Chapter 2

Qiu Xiaoman's voice was filled with excitement, "Ouyang Lie, he has returned!"

Xu Nuo asked: "What do you need Ouyang Lie's help with?"

"That is Brother Lie!" Liu Jincheng exclaimed excitedly, as if electrified. "He has returned? He left when you were in your third year of high school, right? Wasn't it said that he went to the UK?"

The town cultural square becomes crowded with small vendors at night, selling inexpensive daily necessities, snacks, and pirated DVDs, filling the entire square. Since childhood, they have enjoyed coming here to stroll. The items are not valuable, the snacks are not particularly clean, and people jostle against one another, with the aroma of food mingling with the smell of sweat, yet it offers a unique experience.

Qin Haoge let out a light sigh and said, "Xiao Man, Nuo Nuo just returned and came to see us; you should let her catch her breath."

Qiu Xiaoman asked her: "How is school? I heard from Haoge that you will be moving to the old campus in the city in your third year?"

Qiu Xiaoman smiled and said, "It's only been two years. Nono, you need to go find him; I still have something I need him to help with"

The promise is both amusing and absurd, "Where is it that exaggerated? Outside is lively, but it is all commercial streets, selling clothes and shoes"

What?

Qiu Xiaoman said: "I am different from you; I have to start my internship as soon as the college semester begins, and I do not need to return to school. I am studying hotel management, and it is perfectly suitable for me to intern there."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Xiaoman took a step back and said, feeling quite wronged: "Alright! It was my overthinking and jealousy! They are just concerned about you after all"

The promise he made gave him goosebumps on a sweltering summer day

Qiu Xiaoman pinched Xu Nuo's arm and waist, concluding: "You have lost weight, and your muscles have become much firmer. This is good, you must maintain it!"

Qiu Xiaoman expressed her disapproval, saying, "Being too honest is not good. Nono, you should also think more about yourself. The boys in university are naive, and their feelings are genuine. Once you enter society, who knows what they will become." As she spoke, she glanced at Qin Haoge again

Liu Jincheng did not complain about the books this time, but instead shifted his position slightly and held Daba in his arms. Daba greedily watched Xu Nuo eat watermelon, letting out a few reluctant whines.

Liu Jincheng shook his head and said in a philosophical tone: "The hibiscus is but a flesh-covered skeleton."

Qin Haoge asked with a smile, "Isn't the old campus not as good as the new campus?"

Qiu Xiaoman, however, remained calm and composed, smilingly said: "Why ask so many questions when girls are discussing you?"

Two girls are embracing each other.

Xu Nuo held several skewers of meatballs in her hand, gazing at the matching figures of the two people ahead. All the joy and splendor instantly withered away. She felt disheartened and began to eat snacks voraciously, just as she used to do; whenever she was unhappy, she would eat. Eating always brings a sense of happiness.

In those years, more than half of Ouyang Lie's assignments were written by Xu Nuo on his behalf. While Xu Nuo was busy solving problems, he took his brothers to copy someone else's territory. The timing was quite precise; by the time a set of papers was completed, Ouyang Lie had also returned, covered in sweat and blood

Xu Nuo looked down. In her hand was a small bag, which she opened to reveal a pair of earrings that she had just admired.

Just as she was about to leave, Qin Haoge suddenly called out to her and ran over a few steps

Xunuo also thought so. In this world, only coughs and love cannot be concealed. The way she looked at Qin Haoge was so obvious, and Qiu Xiaoman was such a perceptive person, how could she not guess? It's just that the other party simply does not care and does not bother to say it out loud. Anyway, Qin Haoge has no share in her.

Xunuo thought, "I actually think it is better. The school is popular, and the city is lively"

Little Liu's younger brother grabbed Dabao's ear and said: "You are also indecisive and dawdling. If you like him, just tell him; after all, he is unlikely to accept it. You can take this opportunity to let go of your feelings and quickly find someone else while you are still young. Qin Ge is not a mind reader; if you don't speak up, how would he know?"

Behind the house is a clear little stream, with weeds and shrubs growing along the bank. There is a small platform made of bricks where one can rest. Liu Jincheng sits there holding half a large watermelon, swinging his feet, taking a spoonful for himself and feeding a spoonful to the nearby Dabao, displaying great affection.

The beautiful woman complained with a hint of pouting, and Qin Haoge enjoyed it very much. He immediately took her hand and said, "I am not blaming you."

Xu Nuo said irritably: "You think it's that simple. Xiaoman is such a living person still there! We've been friends for over ten years, could I do something like this?"

Qin Haoge shouted loudly: "What do you think Nono is?"

Liu Jincheng calmly wiped the watermelon juice splashed on his face and said, "I mean Brother Qin."

Liu Jincheng's eyes sparkled with excitement: "Brother Lie is back!"

Xu Nuo had just drunk a bellyful of water when the two of them pulled him out the door

Three people indulged in food, drink, and entertainment until late at night. As it became necessary to return home, they parted ways at the bridge. Qin Haoge offered to escort Xiaoman home, promising to return afterward

A promise can only be fulfilled through diligent effort and perseverance

Xu Nuo and Qiu Xiaoman walked hand in hand, while Qin Haoge lagged a few steps behind, feeling utterly bored

He handed something to Xu Nuo, saying, "I noticed you glanced at it several times earlier, you must really like it"

"What?" Xu Nuo exclaimed, but was immediately silenced by Qiu Xiaoman covering his mouth.

Qin Haoge watched the two girls whispering to each other and yawned in boredom

Liu Jincheng danced with excitement while chasing the water mosquitoes, saying: "I never thought Sister Qiu was that great. Isn't she just pretty?"

I have already moved. I returned a few days late, and it was because of the move

Promised but at a loss for words to refute it

Liu Jincheng scoffed: "In the past two years, when have you seen them return without that expression of a lamenting abandoned wife?"

Qiu Xiaoman wrinkled her brow in disgust, disapproving of the high oil content and calories of this item, and handed her portion to Xu Nuo. Qin Haoge smiled helplessly, while Qiu Xiaoman playfully took his hand and acted coy, continuing to walk forward

"It is said that he went for further studies." Xu Nuo scoffed dismissively, "Him? Studying?"

Xu Nuo hurriedly turned around and glanced at Qin Haoge. He was standing in front of a stall buying fried fish balls

Xu Nuo was choked by the watermelon, "You... you think others want to live with you!"

Xu Nuo sighed repeatedly, feeling that he was aging prematurely.

Xu Nuo laughed at him, "Why are you so excited?"

What are you thinking?" Xu Nuo glared at Qiu Xiaoman seriously, "If Hao Ge finds out and gets jealous, you two will have another quarrel.

Qiu Xiaoman immediately asked: "How lively is it? I have heard that the streets outside the school are filled with bright lights and wine, is that true?"

Xu Nuo murmured: "There is no ... ... I am busy reading."

"I just came back from school, how would I know?" Xu Nuo said, "I can inquire about it later. However, it has been two years since we last met, and I have no idea how he is doing now"

Alright, Xu Nuo also knows that he has gone too far. I am in a bad mood, but it is not directed at you. You are my own brother. Come and sit down, I want to ask you something. Do you know that Brother Lie has returned

Promise is not a compliant girl who obeys everything, but she is not rebellious either. In public, she naturally listens to the adults, but in private, she tosses aside her backpack and jumps onto the back seat of the motorcycle, following Ouyang Lie around everywhere

Qin Haoge shook his head, "Nuo Nuo, be obedient and listen."

Qiu Xiaoman glanced back at the nonchalant Qin Haoge, smiled, and leaned close to Xu Nuo's ear to say: "Let me tell you some news"

Xu Nuo returned home slowly. The inn was still bustling, with many people sitting on the terrace drinking tea and playing cards. Grandfather and grandmother had probably gone to bed, leaving only the young attendant to serve outside. Xu Nuo avoided her mother, who was busy calculating accounts at the counter, and quietly slipped to the back of the house

Qiu Xiaoman lowered her voice and said: "I heard that he seems to have returned from the UK and taken over three restaurants in the city. What, you didn't know?"

Qin Haoge shrugged and handed over the octopus balls

Qiu Xiaoman asked again, "Nuo Nuo, do you have a partner now?"

Two people walked to the milk tea shop next door. The shop has air conditioning, making it much cooler, and it is also filled with young people. In the corner sits a young girl with black hair and a white dress, who catches the eye at first glance.

Promise unfulfilled, Qin Haoge has already run back to Qiu Xiaoman's side. The two of them are holding hands and gradually walking away

Xu Nuo awkwardly looked at Qin Haoge, while Qiu Xiaoman repeatedly urged, "Don't pay attention to his expression, just tell me the truth!"

Qiu Xiaoman saw Xu Nuo and smiled sweetly, her bright eyes and white teeth captivating and graceful

Indeed, Xu Nuo said, "If you continue to commit crimes, you can be executed by firing squad directly"

Xu Nuo found it incomprehensible, "Go to him? Qin Haoge will definitely take Zhayao to blow up the building"

What did I say?" Qin Haoge's voice suddenly emerged from behind.

Look! I told you so! Qin Haoge gently pinched the smooth and fair back of Qiu Xiaoman's hand and said, "Do you believe what others say but not what I say? Am I that kind of person?"

Xu Nuo looked up to see his clear eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment

Qin Haoge also came over and said, "At first glance, I found her to be more beautiful than before."

Qiu Xiaoman smiled charmingly, wrapping her arms around Xu Nuo's neck, "Who is your other person? Xu Nuo is my good sister. Isn't that right, Nuo Nuo?"

Xu Nuo snorted coldly: "How old are you? Do you even know what Qin Ge is thinking? Qin Haoge is a real man, capable of supporting her, and he feels good about it! You simply do not understand how to appreciate a woman!"

Xu Nuo glanced at him and said, "Isn't being handsome enough for you men?"

The night in the small town is lively until around 2 or 3 o'clock, and the streets are still filled with tourists who have not yet had their fill of enjoyment. Xu Nuo walks slowly along the river, where children are playing joyfully, and paper lanterns float on the water.

Xu Nuo forced a smile and quickly drank some water

Xu Nuo felt flustered and could not help but glance at Qin Haoge. Qin Haoge was also looking at her with curiosity.

Xu Nuo also said: "Hao Ge has a good reputation, he is the former president of the student council, and everyone praises him when they mention him"

Sister Qiu is beautiful and knows how to be charming, but she is not capable. Such a girl is best suited for being pampered and played with. However, who can endure living with her?

Nono, come here and let me give you a kiss

Xu Nuo and Qin Hao Ge are from the same university, but he is two grades below her, and as a freshman, he lives in the new campus. By the time Xu Nuo finally looks forward to the old campus, Qin Hao Ge has already graduated

Qin Haoge smiled a bit unnaturally, "Let's not talk about this. Nuo Nuo, are you hungry? Let's go, we are going to have barbecue!"

Qiu Xiaoman was unconcerned, "Then just don't let him know. Do you think Qin Haoge is that clever?"

Qiu Xiaoman's beautifully painted phoenix eyes were fixed on Xu Nuo with a smile, making her feel a bit uneasy. Qiu Xiaoman was exceptionally beautiful and in the prime of her youth; being stared at so closely even made Xu Nuo, as a fellow woman, feel a sense of admiration.

Qiu Xiaoman did not let her off easily, pressing further: "You and Haoge are in the same department. After you moved over, did you inquire within the department? Haoge hasn't done anything wrong, has he?"

Liu Jincheng was disheartened, his head hanging low, as he tugged at Dabaos ears, "I will turn sixteen next month..."

Liu Jincheng spoke in a mature tone, cutting straight to the point: "Do you think that if you don't say anything, Sister Qiu won't know?"

Xu Nuo walked over, pushed Da Bao away, seized the watermelon, and sat down to eat it in large bites.

Xu Nuo was taken aback and turned around in a flustered manner

Qin Haoge is also indifferent; he does not know that she does not have pierced ears

You truly do not know what is good for you! Liu Jincheng was furious, standing up abruptly, "I offered you my kind consolation, yet you used it to mock me."

Listen! Qin Haoge immediately said

Therefore, it is also not surprising that the adults at home strongly oppose the two of them associating with each other

Xu Nuo smiled bitterly and touched his ear