gentle as moonlight.
He pulled her into his arms little by little, then held her tightly, the silence around them making her heart race.
“Hmm, do you like it when I kiss you?” His voice sounded languid and reluctant, seemingly pressing down on her heart.
“Do you like it?” she asked back, placing her hands on his chest, enjoying the intense rhythm beneath her palms.
“I’m addicted to kissing you,” he gently nibbled her ear, “If someone says they want to take you to see some trees, ignore them, okay?”
“Oh,” she laughed, turning to leave, “I’m ignoring you.”
He held her tightly, “Except for me,” his lips pressed against hers again, “Be good, don’t move, not enough…” His lips were warm and soft, gradually moving downwards, lingering behind her ear, on her neck, and between her collarbone.
“Coco…” she tried to push him away, but his strength was great, possessively holding her captive.
Accompanied by a cacophony of footsteps, a blinding orange light suddenly pierced their vision. Xu Ke abruptly turned around and pulled Jiang Yunnuo behind him. Upon seeing who it was, he couldn't help but mutter a curse.
"What are you doing?" Several people wearing red armbands approached them. "What are you doing in school? Don't you know the rules? No arm-in-arm, no hugging..."
Jiang Yunnuo stood behind Xu Ke, her forehead pressed against his back. His broad shoulders easily covered her. He still held her hand; his hand was large, warm, and dry. Her panicked heart gradually calmed down.
The footsteps grew closer, and then they heard someone say, "Damn, we thought it was someone else. We were just wondering why you weren't playing in the basketball game today, turns out it's..."
Xu Ke chuckled softly, "I'm busy right now."
The group burst into loud laughter, some peering behind him and whispering, "Who's this? Can we see him?" The surrounding crowd jeered and cheered.
Jiang Yunnuo's face flushed, and she moved closer to Xu Ke.
Xu Ke tightened his grip on her hand, laughing and scolding, "Get lost, my girlfriend's shy. If you scare her, I'll never forgive you... How about this, I'll treat everyone to dinner another day."
Jiang Yunnuo heard his words coming from his body, warm, deep, moving, and reassuring. She couldn't help but gently trace her fingers on his back, "Girlfriend...girlfriend..."
"Sure, bring your girlfriend along. We won't bother you any longer, you guys continue, continue..." The group left, laughing and joking. Lin Xuan, standing silently in the crowd, stared at the clasped hands. The girl's hands were delicate and white, her fingers slender, painted with dark nail polish. He glanced back, a sense of déjà vu washing over him… As
the voices faded, Xu Ke turned and embraced her, asking softly, “Are you scared?”
Jiang Yunnuo nodded gently, then shook her head. “Are you scared?”
Xu Ke sighed. “It’s good that you’re not scared,” he said, then asked, “What were you writing just now?”
“Nothing,” Jiang Yunnuo pushed him away and walked out of the woods.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“It was three words…”
Jiang Yunnuo ran out of the woods. “Don’t follow me, someone will see us.”
“Nuonuo,” Xu Ke stopped behind her. “How about we go on a date tomorrow, just the two of us?”
Chapter 38 So Happy I Could Die
The early summer morning was as transparent as dewdrops on new leaves.
Orange sunlight refracted into rainbows in the sky, and the air was filled with a cool, moist sweetness, refreshing and invigorating.
How could it be so beautiful? He thought, just walking side by side like this, just watching her slightly upturned lips, her unguarded smile, just watching her warm gaze upon him.
Why not start sooner? It's so beautiful now, so much time has passed, so many empty days.
Don't people in a good mood often act impulsively?
He and she, on a Saturday morning at seven, took a bus for over an hour, just to satisfy their hunger.
This narrow alley, its history dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, is known as the premier breakfast alley. The rough cement ground, old-fashioned eaves, mottled walls, and the abundant, brightly colored snacks create a charming contrast. Many childhood delicacies can be found here. The two mingled among the unfamiliar crowd, hand in hand, lingering amidst the rising smoke and fragrant aromas.
Jiang Yunnuo looked here and there, hesitant. With such delicious food before her, and such a small space for her stomach, she couldn't help but act impulsively again, despite her frustration.
Xu Ke said helplessly, "I can't buy any more. You only ate a little bit of everything, and then you left the rest to me. I'm almost bursting."
"Just this once," Jiang Yunnuo said, her eyes immediately drawn to a bowl of bright red, fragrant, sour and spicy vermicelli beside her. "Excuse me, where did you buy it?"
"Old Chen's, it's pretty good," a customer enthusiastically pointed them in the right direction.
They walked a few dozen meters and sure enough, they saw the "Chen's" paper sign fluttering in the wind. The
place was bustling with customers.
Xu Ke helped Jiang Yunnuo find a seat and squeezed through the crowd to buy a bowl, placing it in front of her. "You eat this yourself, don't leave any."
It was sour and spicy enough, with an irresistible aroma—truly the delicious taste she remembered. After only a few bites, Jiang Yunnuo was already sweating profusely.
Xu Ke chuckled, watching her. "It's so spicy, do you still want to eat?"
"Mmm, it's so delicious," she nodded, her eyes brimming with tears, her lips full and red, as alluring as bright, sweet fruit. So
adorable.
Xu Ke couldn't help but lower his head and quickly peck her lips. "Mmm, tastes good," he said.
The people at the table watched them and smiled.
After finishing breakfast, the two walked out of the alley.
Their hands were clasped together, fingers intertwined, as if they had practiced it hundreds of times, tacit and warm, perfectly natural.
Such beauty, who knew when it would end, suddenly, unexpectedly, a breakup.
Life is always a balance of tension and relaxation, fortune and misfortune alternate, and no one can grasp the pulse of fate.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" he asked.
After a while, she spoke, "From now on, don't do this anymore, always, always..."
"Always what?"
"Always..." she stammered.
"Always kissing you?" He suddenly smiled knowingly, winking mischievously.
She lowered her head and remained silent.
"Not at school, not outside, do you want me to die of thirst?" He seemed to be sighing.
"The two of us can't be this close," she said.
"Why?" He stopped, frowning as he looked at her.
"It's addictive," she thought, unable to quit. Right now, she was dying of happiness, and when it disappeared, she would die too.
"Where should we go later?" he interrupted her casually.
"Let's go to the zoo," she thought for a moment, "When you were little, you always wanted to make your home there," she chuckled softly.
He smiled too, "Wherever you go, I'll go."
The dolphin show was at eleven. It was still early, so she leaned on the railing by the river to watch the swans.
The water flowed gently, and behind two black swans, several gray ugly ducklings swam leisurely and happily.
She threw breadcrumbs into the water little by little, and the ducklings, greedy as they were, slowly paddled over.
He stood behind her, trapping her between himself and the railing, his lips brushing against her hair, her soft, smooth hair fragrant and tender. His breath grew increasingly ambiguous, deep and shallow, very alluring. She turned her face to meet his, and another long, passionate kiss followed.
“Everyone says not to kiss,” she said, moving slightly away from him before throwing breadcrumbs.
“Hmm,” he said, resting his hands on the railing, “You clearly like it but insist on saying you don’t. Women always say the opposite of what they mean.”
“I can’t help it,” she complained, “It’s your fault for always
doing this.” He smiled contentedly, “Nobody’s making you hold back. Just be happy, silly!”
“Just be happy?” she repeated his words, “Xu Ke, are you kidding me?”
He was momentarily stunned.
“Xu Ke,” she said again, “Have you thought about the future?”
He remained silent.
“No?”
“No,” he answered.
Tears welled up unexpectedly, streaming down her cheeks and disappearing into the river.
Xu Ke looked at her for a long time, “What’s wrong? You were fine just now?”
She felt ashamed, but she couldn’t control herself. She bit her lip, tears falling drop by drop.
“Jiang Yun Nuo,” he growled irritably, “Why are you crying again? What did I do to you? Say something!”
“I’m crying, what’s it to you? Is it bothering you?” She pushed him away abruptly, her face flushed. " How did I become so prone to crying? It's so embarrassing," she thought.
"Don't pick fights. We've only been together for a few days," Xu Ke grabbed her wrist. "You want to argue again, don't you?"
"Arguing with you is like talking to a brick wall. You don't understand anything," she wiped away her tears and said loudly, "You hesitated too, you were scared too, right? You didn't know what the future held, right?"
"...Yes, you're right," he said blankly.
He looked at her, then suddenly pulled her towards the park exit.
"What are you doing? Let go of me!" she cried, startled.
He took long strides, looking angry.
"The dolphin show..." she suddenly remembered.
"Don't mention the dolphin show again," he said.
They got into a taxi by the roadside.
Xu Ke said, "Driver, to New World, thank you."
Twenty minutes later, they stood in the glittering shopping mall.
The saleswoman was very enthusiastic, "Excuse me..."
"A ring," Xu Ke tapped impatiently on the gleaming glass counter, then added, "I want a wedding ring, thank you."
The saleswoman had never seen such a forceful couple before, and couldn't help but glance at them a few more times. The boy was handsome, and the girl was pretty, but her eyes were red. She was calculating what price range would be most acceptable to them.
"This one," Xu Ke pointed to two couple rings under the glass, took out his bank card, and handed it to her.
The saleswoman was a little dizzy, thinking that this guy was really in a hurry, and then happily went to the cashier.
Xu Ke seemed a little tired, let out a soft breath, and silently looked at Jiang Yunnuo.
Jiang Yunuo raised an eyebrow slightly. "Are you giving a ring to your sister, little brother?"
His expression was somewhat weary, ignoring her teasing. "Last week, during those days when we hadn't seen each other, I was helping someone write code, working through several nights in a row. At that time, I didn't have the courage to see you. I even decided to just let it go, to stop seeing you, to forget you—it wasn't too late. But while I was writing the program, this thought kept running through my mind: once I got this money, what kind of gift would I buy for you to make you happy… You know, aren't people contradictory… At that time, I imagined your smiling face… Later, when I went to see you, I told myself that no matter what happens in the future, I will never be separated from you again…" This confession seemed somewhat difficult for him. His cheeks flushed slightly, but his eyes became bright and eager, yet shy, anticipating her response.
Jiang Yunuo reached out and poked his cheek. "Hey, do you think you're acting in a Taiwanese drama?" Actually, she was also very embarrassed.
Feeling equally embarrassed, the saleswoman had to interrupt their sweet nothings. "Would you like your rings engraved?"
Jiang Yunnuo said, "It would be best to engrave our names, otherwise what if they get lost?" Xu Ke
felt embarrassed by the clumsy person next to him. "They won't give them back if they get lost," he wrote down two initials on a piece of paper. "Our names should be engraved on each other's rings," he said, as if declaring something.
...
Xu Ruihuai was very satisfied with his current situation.
People say that when you're young, you have the body but no money; when you're old, you have the money but no energy, so you can only sigh at beautiful women.
But he happened to have both, so his life was comfortable, and he couldn't help but feel high-spirited.
The middle-aged man, with his mature charm, said to the woman with a beautiful figure in his arms, "Baby, what do you want? Just say it." As expected, he was met with a respectful and envious gaze from the saleswoman.
The beautiful woman's gaze, however, was drawn from the pile of jewelry and drifted into the distance.
"Ha, kids these days," the beautiful woman murmured, her lips slightly parted, "She's really good-looking."
Xu Ruihuai followed her gaze. His eyesight wasn't good; he had presbyopia, but he could still see distant scenery reasonably well.
The young girl raised her hand and said something to the boy beside her. The boy smiled, took her hand, and kissed it…
Xu Ruihuai blinked, thinking, "Could it be that I have high blood pressure? All that celery and orange juice was for nothing. Looks like I need to get a checkup. "
Chapter 39 Dreams and Reality
When Xu Ruihuai saw Xu Ke in the New World, he felt his blood pressure rise.
He walked straight over. The two children were startled when they saw him, seemingly a little flustered.
"Xu Ke, why are you back? Did you skip school?" Xu Ruihuai remembered that his son studied at a prestigious school in Beijing.
Xu Ke seemed a little confused, "Dad, it's Saturday today, there are no classes."
"I mean, when did you come back from Beijing?"
"Dad, you forgot again? I changed schools, I'm at H University now." Xu Ruihuai had never cared much about anything other than work and women, so Xu Ke decided to take a gamble. "Didn't you say before that H University's law department was good?"
"Oh," Xu Ruihuai didn't quite remember saying that. He glanced at Jiang Yunuo. "You and Nuonuo go to the same school?"
Jiang Yunuo hadn't said anything, partly because she was nervous, and partly because, from childhood to adulthood, Xu Ruihuai had paid far more attention to Xu Ke than to her, even though the three of them had only lived together for a very short time, she was already used to it. She stood quietly to the side, her right hand in her pocket, the ring on her hand becoming slightly damp.
Xu Ruihuai's gaze swept over the delicate packaging bag in Xu Ke's hand, then landed on the ring on his right ring finger. "What did you buy?"
Xu Ke scratched the back of his head somewhat embarrassedly. "I'm planning to give them as gifts, my sister helped me pick them out."
Xu Ruihuai laughed and patted Xu Ke's shoulder. "You're still so young, and you're already thinking about buying rings for people." His two proudest achievements were his self-made success and his son. Xu Ke had been independent and assertive since childhood, with a lively personality and excellent learning abilities, making his life much easier.
Xu Ruihuai continued, "I'll be away on a business trip next week and will be back on the weekend. You should all come home for a couple of days. I'll cook some nice dishes, and we can all have a good family get-together. I bought a house by the river; Nuonuo probably hasn't been there yet." He glanced at his daughter, whose expression remained as cold as Arctic ice. "Nuonuo, do you have enough money?" he asked with a slightly ingratiating smile.
"Enough," Jiang Yunuo replied coolly.
"Dad," Xu Ke put his arm around Xu Ruihuai's shoulder, "your son's a little short
on cash lately." Having been rebuffed, Xu Ruihuai readily accepted the offer, quickly pulling out his wallet and handing Xu Ke a wad of pink bills. "You still need to study; don't just think about dating."
"I know, I know," Xu Ke took the money and walked towards the door.
Xu Ruihuai called after her, "Hey, I'll pick you up from school next week..."
As soon as they left the new world, Xu Ke stuffed the money into Jiang Yunnuo's small bag.
"I don't want it, you keep it," Jiang Yunnuo frowned.
"You're being stubborn again, aren't you? Why don't you want it?" Xu Ke pinched her chin, "You say you don't need the money, and you're doing three tutoring jobs at the same time."
Jiang Yunnuo shook her head and whispered, "Keke, I'm worried," this world is so small.
Xu Ke held her hand, "It's okay, I'm here," stroking her fingers and realizing something was missing, "Where's the ring?"
She gently pulled her hand back, took the ring out of her pocket, and held it in her palm, "It's too big, and I don't like the style."
He pried open her fingers and put the ring on her right ring finger, which indeed wobbled a little loose. He took it off and put it on her middle finger, which was a little better. "Wear it for now, I'll buy you a better one later," he said.
Her hand twitched, then stopped struggling, nestled obediently in his palm, savoring the momentary warmth.
Xu Ke hailed a taxi. "Let's go to Donglaishun for barbecue."
Jiang Yunnuo smiled and said, "Why again? Are you hungry?"
Xu Ke said, "It's already twelve o'clock. Don't you like lamb skewers?"
She sighed inwardly, "I don't want to go anywhere. If there were a place where it's just the two of us, that would be nice." Her eyes were somewhat lost and weary, her eyebrows dark but shrouded in a faint cloud of sorrow. Xu Ke felt
a surge of pity and gently put his arm around her shoulder. "Let's go home, okay? Our old home."
Will there ever be a home for us in this world?
The city lights began to twinkle.
Lin Xuan entered Liuhe Banquet Hall, the aroma of fine wine and delicacies mingling with the lively atmosphere.
A waiter led him to a private room, where seven or eight people sat around a round table.
Whether it was the slightly stuffy air or shyness, a blush rose on her fair face.
Lin Xuan's mother, Ms. Qin Ruomei, couldn't help but shake her head inwardly. Despite being in his early twenties and possessing a refined and respectable appearance, her son was still too shy and reserved in such situations. That's why people say that nowadays, it's better to have a daughter than a son; girls these days are all exceptionally capable and outstanding.
As she gestured for her son to sit down, she glanced at the factory director's daughter across the table.
The girl was not only beautiful, but also poised and graceful, handling social situations with grace and poise, displaying the demeanor of a well-bred young lady without being overly reserved. In comparison, her somewhat dull son seemed hopeless. Everyone says that one's own child is the best, but this contrast left her with a bitter taste, even though others dared not comment. However, the other woman was ultimately a girl, and how many outstanding women in this world ultimately find their place in the world—raising children and being a wife and mother? Even with her fiery personality, working herself to the bone, she could only manage a second-in-command position at a branch of the provincial construction bank, her mind mostly devoted to her son and husband. Thinking this, she felt a little better, but other plans began to surface.
Yan Xiluo was also taken aback when she saw Lin Xuan enter; she hadn't expected that the son of her classmate, mentioned by the bank manager, was him.
Before she could speak, Lin Xuan's handsome face was already slightly flushed. Yan Xiluo, on the other hand, took the initiative to greet him.
Qin Ruomei introduced him to everyone at the table, mostly from the banking, industry and commerce, and tax departments. He was still in a daze, wondering how he could run into Yan Xiluo here. In his confusion, he only heard Qin Ruomei tell him that Yan Xiluo's father was the factory manager of some factory, an old classmate of his father.
Yan Xiluo didn't have any feelings for Lin Xuan; in her mind, he was just an ordinary classmate. She'd only beckoned to him on a whim, to test someone, but she hadn't expected him to fall head over heels and break up with his girlfriend, with whom he was deeply in love. This made the game rather dull.
Seeing Lin Xuan's dazed and unfocused state, she couldn't help but find it amusing, yet also somewhat annoyed. She'd been attending these kinds of social events with her parents since childhood, and many things, whether smiling or exchanging pleasantries, were second nature to her.
The dishes on the table didn't seem to have decreased; they were nothing more than shark fin, grouper, and bird's nest porridge. Yan Xiluo thought these people were probably already tired of it, and it was just another expense for her father. Her father was the CEO of a large state-owned enterprise in the city. A few years ago, the company was considered a leader in the city's light industry, and their family had enjoyed a period of prosperity, but in recent years, their fortunes had gradually declined. Otherwise, she wouldn't have repeatedly invited these people to dinner over loan repayment issues.
The meal was enjoyed casually and attentively. Qin Ruomei and Yan's mother, in particular, seemed to have a very pleasant conversation.
On the way home, Yan's mother smiled broadly, patting Yan Xiluo's hand and saying, "Our Yan Yan is so popular with elders. President Qin kept praising you to me; I think she has some feelings for you."
Yan Xiluo asked, "What feelings?"
Her mother glanced at her, not answering directly, "Lin Xuan is a very good boy. He's handsome, refined, and..." Her mother leaned closer to Yan Xiluo and asked with a smile, "Yan Yan, tell me honestly, is he pursuing you?"
Yan Xiluo pouted coquettishly, "So many people pursue your daughter; how can I remember them all?"
Her mother's expression became very serious, "Lin Xuan is a very good boy. Seize the opportunity, Yan Yan."
"Mom, what nonsense are you talking about? I'm still so young."
"Do you think you're still a child? You'll graduate from university next year, and you'll be worrying about finding a job."
“What does finding a job have to do with this? Besides, if I can’t find a foreign company, I can find a joint venture. If all else fails, there’s always Dad. Why are you worrying about this?”
Yan’s mother sighed. “Look at what you’re saying, still acting like a child. No matter what kind of company it is, you’re still working for someone else. Your dad has worked for someone else his whole life, and he has to beg and plead for anything he can get done at the factory. You’ve seen it all, and you still expect him to help?”
Yan’s father, who had been driving silently, suddenly blurted out, “Xiao Yan, listen to what your mother says if it’s right, ignore what’s wrong. I believe in my daughter’s abilities; she doesn’t need to rely on others.” Yan’s
mother glared at him. “What do you mean by relying on yourself? Who talks about that in today’s society? Only fools rely on themselves and work themselves to the bone. You people are so unrealistic. Besides, what’s wrong with Lin Xuan…”
Yan Xiluo said, "Mom, can you please stop mentioning him? I don't like him. Besides, I'm not studying accounting, do you expect his mother to get me a job at a bank?"
Her mother said, "Yes, you know it's related to your major. His father is the director of the provincial foreign trade department, and his grandfather is a veteran diplomat."
Yan Xiluo was somewhat surprised, not expecting Lin Xuan to have such a family background.
Her mother suddenly asked her, "Yan Yan, are you dating someone? Let me tell you, don't just date anyone, you don't know what kind of person they are..."
Yan Xiluo felt incredibly annoyed, "Alright, I know, please say less."
The moonlight was like water, the boundaries of the streets, vehicles, pedestrians, trees... everything became ambiguous and unclear. A sudden sharp pain shot through her heart, and some of the emotions it held seemed to blur as well.
Chapter 40 To Eat or Not to Eat
The dark night was an endless beautiful dream.
His thoughts lingered on a shallow line, the blur and clarity like two different colored liquids of similar density, gradually permeating and merging with each other.
In his memory of a few hours ago, they went home together, bought groceries, cooked, playfully bickered, and then watched old DVDs from their childhood, watching Doraemon showing off his big pocket. Then it got dark, darker and darker, and he was so sleepy, but he still forced himself to stay by her side. She was curled up on the sofa, her head tilted against his shoulder, occasionally letting out a soft laugh. He liked her like this; her temper was much gentler, and she seemed carefree, making him feel at ease, and he couldn't bear to leave her alone to sleep…
Suddenly, a warm body was in his arms. He couldn't see her face clearly, but he kissed her. She didn't resist. He slipped his hands inside her clothes; they were smooth, soft, and alluring. He couldn't help but groan softly, pulling her close to him, rubbing his body against hers. Was he having that kind of dream again? The woman beneath him was not obedient at all, first slightly trying to escape, then desperately resisting. He was a little annoyed and caressed her even more forcefully.
With a thud, he was pushed off the sofa, his head hitting the wooden floor with a sharp pain. Instinctively, he pulled back, and the other person fell down with him, landing on top of him. He opened his eyes, instantly waking from his dream, only to find himself caught in another temptation.
Jiang Yunuo looked down at the person beneath her; several buttons of his pajamas were undone, revealing his young, muscular chest. His eyes still held a hazy sleepiness, and she was half-lying on top of him, able to feel his hot breath. She had never been so close to a man before, truly feeling the unusual hardness beneath her. When she realized the possibility, all she wanted was to escape.
The screen was a monotonous, still blue; clearly, someone had fallen asleep and left the television on. The fluorescent light diffused in the darkness, reflecting a silken sheen onto her long, flowing hair.
Her face was filled with panic and shyness, her eyes wide open, her lips full and vibrant from the passionate kiss in her dream. Her clothes were half-undone, and the curves of her chest rose and fell with her rapid heartbeats, vibrant with life. How could it only be an A cup? He reached out, his hand barely moving, and grasped her breasts—exactly his preferred size. Ignoring her struggles, he exerted a little force, flipping her over and easily pinning her down, now holding her soft, warm body in his arms.
The more she struggled, the heavier his breathing became. Finally, he could no longer restrain himself. He gripped her wrists, lifting her hands above her head and pressing them firmly to the floor. "Nono, don't move, don't move anymore," his hoarse voice was filled with desire, yet also seemed to carry endless grievance.
Lying on the cold floor, his burning body covering her, the air in her chest seemed to be squeezed out, surrounded by his scent, her whole body trembling slightly with his heartbeat. Suddenly, she felt utterly powerless.
The two of them gazed at each other silently, breathing quietly, silently feeling each other's heartbeats.
"Does it feel especially good when you bite someone?" he suddenly asked, then kissed her smooth, bare shoulder, gently sucking and nibbling, before unexpectedly biting down. A numbness shot through her left shoulder, followed by unbearable pain, and she let out a suppressed groan.
He didn't let go, instead increasing the pressure.
"You're crazy!" she cried out, feeling his strong teeth pierce her bone.
"If I'm crazy..." He looked up at her, but didn't finish his sentence.
Releasing her hand, he abruptly rolled over, lying flat on the floor beside her.
His sweat-soaked clothes clung to the floor, a chill creeping up. She turned her back to him, curling herself into a ball.
The room became quiet again; Xu Ke seemed to be asleep.
Jiang Yunnuo stood up, her limbs a little sore and numb, her left shoulder burning with pain. She grabbed a thin blanket from the sofa and covered him, then turned and went into the bathroom.
Under the light, she saw a ring of purplish-blue teeth marks on her shoulder. The wound was swollen, and blood slowly seeped through her fair skin. She wet her hands and gently placed them on the wound; the coolness seemed to soothe it a little.
Looking at herself in the mirror, her face was pale, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes were listless and vacant, like a patient with a persistent high fever.
She dipped her fingers in water and wrote two words on the mirror.
"Make love."
She tilted her head, thought for a moment, and then wrote another line, like a sentence-making exercise from elementary school.
"I want to make love."
"I want to make love with him."
Looking at those words, her face felt like it was on fire, and her heart pounded. She continued writing,
"But…so…"
"So, I am that devil."
Silence fell, the handwriting appearing and disappearing in the light, like an ancient incantation, foreshadowing a strange fate. She stood there in the bathroom, stunned, for a long time.
The next evening, when Xu Ke returned to his dorm, Lei Yuan was busy at the windowsill with binoculars.
He walked over and kicked Lei Yuan, "Who are you looking at? You've already found a new target."
"...Summer is great...everyone's wearing less and less...girl, that skirt is way too short..." he muttered to himself as he adjusted the binoculars.
"Hey, this chick's not bad," Lei Yuan shoved the binoculars into Xu Ke's hands, "Her breasts are huge, quite a sight.
" Xu Ke glanced at her, "Not bad, but...they're way too big."
"Big isn't bad."
"I prefer something more moderate," Xu Ke put down the binoculars and shook his head. The intimate scenes from the previous night flashed through his mind, his heart raced, and he felt a little dizzy.
Lei Yuan didn't have time to pay attention to him and continued watching, suddenly slamming the binoculars onto the windowsill, "Damn, why are you dressed like that?"
Xu Ke went over to look, "Nothing, it's normal."
Lei Yuan shoved him irritably, "What are you looking at? Get out of here."
A slender figure walked past the window, a knee-length pencil skirt, a short-sleeved t-shirt, and long, black hair loosely tied back, revealing a delicate neck. Normal, indeed very normal, except the skirt was a bit short, the top a bit tight, and, please, don't twist your waist like that when you walk, the curve is a bit too much. Lei Yuan's taste was very picky, though he didn't seem to realize it himself. The girl's steps were elegant and composed; from a distance, one could almost hear the pleasant, crisp sound of her delicate high-heeled sandals clicking on the concrete . Each time this auditory hallucination occurred, Lei Yuan's heart skipped a beat. Only when she disappeared from sight did he calm down.
Xu Ke saw him pull an A4-sized piece of paper from under his pillow, meticulously divided into time periods, like a class schedule, even including weekends. The table was densely filled with writing; at the very end of the Sunday column, Lei Yuan neatly wrote, "She's finally back at school."
Xu Ke laughed loudly, "Are you crazy?"
“I’m terminally ill,” Lei Yuan said, somewhat indignantly. “For a whole week, I’ve been skipping classes and scouting locations. Do you know how hard that was for me? When I saw her on the street, she didn’t even give me a friendly look. She’s completely arrogant. She blocked me on QQ and changed my phone number. How can women be so heartless? They’re all like damn nuns!”
“If she smiles at you one day, you’re truly hopeless,” Xu Ke said, taking out his phone to send a text message.
Jiang Yunuo glanced at her phone and chuckled.
Guan Ying had just entered, carrying several bags, and hadn’t even sat down yet.
Jiang Yunuo said, “Nurse of Extinction, someone gave you a new nickname.”
Guan Ying’s eyebrows furrowed, and she pulled an orange from her bag and tossed it over.
Over at the boys’ dormitory, Lei Yuan was lazily leaning on the windowsill, his binoculars tossed aside, slowly smoking. In college, heartbroken guys often smoke to express their unhappiness, or get drunk to express their extreme frustration, much like those who crave a sophisticated lifestyle like to mix music with red wine. Many people develop a smoking habit around that time; it's not necessarily painful, just a feeling of something being missing. Couples walk past the window, and he mischievously flicks his cigarette ash, thinking, "Enjoy yourselves, enjoy yourselves. In a few days, it'll be game over, just like me."
What is love? He asks himself. Does love mean I have to give up things I once considered important?
Of course, this question varies from person
to person. For some, love might be a desire to conquer.
Since meeting Yan Xiluo at the Liuhe Banquet, Lin Xuan seems to have seen a glimmer of hope again.
He's a somewhat stubborn and arrogant person; the more unattainable something is, the more he wants to grasp it, like when he pursued Jiang Yunnuo. Looking back, he realizes he was too impulsive, a strange, inexplicable impulse. Therefore, he became cautious around Yan Xiluo. This girl was too outstanding, too proud, with a captivating radiance. For the first time in his life, a faint, barely perceptible sense of inferiority arose in his heart. He learned to read people's expressions, racking his brains to find topics to talk about, trying to hide his shyness.
Finally, they seemed to have taken a step closer; at least, she wasn't as perfunctory as before.
Occasionally, they would walk and chat together on campus.
Once, Yan Xiluo laughed, seemingly quite happy, as if she was talking about some mutual acquaintances and their gossip.
He racked his brains to find some interesting news, "A few days ago, I was on duty with some members of the civility patrol team. We saw two people in the woods next to the playground and almost went over to issue them fines, but then we found out we knew each other. You always run into acquaintances at times like this; it's funny, but also awkward.
" "Who are they? From the football team?"
"Xu Ke," Lin Xuan replied. He knew, of course, about the rumors between Yan Xiluo and Xu Ke. He also knew that on that day, because of a basketball game, Yan Xiluo, as the captain of the cheerleading team, had stayed in the gymnasium, and when he saw Xu Ke in the woods, the game hadn't ended yet.
Yan Xiluo was a little stunned. "Xu Ke? Who's the other person?"
Lin Xuan said with a smile, "Of course, it's his girlfriend, he said so himself."
"His girlfriend, who is she?" Yan Xiluo's smile was a little forced. "He has a girlfriend? I don't think I've ever heard of her."
"Yeah, we didn't see who it was either," he suddenly remembered that slender hand, painted with dark nail polish, and suddenly said instinctively, "It looks like Jiang Yunnuo."
Yan Xiluo looked at him for a while, then suddenly giggled, as if he were a fool. "You mean Xu Ke was dating his sister in the woods and told others that she was his girlfriend?"
"Are they really siblings?" Lin Xuan was also a little surprised. "Impossible." He vividly remembered that soccer game last semester. Xu Ke had once told him that if he lost, he shouldn't come looking for her again. That persistent look in her eyes, that strong possessiveness, that childish bet... impossible.
“Everyone knows it, and your ex told me himself,” Yan Xiluo thought this guy was really something else.
“Yunnuo told me too, maybe he was just joking.”
Yan Xiluo was a little impatient. “Don’t you think they look a bit alike, especially when they smile?” Both have thin lips, and when they smile, their upper lips pout slightly, giving them a carefree yet playful look.
“It’s something everyone knows,” she repeated, “or have you been living on Mars all this time?”
Lin Xuan was speechless for a moment, his two conflicting perceptions leaving him feeling confused.
Was he wrong, or were they wrong?
Meanwhile, Yan Xiluo was struggling with a question: who was that woman?

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[No Love on the Other Shore] (31-40)

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