Chapter Five, Brocade Year

I know that my words are like a sharp blade, capable of piercing directly into the most vulnerable part of Chen Qiaoluo's heart. As expected, his expression gradually became sorrowful.

And that sentence, even though I interrupted it, I still knew what Chen Qiaoluo wanted to say. The kiss on the football field that day suddenly flashed in my mind; perhaps I should have understood Chen Qiaoluo's feelings for me long ago, but I simply was unwilling to face it. I like Gu Yu, while Chen Qiaoluo has always just been a friend

In fact, I originally did not need to say these words to Chen Qiaoluo, but I cannot overcome the barrier within my heart. During this period, there have been too many issues between Chen Qiaoluo and me, and now I want to clarify everything all at once

Such thoughts continuously expand in my heart

Chen Qiaoluo raised his head to look at me upon hearing these words, his gaze filled with emotions I could not comprehend. I did not know how much time had passed before he coldly spoke: "Zhu Junhao, what does my matter have to do with you!"

I do not know how the relationship between Chen Qiaoluo and Lei Zi has changed now. Ever since the events of that night, I have started to intentionally and unintentionally avoid Chen Qiaoluo

I saw Chen Qiaoluo in front of me stiffen slightly upon hearing the words "murderer," but he quickly spoke up. He said, "Gu Yu, I know that what happened back then was my father's fault, but so much time has passed, and I am doing my utmost to repay what is owed to your family." Chen Qiaoluo's voice was filled with deep, lingering sorrow

The Grain Rain was not to be outdone, and soon the two individuals were engaged in a fierce struggle.

My back was painfully slammed by him, but the unease in my heart far exceeded the pain. In that moment, I realized the entirety of the situation; that text message was not sent by Chen Qiaoluo at all. I do not know whether he stole Chen Qiaoluo's phone or if Chen Qiaoluo was aware of it as well. If it is the latter, then I truly have been blind to the truth.

As Lei Zi's face was about to press against my neck, I finally could not help but despairingly close my eyes. His breath fell upon my skin, and I felt a tingling sensation throughout my body, a nauseating feeling gradually spreading from my throat.

Ah, what is the matter

I was sitting alone on the steps of the square when Xu Xuan suddenly appeared in front of me. He squatted down and looked at me for a while before smiling and asking, "Would you like to go ice skating with me? It's on me."

Recalling the past, Chen Qiaoluo's lips gradually curled into a smile. He looked deeply at me and continued, "Although I always joke around with you, I clearly understand in my heart that we are not from the same world. My family, the responsibilities I bear, all of this makes me dare not have even the slightest thought about you. But fate loves to play tricks on people; I have told myself a thousand times, ten thousand times, that you can only be a friend, yet my heart remains beyond my control. My family, the responsibilities I bear, all of this makes me dare not have even the slightest thought about you. But fate loves to play tricks on people; I have told myself a thousand times, ten thousand times, that you can only be a friend, yet my heart remains beyond my control. It beats faster and faster, and I don't know how many times it has been because of you. Zhu Junhao, I..."

The moment I opened my eyes, everything around me was a pure white.

Xu Xuan resolved everything with a single sentence

When he saw me, he retracted his hostility towards Chen Qiaoluo and smiled at me, saying: "I apologize, I happened to pass by here and overheard your conversation, especially his confession"

I walked in from the entrance; this place is different from the quaint little bar called "Old Time Blues." Inside, it resembles the Spider Cave from "Journey to the West," with girls twisting their waists everywhere. I frowned in distaste, unable to understand why Chen Qiaoluo would arrange to meet me in such a place.

But I just shook my head and did not respond. The matter between Chen Qiaoluo and me is not something that should be known by others, except for the two of us.

In fact, it is not only Li Zi; even I never imagined that I would suffer from such a serious illness. When I think of my father's rapidly aging face, a wave of guilt surges within me. I believe I have been truly unfilial, only caring about myself and completely disregarding my father's feelings. With a daughter like me, he must have worried a great deal.

I fear that once certain things are spoken, we can never return to the past. But what about now? Is it not the case that Chen Qiaoluo and I can no longer go back to how things were before? I smile bitterly in my heart, and the bitterness spreads within me.

Guyu pronounced the words "confession" with particular emphasis, while his smile appeared rather indifferent

I could not help but lower my eyelids, as sadness swept over my heart like a silent wave

I turned around and looked at her in confusion, only to see her shyly lowering her head. After a while, she hesitantly said in a soft voice: "I... I am together with Tong Xiaotian."

I twisted my wrist, and the area where he grabbed me has turned completely red; it hurts terribly even with the slightest touch

Hearing the name Chen Qiaoluo, I couldn't help but turn my face to look at her, and asked in confusion: "Someone like him?"

Having said that, I paid no further attention to Chen Qiaoluo's reaction and got into the car. Soon, the driver started the vehicle. After driving for approximately one hundred meters, I turned my head to look back.

I do not know how long it took to walk from the private room to the street, but it was only when I saw the neon lights outside that I truly felt a sense of relief

However, Xu Xuan seemed completely unconcerned, stood up again, extended his hand in front of me, and said: "Miss Zhu Jun, let's go"

I felt his hand tremble slightly as he held mine, and soon a faint bitter smile appeared on his face. He said, "It is all my fault; I should not have caused a scene or disturbed you. " He released my hand, stood up from the ground, and looked down at me. His gaze resembled a deep and sorrowful ocean. He said, "I wish you well, I wish you happiness."

Are you still in love with him

Hearing him say this, I felt a sharp pain in my heart.

Upon hearing Gu Yu's words, Chen Qiaoluo became uncontrollable with emotion. He ceased to speak and swiftly threw a punch at Gu Yu's face.

He closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and said to me: "Zhu Junhao, I admit that I deceived you, and I was wrong. However, everyone has some secrets they do not wish to share. I have them, and you will have them too. I do not tell you just to preserve my last shred of dignity. You mentioned that you suspected for a moment that I was in cahoots with Lei Zi to deceive you, and you said you hated me for that brief moment. But, Zhu Junhao, I, Chen Qiaoluo, dare to swear to the heavens that I have never done anything bad to you."

"I happened to be over there on business, and I didn't expect to see you there all alone." He seemed to have anticipated my question, took a sip of coffee, and said with a smile, "What do you think, are we quite fated to meet?"

Should I really tell him that I am just experiencing menstrual pain? No, how could I possibly say such a thing? My face flushed, and I somewhat shyly replied, "No, I'm fine."

I was taken aback by his sudden action, and I stood there in a daze, not knowing what to do.

The fear that spread from the depths of my heart instantly engulfed me. He threw me onto the sofa, and apart from the dim light from the television wall not far away, everything was shrouded in darkness. I saw his face slowly approaching in the dim light, his expression one of lewdness I had never seen before. He said, "After inviting you so many times and you ignoring me, how is it that in the end, you still fell into my hands"

At this moment, they have already changed into their sportswear and are warming up outside the field. Gu Yu and Chen Qiaoluo are not far apart, and I seem to sense the undercurrents surging between them

Perhaps sometimes, affection is reflected in these small details. Li Zi likes Tong Xiao Tian, not for any other reason, but because she is moved by his unwavering dedication

Since I learned about the situation between Gu Yu's family and Chen Qiaoluo's family, I no longer have many illusions about Gu Yu. I am a friend of Chen Qiaoluo, and Chen Qiaoluo is Gu Yu's enemy, so it is impossible for us to be together in any way

The two of us found a seat by the window and sat down. The waiter came over and presented the menu. After we ordered a few dishes, we fell silent.

I looked up at him in surprise, his face obscured by the shade of the tree

However, my words received no response at all. As the tables and chairs beside me were knocked over, I forced myself to stand up despite my discomfort and almost stumbled as I walked over to their side, wanting to separate them.

I think I was wrong; I shouldn't have doubted Chen Qiaoluo like that before. He is clearly my friend, isn't he? Shouldn't he be the one I trust the most?

In an instant, I instinctively looked down

I gritted my teeth and endured for quite a while before raising my head, and said in a cold voice: "Chen Qiaoluo, have you had enough of this?"

Because I doubt whether Chen Qiaoluo will believe what I say, and even if he does believe it, I wonder if he would fall out with Lei Zi because of me

I bit my lower lip and looked at him without any avoidance in my gaze

As a result, I became extremely disgusted with Lei Zi. Several times, I wanted to tell Chen Qiaoluo about Lei Zi's attitude towards me, but the words would come to my lips and then I would swallow them back down.

His words brought me back to my senses, and I weakly shook my head at him

I suppose that one day I will completely lose Chen Qiaoluo, and now I am slowly losing him.

"Hehe, it's been a long time, hasn't it?" I replied with a perfunctory smile.

Upon hearing my words, a look of disbelief gradually appeared in Chen Qiaoluo's eyes. I do not know how much time passed, but it was not until a breeze brushed against my cheek that I heard his despondent voice. He said: "Zhu Junhao, so in your heart, I, Chen Qiaoluo, am such a person."

It seems that every time I find myself in a dire situation, I encounter Xu Xuan.

Two hours later, I was drenched in sweat, and the sadness that had once consumed me seemed to flow out of my body along with the perspiration

Just when I was about to endure this strange atmosphere and wanted to escape, Chen Qiaoluo spoke again: "You have been avoiding me for a month now, are you going to continue hiding?"

Seeing me like this, he suddenly bent down and touched my forehead with his hand. The heat of his palm was intense, covering my forehead like a furnace

It took me three seconds to understand her meaning, yet I still uncertainly asked, "Are you saying that you are in a relationship with Tong Xiaotian, who follows you every day?"

I turned my face slightly and saw my father sitting by the hospital bed, his complexion appearing somewhat pale. I opened my mouth to call out to him, but my throat felt as if it had been burned by fire, making it extremely uncomfortable

At this moment, I suddenly feel a bit of hatred towards Chen Qiaoluo

This sentence was like a release for my pressure points, and I immediately stood up and said to Chen Qiaoluo: "Let's go, I will take you to the infirmary"

The words of the Guyu are like a clap of thunder, momentarily stunning me into place

"Indeed, a person like him." Li Zi took a sip of water and said, "Don't you think Chen Qiaoluo is too cynical? A boy like him is simply not the type to consider others."

Sadness, accompanied by a tremendous dizziness, surged towards me. Just as I was about to faint, I seemed to hear Gu Yu calling my name, so close yet so distant.

He brought me to the side of the chair and sat me down, then went to the service desk to get me a pair of shoes, crouched down, and helped me put them on.

I stood in place, watching his figure gradually fade away, like a traveler with no way back.

This sentence struck my face like a slap, and I even felt as if my heart was about to explode from the pain. I bit down hard on my lower lip, only releasing it when the strong metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. Everything around me seemed to instantly revert to an ancient desolation, enveloped in utter silence

At that moment, the two of them finally noticed me and quickly stopped their actions. I couldn't help but crouch down to the ground due to the pain

I no longer argue, but simply hold him tightly in my embrace

The rain outside is falling increasingly heavily, producing a crackling sound

I received a text message from Chen Qiaoluo on a night in late October, just as I was getting ready to go to bed. However, he suddenly sent a message asking me to meet him at the Maitian Bar. Although I was somewhat puzzled, I still went out.

I was awakened by this dream, drenched in cold sweat at three o'clock in the morning

The lines on the palm will ultimately change gradually over time

In an instant, a wave of regret washed over me, and I couldn't help but cry again

"Are you going to hit me?" Gu Yu let out a cold laugh, turning his face to look at Chen Qiaoluo, his eyes filled with dark mockery. He said, "What difference is there between me and your father who is in prison? Chen Qiaoluo, I tell you, I will slowly torment you, making your life forever restless"

Do not say any more. I quickly interrupted Chen Qiaoluo's words and said evasively, It is late, I should head back, otherwise my dad will be worried if he doesn't see me later

His words left me stunned. Just then, before I could react, Guyu was suddenly pulled away by someone.

Looking at the boy standing in front of me, who was nearly a head taller, I suddenly felt a pang of sadness. I closed my eyes for a moment, and after a while, I opened them and said: "Chen Qiaoluo, to be honest, I had my doubts about you just now. I wondered if you had deliberately helped that lecherous man trick me into coming out."

One apology after another echoed in my ears, and I reached out my hand to embrace him back

"Why can't I be here?" Gu Yu smiled and retorted, then continued, "As for you, what right does the son of a murderer like you have to like someone else?"

As soon as the words fell, the two of us fell silent again

I looked at her sweet demeanor and truly felt happy for her

The empty venue contained only the two of us. The frustration in my heart needed to be released, so I let go of his hand and glided forward alone. Those unpleasant feelings and heartaches gradually faded away during this gliding motion.

Seeing me like this, Chen Qiaoluo hurried over to support me and asked nervously, "Jun, are you okay?"

In City A, a cold and desolate rain began to fall in late autumn. Due to discomfort from my menstrual period, I had been waiting for a long time after school without leaving. At this moment, the classroom was completely empty, and I sat in my seat feeling somewhat unwell, burying my face in the crook of my arm. Prior to this, I had already called my father to come pick me up, but he was unable to leave the company due to work matters and asked me to wait at school for him.

I was taken aback by the actions of this man, whom I had only met twice, and I found myself at a loss for words

The matter from last time

But what about me? My affections have left us all scarred. Perhaps all of this is simply fate, I think with a bitter smile

I quickly drank a large cup of warm water, and my throat gradually felt less parched. I tried to open my mouth; although it was still somewhat cracked, it was much better than before. I asked, "Dad, how long did I sleep?"

I walked to the door of the private room and knocked, but there was no response for quite a while. After thinking for a moment, I pushed the door open, only to find it empty inside. Just as I was puzzled about what Chen Qiaoluo was up to, suddenly a person rushed out from the shadows beside the door. Before I could react, he grabbed me and pulled me inside, shutting the door behind us

That evening, we talked a lot, and Xu Xuan did not ask me why I was sitting there alone, for which I am grateful; he allowed me to retain the last bit of my dignity

Seeing me looking at him like this, Gu Yu smiled and said, "I happened to pass by your classroom just now and saw you lying here, so I came in to take a look. Zhu Jun, are you alright?"

Having finished this sentence, Chen Qiaoluo turned around and left without a trace of reluctance

Seeing me like this, my father immediately understood, released my hand, poured a glass of water from the nearby cabinet, then slightly raised the head of the bed and handed me the glass of water

The next encounter with Guyu will be in one week

My stomach was already uncomfortable, and now seeing them like this, I became anxious and my stomach hurt even more, cold sweat began to bead on my forehead. While enduring the pain, I gritted my teeth and shouted: "Stop hitting, stop hitting!"

I want to break free, but his hand is tightly bound to me like an iron lock. I turn to look at Chen Qiaoluo, but he shows no reaction at all, merely maintaining the same posture as before, with his head lowered, exuding an air of profound sorrow

We both just looked at each other until I came to my senses and shyly lowered my head

Hmm. Li Zi nodded vigorously and said, "Wasn't it pouring rain that day? You said you had a stomachache and needed to wait for your dad to pick you up, so I left first, right? But when I reached the school gate, I saw Tong Xiao Tian standing there. The wind and rain that day were so fierce, and he stood there like a stone statue, holding an umbrella, completely motionless. In that moment, I knew I was done for."

This is the final year of high school, and the entire teaching building for the third year is filled with a tense atmosphere. Sometimes, standing outside the classroom, I can even smell the ink from the examination papers permeating the whole building, and time seems to be passing more quickly.

Chen Qiaoluo also seemed to know that I was avoiding him, as he did not take the initiative to contact me. Even when we happened to meet in the school hallway, he merely appeared to be on the verge of speaking but never truly stopped me.

Just as I was about to fall asleep, I gradually heard footsteps beside me. I opened my eyes in confusion and saw a boy looking down at me from above. In an instant, I became fully awake and instinctively crawled up from the ground, only to realize that it was Chen Qiaoluo standing there.

Since the last incident, I have always felt that our relationship has changed. We used to be so close and intimate, but now we have become so distant and cold. I slowly began to speak, saying, "I always think about the time you deceived me; it feels like a thorn piercing my heart, causing it to ache from time to time as proof of its existence. I want to believe you, and I always tell myself to trust you, yet I find it impossible to do so. Just take what happened a moment ago as an example; I even had a moment where I hated you."

I do not know whether it is due to the rain or the menstrual pain, but such an environment makes me feel incredibly sad

At 3 PM, there were no customers here, and the girls behind the service desk were all yawning with their heads down. However, upon seeing Xu Xuan, they quickly became alert again

But what about the person you love

Outside, the loud music continued to blare. In my blurred vision, Chen Qiaoluo landed a heavy punch on Lei Zi's face, and then he pulled me up from the sofa and headed for the exit. At that moment, all I could do was cry, as it seemed I was incapable of doing anything else.

In recent days, I have occasionally gone out to eat with Chen Qiaoluo and have encountered Lei Zi multiple times. His gaze still makes me uncomfortable, just as it did at the beginning. I try hard to keep my distance from him, but whenever Chen Qiaoluo is not around, he will come over and even get physical. I am not the kind of weak girl; if he dares to come close, I will definitely make him regret it.

Until I lay on my own bed, I still felt that everything that had happened before was a dream. I had not received any messages from Chen Qiaoluo's phone number, I had not been to the Wheat Field Bar, nor had I met Lei Zi. I deceived myself into thinking that all of this was a dream, yet I could never forget how sad and fragile Chen Qiaoluo's brows and eyes looked under the lights

I have never seen such a Grain Rain, fierce and menacing as if it were a demon crawling out of hell

I struggled to rush out and explain to him, but was stopped by Guyu. He looked at me and said, "Zhu Junhao, do you still want to go out and find him in your current state? I'm afraid that before you even find him, you might lose half your life first"

Upon seeing these messages, I paid them no heed, and when I encountered him again, his gaze was even more covetous

I stood still, and the surroundings suddenly became incredibly quiet. My feet seemed to be rooted to the ground, unable to move. In my line of sight, Chen Qiaoluo wore a sincere expression, a look I had never seen before.

But what does that matter? At this moment, I have only one thought in my mind, which is to explain everything that just happened to Chen Qiaoluo clearly.

I hate that he is not by my side, and I despise his self-indulgence that has put me in danger

Whether it is I, Chen Qiaoluo, or Gu Yu, we are no longer the same as we once were. The knife of time has fiercely cut through our hearts, constructing a new wall.

I did not return to the stands, nor did I watch the subsequent matches; one person ran out of the school.

In the past month, I have not been in contact with Chen Qiaoluo, as if we had mutually agreed to no longer disturb each other's lives

At that moment, a thunderclap suddenly erupted, and as I came to my senses, I wanted to call out to Chen Qiaoluo, but his figure had already vanished at the doorway

Thinking of this, I pushed Gu Yu aside and ran out.

Seeing him so openly lay bare this matter, I was momentarily taken aback and stood there awkwardly.

Considering this, I hesitated for a moment before asking: "Xu Xuan, how did you happen to be there just now?"

I came back to my senses from my memories and saw Li Zi walking towards me, holding two bottles of water. I was sitting in the stands of the playground, where people were continuously passing by, preparing for today's competition

After a while, he finally moved his hand from his forehead and said with a hint of helplessness: "I thought you had a fever, but now it doesn't seem like it."

Just as I was about to be driven mad by this feeling, a sudden loud bang echoed in my ears. Immediately after, I felt someone pull me away, and when I opened my eyes, I saw Chen Qiaoluo appearing in front of me with a face full of anger

Just when I was confused, I heard my father's voice filled with joy and tears, "Daughter, you have finally woken up."

He said: "Zhu Jun, how about we try dating and see how it goes"

In fact, when it comes down to it, Xu Xuan and I are merely strangers who have met a few times. Yet, coincidentally, he always appears at the moments when I need help the most. At that time, I was always too sad to think too much, but now that I have calmed down, I can't shake the feeling that something is amiss. However, that is merely a feeling, and I cannot pinpoint anything substantial.

In an instant, I felt as if struck by lightning, and my entire body became rigid

I smiled faintly and then performed a difficult maneuver

Just as I was hesitating, unsure of how to respond to him, Chen Qiaoluo suddenly said seriously: "Junhao, I like you. I think you should have guessed it long ago. The reason I haven't actively contacted you these days is to give you some time to calm down and carefully consider our previous relationship. I know that my family and background are not worthy of you, but even so, I still want to express my feelings for you in person."

Just when I was feeling down, Li Zi suddenly leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Jun, I want to tell you something, but you must not tell anyone else."

I stood up with a bitter smile, and at that moment, the surroundings returned to their original clamor. I did not say another word, turned around, and stumbled away.

It was at this moment that I realized Xu Xuan had returned to the outside at some point, and I was the only person left in the entire venue.

I took out my phone and sent a text message to Chen Qiaoluo, asking where he was. Before long, I received his reply instructing me to go to the innermost private room. After much effort, I navigated through the crowd and made my way inside, and the noise around me gradually diminished.

At the very moment I nodded, he suddenly said: "If I remember correctly, you confessed to me last semester. At that time, I seemed to have rejected you, but now I want to take it back; I am willing to let you be my girlfriend"

Li Zi handed over the water and said, "I heard someone say that Chen Qiaoluo also participated in the competition when I bought the water just now. I thought that someone like him would never participate in activities that uphold the honor of the class."

A sudden pang of sorrow struck my heart, compelling me to turn away and no longer look at him

I understand the meaning of Li Zi, but I am too lazy to argue. Perhaps in the eyes of others, Chen Qiaoluo is a selfish person, but I know he is not; he can sacrifice a lot for his mother. And as long as I know all of this, that is enough.

The rain outside has become heavier than before, and the wind in the corridor makes me shiver uncontrollably. I finally managed to reach the door of Chen Qiaoluo's classroom, but it is shrouded in darkness.

At that moment, I finally saw his face clearly; it was Lei Zi

The words of Gu Yu felt like a bucket of cold water poured over my heart. It seems that whenever he faces Chen Qiaoluo, he transforms into a different persona, sharp-tongued, bitter, and even hysterical

Chen Qiaoluo looked into my eyes, which were filled with coldness, making me feel as if I were in a world of ice and snow

My gaze was firmly fixed on the two individuals on the playground. Whether it was Chen Qiaoluo or Gu Yu, both of them had left everyone else behind, and neither was willing to yield as they sprinted towards the finish line. Just as they were about to reach the finish line, Chen Qiaoluo on the left suddenly seemed to step on something, causing her body to tilt and fall. A girl's scream echoed, and I instinctively stood up and rushed towards the playground. Just as they were about to reach the finish line, Chen Qiaoluo on the left suddenly seemed to step on something, causing her body to tilt and fall. A girl's scream echoed, and I instinctively stood up and rushed towards the playground.

Seeing me ask this, my father's eyes quickly turned red. He held me tightly in his arms, saying: "You have been asleep for two days. Do you know that your father is almost scared to death by you? Didn't we agree that you would obediently wait for me in the classroom? Why did you run out by yourself? If it weren't for your classmate who happened to see you faint by the roadside and brought you here, who knows what worse could have happened? You, truly a daughter who gives no peace of mind."

I despairingly threw my phone onto the pillow, a deep sense of unease surging within me

In his voice, besides a sense of loss, there was also a subtle hint of disappointment

I know that Guyu's confession to me and everything he said was merely because I am the person Chen Qiaoluo likes, so he wants to come and take me away. Although I am aware of all this, I still feel a bit of pity for him. Like Chen Qiaoluo, he seems to me to be just a pitiful child who has lost his father

I followed Xu Xuan to his skating rink

This matter is Chen Qiaoluo's Achilles' heel, and in an instant, he was defeated, standing there with his head lowered, powerless.

Occasionally in my dreams, I still dream of him. In that dream, there is a vast expanse of mist, and Chen Qiaoluo stands not far from me, with his back turned towards me. His silhouette appears lonely and desolate. He keeps walking forward, no matter how much I call out to him, he does not turn back.

My words rendered Chen Qiaoluo silent

A sense of foreboding gradually spread in my heart. Just when I was at a loss, the referee's gunshot announced the start of the competition. I watched as the two of them ran forward without giving an inch, the cheers of my classmates ringing in my ears. I felt as if I were suspended on a tightrope, filled with anxiety.

I felt it was inappropriate to ask further questions, so I smiled at him, and we chatted like ordinary friends. It was at this moment that I learned some things about Xu Xuan; he is two years older than me, studies at University A, and owns that skating rink.

But just as I had arrived, I did not know whose fist struck my face, and in an instant, I cried out in pain

As soon as I finished speaking, Guyu chuckled lightly, looking as beautiful as a lily. He affectionately ruffled my hair and said, "Do you know? You give me the impression of a weed, strong enough to never be blown down. But it seems I was mistaken; it turns out you can also have such a pitiful side."

Gu Yu did not know when he had followed behind me, and he said: "He has already left long ago, Zhu Jun is well, you need not search for him anymore"

Li Zi asked me what exactly happened between Chen Qiaoluo, even she could see the awkwardness between us

Chen Qiaoluo still stood there, surrounded by dim yellow lights, accompanied only by his shadow, evoking an indescribable sense of loneliness

His actions left me completely frozen in place, not even daring to breathe heavily

Just when I didn't know what to do, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind me: "Chen Qiaoluo, how could someone like you be liked by anyone."

Several thoughts flashed rapidly through my mind

I struggled to step back, but Lei Zi kept advancing. I knew that running away was futile, so I forced myself to calm down and said to him sternly: "Do you know what you are doing? This is a public place!"

As I sobbed, I pounded my fists fiercely against his chest, saying: "Chen Qiaoluo, you bastard, if it weren't for you, how would I have ended up here? If it weren't for you, how would that lecher have taken advantage of me?"

The next day, Chen Qiaoluo did not come to class. I heard from Li Zi that he had suffered a severe sprain in his right foot and was forced to be hospitalized. Although I felt sad inside, I still pretended to be indifferent on the surface. I wanted to visit him, but I realized that I was nothing but a coward now; I was afraid to face him.

As I pushed through the crowd to his side, Chen Qiaoluo had already been taken to the resting area. His face was pale, and cold sweat was continuously beading on his forehead. I felt a surge of panic and quickly crouched down to examine his injury; the area around his ankle, which had been twisted, was already swollen and red.

"Yes, it is all your fault, it is all your doing." I stopped hitting him, crying as I said, "Chen Qiaoluo, do you know how scared I was just now? I even thought that if he succeeded, I would just go die."

It was only at this moment that I realized I no longer unconditionally trusted Chen Qiaoluo as I once did; a certain estrangement had inevitably developed between us, even leading to a chasm that seemed difficult to cross.

Just when I didn't know how to respond, Chen Qiaoluo spoke again, saying: "Zhu Jun, do you remember when we first met? At that time, you were standing on the podium just like me, with thousands of students from the entire school below us. There were only the two of us on stage, and as I looked at you, I thought to myself how bold girls these days are, and I couldn't help but pay a little more attention to you. Just when I was staring at you, you suddenly turned around and smiled at me. There were only the two of us on stage, and as I looked at you, I thought to myself how bold girls these days are, and I couldn't help but pay a little more attention to you. Just when I was staring at you, you suddenly turned around and smiled at me. I think you may have forgotten this little incident, but at that time, I thought your smile was truly beautiful, just like the red peony I had seen when I was a child. After that, it seemed like we hit it off immediately and suddenly became close. Every time I see you laughing heartily, I always think, this girl really has a beautiful smile."

The feeling of having survived a disaster made me unable to hold back my tears

Although I did not understand why Gu Yu suddenly asked this, I still nodded my head

Chen Qiaoluo, who was standing opposite me, remained silent for a moment before finally speaking: "Alright, I will escort you."

Hearing him say this, despair gradually eroded my body, and in that moment, my hands and feet became icy cold

I furrowed my brows and suddenly thought that what he mentioned might be the Grain Rain. It seems that my father is still unaware of the circumstances and merely believes that I fainted by the roadside because I was disobedient and rushed home.

As my gaze passed over his shoulder, I saw that the originally attractive face of Gu Yu had become somewhat distorted. He let out a cold laugh and said, "Repay? Can you afford to repay? If it weren't for your father, how would I be without a dad? If it weren't for your father, how would my mother be bedridden with a serious illness? So I tell you, these debts, you will never be able to repay in your lifetime"

"No, it's not necessary." I reached out to stop a speeding taxi and said, "I can manage on my own. As for you, you should return early to accompany Aunt He Pei. She is the closest person to you in this world, and you shouldn't make her worry any longer."

Leaving the ice rink, it was already dusk outside. Xu Xuan followed me out and insisted on treating me to dinner. Reflecting on everything he had just done for me, I could not refuse and had no choice but to accompany him to the nearby restaurant

Immediately after, Gu Yu pulled my hand and led me forward

Just as I was lost in thought, Chen Qiaoluo stepped in front of me and looked at Gu Yu with a somewhat unfriendly expression, asking, "What are you doing here?"

The wind continuously blows past us, yet my heart gradually stirs with ripples due to the words of Guyu. Just when I was at a loss for what to do, he said nothing more and turned to leave.

Before I could even think of how to respond, Guyu's face drew close, and before I had the chance to react, my lips touched a soft surface

I was taken aback, and when I turned around, I saw Gu Yu standing there, his expression one of provocation that I had never seen before

Perhaps there will truly be no future between us

Seeing Chen Qiaoluo silent, Gu Yu shifted his gaze to me, and his expression gradually softened. He walked around Chen Qiaoluo, stopped in front of me, and suddenly spoke: "Your name is Zhu Junhao, right?"

Before I had a chance to react, Chen Qiaoluo in front had already responded first. He turned around and roared at Gu Yu: "Gu Yu, if there is something, just come at me. Why must you involve innocent people?"

Seeing me cry again, Chen Qiaoluo was momentarily flustered. He released me and, looking at me anxiously, asked: "What’s wrong, Junhao? Did you get hurt somewhere?"

That is the kiss of the Grain Rain

How could I possibly not seek him out? I am the one who has hurt him. I clearly know that his heart is sensitive and fragile, yet I have hurt him time and again. He likes me, which makes my hurt all the more lethal

classmate

"Haha, so what?" Lei Zi, as if he had heard a particularly amusing joke, continued to approach me without pause. He said, "Who in this area doesn't know my great name, Lei Zi? No one can control me."

Could it be referring to the matter of wanting to be in a relationship with me

The two of us have become like strangers, yet we are the most familiar strangers to each other

In November, the school held the sports meeting, which was a month since the last event

After an unknown amount of time, Chen Qiaoluo finally spoke up, saying: "Jun, it's been a long time."

Stop looking

Seeing me like this, the smile on Gu Yu's lips deepened further. He then asked, "Zhu Jun, how have you considered the matter I mentioned to you last time?"

Suddenly, there was an indescribable feeling in my heart

When I arrived at the Wheat Field Bar, it was already close to 10 o'clock. In contrast to the tranquility outside, this street was still a scene of vibrant lights and lively entertainment.

Chen Qiaoluo did not speak again, but even with his back turned to me, I could imagine the look of deep sorrow on his face

I must find him, I must find Chen Qiaoluo

Taking advantage of my father going to buy food for me, I picked up the phone that was placed aside and called Chen Qiaoluo. However, no matter how many times I called, the response on the other end was always a mechanical female voice saying: "Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later"

During this period, we have not been in contact. Although I often see him at school, it is always just a hurried glance. Now, looking closely, I find that he has become much haggard. His once clean chin is now covered with stubble, and even his originally full cheeks have sunken deeply.

Just as I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard the sound of footsteps approaching. I raised my head in confusion and saw Guyu standing beside my desk. The moment I saw him, I was completely taken aback.

Immediately, his voice rang in my ear, saying: "Zhu Jun, let's see how it goes in our relationship. If it ultimately doesn't work out, then let's not force it any further"

Li Zi came to find me in the evening. As soon as she saw me wake up, she couldn't help but embrace me and began to cry.

I ignored Guyu's words and slowly descended the stairs with my weakened body. The area in front of the teaching building was already covered with fallen yellow leaves due to the wind and rain. I stepped outside, and in an instant, the heavy rain drenched me completely, yet I continued to walk forward as if I were numb to it all

He asked, "Where exactly do you feel unwell?"

Hearing me say this, Chen Qiaoluo silently endured my punches, and after a while, he spoke up with a sense of guilt, saying: "I am sorry, Junhao, all of this is my fault, it is my mistake, I should not have given him the opportunity."

As I looked at him, he clapped his hands for me and said with a smile, "That's really impressive!"

I never expected that this fellow would become more and more courageous despite setbacks. I also wonder if he obtained my phone number from Chen Qiaoluo, as he often sends me messages inviting me to go out and have fun

I comforted her for a while, but I heard her sobbing as she said: "Jun, do you know you almost scared me to death? A couple of days ago, when I saw you weren't at school, I asked around, and the teacher said you were hospitalized. But when I came over after school, I saw you lying in bed. No matter how I spoke to you, you didn't respond. The doctor said your condition was very weak. I thought you would wake up the next day, but unexpectedly, it took two days for you to wake up."

This confession was finally spoken by Chen Qiaoluo on this day, one month later.

He is not on the playground, he is not in the laboratory building, he is not at the school gate... It seems that every corner of this school will no longer have Chen Qiaoluo.

I was led to the school garden by Guyu all the way, and only then did he release my hand

I was led onto the ice by Xu Xuan.

Just as I had not fully regained my senses, Chen Qiaoluo suddenly embraced me. Following that, his voice, filled with sadness and guilt, emerged. He said: "Junhao, I am sorry, I am sorry..."

I told Li Zi that I was going to the restroom and then slipped down from the stands. I am not particularly interested in the sports meet; it is merely a competition among a group of people. However, the benefit is that we can gain three days of respite in this dark and oppressive senior year of high school.

It had been a week since we last met, and he had lost quite a bit of weight. At that moment, his face was filled with intense anger. He swung his fist at Gu Yu's face as if he had exerted all his strength, causing Gu Yu's face to tilt slightly to one side. He shouted, "Gu Yu, this was originally just a private matter between us. Why do you insist on entangling Zhu Junhao? I know you hate me, and I, Chen Qiaoluo, guarantee that I won't retaliate if you hit me, but why do you have to hurt Zhu Junhao?"

Someone said: "It seems to be quite serious, we should hurry and take them to the medical room to have a look."

I have forgotten how I returned to Li Zi's side, along with my chaotic emotions. At this moment, the loudspeaker announced that the 400-meter sprint event was about to begin, and I heard the names Gu Yu and Chen Qiao Luo among them

I looked up in surprise and saw Chen Qiaoluo standing there

Innocent? Gu Yu furrowed her brows and suddenly smiled, saying, "Chen Qiaoluo, don't forget, my dad was just an innocent person back then"

I lay under the small tree behind the teaching building, with a gentle breeze blowing on my face. I closed my eyes and allowed the sunlight to pour over me. In this moment, my heart was filled with an unparalleled tranquility

Just as I frowned in pain, Gu Yu's next words took me by surprise once again