Chapter 2, the laughter of the feather gradually fades away

"Is your face... beaten by those bastards?" It seemed he had discovered something, as he suddenly leaned closer to me, carefully examining the swollen handprint still visible on my face

I suspect she has skipped more than 10 classes. If her mother finds out that she is going to be punished and receive a demerit, I think Aunt Chen, who is completely unaware of the college's system, is not mentally prepared for this. If the homeroom teacher personally informs her about those terrible things regarding Xiaoyu, she will surely be heartbroken

Xiaoyu, do not act this way, you know that skipping more than 5 classes will result in disciplinary action; if there are more than 5 disciplinary actions, one will be ordered to withdraw from school, and participation in exams will also be prohibited

However, after waiting for a long time, nothing happened

With a loud slap, something heavy fell onto my cheek, burning hot.

Thank you, I will do my best. I forced a weary smile as I listened to her footsteps gradually fade away. I glanced at the clock on the table; on such a tedious night, there were still four long hours waiting for me. Only by immersing myself in my studies and treating myself as a machine for solving problems and memorizing can I temporarily forget those irritations

I turned around, and she was standing quietly at the door in a peach-colored suit, her hair neatly styled in a bun, and the lipstick on her lips had not yet been removed. Perhaps she had attended a lecture somewhere today

I had thought that the eldest daughter of the Gu family would be dressed in a clean and sunlit prestigious school uniform, with her hair meticulously styled like a refined young lady from a noble family. However, seeing you appear in a narrow alley filled with sewage and litter is truly not a harmonious picture... He stroked his chin and smiled at me with a meaningful expression

I have a rough idea of where she might appear, and I have already searched those places. Taking out a small piece of paper from my pocket and glancing at it, there are still two or three places I need to go to

"Stop it! She doesn't care about me at all!" She chuckled lightly and said, "When have you ever seen her take care of me? I ran out all night without a word, and when I came back, she didn't ask me a single thing!"

"I will take you to a more comfortable place," he said, already stepping up with a graceful demeanor.

More comfortable things? Is this person always so ambiguous in their speech?

Dealing with such an irrelevant person clearly exceeds my capabilities! Not knowing how to respond, I could only hide my expression in the shadow of the streetlight, lacking even the courage to look at his mocking smile, my gaze hurriedly sweeping past his feet, over the dense thicket of low bushes.

Miss, what is the matter with you

"Your grades are so excellent, and your spoken language is so good, you will definitely be able to get into a great university, so there is no need to be nervous!" The girl named Feng, who sat in front of me, patted my shoulder. She wore a pink fluffy hairpin on the left side of her hair every day, and when she smiled, her eyes squinted into a narrow crescent.

"Am I good to you? No, that's far from enough..." he said, suddenly and without warning pulling my wrist, which was holding the ice cube, "Are you trying to freeze your cheeks by pressing your face so hard?"

If I do not return home soon, my mother will surely be furious

"This is a very good question!" He raised an eyebrow, "Well, you do stand out here like a tender little lamb. However, I have no interest in a girl with one cheek swollen and a face full of frustration. Come on, let me do something that will make you feel a bit more comfortable." As he spoke, he reached out to place his hand on my shoulder.

At the entrance of a small supermarket, the plump proprietress pointed out a clear path to me. At the entrance of that building, four dark-skinned men were sitting on the ground, all dressed in shirts so dirty that their original colors were unrecognizable, each holding a fast food box in their hands. As I reached the intersection, they simultaneously lifted their heads and stared at me with an indescribable gaze.

In fact, you look down on me, don't you

Suddenly, the topic was brought up, catching me off guard, and I responded vaguely: "She is feeling a bit unwell today"

Who exactly gave you a slap

Before I could react, the car sped onto the road, a roar drowning out my scream. In a panic, I wrapped my arms around Ye Mubei's waist; to be precise, my entire body pressed against his back, and I clutched the hem of his clothes tightly, like a cat about to fall off a table, desperately grasping anything within reach.

I began to feel unwell, took two steps back, and decided to leave this place

Perhaps persuading Xiaoyu to approach the homeroom teacher, proactively admit the mistake, and write a letter of guarantee could improve the situation a bit

As usual, I arrived at the academy with 10 minutes left before the morning reading session

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I stared at his face, the coldness could not dispel the confusion in my heart. He helped me out of a predicament and even gave me ice to apply to my face; what exactly were his intentions?

I turned my head, not wanting to say anything; this is not the usual me. I do not know why, but when I encounter this person, I simply cannot control my emotions.

I believe that even if I were to attend the Olympic Games opening ceremony, she would tell me not to be nervous

I suddenly felt a bit flustered, but I still made an effort to maintain a calm demeanor

I simply hope that she can have breakfast with me and Lu Wei, and then go to the academy together, that is all

Of course, you should take good care of your body! Ye Mubei still had that rogue demeanor as he pushed me towards the exit of the alley, chattering away, "Who on earth left such excessive marks on your beautiful little face? Don't you know that one shouldn't hit the face? It must have been someone inexperienced who did this, right? Generally, experienced people would strike more concealed areas. I suspect it was a woman who did this; in my experience, such impulsive beings love to hit faces and pull hair. Am I right?"

Take it away, it looks quite painful, applying a compress will make it feel better

Thinking of the "knight" who came to pick up Xiaoyu this morning, I felt a wave of unease in my heart. What could Xiaoyu and he be doing together... I can hardly bear to think about it

"It's nothing, we are not bad people. Miss, you are here all alone, and your eyes are red. Have you been abandoned by your boyfriend?" One of the young men, wearing silver earrings, said to me while blocking the wall with his arm.

A light laugh came from behind me, and I couldn't tell if it was just my imagination, but I didn't even have the courage to turn around and say "thank you, goodbye" to him. I covered my burning face with my hand, like a rabbit that had narrowly escaped from the hunter's grasp. The only thing I wanted to do was to flee in panic, to hide in the dark and safe burrow of a rabbit, and to bury myself deep within.

I do not intentionally spread my exercises and study abroad tips openly on the desk during breaks, but I simply do not understand why the news of my going abroad has spread throughout the college as if it had grown wings. Everyone looks at me with envious eyes

"Hey, don't be so cold..." With a certain unsettling smile, the young man smoking spoke as he extended his hand—I felt it was like a venomous snake.

Are you here looking for a part-time job? Or have you been bothered by strange people?

Countless nights have been spent this way, while I merely watch the countdown to the exam on the table, turning the pages one by one

Gradually, he and I returned to the brightly lit street. Ye Mubei's nonsensical theory inevitably brought my spirits down, yet it still seemed somewhat plausible. I furrowed my brows tightly and glared at him, saying loudly: "Even if you guessed correctly, it has nothing to do with you!"

The alley suddenly fell silent, leaving only him and me.

You ... ..." I looked at him in confusion, hesitantly taking the ice cube from his hand. Is this what he meant by "something more comfortable"?

Hello, didn't you see that the girls are all scared like this?

I was taken aback. To be honest, I never expected a delinquent riding a Harley to hand me an ice pack for my cheek. Now, I actually feel a bit embarrassed: "Thank you so much for the ice pack, but... I really have to go home now"

"Miss, you are being rather naive!" She laughed again, "Your world is simply too perfect. Gu Xing'an, you are the pride of heaven, the future elite, and you will surely be like your father and mother in the future. Your brilliance is so dazzling that if I get too close, I might get burned! I don't have a mind as sharp as yours; my mother is just your family's maid. If nothing unexpected happens, perhaps in the future I could also go to your home to take care of your daughter?"

"Let's go, get in the car." He released my hand, stopped in his tracks, and nodded towards the Harley parked under the large tree not far away

"What kind of reaction is that?" Ye Mubei placed his hand in his pocket, curling his lips into a smile, yet there was not a trace of amusement in his eyes. "Do I look like a monster? You probably don't know, do you? It's precisely that startled little rabbit expression of yours that makes people want to do something bad to you. Alright, don't look at me like that; I understand now why those people have their eyes on you."

What is the extent of the so-called bad things?

Xiao Yu's scream echoed heavily in my ears, the deafening sound of music seemed to suddenly diminish, everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look this way, seeing my face turned to the side, with the imprint of fingers appearing on my cheek

I let out a long sigh, heaven knows, my legs have become as limp as cotton candy!

Then, she turned and walked out, gently closing the door behind her

I stood at the intersection, watching him whisper to that girl from a distance. The two of them then walked inside, leaving me puzzled about what he intended to do

"Isn't her mother your family's maid? She has been living in your house all along, hasn't she?" Han Yang, who was standing beside me, said in a nonchalant tone

It is truly hard to imagine that I actually extended my hand to a stranger radiating an aura of danger and got on his heavy motorcycle

"Please, slow down!" I finally couldn't help but shout, having been so frightened by the speed that I was left speechless.

The words of the homeroom teacher are like a tightening spell, making it hard for me to catch my breath

I suddenly felt a wave of unease, as various sorrows and frustrations were abruptly cast to the West Coast. A sudden fear enveloped me, and I looked anxiously at the seemingly ill-intentioned delinquent in front of me, clutching my backpack tightly.

What do you all want to do? As I stepped back, my back pressed against a cold surface, the wall of the alley, and I thought to myself, it must be very dirty

A young man with a cigarette in his mouth emerged from the alley, the glowing tip of the cigarette resembling the eyes of some kind of monster, emitting a faint light in the darkness. He quietly glanced at me a few times, his gaze akin to that of a cold-blooded creature in the desert

"This... this teacher, as a junior, I feel a bit embarrassed..." I smiled awkwardly due to my discomfort

I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy, yet I still frowned and stepped inside.

Being with him, I become unlike my usual self; it turns out I am even more willful, unruly, and impolite than I had imagined, and even... unable to resist temptation

Whether intentional or not, he startled me once again. I didn't even notice that the ice water had already trickled down from my fingers, flowing along my wrist and onto his hand.

This person might have done it intentionally after all

Upon hearing him say this, the tension in my heart gradually eased, and I then realized that my hand was still resting on his waist

It was as noisy as a vegetable market, and from the man's boisterous laughter and the melody-less rock music, my sixth sense faintly detected the scent of Xiaoyu. There was no sign here, and in the dim light, I saw a bare-chested man bending down, intently moving his cue stick; a giant eagle was tattooed on his back.

"There will definitely be a solution." I raised my head and looked at the steaming red date tea on the table, murmuring to myself

He and I walked briskly to the end of the corridor, where the aroma of meat buns wafted through the air. The cicadas were chirping louder than in any summer I could remember, their cacophony nearly drowning out the sound of students passing their homework in the classroom. As I lifted my head to follow the sound, I realized that the trees, which I remembered only reaching the third floor, had now grown to the fourth floor. With each gust of wind, they surged above me in layers of green waves.

Hold on tight

"Xing An, you are the class representative! You have the obligation to help your classmates around you, don't you?" She stared at me intently, her gaze like a long nail, pinning me firmly to the ground, rendering me unable to move. "Moreover, she lives with you, and your relationship is so good."

Such nights are truly difficult to endure

I will continue to work hard, thank you all

Suddenly, there was a warmth at hand; it turned out to be a cup of hot red date tea.

Do you not think that you look quite like a strange person

"Have you memorized all the vocabulary? Did you look at the interview skills tutorial I gave you?" She walked over to my side and glanced at the book on my desk, "You've only read a little bit of this book? Aren't you a bit slow?"

"Alright, I will tell her," I nodded and ultimately agreed to her request

Am I not good enough? Did I do something wrong?

She stared at me in a daze, hesitating to speak, her expression growing serious. Finally, in the midst of my silence, her gaze became increasingly dim, and she said softly, "Then I won't disturb you while you read..."

No! I screamed, instinctively bending my body, raising my hands, turning my head away, and even nervously closing my eyes

I hesitated for a moment, then walked in, brushing past a blond man in a tight-fitting T-shirt, avoiding those scrutinizing gazes

Xiaoyu is wearing a loose-fitting long magenta T-shirt, cinched at the waist with a brown leather belt, transforming the T-shirt into a short dress. On her slender legs, she wears a pair of high heels that I have never seen before

The first slap of my life, I never expected it to be given by Xiaoyu. Disappointment and humiliation struck me, and I felt like a downed aircraft, suddenly losing all my enthusiasm. I turned and ran outside, wanting nothing more than to escape this nightmarish place as quickly as possible

Xiaoyu, I genuinely want to help you! Continuing like this is not a solution; it could lead to your expulsion!

Billiards hall, enter through this building and follow the sign

I have become quite accustomed to doing such things and saying such words—on the first day of school, my mother reminded me to build good relationships with my classmates

I was stunned and did not know how to explain to them. Although she is a nanny, Aunt Chen is like family to me.

It is entirely due to your support that I have been able to reach today

"Follow your own path and let others talk," she said

Having reached this point, she should have recognized the seriousness of the issue

I stood there in a daze, hearing these words, and suddenly felt a deep sadness. Looking at his slender figure from behind, I couldn't understand why, but I always felt that his steps today were somewhat heavy, appearing to be burdened with worries.

"I am indeed the kind-hearted person who gives you ice cubes!" he said, looking at me and blinking.

"Xing An, wherever you go, don't forget me! I will miss you so much; without you, I will be lonely to death!" She said, holding my hand, her face filled with the sorrow of parting, as if I had truly received my visa and admission notice, and even had a plane ticket for next week.

If it were that person, they would surely be very free

The great wheel of time has destroyed everything, various pressures have separated people from one another. I searched through my pockets, but could not find a single tissue to wipe away the tears on my face. Those scorching liquids flowed down my hot cheeks, and I even had the illusion that I was about to catch fire

What can I do

Ye Mubei stood in front of me, so close that I could almost feel the warmth radiating from his body

After enduring seven classes, I finally returned home

A girl with a high ponytail rushed to the window and shouted loudly at someone inside: "Yes, that's the one, let me copy it! Hurry, there's no time!"

What do you want to do? I asked warily

In the end, I still could not bring myself to speak about this matter. Closing the book that I could no longer bear to read, I buried my face in my palms, constantly pondering which part of the process had gone awry, as Xiaoyu, who grew up alongside us, would run down a path opposite to ours

"Miss, you can hold on a little tighter!" In the blink of an eye, Ye Mubei's voice was so close that I could even feel the vibrations of the sound waves emanating from his warm body.

I looked down and saw her slender calves flash before my eyes, and I thought to myself that it wouldn't be bad if this girl were Lin Xiaoyu. Even if her homework was copied, at least she came to school and was not late

With many unusual gazes swiftly cast aside, it felt as if in an instant, I possessed the courage to stand against the entire world

When I was young, I was quite foolish. I once timidly asked my mother several times, "Can I not read tonight?"

The young man spoke, removing the cigarette from his mouth, the white smoke obscuring his expression, yet his tone did not convey that impression; it sounded as if he were asking: "Are you lonely? Do you need someone to keep you company?"

I am well, thank you. I turned around to leave, but nearly bumped into a chest that reeked of smoke. Looking up, I met a pair of smiling, unfamiliar eyes. It was then that I realized several young men had appeared beside me at some point, all of them looking at me in unison and slowly moving their feet closer to me.

In fact, you don't need to maintain her that much! You two are fundamentally from different worlds! Look at how outstanding you are, beautiful, excelling in your studies, consistently scoring high in English, simply the epitome of an excellent student! Moreover, you are about to go abroad, and once you are there, she will have nothing to do with you. " Han Yang continued speaking, but her arm did not provide me with any warmth; I even felt a chill rising from the depths of my heart. Moreover, you are about to go abroad, and once you are there, she will have nothing to do with you. " Han Yang continued speaking, but her arm did not provide me with any warmth; I even felt a chill rising from the depths of my heart

It is the sorrow of a ceramic vase, which had been painstakingly glazed, shattering into countless pieces with a loud bang

I did not expect that you, a big guy, would be so gossipy

I do not know why, but the figure of the person I encountered in the morning seems to have reappeared in my mind, with eyes so sharp they seem capable of piercing through my soul and hair tousled by the wind as he whirled away.

The first experience with the Harley was surprisingly pleasant, although the noise it produced was enough to draw the attention of everyone on the street

I hesitated for a moment, but finally grasped that hand and climbed onto his Harley

However, each response is a cold and indifferent refusal

Thinking of this, I became even more silent

I turned around, and Ye Mubei was holding a bag of ice, seemingly taking great satisfaction in admiring the expression of shock on my face

It was not until I returned home that the roar of the Harley echoed. Ye Mubei surprisingly waited until I entered the house before leaving, such subtle consideration gave me a strange feeling in my heart. I rushed to the balcony and happened to see his departing figure, like a dark gust of wind, eluding anyone's grasp of its direction

You need not speak on her behalf; I am already aware, as Lu Wei has informed me.

I was startled by his actions, suddenly stepping back and watching him warily

one class, two classes, three classes

I fear encountering such a version of myself, much like I fear seeing scores on a report card that do not meet my expectations. However, what is this unprecedented excitement and ease...

I guess she would say with a face full of clouds: "Is it really that difficult for you to send a message? It's just a matter of a few words. What's wrong with you?"

My heart sank—this time, Xiaoyu is in big trouble. She has skipped so many classes that even if she isn't expelled, she will definitely receive a warning

It is merely a matter of walking out of this alley; I feel somewhat fatigued, but I have not yet reached the point of losing my ability to move and requiring assistance from others.

Not acceptable

I lowered my head, yet my mood was heavier than ever; at that moment, I heard the people around me begin to discuss.

What?

I was so desperate to find a crack in the ground to burrow into when suddenly a pair of strong hands supported my waist, and without any warning, he lifted me off the car!

The roads during peak hours resemble rivers, shimmering with silver light as they flow slowly forward. Harley motorcycles weave through the traffic, constantly overtaking.

He has probably helped Xiaoyu take too many leaves, to the extent that this time he does not even know what kind of excuse to use to appease the teacher

Would you prefer to walk home alone, risking being intercepted by a stranger for the second time, and possibly miss dinner, or would you rather catch a ride and quickly return home to enjoy a hot meal

That question is very simple, you don't need to look at it, let me tell you which formula to use

I hear a voice within my heart shouting at me: "Quickly think of a solution, it cannot go on like this!"

Do you believe that I will really hit you!

The car stopped at the entrance of the community, and he raised the corner of his mouth and said: "Your home is this way, right? It's time to get out of the car, you can stop holding onto me with your hand."

A voice in my heart shouts loudly: No!

I think I will never be able to do it

But in this world, who truly cannot live without whom

Alright, I will look at it for a while longer before going to bed. I looked up and smiled politely at her, then continued to lower my head to read, waiting as usual for the sound of her footsteps to indicate her departure

My health does not require him to worry, does it

He suddenly turned around and walked in, while loudly calling out: "Hey, little sister!" A young girl with a ponytail in the store was looking down at a novel. Upon seeing him, she was both startled and puzzled

It felt as if a small hammer struck my heart, causing a heaviness within me, and suddenly I became melancholic. I do not understand what Xiaoyu is truly thinking; how could she bear to let such a good and gentle mother show such an expression for her

A gust of hot wind carried her final cry, and in my blurred vision, unfamiliar faces swiftly passed by, their strange gazes filled with curiosity and mockery. On my burning face, the sensation of pain began to spread, yet nothing compared to the pain within my heart

Well, if you don't want to talk, that's fine. But tell me, what are you doing here

Suddenly feeling a bit regretful, why did I have to choose to come to such a dangerous place on a busy evening

Rather than saying it is worry, it is more accurate to say it is anger! She wants to talk to your mother... However, I have not yet informed your mother.

"Xing An, you have already been good enough to her!" Han Yang suddenly walked over, put his arm around my shoulder, and gently said in my ear, "Just as Teacher Zhou said, you can only say what needs to be said; if she still doesn't listen, there's nothing more you can do."

However, later I realized that I was wrong

Are you annoying or what! I have already told you not to bother me! The way you are acting makes me feel like I want to hit you!

Be careful not to get burned by the exhaust pipe

I feel like an apple, a bright red and fragrant apple, which anyone can come over to touch and then take a bite. Those who bite into it probably think that the apple has no nerves, so it does not feel pain, and moreover, apples are born to be consumed by them

"Take care of yourself"—upon hearing this seemingly ordinary phrase, I suddenly felt a warmth in my heart, much like the cup of tea beside me. It has been a long, long time since anyone has said this to me, including my beloved mother and those friends who "care about me"

Han Yang, Xiao Yu is actually not that bad. She wasn't originally like this; she just became too playful and was led astray by those friends. I looked at her with a mix of amusement and helplessness and said, "Lu Wei and I have been so busy studying that we haven't paid enough attention to her, and I don't even know when she started hanging out with those friends."

Xing An, promise me, listen to my words, you must never casually approach such a person, he is much worse than you can imagine

Even though my legs felt weak, I still made an effort to take steps towards home

Someone shouted something ambiguously yet passionately, but I couldn't hear it clearly. There was even someone who whistled; they all seemed to be looking forward to a more intense performance.

I am just preparing for the interview; it is uncertain whether I will pass or not

How could someone like you possibly understand my feelings

A beautiful face? I couldn't help but press my cheeks tighter.

The word 'no' is truly too difficult for me at present

I heard someone behind us shouting, "Drive so fast! Are you trying to kill yourselves!" On the left, a black private car was honking loudly.

The car was driving fast, taking a shortcut that had rarely been traveled before. Sitting in the car, Lu Wei was still discussing study abroad exams with me, while I gazed at the rapidly passing scenery, responding intermittently.

It was a scene of chaos, as if a hard-won clean garment had been carelessly discarded on the ground and trampled upon.

What? Do you really want to stay with me a little longer

"No, I have already finished it; I am just reviewing it for the second time," I replied cautiously

"Why should I get into your car?" Is this person overly confident? Does he really think I would leave with someone I've only spoken to for five minutes and get into his car?

I am just an innocent big apple

You pull me, and I want to speak too

Ah! Startled, the only thing I could do, as a reflex, was to cling tightly to him like a koala.

However, she merely looked at me coldly, a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth, as if what I said was nothing more than a joke: "Don't try to fool me! How could you, focused on your exam, possibly have the spare time to tutor me? Even if you did help me, your mother would surely be furious, right? It would affect her precious daughter's future, and I would definitely be kicked out! So, it's better if you just leave me alone!" It would affect her precious daughter's future, and I would definitely be kicked out! So, it's better if you just leave me alone!

He is probably the kind of person who lives recklessly in his own world, where all praise and insults are irrelevant to him, always doing what he wants to do, and following the call of his heart

Upon hearing the punishment, Xiaoyu's complexion indeed turned pale.

"Xing An, you are Xiaoyu's classmate and you usually live together. I see that your family takes good care of her, so you should be quite familiar with her situation, as well as her mother's. It wouldn't be too inconvenient for you to go home and talk to her mother about it, would it?" The homeroom teacher said, placing a hand on my shoulder

After receiving my answer, the class teacher smiled with satisfaction and gently turned to leave

This kind of conversation is simply reminiscent of the playful banter between a couple in a romantic relationship

However, after a few seconds of silence, I only heard her coldly say: "These have nothing to do with you, right? Aren't you supposed to be preparing for your exam? You don't even have time to review, how can you have the leisure to concern yourself with my matters?"

Xiaoyu, I only hope that you do not drift too far away from us. In the past, you, I, and Lu Wei had such a great time together! Please come back to our side.

However, just thinking about Xing An leaving us, going alone to such a distant place, and never being able to see you again, truly makes me feel very reluctant

Saved!

I see, that's great. She sighed and said, "Then you can continue reading, I won't disturb you, good luck!" As she spoke, she wrapped her arm around my shoulder and gently pressed her cheek against my forehead

The scorching cheeks met the ice cubes, and the cold sensation involuntarily made me gasp. The extremely low temperature quickly rendered my cheeks numb, and the burning pain also vanished.

Just as I was about to turn and walk away, a cold object suddenly touched my cheek, and I screamed in fright

Thus, I always carefully conceal my emotions, placing my restless soul within a silent shell, in order to win the favor of everyone.

Ah! What is this!

I recalled her walking out of the kitchen in the morning, holding a bowl of porridge, looking at Xiaoyu with a hesitant expression and a face full of melancholy, and I suddenly felt a pang of compassion.

"How could this be? Xing An, where does your pressure come from? You are the top student in our grade, there is no need for such humility! English is like a second mother tongue to you; you are the most effortless speaker I have ever seen. Even if you cannot secure a spot in the top ten universities, getting into the top fifty should be a piece of cake, right? If someone like you cannot enter the Ivy League, who else can?" Han Yang said, while squeezing my stiff shoulder. "By the way, I just remembered, the last question of yesterday's math homework was very difficult. Let me see how you solved it..."

His appearance was like throwing a bomb into the scene, and the expressions of those young men suddenly changed; their chins were no longer raised, and their postures became very low, very low

Fatigue, disgust, and tension are all negative emotions that cannot be displayed in front of outsiders. While everyone else is still an immature child, not yet understanding how to conceal their emotions, both Lu Wei and I have already learned how to present ourselves appropriately in front of guests, like a child who possesses an entire wall of certificates and a cabinet full of trophies

We were once so close, sharing meals at the same dining table every day. I knew that her favorite dish was sweet and sour ribs made by her mother, and her favorite singer was Wang Leehom. I also knew that when she was tired and weary, she would still return home to sleep. I thought to myself that I must tell her this, and then bring her back from the bar or KTV, or some other place, to return her to the academy

Finally, I found my footing. I swayed unsteadily, and after much effort, I managed to stand firm. I wanted to exclaim, "You are being overly intrusive," but in the end, I refrained from saying it.

No matter how hard you try, there will always be a few people who dislike you

I have something to attend to, please make way! I lowered my voice, trying to let reason prevail, and to keep my voice from trembling.

As the lights begin to glow, the distant bar starts to illuminate, casting a red light that reaches far and instantly turns this alley into a vivid crimson, as if it were on fire. In a daze, I catch the scent of a cool breeze blowing from behind, carrying the smell of smoke, cheap cigarettes, and the sound of leather shoes.

Ye Mubei was taken aback for a moment and said, "I didn't expect you to have such a beautiful face, looking like a good girl, yet your temper is surprisingly fierce"

Hearing the sound of high heels, I raised my head and saw the homeroom teacher striding towards us with great urgency. She adjusted her heavy glasses on the bridge of her nose, her expression as serious as if she were about to throw a catalyst into a pile of chemical substances

It turns out that Lin Xiaoyu lives in Xing'an Family, under the same roof, yet how can the two individuals be so different

The familiar street gradually came into view, and the bus stop near the community was still crowded with white-collar workers just getting off work. Praying not to be seen by my neighbors, I lowered my head, and his broad back shielded me from the gusts of wind. Then, the Harley began to slow down

Ye Mubei observed my reaction, and after a few seconds, he spread his hands and said, "Alright! Everyone has times when they do not wish to speak."

She looked at me coldly, as if an uninvited guest had suddenly intruded into her secret garden: "What are you doing here? You should hurry home after school, or your mom will scold you to death!"

I have become quite accustomed to being in such a state, like a wind-up rabbit; no matter how busy or troubled I may be, I must immediately adjust to the most cheerful side in front of others

I walk in this bustling and vibrant area, which is very close to the heart of the city, where the most upscale bars and the oldest cinemas are concentrated

You... do you think I would still feel at ease getting into your car after saying something like that? My goodness, I simply don't know how to communicate with him anymore! Is this guy an alien?

It is not acceptable; no matter what, I still need to say something to salvage the situation... Just as I was thinking this, the homeroom teacher unexpectedly played the parental card: "This is really not a solution for her. Xing An, please help me find her mother; I need to have a talk with her."

"There's no time, I might as well just look at it!" Han Yang swiftly snatched the thickest homework book from my hands, his movements remarkably adept

His fingers were burning hot, and that hand seemed to possess some kind of magic. I don't know why, but I actually... really wanted to believe him

By the way, I ... ...

No, you will not!

This Lin Xiaoyu is truly outrageous; if it weren't for the assistance from Xing An's family, how could she possibly attend school here with such poor grades

Children running and playing nearby, flickering neon lights illuminate several dimly lit small shops, and two women in hot pants swiftly pass by in high heels at the mouth of the alley, I can even smell the strong scent of perfume wafting through the air

I was about to take a step when suddenly a hand grabbed me

I strained to widen my eyes, making an effort to identify the person before me. He held the young man's hand with an air of arrogance, the rebellious gaze I had seen at the door reappearing. His hair was slicked back, revealing a small patch of smooth forehead, and his high brow accentuated the depth of his eyes.

No one has ever truly relaxed just because someone else said "Don't be nervous," unless that person possesses some kind of magical power

How is your review going? Sitting at the desk, just having opened a vocabulary book, I heard my mother's voice coming from behind me

In fact, I haven't taken any photos yet! I haven't made a decision on which university to apply to either. Currently, I have five or six institutions that fall within my target range, but they are all too outstanding, and I can't help but start to feel anxious. I said with a smile, trying to use the gentlest tone possible, hoping that this answer would satisfy the other party

However... I lowered my head and spoke in a faint voice, completely unaware of how I should inform Aunt Chen about this matter

"That's great, Xing An, when are you going to apply for your visa? Which university did you finally apply to?" During this period, there are always people asking me this.

Is that so? She smiled dismissively, placed her hands behind her back, and leaned against the wall

I only hope that, even if we are very far apart, I can still see the silhouette of the seabirds, that is all, but...

"Xiaoyu, come home with me! Your mother is very worried about you," I tried to persuade her in a gentle tone

After all, who would want to walk alone on a strange street filled with the glare of neon lights and the haze of smoke, covering their aching cheeks? Just thinking about it feels desolate

Lin Xiaoyu was momentarily taken aback, but soon returned to her previous disdainful demeanor. She spread her hands and carefully examined her bright red nails, as if the matters I mentioned had nothing to do with her: "It must be the homeroom teacher who asked you to convey a message, right? If you have something to tell her, just go ahead and say it quickly, otherwise isn't that quite awkward? If they want to talk, let them talk; anyway, my mother knows nothing about my affairs, so they won't come to any conclusions!"

Thank you! I will do my best!

Indeed, not cherished at all

Are you really that happy sitting on that Harley? What is Lin Xiaoyu doing now? Singing, dancing, or playing billiards?

Thank you... I replied in a voice as faint as a mosquito, not expecting to encounter him again in such an awkward situation. The timing was truly astonishing. What on earth am I doing? Leaning against the wall, completely dazed, I felt like a fool. This appearance was utterly embarrassing, to the point where I could not face him directly; my gaze could only linger on his solid chest. The fine beads of sweat on his neck glimmered in the dim light, and my eyes kept drifting downward... down... all the way to the floor at his feet

You came specifically to find me just to tell me that my mother loves me? Isn't that a bit boring?" Xiaoyu turned her head to the side and said lightly, "Why doesn't she come to tell me this herself instead of having you say it to me?

I do not know whether this approach will be effective. Based on my experience, the success rate may be as low as training a lazy house cat to go to the supermarket every morning to buy green onions in just ten days. However, my conscience tells me that this is something worth trying. Communication is the beginning of solving all difficulties and problems, after all, everyone hopes to lead a life that is both worry-free and comfortable

There must always be someone who makes a concession, seeing the homeroom teacher gradually losing patience, I thought, I no longer have any room for choice

Finally exhausted from running, I slowed my pace. From the entrance of a bar adorned in resplendent decor, I saw my reflection in the glass curtain wall: my eyes were bloodshot, and a clear five-finger mark was visible on my cheek

"It's nothing..." I shook my head, swallowing back the homeroom teacher's instructions. For Aunt Chen, this would surely be another significant blow

I looked up at him, and he was squinting at me as if he were observing a completely new species. I returned his gaze with a silence that lasted for ten seconds

This sound seems to reach my ears more and more each year, yet Xiaoyu appears to be completely indifferent to it; she is much more carefree than I am

I lacked even the strength to raise my hand to cover my flushed face, as I looked at Xiaoyu in disbelief. It felt as though a white mist enveloped my vision, rendering everything blurry, to the point where her face appeared so unfamiliar, as if she were from another world

She wore heavy smoky eye makeup, and before I had even touched an eyebrow pencil, she had already learned how to deftly draw a long, even eyeliner on her upper eyelid with one hand. Her makeup appeared very fitting under the yellow light, and the thick eyeshadow could not conceal the hint of youthfulness that shone through her young eyes.

I want to know what reason could possibly make Xiaoyu unwilling to go to the academy and reluctant to stay at home. What exactly has she gained from those friends? Perhaps only by seeing her in person and asking her directly can I obtain the answer

Envious glances, natural smiles, warmly clasped hands, and occasional intimate embraces... It feels as if we are inseparable good friends.

I... I did not have time to say anything. I knew it was an indulgence of her bad behavior, but in the end, I was still not strong enough. I could only watch her quickly walk to her seat, clutching my homework, and I suddenly felt a wave of helplessness

The page on the left gradually thickens, while the one on the right slowly thins. Unbeknownst to me, the lights outside become colorful and flickering, filling the darkness with a warm, dim glow. The hour hand ticks softly as it brushes against the spine of time, and before I realize it, the illuminated lights are slowly diminishing again

How can I possibly say something like that

"Xing An, I have something to ask you. Xiao Yu still didn't come with you today, did she?" she waved at me and said

I was awakened by this sound, opened my eyes, as if struck by lightning, I could hardly believe my eyes

You... you are truly annoying! I suppressed the impulse to smash my backpack against his head, of course, my hands were not free. I thought my face must have turned bright red, and I could only pray that he wouldn't see my embarrassed appearance in the rearview mirror

Hello, you are so light and thin. Make sure to eat more in the future

He is like a being from another world on the surface of the water in my dreams, while I can only gaze up from beneath the surface, unable to do anything. Every word of longing, every envious glance, every piece of advice from my parents has solidified into a small stone. I have stuffed them all into my pockets, and as the years accumulate, they grow more numerous and heavier, thus I am drifting further away from the surface.

For a long time, I believed that as long as I did this, no one would hate me

I am even surprised myself that I would have such a day, being despised by others, tears streaming down my face, like a complete failure

That's wonderful

"Xing An, you have worked very hard, and you are so beautiful. If only Xiao Yu could be half as worry-free as you are." She let out a soft sigh, and I suddenly noticed, whether it was an illusion or not, that her eyes seemed a bit red.

It is hard to imagine what reaction my mother would have upon seeing me like this when I return home. I think I cannot go home immediately now

As expected, I spotted Xiaoyu's figure at the restroom door

Such an action is rather too intimate, almost a reflex; I inhaled sharply and instinctively withdrew my hand.

Xiaoyu, why do you say that

Good morning, Teacher Zhou! I bent down and smiled politely, but a wave of subtle unease surged within me

Looking at her expression, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. Now, she should be willing to go back with me, right

However, after several seconds had passed, I suddenly realized that Aunt Chen was still standing beside me. I could hear her even breathing. I turned to look at her, and she was gazing at me with a look that was both sorrowful and pained, which made my heart tremble.

Xiaoyu glared at me, her angry gaze resembling that of someone whose most cherished garment has been torn apart by me

If I am not mistaken, you are Xiaoyu's sister, right? What are you doing here all alone?

At the end of the first period, someone suddenly gathered around my desk and started chatting.

As I marveled at Han Yang's superb and precise skills in retrieving objects, another hand affectionately rested on my shoulder, as if we were the best of friends. I was surrounded by my caring classmates, facing gentle smiles, and they all seemed delighted that I was about to embark on a distant journey, crossing the ocean to study.

It feels as if I have experienced a dream, unable to discern whether it is a nightmare or a beautiful dream, and it is also akin to having undergone a marvelous journey

I was so frightened that my whole body went rigid; that flippant tone immediately brought to mind a series of social news stories from the newspapers

Do not say that, I will feel embarrassed

Before me lies a narrow alley, the dim entrance resembling a solemn elder, coldly observing the street. Unconsciously, I have walked here, hoping only for a quiet place to escape those peculiar gazes, a place where my tears can slowly dry, and where the swelling on my face can subside

"Miss, please, this is just how I am. I am not very bright and I do not enjoy studying, so it is better for me to come out and relax while I am still young..."

I did not expect that a boy who seems somewhat rude would actually pay attention to such small details

What?

Ahead, there is a modest ice cream shop by the street, where the aroma of milk tea mingles with the cacophony of popular songs drifting out.

Should I say to her with an awkward smile: "The exam is approaching, and the homeroom teacher would like to discuss Xiaoyu's academic situation with you" or should I say it directly with a serious expression: "Your daughter Lin Xiaoyu has been skipping classes too much at the academy, and the homeroom teacher wants to talk to you, but you need to be mentally prepared, as she may face disciplinary action"

If one causes such a disturbance for the sake of play that they are unable to attend the examination, resulting in an inability to graduate, wouldn't that be a case of losing more than one gains

However... I stared at her with wide eyes, wishing I could find a crack in the wall behind her to hide in

"Han Yang, please don't speak so highly of me." I said with a wry smile, "You know very well that I'm just preparing for an interview, and I haven't even started yet! Whether I can get into an Ivy League school depends on the examiner's words. Until I receive the admission notice, I am just an ordinary high school student nearly drowning in the sea of study abroad exam questions. You all are making my pressure so great."

If I do not seek out the teacher, Xiaoyu may face disciplinary action for consecutive absences—how can I possibly say that out loud

Who could have imagined that just a few years ago, we used to sit together on the bus, sharing ice cream from each other's hands, exchanging strawberry and vanilla flavors, and discussing whose was more delicious

I smiled gently and then sweetly said: "Yes, I will miss you. I will leave a message on your QQ, and everyone can see the photos I took on my Weibo."

No!

A few minutes passed, and as the wind brushed against my cheek, I was thinking that he was entirely the kind of person who could recklessly abandon me by the roadside and leave alone.

In this world, there are so many things that can be done. Some people can skydive, some can graze sheep on the hillside, some can write a joyful little love poem, and some can dive over 800 meters deep into the sea just to search for a sunken ship. But what about me

This sent shivers down my spine, and the words spoken by Lu Wei unconsciously surfaced in my mind

Upon her saying this, my confidence was suddenly diminished by half, and I felt a heaviness in my heart. I then said, "Xiaoyu, do you know that Teacher Zhou is also very worried about you"

How wonderful! You are about to go to such a fantastic place

How should I begin to speak

At this moment, I can only smile and nod like them, trying my best to appear humble and gentle

Are you worried about taking up your study time? You don't need to say too much to her, just tell her that I would like to talk to her and ask her to come to the academy. If she doesn't come, then just wait for your daughter to face disciplinary action!" The teacher said, letting out a long sigh, filled with helplessness, and added, "I estimate that this student, Xiaoyu, won't be able to communicate much either. I can only say what needs to be said; if she still doesn't listen, then there's nothing more I can do.

I hesitated for a few seconds, several pale opening lines swirling in my mind, yet my stiff tongue could not utter a single syllable

If it were not for Xiaoyu, I would not have come here

"Xing An, it is already 12 o'clock, isn't it time to take a shower?" Aunt Chen gently placed the tea on the edge of the table and softly said, "Recently, you have been studying later and later. Although there are exams, you must also pay attention to your health!"

As I walked into the bathroom, I looked at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were still slightly flushed, though it was hard to tell whether it was a lingering effect of that slap or the result of Ye Mubei's harmless joke.

Just like that dream, in that deep sea, no matter how I swim upwards, time seems to stand still, and I can only keep falling, falling...

Looking at the smiling faces swaying in front of me, listening to your exchanges of words, I always manage to catch phrases like "That's great!" "Awesome!" "So impressive!" "Congratulations!" Is it really that joyful for me to be going abroad for my studies?

I could even hear the malicious amusement in Ye Mubei's voice, and I unwillingly maintained a state of embarrassing shock, feeling as if I were not riding a motorcycle but rather on a roller coaster, with both my body and spirit enduring an unprecedented impact, never knowing what would happen in the next moment

I believe that what Lu Wei said is correct. The intense aura emanating from this person before me almost coalesces into two true words—danger. However, I cannot suppress my curiosity; what exactly will happen if I am with him

I took a deep breath— the worst thing has come.

Lu Wei said, "I will go help Xiao Yu request a leave of absence." Then he quickly left.

How I wish I could gather everything together, piecing together a complete past, with three people once again together, sitting in the waiting hall in the afternoon, the sunlight dazzling, playfully digging into each other's ice cream to see which flavor is more delicious

The master of the voice is actually him—Ye Mubei

Continuing on, we happily chatted about everything related to the Ivy League, those sun-drenched lawns, the grand and ancient libraries, as well as the ice cream sculpted into the shape of roses with clever techniques, and the blonde-haired, blue-eyed boys on the beach

Xiaoyu, you cannot say that. Just because she doesn't ask doesn't mean she doesn't care about you! You know very well that she has always been excessively gentle, unable to even bear to step on an ant, and she has never dared to speak loudly. Her worries and her pain have always been hidden deep within. She loves you, loves you so profoundly; you should be able to feel it!

I only heard him softly scold the young man beside him a few times, and within a few seconds, these individuals left with their tails between their legs, like defeated wild dogs.

Perhaps he is not as bad as I imagined

Lu Wei was never a person skilled in lying, and I, with a face thinner than paper, am even less capable of shouldering such a "responsibility"

"Xiaoyu, it's not too late to turn back now!" Hearing Xiaoyu's words became increasingly piercing, I couldn't help but interrupt her. I looked into her indifferent eyes and almost pleaded, "I can help you with your studies along with Lu Wei. Lu Wei can help you tackle the math that troubles you the most, and I can assist you with English. Then, we can all get into university together..."

I still feel that this is not very good. I lowered my head, trying hard to dissuade the teacher from this idea

On a tranquil evening, as the sun was about to set, I walked alone on a completely unfamiliar road. The path ahead was narrowing, unlike the neatly planned commercial buildings; here, various old houses filled the surroundings, none exceeding ten stories in height. The dark windows seemed to be on the verge of revealing a pale face at any moment.

"What does it have to do with me?" I stammered.

Everyone is a very good and lovely classmate, and I am also very reluctant to part! If I do not get accepted, continuing to be with all of you would still be a happy thing

Yes, I am a good student in her eyes, so these burdens should fall on my shoulders. But what if I say "no"

Perhaps due to the air conditioning, my mother's cheeks felt somewhat cold. I caught a whiff of the fragrance she emanated, the strong and mature scent that she favored most.

Is there any difference between this and the previous question

"Aunt Chen, is there anything else?" I am not yet a child who would cause adults to worry... But why is Aunt Chen looking at me like that, as if I might fly out of the window at any moment