Chapter Nine, good times do not last long

Chen Qiaoqi stood outside the railing and waited for a long time to buy two tickets. Then, he squeezed into a grocery store to buy two bottles of water. On the way back, he saw a young foreign guy flirting with Zhao Xiaojun, who was laughing and saying she didn't know in English. The foreigner didn't leave and kept babbling about something. In a show of affection, Chen Qiaoqi handed her the water and, holding her, was about to leave, not forgetting to smile and say goodbye to the foreigner. The foreigner shrugged and followed behind them. Chen Qiaoqi immediately pulled Zhao Xiaojun and said, "Let's go in that direction." Zhao Xiaojun asked, "Why? Isn't this way closer?" Chen Qiaoqi held her hand and said, "There are too many people this way, look at the line!" Zhao Xiaojun stood on her tiptoes to look around and said, "Really? I feel like everywhere looks the same." Chen Qiaoqi tightly embraced her and said, "Stop looking, stop looking, hurry up, be careful not to get lost!"

Having bought a ticket, she stormed inside, only to find it pitch black, devoid of any light, a darkness akin to that experienced by the blind, rendering her unable to see anything, which immediately instilled a sense of fear. She called out in a low voice, "Qiao Qi? Qiao Qi? Chen Qiao Qi?" Her voice involuntarily grew louder, and her heart became increasingly chaotic. Suddenly, she felt a shadow rush towards her, letting out a strange cry that sent chills down her spine. Zhao Xiao Jun could no longer contain herself and let out a terrified scream. Chen Qiao Qi hurriedly embraced her, repeatedly saying, "It’s me! It’s me!" Zhao Xiao Jun kicked him hard, suddenly feeling another shadow rush towards her, letting out a strange cry that sent chills down her spine. Zhao Xiao Jun could no longer contain herself and let out a terrified scream. Chen Qiao Qi hurriedly embraced her, repeatedly saying, "It’s me! It’s me!" Zhao Xiao Jun kicked him fiercely, saying, "People scare people, scaring them to death, you—" She let out a cry of despair, realizing that she had not kicked Chen Qiao Qi, but rather the prop beside him.

Chen Qiaoqi hurriedly stopped her, saying: "This is good, I like it very much. There is not enough time, let's go." Zhao Xiaojun was still hesitating, saying: "Is this really okay? I feel a bit awkward, I haven't seen Uncle Chen for so long, I'm really a bit scared." Chen Qiaoqi chimed in from behind: "What are you afraid of? An ugly daughter-in-law must meet her in-laws eventually, not to mention you—you're still so beautiful." Zhao Xiaojun suddenly turned serious, throwing down a harsh remark: "Chen Qiaoqi, if you keep talking nonsense, be careful I get angry with you! You behave yourself today, otherwise, just wait and see!" Chen Qiaoqi had never seen her speak so sternly, and was stunned for a moment, obediently falling silent.

Lin Qingchuan smiled and said, "Why did Chen Qiaoqi come back for no reason during the New Year? Is he upset with his family? It doesn't seem like he's listening to his mother. " Zhao Xiaojun turned her head away and after a while, softly replied, "I don't know either." Lin Qingchuan laughed again, saying, "At his age, he is really impulsive, doing whatever he wants. I envy him!" Zhao Xiaojun was silent for a long time before she spoke in a nearly pleading tone, "Qingchuan, stay with me for another two days." Lin Qingchuan looked at her in surprise and after a while, softly said, "I don't know either." Lin Qingchuan laughed again, saying, "At his age, he is really impulsive, doing whatever he wants. I envy him!" Zhao Xiaojun was silent for a long time before she spoke in a nearly pleading tone, "Qingchuan, stay with me for another two days." Lin Qingchuan looked at her in surprise and asked, "Isn't Chen Qiaoqi back? It wouldn't be good for me to stay here, right? I should just go back to school." Zhao Xiaojun lowered her head and remained silent, feeling flustered and confused, like a piece of wood floating on the water, rising and falling, drifting with the current, not knowing when she would reach the shore. In front of Lin Qingchuan, she couldn't articulate any reasons. She just felt flustered and confused, like a piece of wood floating on the water, rising and falling, drifting with the current, not knowing when she would reach the shore. In front of Lin Qingchuan, she couldn't articulate any reasons.

Chen Qiaoqi impatiently said, "Why are you so free to meddle today! I know my own affairs. You should hurry back." Qian Meiqin glared at him, "When are you going to change that temper of yours? You haven't even settled in yet, and you're already trying to send me away? Your father just happens to be here for business discussions. Why do you speak like that!" Chen Qiaoqi, feeling frustrated, sat on the other chair and deliberately turned up the volume of the television.

Lin Qingchuan looked at her for a long time, then said: "Are you afraid of them? Why?" Zhao Xiaojun did not respond, neither nodding nor shaking her head. Lin Qingchuan continued: "What is there to feel inferior about! Isn't everything in the past now? Everything is fine! It's all good, isn't it enough that I stay with you? Look at you, really lacking ambition!" Zhao Xiaojun was certainly afraid—how could she not be afraid! Not to mention, she didn't even have the courage to believe, nor did she dare to think in that direction. Look at you, really lacking ambition!" Zhao Xiaojun was certainly afraid—how could she not be afraid! Not to mention, she didn't even have the courage to believe, nor did she dare to think in that direction. Everything is fine?—if it truly is fine, then it is fine!

Later, the two of them squeezed to the front of the stage, where a group of energetic young men and women were dancing, accompanied by a foreign band. The lead dancers were also several foreign girls, plump and of ordinary appearance, yet their exuberant passion was like a fire, igniting the entire desert. They continuously pulled passersby to join in. As Chen Qiaoqi and Zhao Xiaojun pushed their way to the front, their outstanding looks attracted the dancers, who pulled them onto the stage. It was as if a fire was burning through the desert, constantly inviting passersby to join in. Chen Qiaoqi and Zhao Xiaojun, having made their way to the front, were pulled onto the stage due to their striking appearances. Zhao Xiaojun, who naturally preferred quietness, blushed and said to Chen Qiaoqi: "What should I do? I can't dance!" Chen Qiaoqi replied: "What’s there to be unable to do? Just dance however you want, move however you like, it’s very free. Come, follow me!"

Lin Qingchuan glanced at her twice, surrendering in despair, and said: "Alright, alright, I will stay for one more day, but I must leave tomorrow." Zhao Xiaojun looked at her with gratitude. Lin Qingchuan approached her and asked: "What is wrong? You seem so restless." Zhao Xiaojun sighed, leaned on her shoulder, and slowly said: "Have I ever told you that I lived in the Chen family for six years without understanding why?" Lin Qingchuan responded with an "mm" to indicate she was aware. Zhao Xiaojun sighed again: "Actually, Uncle Chen and Aunt Chen have treated me quite well; they have neither hit me nor scolded me, not even a single word of reproach. But precisely because of this, I have overly suppressed myself. Later, I thought that the reason I was so cautious in the Chen family, afraid to make even the slightest mistake, and why my grades were so excellent, was all due to my inferiority complex—excessive pride and inferiority. You know, when a person is wholeheartedly trying to do something well, it may be that their inferiority complex is at play in their subconscious. Fortunately, after leaving, the situation gradually improved. However, the emotions of pride and inferiority that were formed since childhood have left scars deep in my heart, which cannot be removed no matter what. They will remain there until death. As others say, cutting the grass does not remove the roots; with the spring breeze, it sprouts again. It is truly tragic; could this be the shadow left by childhood?"

Chen Qiaoqi couldn't help but hold her tightly, repeatedly asking, "What’s wrong, what’s wrong?" Zhao Xiaojun took a long time to catch her breath and replied, "It's nothing." After standing for a while, she could only feel Chen Qiaoqi's warm breath and the body heat pressing against her, and she involuntarily said, "This place is indeed dark enough to be eerie. Let's go out." Suddenly, in the darkness, Chen Qiaoqi said, "Xiaojun!" Zhao Xiaojun just lifted her head and responded with a soft "Hmm." Chen Qiaoqi leaned down to kiss her. Although it was just a brief contact, Zhao Xiaojun could feel the softness and moisture, gliding over her lips, the sensation in the darkness was exceptionally vivid, each moment felt like a slow-motion replay. She couldn't help but say, "This place is indeed dark enough to be eerie. Let's go out." Suddenly, in the darkness, Chen Qiaoqi said, "Xiaojun!" Zhao Xiaojun just lifted her head and responded with a soft "Hmm." Chen Qiaoqi leaned down to kiss her. Although it was just a brief contact, Zhao Xiaojun could feel the softness and moisture, gliding over her lips, the sensation in the darkness was exceptionally vivid, each moment felt like a slow-motion replay. Suddenly, her face flushed and her heart raced, her whole body seemed to turn red, feeling hot all over. She didn't know if it was intentional or accidental, and they remained silent for a long time. In the darkness, there seemed to be another kind of power that made her more faithful to her instincts. Suddenly, her face flushed and her heart raced, her whole body seemed to turn red, feeling hot all over. She didn't know if it was intentional or accidental, and they remained silent for a long time. In the darkness, there seemed to be another kind of power that made her more faithful to her instincts.

Two large plates of steaming dumplings were served. Chen Qiaoqi was probably really hungry, not even dipping them in sauce, devouring them voraciously and enjoying every bite. Zhao Xiaojun felt a bit heartbroken and asked, "Do you want me to cook some more?" But Chen Qiaoqi asked, "Why aren't you eating?" Zhao Xiaojun smiled and said, "I already ate." Chen Qiaoqi picked one up and brought it to her mouth, saying, "Didn't you say that dumplings should be eaten during the New Year?" Zhao Xiaojun was in a really good mood and followed along to eat one. Chen Qiaoqi extended his chopsticks and asked again, "Do you want more?" Zhao Xiaojun shook her head, watching him shove the chopsticks into his mouth, suddenly realizing that they were sharing a pair of chopsticks, which made her blush a little. She reminded him to eat slowly and stood up to turn on the television.

Zhao Xiaojun hesitantly called out "Auntie," then turned to see Lin Qingchuan sitting awkwardly to the side, fidgeting and unable to decide what to do, desperately signaling to Zhao Xiaojun with her eyes. Zhao Xiaojun couldn't help but return a wry smile to her, as she never expected Qian Meiqin to come all the way here. In this situation, it was somewhat unclear.

Chen Qiaoqi indeed fell silent for a moment. When Zhao Xiaojun was listening with great interest, he began to gesture and criticize: "With such a terrible throat, how can he sing! It's unbearable. Is speaking quickly impressive? What a nonsensical racket! Hmph!" Zhao Xiaojun ignored him. He finally couldn't hold back and muttered, "Is that person really that good-looking? He's ugly as hell, short and unattractive!" Zhao Xiaojun responded with a symbolic "Mm" to acknowledge him. Chen Qiaoqi leaned closer to her, indignantly saying, "That person isn't even as good-looking as I am! Why don't you look at me?" Zhao Xiaojun glanced at him in surprise, and he couldn't help but mutter again, "Is that person really that good-looking? He's ugly as hell, short and unattractive!" Zhao Xiaojun again responded with a symbolic "Mm". Chen Qiaoqi leaned closer to her, indignantly saying, "That person isn't even as good-looking as I am! Why don't you look at me?" Zhao Xiaojun looked at him in surprise, unable to help but laugh, afraid of missing anything, and wholeheartedly continued watching television.

Zhao Xiaojun said with annoyance: "I am not asking if you are beautiful, but whether you are being rude!" After a while, she felt too tense and it seemed unnatural. It is better to be more casual; isn't it good to just act as usual? Therefore, she decided to undo her neatly styled hair.

Walking under the sun for several stops, Zhao Xiaojun exclaimed, "Fortunately, we got off! Look at how congested this road is!" She complained repeatedly, "Why is it so hot today!" She took off her jacket and handed it to Chen Qiaoqi. Upon reaching the vicinity of Chaoyang Park, it was truly a sea of people, with no end in sight. There were all kinds of ethnicities, mixed with a cacophony of languages, creating a buzzing noise that rendered everything inaudible as people surged forward. The parked cars were all crammed together, unable to move even an inch. Chen Qiaoqi shielded her as they squeezed through the crowd, sweating as he said, "How about you wait at the entrance first? I'll go buy the tickets." Zhao Xiaojun, panting, moved to the side to cool off. The enthusiasm for the outing had diminished significantly.

Qian Meiqin's anger gradually subsided. After a while, she spoke to Chen Qiaoqi in a gentle tone: "Qiaoqi, after your father finishes his meeting, let's have a meal together. Xiao Jun and Miss Lin will join us as well." Zhao Xiao Jun quickly replied, "No, no, it's fine for Qiaoqi to go. Qing Chuan and I have a small matter to attend to." Qian Meiqin was merely extending a polite invitation, which was neither here nor there. Just as she was about to agree with Xiao Jun's suggestion, Chen Qiaoqi interjected, "What matters do you have? It's just a meal together." Zhao Xiao Jun's expression turned difficult. Qian Meiqin immediately supported her son's opinion, saying, "Xiao Jun and Miss Lin should come along too. Uncle Chen hasn't seen you in a long time. He even asked about you when he came." Zhao Xiao Jun found it hard to decline any further and had no choice but to agree.

Qian Meiqin sat for a while and said she wanted to buy something for Chen Qiaoqi, dragging the long-faced him out the door. Zhao Xiaojun lay limply on the sofa, feeling that chatting with Qian Meiqin for a while was even more exhausting than working continuously for three days and nights. Lin Qingchuan also pressed her hand against her chest and said, "Oh, heavens! Is that Chen Qiaoqi's mother? She really has a commanding presence! I don't know why, but she treats me with such warmth and politeness, yet I just can't feel at ease; it's really disappointing!" Lin Qingchuan pressed her hand against her chest again and said, "Oh, heavens! Is that Chen Qiaoqi's mother? She really has a commanding presence! I don't know why, but she treats me with such warmth and politeness, yet I just can't feel at ease; it's really disappointing!" I opened the door and was startled by the sudden appearance of Chen Qiaoqi; before I could regain my composure, I saw his mother, and my heart nearly stopped. This is not good, this is not good; I should hurry and leave." Saying this, I hurriedly packed my toiletries.

Zhao Xiaojun suddenly felt that the loneliness and disappointment that had been shadowing her just moments ago vanished completely, replaced by a vibrant energy that filled her entire being. She let out a deep sigh of relief and smiled comfortably. Chen Qiaoqi felt a bit embarrassed by her smile and then softly said, "I just wanted to spend the New Year with you." Seemingly feeling shy again, he deliberately raised his voice and said, "I'm exhausted, and I haven't eaten yet. Why didn't you come back earlier?" Zhao Xiaojun pretended to frown and said, "What should we do? I didn't prepare any New Year's Eve dinner." Chen Qiaoqi couldn't help but mutter under his breath, running his fingers through his hair in frustration, "Just cook some noodles or something." Zhao Xiaojun thought for a moment and said loudly, "I'm exhausted, and I haven't eaten yet. Why didn't you come back earlier?" Zhao Xiaojun pretended to frown and said, "What should we do? I didn't prepare any New Year's Eve dinner." Chen Qiaoqi couldn't help but mutter under his breath, running his fingers through his hair in frustration, "Just cook some noodles or something." Zhao Xiaojun thought for a moment and said, "That won't do; eating noodles on New Year's is too inappropriate. I remember there should be a pack of dumplings that we haven't eaten. According to the customs here, we should eat dumplings during the New Year." As she spoke, she rummaged around and indeed started boiling dumplings.

Suddenly, with a leap, the firecrackers on the ground jumped up violently, the splashing fireworks soared particularly high, flying straight towards them. Zhao Xiaojun desperately dodged backward, crashing her head against the window, rubbing her head and groaning repeatedly. Chen Qiaoqi massaged her and scolded, "Why are you acting like a child!" Zhao Xiaojun pushed him away, dissatisfied, and said, "How can you say I’m like a child? Don’t fall down in the future!" However, as time went on, the sound of the firecrackers became less amusing. The noise throughout the night kept people tossing and turning, unable to sleep. In a half-asleep, half-awake state, Zhao Xiaojun felt that the sound was simply the wailing of ghosts and wolves, a demonic sound piercing through her mind.

Qian Meiqin smiled and said, "Look at you, complaining again, what kind of talk is that? Everyone hasn't seen each other for so long, why speak like this in front of the younger generation!" Chen Nianxian couldn't help but chuckle, exclaiming, "I didn't expect Xiao Jun to already be an adult! Able to stand on his own! Never needing anyone to worry!" He then turned to Chen Qiaoqi and said in a serious tone, "Only you still give me a headache! I wholeheartedly hope you will achieve great success in the future, yet you are still so willful and disobedient! Never needing anyone to worry!" He turned to Chen Qiaoqi again and said in a serious tone, "Only you still give me a headache! I wholeheartedly hope you will achieve great success in the future, yet you are still so willful and disobedient! When will you change!" Qian Meiqin hurriedly mediated, smiling and saying, "Qiaoqi is still young, in a few years he will naturally be better. What child at this age isn't mischievous!" Chen Qiaoqi, with a defiant expression, was about to retort, but Qian Meiqin quickly gave him a look to stop him.

Zhao Xiaojun was also too anxious to change her clothes, so she found a matching pair of boots and nervously followed Chen Qiaoqi out the door. Upon arriving at the hotel entrance, Zhao Xiaojun suddenly felt timid and hesitated about whether to go in. Chen Qiaoqi, impatient, took her hand and pushed open the glass door to enter. Startled, Zhao Xiaojun quickly shook off his hand and whispered, "Chen Qiaoqi!" Chen Qiaoqi did not insist, letting go of her hand and leading her to a table, where he gentlemanly pulled out a chair for her and invited her to sit down. Zhao Xiaojun merely glanced at him, not having the time to express her feelings about the situation or to joke around, as her attention had already shifted to Chen Nianxian and his wife. She turned her eyes and asked, "Where are your parents?" Chen Qiaoqi shrugged and said, "They are still on the way; they asked us to come first." Zhao Xiaojun, exasperated, glared at him and said, "You are lying to me again!" Chen Qiaoqi, feeling pleased with himself, replied, "I’m not lying to you. With your temperament, who knows when you would be willing to come?" Zhao Xiaojun repeatedly asked when they would arrive, drinking water incessantly.

Two people randomly shot at balloons with air guns for a while, and Chen Qiaoqi won a basketball, feeling extremely pleased. Zhao Xiaojun got off a roller coaster after a full round, her face pale.

Zhao Xiaojun, in a state of anxiety, saw Chen Nianxian again and felt that he had aged significantly compared to her memories. His temples were graying, and the wrinkles on his forehead were clearly visible, likely due to overwork. The Chen family's business had rapidly expanded under his leadership and had now become a sizable chain enterprise. Zhao Xiaojun quickly stood up and respectfully said, "Uncle Chen!" Chen Nianxian smiled as he looked her over and said, "Xiaojun, you are becoming more and more beautiful, just like your mother when she was young. Is she doing well?" Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly replied, "She is doing well." Chen Nianxian then said, "I heard from Qiao Qi that you are now working at 'Qicheng.' How is it? Is it hard?" Zhao Xiaojun smiled and said, "It's not hard; I have already gotten used to it." Chen Nianxian suddenly said, "I remember when you first came to the Chen family, you were just a little child, and now you are an adult. In the blink of an eye, more than ten years have passed without us noticing. Look at me, I have already aged." Zhao Xiaojun smiled and said, "Uncle Chen, you are not old at all; you are still in your prime, a pillar of the nation!" Chen Nianxian laughed and said, "Xiaojun, you have also learned to make people happy. I remember you used to dislike talking. Looking at you all, how can I not feel old?"

It was only when the advertisement came on that Zhao Xiaojun turned back and said, "Don't you like that person? I see that the kids nowadays really like him; his songs are everywhere on the streets." Chen Qiaoqi disdainfully replied, "What’s there to like about that kind of person? He’s nothing, just a pretty boy." Zhao Xiaojun laughed, "Why speak like that? Has he offended you?" To her surprise, Chen Qiaoqi actually said, "Yes, he has offended me!" Zhao Xiaojun quickly said, "Alright, alright, let’s watch TV. It’s the New Year, why are you so angry? It’s not like it’s firecrackers!" Saying this, she couldn’t help but laugh.

In the evening, Chen Nianxian invited them to dinner at the restaurant. Lin Qingchuan steadfastly maintained her position, refusing to go, rolling her eyes and saying: "Why should I go! I don't know them! Even Chen Qiaoqi is just an acquaintance, it would be awkward to go, wouldn't that be asking for trouble! It's not like you invited me!" Zhao Xiaojun tried to persuade her for a long time, even offering to treat her to dinner at 'Tianyi' afterwards. Lin Qingchuan remained unmoved, firmly refusing, putting on her clothes, changing her shoes, and heading out to find her boyfriend.

As Zhao Xiaojun quietly approached, the bag she was carrying brushed against a half-finished cup on the table, shattering it with a loud "bang". For some reason, Zhao Xiaojun felt as if it was not just a cup that had broken; a chill spread through her body, leaving her in a daze. Chen Qiaoqi, hearing the sound, groggily opened his eyes and yawned, saying, "You’re back?" Zhao Xiaojun did not respond, her gaze fixed on the shards on the ground. Following her gaze, Chen Qiaoqi glanced over and yawned again, saying, "What are you dazing for! It’s good that it broke; shattered pieces bring peace." Zhao Xiaojun couldn’t help but laugh, the odd feeling in her heart dissipating. Staring at him, she asked, "How come you’re back?" Chen Qiaoqi stretched lazily and replied, "I came back because I wanted to; who has any rules about it?" Sitting up, Zhao Xiaojun asked, "I mean, why are you back at this time? Why didn’t you stay home to celebrate the New Year before coming back?" Chen Qiaoqi replied gruffly, "Why do you care about me!" Yet, looking at her, he couldn’t help but smile.

Qian Meiqin smiled at Zhao Xiaojun and said, "Qiao Qi is so disobedient, he must have caused you and Miss Lin a lot of trouble, right?" Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly replied, "No, no, Qiao Qi is very obedient, he hasn't caused any trouble at all." She also did not explain that Lin Qingchuan was only staying here for a few days, as this could eliminate many doubts and misunderstandings, as if to clear things up. Qian Meiqin laughed and said, "A couple of years ago, Qiao Qi suddenly insisted on coming to Beijing to study. We initially did not agree, but later we had no choice but to give in to his insistence. Besides, he had already passed the entrance exam for the affiliated school. Thinking it over, it might be good for him to experience some hardships and challenges, so we had no choice but to agree. Originally, we planned for Qiao Qi to stay at his uncle's house, but who would have thought he ran away halfway to live on his own. I thought maybe he didn't like being constrained in someone else's home, but now it has become increasingly outrageous. During the New Year, he left without a word. We couldn't manage him, and when we talked to him, he wouldn't listen, which made his father very angry. So I took the opportunity of a business trip to come and teach him a lesson. This little ancestor is becoming more and more unruly." Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly smiled from the side, saying that Qiao Qi was just being stubborn for a moment. Lin Qingchuan chimed in at the right moment, praising Chen Qiao Qi's merits, saying he had good grades, was handsome, and had a bright future ahead, and so on.

Zhao Xiaojun caught her breath and walked to the entrance of the building. She looked up and saw the words "Haunted House" ominously written in black shadow. Suddenly, she felt a surge of excitement and said, "Let's go in!" Then she hesitated for a moment and added, "It won't really be that scary, will it?" Chen Qiaoqi snorted and said, "What's there to be afraid of? It's just meant to scare children!" Zhao Xiaojun was provoked by his words, and the last bit of her doubt vanished.

However, the words spoken by Chen Nian struck Zhao Xiaojun like a heavy blow, leaving her pale, her hands and feet cold, and her breathing labored. It was as if she had received a wake-up call, causing her to tremble, lose all color, and nearly be unable to stand. She felt as if she had truly gone mad; Chen Qiaoqi was Chen Qiaoqi, and she was herself, with no connection whatsoever. She must have lost her mind to be unable to see reality clearly, to be immersed in an illusion, thinking she could take a chance. She felt as if she had truly gone mad; Chen Qiaoqi was Chen Qiaoqi, and she was herself, with no connection whatsoever. She must have been momentarily confused to feel so anxious and restless. There was originally nothing; it was only by overthinking that these chaotic and disturbing matters arose. She must have thought too much! Zhao Xiaojun was absent-minded and dazed the entire night, completely unaware of what she had eaten or what she had said.

Bored, I sat cross-legged on the sofa, feeling that everything was off. In frustration, I threw the remote control onto the table and randomly flipped through a magazine, forcing myself to read on. Before I had even turned halfway, Chen Qiaoqi suddenly opened the door and walked in. Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback and asked, "Why are you back?" Chen Qiaoqi replied irritably, "I came to take you all out for dinner!" After looking around, she asked, "Where is Lin Qingchuan? Didn't she say she wasn't feeling well?" It was then that Zhao Xiaojun remembered the lie she had told, and in a flustered manner, she said, "She, she, she went with her boyfriend." Chen Qiaoqi nonchalantly responded with an "Oh," and said, "You should come with me too." Zhao Xiaojun lazily did not make a move.

Until she returned to her residence in the evening, she remained in a daze, her mind scattered, unable to concentrate. Her thoughts were hazy, drifting aimlessly, and she stumbled about, unable to discern her surroundings, her face expressionless as she trudged upstairs. Chen Qiaoqi quickly grabbed her, reproaching, "Where are you going! Can't you watch where you're going!" She opened the door and pushed her inside. Zhao Xiaojun curled up on the sofa, her legs tucked beneath her, her mind blank; she herself did not understand why she felt this way, sensing that she had lost something, yet unable to retrieve it, sitting in silence for a long time. Chen Qiaoqi quickly grabbed her, reproaching, "Where are you going! Can't you watch where you're going!" She opened the door and pushed her inside. Zhao Xiaojun curled up on the sofa, her legs tucked beneath her, her mind blank; she herself did not understand why she felt this way, sensing that she had lost something, yet unable to retrieve it, sitting in silence for a long time.

Chen Qiaoqi suddenly said, "Let's set off firecrackers! Isn't it customary to do so during the New Year?" Zhao Xiaojun turned her head and replied, "Fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited here." Chen Qiaoqi pointed at her and said, "You are speaking nonsense with your eyes wide open. Do you hear the sounds outside?" Zhao Xiaojun lowered the volume of the television, listened carefully, and said in surprise, "Are they really setting off firecrackers? Wasn't it strictly prohibited?" Chen Qiaoqi pouted and said, "Isn't there a possibility of lifting the ban?" At this moment, the sound of firecrackers grew closer, with loud popping noises echoing everywhere, shaking the eardrums of those who heard it. Zhao Xiaojun, feeling very regretful, said, "I didn't buy any." Chen Qiaoqi, feeling a bit deflated, suddenly jumped up and said, "Let's go outside and watch!" She pulled Zhao Xiaojun to the balcony to see people setting off fireworks and firecrackers.

Zhao Xiaojun sat down with a furrowed brow, contemplated for a long time, and then dialed Chen Qiaoqi's phone number. Without preamble, he said: "I won't be going to dinner tonight; you and Uncle Chen, Aunt Chen, and the others can eat without me." Chen Qiaoqi frowned: "Did we not agree on this? Why aren't you coming?" Zhao Xiaojun hesitated for a long time, then said: "Lin Qingchuan is feeling a bit unwell, so I will stay to take care of her and won't be going." Before he could respond, Zhao Xiaojun hung up the phone first.

Chen Nianxian merely made a symbolic remark, warning him to be more cautious. He then smiled at Zhao Xiaojun and said, "Qiao Qi has always listened to you since he was young. If you have time, please guide him a bit, so he doesn't keep causing trouble outside, acting recklessly. This time he came home, he has already gotten me into several messes. He promised to attend Uncle Cai's banquet, yet he secretly slipped away to Beijing. Uncle Cai and Xiao Shu have been asking why you haven't come! It's truly outrageous, he has no sense of propriety! He promised to attend Uncle Cai's banquet, yet he secretly slipped away to Beijing. Uncle Cai and Xiao Shu have been asking why you haven't come! It's truly outrageous, he has no sense of propriety! Fortunately, Uncle Cai is not holding it against him and even asked you to remember to visit him when you return." Chen Qiao Qi continued to eat his meal, treating it as if it were merely background noise, letting it go in one ear and out the other.

As she just settled into the sofa, Chen Qiaoqi sat beside her holding a plate and disdainfully remarked after glancing at the television, "Why is it still the same? When will it change?" He reached for the remote control to change the channel. Zhao Xiaojun snatched it from his hand and said, "Why not watch it! This program is great, it’s the same every year, and it’s reassuring to watch. It reminds me of celebrating together with the people, a nationwide celebration, that kind of festivity. This program is wonderful, it’s the same every year, and it’s reassuring to watch. It reminds me of celebrating together with the people, a nationwide celebration, that kind of festivity. Even if it’s fake, it’s still enjoyable to watch." Chen Qiaoqi scoffed, "Are you watching the program or the form?" Zhao Xiaojun glared at him, "Both, don’t change the channel." While eating, Chen Qiaoqi pointed out boredly, "Look at that whatever mountain, rolling eyes, limping, and croaking like a duck, isn’t that just teaching people to deceive?" Unable to tolerate his noise, Zhao Xiaojun said, "Can’t you just let me watch in peace? I think it’s quite good."

Chen Qiaoqi lay on the sofa, facing the door, asleep, seemingly unwilling to return to his room to sleep in order to see her as soon as possible. His hair was disheveled, his clothes wrinkled, and with his eyes closed, he appeared to be in a deep slumber. His youthful face radiated a soft glow, with stubble on his chin and one or two newly emerged pimples on his forehead. He grew more composed and handsome day by day. Zhao Xiaojun's heart was filled to the brim, overflowing; it was warmed, softening her; it was teased, making her tremble slightly. She squinted her eyes and placed her hand on her left chest, wondering why it was beating so fast. She recalled the time when she was still at the Chen family; although it was repressive and sensitive, every New Year's Eve, she would eagerly set off fireworks and firecrackers with Chen Qiaoqi, which was not without joy. Looking back now, she felt that those times were indeed a luxury. Six years can leave an indelible mark on one's body and heart.

Qian Meiqin saw Zhao Xiaojun and was momentarily taken aback, but quickly regained her composure and smiled, saying: "Xiaojun, it has been a long time since we last met, and you have grown so much. I almost didn't recognize you." When Zhao Xiaojun left the Chen family, she was already sixteen years old. After all these years, her general appearance had not changed much, making her easy to recognize; however, her demeanor, behavior, and temperament had undergone significant changes. Zhao Xiaojun sat down with her on the sofa and smiled, saying: "Auntie, you are still the same, just as young and beautiful as ever." Upon hearing these words, Qian Meiqin immediately beamed with joy and turned to Chen Qiaoqi, saying: "Qiaoqi, look at yourself; you should learn a thing or two from Xiaojun. At your age, you only know how to be willful and reckless. You are always restless at home, and I don't even know what you are thinking. During the New Year, you just leave without a word, making everyone worry. When will you ever learn to be sensible?"

Upon entering, the crowd that had been blocking the way dispersed entirely, creating a sense of clarity. Zhao Xiaojun excitedly pointed at the electronic billboard in the center and said, "Pu Shu, Pu Shu will perform today! How lucky we are!" Chen Qiaoqi, feeling displeased, replied, "Who is he?" Zhao Xiaojun disdainfully responded, "You don't even know him? He is a great talent!" Chen Qiaoqi scoffed, "Is someone like that really called a talent? He's more like an actor!" Zhao Xiaojun, with a serious expression, said, "Chen Qiaoqi, what's wrong with you! Why are you so unlucky!" Chen Qiaoqi, still displeased, repeated, "Who is he?" Zhao Xiaojun, with disdain, said, "You don't even know him? He is a great talent!" Chen Qiaoqi coldly remarked, "Is someone like that really called a talent? He's more like an actor!" Zhao Xiaojun, with a serious expression, said, "Chen Qiaoqi, what's wrong with you! It's the first day of the new year, and you can't even speak properly; are you looking for trouble?" Unfortunately, Zhao Xiaojun waited faithfully for a long time, but Pu Shu ultimately did not come, and the concert date was changed to the third day of the new year. Zhao Xiaojun could not stop thinking about it, constantly muttering that she must come on the third. Chen Qiaoqi waved his hand and said, "Aren't you supposed to be working on the third?" Angered, Zhao Xiaojun glared at him repeatedly, not understanding what he was so pleased about.

As the performance concluded, a girl leading the dance praised Chen Qiaoqi in halting Mandarin, saying, "Very good, very great!" Chen Qiaoqi graciously replied with a thank you. Until the two of them stepped off the stage, Zhao Xiaojun noticed some girls fidgeting, wanting to approach and strike up a conversation, but upon seeing Zhao Xiaojun beside them, they hesitated. They whispered behind their backs, "So handsome! His eyes are so beautiful! The one next to him must be his girlfriend! What a pity!" An indescribable sense of disappointment lingered.

Early the next morning, Chen Qiaoqi pulled Zhao Xiaojun up, saying that there was a fair called the International Style Festival at Chaoyang Park, which was said to be quite lively. Until she boarded the bus, Zhao Xiaojun was still dozing off with her head resting against the window. The firecrackers from the entire night could wake the dead. Suddenly, there was a sharp brake, jolting her out of her drowsiness. She hurriedly touched her forehead and asked Chen Qiaoqi beside her, "What happened? What’s going on?" Chen Qiaoqi leaned out to say, "There was a rear-end collision again!" Everyone got off the bus quietly under the conductor's instructions. Zhao Xiaojun saw that the trunk of a taxi in front had been flipped up due to the impact. She hurriedly touched her forehead and asked Chen Qiaoqi again, "What happened? What’s going on?" Chen Qiaoqi leaned out to say, "There was a rear-end collision again!" Everyone got off the bus quietly under the conductor's instructions. Zhao Xiaojun saw that the trunk of a taxi in front had been flipped up due to the impact. Fortunately, nothing more serious had occurred. She wondered if the driver was sleep-deprived. Could it be that the firecrackers from last night were to blame?

Chen Qiaoqi urged her, "Hurry up, hurry up, my parents are still waiting for us." Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly got up and repeatedly asked, "What, what, Uncle Chen and the others are waiting for us in the restaurant?" Chen Qiaoqi nodded, "Yes, yes, yes, my dad said he hasn't seen you in a long time and wants to see you. Why aren't you hurrying up, what are you dawdling for?" Zhao Xiaojun frantically changed into a flannel dress, put on a peach-colored sweater with a heart-shaped neckline, and specially styled her hair up, inserting a small comb at an angle. Nervously looking in the mirror, she asked Chen Qiaoqi, "Is this inappropriate?" Chen Qiaoqi was momentarily stunned, standing behind the mirror and staring for a long time, his eyes sparkling, unblinking, as if enchanted, feeling a tingling sensation all over, his heart brimming to the point of bursting, and he couldn't help but say, "You are truly beautiful!"

On the day of the third day of the Lunar New Year, when she returned home from work, she opened the door and saw Chen Qiaoqi's mother sitting on the sofa reprimanding her son. Zhao Xiaojun felt a sudden shock, as if she had done something shameful. She could hardly lift her head, her heart tightening with fear.

Zhao Xiaojun was beside him, flailing about and laughing so hard that she couldn't stand up straight. Suddenly, Chen Qiaoqi stretched out his arms, shook his head, and twisted his waist, unexpectedly stealing the spotlight to perform, which caused the audience below to erupt in screams, especially the cries of little girls who clapped enthusiastically. The several foreign girls leading the dance looked at him with admiration, signaling for him to come to the center of the stage. Chen Qiaoqi did not hesitate, executing a beautiful spin, which elicited another wave of screams from the audience. The atmosphere surged in waves, drawing the attention of viewers from other areas who couldn't help but stop to watch.

Not knowing how much time had passed, Zhao Xiaojun said softly, "Go out." Chen Qiaoqi obediently followed behind and left. Both of them had a slight blush on their faces and did not mention the matter at all. Zhao Xiaojun certainly regarded it as an accident. However, whether it truly was or not, and what she really thought, only she herself knew.

Suddenly, she felt the entire balcony shaking; it turned out someone was squatting downstairs lighting long firecrackers, with sparks even splattering onto the upper floors. Zhao Xiaojun screamed loudly and quickly stepped back, while Chen Qiaoqi followed behind, covering her ears. Zhao Xiaojun felt a bit safer but was still restless, stretching her head out to see the exploding firecrackers, which jumped up and down like beans in a boiling pot of oil, feeling both thrilling and exhilarating. The smoke gradually enveloped the area, mingling with a strong, pungent smell, accumulating more and more, becoming heavier and heavier. Zhao Xiaojun felt a sense of nostalgia in the air, a truly familiar feeling that she missed.

Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly grabbed her and said, "Don't leave yet, don't leave yet, what will I do if you go?" Lin Qingchuan looked at her strangely and said, "What do you mean, what will you do! Don't you live here? Why do I feel like a thief, so unjustified? If I had known, I wouldn't have moved in. I'm the one who should be worried! I don't even know if Chen Qiao's mother will live here; it's better to leave early." Zhao Xiaojun became anxious and pulled her, saying, "Aunt Chen won't live here, don't worry. Stay with me for two more days!" Lin Qingchuan exclaimed, unsure if Chen Qiao's mother would live here; it's better to leave early. Zhao Xiaojun became anxious and pulled her, saying, "Aunt Chen won't live here, don't worry. Stay with me for two more days!" Lin Qingchuan exclaimed, stopped her actions, and said, "Look at you, all sweaty, why are you so anxious! It's not like we're stealing, why feel guilty!" Unexpectedly, her few casual words struck a nerve with Zhao Xiaojun.

Zhao Xiaojun poked him with her hand and said, "Did you hear that? They are talking about you." Chen Qiaoqi impatiently interrupted her, saying, "Just as boring as the girls in our class!" Zhao Xiaojun then asked, "How come I didn't know you could dance so well?" Chen Qiaoqi, feeling quite proud, replied, "There are many things you don't know!" Zhao Xiaojun spat lightly and then pretended to be concerned, asking, "Chen Qiaoqi, are there many girls who like you? Has anyone ever gone to great lengths for you?" Chen Qiaoqi did not answer, but instead, he held her to avoid the trash can and glared at her, saying, "Don't you watch where you're walking?" Zhao Xiaojun was furious; how could someone like him be liked by anyone! Then she pretended to be concerned again, asking, "Chen Qiaoqi, are there many girls who like you? Has anyone ever gone to great lengths for you?" Chen Qiaoqi did not answer, but instead, he held her to avoid the trash can and glared at her, saying, "Don't you watch where you're walking?" Zhao Xiaojun was furious; how could someone like him be liked by anyone!