PART 8

I know that he wants me to relax and take my mind off things

He raised his glass and said to Chu Lu: "I apologize for everything that happened in the past. In the future, please take extra care of Juan Li for me. Take good care of Juan Li." After saying this, he downed the drink in one go.

Zhai Yang and Chu Lu both came to see Juan Li off

Cai Liang continued, "Zhai Yang told me that Juan Li likes Chu Lu! Alas, it just so happens that you are such good friends!"

What a wonderful summer, listening to Juan Li recount our story, it feels beautiful as well

Juan Li pouted at me and said, "It's rare to get a breath of fresh air; I've been suffocating at home, so I feel happy. Actually, my parents wanted me to take a year off from school, but I was afraid that I would end up wasting my time, so I stubbornly came anyway."

As soon as the teacher went out, I turned around to speak to Juanli.

I hesitated for a moment

Juan Li gave a bitter smile and said, "Zhai Yang mentioned that he might transfer schools at the beginning of the next semester; he has this intention, but it is not certain yet"

When Juan Li stood in our class led by the teacher, I could hardly believe it. Could it be that in the final year of high school, Juan Li is going to switch to the liberal arts class?

Cai Liang accompanied me to sit at the school gate waiting for Chu Lu

Cai Liang has recently become very close to Zhai Yang. I have neglected Juan Li because of the matter with Chu Lu, and I think she must be feeling lonely. However, I always feel that there is still something between us, perhaps it is because I have not yet let go of the situation with Zhai Yang

I look at Juan Li's smiling face, yet I cannot smile myself. Now that we are in our third year of high school, switching majors at this time will not be easy for Juan Li. It may even be more challenging. All I can do now is hope that Juan Li's previous good grades will come into play at this moment

Qing Nuan, to be honest, I harbor some resentment towards you, because it is only because of Juan Li that I resent you. However, it is all futile now. Nothing can return to the way it was at the beginning

I happily said: "You seem to have become happier than before"

It seems to be an expected answer, yet I am still very angry, extremely angry. I grabbed Cai Liang's arm and said angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about? You always like to talk nonsense! Last time you said I stole her Zhai Yang, and now you say she likes Chu Lu, which one is true? Since it is all you who said it, why don't you explain it to me?"

However, a more terrifying fact has emerged before us

Juanli's parents were also keeping watch over her in the hospital. Although they did not say anything when they looked at me, their eyes reflected disbelief and resentment

But what did I do wrong

The grievances that have accumulated within me over the past few days can no longer be restrained; my tears flowed out under the pressure of their gazes. I said to them: "I did nothing, truly, how could I harm Juanli? She is my best sister!"

I did not express any opposition, after all, we are friends, even though we ultimately have to part ways; I just did not expect it to happen so soon

Cool breeze, pat my shoulder, and say that the road to Chu has arrived

In the midst of the chaos, Zhai Yang stated that he wanted to return, and then asked Chu Lu to escort Juan Li back to the dormitory

Zhai Yang said: "I used to think that the person I owed the most was Qing Nuan, but now it seems that is not the case. The person I owe the most is you! Thank you for everything you have done, I am grateful to you for all of it!"

Chu Lu smiled at Zhai Yang and said, "Juan Li is Qing Nuan's best friend, and she is also my good friend. Even if you don't say anything, I will take care of her!"

I truly cannot bear such serious consequences

Chu Lu tightly held my hand and said, "If you think the same way she does, then you have fallen into her trap." After saying this, he glanced at Xiaomi's back, shook his head, and remarked, "Indeed, a girl changes greatly at eighteen! How could she have become like this?" After that, he turned to me and jokingly said, "Fortunately, you have always been in front of me, and I have been keeping a close watch; otherwise, it is hard to imagine what kind of person you would have turned into!"

Zhai Yang's farewell words were delivered with such flair, as if he would never return again

"By the way, Chu Lu is coming to say goodbye today. He has already registered at the new school and might come to gather with everyone later. Are you going?" Juan Li suddenly said

The classroom was also in an uproar; of course, everyone knew Juan Li, a girl whose outstanding academic performance and remarkable appearance were not something just anyone could achieve

I looked at Chu Lu and asked uncertainly, "Is it really not because of me? You said that if I hadn't mentioned it, if I hadn't spoken about our matter, would these things not have happened?"

In such heights, no one would hear our conversation, yet I still whispered softly to Juan Li, fearing that the wind might carry away some secrets

I instinctively turned my head to glance at Chu Lu, who was sitting behind me, and he wore a look of surprise similar to mine

I hate myself for having said such things. Why did I have to tell Juan about my relationship with Chu Lu at that moment? Juan said she doesn't like Zhai Yang, so does that mean she likes Chu Lu? Has she always liked Chu Lu? Is that why she reacted so strongly when she heard me say that?

But I cannot stop crying, I feel that this matter is related to me in every way, and by thinking this way continuously, it seems that it truly is related to me

Until Juan Li woke up in the hospital bed, I had not figured out what exactly had happened, how Juan Li had collapsed. How could this be? That rack was originally her favorite place to climb. A girl so much more delicate than I had no other hobbies; she simply enjoyed sitting on that rack, feeling the breeze, and chatting with me.

I looked at Chu Lu and could not smile at all

Juan Li openly stated in front of everyone: "Due to an unexpected head injury, I cannot bear too much weight, so I have switched to a relatively lighter liberal arts field. I hope everyone will take care of me in the future"

Zhai Yang only arrived after school in the afternoon, with both hands in his pants pockets, smiling as he stood at the school gate, and said to us: "Today I will take care of your dinner"

She has not called Chu Lu brother for a long time, perhaps Chu Lu brother has already disappeared from her era. Fortunately, she did not call Chu Lu brother; if she were still pretending to be innocent like before, I would truly have to look down on her even more. In the past, I merely disliked her naturally spoiled personality, but I did not expect that she was also quite good at pretending.

As I looked up, I saw Chu Lu standing in front of me, but at that moment, my tears became uncontrollable upon seeing Chu Lu

I told Chu Lu that we still need to attend a university, to be in the same class, and from then on, to be together forever

But what should Juanli do today? The third year of high school is approaching, and the workload will become increasingly heavy. What should Juanli do?

Chu Lu nodded and politely asked, "Are you also taking a walk?"

I did not expect him to bid farewell to Chu Lu first

Juan Li merely smiled slightly, and I could not understand their meaning. If care is to be taken, why not entrust it to me? It should be more reasonable for me, shouldn't it

Oh! I did not expect my reaction to be so subdued

When I hurriedly climbed down from the shelf, Juan Li had already lost consciousness

I smiled and said, "Separation is for the sake of greater dreams. No matter when, we will always be together."

The way Juanli looked at me made me feel as if she had become a different person. She was no longer the calm and quiet Juanli of the past; instead, she resembled her former self to some extent, as if she were filled with energy, and her entire demeanor appeared exceptionally cheerful.

Seeing me in a daze, he sighed and said, "Who would have thought it would turn out this way?"

Cai Liang said: "Actually, you should know, right? How could Juan Li fall down? That should not be a coincidence"

Then Zhai Yang drank with Cai Liang.

There was originally no seating space on that shelf, only a horizontal bar. We have always been swinging our legs on that horizontal bar.

Cai Liang suddenly turned his head and said, "Can I be counted as one?"

Juan Li looked at me, seemingly unable to believe my explanation

At that moment, the silk scarf suddenly slipped from my hand and fell beneath the overpass

There is nothing to apologize for, I am doing well now! I said happily

I opened my mouth for a long time, not knowing what to say. In the end, I could only stammer, "The wind is too strong, you didn't sit steadily."

The issue is that I am the only one present at the scene, and I do not know how to explain it satisfactorily. I said I do not know if others will believe me. I am even worried that others might think I pushed Juan Li down. I truly feel helpless and do not know what to do.

Juan Li looked at me and said apologetically, "I’m sorry, I never thought he would like me. I regarded him as a friend, just like you. If I ever gave him the wrong impression, I truly apologize. Perhaps this is all due to my selfishness, or maybe I once had feelings for him. But it’s all in the past now. He can’t let go, and I am powerless to change that"

Oh! Out for a walk? I didn't expect to run into Xiaomi right at the top.

By the way, does Chu Lu know? Does Chu Lu also know?

Juan Li sat in the row behind me, next to Chu Lu

I am still crying loudly, even though I believe that Cai Liang is right. It took me a long time to understand my own thoughts. However, what troubles me now is what I should do next.

I do not know how many more surprises await me

Jian Li said: "Isn't it better not to part?"

Ever since I learned about Juan Li's situation, my mind has been occupied all day with thoughts about what to do regarding Juan Li

I smiled shyly and said softly to Juan Li: "I later realized that I like Chu Lu! Perhaps I have liked him for a long time, and he also likes me, so we should be together"

Juan looked at me strangely and said, "What’s wrong with you? How can this be your fault? It was my own carelessness."

I cried out loud, fueled by the effects of the alcohol from earlier, crying very loudly and freely

The doctor said that Juan Li's brain injury is quite severe, and it is not suitable for her to overexert her mind in the future. She needs to rest for a long time, and it will take at least two years for her to recover.

I glanced at Chu Lu and said, "Not funny at all!"

Cai Liang held my hand and said, "I am truly sorry. Who would have known it would turn out this way? The thoughts of a girl are not easy to decipher"

Juan Li turned to Chu Lu, who was only separated by a road, and said: "Chu Lu, are you going? Let's go together!"

Chu Lu gently touched my head and said softly, "Silly girl! Juan Li has her own fortune, and everyone's path is different. She might wait two years to attend a prestigious school, or she may have another option now, but no one can say that this is a bad thing. Moreover, this is not your fault! I have said it many times, this is not your fault!"

I am feeling a bit flustered again

I shake my head and immediately deny it, because of the matter with Juan Li, my mind has been chaotic lately, always thinking aimlessly.

I sighed and said, "What should I do? I have to think at home, and I have to think when I come out; I am always thinking about what to do with the silk separation."

I never imagined that there would be such unexpected events during the years of youth, these sudden and unforeseen surprises

That was the first time in my life that I drank alcohol, and I did not expect that my first drinking occasion would be a farewell for Zhai Yang

Zhai Yang and Chu Lu turned to look at me simultaneously, and surprisingly, their gazes were strikingly similar, which left me feeling alarmed and apprehensive

I also hope that I am overthinking it, but I always feel that Juan Li likes you So ... ...

I was frightened by Zhai Yang's words. I have always felt guilty about my actions, and with Zhai Yang saying this, I feel even more guilty.

I have done nothing wrong

Juan Li looked at Chu Lu, her face full of weariness, and said: "Chu Lu, I heard Qing Nuan talk about your matters, it's truly wonderful! I shouldn't have fallen down after she mentioned it, such an incident is really disappointing"

Juan Li nodded slightly in response to the coolness of the situation

I watched Juan Li smiling as she spoke to me, yet my heart ached deeply, if only ... ...

However, Juanli is still unaware of these matters, and I would like to inform her before the summer vacation.

Occasionally, a few mosquitoes may fly over, but I am indifferent to them

One evening, Chu Lu sent me a text message saying he wanted to go out to buy books. However, when I came out, he only took me around aimlessly.

However, it seemed that Zhai Yang was still unwilling to let Chu Lu off the hook, and said: "You must take care of him diligently; if there is even the slightest mistake, I will hold you accountable!" When he said this, Zhai Yang also glanced at me

However, I have always felt very guilty; since the incident occurred, my guilt has not diminished in the slightest

But what can I say

Zhai Yang ultimately did not say anything to Juan Li. Aside from Juan Li, we were all drinking alcohol, and Juan Li quietly watched us drink and talk, smiling all the while.

The beginning of the third year of high school is a great surprise

Later on, I became somewhat hazy regarding their conversation; the alcohol dulled my mind, and I was unclear about how much time had passed. However, I distinctly remember that later, Juan Li mentioned she had a headache

I felt a sense of unease, wondering what kind of words he would say to me

Cai Liang has proven that my conjecture is correct, that I have wronged Juan Li, and that all of this is my fault. So can I still make amends? Do I still have a chance to make amends?

Another reason for my unease is that I did not anticipate the outcome would be so severe. If Juan Li could lie in the hospital for a few days and then return to the classroom in good health, I would not feel so guilty at all

This summer, I have been feeling quite despondent, as I truly have no reason to console myself. No matter how I think about it, I feel that I am at fault.

Xiaomi walked away with a twist, while I anxiously thought about getting home quickly

Chu Lu patted my head and said, "Alright! Stop daydreaming all day long, I am not that charming! Only someone like you would like me!"

However, what I received was not a blessing, but rather a result that caused me even greater panic

I raised my face and said proudly: "Half true, half false!"

I felt as if someone had uncovered my innermost thoughts, causing my nervousness to dissipate significantly.

Since I said this, Chu Lu began to vigorously pursue the humanities, a field he had never excelled in. He stated that he would strive to continue his education at a university for our sake

What surprises me even more is my feelings for Chu Lu. I never expected it to be like this. Although Cai Liang said it has always been this way, I still feel as if I am dreaming. That bad boy who has always been by my side, when exactly did my feelings for him change? And when did he start taking care of me, this ghostly girl?

I looked up and asked her: "What do you know?"

The shelf is actually not high, the ground is also not hard, and then the silk unexpectedly fell down headfirst, striking with great force

Having spoken, I eagerly awaited the blessings from Juan Li

Fortunately, the summer vacation has arrived, and Juan Li can first rest at home for a summer break

two years

However, I do not understand why the doctor has not allowed Juan to be discharged; she has already been hospitalized for three days and is still staying in the hospital

"What does that mean? Please tell me," Juan Li asked with some curiosity

Juan Li took my hand and said, "By the way, I've heard many rumors saying that you were dumped by Zhai Yang and then stole Xiaomi's Chu Lu. I never believed it, but I was busy with exams, so I didn't have the chance to ask you."

I cannot bear to imagine; I hope this is just my imagination. The reality must certainly not be like this, it cannot be!

Xiaomi chuckled lightly and said, "I do not have the leisure you all possess; having harmed a friend, I cannot find the mood for romance. I have a headache and need to go home to rest. You all may take your time strolling!"

It is simply a joke; everyone knows that the start of school means entering the third year of high school. With Juan Li's grades, a bright future is waiting for her! How can she wait for two years? Youth is fleeting; after two years, will Juan Li still be the same Juan Li as she is today?

Cai Liang stared blankly at me for a long time before finally saying, "I'm sorry"

I dare not think of Juan Li, even the mere thought of the two characters "Juan Li" makes my heart ache as if it were bleeding. The moment I think of her bright future being ruined by me, I wish it were I who had fallen instead!

Fortunately, Juanli has woken up. I looked at Juanli eagerly, hoping she could give me a clear account, hoping she could provide the best explanation. However, when she opened her mouth, she shook her head and said: "I don't remember. How could I have fallen? Nuan, do you know why I fell?"

Just after the final exams of the second year of high school had concluded, I took Juan and went to the playground, climbed up the structure that we both liked, and then looked at the land beyond the walls, gazed at the clear sky, felt the gentle summer breeze carrying the strong scent of fresh grass, and talked about our joys and sorrows

The words of Chu Lu were impeccable, and I looked at him with satisfaction

This summer is surprisingly beautiful

What does this have to do with anything? You are overthinking it

Chu Lu looked at me and said, "Alright, let's go together!"