Chapter 6, The Chess Game

We have just finished our military training. Su Cuo pretended not to notice the gazes around her and said, "How could I not lose weight? Don't worry, I have known for a long time what this major entails. The reason I applied to Huada is that it has the best engineering physics program in the country. It's nothing, losing weight is great. Haven't you seen girls scrambling to lose weight?"

"You have lost a lot of weight," Xu Yihao said as he looked at her, meeting her clear, water-like eyes. He spoke slowly, word by word, "I do not understand how you can so easily forget certain things"

After finishing her personal grooming and lying down on the bed, Yang Xue once again thought of Su Cuo in the dormitory. The extinguished enthusiasm was reignited. "By the way, Su Cuo, please don't isolate yourself from the group. You should also learn to play chess. It's not enough to just read books without learning other things. If you learn it too, then we won't just be roommates, but also chess friends. How wonderful would that be?"

Get up, we are waiting for your answer

Despite her inadequate English skills, Su Cuo still achieved the highest grades last semester, and with the recommendations from several teachers, she received the highest level of scholarship. Su Cuo herself only learned about this yesterday; how did Chen Zijia find out about it

In order to celebrate this matter, Su Zhi immediately said enthusiastically, "Come with us to have a meal, let’s eat something good to make up for it. You are too thin."

Su Cuo laughed so hard that she almost spat out a mouthful of water

He shrugged and said, "Just asking, you don't have to answer me."

Su Cuo was very fortunate; shortly after leaving the Mi family, she encountered a taxi. In a hurry, she returned to the school, not even stopping by her dormitory, and went straight to the Science Building. Liu Fei was almost jumping with impatience at the laboratory door. Upon seeing Su Cuo, she was as delighted as if she had found a mountain of gold, rushing over to embrace her and even planting a kiss on her cheek.

Yang Xue snatched the mouse and placed it in front of the monitor, saying earnestly: "You two really should take a look at the way Senior Xu looks at Su Cuo; everything is contained in that gaze, it is truly affectionate, it makes me..." She took a deep breath and added, "I don't believe that he has no feelings for Su Cuo."

Su Cuo was practically rolling with laughter. She had never seen her usually composed senior sister like this. Holding back her laughter, she said: "Senior sister, you must treat me to a meal. It wasn't cheap for me to take a taxi back from the suburbs."

The siblings have remained silent with each other

"Are you coming to watch the match?" Chen Zijia pondered before speaking, his keen eyes scanning her, "There is Xu Yihai in today's match."

The people around had long focused their attention on her, especially the girls present, who were filled with jealousy and gritted their teeth. With each step she took, everyone watched her back, as if trying to discern something extraordinary from her footsteps

That evening, Su Cuo and Yang Xue returned to the dormitory and noticed something unusual at the entrance. Yang Xue stared for a long time, then nudged Su Cuo, "It's your president Xu Yihao; no wonder it's so lively."

Liu Fei led her to a corner of the dance party and reminded her: "Although it is called a dance party, it is actually more like a matchmaking event. You must be cautious; if any suspicious men approach you to speak, just call for me."

Chen Zijia turned around, "Oh, he has come out, and Teacher Zheng is here as well. Su Cuo, please wait a moment, I will go over to greet them"

Su Cuo glanced at the dance floor, then at him, "Senior Brother, why aren't you going to dance?" In the half hour since he sat down, two or three girls had already approached him to ask for a dance, but he had declined each time.

Lu Linlin said: "Su Cuo, could you please not be so indifferent? I heard from Yang Xue that your senior brother Xu at home is also very good at Go; you could ask him to teach you."

Su Cuo remained silent, yet she tightly grasped Liu Fei's hand. She lowered her head, directing her gaze to an unseen place, as her soft hair slowly fell down from beside her ear

The ballroom was very warm, and with the soft music, Su Cuo couldn't help but feel drowsy. Ultimately, she did not fall asleep; in a state between sleep and wakefulness, she suddenly opened her eyes and found a huge face just inches away from her. The proximity blurred his features into a single mass. Startled, Su Cuo shrank back, her hand brushing against the round table, causing an empty paper cup to tumble off the edge with a thud.

Are you still playing the piano?" He suddenly changed the subject, "I heard you play last year, and it left a deep impression on me.

Su Cuo fell silent for a moment, "I have forgotten how to play chess, Senior Brother, I cannot help you."

On a clear and windless day, the school feels very warm. Beside Su, there is a very old willow tree, which now only has bare branches in this season. She imagines the entire spring and summer, with the willow branches swaying and fluttering, adorned with delicate little leaves, truly reminiscent of "the spring breeze in February is like scissors"

"How could I forget? You are the most talented girl I have ever seen," Zheng Lemin added with a smile, "and you are particularly beautiful as well. It's a pity you didn't make it into the national youth team at that time; otherwise, who knows how many championships you would have won. Alas, what a pity, what a pity."

"At first, I didn't mention it because Chen Zijia is your brother's friend," Liu Fei said calmly as she pulled Su Cuo to sit down. "You are not like them. They, including Xu Yihao, are the type of people who do nothing but have everything. But you are different; everything you have earned is through your own hard work. So what is the purpose of studying so diligently? What is the reason for working so hard in Teacher Bai's laboratory?"

"Is something wrong?" Zheng Lemin looked at Su Cuo with confusion, hoping to receive an answer from her. "At such a young age, if something is bothering you, try to let it go."

Liu Fei furrowed her brows, walked up to Su Cuo, and said solemnly: "Acuo, I have wanted to tell you for a long time that it is best for you not to associate too closely with that group of people."

The crowd's clamorous questioning was like a thunderous force. Su Cuo leaned over the table, burying her face in her arms, ignoring them, and she was unaware of how many of their words had registered. Lu Linlin began to shake her, attempting to make her sit up.

Hmm? Zheng Lemin furrowed his brows as he scrutinized Su Cuo, "Is it true? You really are no longer playing Go? A Cuo, during the youth amateur Go competition, you told me that you would never give up Go in this lifetime, even if it was just for fun. I still remember how you spoke back then. How can you say you are giving up now? This is not like you." I still remember how you spoke back then. How can you say you are giving up now? This is not like you.

This semester, English is very important, as there is a proficiency exam. Fortunately, there is not much work in the laboratory, so Su Cuo spends her days flipping through English exercises in the lab. This continued until the eve of New Year's Day, but fortunately, Liu Fei was there to keep her company. One of them looked through the microscope while the other wrote programs on the computer. Estimating that it was about time, Liu Fei turned off all the instruments and came over to ask her: "Do you want to go to the dance?"

This summer is both hot and long

Liu Fei leaned down, her cheek gently brushing against hers. Suddenly feeling sad, she pulled her up and said directly: "There is a New Year's dance at the graduate school, let's go together"

Su Cuo smiled slightly and said, "I shall take this statement as a compliment for the time being. I hope it is not a bad reputation; even if it is, please do not inform me."

The weather has begun to turn cooler. Su Cuo wore a thin sweater today, layered with a checkered coat, her hair draped over her shoulders, looking as if she could be embraced by a single arm. Chen Zijia gazed at her intently, feeling a pang of sadness, with a thousand words piled up in his chest, yet in the end, he could only say: "You have lost a lot of weight"

During this period, the university Go competition is approaching, and the interest in Go among the dormitory students is also on the rise. Yang Xue's boyfriend is participating in the preliminary competition, which has further inspired her interest and determination to learn Go; not only does Yang Xue have enthusiasm herself, but she also greatly influences the preferences of those around her. The other two students in the dormitory, under her encouragement, have also started learning Go, and their enthusiasm is equally high. They are not much worse than her, always eager to try, and relying on their skills in Gomoku, they challenge others online every day, never shutting down their computers before 11:30 PM. Of course, the three of them have never won.

Su Cuo shook her head with a smile, but Xu Yihao held onto her arm, his eyes sparkling as he stared at her, refusing to let go

After continuing the game for half an hour, it seems that I should win as well," Yang Xue's face flushed again, and she stuck out her tongue, "Actually, I don't understand it either; I just heard them talking about it. You don't mind waiting a bit longer, do you?

Since yesterday, Yang Xue has been earnestly telling Su Cuo to help her with a favor, saying she wants to take her to meet her boyfriend, and they have arranged to meet at the square this afternoon. Although Yang Xue mentions her beloved boyfriend every day, Su Cuo has been unable to meet him due to her terrible schedule of leaving early in the morning and returning to the dormitory when the lights go out. Finally having some time, driven by curiosity, she naturally agreed without hesitation. "Hmm, you look very beautiful today," Su Cuo sincerely praised, indeed, a woman in love is the most beautiful, initially making it hard for one to recognize her.

Su Cuo smiled and said, "I cannot dance"

Looking around, Su Cuo was not surprised to find that the gazes of the crowd were all directed towards them, with the majority being from girls. However, Su Cuo had long been accustomed to such a level of attention and usually did not care at all. Yet today was somewhat special—the students from the School of Physics and the School of Mathematics had just finished their classes and were coming out of the teaching building

She held Yang Xue's hand and said earnestly, "A Xue, I am sorry, I have a headache right now, may I leave first?"

Yang Xue greeted with a smile and then slipped into the dormitory, leaving Su Cuo outside. Before leaving, she did not forget to wink at Su Cuo.

Just as she reached the stairway, she was pulled back by a sudden force

Indeed, speaking is his strong suit; from the heavens to the earth, from the shore to the water, there is nothing he does not know. Su Cuo listened to him while drinking juice, and suddenly felt a strange sensation. Let it be like this; the warm room, the noisy voices, the enchanting music, someone chattering incessantly in his ear, this is quite good, no need to think, no need to worry, just accept it.

Yang Xue left Su Cuo to inquire about her boyfriend's situation. Su Cuo stood by the window in a daze, her silhouette appearing lonely and tranquil, as distant as the ice and snow of the polar regions, with a chilling coldness that pierced to the bone. Chen Zijia had just come out of the activity room and was momentarily taken aback by this scene. He adjusted his expression and walked over, softly calling out: "Su Cuo"

Yang Xue is truly angry this time, and even the other dormitory members couldn't help but lose their temper at Su Cuo after listening to her account

Without needing to ask in the past, Xu Yihao had already turned his head and seen them. He walked over without any suspense.

This is what is meant by "a person who stays near ink will become black." No matter how late Su Cuo returns to the dormitory, they are always enthusiastically discussing Go problems, even on Saturday nights, busy until lights out

The lighting in the ballroom was poor, and Su Cuo glanced at him, realizing she could not clearly see his features

"What!" Yang Xue exclaimed with great vigor, then furrowed her brow in anger, preparing to call out Su Cuo's name again to express her condemnation. However, before her voice could escape, she realized that someone had already called out "Su Cuo" before her. Although the name remained the same, this person's tone was exceptionally gentle and affectionate, far removed from her own fierce demeanor. She looked around in astonishment and was utterly shocked to discover that the person who had called Su Cuo was none other than the chief judge of the competition, Zheng Lemin, and this renowned chess player was walking towards them under the gaze of the crowd. Although the name remained the same, this person's tone was exceptionally gentle and affectionate, far removed from her own fierce demeanor. She looked around in astonishment and was utterly shocked to discover that the person who had called Su Cuo was none other than the chief judge of the competition, Zheng Lemin, and this renowned chess player was walking towards them under the gaze of the crowd

"Hello, how do you know Teacher Zheng?" Yang Xue incredulously poked Su Cuo.

One could have known by simply asking in the past

"Running so fast," Su Zhi frowned and asked Chen Zijia, "But when did it become so difficult to invite her out for a meal?"

The boy took a step back, smiled, and said, "You don't need to be this scared. Seeing how small you are, are you already in graduate school?"

Xu Yihao recalled Su Zhi's words from the summer vacation, remembered the tragic car accident and the death, and felt a pang in his heart. After taking a deep breath, he reached out and held her hand, "Acuo, I am willing to help you. Do not forget, we can also live on. It is okay if you cannot accept me for now; I am willing to wait."

Yang Xue dragged Su Cuo into the building and then pulled her all the way to the third floor. Along the way, Yang Xue chattered non-stop: "... This Go competition is a large-scale event for university students across the city. It is said that the referee is our country's national master, Teacher Zheng Lemin. My boyfriend admires him the most, and I am considering asking him for an autograph or something..."

If you do not come soon, I am planning to leave," Su Cuo said indignantly

Your family’s Senior Brother Xu has won, reportedly defeating four pieces. Ha, I can finally say I have seen the living Zheng Lemin with my own eyes, hahahaha

He sat cross-legged in the center of the square under the sunlight, with his eyes closed while reading a book. Of course, it is impossible to read with one's eyes closed, but that is the impression he gave. He kept his eyes tightly shut, the book resting on his knees, his hands placed on the book, occasionally turning a page. He continued to repeat this action.

This opinion has received unanimous agreement from everyone

Su Cuo stared blankly at him, her gaze momentarily lost. Just as Xu Yihai thought she was acquiescing, he saw her slowly shake her head. The first few words were almost a murmur: "No, you cannot," and then her voice grew louder, her demeanor returning to normal, "Senior Brother, thank you for your kindness, it is my fault."

As Su Cuo was delivered to the entrance of the library at Huada, Su Zhichai gazed at Su Cuo and said: "Acuo, I am your brother. Whatever it is, you can tell me. Even if something monumental happens, I will bear it for you. Do not shut everyone out; otherwise, it will drive anyone mad, and the issue cannot be resolved."

Ah, so you are that little junior sister. May I ask you to dance a little?

For a moment, no one spoke, and the noise from the room echoed. A match had concluded, requiring Zheng Lemin to pass judgment. He shook his head with a sigh and left with a look of deep regret.

"Are you still unwilling to dance with me? This is the last ball I will attend before graduation, and in three or four months, I will be graduating. Can you really bear to leave me with regrets?" Shao Wei also stood up and said reluctantly, "It doesn't matter if you can't dance; I will lead you unconditionally, free of charge."

She turned her gaze and saw Yang Xue approaching her boyfriend, smiling and chatting with him, before they left together. The young man was quite handsome, taller than Yang Xue by half a head, and the two of them looked very well-matched.

Su Cuo trembled all over and slowly turned her head. She saw Chen Zijia

Hmm, Deng Ge looked fascinated, "You all know the rumors, right? When has he ever been so attentive to a girl, even waiting outside the dormitory building? Su Cuo, don't be oblivious to your own blessings."

After Yang Xue finished this lengthy speech, she received no response from Su Cuo. Her anger, instead of dissipating, intensified, making her even more furious. With a huff, she turned on her heel and left

"After military training, everyone will lose weight," said Su Cuo, placing his hand on his forehead, covering his eyelids for a moment, then slowly releasing it. He continued, "Senior brother, tell me, if we do not forget, how can we continue to live?"

A large area in front of the dormitory is neatly lined with many bicycles, and the light from the dormitory building shines through. Su Cuo clearly sees him leaning against a bicycle, his posture resembling that of someone waiting for someone else

She walked into the library. The last trace of the evening glow disappeared, and the streetlights lit up one by one

Su Cuo let out a chuckle, saying, "But I really have to go. As for regrets, they are a part of life." Her English materials were still waiting for her in the study room on the seventeenth floor; if she didn't return soon, they would surely be taken by the administrator.

Su Cuo stared at the several signs at the entrance of the Student Activity Center of X University. The central notice, written in black on white paper, stated that the 10th University Chess Competition is being held on the third floor, with today's event being Go, and visitors are welcome

Su Cuo dragged her towards the car shed, "Go on, go have a good meal to make up for it."

Su Cuo chuckled softly and said, "Then I might as well not live anymore"

"You can invite me however you like," Liu Fei said with a slight smile as she turned on the air conditioning after entering the room. "But what are you going to the suburbs for?"

He lamented three times in succession, leaving everyone astonished. Su Cuo glanced around, her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately it ended in failure. "By the way, are you here for the competition as well?" Zheng Lemin stroked his chin, "Then what is there to say about the competition results? It must be first place; we are not on the same level as these university students. Do you have time later? Let's play a game, just like when we were kids. I'll give you a three-piece advantage, how about that?"

Su Cuo was originally quite slender, and now she has become even thinner. However, she has a characteristic that, despite her slimness, she is very well-proportioned, and at first glance, one cannot perceive any significant change.

Yang Xue recovered from her astonishment, her expression blank, not bothering to look at her boyfriend's condition. She scrutinized Su Cuo from head to toe, as if seeing her for the first time. A sneer hung on her face, "How wonderful, Su Cuo, truly wonderful. We asked you to learn Go, and you said you wouldn't, too lazy to learn; when we discussed problems, you never spoke a word. We must have annoyed you with our chess games in the dormitory. No wonder you haven't returned to the dormitory lately until after the lights out at 11:30 PM, preferring to stay outside in the cold wind. We asked you to learn Go, and you said you wouldn't, too lazy to learn; when we discussed problems, you never spoke a word. We must have annoyed you with our chess games in the dormitory. No wonder you haven't returned to the dormitory lately until after the lights out at 11:30 PM, preferring to stay outside in the cold wind. Ha, watching us learn Go like idiots, not understanding anything, constantly making silly mistakes, how amusing that is."

This place is somewhat distant from the city center, and there are not many taxis available, Su Zhi said with concern

There is no longer the habit of past years, where a group of people would be restless until after 11 o'clock, with their energy having no outlet

In the square, there are couples sitting together, as well as many students reviewing their lessons under the sun in preparation for the midterm exams a few days away. There are many unusual or unconventional individuals in the university, such as the one Su Cuo is currently staring at.

Yesterday was Senior Brother Chen Zijia's birthday, and Mi Shi invited us to her home to celebrate

"It's nothing, I can get through this. Let's talk again after this period," Su Cuo said with a slight smile, "Senior sister, you should leave now."

Senior sister, you go ahead; I will be here for a while longer

With a light cough, Liu Fei gently said: "They don't even know about your financial difficulties. Getting up so early and working so hard makes my heart ache for you. You are so kind; I sent you a few messages and you came all the way back, and no one even saw you off. I have known that group of people for a long time; they are very nice, but they simply cannot understand you. Because, including myself, we cannot."

"It is not that I am well-informed; I am already among the last to know," Liu Fei took a step closer, looking at her with concern, "News about you always spreads very quickly."

On the third floor, there is a spacious hall with a shiny floor, where a table tennis table is placed. The Go matches are taking place in several rooms directly opposite the hall. The hall is filled with people; although the number of spectators is not large, it is still considerable, as they gather outside the rooms, seemingly unaware of what they are watching.

Su Cuo bent down to pick up the cup, "No, I am in my second year of university, Senior Liu Fei brought me here."

Why come here

I recently heard some rumors. Liu Fei, standing with her back against the wall, slowly said, "They say that the sophomore Su Cuoqing is high and aloof, incredibly arrogant, thinking highly of herself, with her eyes raised to the sky, never participating in any activities at the school or the college. As a result, she has been collectively isolated, and no one is willing to talk to her.

"You are quite interesting." When Shao Wei smiled, two shallow dimples appeared on his cheeks. "Is there no event at your college tonight?"

Once you go in, you will know. Yang Xue smugly kept them in suspense

Before a response was given, Liu Fei rode her bike along the path from the laboratory, and Su Cuo nimbly jumped onto the back seat, smiling as she waved at them, before speeding away

Xu Yihai's expression stiffened, the strength in his hand diminished, and Su Cuo quickly withdrew his arm, rushing over to tightly embrace Su Zhi's arm

She bowed slightly, not knowing to whom she was bowing, and said, "Senior brother, I am returning to school"

Su Cuo laughed, "If I praise you like this, wouldn't the one at your home praise you too, and you'd end up turning into a monkey's butt?"

Chen Zijia did not respond

So what do you really think of him

At this moment, Yang Xue excitedly ran over to confirm Su Cuo's thoughts

"I will say a couple of sentences and then leave," Xu Yihao said, with his hands in his pockets. He took a step closer and said, "Next month, there will be a college student Go competition, and I have been selected for the preliminary round. If you have time, could you give me some guidance?"

"Yes, yes, I lied to you. I owe him a lot of money that I haven't repaid, and he has come to collect the debt from me." As he spoke, he approached the table and opened his laptop.

After a long while without receiving a response, she turned around and slowly walked back to the dormitory. Before leaving, she looked back and only saw his departing figure, tall and still as solitary as ever

"Then you can certainly speak," Shao Wei said with a smile as he sat down. "We can have a conversation, right"

It was already evening, and the brilliant sunset hung in the sky. Everything in the school dissolved in the glow, suddenly becoming soft and transforming into a light blue color

Su Cuo could only smile, "No, Teacher Zheng, you flatter me too much. I haven't played chess for many years."

"Little Junior Sister, your name is Su Cuo, right?" After a long time, Shao Wei finally brought up the question of her name, "You are quite well-known."

On the first day after class, I ran into Su Zhi in the bike shed in front of the Su Cuo Teaching Building. He immediately rushed over and hugged her, crying and saying: "Ah Cuo, you have worked hard. As a girl, why did you choose this major? At that time, I advised you to study in another department. Why did you insist on filling this one? Fortunately, your parents didn't see it; otherwise, they would be so heartbroken."

"It seems that this is the case; Senior Sister, you are quite well-informed." Su Cuo smiled indifferently, then lowered her head, dedicating her limited energy to the boundless reading of English.

No, Su Cuo declined, "I have an appointment with Senior Sister Liu, she said she would treat me to a meal"

Zheng Lemin did not notice the changes around him. He walked up to Su Cuo, patted her shoulder affectionately, and gestured as he said: "Su Cuo, I was just worried that I might have recognized the wrong person. But it really is you. It has been many years since we last met, and you are already in university. When I was recruiting for the national youth team, you were just this tall, just starting elementary school." Su Cuo bent slightly and replied softly: "Hello, Teacher Zheng. I didn't expect you to remember me."

In the taxi, Su Cuo's hair was tousled by the wind. Liu Fei had a thought and stood behind her, gently smoothing her hair. It was at this moment that she noticed that Su Cuo's hair was not pure black, but a dark red color. The sunlight slanted through the windows of the Science Center and fell upon it, making the red even more pronounced, as if a hidden red light was flowing beneath.

"No," Su Cuo said, "I came with Yang Xue. Her boyfriend is also participating in the competition."

Su Cuozhang opened her mouth to say "thank you," but found that she could not utter a single word. Instead, she bowed slightly to Zheng Lemin, revealing a polite and grateful smile. However, the observant could clearly see that her hands were trembling uncontrollably. Having known Su Cuozhang for so long, neither Xu Yihao nor Chen Zijia had ever seen her lose her composure like this. The two were momentarily stunned.

Liu Fei embraced her shoulder, exuding the affectionate demeanor of an older sister, yet her voice remained calm: "Alright, I won't say more. But consider this, Shao Wei is quite a good choice; he doesn't have a complicated background like Chen Zijia or Xu Yihang. He is also charming, not the type who only knows how to bury himself in books for a doctoral degree. Having a friend like him wouldn't be bad." As she spoke, she looked into her eyes, "Acuo, I don't mean to meddle, but sometimes I think you can't continue living in such solitude."

Yang Xue looked at herself in the mirror, glancing left and right, extremely pleased, "I should have undergone military training for a few more months"

"You first take Su Cuo back to Huada," Chen Zijia walked over, took the folder and work plan from his hands, and briefly said, "I will handle the matters of the student council"

Lu Linlin certainly did not believe it, "Senior Brother Xu waited outside for half an hour just to say this? Su Cuo, who are you trying to fool?"

Su Cuoyang raised the corners of his mouth, eliciting a hint of a smile, which then quickly spread across his pale face, so bright and joyful, without a trace of gloom, as if the recent phone call from Yang Xue was meant for someone else

Having contemplated these words numerous times along the way, Su Zhi spoke them with a voice as resonant as metal and stone, embodying a sense of righteous grandeur

"These are all minor matters, I can find a way," Su Cuo said confidently, "but in any case, I must hurry back."

The weather is pleasant, and Yang Xue is in a good mood today. She did not engage in a war of words with Su Cuo, merely giving her a glare before letting it go. A few days ago, Su Cuo's bicycle was stolen, and Yang Xue rode with her all the way to Xi University.

Su Cuo glanced at the clock on the wall, stood up, and said, "I am going back to study on my own."

It was the anticipated rejection, Xu Yihai stared at her, "I never knew that one could forget while playing chess"

Su Cuo had clearly chosen the latest time to go back, yet Yang Xue had not turned off her computer, excitedly reporting the situation: "Su Cuo, I played chess online today and surprisingly won once."

The rule at Huada is that military training begins only after the start of the second year. The Department of Engineering Physics, along with several other departments with special requirements, was taken to the military for a full month of training. Years later, in the memories of the students, military training may only remain as interesting and beautiful fragments, but at that time, the process was extremely arduous, especially for someone like Su Cuo, who was not physically fit; the days felt like years, and his condition worsened. To make matters worse, there was still half a month of in-depth training at the base after military training, where they had to intern at a laboratory in the nearby suburbs.

"Acuo? Xu Yihao, what are you doing?" Su Zhi hurriedly approached, looking at the two with confusion, but he could see nothing from their faces. He then turned to look at Chen Zijia.

Su Cuo leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, remaining silent, her expression unchanged. Her hands trembled incessantly, and fearing that others might notice, she tucked them into her pockets

"Your car is lost, I will take you back." Xu Yihao said from behind her

Su Cuo widened her eyes in confusion

The activity center is right by the lakeside, but diagonally across, separated by a lake, making it not far to walk over. It is brightly lit there, as if all the stars in the sky have gathered in that place, resembling what is often written in elementary school essays: twinkling, like pairs of bright eyes, guiding passersby on their way home.

Su Cuo lowered his eyes for a moment and said, "Then I shall forgo the truth, for the cost of truth... is too heavy."

He came to inform me that he wants to participate in the Go competition, Su clarified

"Oh, quite good," Su Cuoqiang said with a smile, lacking any enthusiasm.

After a month and a half of torment, by the time she returned, it was already mid-October, and autumn had arrived. A third of the semester had unknowingly passed. Everyone had lost weight, and Yang Xue was very pleased about this, as she had long struggled to find a way to lose weight, and now she had finally succeeded. With her slim figure, Yang Xue became elegant and beautiful, which made the two girls in the dormitory both envious and jealous.

Su Cuo jumped out of the car, smiled slightly at him, and said: "Thank you, brother. I know."

No need for that—" Su Cuo's words had not yet fallen when a sudden uproar was heard

What kind of joke is this? Shao Wei frowned and said, "If you are not going, then what is the point of the event?"

Su Cuo felt a bit puzzled, "What is he doing here?"

Su Cuo vaguely guessed her meaning, furrowing her brows slightly, and gave a bitter smile, "Senior Sister—"

Ah, it is the first time I find Go so interesting. You see, even though I only won by half a point in the end, I still won

After waiting for a long time without hearing the sound of the door opening, Su Cuo looked up and saw Liu Fei still standing there, and asked in surprise, "Senior sister, are you still here?"

Su Cuo smiled and looked at her, "Where is your dear boyfriend?"

Su Cuo lowered her eyelids and smiled. Once she turned into the empty and dim corridor around the corner, that smile could no longer be maintained. Her eyes lost focus, and the stairs in front of her swayed and distorted. She thought she had shed tears, but when she reached up to touch her eyes, they were still dry. She looked at the winding lines in her palm, her legs weakened, and she simply sat down on the steps. She gazed at the empty darkness of the corridor and murmured, "How am I supposed to live?" She thought she had shed tears, but when she reached up to touch her eyes, they were still dry. She looked at the winding lines in her palm, her legs weakened, and she simply sat down on the steps. She gazed at the empty darkness of the corridor and murmured, "How am I supposed to live?"

Yang Xue stared at Su Cuo's thin shoulders, shook her head at the other few people, and said, "Forget it, let's not pressure her." Then she returned to the table, opened her computer, and continued searching for an opponent to play Go online.

The graduate students' New Year ball is also in full swing, but unlike the balls Su Cuo attended in the past, it is quiet, with the melodious sound of the piano lingering in the air. After all, they are older graduate students, and indeed much more composed.

Chen Zijia added: "By the way, congratulations on continuing to receive the scholarship"

Really? Yang Xue's face suddenly turned red

This victory left Yang Xue so excited that she spoke incessantly, completely unaware that the lights in the dormitory had been turned off

Seeing her turn around, Xu Yihao suddenly realized something. He took two steps forward, grabbed her, and spoke with a voice filled with grief and indignation: "Acuo, I remember in the first article you gave me, you quoted Tagore's words, 'If you keep all the mistakes outside the door, then the truth will also be kept outside.' What are you doing now?"

In each class, Su Cuo still reserved a seat for Yang Xue as usual, even though Yang Xue would rather sit in the last row of the classroom than stay beside her. Initially, the classmates were puzzled about how these two girls suddenly fell into conflict, but after hearing Yang Xue explain the reason, they also had some criticisms of Su Cuo, feeling that she lacked enthusiasm altogether. Subsequently, some boys who had previously pursued her and failed took the opportunity to express their discontent, treating her with considerable indifference. They would walk past her on the road, pretending not to see her; life in class was difficult, and life in the dormitory was no better. Deng Ge and Lu Linlin were still polite to her, but they no longer played chess online, nor did they discuss Go. People are always like this; bad things leave a deeper impression than good ones. Su Cuo could not pretend not to notice that she was being isolated. She self-deprecatingly thought, since you do not wish to see me, I will simply not appear. Fortunately, her original habit was to come and go early and late, living independently, and now it was still the same, with her routine unchanged.

Not only Yang Xue, but also Chen Zijia and Xu Yihao, who were beside Zheng Lemin, were stunned. The two exchanged glances, and then their eyes all fell on Su Cuo. Su Cuo smiled slightly, without saying a word. She stood by the window, the orange sunlight ambiguously spilling in from the tall glass window, casting a warm glow over her slender shoulders

Su Cuo is not an unknown figure both inside and outside the academy; essentially everyone knows her. When people see her standing closely and engaging in conversation with two handsome men, the rate of people turning their heads to look at them reaches nearly one hundred percent. There are also many enthusiastic onlookers who greet her warmly.

Yingchen also woke up. She saw the two siblings sitting there quietly talking. Both of them looked unwell, but it was rare that they did not argue, and there was an unusual warmth that could only exist between siblings.

Is it true that you didn't go home during the summer vacation and something happened with Brother Xu, who is from this city

The crowd gradually dispersed, and the discussions among the people about the recently concluded match began to emerge, while Su Cuo started to experience a migraine

The list is posted in the building. Chen Zijia raised an eyebrow

Su Cuo was surprised, "What time is it? Still not dismissed?"

Lu Linlin and Deng Ge listened with great envy

"Do you want to go watch the match? I can arrange it for you," Chen Zijia smiled, flipping through the folder in his hand

Su Cuo forced a smile, placing one hand on the window

"Yes," Su Cuo said, "I did not go."

Su Cuo smiled slightly at the corners of his mouth, "Yes, I forgot, I apologize. I can help, but my abilities are limited."

Su Cuo did not speak. In fact, after that conversation, she never saw Xu Yihao again

At that time, it was nearly ten o'clock. Su Cuo had been lingering in the laboratory until around eleven twenty during this period, so ten o'clock was still quite early for her

She found Liu Fei outside the ballroom. Liu Fei glanced into the dimly lit hall and said with a smile, "The one you were just chatting with, is it Shao Wei?" She continued, "He has a good eye, he found you right away. What do you think of him?"

No one expected Yang Xue to suddenly become furious. Chen Zijia stared at her and asked, "Do you really come back to the dormitory so late every day?"

At first, everyone would glance at him a few times, but after a while, they would easily grow tired of him, and thus no one paid him any more attention. Su Cuo was no exception; she turned her head and finally saw Yang Xue running over from a distance

Chen Zijia smiled slightly, a smile that captivated the attention of the passing girls, "So when are you free?"

Returning to the dormitory, the entire room of people gathered around, displaying a smile as inscrutable as that of an old witch, their expressions seemingly conveying the message: resist with severity, confess with leniency

Zheng Lemin was very amiable. Su Cuo saw him patting Xu Yihao's left arm with one hand, smiling and saying something. Occasionally, a few words slipped into Su Cuo's ears, as he commented on the gains and losses of the match and evaluated Xu Yihao's chess skills. Xu Yihao rarely showed any expression on his face, but at this moment, there was a hint of joy between his brows; he must have won this round. Chen Zijia stood politely to the side, accompanying Zheng Lemin in conversation. Xu Yihao rarely showed any expression on his face, but at this moment, there was a hint of joy between his brows; he must have won this round. Chen Zijia stood politely to the side, accompanying Zheng Lemin in conversation