Chapter 7, Departure

After the meal, one should deeply reflect: "I did not know you had so many relatives."

She went to the tree by the roadside to retrieve her bicycle. Due to the recent events, the smile on her face had not yet faded. As she approached, she noticed a person standing under the tree where the bicycles were parked, and for a moment, she was taken aback, unsure of how to respond

The air was so cool it seemed to have been brought back from Antarctica, yet Xu Yihao stood outside wearing only a thin tracksuit. Su Cuo walked over to him, and as she got closer, she could see his cheeks slightly flushed, with sweat dripping down from the tips of his dark hair. His appearance made one unable to help but mistakenly think that spring had arrived early.

Hearing the conversation between the two, Su Zhi inwardly thought it was not good. Su Zhi leaned over and asked, "Are you two going to become monks? Practicing Zen?"

After crying, she raised her head and said, "Zijia has been acting strangely lately, and his attitude towards me is a bit odd. I am afraid he will break up with me."

She asked me to help her with her relationship issues," Su Cuo shook her head, "Crying so pitifully, I couldn't bear to watch for even a minute, let alone stay any longer

Xu Yihao was wounded by her smile, feeling as if all the blood had pooled at the entrance of his heart, unable to flow. He walked over and grasped her shoulders, gritting his teeth as he asked: "Su Cuo, Su Cuo, are you really so happy that I am leaving?"

"What did Mi Shi say to scare you like that?" Liu Fei gathered the hair that had fallen around Su Cuo's ears and looked at her playfully, "I was extremely surprised when I received your message, I thought something serious had happened."

Yang Xue leaned against the table with her arms crossed, looking at Su Cuo, who was only wearing pajamas. For the first time, she realized how thin Su Cuo was, so thin that it was heart-wrenching, as if she could barely bear the weight of her clothes. Yang Xue had long regretted the cold war with Su Cuo, but had insisted on not apologizing first. Now, seeing Su Cuo's frail and slender figure still smiling calmly, an inexplicable emotion suddenly surged up, making her nose feel stuffy.

I am an exchange student, and after this semester, I will go to the United States to complete my senior year of university

The Buddha said, "It cannot be spoken." Mi Shi placed her finger on her lips and made a "shh" gesture

"It is not happiness, but congratulations; such opportunities are not available to everyone," Su said sincerely. "It is not because Principal Xu is your father that you were selected as an exchange student, but because you are indeed outstanding and have gained everyone's recognition. This is certainly something worth congratulating."

Beside him, Chen Zijia handed over Su Cuo's luggage and gently said: "To like someone, a day without seeing them feels like three autumns apart; it would be strange not to miss them"

Seeing Su Zhi's reluctant gaze, Su Cuo pushed him towards the entrance, "Alright, alright, stop looking. If you really want to see her, let her finish the New Year celebrations before coming to visit."

Su Cuo slightly bowed and left. After taking a couple of steps, she said: "Brother Xu, you should go home. Wearing so little, you might catch a cold."

This matter spread throughout the school with lightning speed. When Su Cuo returned to her dormitory in the evening, she found that people had been staring at her all the way. Meanwhile, the few individuals in her dormitory looked fierce and were staring at her with ill intentions, poised as if ready to pounce.

Chen Zijia, feeling helpless, interrupted Su Zhi and started chatting with Su Cuo: "How have you been lately?"

She cried continuously, her tears resembling rain on pear blossoms, enough to move even the hardest of hearts. Su Cuo silently watched her for a long time, and for a long while, he did not utter a single word.

Xu Yihai was both angry and worried, his handsome face darkened like the weather before a snowfall. However, upon seeing Su Cuo's thin shoulders and disheveled hair, he suddenly felt a pang of compassion, and his voice unconsciously lowered.

I am very sorry for you. With a friend like you, what more could I possibly be picky about? Yang Xue said softly, "That day I came across a saying: 'When the water is too clear, there are no fish.' It made me realize that I have been too demanding of you."

Then I will wait for you to find me when you are free, " Mi Shi said with utmost certainty

Su Zhi's anger subsided somewhat as he addressed the matter at hand: "I have purchased a ticket to return home the day after tomorrow"

Senior sister, you truly saved me. The laboratory is empty, and Su Cuo suddenly collapsed onto the sofa.

The classroom was empty, with two people sitting in the last row. Mi Shi brought up the old topic again: "The matter I mentioned last time—"

He suddenly embraced Su Cuo, his breath lingering by her ear, "Since you understand me, don't you know my feelings? Just say one word, and I will not leave. Give me a chance, just one chance, will you?"

Indeed, whatever I do goes wrong. Su Cuo sighed, but then found the expressions of these few people, which were a mix of laughter and tears, quite amusing, and he genuinely laughed out loud, "This is not my fault. Senior brother, you should ask Su Zhi for the laundry fee."

"What agreement?" Chen Zijia was taken aback.

Hmm, yes." Yingchen observed Suocuo through the glass, slowly nodding.

Chen Zijia raised an eyebrow and glanced at her

Xu Yihao was wearing glasses today, with a backpack slung over his left shoulder, likely having just left the study room. His gaze was hidden behind the lenses, making it difficult for others to see clearly. The two individuals stood apart by the bicycle rack. Since the beginning of this semester, the two had not encountered each other.

Liu Fei waited for her at the entrance of the pizza shop, while Su Cuo quickly jumped onto the back seat of her bicycle and sped away. By the time the two returned to the laboratory, she still felt a bit shaken.

It was early morning, and the dormitory lights were off, with faint light flickering behind the curtains. Yang Xue's expression was unclear, but her voice was very clear. She said, "Someone is waiting for you outside the dormitory"

Su Cuo blinked, looking at the two individuals in front of her, unable to ascertain what was going on with them.

I heard that you were hugging Senior Xu in public?" Yang Xue smiled ambiguously and brightly, "It is said that the hug lasted for a very long time...

On that day, Su Zhi was off campus, and Su Cuo did not encounter him. Instead, on the way back to school, he ran into Chen Zijia and Mi Shi, who had just finished class. The two of them were carrying their backpacks and pushing their bicycles, walking in silence without looking at each other, which drew the attention of their classmates, accompanied by various whispers and comments.

Xu Yihao rushed over a few steps to block her path. His shoulders trembled slightly, his face was extremely pale, yet he forced himself to remain calm, "Do you still think there is nothing between us? Su Zhi asked me to give you time and not to pressure you. In these past two or three months, I haven't seen you, and I sent you emails, but you haven't replied to a single one!"

The happiest, of course, are Su Zhi's parents. Ying Chen possesses a kind of elegant beauty, with appropriate speech and politeness that makes her very approachable and endears her to the elders. As parents see their son bringing home such a beautiful and gracious young lady, they are overjoyed. They are extremely attentive to their guests, and on the day before the two siblings depart, all the relatives come to bid farewell.

"It's fine," Su Cuo smiled. She couldn't say that her aversion to Western cuisine had reached the point where just the smell made her uncomfortable, so she could only respond ambiguously, "What is it that you need?"

The steaming hot pizza and various desserts were quickly served. It seemed that Mi Shi was a regular here, as she was greeted with smiles by people along the way, and she was particularly familiar with the waitstaff and the owner of the establishment

While eating the cold and hard rice, Su Cuo felt that several shadows were blocking the light.

Su Cuo smiled faintly and said into the microphone: "I am not the right person for him. He is so popular, and I don't know how many girls like him. He will soon forget about this matter completely."

The phone began to ring sharply

He has a very good grasp of tone and measure; it does not sound like an inquiry, but rather as if he is speaking casually. Su Cuo smiled gently and said, "Oh, it's a senior from the Mathematics Department who is about to leave the school"

Spring is the time for the graduation of doctoral degrees, and they wander in groups throughout the square, dressed in black doctoral robes, each holding a camera, snapping pictures in this vibrant season.

Once New Year's Day passed, the end of the semester finally arrived. Each subject had concluded, and Su Cuo went to the seventeenth floor to study every day, no longer stepping into the laboratory. She also never sought help from teachers to clarify her doubts, and since she returned to the dormitory very late, everyone felt as if she had disappeared, making it difficult to see her even once. At that time, most of the students in the department had a copy of Su Cuo's notes, and they suddenly felt ashamed, reflecting on the deliberate isolation they had previously imposed, and could not help but feel a sense of guilt.

Yingchen rarely blushed, glaring, "How come I never noticed before that you have such thick skin?"

Who is Chen Zijia? With the same calm demeanor, he states, "I do not care about the reasons; I only care about the results. The reasons are too complex; only the results are singular and the most capable of weighing a person's inner thoughts"

Su Zhi is embellishing himself, "If we were in ancient times, our Su family would also be a prominent and distinguished family in the local area."

With each step she took, the painful memories from many years ago resurfaced in her mind. The sound of the car's fuel tank exploding, the violent noise of the engine breaking apart, the flames soaring before her, the pool of blood soaked by her parents, and the lifeless limbs and severed arms scattered everywhere. Her ears felt as if they were about to burst.

Su Cuo was greatly alarmed, "Mi Shi, what is wrong with you?"

The spring sunshine is truly delightful, illuminating Mi Shi's face with a crystal-clear glow. Su Cuo sits beside Mi Shi, gazing at her in a daze. From the side, one can see the very faint and delicate fuzz on her face, exuding a gentle feeling, yet also carrying a hint of persistence and determination

Her voice was loud, and Mi Shi also heard it, saying: "Is it really that urgent? Can't we wait a little longer?"

People around were casting their gazes over, accompanied by whispers and pointing fingers. Su Cuo could smell the scent on him and felt his body trembling slightly. Looking over his shoulder, the trees in the square were stretching their tender green leaves in the sunlight, thriving with vitality. Su Cuo forced a bitter smile, struggled a couple of times but found it impossible to break free, so he had to let him hold on, saying: "But I have said before, what I cannot give, I am sorry."

Outside the dormitory area, there is a garden where two people walk slowly. At this time, there are hardly any flowers left in the garden, except for a few very old and tall wintersweet trees that proudly bloom in the winter wind. The trees are adorned with scattered white snowflakes, while the yellow plum blossoms cling to the branches, exuding a refreshing fragrance.

Su Cuo felt his left eyelid twitching a few times again

Last week, Su Zhi took Ying Chen to visit all the famous attractions near the city. Of course, Ying Chen had also invited Su Cuo, but she firmly declined, stating that she did not want to be a third wheel

In a quiet and elegant small room upstairs, Mi Shi helped Su Cuo cut the pizza into small pieces

"Nothing at all," Su Cuo said, "He told me he would be studying abroad next semester, and that was it."

Upon hearing him mention the name of the university, Su's mind was momentarily filled with a myriad of thoughts, yet a few traces of a smile unexpectedly appeared at the corners of his mouth, "Studying abroad for further education, how wonderful, especially at such a prestigious university"

Su Cuo struggled to twitch her lips, and when Yang Xue saw her expression stiffly staring at the beautiful girl who was causing the traffic jam in the corridor, she couldn't help but find it amusing. She patted Su Cuo's shoulder, gave her a sympathetic look, and then ungratefully went off to have dinner with her boyfriend. Truly prioritizing romance over friendship, Su Cuo clenched her fist and glared angrily at Yang Xue's retreating figure

Taking a few steps out, Yang Xue pushed the door open again and said: "I just forgot to tell you. Waiting for you is Senior Brother Xu. He came to look for you last night, but you were sleeping, so I didn't wake you up."

Su Cuo remained calm, not even changing her expression, with a charming smile, "Of course I care, knowing your news is the only way to prove that I have not been eliminated by the times"

Su Cuo trembled all over, drenched in cold sweat, her already pale face devoid of any color, her lips tightly pressed together, yet it was still evident that they were quivering slightly. She took several steps back, as the extreme fear she had experienced in her childhood surged back overwhelming her once again

Su Cuo joked with him: "Missing my sister-in-law? It's only been a short while since we last met"

Su Cuo still walked alone, arriving five minutes before each exam and always being the first to submit her paper and leave. She carried that heavy backpack, her hair tied into two ponytails hanging by her ears, coming and going in a hurry. She repeated this life until she endured to the last day of the exam week. As usual, she submitted her paper early, but instead of returning to the dormitory, she went back to the old and dilapidated seventeenth floor. In this ancient classroom, where only the wooden floor and desks remained, she suddenly felt unwilling to move. She repeated this life until she endured to the last day of the exam week. As usual, she submitted her paper early, but instead of returning to the dormitory, she went back to the old and dilapidated seventeenth floor. In this ancient classroom, where only the wooden floor and desks remained, she suddenly felt unwilling to move. The sunlight outside was splendid, filling half the classroom. She sat in the sunlight, feeling warm, as if the world no longer existed.

Who is that boy? Xu Yihao paused for a moment and then spoke

The campus in the early morning is inherently quiet, and with the holiday, there is not a single person in the garden. The remnants of snow on the nearby trees fall to the ground, making a crunching sound.

It felt like a lifeline. Su Cuo grabbed his phone and heard Liu Fei on the other end speaking rapidly: "Su Cuo, where are you? Hurry back, there is an urgent matter in the laboratory."

Is that so? Chen Zijia asked her

"Then you can come to my house to celebrate the New Year every year from now on," Su Zhi said with a mysterious smile, "Anyway, the daughter-in-law of the Su family can't escape."

The color of the coat is very dark, making it difficult to see any stains. Chen Zijia glanced at the hem of the coat and smiled nonchalantly. His eyes were so bright, as if all the lights had fallen into them. Su Cuo's heart skipped a beat, and the smile at the corner of her mouth faded.

The head chef of the cafeteria looked at her with pity, "You should have come earlier"

The next day, she took the train home with Su Zhi. Chen Zijia accompanied them to the train station, while Ying Chen was unable to see them off due to family matters. Su Zhi, feeling a sense of concern, kept looking towards the square. In reality, the square was overcrowded, with thousands of people coming and going, making it impossible to see any one person clearly.

They have not yet had a meal, and several people went together to eat hot pot

After a hot pot meal that lasted until after 9 PM, a few people emerged from the restaurant feeling full and satisfied. Ying Chen was particularly energetic and suggested going to sing karaoke. Su Cuo, feeling both full and sleepy, declined, saying she wanted to go back to sleep. Seeing the dark circles around her eyes, no one had the heart to insist further, and they let her return to her dormitory

A few days ago, it snowed, and it was very cold outside. The night sky was cloudless, with a cold moon hanging in the dark and empty sky, solitary and alone, which made one feel even colder.

This semester has come to an end, and we can no longer wait. Yang Xue adjusted her complex emotions and spoke: "Classmates, let me thank you for your notes. On New Year's Day, everyone originally planned to call you back, but you left too quickly. We haven't seen you for the past few weeks, and there was no way to explain things clearly to you. They said they are very sorry."

You see her, there is not a single aspect that suggests she has psychological shadows. She is so cheerful and lively, able to make the whole family, regardless of age, laugh with a joke, and she gets along very well with our troublesome younger siblings and nieces and nephews

What problem did she have with Chen Zijia

For several days thereafter, she carefully avoided Mi Shi, but two weeks later, just as they finished class, they were blocked at the classroom door by Mi Shi. Mi Shi smiled so openly and sweetly, completely disregarding that it was now noon and the end of class, her appearance made the already congested traffic even more congested

It is often rare to find someone who looks good in a doctor's degree robe, but Shao Wei happens to be an exception. Su Cuo asked with a smile, "Senior brother, where will you work after graduation?"

"Is it an illusion? You say you cannot play Go, you cannot play the piano, are these also my illusions?" Xu Yihai smiled bitterly, "How many more people do you intend to hide your heartache from? Is it the early death of your parents that has caused you to live in your shell for so many years? These painful matters are all in the past now"

What was meant to come could not be stopped. However, the school is so large that just appearing casually could lead to being caught, and one's luck is indeed remarkable. Su Cuo thought to herself, no wonder some people say she is quite famous

Su Cuo exerted great effort to steady the trembling of his fingers. Under Chen Zijia's intense gaze, he nonchalantly poured the vegetables into the pot. Looking at him again, he said, "If you want to think that way, I cannot force you."

Two people are sitting comfortably on a spacious balcony, chatting on the sofa, and everyone is considerate enough not to disturb them. As they talk, their gaze shifts to the living room. The most eye-catching scene there is Su Cuo and the children of her relatives, who are playing joyfully and happily. They are now engaged in origami, quickly folding various small animals and distributing them to everyone. She is having so much fun that she is completely unaware of the conversation happening outside on the balcony about her. The most eye-catching scene there is Su Cuo and the children of her relatives, who are playing joyfully and happily. They are now engaged in origami, quickly folding various small animals and distributing them to everyone. She is having so much fun that she is completely unaware of the conversation happening outside on the balcony about her.

Xu Yihai silently watched her. The girl in front of him stood under the tree, her gaze slightly lifted towards the plum blossoms. Her skin was smooth like spring water, and there was a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth. Her eyes were so clear, and she exuded an aura of vitality, as if the wintersweet tree was also moved by her presence, quietly standing with her, not daring to move even when the wind blew, for fear of startling her. He suddenly felt a pang in his nose, and many years later, he could still recall this scene, that girl standing beside him with an unperturbed demeanor, yet her smile and expression felt so distant, hidden in a place he could neither see nor touch. Her eyes were so clear, and she exuded an aura of vitality, as if the wintersweet tree was also moved by her presence, quietly standing with her, not daring to move even when the wind blew, for fear of startling her. He suddenly felt a pang in his nose, and many years later, he could still recall this scene, that girl standing beside him with an unperturbed demeanor, yet her smile and expression felt so distant, hidden in a place he could neither see nor touch.

Su Cuo suppressed her overwhelming fatigue and climbed out of bed. She caught a glimpse of Yang Xue standing beside her suitcase with a backpack, realizing that she was preparing to go home. The train back to her home was a local train, which always departed very early. For a moment, no one in the house spoke, and the atmosphere was strangely desolate.

"For this, you must be filtering it out," Su Cuo advised her, "How could that be possible"

It was my fault

Chen Zijia smiled faintly and said, "Everyone eventually finds their significant other, what about you?"

"Your brother and Ying Chen both look very beautiful," Mi Shi said, "but why aren't you included?"

It is uncertain whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. Su Zhi replied with a bitter smile, "Her contradiction lies here; if she cannot forget her grandfather, how could she possibly forget the tragic deaths of my uncle and aunt? Aside from during the annual tomb-sweeping, she never mentions this matter, appearing as if she has completely forgotten that accident. Therefore, I have always said that I am convinced she indeed has psychological issues, but I do not know where they lie."

She once again recalled how Su Cuo tutored her during the final exams every year, sometimes even staying up all night; over the past year, he had gently woken her up every morning and persistently reserved a seat for her; whenever she encountered problems or difficulties in her work with the student council, he would always offer her suggestions and help her find solutions

Chen Zijia rested his hands on the table, his long fingers gently tapping the surface, producing a crisp sound that seemed to linger in contemplation. He looked at her, a smile blossoming at the corners of his mouth, "Acuo, I thought you didn't know"

Do you still remember the time I went to help Chen Zijia write a program in the laboratory? Su Cuoqing said clearly, That text message from an unknown number was sent by me

Su Cuo smiled and said, "I didn't take a picture."

The store is filled with warmth and the sound of laughter echoes throughout. Students who have just finished their exams and have not yet returned home are sure to come and celebrate, with smiles that radiate from the heart to their faces, truly bringing a sense of comfort and enhancing one's appetite

The bedroom was dark and empty. Lu Linlin and Deng Ge had finished their exams earlier and had both gone home; Yang Xue was probably out having fun with her boyfriend. Su Cuo was both tired and exhausted, and as soon as she lay down on the bed, she fell into a deep sleep, not even having a single dream

Ying Chen sighed, "Your family celebrates the New Year with much more liveliness than mine"

Xu Yihao was indeed running on the playground, but then he thought of Su Cuo and felt something stir in his chest. He ran straight from the playground to this dormitory area on the east side of the school. These matters, however, he would not speak of. His chest heaved as he took a step closer and simply said: "I want to talk to you." Su Cuo smiled and replied, "Alright."

Xu Yihai held her with a backhand grip, feeling as if a switch in a certain corner of his heart had been flipped open, overflowing with a warm sensation. He leaned down to kiss her

Ying Chen remarked with emotion: "Acuo is truly a person who values feelings deeply"

However, Su Zhi did not yell at her as he used to, but quietly said: "I asked Xu Yihao to give you time, not to pressure you. But now I realize that I was mistaken. It is not he who is pressuring you, but you who are pressuring him. You do not give him even the slightest chance, no wonder he is so angry."

It is you!" Mi Shi exclaimed in astonishment, but from her expression, it was clear that she was completely relieved

Ah, how could I possibly watch Su Zhi's jokes? He always likes to slander me, don't you know?" Su Cuo took the luggage and said to Chen Zijia, "Of course, this young lady is magnanimous and will not hold it against him. I care for the world and only hope that all lovers will eventually be united.

Su Cuo noncommittally patted her hand, smiled to offer comfort, and then picked up the backpack and left

A few days after the New Year, Yingchen really came at Suocuo's invitation

Su Cuo pouted and said, "You have too many fans, it's hard not to know about your affairs."

I must leave now. Su Cuo nodded with utmost certainty

The calmness on Mi Shi's face vanished, her eyes suddenly reddened, and she leaned over the table, sobbing softly.

Four people ordered a large table of dishes and slowly began to cook. Su Zhi held onto her and asked about her recent situation, why she had been turning off her phone every day during this period, and why she returned to the dormitory so late, among other questions. Su Cuo obediently answered one by one, but Su Zhi's anger still did not subside

Upon seeing Su Cuo, the expressions of both individuals slightly brightened. Regardless of the circumstances, internal conflicts are not suitable to be expressed in front of outsiders. Mi Shi took the photo bag from Su Cuo's hands, snatched it away, and began to look at the photos one by one; Chen Zi Jia remained silent, his gaze drifting over Mi Shi's shoulder and resting on the photos.

"I don't know, she didn't make it clear, and I don't want to know," Su Cuo said, shrugging her shoulders. "It's always wrong for outsiders to interfere. Just like drinking water, one knows whether it is cold or warm by oneself." "Indeed, one knows whether it is cold or warm," Liu Fei said as she sat down next to Su Cuo, murmuring it again, a peculiar smile spreading across her lips. "However, I know Mi Shi well; she has always been very persistent, even stubborn, never turning back once she has chosen a path. If she intends to discuss it with you, you may escape today, but you won't escape tomorrow."

It is so cold, I am going back to the dormitory. Su Cuo said this without changing her expression, turning around and leaving without looking back

When Su Zhi called, Su Cuo felt a bit like crying without tears. In the past few days, she had been asked by countless people about the specifics of this matter, and now it was finally Su Zhi's turn. That being said, Su Zhi's double major and second foreign language courses were so demanding that they could crush someone. In such circumstances, to still call and inquire about her gossip news left Su Cuo feeling speechless.

It is like this, Su Zhi explained, "She will not go. Every year at this time, she goes to visit her uncle's family for a few days; that is my grandfather's old residence. After my uncle and aunt passed away, there was a period when my grandfather took care of her himself, unwilling to entrust her to others. Not long after, my grandfather's health deteriorated and he also passed away, after which my parents adopted her.

Uh, but, Su Cuo spread his hands, "I am not familiar with Senior Brother Chen either. In matters like this, how can an outsider clarify? Why don't you go discuss it with Senior Sister Ying? She has many ideas."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Yihao began to regret it. He went to support Su Cuo, but she staggered away from him.

Oh, that's fine," Su Cuo said, "Anyway, I haven't booked a ticket.

The two individuals were basically not familiar with each other, and Su Cuo truly did not know what he wanted to commemorate, but he did not refuse the request for a photograph. Shao Wei waved to a classmate who was holding a camera and pulled Su Cuo to stand under a nearby tree. He loudly told his classmate: "It’s fine if you make me look ugly, but you must make the junior sister look very beautiful."

Su Cuo suddenly realized, and she quickly turned her face away, breaking free from his embrace and darting outside the crown of the wintersweet tree. Her movements were so swift that Xu Yihao had no time to catch her.

"It really doesn't matter, truly," Su Cuo bit her lower lip and then embraced her, her voice slightly hoarse. "A Xue, you don't need to feel any guilt about this matter. I have long since become accustomed to it. Once accustomed, it no longer matters. Your words are like a treasure regained for me, and I am truly very grateful."

When I woke up, it was already dark outside. In winter, it gets dark particularly early; by around 5 o'clock, there is no light to be seen, and the cold air surges in unabashedly through the gaps in the window as night falls

She saw a tall figure dressed in a doctor's gown waving at her. The person was backlit, and she did not recognize him at first, until he approached and she suddenly realized, calling out to him: "Senior Brother Shao."

"Mi Shi, do not come looking for me anymore, I am unable to help you solve your problems," Su Cuo said. "I promised you that I would never compete with you for anything or anyone."

In a state of panic, Su Cuo stood up, losing his balance as his hand swept across the table, sending the tray flying out, with all the food splattering onto Chen Zijia's long, dark brown coat.

Su Zhi raised an eyebrow, clearly on the verge of losing her temper, when she was stopped by Ying Chen beside her. She shot him a resentful glare and said, "Can't you just speak properly? What are you planning to get angry about this time?"

Ying Chen recalled this matter and asked Su Zhi: "It seems that you are not very enthusiastic about inviting A Cuo to join us; it's just me making a fuss all by myself"

After looking at the photo, Mi Shi handed the bag to Chen Zijia and warmly wrapped her arm around Su Cuo's shoulder, "Su Cuo, let's go have a meal together. Ah, it's fine, just the two of us, Chen Zijia won't be joining us."

In a distant place, I am to report in a week." Shao Wei's gaze fell into the distance, then returned, and with a smile said, "Considering that I am about to leave, take a photo with me, so we can have a memento for the future.

Su Cuo had no way to refuse, and Mi Shi took the initiative to lock her car by the roadside. With a sweet smile, she bid farewell to Chen Zijia, pretending not to notice that his expression was darker than before. Then, she took Su Cuo with her, or rather, almost dragged her to the pizza shop near West University, which was not far away, just a ten-minute walk.

Hearing Su Cuo wearily utter these few words, Su Zhi was taken aback. Although Su Cuo was not in front of him, he could still sense from her words that her face was pale when she spoke, and her eyes revealed an expression of extreme indifference born from despair.

Chen Zijia did not even blink, as if discussing the weather, "So you still care about me a little."

Her voice was not particularly loud, yet it remained clear and enchanting, but every word pierced Xu Yihai's heart like a nail. Xu Yihai, with his hands in his pockets and a frown on his face, listened to Su Cuo deliver these words, his eyes filled with extreme disbelief. He knew that handling matters with minimal effort was Su Cuo's forte, but he never expected that she would use this method to clarify their entire relationship.

Su Cuo did not understand, wearing a puzzled expression

She did not pause for a moment, did not look back, and did not know whether Xu Yihao had heard her or not

Chen Zijia's voice was calm, yet there was a hint of rare reproach: "Su Cuo, it's good that you're fine, but in any case, you should have contacted us. We couldn't reach you on the dormitory phone, your mobile was unreachable, and whenever we came to look for you, you were always said to be unavailable."

She was pushed awake after sleeping for an unknown duration

It was late, and there were not many people in the cafeteria, nor were there any leftover dishes. Perhaps in celebration of the New Year, the cafeteria was decorated very lavishly, with a tall holly placed in the center of the open space, adorned with colorful ribbons, creating a rare comedic effect.

I am doing well," Su Cuo asked with a smile, "Senior Brother, I heard that you are interning at some big company. You must have been busy these past few months, right?

"It's nothing." Su Cuo averted his gaze and gently shook his head, "There is nothing to apologize for."

While organizing her laptop, Su Cuo came across some photos from the winter vacation, taken during a hiking trip in the countryside. Most of the photos featured Su Zhi and Ying Chen, a strikingly handsome couple, and the results were exceptionally pleasing to the eye. Su Cuo recalled that they had played too late that day, and after returning home, she forgot to organize the photos. No one mentioned them afterward, and they were completely forgotten until she remembered while cleaning up her hard drive. She carefully selected some good photos to print and took them to Xida to give to Su Zhi.

Mi Shi turned her head to look at her, and the doubt in her eyes only intensified.

This is not a matter of right or wrong, I only ask you, "Xu Yihai's eyes look like someone set a fire in them, his voice hoarse when he speaks, you have never given me a chance, not once. You tell me, what must I do for you to accept me? Is it really that difficult for you to like me?"

"Senior brother, it is my fault. I gave you the wrong impression, please forgive me." Su Cuo lowered her head, her eyes obscured by her hair

Su Cuo stared blankly at him, her gaze initially clear, filled with astonishment, but later became confused, losing focus. Her fingers moved a few times, and her arm slowly lifted, her palm coming to rest against Xu Yihai's cheek, pausing there. Her hand was as cold as ice and snow

Not long after the start of the new semester, it will be March, the season when spring warms the earth and all things revive. Spring arrives every year, but this year it seems to have come particularly early, perhaps because the semester started late, giving a sense of it arriving sooner. Upon careful calculation, with the holiday in late June, this semester has become particularly short, lasting only twenty weeks, as if it could all pass in an instant

Where else can we go? Shao Wei stood beside her, extending his finger to gesture, "A research institute"

Yang Xue did mention it to me, but I have been overwhelmed with exams recently and keep forgetting. Su Cuo bent down to pick up the utensils one by one, smiling gently as she said, "Su Zhi, didn't you already learn about my situation from my classmates in the dormitory? You just need to ask, and they will definitely tell you everything without holding back."

But I can only turn to you. I heard Zijia say while chatting with your brother that you are the smartest girl he has ever met, with an insight that is as clear as day. Mi Shi paused for a moment and said, "I won't trouble you too much, just like asking you to inquire about him—"

Su Cuo slightly raised her head, smiled faintly, and said, "You all finished your exams, right?" Then she lowered her head and continued eating. The weariness on her pale face made Su Zhi feel both heartbroken and angry. He pulled her up and said, "Su Cuo, don't be like this. What are you doing? Yang Xue said you disappeared after your exam, we searched for you all afternoon!"

Su Cuo carried a backpack to the cafeteria for a meal

Several people jumped up. After waiting for their screams to rise and fall, Su Cuo returned to her seat and began to focus intently on her English reading. Whenever she engaged in reading, she always maintained an unyielding demeanor, ignoring the inquiries of others. They had long since learned their lesson and could only cease their questioning, exchanging glances in the dormitory.

The students passing by slowed their pace, casting envious glances at the doctoral degree holders, imagining what they would look like at their own graduation; Su Cuo was no exception, as she reduced her speed and thought with a sense of longing: When will I be able to become a doctoral degree holder? At least another six or seven years, such a long period of time

The winter is very cold, and when two people speak, white breath escapes from their mouths. As Xu Yihai speaks, his eyebrows gently raise, and his long eyelashes flutter lightly. His eyes are so dark and bright that Su Cuo instinctively turns her head away

Su Cuo stood under the tree, slightly tilting her head back, gently inhaling the fragrance of the flowers

Yang Xue choked with emotion. Su Cuo wiped the tears from her face and sent her outside, "Go home. I would like to continue talking with you, but the train won't wait for you. Wishing you a Happy New Year"

Su Cuo found it amusing, "Brother, do you think becoming a monk is that easy? Nowadays, one has to take an exam to become a monk."

I am leaving," Su Cuo stood up and left, leaving the complex-faced Mi Shi in the empty classroom, not forgetting to take the door with him as he departed

Lu Linlin leaned over and asked, "What happened to you? What did he say to you?"

"I have feelings," Mi Shi wiped her tears, "I did not say this on a whim; I truly have no other options. I wanted to talk to someone but couldn't find anyone. Fortunately, I saw you today and could finally express it. You promised me that you wouldn't compete with me for Zi Jia, and I am very grateful to you. However, he is about to be taken away by someone else... Can you do me a favor?"

Xu Yihai suddenly reached out and grabbed her shoulder, pressing her against the tree, enclosing her in his embrace. He lowered his head to look at her, his breathing uneven

She returned to the dormitory to continue sleeping, but she could no longer fall asleep

"Did we not meet last Valentine's Day? I thought you seemed to really enjoy eating pizza, so I brought you here," Mi Shi explained

After steadying herself, Su Cuo regained her composure. She stood a few meters away from Xu Yihao and said word by word: "Senior Brother, I am not the person you want"

Su Cuo let out a chuckle. At that moment, a classmate pressed the shutter.

As soon as the words fell, the broadcast suddenly exploded in the ears of several people. Su Cuo only saw him speak, but regarding the content, not a single word was heard clearly.

Xu Yihai took off his glasses and put them in his pocket, gazing steadily into Su Cuo's eyes. After a long while, he lowered his eyelashes and finally said: "I am leaving too"

Xu Yihao's beautiful black eyes sparkled with brilliance, shining as brightly as the light above his head, concealing countless words within them, their meanings almost evident to all. Su Cuo was once again taken aback, unable to shift his gaze from him.

Su Cuo gently shook her head, revealing her usual smile, "That was my mistake"

When everyone starts to laugh, the subtle and awkward atmosphere disappears without a trace

What research institute? Where is it located

Su Zhi sighed: "Su Cuo, do you think it is so easy to forget a relationship? If Xu Yihao could really let go so easily, he wouldn't have silently stood behind you, waiting for one or two years."

"Do not forget that we have an agreement," Mi Shi said with a friendly attitude, smiling as brightly as spring flowers. "For the sake of our agreement, even having a meal is not a big deal."

Let's talk about it then. Su Cuo sighed helplessly

Su Zhi glared at his sister, extended a hand to tap her forehead, and said with complete displeasure, "Chen Zijia, it’s useless for you to say these things to her. She has never been in a relationship, so of course she wouldn’t understand. Who knows whose joke she is still laughing at in her heart right now"

Su Cuo was taken aback for a moment, then recalled that he had always had the habit of jogging in the morning

Several years later, Su Cuo finally saw this photograph. In the photo, Shao Wei is radiant, while she stands beside him, the two of them very close together. She never expected that Shao Wei had kept it for so long

With just one sentence, Xu Yihai's face turned pale as he released his grip