Section 7

"How long have you been out?" Zhang Qirui asked.

Zhang Qirui took a few seconds to realize what Gu Xiang was referring to. In that moment, he suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable, with a hint of bitterness in his heart

This expression can only be seen on the face of someone who has endured many hardships. Yet she is only twenty-six years old this year

She repeated these three words with emphasis once again, as if reminiscing, yet also affirming. Her smile was light and airy, as if a gentle breeze could easily carry it away, standing in stark contrast to her past.

I am Zhang Qirui. Zhang Qirui said, worried that she might not remember, and added, "Huayue High School, Class 1, we were classmates for three years. You may not remember, but at that time I sat in ... ... "

"You are ... ..." Gu Xiang Er Zhang was at a loss, "Excuse me, may I ask who you are ... ..."

The petty vendor who was meticulous about every cent, or the class monitor who was beloved by classmates back then, their shadows can no longer overlap. Zhang Qirui had long known that she would change significantly, but seeing it with his own eyes still left him feeling somewhat unable to accept it. In comparison, the anger he felt back then when Gu Xiang pushed him off the monitor's pedestal now seems truly insignificant, like dust.

Gu Xiang shrugged slightly and said, "I just walked here without any particular purpose. The environment is nice, the people are simple, and the cost of living is low... I apologize for any embarrassment I caused you yesterday."

You always sit by the window in the fourth seat of the fourth group. Gu Xiang smiled lightly, "I remember now. Zhang Qirui, you served as class monitor for two years, and in the third grade, I took over, and you changed to be the study committee member. Zhang Qirui."

Zhang Qirui glanced at the row of small depressions on the ground that had been washed out by dripping water, then looked at Gu Xiang. She was thinner than during high school, her complexion was poor, and even when she smiled, there was always a hint of anxiety in her eyes

"I only felt that you resembled someone yesterday, but I did not dare to rashly acknowledge it," Zhang Qirui said, "What made you think of coming here to do business?"

The rain pattered on the plastic shed. Zhang Qirui stood in the rain holding an umbrella, while Gu Xiang sheltered under the eaves. Behind them was a rice noodle shop, which was not busy, so the owner did not mind the two standing at the entrance.

The two of them felt a bit dazed, momentarily at a loss for words. Zhang Qirui was wearing a white shirt today, which stood out somewhat in the night, and his handsome appearance combined with his refined demeanor often drew the attention of passing girls who would glance back. Gu Xiang awkwardly tugged at the hem of her T-shirt, as raindrops drifted in, dampening the hair at her forehead.

It has been more than three years. Gu Xiang answered truthfully, with no intention of concealing anything. We are all old classmates; who doesn't know each other's background