Chapter 4, We Cannot Return to Yesterday

So that's how it is. That boy must like you, right? Guo Jiani's expression was very gentle when she smiled

I endured the pain and went downstairs with Xu Muchan. Chen Ke and Song Yanyi were waiting for us below. Upon seeing Xu Muchan, Chen Ke instinctively glanced at me. I awkwardly turned my head away, feeling that with that one glance, she had already seen through my lie

I no longer want to watch someone's future shatter before my eyes, that feeling is truly unbearable, and guilt tightly grips my heart. I have carried this guilt for so many years, and I do not wish to bear any more.

I took out my phone, intending to call Liu Wen and the others to report my current location, but in the end, I did not do so, because Chen Ke was present, and it would not have been appropriate for me to do that

There is no need for you to be so polite

"Do not move while standing." Xu Muchen patted my shoulder and then removed my hand that was clutching his garment. He took a step forward, but at that moment, Brother Sun, who had been standing, suddenly fell down. He fell, yet there was still someone standing in that position.

At that moment, I was clearly thinking this way; I even reached out my hand, wanting to grasp her, yet her beautiful skirt brushed past my fingertips.

"Excuse me, may I ask how much longer it will take?" I forced myself to remain calm; if I lost my composure at this moment, it would surely lead to disastrous consequences

Shut up! Xu Muchen coldly uttered these two words

I have never seriously faced Song Yanyi, whether it was initially giving him a perfunctory promise of an opportunity or later expressing that I would consider him carefully, I was merely speaking casually.

I followed Chen Ke forward, walking for more than ten minutes. The surrounding buildings became fewer, and some materials were haphazardly piled up at the abandoned construction site. Further ahead, all I could see was a pitch-black expanse, with not even a decent residential building in sight

I feel somewhat disoriented

I set my phone to silent. All I can do now is to buy some time, absolutely avoiding any extreme actions to prevent provoking this person. I keep praying in my heart, hoping that even just one person sees my plea for help, that even just one person believes and calls the police... "Not yet, wait a little longer," he said as he walked to the open kitchen, opened the refrigerator door, and asked me, "Would you like something to drink? We have cola, orange juice, and coconut milk."

He did not give me a chance to escape; he forcefully pulled me into his embrace

I am here for a tutoring interview, not for an interview as a model. " Chen Ke said angrily, "I kindly ask you to let us leave!

It has now come to this point, and regretting it is of no use. The most important thing is how to escape from the current situation. At this stage, I have become unusually calm. I must save myself, while also saving Chen Ke

Liu Wen! Guo Jiani's voice involuntarily rose a little, "Do not say any more."

Do not say anything anymore. As I watched the door about to be broken open, I felt anxious, but Chen Ke had already collapsed, and I could not afford to break down. My stomach was increasingly in pain, and I was drenched in cold sweat. I could only pray to hold on a little longer, just a little longer!

Well, since she has already made her decision, I should not hinder her too much, so let us continue walking

It truly feels wonderful to be here; it is truly wonderful to meet Liu Wen and Guo Jiani. Those more than 1,000 nights spent diligently writing and studying hard have thus become meaningful.

05

Chen Ke, escape through the window! Run outside, the police are coming! The sound of the sirens is very close now, if you run out now, you will definitely be saved

"So, Lanxin, what are your thoughts on this?" Guo Jiani gazed at me warmly, and she must have sensed my inner turmoil, which is why she asked me this question

I did not expect you to be this kind of person!" she exclaimed, "There is no room for negotiation on this matter!

A girl like me will not be liked by anyone My hands instinctively clenched into fists, my shoulders felt somewhat stiff, and fragmented images surged in my mind I closed my eyes in an attempt to suppress these emotions

I quickly took out my phone and posted a location message on WeChat Moments, then swiftly sent out a group message asking for help. My heart raced wildly while I was doing these things

At that moment, Xu Muchen, who was sitting beside me, slowly spoke up: "Could you please be quiet? Please maintain silence in the car"

"You have quite the nerve, little sister, bringing in reinforcements," Brother Sun said as he got up from the ground, walking over with a gloomy expression, while the other three also closed in.

"Because I heard some noise above," I said, "What’s going on? Has the interview ended? If it has, let’s go back."

I always feel that this place is very strange. I stood up and walked around the living room. In one corner, I saw a photograph that had fallen on the floor. The back of the photo was facing up, and I bent down to pick it up

I have told her that I do not like Xu Muchen, she must have already realized that I was lying

"Are you an idiot?" he said through gritted teeth. "In such a remote place, it is obvious that something is wrong. Why would you choose to go anywhere else and run to such a dangerous location!"

"It's getting late," the person said vaguely before pushing the door open and leaving

"Go ahead, the next room is empty." Seeing me put down my phone, Brother Sun, with great sincerity, waved his hand, allowing me to take Chen Ke with me

Because I said something excessive, she became angry. In my heart, I actually do not quite understand the reason for Liu Wen's anger, but she only became angry after I said those words, so it must be that I said something very excessive

I will wait for you below, I said with a sense of propriety

It was very dark all around, and I could not discern what Chen Ke's expression was like at that moment

I helplessly followed up: "Did you ask me to come along from the very beginning because you knew the place was remote?"

"You go ahead, I have something to discuss with Lan Xin." Xu Mu Chen did not look at Song Yan Yi, but turned his head to look at me.

"Well, you say it has nothing to do with me, and I am indeed a bit angry, but, Lanxin, what angers me the most is not this point." Liu Wen quietly looked into my eyes and slowly said, "What angers me the most is your hopeless self-deception and your tendency to shrink back and evade."

Half an hour later, Chen Ke and I exited the subway station. By the time we came out, it was already dark, and the night sky appeared particularly clear

"So, how did you come here, Song Yanyi?" I turned to glance at Song Yanyi, who was sitting on my other side. He arrived almost simultaneously with Xu Muchen; what a coincidence.

Forget it, we have already come this far

I will help you open it. Brother Sun stood up, took the can of cola from my hand, opened it, and handed it back to me

I now only hope that Brother Sun and the others discover our intentions a little later

"I have no other intentions; I simply cannot stand it," Liu Wen did not stop but instead approached me, saying in a more severe tone, "Sometimes when I look at you, I feel infuriated. You are completely oblivious to what you have. Just this alone is enough to make me angry!"

The sound of something crashing or falling

Your friend does not wish to take this part-time job, which puts me in a difficult position. Brother Sun and the other three exchanged glances and smiled, their expressions filled with ill intent

Because I am not good at all

The sound of footsteps approached rapidly from behind me, and I turned around in shock to find Brother Sun already close at hand. He raised his hand towards me, his face filled with murderous intent

"Let's go." In the end, it was Song Yanyi who spoke first

No one spoke first, and the atmosphere was somewhat tense

I lifted my head and looked in the direction of the sound, seeing Chen Ke rushing over. With an apologetic expression, she said: "I’m sorry, Lan Xin, for keeping you waiting. There was a minor issue at my part-time job, which caused a bit of a delay"

"Speaking of which, if you get the job, will you have to run such a long distance every day for your part-time work?" I looked around and noticed that there were few streetlights here, and even taxis were rarely seen.

Why? Because I have known Chen Ke since elementary school. I am aware of her family's situation; both her parents have good jobs. When we practiced dancing together in the past, her clothes were always the best, and she always had the most snacks. At that time, the three of us would play together, and she would always bring snacks to share with us

Oh, what a pity, he said

We must hold out until the rescuers arrive. The four people outside, we cannot resolve this situation on our own. This is also why I did not call the police, but chose to seek help in that manner. This place is very remote; even if I successfully call the police in a short time and they arrive, it would definitely be too late.

I did not ask any further. Everyone has secrets they do not wish to be known, and Chen Ke and I have long ceased to be the close friends we once were, who shared everything. After so many years, encountering each other again, I find it difficult to determine what position to place Chen Ke in.

I do not speak, I simply rush upstairs

I never thought that many years later, there would come a day when I could calmly converse with Chen Ke

How long has it been? Since middle school, I have placed myself in a lone wolf state, feeling unworthy of having friends, unworthy of happiness, and unable to enjoy joy.

Hmm. Chen Ke admitted, "I apologize for not informing you in advance."

Chen Ke was already in a state of panic. Upon hearing my words, she quickly climbed onto the windowsill. Fortunately, there was a downspout right next to the window, and she clung to it as she slid down. I turned around, intending to follow Chen Ke down, but at that moment, a loud crash sounded as the door behind me was flung open

What do you want to do! I am very scared, trembling all over. I am more aware of my current situation than anyone else; there are a total of four men here, and the two of us, Chen Ke and I, have no fighting capability at all

I instinctively wanted to escape; the sense of oppression emanating from Xu Muchen in his fury was simply overwhelming

Indeed, Chen Ke said, "There is no other way, I need a part-time job"

Hello, Brother Sun. I am fiddling with a can of cola, hoping to ease the intense tension I am feeling at the moment. I do not plan to take on a part-time job for the time being

After all, we were once such good friends. If that incident had not occurred back then, we should be the closest of friends now.

My name is Xu Yu. I casually mentioned a name. Just now, Chen Ke did not introduce who I am, and I did not intend to reveal my name after realizing that it is very dangerous here

As for that boy, he is my high school classmate, and I happened to meet him that day at the hometown gathering

Song Yanyi hesitated for a moment before stepping outside

I was taken aback for a moment, not understanding why she would arrive at such a conclusion

The crisp sound of shattering glass reached my ears, shards of glass scattered all over the ground. The hand that Brother Sun originally intended to grab me with was intercepted by someone. Immediately after, a familiar figure stepped in front of me, seizing Brother Sun's arm and, while Brother Sun was still in shock and disbelief, flung him towards the doorway.

Finally, I faintly heard the sound of the siren, and soon after, the sound of the siren became clearer. I felt a sense of relief in my heart; they have finally arrived

But even so, I must save Chen Ke

You... Liu Wen was taken aback, "You can't be crying, can you? Although I am indeed very angry, I did not intend to make you cry"

Unaware of what one possesses

Guo Jiani smiled and said: "Why do you, Lan Xin, have such strange thoughts? You are very attentive and quiet, and your smile is particularly beautiful. Really, Lan Xin, perhaps you haven't even noticed it yourself, but when you smile, it gives people a sense of being healed. No matter how bad the mood is or how unfortunate the events are, just seeing your smile makes one feel that everything will be alright"

My hand has formed a fist. I bit my lower lip tightly; no matter what, I must save Chen Ke! This time, no matter what, I will save her!

"That is why I say you are an idiot!" As he spoke, he suddenly took a step forward

After waiting for a while, Chen Ke had not yet arrived. I took out my phone, just about to call her, when I heard her voice not far away: "Lan Xin!"

However, it would be better if there were safer options. I always feel that this place is too remote, with few people and books, and there are also few streetlights. If I were to tutor, it would certainly not be possible to come only during the day. At night, a girl alone might encounter some dangers

"Do not touch her!" Chen Ke pulled me behind her, attempting to protect me in this manner. "If there is any conflict, let it be with me, not with her!"

I... I am sending out a mass help message, surely someone will see it. Didn't Song Yanyi come as well? I never thought Xu Muchen would come to rescue me; sending a mass message was merely the fastest way. Time was too tight to allow me to consider more means of seeking help.

The wrought iron gate opened automatically in no time, and Chen Ke and I walked in. This place indeed looked like a wealthy family's home

I swallowed hard, feeling that the atmosphere was quite strange. Besides feeling that the atmosphere was odd, I was also somewhat shocked. The fact that Song Yanyi would come here was even more unsettling than Xu Muchen coming to rescue me

I stopped in my tracks, feeling hesitant: "Chen Ke, let's go back. This place is too remote. We have been walking for so long; at first, we encountered one or two people, but now there is not a single soul around, not even any passing vehicles."

I looked at her back, and a warm current surged in my heart. In fact, she is just like me; even after so many years, even after such events, deep in our hearts, we are still very important partners to each other. That is why, even knowing it is very dangerous, we still want to protect one another

What does that Sun brother want? I asked, forcing myself to remain calm

I do not know why, but a wave of warmth surged within my heart. Despite our argument and the unpleasant atmosphere on site, I felt a deep sense of emotion, as if I wanted to cry.

You ... ... " Liu Wen looked at me in confusion, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes

"Indeed, when he looks at you, his eyes are filled with you. That kind of gaze is only revealed when facing someone they like." As the only person in our dormitory with a boyfriend, Guo Jiani seemed to speak with great insight

My stomach was cramping painfully, and I quietly pressed my hand against my abdomen. The clothes inside were already soaked with sweat, but I did not want Xu Muchen to find out that I was in pain.

Thank you. I brought the cola to my lips, pretending to take a sip. I didn't dare to drink it; what if something strange had been added to it

I rushed over and embraced her, saying: "Thank you, thank you for being willing to be angry for me"

I felt a shiver, as that gaze gave me an uncomfortable feeling

Since when have I become like this? I have closed off my heart, preventing myself from connecting with the outside world. Yet even if I punish myself in this way, I should not lose my sincerity towards others

Do you like me

I instinctively shivered, not daring to contemplate the consequences of his tardiness

I didn't do much, just checked the time. Is my friend still not done with the interview? I said, pretending to be calm

Just as I was about to fall into my memories, the sound of a key turning in the lock came from outside the dormitory door, and then Liu Wen's figure appeared at the entrance

After sitting for a few minutes, a person pushed the door open and entered. He was holding a camera in his hand. Upon seeing me sitting on the sofa in the living room, he seemed somewhat surprised, but he did not speak to me and went directly upstairs

At this point, an apology seems to hold little significance, and if she were to come alone, it would be even more dangerous. At least there are two people now, and perhaps I am overthinking it.

"Lan Xin, as long as you smile, I feel that everything is fine!" The girl speaking had a radiant smile on her face, and she hugged me tightly. Then, dressed in a white ballet dress, she walked confidently towards the stage.

"Where are you going?" Brother Sun's voice sounded behind me

At that moment, the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs reached my ears. I had no time to examine it closely and hurriedly hid the photo in my small bag before quickly returning to sit on the sofa. The person coming down was the uncle who had just taken Chen Ke upstairs; he was carrying a bag of trash, presumably going out to dispose of it

This is the place. Chen Ke compared the address received on her phone with the house number posted on the wall of the small villa in front of her. After confirming they matched, she stepped forward and pressed the doorbell

Then let's set off quickly I said

However, there are still some things that have been changed inadvertently. In the past, perhaps I did not truly regard them as good friends, but ever since my argument with Liu Wen, I have kept them in my heart and no longer subconsciously rejected them

"Oh. Brother Sun is very surprised by my cooperation, " it is still Classmate Xu who sees clearly. Classmate Chen, you should learn more from your friend!"

She turned around and asked me in confusion, "What happened?"

Hmm

I am in a state of self-destruction, and I even contemplate self-annihilation. I thought that in this world, it would be impossible for anyone else to become my friend, to truly care for me.

Chen Ke fell silent, and she hesitated somewhat

Just as my patience was about to reach its limit, a sudden "clang" came from upstairs. Instinctively, I stood up from the sofa and ran upstairs before Brother Sun could react.

I locked the door behind me, and Chen Ke looked at me coldly, her gaze almost capable of freezing a person in place

I desperately tell myself not to panic, for if I do, everything will be over

"I am indeed pursuing you," Song Yanyi said, staring into my eyes. "It is quite unreasonable that someone who likes you would not rush to your rescue when you are in danger."

A sudden dispute ultimately ended in this absurd and laughable manner, and Liu Wen, Guo Jiani, and I returned once again to the calm life we had before the argument

Chen Ke was trembling violently, her endurance had reached its limit, and she was truly afraid. During the time I was waiting downstairs, she was facing three men alone, and the pressure she endured was much greater than mine

"Isn't being a flat model quite good?" I pressed Chen Ke's hand firmly, hoping she would understand my hint. At this moment, angering these people could lead to our demise without us even realizing it. We are on someone else's territory now, and we are at an absolute disadvantage, so we can only use our wits to try to buy some time

03

"Because I need money," she said vaguely, and did not elaborate further

"How about this, Brother Sun, my friend is quite stubborn and can't figure things out. Please give me some time, and I will have a good talk with her." As I spoke, I took Chen Ke's phone out of her pocket, decisively turned it off, then turned off my own phone as well. I placed both phones into my small bag, casually tossed the bag onto the desk, and said, "Brother Sun, I will communicate well with her."

I stared wide-eyed at that person: "Song Yanyi? What are you doing here!"

But it is not like that; as long as time continues to move forward, as long as I am still alive, there will come a day when true friends will return to my side

Time passes second by second, each moment is a torment. My forehead is drenched in sweat, and my palms are soaked with cold sweat. To make matters worse, my stomach has started to hurt. Chen Ke's expression is not much better.

After walking for another ten minutes or so, the buildings began to take on a more respectable appearance. I felt a bit tired in my feet; since getting off the subway, we had already been walking for half an hour

"In fact, you don't need to rush over here," I said, "just helping to call the police would be a great help."

So it turns out to be Student Xu. Does Student Xu feel that his allowance is insufficient? Does he want to do a part-time job like Student Chen to earn some extra pocket money? He smiled and said, "I forgot to introduce myself, my surname is Sun, and everyone calls me Brother Sun"

I wonder how to address this classmate? He began to talk to me

Time passes second by second, and I both wish for it to go by faster and for it to slow down. In this contradictory emotion, I feel as if I am sitting on pins and needles. The glances thrown my way by Brother Sun make me feel as if I have thorns in my back

Then why should I be angry

He indeed said he likes me. I feel very troubled and do not know what to do, so I simply said to Guo Jiani, "Let me give him a chance to pursue me."

I was afraid she would cause trouble, so I forcibly dragged her into the next room

Having arrived here, let us take a look. If it does not work out, we will return immediately. Chen Ke ultimately made this decision, "Lan Xin, I really need this part-time job; the working hours are only on weekends, and the hourly wage is quite high"

02

I covered my eyes with my hand. Could it be that someone would be angry because of my lack of ambition?

Do you know what kind of flat model it is? However, it is unclear whether Chen Ke was angry; she did not pick up on my hint and still indignantly said, "It is for taking those very vulgar photos!"

Thank you. I immediately felt quite guilty; this place is so remote, the taxi fare must be very expensive

It turns out that Xu Muchen reported the case at the police station closest to his residence, and he arrived here quickly because he came by police car

01

Click

Xu Muchen? I stared wide-eyed at the person standing in front of me, "You..."

"Do you still dare to speak? Won't you call me?" He is truly angry, "What if I didn't see the message! What if I arrived late!"

The man turned back and glanced at me once more

In fact, I initially had the intention of clarifying everything with him when I went to dinner together. I said helplessly, but in the end, it was I who was persuaded by him, agreeing to seriously consider him. I have always felt it was very unreal; how could a guy like him possibly like me

Has something happened in her family that requires her to take on a part-time job to earn her living expenses

I saw him gently furrow his brow, but he quickly returned to his original expression

A slight unease lingers in my heart, as the surroundings are too quiet and too remote

"My sister indeed has good insight and looks at the long term." Brother Sun's expression improved somewhat, and he appeared to fully believe my words

"By the way, why is the interview scheduled so late?" I asked

"Are you stupid! How much can you earn from a part-time job? This one makes money fast!" As I spoke, I grabbed an ashtray and smashed it on the ground. The sound of "clang" mixed with the arguing, creating a stronger illusion that the argument between Chen Ke and me was intense.

"What a pity?" Liu Wen scoffed, "I never believe that things that happened in the past can become grievances in the present or even the future. Moreover, allowing such matters to become grievances indicates that she is just a coward"

"Hmm." Chen Ke replied, leading me towards the subway station. "That place is a bit remote, and since it's my first time interviewing for a tutoring job, I feel a bit uncertain going alone. Lan Xin, I really appreciate you agreeing to accompany me."

A warm hand gently rested on my cheek, and as I opened my eyes, I found Guo Jiani's face close to mine. Instinctively, I leaned back a little.

I must lie, for I need to save Chen Ke and save myself

I shrank my neck, momentarily at a loss for words

"Coke, thank you," I said

"Argue with me!" I said to her in a lowered voice, "Hurry!"

After Song Yanyi left, only Xu Muchan and I remained in the room, and the atmosphere became even more tense

Brother Sun was wearing slippers, and when cola spilled on the smooth floor, it became even more slippery. He slipped and fell, just as I finally managed to turn the doorknob.

The person took two cans of cola from the refrigerator, handed me one can, and sat down on the sofa opposite me with the other can. It seemed that he did not intend to go upstairs.

After walking a little further, the light gradually increased, emanating from the windows of the low-rent apartments.

Unlike Song Yanyi, Xu Muchen entered through the window on the second floor, while Song Yanyi came in directly through the front door. It seems he first arrived at the adjacent room, found it empty, and then made his way here

"Lan Xin, why did you come in?" At this moment, Chen Ke's face was as pale as death, devoid of any color, and she trembled violently, her eyes filled with regret. She was probably regretting not listening to me, and instead of resolutely turning back upon realizing how remote this place was, she insisted on coming here.

On the way here, I felt it was quite inappropriate, probably because this place is too remote. It is very unusual to schedule an interview in such a secluded location at night

I need to step out for a moment and will probably be back around 9 o'clock. After informing Liu Wen and Guo Jiani, I shouldered my small bag and walked out of the dormitory

"Why is it impossible to like you?" Guo Jiani asked in confusion

I did not run away, firstly because this place is indeed too remote, with hardly any buildings around to take refuge in; secondly, because Brother Sun is right here, and being a man, it would be exceedingly easy for him to catch up with me

At this moment, two men were holding Chen Ke, clearly intending to strip her of her clothes. The man with the camera was fiddling with it, presumably wanting to take nude photos of Chen Ke

It is time to go now, there is not enough time. Chen Ke's gaze revealed a hint of caution. It was evident that, just as I felt somewhat at a loss when facing her, she too was a bit nervous when facing me

"Since that is the case, let your friend sit downstairs for a while, and you come up with me," the man said

I... I sent a request for help. "I muttered to myself.

I feel myself sweating, and I can only pray that Chen Ke upstairs does not encounter any trouble. Of course, I hope that I am just overthinking, and that the photo has nothing to do with this place—although I find that unlikely.

Since when have I lost my sincere heart? In front of Liu Wen and Guo Jiani, I was not candid enough; in front of Song Yanyi, I similarly failed to do so

Chen Ke is very stubborn and appears to be quite angry

The three individuals finally reacted, shouting "You better watch out!" and turned to run. However, at that moment, the police had already rushed in, and the three were caught red-handed.

What should I do? I grabbed Xu Muchen's hem. I had been very calm when Xu Muchen was not here, but now that he has arrived, I suddenly feel at a loss.

Do not go! Do not go there!

Upon seeing the content of the photograph, my pupils constricted sharply, and my heart raced; it seemed I had witnessed something extraordinary

"Yes, that's him. His name is Song Yanyi. We were in the same class during our first year of high school," I said.

I truly do not want to become strangers with Liu Wen, as we were once roommates and friends who could share a sesame pancake, yet we have become distant because of my actions

04

"What were you just doing?" he asked me with a cold expression

But you really need a part-time job, don't you? I am very anxious in my heart, what should I do? If Chen Ke does not cooperate with me, how can I buy some time?

The day I had agreed upon with Chen Ke has arrived in the blink of an eye

I am anxious in my heart, as Brother Sun is about to catch up. In a moment of desperation, I poured the cola down the stairs

Chen Ke also became puzzled this time, but her need for a part-time job ultimately led her to choose to move forward

I have been timid for too long, and I can no longer continue like this; I want to change. Looking at Chen Ke's silhouette, in this moment, what rises in my heart is a more resolute belief

"Such actions are unacceptable!" Chen Ke exclaimed loudly

"The police have already arrived. Are you sure you want to seek death?" Song Yanyi smiled very brightly

My mind is blank, and Liu Wen's words keep echoing in my ears

What should I do? Chen Ke's voice was already choked with tears, "I'm sorry, Lan Xin, it's my fault, it's me..."

This is a very simple room, so simple that it only contains a table. The chair in front of the table is overturned on the floor, suggesting that the sound just heard was made by the chair falling. In addition to Chen Ke, there are three men in the room, one of whom is the man who later went upstairs with a camera

I came by taxi," Song Yanyi said, "Upon seeing your distress message, I reported it to the police, but the dispatcher said someone had already filed a report. However, I was still somewhat uneasy, and since I was not far from here, I took a taxi over.

"Rest assured, many people who come here for interviews start off just like you, but once they receive their payment, none of them fail to smile broadly and thank me." Brother Sun gestured for someone to come up and continue what they were doing, "Since you, Xu, are here, why not give it a try as well?"

You are seeking death! Those individuals were enraged, their faces displaying a fierce expression

The child's parents said they are only available in the evening, as they are busy at other times, Chen Ke replied

The sound just now came from the room upstairs. I ran to the door, but it was closed. I turned the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge.

"Liu Wen, perhaps you should say a little less," Guo Jiani sighed, "Maybe Lan Xin has her own reasons."

Oh. I felt a slight sense of relief, but my heart still hung in the air

It was a nude photograph; the girl in the picture was completely unclothed, with bruises of various colors on her face

"No need to say thank you, as long as you are fine," Song Yanyi said

Is now the time to discuss this?" Song Yanyi smiled at me and casually tossed something in my direction

I took the bus to the place where I had arranged to meet Chen Ke, standing by the fountain waiting for Chen Ke's arrival

I had just sent out a plea for help when the man pushed the door open. I secretly rejoiced that I hadn't made a phone call, as given the short time frame, whether the call would go through was uncertain. Moreover, if he had caught me in the act of calling for help, it would have been disastrous. Reporting to the police would also be too late; this place is too remote, and raising an alarm would not be a good strategy, as it would only put me and Chen Ke in a more dangerous situation

We got into the police car and went together to the police station where Xu Muchan reported the case

Lan Xin! Chen Ke looked at me in shock, unable to comprehend why I would say such a thing. "How could you agree to something like this?"

Is Liu Wen really this angry for that reason

I ran to the window and forcefully pushed it open: "Hurry up, Chen Ke, get down!"

The three individuals, along with Brother Sun who had been knocked unconscious by Song Yanyi, were taken downstairs, leaving only Xu Muchan, Song Yanyi, and me in the room.

Looking back, since Chen Ke and I reestablished contact, she seems to have been continuously engaged in part-time jobs

"It's alright." I smiled and said, "Shall we go to the interview location now, or should we find a place to eat something first?"

Chen Ke followed that man upstairs, while I remained in the living room on the first floor

"Let me out!" Sun Ge clearly heard the sound of the sirens, and he finally reacted, "You actually deceived me! I don't want to live anymore! Open the door!"

"Well, it's not certain that I will pass the interview yet," Chen Ke said nonchalantly. "Let's go, the address seems to be further ahead."

In fact, I can understand her feelings. If she did not have a pressing need for money, she would not be constantly taking on part-time jobs. After all the effort to pass the college entrance examination and reach the vast sky of university, no one wishes to miss out on enjoying four years of college life.

"The flat model is quite good." I stepped out from behind Chen Ke, grasped her hand firmly, and said, "Since Brother Sun thinks I have the qualifications, let's give it a try. I have heard that this industry is very profitable."

So... she extended her other hand as well, gently pinching my cheek and tugging at the corner of my mouth, raising it upwards, "Just smile, a smile is all it takes."

Thus, even though I knew I was courting death, I still lunged forward and forcefully pulled Chen Ke up.

I opened my mouth, unsure of what to say

Chen Ke! I called out, and upon opening the door and seeing the scene inside, every hair on my body stood on end

Chen Ke and I were arguing back and forth. I was secretly anxious, as I was not entirely sure whether anyone would discover my plea for help. As long as one person finds it, one person believes it, and immediately reports it to the police, Chen Ke and I could delay until we are rescued.

She does not urge me to answer those questions, but patiently waits for me.

Why are you so inconsiderate? How many girls desire such an opportunity, yet do not qualify because they are not attractive enough? Now that Brother Sun has taken a liking to you, what a great opportunity this is. If a big company notices you, who knows, you might even debut as a star in the future

Being so close to him, I could hear his heart pounding, so rapid and heavy. His breathing was quick; he must have hurried over to save me, and that urgency left him breathless... Before I could ponder further, Xu Muchen had already released me and said, "Let's go, we still need to give a statement to the police and assist in the investigation"

Because you are very angry. I felt a bit uneasy, as she still appeared to be angry, her tone remaining cold. This was the first time she spoke to me in such a manner; even during the time she had a crush on Xu Muchen, she had never treated me so coldly.

Chen Ke was momentarily taken aback, then widened her eyes in disbelief as she looked at me, clearly understanding my intention

I poured a cup of hot water, pulled the chair over, and sat down in front of Guo Jiani

I indeed committed some heinous act and said something that should never have been spoken

I instinctively grabbed Chen Ke's arm

Once upon a time, someone told me something similar in a memory

This is a residential area, with tall buildings standing in rows, and warm lights shining through the glass windows. I cannot help but think of Xu Muchen's home

Guo Jiani shrugged at her, sighed, and finally gently patted my back: "Alright, I concede to you. We are reconciled, and you can do as you please; I will no longer interfere with you. I just hope you can understand, Lanxin, both Jiani and I are your friends. Next time you have a stomachache, if we don't notice, just tug at our sleeves, and we will definitely be aware."

"You must be Chen Ke, right?" He looked at Chen Ke and asked, "Why didn't you come alone?"

I subconsciously let out a sigh of relief; perhaps my worries along the way were indeed unnecessary

"Chen Ke." I paused once more, grasping her arm, "Is the address really in this area? It doesn't look like a place where wealthy people would live."

Xu Muchen, who was close at hand, exuded an aura of coldness and severity, his gaze was icy, and he was engulfed in a state of anger

Guo Jiani nodded knowingly and said, "That day, in the boutique, it was this boy who called you, right?"

What should I do? Fear has gripped my heart in an instant

"It wouldn't be good to just go back like this." At this moment, Brother Sun had already walked in, closing the door behind him with a terrifying smile as he approached me and Chen Ke.

Time is indeed a strange entity; it gradually buries what should be forgotten into the river of memory, transforms the familiar into the unfamiliar, and erases many once self-assured thoughts little by little

Oh, this is my friend. We happened to be shopping together, so we came along.

It was only at this moment that I understood why Liu Wen was so angry

"Because I said it is none of your business. I am sorry, I do not mean to disregard you as a friend, but there are some matters that, even as I am now, I do not have the courage to face."

"Why are you apologizing to me?" Liu Wen crossed her arms and looked straight at me

It is indeed quite remote here, and just past 7 o'clock, the road appears somewhat desolate.

The emotions within me are overwhelming, yet my face remains impassive. I never realized that my acting skills were this good. I am not adept at lying, so when I do lie, my whole body tenses up, my mind is highly strained, and my stomach convulses intermittently. I desperately suppress my true emotions, not allowing others to see that I am lying.

"Even if I need money, I will not do such a thing!" Chen Ke said

As we approached the main entrance of the villa, someone happened to come to open the door. The person opening the door was a man in his thirties, quite tall, with a pair of narrow, elongated eyes. His sharp gaze swept across Chen Ke's face and then landed on mine

I instinctively caught it; that was the small bag I carry with me.

I organized my emotions, stood up, and walked towards her, saying: "Liu Wen, I am truly sorry for this afternoon. Please don't ignore me, okay?"

They are all serious, but I am never in the right state. I am like this towards others, and even more so towards myself