Chapter 2, The Sky

The literal meaning. He glanced at me lightly and said, "Zhu Jun is fine, don't mind me"

I gritted my teeth and after a while finally spoke up: "Chen Qiaoluo, what do you mean by this statement?"

I dare not ask Aunt He Pei, and can only silently worry by myself

I want to say that Chen Qiaoluo is right, I am luckier than many people

I was silently laughing in my heart

The shock swept over me in an instant, and I stood in place for quite a while before finally taking a step forward.

My father often has numerous work-related social engagements, and when it comes to the entertainment venues in this city, he is likely much more knowledgeable than both me and Xiao Hei. Upon hearing my response, he no longer pressed for more details and suggested a few KTV names that are associated with sunshine

Chen Qiaoluo did not answer my question directly, but merely said indifferently: "Zhu Jun is well, you may leave."

Because of the matter concerning Chen Qiaoluo, I have been quite troubled during this period. Tong Xiaotian's words have hit a nerve with me. I pushed him aside, shielding Li Zi behind me, and shouted at him: "Who do you think you are? Can't you see that Li Zi doesn't want to talk to you? How can you be so shameless? If you don't leave, I will call for help."

My voice is not loud, but it is sufficient for the director of instruction not far away to hear. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that he had stopped and was looking this way

As soon as the words fell, Chen Qiaoluo did not glance at me again and turned to walk back inside

I know, but I can no longer wait. He said, "Zhu Jun, go back. If you are truly disappointed in me, then consider that you never had me as a friend."

I never expected to encounter Gu Yu here; he seems to have just finished his evening study session and is here with classmates to buy something to eat. After all, there was a time when I confessed to him and was rejected, so my first instinct upon seeing him again was to flee, fearing that he might notice me

He said: "Zhu Jun, please don't say that, I cannot bear it"

Chen Qiaoluo still has not come to class. Without him, I feel completely drained. His name has not lit up on my phone for a long time, and occasionally passing by his classroom, I can only see that empty seat.

What do I want? I retorted, "Chen Qiaoluo, why don't you think about why you are like this? Your name was mentioned again in the morning meeting today. Director Xu said that if you don't return to class, you will be expelled directly."

"Forget it, I'll wait for you here, and I can also help you with some work," I said, shrugging my shoulders

Let the kite in your hand fly a little further away

What a "It wasn't me who asked her to find me." I looked at Chen Qiaoluo with a bitter smile, and the sorrow in my heart instantly engulfed me

Chen Qiaoluo looked at me in silence, and after a while, he came over and took my hand, leading me outside

As soon as I finished speaking, the woman rushed over, clawing at me in an attempt to strike, but was swiftly intercepted by Xiao Hei, who was quick on his feet. Her failure to hit me left her somewhat displeased, and she shouted, "Let go of me!"

I haven't done much, but you seem a bit off. I frowned and said with confusion

"No, it's nothing." She seemed to still be in a daze, and after a while, she gratefully said to me, "Zhu Jun, thank you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do."

Chen Qiaoluo. I gently called out from behind him

I heard that I was at the door, and soon after, Xiao Hei Ge ran out.

Chen Qiaoluo was taken aback for a moment, then stubbornly said: "If I have to drop out, then so be it; I didn't want to attend classes anyway"

Seeing him with his head down, the woman standing to the side could not help but walk in front of him, giving me a light laugh and saying: "I say, sister, if he doesn't want to go with you, what can you do? Listen to your sister's advice, just forget about such a man, you should continue living your life as you see fit."

After hesitating for a while, I finally spoke up: "Chen Qiaoluo, come back to class. I know you are trying hard to provide a better life for Aunt He Pei, but right now you simply do not have the ability to do so."

Hello, daughter, why haven't you returned so late?

"Junhao, how did you come here? Hurry in and take a seat," he said

Hello, Chen Qiaoluo!

The happiest thing in the hot summer is probably eating skewers and drinking beer, but I don't know if my drunken appearance last time scared him. This time, Chen Qiaoluo firmly refused to let me drink alcohol and only ordered a bottle of coconut juice for me

Little Black Brother remained silent and did not speak, merely continuing to block her.

Everything seems so calm and peaceful, yet none of us knows when the storm will suddenly sweep in.

I have always been someone who cares about appearances; since Gu Yu is unwilling, I will no longer persist.

At that moment, my phone in my pocket began to ring. I took it out, and the words "Dad" were flashing continuously on the screen

In contrast, Tong Xiaotian seemed not to think too much and directly shouted at me: "Zhu Junhao, why are you so annoying? I like Li Zi, what does it have to do with you? Can you stop always standing in front of her?"

sunshine

Hearing my question, Chen Qiaoluo looked at me somewhat awkwardly, stood up from the ground, and said to me at eye level: "I have my reasons. Zhu Junhao, you wouldn't understand."

"No, it's nothing." He poked the bowl in front of him with his chopsticks and said, "Zhu Junhao, I have a few things to attend to, so I will leave first. Be careful on your way home alone later."

Ah? He seemed to be startled, looking at me in a flustered manner and asking, "What happened?"

As soon as the call connected, my father's voice of inquiry came through

Although City A is not large, searching for a person without any clues is akin to finding a needle in a haystack

"It's nothing," he smiled and said, "You and A Luo are like my younger siblings. How can I, as the older brother, stand by idly when you have something going on? Please wait for me for a moment, I will be back shortly"

When I returned home, my father had not yet finished work. I made a phone call to inform him that I would be dining out, and then I went to the bathroom to freshen up. When I came out, the neon lights outside had gradually begun to illuminate. I glanced at the time, picked up my bag and keys, and walked out.

"Alo?" He furrowed his brow in confusion

This version of Chen Qiaoluo is completely different from the one I remember. After a great effort to suppress the pang of sadness in my heart, I bit my lip and said: "Alright, let's just say I don't understand. However, Chen Qiaoluo, I hope that in the future, you can tell me about anything that happens, after all, we are friends"

I... my words were stuck in my throat for a few seconds before I finally spoke softly, "Did you not say you were pursuing beautiful women? How is it that you are working here?"

"Chen Qiaoluo, why didn't you say such things before?" I stared intently into his eyes and said, "We've known each other for such a long time, why didn't you say this from the very beginning? If you had told me back then to not worry about you, I would have wished for Jun to be well and wouldn't have ended up like this"

"What do you mean, can a girl eat?" I cast him a disdainful glance and then said, "Add five more skewers of potato slices and an order of spicy stir-fried rice cakes, hurry up.

The words of the disciplinary director fell like a thunderbolt, and gradually murmurs began to arise among the group of students

I bit my lower lip tightly and after a while, I softly said to him: "Chen Qiaoluo, I am sorry, I did not know about these things"

Seeing him suddenly falter, I couldn't help but urge, "What is it called?"

Seeing him like this, our director of instruction closely followed behind

He said: "Zhu Jun, what are you doing here?"

"I tell you, you know nothing at all." He stared at me and said slowly, "Do you know why I never mention my father? Because he is in prison. A few years ago, he accidentally killed someone. And me? I am the son of a murderer. Since that time, I have endured countless disdainful glances from others. But it doesn't matter; they are just insignificant people. Even if they look down on me, I do not feel sad. You probably don't know, but our family is burdened with a mountain of debt because of my father's mistake. But it doesn't matter; they are just insignificant people. Even if they look down on me, I do not feel sad. You probably don't know, but our family is burdened with a mountain of debt because of my father's mistake. I don't want my mother to bear this alone. I don't want to see her, clearly suffering at work, still trying so hard to please everyone. I don't want her to be this exhausted anymore"

I have never felt that the school is so small. Ever since I ran into Gu Yu at the school gate last time, I almost encounter him every time I leave the classroom, whether on the way to the restroom, on the way to the convenience store, or in the cafeteria during lunch.

The dropout rate at this school is extremely low, and during my two years here, not a single case has occurred. Yet now, Chen Qiaoluo is facing the risk of expulsion due to skipping classes, which is truly shocking to everyone

As June comes to an end, when I completed the answer to the last question on the exam paper, the entire second year of high school came to a close. At this time, City A had already issued a heat warning. After staying at home for a week, I resigned myself to returning to school to begin my supplementary classes before the third year of high school.

I don't know if it is Chen Qiaoluo's story that is too sorrowful, but I held my father tightly.

It was fortunate that I wasn't seen. I let out a long sigh of relief and took a bite of the grilled skewer

"You are quite perceptive," I huffed and asked, "When do you get off work? I will take you out for a nice meal."

Chen Qiaoluo was discharged from the hospital after staying for three days. He continued to skip classes as usual, and I heard that someone saw him at a car repair shop in the city

After that night, Chen Qiaoluo disappeared again. I called him several times, but no one answered. I went to the repair shop to look for him, but the owner said he had already resigned a few days ago. Reflecting on his unusual behavior that night, unease gradually expanded in my heart. I sent him message after message, yet still received no call from him.

After hanging up the phone, I began to search for Xiao Hei Ge's family from place to place, and ultimately in a KTV called "Sunshine Mediterranean," I inquired about Chen Qiaoluo's whereabouts.

"Come on, you still want to work? Don't make me laugh to death." Chen Qiaoluo looked at me with amusement

It seems he never considered that someone would stand up to him. Tong Xiaotian was taken aback for a moment, then looked at me disdainfully and said, "Who are you? Didn't your mother teach you not to meddle in other people's business?"

Yes, yes, yes, it is my fault; I should not have upset Miss Zhu.

Ah?

Just as I was feeling pleased with my little prank, I suddenly sensed a gaze behind me that made me feel uncomfortable. Turning my head in confusion, I saw Gu Yu standing not far away.

On the way back, I thought about many things. Chen Qiaoluo's way of skipping classes to work is simply not a solution. Although I do not understand why he is doing this, he is ultimately still a student. Skipping classes for such a long time will not yield good results. We are all about to graduate, and if this continues, he will have no way to get into university

I was quickly searching in my mind, yet found no clues

Seeing Tong Xiaotian's panicked expression as he ran away, I finally couldn't help but burst into laughter. I suppose it will be a long time before we see him at the entrance of our school again

There is no time to explain now; I will tell you when I return later

My words left Chen Qiaoluo in silence

We have not spoken another word, as if his initial "I'm sorry" completely severed all possibilities between us. Occasionally, I still feel sad, but it truly is only occasionally.

It seemed that he had never expected the disciplinary director to appear here. Tong Xiaotian was completely taken aback and took a while to react. After shouting at me, "Zhu Junhao, you are playing tricks on me," he turned and ran away.

It is useless to shout; she directed her anger at Chen Qiaoluo: "How do you serve? How could you bring these people here? Do you believe I will make you lose this job immediately!"

I do not know how much time has passed, when I finally heard his low voice

In my opinion, nothing is more important than one's own self-esteem

Before I could react, Li Zi looked at me with a pleading expression and said pitifully, "Zhu Junhao, could you please walk home with me after school in the future? I am afraid that Tong Xiaotian will come looking for me again"

"Zhu Jun, are you the reincarnation of a starving ghost? How can you eat so much?" Chen Qiaoluo shouted

This Tong Xiaotian, I really don't know whether he is persistent or unwell, he is simply like a piece of dog skin plaster

Time has swiftly moved to June, and I no longer skip classes; I almost immediately lay my head on the desk to sleep upon entering the classroom. My deskmate Li Zi has signaled me many times when the teacher gives me a disapproving look, and I am truly grateful to her from the bottom of my heart

I cannot disturb Aunt He Pei, and after some thought, it seems I can only turn to Brother Xiao Hei. I arrived at the entrance of "Old Times Blues" and called him.

I saw Li Zi's face turn red, and it took her a while to gather her resolve before she said, "He said he likes me and insists that I become his girlfriend."

Saying this, I took the hammer and began to help Chen Qiaoluo with his tasks. Several times he tried to pull me away, but I refused each time.

"Chen Qiaoluo," I said sternly, "Have you thought about Aunt He Pei? She has worked hard to raise you to this point, to support your education, not so that you can willingly fall into depravity"

Well

Chen Qiaoluo seemed to have completely disappeared from my life, no one mentioned him, and I only occasionally thought of him

I simultaneously despised his unfair treatment while enjoying my meal with great delight

I have forgotten how I returned home, and I feel as if I have lost my soul and spirit. Upon seeing me in this state, my father could not help but become worried again

Whenever I catch a glimpse of his departing figure, a twinge of loss still surges within my heart. However, this sense of loss is not sufficient to make me abandon the remnants of my self-esteem

The woman beside me, upon seeing this, walked over and pointed at me, scolding, "Do you believe that I can make it so you cannot leave this door today!"

I searched everywhere with Xiao Hei for all the places Chen Qiaoluo often frequents, but still did not see his shadow

"Don't rush me, I need to think." He frowned and after a while said somewhat uncertainly, "It seems to be called Sunshine..."

This was the first time Chen Qiaoluo spoke to me about his family matters, and I was momentarily rendered speechless. Although I had previously suspected that his father was no longer with them, I had never imagined it was like this

Just when I was about to lose hope, Xiao Hei suddenly slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "Junhao, I remember now. Some time ago, A Luo seemed to have told me that he found a job at a KTV. What was the name of that KTV again..."

It is difficult to express how disappointed I felt the moment I saw Chen Qiaoluo. Gritting my teeth, I walked over silently and pulled him up from the sofa: "Chen Qiaoluo, you are coming with me."

I rubbed my already reddened wrist and looked up at him

"Hmph, you are quite something," Tong Xiaotian spat, leaving while glancing back every three steps

I do not speak. In this moment, I do not wish to pay attention to them, I only want to take Chen Qiaoluo away

"What is this? You have helped me a lot before," I said politely, puzzled, and asked, "That boy just now doesn't seem to be from our school, how did he come to find you?"

"It was not I who asked her to come find me," Chen Qiaoluo said淡淡地.

After a while, one of the women in her thirties finally reacted, furrowing her brow and asking: "Who are you looking for?"

Seeing this, my mind quickly turned several times, and I shouted at Tong Xiaotian: "Tong Xiaotian, I said, what business do you have as a student from Chongming High School running to our school all day? I know you like Li Zi, but she doesn't like you. Your constant harassment is making her so annoyed that she can hardly focus on her studies."

I never expected to hear such a statement from Chen Qiaoluo, and for a moment, I was left stunned.

Every Monday during the break for physical exercises, the school holds a morning meeting. In this week's meeting, Chen Qiaoluo was recorded for a violation due to prolonged absenteeism. The disciplinary director, expressing disappointment, said: "I kindly ask any classmates who can contact Chen Qiaoluo to inform him that if he continues to skip classes, we will have to expel him from school"

These days, I also feel annoyed every time I see Tong Xiaotian. Just as I was thinking about whether there was a way to deal with him all at once, I happened to see the disciplinary director walking out with something in hand

My life seems to have suddenly become completely different from before, and I even doubt that Chen Qiaoluo was merely a dream I had, a dream filled with sadness and bitterness

At that moment, Chen Qiaoluo also noticed Gu Yu, his body stiffened, and he immediately lowered his head just like I did

The setting sun gently cast its warmth upon him, enveloping his entire being in a delicate halo of light

We followed the words of the waiter and arrived at the door of Box 2046. As soon as we pushed the door open, we saw Chen Qiaoluo smiling brightly at a plump middle-aged woman. It seemed that no one had anticipated the sudden intrusion, and the people inside the box were momentarily taken aback.

Hearing me say this, he seemed to have heard something unbelievable, and it took him quite a while to muster a response.

I declined the kind offer from Xiao Hei Ge and asked directly, "Xiao Hei Ge, do you know where Chen Qiaoluo is?"

Well, thank you, Little Black Brother

"Chen Qiaoluo, you are truly amazing," I said with a smile

A thought quickly flashed through my mind, but it was soon overtaken by the embarrassment from the last time I was rejected. I feigned calmness and turned my face to Li Zi, saying: "Let's go."

"Why are you asking this?" Dad said, somewhat puzzled

Chen Qiaoluo was taken aback by my words for quite a while before finally speaking: "Zhu Jun, I concede."

On that day, I was walking with Li Zi as usual, and when we reached the school gate, I suddenly remembered that I had left my keys in the drawer of the classroom. I glanced around and saw no sign of Tong Xiaotian, so I asked Li Zi to wait for me there while I went back alone to get the keys. However, by the time I returned to the school gate, Tong Xiaotian had somehow reappeared there.

I hurriedly asked, "Dad, do you know if there is any KTV in our city that has the words 'Sunshine' in its name?"

Do not doubt it

I can no longer find him, and the school said that if he does not attend classes again, he will be expelled. I blurted everything out.

However, no matter how much I think about it, I cannot persuade him. Chen Qiaoluo is just that kind of person; no matter how well-intentioned your words are, if he is unwilling, there is no way to make him change

Can we leave together with the kite?

It is truly beautiful

Chen Qiaoluo complained to me while ordering, saying, "Fortunately, I know the owner of this restaurant, and he helped reserve a table for us; otherwise, we would have had to wait a long time tonight"

But just as I took a step forward, holding Chen Qiaoluo's hand, someone pried it open with their hand. I turned around and saw Chen Qiaoluo standing there, his head lowered. In the dim light, I could not make out his expression.

Thus, I became a schoolmate with Li Zi because of Tong Xiaotian. Every time he appeared, I would sarcastically unleash my powerful ability to drive people away. After several instances, I found myself somewhat exasperated.

Upon hearing what I said, Xiao Hei Ge was also taken aback and comforted me by saying, "Jun Hao, don't be anxious for now. How about I ask Sister He Pei for you."

Upon seeing me, Tong Xiaotian instinctively looked at me with a wary expression

I went to that repair shop after school, and from a distance, I saw him squatting there, lowering his head to fiddle with tools. I had never seen Chen Qiaoluo like this; his hands were covered in stains, and his face was marked with sweat from the sun.

I glanced at her and said coldly, "Get lost!"

It was only after I had walked far away with Li Zi that I found the courage to turn back, but in my line of sight, Gu Yu was no longer there.

However, this shop is inherently small, and one can easily discern who is present with just a casual glance.

My unrelenting words caused her expression to change in an instant

Chen Qiaoluo's expression was somewhat unpleasant, and he almost gritted his teeth as he shouted at me: "Zhu Junhao, what exactly do you want?"

There should be a little over an hour left. Chen Qiaoluo glanced at the time and said, Why don't you go sit at the ice cream shop next door for a while, and I'll come find you later

She considers herself to understand everything, reaching out her hand to pat me, but I disdainfully swatted it away: "Don't touch me with your dirty hands"

The two of us were like people evading creditors, only feeling relieved after Guyu left

He in front of me was momentarily taken aback by my words, then burst into laughter, teasingly saying as usual: "Zhu Jun, please, could you not be so literary? Being a bit more fierce would suit your temperament better."

Upon hearing me mention him, Li Zi's expression changed slightly, and after a while, she bit her teeth lightly and said: "His name is Tong Xiaotian, from the neighboring Chongming High School. A few days ago, I went there to visit some old classmates, and somehow, I ended up being entangled with him."

Very well, this idiot Tong Xiaotian

Is it to let go of the hand

"No, you must not tell Aunt He Pei." I stopped Xiao Hei from going in to find her and said, "You know that Chen Qiaoluo is the last person who wants Aunt He Pei to worry about him. This matter must not be disclosed to her."

I encountered Tong Xiaotian one day after school. As soon as I stepped out of the school gate, I saw him entangled with Li Zi. Seeing her timid demeanor, the gratitude I felt for her care earlier suddenly surged forth. I quickly walked over and shouted at Tong Xiaotian, "What are you doing?"

"Entangled?" I frowned slightly, feeling somewhat perplexed

When I arrived, Chen Qiaoluo was already waiting there. It was close to eight o'clock, and the whole street was filled with the aroma of food. I found a shop to sit down with him, and the surrounding area was already full of people.

Last time was too painful, it took me so long to gradually walk out of it.

It was only after 6 o'clock that we finally left the repair shop

All day long, I attended classes in a daze, constantly wondering where Chen Qiaoluo might have gone. But it wasn't until this moment that I realized I didn't actually know him as well as I thought. This thought left me feeling completely disheartened.

Okay, I understand. He took a deep breath and said, "Here's what we'll do, Yu, wait for me at the door. I'll go in and ask for leave, and then we'll go find A Luo together."

Having done quite a bit of work, I was already drenched in sweat. I had arranged to meet Chen Qiaoluo at the night market not far from the school in an hour, so we each went home to take a shower and change our clothes

Little Hei, who was originally waiting at the door, couldn't help but rush in and said to Chen Qiaoluo, "Alo, what's wrong with you? Do you know how worried Junhao is about you? She has been looking for you all this time."

Lei Zǐ doesn't understand why I said such words, and she came over and timidly pulled my arm.

Just as I hadn't had time to react, Chen Qiaoluo had already stood up and walked outside, and my voice calling his name was drowned out in the noisy crowd.

I turned my head to look at Liza and asked, "Are you okay?"

Ha, willing to fall into depravity?Chen Qiaoluo suddenly laughed coldly, with a coldness in his eyes. He said, "Zhu Junhao, do you think everyone is as lucky as you? Do you know why I have to work so hard to earn money? Do you think I want to endure the orders of those people?"

Are you trying to drive me away

The director of discipline and guidance took three steps and then two steps, rushing over with a stern face, shouting at Tong Xiaotian, "Which school are you from? After class, instead of going home, you came to our school to chase girls. Whether you believe it or not, I will contact your principal right now and have you taken back."

My wrist was pulled so hard by him that it hurt, until we got outside of KTV and he finally let go of my hand. By then, there were almost no people outside, and I could still faintly hear the singing from inside.

After a while, Chen Qiaoluo turned his face to look at me. It seemed he had not expected me to be here; he was taken aback and then asked, "Zhu Junhao, how did you end up here?"

There is nothing to apologize for," he said, looking at me.

I am not Tong Xiaotian, and I cannot be as shameless as he is. No matter how much I like someone, once I am rejected, I will not look back again

Hmph. I shot him a glance and shouted, "I want to eat grilled eggplant, and bring me twenty skewers of lamb."

This street, located near the school, is a famous night market street in City A, and this shop has become so crowded that not even water can pass through it

Just as I was about to pull him out, the woman next to him reacted as well, suddenly standing up and asking sharply: "What are you doing?"

Although I am his friend, I know very little about his affairs. He said he skipped class to chase girls, but now everything I hear seems to be quite different from what he said.

Occasionally, she would chat with me, talking about the new manga she has read and things she likes.

Worry swept over my heart in an instant.

Indeed, the way I communicate with Chen Qiaoluo is not suitable. My feelings of sadness hadn't even had a chance to well up before he made me laugh with a single sentence. I put down my backpack on my shoulder and threw it at him, scolding, "Chen Qiaoluo, you really don't know what's good for you."

However, a short sentence made my heart feel as if it had fallen into a cold cave. I looked at him angrily and said, "Chen Qiaoluo, how dare you ask me why I'm here? What I'm here for, I think you should know better than anyone else."

Rarely, Chen Qiaoluo beside me did not echo my words. I turned my head in confusion to look at him, only to find him lost in thought.