Chapter 2, The Tears Hidden in the Stars

I found a bag of cookies and planned to eat a little casually. At that moment, the dormitory door was opened from the outside, and it was not Guo Jiani who walked in, but another roommate, Liu Wen

Xu Muchan unceremoniously shoved me into the taxi and told the driver an address

I instinctively shrank my neck, always feeling that this Xu Muchen was somewhat frightening

The scenes in the dream began to peel away, as if a glass window had been struck by gravel, shattering all at once.

My mind is in a state of turmoil, with many memories flashing by in a tangled manner. Some are recent occurrences, while others date back a long time ago. They overlap with one another, like the intricate interplay of light and shadow, leaving one dazzled.

She is a freshman one year below us, and since she entered the school, she has been pursued by all the male students as the campus goddess

I am not hungry, you should go eat quickly, or there will be nothing left to eat. I waved my hand at her.

My heart is racing very fast, and at this moment, I am quite nervous: "Don't say anything reckless, I have nothing to do with Xu Muchan, we are just old classmates, and since we come from the same place, we have just exchanged a few more words on ordinary days"

02

"What are you talking about? I just want to go back to the dormitory, it's late, and it's not convenient for me to stay here." I didn't dare to turn back to look at him. Because facing Xu Muchan's calm and profound gaze, I felt a sense of being unable to escape.

"Good morning, Lan Xin!" she greeted with a radiant smile. Her personality is very cheerful; no matter who she faces, she always wears a smile, which instantly endears her to others.

Three individuals, three distinctly different personalities, yet they became good friends. Just like in elementary school, Chen Ke, Mo Yuchen, and I, our three personalities were completely different, yet we were very close friends

"It doesn't matter? If I give you a mirror now to see your own complexion, you will know whether it matters or not." He frowned and said displeased, "Lu Lanxin, are you not valuing your life?"

I stared at him in a daze, a strange feeling rising in my heart, always sensing that Xu Muchen was very unusual today, giving me the illusion that I had never truly known him.

I can feel many gazes focused on us, those gazes carrying a variety of emotions—curiosity, inquiry, envy, indifference

He handed me a bowl of millet porridge, and I accepted it in silence, quietly eating.

In fact, there was nothing else to discuss when I called you; I intended to call you yesterday, but I was busy with my part-time job until very late. By the time I returned home, it was almost midnight, and I was afraid of disturbing your sleep, so I did not call you

See, I really am not suited for lying, yet even so, I still do not want to admit it

Time seemed to stretch infinitely as I sat in my seat, sweating profusely. Liu Wen and Guo Jiani were engrossed in the movie, and I dared not move, fearing that they would notice my current state. I silently prayed that the movie would be a bit longer and more exciting, so that I would have enough time to recover

I do not know if it is an illusion, but I seem to hear his heartbeat, very urgent and rapid

Speaking of which, why does Xu Muchan live here

Xu Muchan was taken aback, and then he suddenly smiled: "What are you concerned about? Are you bothered by the fact that I am dating Luo Ningning? Lu Lanxin, why are you having a stomachache? You only get a stomachache when you are extremely upset or under high stress, right? So, Lu Lanxin, you are indeed bothered, aren't you?"

Why ... ... '' he has already walked up to me

She returned home after class on Friday. Her home is in Qing City, so she usually goes back every Friday. However, she typically returns to school on Monday morning. Today is only Sunday, so it is quite rare for her to come back to the dormitory this early

I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and completed all the tasks I was supposed to do, but Chen Ke still did not call back. I sighed and had no choice but to call back.

I glanced instinctively and saw that it was a document interface. Before I could take a closer look, Xu Muchan had already shut the computer with a swift motion

I do not know when, but I fell asleep in a daze. I felt as if I had rested my head on Xu Muchen's shoulder. I tried to move my head away, but Xu Muchen's hand gently pressed down on my head.

Under Liu Wen's urging, the three of us walked to the bus stop at the school entrance, braving the sun at around eight or nine in the morning

After a while, drowsiness overcame me, and I fell into a deep sleep. Later, in a state between dreaming and waking, I felt someone approaching me. I slightly opened my eyes and saw Xu Muchan, who bent down and gently kissed my lips

Although we are high school classmates, that is where it ends. I have been preventing myself from getting close to him, and therefore I do not inquire about or pay attention to matters related to him

I have completely sunk into a deep slumber, following my heart for the first time, without forcing myself to leave Xu Muchen

I can hardly believe that the person in front of me is the Xu Muchan I know.

I think I still have to go back to find Xu Muchen to retrieve my bag; otherwise, I won't be able to return to school. However, I was in such a hurry when I left that I don't remember where he lives.

"Is it true? It's actually not Xu Muchen, then who is it?" Liu Wen immediately became interested, her eyes filled with curiosity, "Quick, tell me, it must not be someone from our school, right?"

I simply closed my eyes. This way, he would not see the unusual light in my gaze.

"I called out, but you were in a deep sleep and couldn't hear me." He adjusted the glasses perched on his nose, stood up, moved the chair aside, and slowly walked towards me, "Why do you have a stomachache?"

"That is truly unfortunate; next time I will definitely make an appointment with you earlier," Song Yanyi said regretfully

Is that so! Liu Wen's eyes are bright, filled with joy from my affirmation, her face radiating with the delight of being recognized. "Why are you the only one here? Where is Jiani?"

In my perception, Xu Muchan has always been very gentle, with a bright smile that radiates warmth. However, at this moment, Xu Muchan appears exceptionally calm, and his deep gaze seems unfathomable.

Jiani has gone to the cafeteria for breakfast. I poured a glass of water and drank it while eating a sesame cake. By the way, why did you come to school so early today?

"No need to thank me. I am going to the cafeteria for breakfast. Are you coming along?" Guo Jiani asked me

I took out my phone and glanced at it, only to find that it was a call from Song Yanyi. Remembering what he said last night, my mood became somewhat nuanced

Should I leave? But how can I subtly convey my feelings to Xu Muchen? I am not someone who is skilled with words

I spread my arms wide, rise on my toes, and practice spinning to the melodious and enchanting music, while Chen Ke and Mo Yuchen stand quietly by and watch

Liu Wen, Guo Jiani, do not look back at me, please do not look at me

Xu Muchan, focused on a single task, appeared as if enveloped in a soft glow. If the girls at school were to see him like this now, it would likely provoke a frenzy of screams and earn him a multitude of infatuated hearts

I do not have it

"Lan Xin, what happened?" Liu Wen and Guo Jiani chased after her

A cool breeze blows over me, allowing me to calm down a little

I did not persist and sat down by the sofa. His laptop was placed on the coffee table, and I could not tell whether it was turned off or in sleep mode, as the screen was completely black

However, I was unable to escape, as Xu Muchen firmly grasped my arm, blocking my path in the most straightforward and forceful manner

Oh? Liu Wen smiled ambiguously, "Our lovely Lan Xin, is your romantic fortune about to arrive? How enviable!"

When Liu Wen first met Xu Muchan, she was struck by his extraordinary presence. She stood in the dormitory and announced to us that she was in love. However, although she called it love, it was actually a one-sided affection, and her object of affection was Xu Muchan. Yet, a month later, she announced to us that she had experienced a breakup, as she no longer intended to continue liking Xu Muchan

I am really curious about what kind of boys Lan Xin likes. Liu Wen smiled at me and said, "Look, even someone like Xu Mu Chen can't impress her."

No, Xu Muchan and I are just high school classmates!" At that time, I argued vehemently

"Go to the nearest hospital." He sat down beside me, spoke to the driver, and then turned back, redirecting his gaze to me

I walked to the door, turned the doorknob, opened the door, and stepped outside. The living room was outside, with its walls painted a light gray, looking clean and tidy. I glanced around and finally spotted Xu Muchan in the open study located in one corner of the living room

I did not place my hand on it, but instead stood up directly. He smiled slightly, seemingly unconcerned. He turned and walked forward, and I silently followed him.

Then, I suddenly became alert, wanting to flee in panic. I wished to escape from this person, to break free from this dreadful situation

Let's go, I just booked the tickets on my phone. Guo Jiani raised her phone and said, "Go to the machine up front to collect the tickets"

"Lan Xin." My roommate Guo Jiani nudged me and handed me my phone, "You were really deep in sleep. Your phone has been ringing for a while. Check to see if someone is urgently trying to reach you."

In fact, I used to be someone who loved to laugh and be lively, but ever since that incident, my personality has transformed into what it is now. Although I have deliberately tried to forget that event, it is evident that I have not succeeded. Not only have I failed to forget, but I have also allowed myself to become the person I am today

At that moment, Xu Muchen placed a cup of hot water in front of me. The cup touched the computer mouse, and the black screen suddenly lit up

Hmm," Xu Muchen nodded in response

"It's nothing, of course I'm fine." I quickly composed myself, repeatedly reminding myself that Xu Muchan and I are just friends. Since we are merely friends, there is no need to be concerned about seeing such a scene.

I am really fine, you should go back to watch the movie, I can just get some warm water to drink by myself. Because of Xu Muchen's presence, my stomach pain has intensified; I suspect that if he continues to hold me like this, I might end up with a perforated ulcer.

I opened my eyes in confusion and glanced at him; his profile was unbelievably perfect. I closed my eyes again. Just this once, whether it is a dream or reality, let me be greedy for this moment.

I cannot stop spinning, like a wooden doll dancing on tiptoe in a music box, seemingly destined to continue spinning as long as no one comes to intervene

Three individuals, three distinct personalities

When I woke up again, the surroundings were very quiet, and soft light filled my vision. I suddenly sat up, and all the memories from before I fell asleep returned to my mind

We arrived relatively late, and all the seats in the back row were occupied. Guo Jiani had reserved a seat in the front row, near the corner. Not long after we sat down, we saw Xu Muchen and Luo Ningning also come in

"Shut up!" I reacted like a cat whose tail had just been stepped on, instantly bristling. "Xu Muchen, shut up! What do I care? I don't care at all. No matter what happens between you and Luo Ningning, it has nothing to do with me! Don't be so self-righteous! I'm going back!"

However, as Liu Wen was about to say something, Guo Jiani gently tugged at her, using her gaze to stop her from continuing.

"That... it's very late, I need to go back." I pushed him away and quickly took two steps forward

"It's alright, actually you don't need to call me specifically to explain such matters. I'm not angry, nor will I mind," I said.

"You are eating cookies," she said with a smile as she handed me the bag she was holding. "Here, there's also a sesame cake. I must tell you, the sesame cakes from this place are particularly delicious. Every day, many people line up to wait for them. I waited in line for half an hour just to buy this."

The stomach no longer hurts, and I find myself in a clean and tidy room, with a nightlight emitting a gentle glow

You ... ... '' I felt somewhat at a loss, not knowing how to face such a Xu Muchen.

Lan Xin, Lan Xin

"What are we waiting for, dear? Let's set off!" Liu Wen, with her fiery personality, is always decisive. Now that Guo Jiani and I have accepted her proposal, she is eager to depart immediately

I do not know how long it has been, when a series of footsteps approached from behind, and then someone sat down beside me

Xu Muchen, who stands at a height of 1.87 meters, is a head taller than me. At this moment, he approaches me, and a sense of oppression descends upon me. Instinctively, I want to escape, but he extends a hand to brace against the wall behind me, blocking my way in the most direct manner.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Xu Muchen placed me on a chair in the waiting room, took the registration form to register, and then brought me to see the doctor

We are not unfamiliar with these two individuals, and one of them is even quite familiar to us

"Then tell me, who just asked you out?" Liu Wen hooked her arm around my neck, leaned closer to me, and asked with a mischievous intent.

After taking the medicine, I rested for a while, and my stomach pain has lessened, so I plan to return to my dormitory to rest

I had a dream, in which I was still a little girl, together with Chen Ke and Mo Yuchen, all wearing pure white dance dresses. The evening glow of the sunset streamed through the windows of the dance studio, casting a layer of warm yellow light on the polished floor

"Alright then." Guo Jiani intended to say something, but Liu Wen pulled her back and said, "Then Lan Xin will be entrusted to you; later, you are responsible for taking her back to the dormitory."

There is still an unopened toothbrush on the washstand. I brushed my teeth, took a shower, and changed into my pajamas before stepping outside. The main light in the living room had been turned off, and only a desk lamp in the corner was lit. Xu Muchen was sitting in front of the computer, his expression focused and serious.

Just when I was about to reach my limit, a hand landed on my shoulder. I was startled and looked up, and what came into my frantic view was the face of Xu Muchan

However, when the three of us took the elevator to the floor where the cinema is located and walked out of the elevator, we unexpectedly encountered two individuals

It was probably apparent that I was not keen on continuing this topic, so Guo Jiani and Liu Wen did not pursue the matter of Xu Muchen any further

Why is that? At that time, Guo Jiani asked Liu Wen, "Have you fallen for another handsome guy at first sight?"

I sat down on the steps by the roadside, and a gentle breeze lifted my short hair, brushing against my face, causing a tickling sensation

Hmm, Lanxin's temperament is just the same as when she was young; she doesn't get angry with me. Her voice carried a hint of laughter, as well as a touch of nostalgia. "Alright, I won't disturb your rest any longer; I need to head out for my part-time job. Lanxin, have a pleasant weekend"

"Lan Xin is not feeling well, I will take her away first, you all feel free." He said to Liu Wen and Guo Jiani, and then without waiting for me to say anything, he picked me up in front of everyone in the screening room and carried me out.

It must be quite late now, with only the light of the street lamps illuminating the surroundings, and the road is sparsely populated with pedestrians. I looked around and realized that I had never been to this place before

"Lan Xin, get in the car!" Just as I was about to fall into my memories, Liu Wen grabbed my arm and pulled me onto the bus

He is sitting on a high-backed chair, with a laptop in front of him. He is wearing a pair of glasses on his nose and is intently typing on the keyboard

It is already very late, and there are no more buses to return to school. Saying this, he slowly stood up, extended a hand to me, not urging, but quietly waiting for me to place my hand on it

I slowly drank the warm water in the cup, placed the cup back on the coffee table, and then went to the bathroom

What? I asked

"Should we go over and say hello?" Liu Wen urged me

Guo Jiani did not say anything further upon hearing my words and walked out of the dormitory with her meal card

So it was like this. I finished the last bite of the sesame cake, threw the empty bag into the trash can, and walked to the sink to wash my face

The phone was quickly answered, as if Chen Ke had been holding the phone all along, just waiting for me to call.

Sure, let's wait for Jiani to come back and ask her if she wants to go. It would be nice to go out for a stroll; staying in the dormitory might lead me to overthink things

"It doesn't hurt anymore. I fell asleep in the taxi. Why didn't you wake me up?" I recalled that I had fallen asleep in the car, and when I woke up, I was already here. Could it be that I slept all the way here and was carried out of the car by Xu Muchan?

It must be a dream, after all, I locked the door behind me as soon as I came in, and no one can get in.

I held the cup of water, feeling somewhat awkward: "Um... perhaps it would be better if I left?"

Liu Wen is the kind of girl who is carefree and full of energy. She lives in this city, but her home is a bit far away, so she stays at school from Monday to Friday

However, before I could escape, Xu Muchen had already bent down and directly picked me up from the chair

I felt a sense of unease in my heart; not being able to return to school today means I have to stay here overnight, but there is only one bedroom available.

01

Because it was decided from the very beginning that Xu Muchan and I would only be friends, I just need a little time. I am certain that I can make myself stronger and remain composed and unflustered when facing such situations.

I opened my eyes in confusion, as the morning light flooded into my view

A high school classmate. To prevent them from continuing to steer the conversation towards Xu Muchen, I had no choice but to confess honestly, "Did I not attend the hometown association meeting yesterday? It was a chance encounter."

My heart skipped a beat, and a slight, bittersweet sensation lingered in my throat, rendering me speechless for a long time

No! I quickly denied it. How could a boy like Xu Muchen do such a thing, let alone to an inconspicuous girl like me

I pushed open the door and walked in, locking it from the inside.

At that moment, I was standing in a boutique, Liu Wen was trying on a hairpin, and Guo Jiani was selecting suitable earrings, while I was staring blankly at a hat, feeling utterly bored. Just then, my phone suddenly rang

I apologize, I am not available today. I said, I am out shopping with my roommate

A vague notion surfaced in my mind, yet I was reluctant to ponder it deeply, fearing that such thoughts would only bring unnecessary troubles

What? I force myself not to think too much. Haven't I always been able to control my emotions well? I have done well, and I have never let my guard down. I can continue to pretend, pretending that I do not care about Xu Muchen.

Even if there are no other boys, just having Xu Muchen is enough for you to be envious, right? Guo Jiani always speaks so directly.

03

I must escape from here, as another spasm has occurred in my stomach. If I stay any longer, I fear I will experience stomach pain again

Song Yanyi called me while Liu Wen, Guo Jiani, and I were shopping halfway through our outing

The image of Xu Muchan and Luo Ningning standing side by side once again surfaced in my mind, and my heart felt a slight swelling, as if it were filled with countless soap bubbles, which were continuously expanding, about to burst my heart.

"It's alright." Chen Ke's voice sounded somewhat tense, "I thought..."

Ah? My pupils dilated rapidly as I looked at Xu Muchan in disbelief, my heart began to race wildly. My hands tightly clutched the hem of my dress, and I felt myself trembling slightly

My mind is becoming increasingly chaotic, and I even experience brief moments of blankness. I feel somewhat anxious; on one hand, I hope they do not notice my unusual behavior, while on the other hand, I wish they would quickly realize that something is off with me. This conflicting emotion has engulfed me completely

"No need," Xu Muchen said淡淡地, "I have things to do, you don't need to worry about me, you can treat me as if I don't exist"

Handsome men and beautiful women seem as if they were destined to be together

"You really care about Xu Muchen, don't you?" Liu Wen fixed her gaze on my eyes, her expression becoming very serious. "Do you want to see what you look like right now? Anyone who sees you wouldn't say you're fine."

Today, the campus goddess and the campus god stand together, a scene so perfect that it evokes no feelings of jealousy.

"Lan Xin?" Liu Wen gently nudged me when I did not respond, "Are you okay?"

I hung up the phone and let out a long sigh

I am fine, there is no need to go to the hospital. It's just a stomachache, going to the hospital is really an overreaction

I stared at him in a daze

After leaving the boutique, we discussed and decided to go together to watch the latest blockbuster.

What place is this

"Lan Xin, are you..." Liu Wen looked at me, several times wanting to speak but hesitating.

Our dormitory has one less person than the other girls' dormitories, with only three of us living here

No! I quickly denied it

How could that be? Don't overthink it. I feel a bit guilty because she has hit the nail on the head.

Good morning I replied with a smile

There were quite a few people standing at the ticket booth outside. Upon seeing Xu Muchen carrying me out, they all turned to look in this direction

Sometimes I need to get things done, and I cannot concentrate in the school dormitory, so when I am busy, I come to stay here. Xu Muchen's voice was calm and tranquil, "Considering it, you are the first guest. Now that you have calmed down, I have made some porridge. Since your stomach is not well, you should drink some porridge."

I followed Xu Muchen back to his residence. During the time I was out, he prepared some simple food.

Ah, thank you. I took the phone, turned on the screen, and saw several missed calls, all from one person

I couldn't help but turn back to look at him

He carried me out of the mall and hailed a taxi by the roadside, unceremoniously shoving me inside.

"Xu Muchen, I am fine," I said to Xu Muchen

In the afternoon, in the cinema, I experienced stomach pain because of Xu Muchan, and my emotions began to spiral out of control, yet I was unwilling to confront this reality

It turns out that Xu Muchen wears glasses! I stood at the doorway of the room, slightly distracted.

"Sure, let's go shopping." Guo Jiani placed her meal card on the desk, "I was just worried about having nothing to do today."

As long as it is someone you like, anything is fine. Guo Jiani finally chose a suitable pair of earrings and went to the checkout counter wearing them

"What are you afraid of, Lu Lanxin?" He called me by my full name, his tone was extremely unfamiliar.

Liu Wen and Guo Jiani beside me are talking, and I really want to say something, but I find that I cannot concentrate at all, my mind is filled with that image

"You are awake." Xu Muchen noticed me and closed the laptop. "Does your stomach still hurt?"

"Lower your head." Xu Muchen, who has always had a good temper, suddenly transformed into a domineering god of men who speaks very little

This is Xu Muchan's bed. I was previously asleep and was placed here by Xu Muchan, and I did not feel anything particularly special at that time. However, now that I know this is where Xu Muchan rests, I always have a sense of tension.

"I have always been watching you, Lu Lanxin," he said slowly. "You ask me why I know you are there, why I know you are unwell. Of course, it is because I have always been watching you!"

05

This situation continued until the beginning of the second semester of my freshman year. On that day, he and I took the same high-speed train back to school, and coincidentally, he was sitting right across from me. During the six-hour journey, two former classmates who had studied in the same class, it would be quite unusual if we said nothing at all.

I picked up the phone, and the cheerful voice of Song Yanyi reached my ears: "Lu Lanxin, it's me, Song Yanyi"

Liu Wen and Guo Jiani glanced at me, disregarding the plea in my eyes, and turned back to the screening room

However ... ...

He glanced at me and coldly said: "Go to the place where you were sold!"

Have a pleasant weekend I said

Guo Jiani hails from a picturesque small town in Yunnan, and she exudes a gentle demeanor. She is tall and prefers to wear long dresses, possessing an excellent temperament. She has a boyfriend, although he is not at our school but at another university in the university town.

I am very confused, what exactly is this place

"Lan Xin, Lan Xin?" Guo Jiani gently patted my arm, "What’s wrong? You look a bit unwell."

Hello. I heard my voice was a bit hoarse, so I quickly covered the phone and coughed a few times. Once my voice returned to normal, I continued, "I apologize, I just woke up, so I didn't hear the phone ringing."

I followed Guo Jiani to the ticket machine, feeling as if my entire body was covered in eyes, constantly paying attention to the situation over by Xu Muchen. He had not noticed us and was smiling while talking to Luo Ningning.

Thus, we chatted intermittently all the way to the school, naturally exchanged phone numbers, naturally learned about each other's majors, and naturally became friends who would talk whenever we met

04

Xu Muchan gave me a slight nod and then returned to the desk with his laptop.

This is still not the reason I left it here

I stared blankly at a man and a woman standing not far away, both possessing equally outstanding appearances and a matching height difference, simply standing there without doing anything, yet they were enough to become the focus of everyone's attention. If there is anyone in this world who could be worthy of Xu Muchen, it would undoubtedly be an exceptional girl like Luo Ningning

"So, what should we do? How about we wait for Jiani to come back and then go shopping together to see if there are any nice clothes?" Liu Wen suggested, "It has been a long time since the three of us went shopping together."

What exactly is the reason that Xu Muchen has suddenly become so strange

Xu Muchan carried me out of the elevator. I no longer had the mood to care about the gazes of passersby; I just hoped he would put me down quickly.

The movie has unknowingly begun to play, and the light from the screen falls on my face. I have been keeping my head down, my hands tightly clenched into fists hidden beneath the hem of my clothing. I know that I must look quite unwell right now, my whole body stiff, and anyone can easily see through my disguise.

Xu Muchen lowered his head to look into my eyes, his gaze very serious and earnest. My intuition told me that he was not in a good mood at that moment

Liu Wen placed her hand on my shoulder, smiling with a mischievous expression: "Who is it? Is it our handsome Xu?"

At present, I am completely broke, without a mobile phone, and I do not even know where this place is, so I cannot go anywhere at all

Xu Muchen seemed to sense my current mood and did not act as aggressively as before. We quietly finished our dinner, and Xu Muchen began to clear the dishes.

"Lan Xin," he interrupted my words, "what are you worried about? Or do you not trust me? Do you think I would violate you?"

He and I come from the same city, but our homes are not here. However, when it comes to Xu Muchan, I do not know much about him

I sit on the bed, staring blankly at the missed calls

That gaze made me feel extremely uneasy, so I turned my head away, not wanting him to see my face

I looked at him in confusion; the place he mentioned is not our school

I was taken aback: "What is there to question? Rather, how do you know I am there? How do you know I am unwell? And... what is this place?"

Why do you say that? I was taken aback for a moment

I lie in bed, yet I toss and turn, unable to fall asleep

"Oh, is that Xu Muchen?" Liu Wen exclaimed softly, "What’s going on? How could Xu Muchen come to the movies with Luo Ningning? Lan Xin, what on earth is happening? Are you two really just ordinary friends?"

I struggled to break free from Xu Muchen's embrace and said, "Xu Muchen, let me down, I am fine."

In that moment, I doubted whether the pain had caused me to hallucinate. Once I realized that this was reality and not an illusion, my mind was filled with questions about why he was here

Strangely, you are the one who is right! I couldn't help but turn around, feeling that he was deliberately teasing me, inexplicably bringing me here. Aren't you on a date with Luo Ningning? Why do you care about my affairs?

I was sweating profusely, even though I was so close to the screen, and the loudspeaker was not far above my head, yet the sound from the movie seemed to be very far away from me

If possible, I truly wish to return to school immediately, because being in a space with only him and me is really too dangerous for me; I do not have the confidence to suppress my feelings.

Let me do it. I feel a bit embarrassed

I got out of bed and saw a brand new pair of slippers on the floor. I put on the slippers and walked to the window, pulling back the curtains to reveal an endless night sky. Beneath the night sky, the neon lights flickered on and off. The building is very tall, and looking down from above, the bustling traffic below seems somewhat unreal

I know

"Shut up." Xu Muchen coldly uttered these two words, no longer paying attention to me, as he carried me out.

Then stay here. Xu Muchen said, "There is a clean set of pajamas in the bathroom. Rest early, as I will probably be busy all night."

Regarding this point, I do not agree. It is normal for friends to become closer due to familiarity, and besides, I have always consciously kept my distance from him. I really don't know why Liu Wen and Guo Jiani always like to make jokes about me and Xu Muchen.

Many words are stuck in my throat, unable to be spoken, and my stomach hurts as if I am about to die. I truly have no strength to argue with Xu Muchan and can only obediently lower my head. He has a pleasant soapy fragrance, very refreshing.

However, no matter how much I explain, Liu Wen and Guo Jiani do not believe me. They feel that the relationship between Xu Muchan and me is certainly not as simple as just being old classmates, because Xu Muchan's attitude towards me is indeed too ambiguous

It's not a big deal, it's a nervous stomachache," the doctor said as he prescribed me some medicine. "Go back and rest well, take the medicine on time. Remember to maintain a cheerful mood, don't get angry, as it can easily trigger stomach pain."

"She has a stomachache." Xu Muchen completely ignored me and said to Liu Wen and Guo Jiani, "You can go back to the screening room; I will stay here."

Having taken the medicine, Xu Muchen poured a glass of warm water

I once told Chen Ke that I am not good at lying, which makes it particularly difficult for me to tell a lie. I am not that smooth and cannot completely hide my true feelings.

I will not deliberately seek the other party, nor will I approach them for any special reason. If we meet, we will have a conversation; this is the nature of the relationship between Xu Muchan and me

So now, please, do not unveil my mask, do not make my humble self even more embarrassed

"I can manage on my own." He declined my kind offer

Because my parents have gone out traveling, I am home alone and feeling bored. She shrugged her shoulders helplessly

Thank you. I took it without hesitation, took a bite, it was flaky, crispy, and very fragrant, indeed it is delicious

Haha, I thought you would delete my number, but it's great that you didn't. Listening to his voice, he seems to be in a very good mood. "Lan Xin, what are you doing? If you happen to be free, I can come to see you and hang out."

Unable to distinguish between dream and reality, I closed my eyes again and fell into a deep sleep

I was talking to Liu Wen when Guo Jian Ni returned after finishing her breakfast. She was also surprised to see Liu Wen. Liu Wen repeated what she was about to say to me to Guo Jian Ni.

Only by keeping a distance from Xu Muchen can they avoid the opportunity to speak with him. My current mood is somewhat chaotic, making it impossible for me to have a proper conversation with Xu Muchen

"Not at all, because I believe Xu Muchan likes our classmate Lan Xin," Liu Wen said, pointing at me. "Since she is already taken, how foolish would it be for me to continue my unrequited love!"

Liu Wen did not continue speaking, but instead fell silent along with Guo Jiani

I pulled my hand away from his and said nothing more. After all, he wouldn't go so far as to betray me, and given my current situation, even if I wanted to keep my distance from him, it would be impossible to do so.

As I walked out of that building, I realized that this was a residential community. Upon exiting the community, I was about to take out my phone when I remembered that my bag was still with Xu Muchan, and I was still wearing slippers on my feet. I had been in such a hurry when I left that I had taken nothing with me, not even changing my shoes.

I am fine

Indeed, there was a set of clean women's pajamas on the shelf. The pajamas were clearly not newly purchased, as they had already been washed. I couldn't help but begin to speculate, for whom was this set of pajamas originally intended?

I am fine, perhaps I was just tired from shopping a little while ago. I quickly responded, "Sitting for a while will help."

A sudden spasm surged through my stomach, and I thought to myself that this was not good. Whenever I become anxious, I am particularly prone to stomach pain, and this feeling is truly a long-lost one. Accompanying the stomach ache is the recollection of a past event that I am reluctant to remember

It is quite difficult not to notice, isn't it? He smiled in a way that was neither fully a smile nor not a smile.

However, upon reflection, it seems that he did not just become strange today; he started to behave a bit oddly after the hometown association meeting yesterday

Is that so? Where is it inconvenient? His voice was lazy, "Lu Lanxin, you are quite strange."

Having said that, I forcefully shook off his hand, ran to the door, opened it, and dashed outside

He did not look at me, but instead gazed up at the sky. Perhaps sensing my gaze, he turned his head to look at me. In the darkness, the dim light shone over, falling into the depths of his eyes, as if illuminating a glimmer of starlight in the night.

Then I shall take my leave. Since the conversation has reached this point, if I insist on leaving, it would mean that I do not trust Xu Muchen

"Where are you taking me?" I looked at him with uncertainty

Is it Luo Ningning?

The call was made by Chen Ke. I think I should call back, but for some reason, I am hesitating.

My heart desires to draw closer to him, yet reason tells me that it is not possible

"Because our school has Xu Muchen, which boy would dare to pursue you?" Guo Jiani joked

I opened my mouth to say something, but Xu Muchen reached out and covered my mouth, saying, "No talking, close your eyes and take a nap. I'll wake you up when it's time."

As for me, Lu Lanxin, I am somewhat unremarkable; if I were to be described in a single sentence, it would likely be that I am the kind of person who, when thrown into a crowd, would go unnoticed even if one did not deliberately seek me out

After hanging up the phone, I leaned against the desk, feeling as if all my strength had been drained away. Indeed, was it still too much to expect to converse with Chen Ke so effortlessly?

In an instant, I suddenly did not know where I was going or where I could go

There's no need. The young couple is out on a date, so let's not disturb them. I pulled Liu Wen to the side and walked a little further away. Guo Jiani had already picked up the tickets. Since the show was about to start, I directly pulled the two of them into the screening room.

I thought you were unwilling to answer my call, Lan Xin," she said softly

Back then, I also sat in seats like this, surrounded by people. I sat there, my stomach aching with nervousness. Now, my tendency to get stomachaches when I'm nervous is a lingering effect from back then. The doctor says it's a type of neuralgia, and that when I get highly nervous, I'm prone to spasmodic stomach pain.

I take a deep breath, suppress this annoying emotion, turn on the tap, and wash my face with cold water.

Sigh... I let out a long breath and sat on the steps, staring into the silent night sky.