Chapter 2, Family Banquet (Part 1)

Although three years have passed, Meng Ti still recalls the situation of that day; those words echo in her ears, striking her heart, causing her blood to surge and her vision to be filled with a chaotic array of colorful stars.

During a certain occasion when I was sharing a bed and having a heart-to-heart conversation with Wang Xiru, I mentioned this matter. Upon hearing it, Wang Xiru immediately understood and exclaimed, "Oh, is that your first love?"

Wang Xiru mentioned a location, which is in another community within the city. It is somewhat far from the school, there is no subway, and it is too far to ride a bicycle. The bus takes at least two hours for a round trip.

A girl who is too strong often goes unnoticed; she is evidently a perfect testament to this. Since entering school, she has remained a solitary figure. Fortunately, she does not mind, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her studies, with the hope of pursuing further education abroad. For those studying fundamental disciplines, the best path to reach the pinnacle of their industry is to study abroad.

"The classroom is quite far. You have the key to my house. If you come back too late tonight, just come over directly," Meng Ti said. "The elective course isn't a big deal, right? You can just go take the exam when the time comes. You were originally accompanying me to class, and I can speak to the teacher for you. If you need any other help, just let me know."

She remembered that at that time she was wearing her best clothes, with her hair styled in a very ladylike princess bun, her face as red as the cherries of that season, standing timidly in his study, waiting for him to continue; while Zheng Xianwen merely put down the drawing pencil in his hand, furrowed his brow, and looked at her with confusion, as if she were not speaking Chinese, completely unable to understand what she was saying

Wang Xiru took a bite of the tomato and suddenly remembered the email she received last night, which said: "I can no longer accompany you to the elective course; I found a part-time job"

Studying abroad at a university, even if one can obtain a scholarship from a foreign institution, still incurs significant expenses. Wang Xiru's parents are both ordinary workers, and their financial situation is not very favorable; therefore, she must earn this portion of money entirely on her own

Wang Xiru is the greatest gain for Meng Ti over the three years of university. She is from the north, with a loyal personality and a strong sense of integrity; yet her stature resembles that of someone from the south—petite and delicate, with a well-proportioned figure and a charming face. She is always the top student in her class, with an unbeatable performance in her major courses. She can score full marks in number theory, and her papers have garnered praise from many professors, making it impossible not to admire her. Since her third year, she has been assisting her professors with research projects, truly a perpetual champion in the mathematics department. She is not the type to merely study hard; during winter and summer breaks, she works various jobs to earn money, from tutoring to serving in restaurants to working as a librarian—there is nothing she cannot do.

Twice during the week, twice on weekends, the schedule for regular classes conflicts with that of elective courses

Meng Ti shivered all over at the thought of the bleak future of "hanging oneself from a tree". Resolving not to discuss her own confusion, she immediately changed the subject and began talking to Wang Xiru about the issue of going abroad

The department has exchange student slots available, but the schools are not among her preferred choices. Therefore, she is also making inquiries. During the summer, the two of them prepared their materials and tentatively sent their applications to several universities in the United States, but so far there has been no response

Where do you attend classes? How do you have so much time?

The evening sunlight is warm and abundant, illuminating the living room as if it were covered in golden sand; Zheng Xianwen sits on the sofa, his long legs crossed, also observing the little girl from years ago, realizing that she has truly blossomed. At eighteen, she still had a hint of childishness and baby fat, her face round like an apple; now she has completely matured, standing tall and independent, her beauty reminiscent of a new lotus emerging from a pond, caught between bud and bloom; standing among the crowd, her presence rivals that of a half-open tender lotus amidst a sea of lush green leaves. At eighteen, she still had a hint of childishness and baby fat, her face round like an apple; now she has completely matured, standing tall and independent, her beauty reminiscent of a new lotus emerging from a pond, caught between bud and bloom; standing among the crowd, her presence rivals that of a half-open tender lotus amidst a sea of lush green leaves

During her three years at university, Meng Ti has had a smooth journey. Her academic performance ranks among the top three in her department, making her prospects for graduate school nearly certain. Due to her parents being professors at the university, she does not face the same level of pressure as others. The only concern she has is which professor to work with for her graduate studies, and she does not need to worry about her future at all

It was Zheng Xianwen who opened the door for her. He was dressed differently from last night, wearing an old white shirt and gray pants, yet he stood there just as dazzling, almost blinding. Last night was too dark to see his appearance clearly, but now, with a glance, she realized that more than three years had already passed. His appearance had not changed much, but his demeanor was significantly improved compared to before. Meng Ti smiled as a form of greeting, then lowered her head to change her shoes. When she slightly raised her gaze, she could see the button of his shirt cuff undone, revealing his strong wrist. His appearance had not changed much, but his demeanor was significantly improved compared to before. Meng Ti smiled as a form of greeting, then lowered her head to change her shoes. When she slightly raised her gaze, she could see the button of his shirt cuff undone, revealing his strong wrist.

All these years, you haven't forgotten him, and I really don't know what to say to you. Wang Xiru sighed when she saw her in such a distracted state, "You, after all these years, still can't forget him; I truly admire you. You can't just hang yourself on the same tree, can you"

My father will be back soon, and it seems he has brought a guest. My mother is cooking in the kitchen. Are you still going to ask about your younger sister? She just called and is on her way. As for the other relatives, they all have matters to attend to and will not be coming today. This weekend, our whole family will go to a restaurant to eat

Meng Ti smiled slightly, and Zheng Xianwen finished all her words in one breath, leaving no further conversation. The two stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter. The tacit understanding built over the years returned, as if he truly were just her brother

In retrospect, Meng Ti could hardly recall why she had developed feelings for the older boy next door. After awakening to her consciousness as a girl, her eyes could only see him, and no other boy caught her attention. However, the age gap was significant; when she was in junior high school, he was already in college, and by the time she entered high school, he had already graduated. With a three-year gap representing one generational divide, there were nearly two such divides between them, making meaningful communication impossible. Despite this, she silently harbored her crush for several years, watching him change girlfriends one after another, until she finally mustered the courage to confess on her eighteenth birthday.

I don't care at all

Then it will only trouble you to exert a bit more effort, Wang Xiru said with a smile, Fortunately, it will soon be over, and we haven't played at all this summer, have we

This tutoring center is quite well-known. Meng Ti attended it during her senior year of high school, and some classmates also study there, ensuring a certain level of safety. More importantly, the income after a month is quite substantial, at least more cost-effective than private tutoring.

"Don't bother," she said, seeing him rummaging through the cabinets in the living room. Meng Ti couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. "That cabinet is filled with alcohol, Brother Zheng. You really don't need to busy yourself; if I want something to drink, I can get it myself."

What about the paper you are currently writing

"That is, after three days apart, one should look at each other with new eyes; how much more so after three years," Meng Ti smiled, her eyes glancing around the room. She listened for a moment and discovered that aside from her and Zheng Xianwen, there was no one else in the living room. Curiously, she asked, "Uncle Zheng, where is Aunt Liu? Is she not home?"

Indeed, just as her legs grew weak and she almost wanted to flee, he approached her, embraced her, gently stroked her hair, and softly said: "Ati, I am sorry for the misunderstanding. But I only regarded you as my sister, just like Ruosheng."

Because she was thinking about the dinner that she could not miss that evening, Meng Ti maintained the same state as yesterday throughout the day, often lost in thought, her mind wandering, and her class notes were a chaotic mess.

It is probably worse than a breakup. Meng Ti absentmindedly fiddled with the chopsticks and said hesitantly: "Actually... Brother Zheng has returned"

The knocking sound quickly resumed. Meng Ti, who was closest to the door, set down the teapot that had just been filled with hot water and said, "Listening to this knocking sound, it must be Uncle Zheng returning." She then went over to open the door. After exchanging familiar greetings with Zheng Bochang, she was greatly surprised— the young man with a smile behind Zheng Bochang was none other than Zhao Chunian.

The events of that year remain a thorn in my heart. When I had memories, I would run around the yard playing behind Zheng Xianwen, who was five or six years older than me. Zheng Xianwen was both clever and playful, and all the children in the yard liked him very much, but he was always the best to me. When we played and fought, Zheng Xianwen would always protect me—he would keep all the good things for me, and if anyone bullied me, he would not let it go; even my own brother, Meng Zheng, would express a profound sentiment: "Xianwen is more like your brother." When we played and fought, Zheng Xianwen would always protect me—he would keep all the good things for me, and if anyone bullied me, he would not let it go; even my own brother, Meng Zheng, would express a profound sentiment: "Xianwen is more like your brother."

That gaze felt like a bucket of icy water poured down from the depths of winter. No matter how thick Meng Ti's skin was, she understood that she had completely misread the situation this time. There could be many reasons for Zheng Xianwen's kindness towards her, but it was certainly not what she had imagined.

The mathematics analysis paper was actually co-authored by two individuals. Wang Xiru has been working on research projects with Professor Song Hanzhang from her junior year, and her resume was already quite impressive. However, it is always beneficial to add a touch of brilliance, and she indeed possesses that capability. Therefore, at times, she would undertake some manageable research independently under Professor Song's guidance, and she would invite Meng Ti to collaborate with her.

Is it of no consequence? Meng Ti glanced at the water heater and said, It seems I can only use boiling water.

This is indeed true; Meng Ti has liked coming to the Zheng family home since childhood. Although the layout and size of the house are the same as her own, the completely different decoration style gives a distinct feeling. The overall ambiance of the Zheng family is simple and elegant, with books visible in every room and tasteful calligraphy and paintings adorning the walls. In the corner of the living room near the balcony, there is an upright piano, where Zheng Xianwen often sat quietly playing when he was young

"Indeed, what am I being polite about with you and the books?" Zheng Xianwen laughed heartily, "I haven't been back for three or four years; you probably know better than I do where everything is placed."

Zheng Xianwen pulled her into the room and reached out to ruffle her hair: "I remember when I left, you were just about at my chin. Now you've grown a bit taller and lost some weight; you’ve truly become a young lady. Last night, I hardly recognized you at all."

Wang Xiru smiled and gently held her hand resting on the table. At this stage of their relationship, there was no need for further formalities.

Having Wang Xiru as a model for the selection of the top ten college students in the country made Meng Ti feel that the trivial matters that had entangled her all morning were insignificant—after all, only those who live in comfort and have no worries about food and clothing would lament over so-called feelings. She deeply despised herself for having achieved nothing at her age, but soon regained her composure. After finishing her classes in the afternoon, she hurried home, rummaged through her wardrobe for a long time, and finally found suitable clothes before heading downstairs.

During lunch, Wang Xiru joked with her: "In this state, anyone who doesn't know you might think you've just experienced a breakup"

The courses in the fourth year are not particularly demanding, yet everyone appears to be busy. The vast majority of students are contemplating pursuing graduate studies, with the mindset that if they pass the entrance exam, they will continue their education, and if they do not, they will enter the workforce, busily preparing for their respective paths

A mathematics teacher at a senior high school tutoring center teaches four classes each week, with each session costing three hundred.

"It is not a first love; it hasn't even begun yet," Meng Ti lowered her head in a daze, "It's just a secret crush of mine."

Meng Ti looked at her radiant face, "What?"

Zheng Xianwen rummaged through the cabinets looking for something and asked her: "What drink would you like?"

Meng Ti skillfully took a set of purple clay tea utensils from the wall cabinet on the side of the living room, then retrieved a jar of tea leaves. Carefully, she selected a small pinch and turned to say: "Uncle Zheng likes to drink Maojian. Brother Zheng, what do you like?"