02

"On a whim," Zhuang Li said without looking back

I took the bag with confusion and discovered that it contained a mobile phone

"Ding Lanyin, are you really willing to come back?" Ding Xuan called my name coldly, indicating that he was truly angry.

Since being with Zhuang Li, indeed no one has come to trouble me. Those people all take a detour when they see me, except for Sun Qing

I cannot understand Zhuang Li; he clearly does not like me, yet he enjoys playing the role of a model couple with me, and he does so with great enthusiasm

Every time I go out with him, I always like to tightly hold his cold hand, proudly declaring ownership to those around us

Ding Xuan has a clean and fair face, capable of wearing the school uniform with a unique charm. The hand holding the paintbrush resembles white jade, slender and beautiful. On the emerald green lawn, Ding Xuan appears like a young man from a Greek tale, quietly blooming like a daffodil

Ding Xuan's originally fair face was covered with a layer of gray. He stared at me for a while before finally spitting out a few words through his teeth: "Ding Lanyin, are you... are you..." By the end of his question, his face had turned bright red, even his ears were flushed, making him look quite adorable

In fact, I do not believe it either

It is different now. I continue to lie, saying, "My studies are not good; I need to work hard to improve."

He still wore a cold expression and explained without a trace of emotion: "Since we are together, we must present ourselves as such"

I said with a wry smile: "You have arrived..."

Life has returned to tranquility, and each day I follow my routine of going to and from school. However, I no longer stay at home on weekends, as Zhuang unexpectedly suggested that we should spend every weekend together.

I leaned close to her ear and said mysteriously: "The method is simple and effective. Just rush up to the one you like and loudly declare your love, and he will be yours."

On Saturday morning, in order to avoid arousing suspicion from my family, I got up very early and left the house quietly, fearing that I might wake someone up

My heart is filled with joy. Perhaps only with Zhuang Li's face and such a naturally appropriate tone can a secret date be expressed so openly and boldly.

One day, when Zhuang Li was holding my hand and walking into the classroom, Sun Qing's eyes widened in shock, and her jaw nearly dropped.

While arranging the books, I asked without turning my head: "What do you need from me?"

When I returned home, my adoptive parents were not there. Ding Xuan was sitting in the living room, seemingly in a daze. As I entered, I noticed his vacant expression, unaware of what he was thinking.

Both hearts stubbornly refuse to lean against each other; Zhuang Li and I have always been united in appearance but separated in spirit

I instantly thought of that kiss, and my face began to burn with heat again

He sat quietly on the lawn, with an easel in front of him, his right hand holding a paintbrush as he continuously applied strokes on the paper

I do not know who it was that once caressed my face with their fingers.

Since meeting Ding Xuan, Zhuang Li's expression has never been good. The moment he turned to leave, my tense body suddenly relaxed. I had never thought that being perfunctory could also be such a tiring endeavor

Ding Xuan's eyes were still filled with confusion, yet he did not continue to ask. There are some things he might understand, and there are some things he need not understand

In fact, I did not attend extra classes over the weekend, but rather spent time with him. After saying this, I glanced at Zhuang Li, and his expression seemed somewhat displeased

I dragged Zhuang Li along, casually finding an excuse to leave for somewhere else. As he walked, he suddenly stopped, turned his head, and asked: "Is it so shameful to go on a date with me?"

I took a few steps forward, closed her chin, and playfully winked.

He suddenly swatted my hand away, furrowing his brow as he repeatedly emphasized: "How many times have I told you, do not call me 'little brother', call me A Xuan. Are you hungry? I will go make you some dumplings"

Cannot

Zhuang Li mercilessly delivered another blow: "Too ugly"

That was the first time I spoke after my parents passed away

I shook my head and lied nonchalantly, "I have to attend extra classes this weekend"

I squeezed Zhuang Li's hand and asked, "Zhuang Li, do I look good?"

Zhuang Li stopped in his tracks, looked at me expressionlessly for a while, and coldly uttered a few words: "Don't smile like that..."

"Explain it." Ding Xuan said angrily

Unexpectedly, Zhuang Li beside said: "I am the teacher who gives her extra lessons"

When I arrived at the place agreed upon with Zhuang, he had not yet come. I sat on the park bench, feeling utterly bored, watching the uncle walking his dog and the aunt exercising.

I never imagined that one day Zhuang Li would hold my hand. Just standing beside him already feels surreal to me

In the evening, I was locked in the storage room. Ding Xuan quietly opened the door, sneaked in, and gave me a small piece of cake. He said, I am sorry

I closed my mouth, restrained my smile, and obediently followed behind him

I do not know how long I have waited, but when I looked up again, Zhuang Li was already walking over slowly. The morning light was just right, spilling over him, yet the air around him was too cold, making the warm morning light carry a hint of chill.

No matter how hard Mu Lianru hit, I did not cry; I merely stared at Ding Xuan. He timidly hid at the door, his eyes glistening with tears, appearing as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

In fact, dating Zhuang Li is quite boring, devoid of any sense of happiness. When we go out to eat, he orders without ever asking for my opinion. Watching movies is always in a private screening, with the two of us sitting in a vast theater watching intellectually demanding films. At the amusement park, I find myself playing each attraction alone while Zhuang Li merely watches me, making the structured dates feel more like completing an assignment.

However, I did not expect to encounter Ding Xuan

Because Zhuang Li's expression was growing darker, I dared not speak with Ding Xuan for too long. I briefly explained a few things and then smiled as I went to smooth Zhuang Li's fur.

Ding Xuan said in a playful tone: "Would you accompany me to the countryside to sketch this weekend? Our teacher assigned us homework, and it would be so boring to go alone"

Zhuang Li took me to the outskirts, as it was quiet with few people around, ensuring that no one would be staring at his striking face

Zhuang Li replied without looking back: "Unattractive"

I must admit that no matter when, and regardless of what Zhuang Li looks like, it always makes my heart race and my face flush. Fortunately, my face is exceptionally thick-skinned, so I don't easily blush.

How to say?

"You are such a good boy, little brother." I couldn't help but pinch his cheek

On Friday evening, I returned home, and Ding Xuan had already arrived. I was tidying up my desk while Ding Xuan came in holding some fruit, standing beside me in silence.

By evening, the two of them had lost even their perfunctory patience. Zhuang Li instructed the driver to take me directly to the bottom of the building and left without saying a word.

Zhuang Li's gaze remained cold and distant

... ...

Perhaps due to a sense of guilt, Ding Xuan has been particularly kind to me. Because of this kindness, I often think of the Ding family. That once small boy has now grown so tall and can create beautiful paintings. It turns out I have been with the Ding family for so many years.

Zhuang Li said with a serious expression: "Special remedial class"

I could only force a smile and greet Ding Xuan awkwardly: "Younger brother, what a coincidence."

Some people say that I really had a stroke of bad luck, getting involved with Zhuang Li. I never asked him why he agreed, but after spending time with Zhuang Li, I came to understand that his aloofness stems from an inherent pride.

Before she could finish her sentence, I said: "Indeed, we are together."

Seeing him turn around, I hurriedly stood up, excitedly took his cold hand, and asked, "What made you think of giving me a phone?"

I instinctively wanted to pull away, but I was firmly held back by Zhuang Li.

The morning air is always particularly fresh, but in reality, it is merely an illusion, as it is precisely in the morning that plants produce carbon dioxide. This illusion is akin to the fleeting encounter between Zhuang Li and me, where we, like animals, huddle together for warmth, only to part ways again when the weather warms up.

I shook my head vigorously and explained, "I just don't want to cause too much trouble; that was my younger brother."

The relationship between Zhuang Li and me is akin to that cold kiss, devoid of any beauty associated with love. Even when we walk hand in hand through the school, we still fail to feel each other's warmth

My first reaction was to quickly pull Zhuang Li away, but it was already too late. Ding Xuan seemed to sense something and suddenly turned around. His gaze fell on the hands that Zhuang Li and I were holding.

Can you not attend the supplementary classes

I hurried to smooth things over for him: "Dear brother, I brought you your favorite chocolate." In fact, this chocolate was bought by Zhuang Li; I was merely presenting it as if it were my own.

Zhuang Li turned around and said: "On standby for twenty-four hours"

Zhuang Li remained silent, showing no intention of providing any explanation

I broke free from Zhuang Li's hand, then pulled Ding Xuan aside to whisper in his ear

Alright, alright. I nodded with a smile.

The moment he took my hand, I turned my head, my face filled with astonishment

At the age of seven, I entered the Ding family. At first, Ding Xuan despised me greatly. He secretly took money from the house and then told the adults that I was the one who took it. Mu Lianru mercilessly hit me, and her scolding was extremely harsh.

I said in a hushed voice, it's alright

I blinked my eyes and said playfully, "Don't tell Mom and Dad, let's talk about it when we get home tonight"

Where should I begin the explanation? Should I start from achieving my goals through beauty, or from the bullying I experienced in school?

Oh my, A Yin, quickly tell me how you managed to win over our campus heartthrob? Please share some tips with me, maybe tomorrow I can also bring a handsome guy along.

I originally thought there would be kisses and hugs, but apart from holding hands, there is nothing between Zhuang Li and me. That kind of clearly distant relationship cannot become intimate simply by holding hands

Is it possible that I look too good when I smile, he ... ...

He stood before me, his gaze intense as he said: "One day, I too will grow into a tree that you can lean on."

Sun Qing tightly grasped my hand and excitedly asked, "You two..."

I approached him, tugging at the corners of my mouth to reveal what I believed to be my most charming smile, and asked, "Where are we going today?"

When I was being hit by Mu Lianru, I was still contemplating how to settle this score, but when he spoke with a choked voice to apologize, I suddenly forgave him. For the Ding family, I was the unexpected and unwelcome guest.

I have never feared losing Zhuang Li, because I have never truly possessed him; that ostentation was merely to make my time at school a little more bearable

Hearing the sound of the door, Ding Xuan turned his head, saw me, and his eyes seemed to flicker.

What you sent me? I am somewhat uncertain, after all, today is not a holiday.

Zhuang Li did not speak, but handed over a pink bag

"Well then." Ding Xuan left with a sullen expression.

I do not believe

Ding Xuan's expression was somewhat unpleasant. He walked over in a few steps, constantly sizing up me and Zhuang Li, and after a long while finally asked: "Did you not say you were going to make up a class?"

Perhaps it is because those timid eyes resemble mine too closely, as we both fear losing something. He fears losing his parents, while I similarly display timidity in the Ding family, fearing the loss of a place to call home

I sighed, sitting beside Ding Xuan, gazing at this ordinary home, and softly said: "Vines that grow in the forest choose a tree to climb in order to obtain more sunlight, and this dependence is solely for survival. I am that vine, and Zhuang Li is the tree to which I cling. Do not ask me more about the rest."

Ding Xuan furrowed his brows and said, "Where is there a teacher who would hold a student's hand during extra lessons"

The lie was exposed, and I stood there in a daze, unsure of what to say. Looking into Ding Xuan's bright eyes, I found myself unable to fabricate any nonsense.

Is that so? Zhuang Liruo said thoughtfully, "His gaze is indeed quite intriguing..."

Ding Xuan stood dejectedly by the side and said softly, "You used to accompany me to sketch every weekend."