Chapter 2, still far from love

Zhan Qing's thoughts paused for a moment, and she felt as if she had experienced a very cold dream. In the dream, there was only a gaze of indifference; no matter how hard she tried, she could not warm that gaze. In the end, even she was frozen, unable to move.

She loosened her grip a little and continued to lie on the boy's back, "Don't think that... I don't know anything just because I'm drunk... In fact, one can't really get drunk from drinking..."

"Do you think I want to leave with a worn-out aunt?" The young man threw a very thick snow coat to her, "Use this! Hurry up! If you don't want to be trapped here, then listen to me! Also, no more hitting me!"

However, this normalcy made her anxious. Was he being too indifferent towards a woman he had tightly embraced just the night before? After a whole day, Zhan Qing was filled with pent-up frustration and could no longer hold back when she went to the second-floor studio to find him after work, only to discover that it was already empty.

She turned around, picked up her coat and bag, and rushed towards the door. She did not want to hear or see anything anymore. She originally had so much to say to him—she wanted to tell him that if he was not yet ready to accept his feelings, she could wait indefinitely, for as long as it took, and she would not put any pressure on him

She worked very hard and made many sacrifices, but he was unaware of all this, and she did not continue to strive. After that night, she thought he had fallen in love with her, but that was not the case; instead, he fled in fear due to those hurtful words. It was she who chose to give up, coming alone to a foreign place to wallow in self-pity.

When she woke up, she was lying on a low bed in a simple wooden cabin. The crackling sound of burning twigs came from beside her, and the warm glow of the fire filtered in, bringing with it a strange sense of warmth.

The sound of footsteps stopped in front of the bed, and he seemed to be looking at her. She could feel his gaze lingering on her, and she could also feel her heart beginning to race again. After a moment, he leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead

No matter how far love is, she can never escape it

"How are you here?" He frowned and casually took off his outer coat

"Obasan?" For women, the crux of the issue does not lie in who the benefactor is, but rather in the manner and tone in which that person speaks. It is evident that the young man is completely unaware of this. Subsequently, he quickly falls victim to Zhan Qing's second attack.

How could you?

In that moment, she saw a fleeting glimpse of regret in the depths of his eyes

Certainly, a single woman booking a double room is bound to attract strange looks. Coincidentally, she was also in a bad mood and glared fiercely at the receptionist, who promptly lowered her head in respect and ceased to interfere further

He let out a faint sigh, a hint of cold gradually emerging from the depths of his profound eyes. "Zhan Qing, I originally thought that with your intelligence, you would be able to understand." He took a step back, leaning against the cabinet as he lit a cigarette.

However, after crossing more than half the globe, she realized that distance only caused her longing to overflow. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, she would always think of him. His indifferent brows and eyes, his elegant face, his half-smiling expression, his unparalleled musical talent, and those subtle moments of loneliness that would only occasionally reveal themselves.

The temperature remained extremely low, but the weather was clear. With the youth being very familiar with the terrain, after four hours of hard work, they finally descended the northern slope of Mount Asahi and took the cable car, leaving the Daisetsuzan National Park where Mount Asahi is located

I am outside and will not be returning tonight. Let's discuss anything tomorrow.

It was only in the end that she realized, if it had not been for this young man, she would likely have perished in the frigid expanse of the snowy wilderness outside

"Hey! I just heard someone say there is a great bar ahead, let's go have some fun!" With that, he unceremoniously grabbed her and ran forward.

She does not know where she should go or how long she will be gone. In fact, none of this matters anymore, as long as she can escape his suffocating, cold gaze, leave the city he is in, and go anywhere!

The streetlight cast a dim yellow glow, stretching the silhouette of the young man to an extreme length. Zhanqing lay on his back, yet her eyes remained wide open. She had not fallen asleep; she had been listening all along. Although her mind was dizzy and her limbs weak, she still absorbed every word he said, each one sinking deep into her heart

"What drunken promiscuity... it's all a lie, the truth is they just want to be promiscuous..." The woman's voice on the boy's back seemed to carry a hint of sobbing, "Why is that... what's wrong with being a virgin? Hey, little ghost, tell me, do you like virgins or not?"

He trembled for a few seconds, then turned and returned to the room. She had no time to close her eyes and pretend to be asleep, so she could only brace herself and say good morning to him

"Can you be good to me?" Zhan Qing rolled her eyes.

She thinks she is crazy, clearly knowing which things should not be done, yet she cannot control herself no matter what!

Zhan Qing opened her eyes and smiled softly while gazing at his back

After much hesitation, she finally dialed his number

She still remembers how, two years ago, when she first received his permission to enter here, she secretly felt happy for many days.

Asahikawa, the northern slope of Mount Asahi in Hokkaido

However, he does not even give her the opportunity to speak

"Birds of a feather flock together..." Zhan Qing wrapped her arms around his neck, and tears could no longer be held back from her eyes

"Impolite! Is it you who called her 'Zhanqing'?" This guy had just spotted her ID in her wallet while she was paying at the ramen shop, and knowing her name was 'Zhanqing', he kept calling her that incessantly

"Youze?" Zhanqing pondered, "Is there a surname 'You'? What about the age? What is the reason for coming to Japan?"

A few nerves in Zhan Qing's brain snapped, "W-what did you call me?"

Hey! Old lady! Are you mistaken? It was I who saved you! How could you possibly hit me?

Everyone is Chinese, do you really need to think for so long just to help me out? After all, I am your lifesaver!" The young man's thin lips curled in disdain, clearly displeased with her, "I don't care, anyway, you owe me a life, so you can't just ignore this matter!"

"Idiot?" The other party's tone rose, and as they relaxed their fingers, the book that had been blocking their face fell to the ground with a 'thud.' The face behind the book was unexpectedly youthful. With wild, unruly black hair, a pointed chin, thin lips, a prominent nose, and a pair of slightly upturned, slender eyes, even she, who was accustomed to handsome celebrities, was momentarily stunned by the excessively handsome, delicate face and bright light brown eyes in her line of sight.

One matter is one matter. I hit you because of the tone and words you used when speaking to me! Using the terms "auntie" and "old woman" for a woman who has just been dumped is simply asking for trouble

You—he slightly frowned, and in his eyes, there was an indistinct dark light that she found hard to decipher. "Is this your first time?"

Thank you for saving me. " She sat down across from the young man, " Are you alright? "

I said I wouldn't be back in the evening, so why are you waiting for me? Is there an unexpected issue with the album?" He walked into the open kitchen and began to brew coffee

Xu, Xu Shao..." she called him softly from behind. She did not understand why, but suddenly felt an inexplicable fear in her heart. It was as if she had become timid all of a sudden, afraid to ask too much or say too much, fearing that the beautiful dream she had so painstakingly obtained would shatter at the slightest touch

"Do you want me to hit you with my backpack twice? How ungrateful!" The young man said with a hint of annoyance.

The smoke curled around, gradually obscuring her line of sight. "Is it only possible to maintain such a relationship? If so, then why did you... the night before last? You clearly knew that I am..."

Aunt, you really are an aunt... so heavy!" Just after he finished complaining, his neck was tightly gripped by her. "Wow, let go, you are not an aunt, you are Zhan Qing!

What do you know? Zhan Qing felt increasingly wronged, her heart filled with sorrow that she had no place to express. "I have liked him for six years! For these six years, I have worked hard in my studies and my job, all for him... But he knows nothing! He knows absolutely nothing..."

In the small cabin, near the fireplace not far from the bed, someone is lying on a lounge chair covered with a thick blanket, with two long legs comfortably resting on the low round table in front of the chair. He is holding a book that completely obscures his face, revealing only his slender fingers gripping the book.

She suddenly felt a chill throughout her body, as if she had fallen into a bottomless ice cellar, her entire being so cold that she lost all sensation of pain, leaving only a numbness. "You... were with another woman yesterday?"

The bar is filled with the sounds of blues music, lively and bustling, with travelers of various skin colors gathered together. Everyone sits in a circle, engaging in a half-understood exchange using a mix of languages, raising their glasses and laughing together, blurring the boundaries between nations

Of course I know! You were crying all night while you were unconscious, constantly calling out someone’s name, how pointless! A lover, isn’t it just like that? If this one is gone, just find the next one. Is it really worth making yourself like this?

The pain still lingers within the body, but what prevails is a fullness of sweetness

In recent years, you have been outstanding and have helped me a lot. However, I can only maintain that kind of relationship with you

In the mirror, a pale and haggard woman's face is reflected, with heavy dark circles under her eyes, dry skin, and lips that are faintly purplish. Where is there even a hint of the image of a mature and elegant beauty?

He picked up his clothes one by one in the living room, as the passion of last night had come too suddenly, leaving their garments scattered all over the floor. He took his tie from the back of the sofa, but his attention was soon drawn to a certain ambiguous mark on the cream-colored sofa.

She gazed at him, and for some reason, she hesitated for a long time before slowly nodding her head

If someone finds out, others will think I am trafficking children

"Alright, alright." She was utterly speechless at his childish intimidation. "I can help you, but you need to let me know your name, age, and the reason for your visit to Japan. I at least need to figure out whether you are skipping school or have run away from home!"

He halted his movements, his gaze settling upon her, an inscrutable and profound look that she could not comprehend

"I apologize, Xu Shao!" She turned to look at him directly, but her fingers resting on the door were trembling. "In fact, my rationality is not as good as you imagine! Therefore, in order not to affect work matters, I will take a leave of absence starting now! If you are not satisfied, it is fine to dismiss me!"

At around six in the morning, he returned to his residence and then saw a person curled up on the sofa. She was not asleep; a pair of watery almond-shaped eyes met his gaze directly

Idiot! What are you saying?

"Hmph, finally awake, are we!" A light, mocking male voice drifted into my ears, not particularly friendly, laced with sarcasm. "To charge into the snowfield without any gear in this harsh winter, should I call you brave or foolish? Fortunately, the weather has cleared up these past few days. If it had been a snowstorm, you would have been buried under the ice, turning into a snow princess! Oh, wait, with your type, you shouldn't be called a princess; you should be called the Ice Witch!"

"How strange, if I don't call you Zhanqing, do you expect me to call you Auntie?" He ran back from the small shop by the roadside, "Oh, your face looks so sour!"

"I am sorry, I do not wish to deceive you," he glanced at her, then turned around and extinguished the cigarette butt, "but I do not have those feelings."

Here, there is no trace of any woman, only the unique faint scent of his cologne and the smell of smoke.

The young man turned around and gave her a look that said, "Of course we need to leave this place! It is currently morning, and we must get out of here before 3 PM!"

Watching the footsteps of the clear sky float, the young man sighed helplessly and ultimately had no choice but to carry her towards the hotel

Having received a definite answer, he said nothing further, but quickly put on his clothes, clearly intending to leave

"No, you are mistaken, I do not know." He certainly knew what she wanted to say, "If I had known you were a virgin, I would never have touched you!"

If flying halfway around the world cannot erase all of this, then why would she leave at all

Zhan Qing turned over in the bedding and quietly glanced beside her. He was not there; the sound of splashing water came from the bathroom. She bit her lower lip and quietly got out of bed to fetch her makeup bag, opening the mirror to check her appearance. Most of the makeup from last night had been worn away during their intimate moments, and the dark circles under her eyes reappeared. She inwardly exclaimed that it was a disaster and hurriedly took out the powder to touch up. Before she could finish her makeup, the sound of water in the bathroom gradually ceased. She quickly shoved her things under the pillow and then pretended to continue sleeping.

However, it was only after she entered the room that she realized there was only one large bed in the double room

Regret? ! He actually regrets the matters that occurred between him and her that night in the * picture * book? ! That matter which was so important to her, he actually only showed such an expression? ! `` So, you didn't like me, not even a little bit '' Can she still hope for anything?

Alright, that's all I have to say, you should reflect on it yourself! Additionally, if you have rested enough, start packing your things! The young man discarded the snack bag, stretched his limbs, and began to organize his belongings

For an entire day, he behaved completely normally. He handled album matters, discussed official business with her, and every expression, every word, was no different from usual

After a hearty meal, the two of them strolled along Peace Avenue to the shopping park.

"Do you really have to go with me?" To be honest, she was truly afraid that she would not be able to resist hitting him again halfway through the journey

She sat in his studio in a daze until nightfall, scenes from the past flashing through her mind. She gazed out at the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower, lost in thought, unsure of what she was actually thinking.

Without him needing to say it a second time, Zhan Qing quickly took out her makeup mirror and opened it

She turned her head back with force, her eyes already betraying her with a sheen of tears. No! She could not cry here, she could not let him see her tears! She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and walked away from his gaze step by step

The young man stretched his long legs and leisurely remarked: "Men are actually quite simple; as long as you are beautiful and have a good figure, people will naturally flock to you—however, for someone like you, the market might be a bit lacking—"

Where to

Words that are cruel to the extreme lash out at her face and body like a whip, it is not pain, it is merely a form of humiliation

Perhaps he is not wrong in what he said

In the hotel café, Zhanqing rested her forehead on her hand, looking unwell. Opposite her, the young man sat with his legs crossed, calmly playing with his dark purple-dyed bangs.

Even if it is the end of the world

I am waiting for you. She relaxed her limbs and realized that due to maintaining the same position for an extended period, her hands and feet had gone numb, accompanied by a dull ache.

On the streets of Asahikawa in the late night, the number of travelers gradually decreases. In the cold air, the remnants of the previous bustling atmosphere still linger

In these brief ten minutes, Zhan Qing vented her pent-up anger and naturally recalled the events that occurred before her fainting. After leaving the company that day, she directly packed her bag and headed to the airport. Over the past few years, she had always been focused on studying and working, never truly taking a break, and she didn't even know where she wanted to go. Therefore, she simply bought the fastest ticket out of Paris, going wherever the plane would take her.

Youze twitched his lips and said, "You wouldn't be trying to say that you've fallen in love with me and plan to dedicate yourself to me, would you?" As soon as he finished speaking, he received a light hit on his head from her. "Alright, I'll say it! In this day and age, the concept of virginity among boys has become quite weak! However, for an average man, if the other party is a virgin, that would certainly be even more perfect! But if that man is just looking for a fling, then a virgin would be quite troublesome for him—" He quickly received another two taps on his head. For an average man, if the other party is a virgin, that would certainly be even more perfect! But if that man is just looking for a fling, then a virgin would be quite troublesome for him—" He quickly received another two taps on his head.

He made it very clear to her that, for him, she was no different from the other women around him, and even more troublesome. Because she was a virgin, and he did not need such innocence

The slightly warm lips, carrying the gentle fragrance of her shower gel, quietly seeped into her nostrils. It was her shower gel, her scent, yet it now lingered on him. A sense of indescribable and wonderful emotion spread from the depths of her heart. After a while, the sound of him walking out of the room reached her ears

Where is she

It is precisely because I do not have an ID card that I am asking for your help! The other party looked at her as if she were an idiot, "You cannot book two single rooms; can't you book one double room? Once it's booked, I can just slip in, can't I!"

Xu Shao ... ... "Upon hearing his voice, she did not know what to say, 'Do you have time tonight? I am in your studio ... ... '"

Indeed, Xu Mofei is not unaware; she has known him for three years longer than he has known her

Xu Mo Fei would wait for him here until he returned

Outside the building, the sky is clear, and the morning light fills the heavens; it is a marvelous and enchanting array of colors, yet it cannot penetrate her eyes or those of the *illustrated* book in any way

In terms of cuisine, Asahikawa's ramen is very famous, and the two will naturally not miss it

Aunt!" The young man bent down again to stare at her face, "How strange, do you want to be a mother-in-law?"

What did you say? She suddenly clenched her fist

Clear distinction between public and private matters? At such a time, he actually still talks to her about rationality

In a fit of youthful impulsiveness, he grabbed a pillow to retaliate. Then, just under a minute after meeting, the two strangers began to fight in the desolate snow-covered cabin.

Before she could voice her doubts, Zhan Qing was already thoroughly infuriated by the other party

He thought she was just his most diligent and talented student invited to guest lecture, confident and capable. But he did not know how much effort was required behind the scenes to become the student he perceived. To go to his city, she secretly changed her college application without telling her parents during the college entrance examination, nearly getting her leg broken by her fierce mother; to pass several professional tests, she practiced tirelessly day and night, resulting in a high fever for several days afterward; every time she wanted to secure the most prominent position during his lecture, she always sacrificed her lunch break, casually buying a bread to fill her stomach with mineral water in the classroom; to compete for the only assistant position, she stayed at school every day, going nowhere, and ultimately, to follow him to Paris, she even left school and took a leave of absence.

Zhan Qing felt like she was going crazy, "This is not a matter of money! You, you rascal, don't even have an ID. How am I supposed to help you book a room?" You little brat, not even eighteen yet, how on earth did you manage to come to Japan?

After a long while, he spoke: "I thought my attitude yesterday was quite clear." His elegant thin lips were not far from her, and just a day ago, she had shared a passionate kiss with him. Yet at this moment, she realized that she did not understand this man at all

The young boy muttered a few words, and in the end, he reluctantly mentioned the name.

Hello! She propped herself up and looked in the direction of the sound

Zhan Qing looked at him, wanting to cry but having no tears. Who had she offended? Why was she sitting here for no reason, being scolded by a little brat?

Hello? A slightly aloof yet elegant voice, reminiscent of the whispers exchanged during last night's intimacy

Hello! Youze is furious

As a result, she arrived in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and then boarded the train heading to Asahidake, Daisetsuzan.

You are just a child! Am I not taller than you?! The young man slammed his hand on the table, attracting several glances from people nearby in the café. He leaned closer to her, his beautiful brows furrowing into a '川' shape, "Are you less? Huh, if I say you should, then you should! Otherwise—" He extended his hands to clasp them together, the knuckles producing a series of cracking sounds.

His attitude reignited the anger that had taken her a night to quell. Gritting her teeth, she rushed in front of him and said, "Is there nothing else to discuss between us besides official matters?"

The phrase "unfavorable years" is the final conclusion drawn by Zhan Qing

Youze pulled her along, and soon she was immersed in this borderless joy. Perhaps the atmosphere was too good, or maybe the boy beside her was just too lively. Zhanqing quickly forgot her alcohol tolerance and downed several large glasses of beer. Of course, the consequences of indulgence came swiftly; two hours later, she leaned against a tree trunk outside the bar and emptied the contents of her stomach.

Oh. The young man should look up at the stars in the sky. The sky of Hokkaido is bright with stars, each one is incredibly clear, yet also exceedingly distant

Asahikawa is the second largest city in Hokkaido, located centrally, with the Daisetsuzan Mountain as its backdrop. It is home to approximately 120 rivers of various sizes, boasting favorable natural conditions and a vibrant artistic scene

Zhan Qing originally thought that after the young man took him down the mountain, he would leave. Little did he know, he boarded the bus to Asahikawa with her and accompanied her all the way to the FITNESS hotel that had been booked in advance.

The pristine white collar of his shirt, adorned with a smudge of alluring lipstick, is mocking her foolishness at this moment

Such humiliation, she truly cannot bear it

Alright, you are so annoying! Hurry up and book a room, I haven't showered in a few days and I'm hungry, please! Under the urging of the young man, Zhan Qing finally went to the hotel lobby to book a double room

"You haven't done anything wrong, I won't fire you. Whether it's a holiday or not, I will find someone else to follow up on TIM's album." He was still busy with the coffee in his hands. Finally, as if recalling something, he turned his gaze towards her, "I hope you can adjust your mood as soon as possible. To be honest, you are a good assistant, and I don't want to lose a good helper because of this matter." His gaze was calm, carrying indifference, without a hint of fluctuation.

You, on the ground!" Zhan Qing naturally occupied the large bed. The young man did not refute, as it seemed that having a place to rest was already quite good for him. By the time the two of them had taken showers and changed into clean, heavy snow clothes and walked out of the hotel, it was already completely dark outside

Hey! The young man slapped the table in dissatisfaction, "To be honest, I don't think my choice of words is inappropriate. Do you have a mirror? If you do, please take a look at yourself!"

"Do not arrive at the company too late, there is a lot of work to be done on TIM's album." He stood at the door, his tone somewhat indifferent. Until he left her apartment, he did not look back at her even once.

He knows nothing, so what right does he have to say those things to me

Later, she went to the supermarket alone and bought many daily necessities as well as fruits and vegetables. She dragged large and small bags to his private residence and organized the items she purchased one by one. Then, she began to clean the room for him. From the inside out, every corner was meticulously cleaned.

"How ridiculous! I hope I didn't call you wrong!" The young man took out snacks from his bag and slowly began to eat, "You women, risking your lives for men, and making yourselves age prematurely, it's really pointless!"

On a winter night, her tears fell into his collar, cold and distinctly chilling. The young man stopped in his tracks, "Hey, you aren't crying again, are you? Please! Didn't I tell you before? It's pointless to live or die over matters of love!"

"How exactly did you come to Japan?" She always found this boy to be rather strange

This absurd war was declared over after ten minutes

In one month, I will turn eighteen! The reason? Of course, it's to have fun! It is currently the holiday season, and the annual Winter Festival in Asahikawa is about to begin!

That night was merely a mutual consolation between two individuals with needs! In my view, it was just that. I had no prior knowledge that you would actually be—

"Since he knows nothing, why don't you go tell him!" The young man shook his head, adjusted the person on his back, and continued walking forward. "Since love is so intense, then strive for it! As long as there is a chance to try, keep putting in the effort! What good is it to argue with me here? You really..." Youze sighed, "I just don't understand you women; I have no idea what you're thinking. You want to have it all but are afraid of getting hurt, spending all day doing pointless things... Hey, my words are so reasonable, you aren't falling asleep, are you? Hey..." "Since love is so intense, then strive for it! As long as there is a chance to try, keep putting in the effort! What good is it to argue with me here? You really..." Youze sighed, "I just don't understand you women; I have no idea what you're thinking. You want to have it all but are afraid of getting hurt, spending all day doing pointless things... Hey, my words are so reasonable, you aren't falling asleep, are you? Hey..."

Zhan Qing! He called out to her as she had already opened the door, "No matter what, I hope you can keep your public and private matters separate"

Bang! Zhan Qing grabbed something from the side and smashed it down onto his head. Only after the impact did she realize it was her large backpack. The other party fell to the ground in response, but within half a second, he got up in a fit of anger.

"Zhan Qing, come here quickly! Hurry up!" The young man, full of energy, had climbed the snow-capped mountain all day and was still lively at this moment. It was a pity that she had long been confined to the office, and her athletic abilities had almost completely perished.

The young man approached the bed, bent down, and looked closely at her again. Her long and thick eyelashes fluttered seductively. Zhan Qing felt uneasy under his gaze and quickly shrank back, but at that moment, he clicked his tongue and said, "Auntie! You don't need to be afraid! I'm not interested in someone your age! Moreover, you need to understand one thing: it was I—" He straightened up, arrogantly pointing at himself, "who risked my life to drag you in here from outside! Also, Auntie, if you want to commit suicide next time, please choose a more straightforward method! Do you know how heavy you are!"

Zhan Qing tightened her grip on the phone, a dull pain suddenly radiating from her heart. She could not believe it, not at all. Why was there such a tone? She and he had clearly become so close!