Three

At the moment I heard it, my heart suddenly trembled a little

He won't be back; he has been busy with official duties these past few days. Today, no one will compete with you for the crayfish. She affectionately patted his head

I gently turned over and turned off the light

In our casual conversation, I learned that he is about the same age as I am and attends a good high school nearby. He has many friends, both male and female, but none are as honest and well-behaved as I am

At that moment, Lu Mingyu suddenly turned around, capturing all the emotions of disappointment on my face.

I took out my phone and saw that it was already nearly 11 o'clock, but Chen Meihua had not called me at all

"Mingyu is back!" A woman wearing an apron appeared at the door and was momentarily stunned upon seeing me

Well

"Alright, Auntie," I obediently called out, which unexpectedly made Lu Mingyu laugh.

I think she may know more or less about my family's situation, and even Lu Mingyu does. After all, the sound insulation of this building is quite poor, and Chen Meihua has a loud voice. When she is angry, she wouldn't care if her family's matters are overheard by outsiders

Lu Mingyu did not deceive me; he truly lives in the apartment above mine. However, contrary to my expectations, his home is nearly twice the size of mine, beautifully decorated, spacious, and bright. Upon opening the door, the aroma of rice wafts out. At the entrance, there is a high-quality blanket and clean, tidy fabric slippers.

That night, I stayed at Lu Mingyu's house until very late

Since Chen Meihua is so indifferent to me, why should I try to please her and seek validation in front of her

It is impossible to say that I do not feel lost; rather, this sense of loss is akin to a long-neglected light bulb, flickering intermittently, which troubles my heart

Lu Mingyu hung my backpack on the coat rack at the entrance and turned around to wave at me, saying, "Come in."

Only after finishing my washing and lying down on my own worn-out little bed did my anxious heart finally feel a sense of grounding and reality

He described me with the four characters "honest and well-behaved"

No birthday cake, no blessings, and no gifts

I looked at Lu Mingyu with curiosity, as if their entire family recognized me.

Looking at the peeling roof and the unsightly incandescent light hanging from it, I finally realized that my seventeenth birthday was going to pass just like this

I quietly got up, put on my coat, slung my belongings over my shoulder, and stealthily stepped out the door

I sat before them, my body tense, suddenly filled with immense envy

Because of a person, his name is Lu Mingyu

It turns out it is not a dream, yet it is even more sorrowful than a dream

Lu Mingyu, thank you, good night

Happy Birthday, Pei Jixing

I heard your name is Pei Jixing, what a wonderful name. Auntie placed a bowl of rice in front of me and served me a full bowl.

He is sunny and cheerful, warm as light, and has magically appeared in my world, sweeping away the gloom in my heart

Lu Mingyu was bringing over the hot dishes and rice while introducing her to me: "This is my mother, you can just call her Auntie."

But my heart is more full than on any birthday of the year

The room is in such a filthy state that compared to Lu Mingyu's home, it is simply a paradise and a hell. If it were in the past, I would have hurried to tidy everything up, but this time, I do not want to do so at all

I did not heed his words, but instead watched that woman cautiously

I cannot recall the events that followed clearly; I only know that I, who usually goes to bed early, soon fell asleep on the sofa. When I woke up again, I was already lying in their guest room, covered with their fragrant and soft blanket.

I softly said to myself

Originally, I intended to do my homework, but Lu Mingyu insisted on dragging me to play games with him. I really do not know how to play, so I could only watch from the sidelines while absentmindedly reciting the text.

So, what is there to be dissatisfied with

Ah, it's you. That woman immediately broke into a kind smile, "Come in, come in!"

This is my first time visiting a stranger's home, and anxiety and awkwardness dominate my mind. I can only stand there foolishly, completely at a loss as to what to do.

I was somewhat taken aback by the reproachful remark, feeling as if I had been "scolded"; I nearly stumbled while changing my shoes, and had it not been for Lu Mingyu's assistance, I would surely have embarrassed myself

He looks even more attractive when he smiles, with a pleasant demeanor, and carries a hint of the charm that is characteristic of his age

"Don't just stand there foolishly, come, sit down and eat with us," the woman warmly invited me to take a seat at the dining table

I thought I had experienced an indescribably wonderful dream, and I was startled into sitting up abruptly

I raised the corners of my stiff mouth and shyly replied: "It was my father who named it."

Upon returning home, as soon as the door was opened, a strong smell of smoke and foul odor filled the room. Chen Meihua was not at home, and it was evident that she had been called out by that group of people to drink.

She smiled and did not continue to ask about father.

The moonlight flowed in like water through the sheer curtains. In the tranquil night, the sounds of passing vehicles could be heard from the road below.

He suddenly laughed, placed a peeled small crayfish into my bowl, and then, with his other clean hand, patted my head in a pretentious manner, saying: "Don't just stand there in a daze, it's time to eat"

"Mom, is Dad not coming back today?" Lu Mingyu took out some juice from the refrigerator and placed it grandly in front of me, chatting casually with his mother.

"Come in quickly." Lu Mingyu pulled me in directly, scolding me like an old acquaintance, "You, having lived here for so long, still don't know who your neighbors are."

In this light, I suddenly feel that Lu Mingyu and his mother are truly both kind and well-mannered