Chapter 3, Farewell and Reunion

Chen Qiaoqi quickly finished a bowl of noodles and asked, "Do you often eat instant noodles?" Zhao Xiaojun replied with a smile, "Which college student can live without instant noodles!" Chen Qiaoqi stood up and ate another bowl, then asked, "Is there any more?" Zhao Xiaojun inquired, "Aren't you full?" Chen Qiaoqi threw the chopsticks onto the table and said, "How can I be full with this little bit!" Zhao Xiaojun remembered that he was in a phase of rapid growth, so he said, "Then I'll go boil two more packs." After thinking for a moment, he took three packs, cut a lot of ham, and cracked two eggs. Then he asked, "Is there any more?" Zhao Xiaojun asked again, "Aren't you full?" Chen Qiaoqi threw the chopsticks onto the table and said, "How can I be full with this little bit!" Zhao Xiaojun recalled that he was in a phase of rapid growth, so he said, "Then I'll go boil two more packs." After thinking for a moment, he took three packs, cut a lot of ham, and cracked two eggs. Chen Qiaoqi finished everything. Zhao Xiaojun looked at him, feeling a bit incredulous. After he finished eating and tidied up the table, he couldn't help but ask as he walked out, "Are you full? Do you want to go out for a walk?" Chen Qiaoqi was sitting on the sofa watching TV. Upon hearing her words, he turned his head and said, "Sure." He immediately stood up and threw the remote control onto the sofa.

Zhao Xiaojun smiled and said, "Since you are here, let's go out for a meal. When are you going back?" Chen Qiaoqi glanced at her and replied, "Why should I go back!" Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback for a moment. Chen Qiaoqi proudly said, "I am attending high school here."

First, Chen Qiaoqi went to the bedding section to buy bed sheets and duvet covers, and then she picked out two sets of pillows and pillowcases. Zhao Xiaojun asked, "Aren't there some already? Why do you need to buy two more?" Chen Qiaoqi ignored her and went straight to pay. Then she added some daily necessities, and suddenly said, "Shouldn't we buy oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar? Isn't there a kitchen?" Zhao Xiaojun asked, "Are you going to cook for yourself? Can you?" Chen Qiaoqi replied with a "Hmm" and then said, "How could I not! Aren't you tired of eating out all the time?" Zhao Xiaojun didn't think much of it, and then added some more daily necessities. Chen Qiaoqi suddenly said again, "Shouldn't we buy oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar? Isn't there a kitchen?" Zhao Xiaojun asked, "Are you going to cook for yourself? Can you?" Chen Qiaoqi replied with a "Hmm" and then said, "How could I not! Aren't you tired of eating out all the time?" Zhao Xiaojun didn't think much of it, and noodles also require oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. Sure enough, they went down to the first floor to buy bowls, chopsticks, and other kitchen supplies, and then bought some food and drinks.

Chen Qiaoqi watched her leave after putting on her shoes, stunned for a moment, then smiled slightly, resting his hand on the door, and said softly: "I came to find you!" He always had his ways. However, let's put it off for today.

Just after hanging up the phone, the ringtone sounded again. Zhao Xiaojun thought she had changed her mind and immediately picked it up, asking, "When do you plan to come over?" After a moment, a deep voice came through, "How did you know I was going to your place?" Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback, feeling the voice was somewhat familiar. A flash of insight struck her, and she found it truly incredible that after such a long time, she still remembered this voice. Tentatively, she asked, "Chen Qiaoqi?" Chen Qiaoqi responded with a soft "Hmm," and his low voice seemed a bit tense. A deep voice came through again, "How did you know I was going to your place?" Zhao Xiaojun was momentarily stunned, feeling the voice was somewhat familiar. A flash of insight struck her, and she found it truly incredible that after such a long time, she still remembered this voice. Tentatively, she asked, "Chen Qiaoqi?" Chen Qiaoqi responded with a soft "Hmm," and his low voice seemed a bit tense. Zhao Xiaojun suddenly recalled various past events, vividly in her mind, and in an instant, she didn't know what to say. After a long pause, Chen Qiaoqi finally said, "I am at the entrance of your school." This sentence was like a bomb, exploding Zhao Xiaojun's mind, leaving her incoherent as she repeatedly asked, "How are you here?" Chen Qiaoqi impatiently replied, "You come over first, I am at the south gate of your school." After a long pause, Chen Qiaoqi finally said, "I am at the entrance of your school." This sentence was like a bomb, exploding Zhao Xiaojun's mind, leaving her incoherent as she repeatedly asked, "How are you here?" Chen Qiaoqi impatiently replied, "You come over first, I am at the south gate of your school."

Zhao Xiaojun first took out the noodles, then layered them with ham and eggs, the red ham contrasting beautifully with the creamy poached egg, which was quite pleasing to the eye. Chen Qiaoqi sat at the table and praised, "This is quite well done!" Zhao Xiaojun, feeling somewhat proud, replied, "It would be even better with some greens, but here, not to mention greens, there isn't even any scallions or garlic." Chen Qiaoqi took a bite and mumbled, "How come I never realized instant noodles could be this delicious before—if there’s nothing, I can just buy some next time." Zhao Xiaojun laughed and said, "Come on! What’s so great about instant noodles? No matter how you prepare them, they’re still just noodles! There will be plenty of days in the future when we have to eat them."

Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback and stopped to ask, "Are you studying in Beijing?" Chen Qiaoqi nodded and couldn't help but urge, "Hurry up, I'm going to starve to death." Zhao Xiaojun asked, "So Uncle Chen and Aunt Chen are here too? Have you moved to Beijing?" Chen Qiaoqi pushed her along and said, "No, I came alone. Why are you asking so many questions!"

Lin Qingchuan's facial features are quite ordinary. According to her, it is due to a "genetic mutation in the family, resulting in a round face." She is somewhat plump, but she does not care at all. Her skin is surprisingly good, fair and tender, with almost no visible pores. After Zhao Xiaojun became familiar with her, she often expressed jealousy. Lin proudly said, "I only have this one advantage, which is natural. It is useless for you to be jealous. God is fair; when one door closes, another window always opens." Despite her cheerful demeanor, she has undergone significant changes in the past two years, as her family's financial situation has drastically declined. She has a brother who, after taking over the family wealth, spends all his time gambling, quickly squandering the family fortune. She told Zhao Xiaojun, "Alas, it was bound to be lost anyway; if it is lost, so be it. I do not care. I only pity my parents, who have worked hard all their lives, originally hoping to enjoy a few years of peace in their old age, but unexpectedly, at such an old age, they still have to endure the troubles caused by my brother. They are busy struggling to make a living outside." When she spoke of this, her eyes were always filled with tears. She is the youngest daughter, and her brother's children are not much younger than her. Her parents are already at the age of knowing their fate and being at peace. She said that in the past two years, she has seen through many things, the warmth and coldness of human relationships, and the harshness of the world. Fortunately, she is naturally optimistic and has long understood this, focusing solely on being positive and using her own abilities to ensure her parents can enjoy their old age.

Zhao Xiaojun's mother called to ask if she wanted to go to her place. Zhao Xiaojun has always felt that living in the Chen family was inappropriate and uncomfortable, like a thorn in her throat. Whenever guests came to the Chen family, they inevitably asked curiously who she was. Every time this question was raised, Zhao Xiaojun felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles. When she first arrived at the Chen family, she once received a call from a relative of the Chens, who bluntly asked, "Who are you?" Zhao Xiaojun was stunned for a long time and could not answer. How could she explain to others that she had no ties to the Chen family, and yet was living there? It wasn't as if she had no relatives; she still had her mother. Therefore, she later stopped answering calls from the Chen family altogether. Even the Chen family's maid and driver treated her with disdain. She conducted herself with extreme caution in the Chen household, never daring to act recklessly. She was not without feelings of inferiority in this place. Her reclusive and timid nature, along with her indecisiveness and suspicion, were all traits that developed in such an environment. She always felt inferior. As the saying goes, "One who eats soft food is at the mercy of the giver," and this saying proved to be true. In comparison to Chen Qiaoqi, her heart sank even lower, down into an unseen darkness. She harbored a deep-seated fear of the Chen family.

Zhao Xiaojun said, "What else can I become! How do you know my dormitory's phone number? Are you here in Beijing to play for a few days? I remember you should have graduated from middle school, right?" She asked a series of questions. Chen Qiaoqi replied, "Of course I have my ways to find out." Later, she learned that Chen Qiaoqi had first searched online for her department and class, then called 114 to inquire about her school's phone number, followed by asking for her department's phone number, and finally contacted their class advisor to ask for her dormitory's phone number. Chen Qiaoqi said, "Of course I have my ways to find out." Later, she learned that Chen Qiaoqi had first searched online for her department and class, then called 114 to inquire about her school's phone number, followed by asking for her department's phone number, and finally contacted their class advisor to ask for her dormitory's phone number. At that moment, she rolled her eyes and said, "If you keep searching like this, you could probably find the phone number of the central leaders too." Chen Qiaoqi frowned and said, "Why would I bother looking up their phone numbers when I'm already full!"

Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly changed her clothes and rushed towards the school gate, gasping for breath as she looked around anxiously. Chen Qiaoqi called out to her from behind, "Hey," and Zhao Xiaojun quickly turned around, unable to help but gasp in surprise. After several years, he had grown so tall that she had to take a few steps back to see him clearly. With his sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, his features were well-defined, just as they had been before, but he was even more handsome now. Chen Qiaoqi had his hands in his pants pockets and coolly said, "Have you seen enough?" He was still as infuriating as he had been before.

After thinking for a while, she nodded in agreement. She could no longer stay here. Although it was her stepfather's home, which came with many inconveniences, it was still her mother, and on the surface, it was acceptable. There was still love for her. Over the years, although she inevitably harbored some resentment, she still remembered how her mother used to feed her bite by bite when she was little, chasing her around the yard just to get her to eat half a bowl of steamed egg. Leaving this cold and unwelcoming place might be better for her.

She asked Zhao Xiaojun why she suddenly transferred schools. Zhao Xiaojun did not hide anything from her, saying that she felt stifled and uncomfortable while staying at the Chen family. She recounted her grievances about returning to her mother, saying that it was truly chaotic, and she could not calm down to study; she mentioned that the "sister" was intentionally or unintentionally making things difficult for her; she spoke of her brother's arrogance; and she described her stepfather's cold politeness that pierced her heart. These were words she had never dared to share with her mother for fear of upsetting her, but now she expressed them all to Lin Qingchuan. In the end, she said: "Although there are many small annoyances, it doesn't matter much because my mother is always by my side, so a little grievance is nothing. You don't know, there was a time when I had a stomachache, and my mother got up in the middle of the night to rub my stomach, preparing brown sugar water and filling a hot water bottle for me. These little ailments, I never dared to mention at the Chen family."

Zhao Xiaojun arrived at her mother's house, where there were still many troubles in life. Her stepfather had a pair of children, a son studying at university in another city and a daughter in her third year of high school, both older than Zhao Xiaojun. There was also a six-year-old younger brother who was in kindergarten. The house was always noisy. Her half-sister, who shared neither father nor mother with her, had a very poor attitude towards her mother, often either not speaking a word or speaking in a rough tone with no good grace, having a temper even greater than that of a spoiled young lady. The younger brother, being a late-born child, was spoiled to an extreme, dominating the household and throwing tantrums whenever he was dissatisfied, crying and making a fuss without relent. Zhao Xiaojun recalled Chen Qiaoqi's childhood and realized that although he was not fond of interacting with others back then, he was truly well-mannered. It seemed like a distant memory, worlds apart.

Zhao Xiaojun asked her how she ended up at this school, given her grades she should have been able to attend a prestigious university. Lin Qingchuan let out a big sigh and said that she had won first prize in the national physics competition, and the school had recommended her for direct admission to Wuhan University. At that time, there were two direct admission quotas, one for Fudan University and one for Wuhan University, but she was upset with the school for not giving her the quota for Fudan, instead offering her a place at Wuhan University, which she had never even heard of. Therefore, she did not go and was gearing up to take the entrance exams for Tsinghua and Peking University. Little did she know that during the college entrance examination, she stumbled and ended up here. Zhao Xiaojun was speechless and after a long pause said, "You might as well accept your fate!" She herself laughed and said, "This is just being greedy, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant, it's karma!" Zhao Xiaojun looked at her in astonishment, with even more to say.

As Zhao Xiaojun was wholeheartedly thinking about leaving the Chen family and packing her luggage, Chen Qiaoqi walked into her room with a dark expression and slammed the door shut with a "bang." He stood there coldly watching Zhao Xiaojun pack her clothes into the suitcase, suddenly rushing over to stop her, and the two began to tug at each other. Zhao Xiaojun shouted, "Chen Qiaoqi! What are you doing? Let go of me!" Chen Qiaoqi held on tightly. Zhao Xiaojun looked up sharply and realized he was now as tall as she was, his small face distinct with features, a straight nose, and considerable strength, pulling her to the point where she almost stumbled. Zhao Xiaojun shouted again, "Chen Qiaoqi! What are you doing? Let go of me!" Chen Qiaoqi held on tightly. Zhao Xiaojun looked up sharply and realized he was now as tall as she was, his small face distinct with features, a straight nose, and considerable strength, pulling her to the point where she almost stumbled. Chen Qiaoqi choked on his words and said, "Zhao Xiaojun, why do you want to leave?" Zhao Xiaojun was somewhat surprised; he usually had a cool demeanor, indifferent to everyone, and she did not expect him to be so reluctant to part with her. Remembering their time together in the Chen family, the only one she truly had feelings for was Chen Qiaoqi, which made her eyes redden slightly. Chen Qiaoqi choked on his words and said, "Zhao Xiaojun, why do you want to leave?" Zhao Xiaojun was somewhat surprised; he usually had a cool demeanor, indifferent to everyone, and she did not expect him to be so reluctant to part with her. Remembering their time together in the Chen family, the only one she truly had feelings for was Chen Qiaoqi, which made her eyes redden slightly. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she looked at him and said, "I don't have the surname Chen, so there's no reason for me to stay in the Chen family."

However, unexpectedly, as soon as class was over, Lin Qingchuan came over while asking questions, patting Zhao Xiaojun's shoulder and smiling, "I thought I had misheard, but it really is you!" A warm feeling surged in Zhao Xiaojun's heart; it turned out that someone still remembered her. Zhao Xiaojun's personality is characterized by an excessive attachment to old acquaintances and past events.

Zhao Xiaojun is indeed a bit worried that he might overeat, saying: "I think we should also stop by the supermarket to buy some ready-to-eat food to keep in the fridge. When you have some free time, you can just heat it up in the microwave and eat it." Chen Qiaoqi changed his shoes, turned off the lights, and locked the door in one go

It turns out that Chen Qiaoqi made excuses, claiming that students from Beijing have many advantages in the college entrance examination and planned to come to Beijing for school to prepare in advance for the exam. At the same school, students from outside the region need to score more than one hundred points higher than local Beijing students to gain admission, which leads many students to go to great lengths to take the exam in Beijing. Zhao Xiaojun also expressed indignation, saying, "This is completely regional discrimination," but could only accept the unfair reality

On the way, Lin Qingchuan would usually say: "Hey, I want to eat ice cream, treat me to it." Zhao Xiaojun initially disagreed, but in the end, she would be worn down and have to nod in agreement, saying: "Alright, treating you is fine, but it can only be ice cream that costs one yuan." However, Lin Qingchuan always insisted on eating a type of ice cream that was coated with a thin layer of chocolate, called "Qiao Le Zi," which costs one yuan and fifty cents. The final outcome was that Zhao Xiaojun would pay two yuan, while Lin Qingchuan would contribute fifty cents, because Zhao Xiaojun also wanted to have a "Yili" cream ice cream, which costs exactly one yuan. Lin Qingchuan did not bite into the ice cream but licked it from top to bottom. Zhao Xiaojun would always say in disgust: "Why do you act like a dog!" Lin Qingchuan would retort: "I’m afraid it will drip on my hands; it’s so sticky and uncomfortable!" This behavior never changed. Zhao Xiaojun would make a disgusted face and say: "Next time, I won’t eat your stuff even if I die!" But she would forget as soon as she turned around and would still snatch food from her. Even when they were in a good mood, the two would share an ice cream, but Lin Qingchuan always ate first, taking the untouched part. As a result, Lin Qingchuan would always ask before eating ice cream: "Do you want to take a bite first?" Only after confirming that Zhao Xiaojun would not eat it would she start to suck on it.

Chen Qiaoqi nodded, leaned back in the chair, and said to her, "I have a huge pile of luggage that I haven't unpacked yet. I just moved out from my relative's house." Zhao Xiaojun casually asked, "Are you managing to get everything done? Do you need any help?" Chen Qiaoqi was waiting for this question and immediately responded, "Sure, come over and help me organize things. Just looking at all that stuff makes me anxious." Zhao Xiaojun thought that since she had nothing to do anyway, it would be appropriate to help him tidy up. So she said, "I'll go take a look later. Where do you live?" Chen Qiaoqi replied, "Just over by Xueyuan Road." Zhao Xiaojun smiled and said, "That's quite close. Why are you looking for a place here? Did you find it yourself or did someone help you?" Chen Qiaoqi simply said, "That apartment is not bad."

Chen Qiaoqi watched as she sliced the ham into small pieces and added them in, then cracked an egg. Before long, the egg that had sunk to the bottom floated up, releasing a delightful aroma. Salivating, he said, "It smells so good, I'm so hungry!" Zhao Xiaojun laughed and pushed him, saying, "You go outside first; if it splashes on you, it won't come off easily."

Chen Qiaoqi rested his hands behind his head and squinted, saying, "I prefer to live in a larger house." Zhao Xiaojun sighed, "What a spendthrift!" After checking the surroundings, he asked, "Where is your bedroom?" Chen Qiaoqi opened the door, revealing a messy bed. Zhao Xiaojun inquired, "What happened here?" Chen Qiaoqi shrugged and replied, "I wanted to change the sheets and duvet cover"}

Chen Qiaoqi simply held her and said, "Don't go!" Zhao Xiaojun replied, "Qiaoqi, stop making a fuss. What's wrong with me going back to my mother's place?" Chen Qiaoqi pounded the bed, looking at her with resentment, and then left her room without saying a word. Even when Zhao Xiaojun left with her luggage, he did not utter a single word, maintaining a stern expression, gloomy and sullen, often shouting loudly, yet ignoring Zhao Xiaojun. Zhao Xiaojun thought to herself that he was still young and would soon forget all these matters. She and he were not from the same world.

Zhao Xiaojun followed him inside, her eyes wide open as she asked, "You live alone in such a large house?" Chen Qiaoqi nodded and lay back on the sofa. Unable to contain herself, Zhao Xiaojun exclaimed, "This is really extravagant! A two-bedroom apartment! Isn't a one-bedroom apartment enough? What a waste!" In such a location, such a house is beyond the means of a middle school student.

Zhao Xiaojun lingered at a small stall for a while when Chen Qiaoqi asked, "Do you want it?" Zhao Xiaojun shook her head and said, "No, it looks good, but after buying it, I feel it’s not good anymore." Suddenly, she straightened up and bumped into Chen Qiaoqi behind her, exclaiming, "Ouch." Chen Qiaoqi quickly asked, "Did you bump into anything?" While saying this, he carefully checked the light. Zhao Xiaojun looked at him and suddenly seemed a bit dazed. Noticing her strange expression, Chen Qiaoqi teased, "Did you get stunned from the bump?" Zhao Xiaojun placed her hands behind her back, stood up straight, and looked up at him, only reaching his chin. Chen Qiaoqi quickly asked again, "Did you bump into anything?" While saying this, he carefully checked the light. Zhao Xiaojun looked at him and suddenly seemed a bit dazed. Noticing her strange expression, Chen Qiaoqi teased, "Did you get stunned from the bump?" Zhao Xiaojun placed her hands behind her back, stood up straight, and looked up at him, only reaching his chin. Zhao Xiaojun was a typical southern girl, petite with delicate features. After a while, she sighed and said, "Qiaoqi, I remember the first time I met you, you only reached my chin; when I left the Chen family, you were still a little shorter than me; but now, we have completely reversed roles."

Zhao Xiaojun laughed and said, "I almost didn't recognize you! Children really grow up fast. I remember you were only this tall back then." Chen Qiaoqi pouted and said, "Who is a child! Don't act so superior, it's disgusting!" Zhao Xiaojun laughed, "Still with that temper. How old are you, and yet you're lecturing me!" Chen Qiaoqi looked at her through the sunlight of late summer and early autumn, her face and body shimmering with flowing light, the scent carried by the wind was familiar and nostalgic, and he sighed softly, "You are still the same!" How wonderful! You are so young, yet you're lecturing me!

"So you ended up like this? Bring me a clean one, and I will change it." Chen Qiaoqi searched in the cabinet for a long time and then said, "I couldn't find it." Zhao Xiaojun, feeling a bit of a headache, said, "Then let's go buy one later."

However, the temperaments of the two individuals differ greatly. Lin Qingchuan always wears a cheerful smile and is quite popular, yet she possesses a keen sense of perception and is adept at reading people's expressions. Her speech and actions are measured and considerate. According to her own words, it is because "over the past two years, living under the strict guidance of her brother, she had no choice but to learn to read people's faces." Zhao Xiaojun, on the other hand, remains indifferent and does not casually strike up conversations with others. Throughout her life, she has had only one friend from childhood to adulthood. As she herself puts it, it is because "over the past two years, living under the strict guidance of her brother, she had no choice but to learn to read people's faces." Zhao Xiaojun continues to be aloof and does not engage in casual conversations. In fact, having just one friend throughout her life is already sufficient.

Zhao Xiaojun asked, "So where do you live? At school?" Chen Qiaoqi took a bite of the dish and said with dissatisfaction, "Why is this dish so unappetizing! It's either boiled or too sweet. I don't live at school; I was originally arranged to stay at a relative's house, but I found another apartment on my own." Zhao Xiaojun replied, "Oh, is that so? Are you used to living there?" She deeply understood what it was like to live in someone else's home, with many inconveniences, so she didn't say much. She only mentioned, "The dishes here are all like this; you'll get used to it after a year or so. If you're not used to it, you can try Sichuan or Hunan cuisine, which is more suited to our taste."

As for her stepfather, he only visited once every six months, which spared Zhao Xiaojun much embarrassment. Her stepfather owned a small factory in another city, and when times were good, they managed to get by. However, life was still frugal, as there were so many children, creating a heavy burden. Her mother spent her days buying groceries and cooking, taking care of everyone's daily needs, busy to the point of being overwhelmed, while also enduring the harsh words of her "sister" and the many unreasonable demands from her younger brother. Zhao Xiaojun realized that she had been living this way all along, constantly compromising and enduring grievances. After school, she would help her mother wash vegetables and cook, even doing the laundry for the whole family. One time, her mother, feeling guilty, said, "Xiaoxiao, it really is hard on you; you have suffered so much with me!" Zhao Xiaojun, however, did not mind. Although life was quite tough, that dark and timid mindset gradually disappeared. While she remained quiet and uninterested in socializing, her personality began to become more lively.

Returning to the residence, Zhao Xiaojun said, "I will first help you make the bed. Then I should head back. The dormitory has a curfew." Chen Qiaoqi poured her a glass of water and said, "Then you shouldn't go back." Taken alone, this statement was quite ambiguous, but Zhao Xiaojun did not pick up on it and simply replied, "How can that be!" Chen Qiaoqi pointed to another room and said, "Isn't there another room? How can that be! It's so late already." Zhao Xiaojun glared at him, "There’s nothing in there. It’s a hot day, aren’t you going to take a shower and change clothes? You call this late? The streets are full of people!" Quickly helping him make the bed, she said, "You just have to make do for now, let’s leave it at that for today, I’ll help you sort it out tomorrow. I’ll head back now."

Two people came out carrying large and small bags. Chen Qiaoqi took the plastic bag from her hand and said, "You go call a taxi, I will carry this." Zhao Xiaojun shook her arm and went nearby to hail a taxi. The two of them exerted a lot of effort to get the items into the car. Chen Qiaoqi took out a bottle of mineral water, twisted off the cap, and then handed it to her. Zhao Xiaojun was not polite and took a couple of big gulps. Chen Qiaoqi reached out again and took a couple of sips as well. Zhao Xiaojun rummaged through the bag on his side, and Chen Qiaoqi asked, "What are you looking for?" Zhao Xiaojun replied, "I want to see if there is any more water." Chen Qiaoqi pushed her to sit up and took out another bottle of mineral water, twisted off the cap, and handed it to her. Zhao Xiaojun was not polite again and took a couple of big gulps. Chen Qiaoqi reached out again and took a couple of sips as well. Zhao Xiaojun rummaged through the bag on his side, and Chen Qiaoqi asked, "What are you looking for?" Zhao Xiaojun replied, "I want to see if there is any more water." Chen Qiaoqi pushed her to sit up and said, "Stop looking, you won't find any. Here, drink this." Saying that, he handed her the remaining small half bottle of water. Zhao Xiaojun hesitated for a moment and did not take it. Chen Qiaoqi glared at her and said, "I didn't touch the bottle opening, it's clean." Zhao Xiaojun awkwardly took it and said somewhat unnecessarily, "Aren't you going to drink?"

Chen Qiaoqi saw that she had not hit anything serious, so he said, "Of course!" Zhao Xiaojun was silent for a moment and asked, "When I left back then, you didn't even say goodbye! You acted as if I were your enemy, glaring at me all day long. I thought you had long forgotten about me." Chen Qiaoqi snorted and after a while said, "So now I have come to settle the score with you." Zhao Xiaojun laughed, "What do I owe you? That you have held a grudge for so long?" Chen Qiaoqi turned his face away and said gloomily, "You owe me a lot, and you will have to repay it in the future, so remember it well." Zhao Xiaojun glared at him, "I know! Since you live here, won't I have to take orders from you in the future!"

The light emanating from the glass display windows by the roadside is splendid and warm. The goods displayed one by one behind the window, separated by the glass and the light, possess a translucent brilliance that is enchanting and alluring. Faintly, music flows from within, like the whisper of the wind, the call of birds, and the gushing of spring water, splashing white frothy waves. The roads on both sides are lined with various stalls, showcasing an array of small ornaments, chains made of beads, silver bracelets and necklaces, large silver earrings intricately carved with primitive totems or simple figures, all neatly arranged on thin, dark-colored burlap. The stall owners are mostly women from ethnic minorities, with dark faces and long braids, dressed in traditional attire and wearing embroidered round hats, speaking in a halting Mandarin. Additionally, there are some vendors loudly hawking small shirts and bags. There are even flower sellers, primarily offering chrysanthemums and lilies, along with vibrant red roses. This place exudes a secular liveliness, brimming with the vitality of life. There are even flower sellers, primarily offering chrysanthemums and lilies, along with vibrant red roses. This place exudes a secular liveliness, brimming with the vitality of life

It was just dusk, the lights were beginning to glow, the air was slightly warm, and a gentle breeze carried a faint fragrance, lulling people into a slight drowsiness. In the community, elderly men and women were everywhere walking their dogs, ambling along the path. Zhao Xiaojun inadvertently looked up and saw a faint yellow halo in the southeastern sky, smiling as she said, "Is today the fifteenth? It's rare to see the moon." Chen Qiaoqi replied, "No, it's the fourteenth of the lunar calendar." Zhao Xiaojun was somewhat surprised and asked, "How do you know so clearly?" Chen Qiaoqi pointed to the flickering notice board at the entrance, the purple-red letters flashing, and said irritably, "Isn't it written up there!" Zhao Xiaojun awkwardly responded with an "Oh," and chuckled, saying, "I didn't notice for a moment."

She entered the best high school in the area, where her classmates were all very diligent. Everyone aspired to attend universities outside the region, seeking to leave this small place behind, so there were no frivolous thoughts. They only focused on their studies. When it came time to apply for university, she did not fill out her choices well and ended up at a school in Beijing that was neither particularly good nor particularly bad. Although it was a key institution, it lacked a strong reputation. She did not particularly like her major, but there was no other option; she could only go ahead and study.

Two people are sitting at a small outdoor table enjoying spicy hot pot and barbecue, both attentively asking: "Is this enough for you? Are you full? Do you want me to get you a bit more? This grilled crispy bone is really delicious, would you like to try a skewer?" It is as if the host is entertaining a guest. After finishing their meal, they each settle the bill under the surprised gaze of the owner

She went to Beijing alone to report, holding a large suitcase while waiting for her school's bus at the West Railway Station. The crowd around her flowed back and forth, and the white lights illuminated the underground passage, making it feel somewhat chilly. A strange feeling flickered in her heart, and for a moment, the bustling crowd seemed to vanish, leaving only her feeling empty and alone. Then she saw someone holding a wooden sign with the name of the school written on it. A strange feeling flickered in her heart, and for a moment, the bustling crowd seemed to vanish, leaving only her feeling empty and alone. Then she saw someone holding a wooden sign with the name of the school written on it

Returning to the residence, utterly exhausted, she collapsed onto the sofa and refused to get up. Zhao Xiaojun squinted her eyes and inadvertently fell asleep. Just as she was in a daze, Chen Qiaoqi shook her, saying, "Stop sleeping, get up and eat first." Zhao Xiaojun yawned and sat up, looking around and asking, "Where's the food?" Chen Qiaoqi replied irritably, "It's at the restaurant!" Zhao Xiaojun, feeling disheartened, said, "Forget it, isn't there a kitchen? Let's just see what's in the fridge and make something to eat."

He walked into the kitchen wanting to pour himself some water, searched for a long time, and then said: "Why is there no hot water at all?" He pulled out a large bottle of mineral water from beside the sofa and handed it to her. Zhao Xiaojun asked: "You just drink this? What about the water dispenser?" He didn't even blink and replied: "Buy one."

When Zhao Xiaojun first heard the name "Lin Qingchuan" mentioned by the teacher in a public foundational course, she experienced a moment of doubt. Straining to see through the dense crowd, she could discern nothing and was unsure if it was indeed her. Then she thought, so what if it is her! After two years, does she still remember me? She has so many friends; perhaps she has long forgotten me. Never mind! She always remembers how Lin Qingchuan would come running, "dong dong dong," and help her up. After two years, does she still remember me? She has so many friends; perhaps she has long forgotten me. Never mind! She always remembers how Lin Qingchuan would come running, "dong dong dong," and help her up. This is her most profound memory of that school.

When Zhao Xiaojun went out to eat snacks with her, the two took a shortcut through an ancient ruin behind the school, which has now been transformed into a public garden. Only the tall stone stele remains, standing straight up into the air, creating a striking impression. The inscriptions on it are completely illegible, a smooth expanse that tells of the years of rain, snow, and harsh winds. Nearby, some elderly men and women practice Tai Chi sword and Tai Chi boxing all day long. Zhao Xiaojun first squeezed through the half-height iron railing, and Lin Qingchuan suddenly stopped, reading word by word: "Bicycles and pets are prohibited inside," while constantly glancing at Zhao Xiaojun. Zhao Xiaojun did not react immediately, letting out an "Oh" as she walked, looking at the notice board hanging there. By the time she walked in, she finally reacted, chasing after her and laughingly scolding: "Am I a pet? You are the pet! What are you coming in for? Get out!" Lin Qingchuan swayed her body and said with a sidelong glance: "Naturally, I am the owner of the pet!"

As she opened the refrigerator and took a look, she suddenly remembered and said, "Oh no, I forgot to buy rice." With a dejected tone, she added, "I guess we should just go out to eat." Chen Qiaoqi, lounging on the sofa, remarked, "It doesn't matter, we have plenty of other things, as long as we can fill our stomachs." Zhao Xiaojun replied, "That's what you said." After rummaging through the refrigerator and bags, she suggested, "Let's cook two packs of instant noodles for now." So, they boiled water to cook the noodles. Chen Qiaoqi curiously followed and asked, "Aren't instant noodles supposed to be soaked in boiling water? Why are we boiling them?" Zhao Xiaojun explained, "Boiling makes them taste better, allowing the ingredients to infuse into the noodles." She then took out ham and eggs from the refrigerator. Once the water boiled, they added the noodle cakes, followed by salt, soy sauce, and chicken essence. Chen Qiaoqi picked up the seasoning packet from the bag and said, "Isn't there seasoning in here?" Zhao Xiaojun lifted the pot lid, and a rush of steam enveloped her, creating a moment of haziness. Stepping back slightly, she finally said, "That seasoning isn't good; it lacks nutrition and isn't as tasty as what we have at home."

Zhao Xiaojun pulled him up and said, "Well then, if you still want to live here normally, hurry up and buy everything you need."

Lin Qingchuan looked at her with a very pitiful expression and after a long while said: "The reason we are so close is that we are both people who have fallen from grace in this world!" She herself also mentioned that if her family were still as it used to be, she would not have confided in Zhao Xiaojun. Zhao Xiaojun countered that if she continued to stay with the Chen family, the two of them would at most be mere acquaintances. Both of them have experienced more than their peers, having endured hardships, suffered grievances, and faced contempt; as a result, their souls are more able to resonate with each other.

During the summer vacation of her sophomore year, Zhao Xiaojun returned to school early. Lin Qingchuan called from home, asking, "Why are you back so early? Isn't there still about half a month left?" Zhao Xiaojun twirled the phone cord, saying, "I'm bored!" Lin Qingchuan rolled her eyes, replying, "Aren't you bored staying alone in the dorm?" Zhao Xiaojun muttered, "It's boring too! When are you coming over?" Lin Qingchuan sighed, asking, "Did something happen at home?" After a long pause, Zhao Xiaojun said, "What could have happened! Just come over early." Lin Qingchuan sighed again, saying, "Why did I end up with someone like you? When are you coming over?" Lin Qingchuan sighed, "Did something happen at home?" Zhao Xiaojun took a while to respond, "What could have happened! Just come over early." Lin Qingchuan sighed again, "Why did I end up with someone like you? Besides, it's much more comfortable at home. If you want air conditioning, there's air conditioning; if you want a refrigerator, there's a refrigerator." Zhao Xiaojun said, "Hey," and added, "You're so ungrateful!" Lin Qingchuan covered her mouth, sneezed, and said, "I was never grateful to begin with. Let's talk later. You can stay in the dorm, eat a lot, sleep a lot, and grow a lot." Zhao Xiaojun cursed, "Go die!"

Zhao Xiaojun sat beside him and asked, "Can you boil water?" He shook his head. Zhao Xiaojun rolled her eyes and said, "Then why did you run out to live here! You're such a complete life idiot!" Chen Qiaoqi replied leisurely, "Aren't you here?" Zhao Xiaojun, exasperated, said, "You wish! I'm not your housekeeper! Do you still want to live here?" Chen Qiaoqi retorted irritably, "If I didn't want to live here, why would I go through all this trouble to come out?"