Section 1

As soon as they entered the tunnel, the train came roaring in, leaving the two of them stunned.

The father passed away early. In a certain sense, starting from middle school, Gu Lei stepped into Qi Dong's world in the capacity of both an older brother and a father.

Qi Dong's footsteps were slowed even further by the small stalls that occasionally appeared along the mountain path

No! She will be happy! Because she wants Gu Lei to know that she is happy! Because she wants to make herself happy!

Qi Dong wants to make money. Gu Lei then invites a group of close friends to give all their winter vacation homework to Qi Dong, confidently stuffing money into her hands. Seeing Qi Dong holding a large stack of assignments and snatching away a big portion, he feels his arms ache from copying, proudly patting his wallet and saying that thanks to her, his parents praise him for being diligent, and the red envelope for the New Year is quite substantial.

Qi Dong has been with the company for a short time and does not have any particularly close colleagues. Rarely having leisure time, she is too lazy to exhaust herself and simply lags behind the group, leisurely enjoying the scenery while carrying her bag.

The enormous locomotive charged towards them with a devastating force and a powerful roar. Qi Dong was so frightened that she was at a loss. Gu Lei pulled Qi Dong into the tunnel, pressing her firmly against the wall. He held her tightly in his arms and said, "I will protect you"

The two classes attended physical education together, and during the 800-meter run, Qi Qing experienced his first asthma attack. By the time his mother arrived at the hospital, Gu Lei had already completed all the necessary procedures. At that moment, Gu Lei resembled a slender bamboo pole, embodying the youthful innocence of a teenager. However, his calm demeanor in handling matters, akin to that of an adult, captivated and fascinated Qi Dong, who could not take his eyes off him

Gu Lei took out a red envelope and gave it to Qi Dong. Thirteen coins. The number thirteen is considered unlucky in the West. But Gu Lei said: "There are only twelve months in a year, but I want to take care of you one month more than everyone else"

The company union organized a spring outing and hiking activity over the weekend, requiring all employees to participate. This provided Qi Dong and Cheng Feng with an opportunity for closer interaction.

It was too late to escape the tunnel. Gu Lei made a decisive decision, pulling Qi Dong tightly against the rock walls of the culvert, which were less than half a meter deep on either side of the tunnel.

Another voice stubbornly echoed in my mind

At that time, Qi Dong silently told herself that she had found the best man in the world

In the pot, there are steaming stir-fried potatoes piled high, their fresh yellow color sprinkled with finely chopped green scallions, creating a vivid and aromatic display. On the iron rack, dark yellow stinky tofu is sizzling away, accompanied by dishes of sesame peanut powder and chili sauce, which, with just one whiff, makes the throat involuntarily swallow.

Later, Gu Lei told Qi Dong that when he was a child, he often saw his grandmother loving to eat leftovers instead of fresh dishes. His mother said it was because his grandmother loved them. He said that she was the best woman in the world. He said, Qi Dong, I have also found the best woman in the world

Qi Dong smiled foolishly as she counted the coins over and over again, repeatedly savoring Gu Lei's words. Each word struck her heart with a mix of sourness and sweetness. Since that time, the two of them began to meet secretly.

At the summit, there is a Zhenwu Temple. During the activities organized by the company union, various awards were specifically set up, with a cash prize of 2,000 yuan for the top three climbers. The redemption point is located in the square in front of the temple.

It is said that the prizes are substantial, and as soon as one enters the mountain gate, the crowd surges forward. The path up the mountain winds along the mountain stream, with narrow walkways built in many places to cross the water. As time passes, the line gradually stretches into a long, serpentine formation along the mountain path. The distance between individuals gradually increases; apart from those with good stamina who have a chance of winning a prize, others tend to form small groups based on their relationships with one another.

During their university years, Gu Lei played basketball while Qi Dong was responsible for getting the meals. She arrived late and couldn't buy good dishes, so when it was time to eat, she didn't take any meat and casually said, "You eat it, I'm on a diet."

When her mother passed away, she held Gu Lei tightly and cried, "Gu Lei, you must not die before me. I am afraid of being alone."

Qi Dong tightly pressed the quilt against her heart, holding it close. That place was too empty, so empty that it made her anxious and afraid

However, upon returning home, Qi Dong quickly took a shower and washed her hair. The mere thought of Cheng Feng reaching out to affectionately tousle her hair made her shudder

The fragments of memories surged and scattered in Qi Dong's dreams. In the moment of waking with a start, tears flowed from Qi Dong like a spring. In those youthful days, she had poured all her passion and love into them. Yet, upon awakening from the dream, all she saw was the quiet night light filtering through the curtains

Qi Dong's family is in a difficult situation. Her mother has repeatedly instructed her to develop the habit of taking care of Qi Qing, naturally leaving all the good food for Qi Qing and never taking any for herself

Qi Dong felt a subtle fear of getting closer to Cheng Feng. She felt as if she were walking on a tightrope, with the possibility of falling into an abyss at any moment. The voice in her heart kept persuading her that there is no love now, but there could be familial affection in the future. How many people's love continues to endure deeply after marriage?

In this world, only Gu Lei has ever affectionately tousled her hair like this

It is said that the love between men and women is akin to a war; it is either the east wind overpowering the west wind, or the west wind prevailing over the east wind. However, the origin of war is love. Without love, sincerity is lost

In the dim light, Gu Lei's eyes shone astonishingly bright. He held Qi Dong's hand and said, "Qi Dong, don't forget this place; our first kiss was here"

In the city, fearing an encounter with acquaintances, the two went on a date to the suburbs, walking along the railway. They did not know how long they had been walking when they found themselves deep inside a train tunnel.

On that occasion, Gu Lei threw away the spoon and embraced Qi Dong. Her head rested in his arms, but Qi Dong felt that Gu Lei was crying.

He did not order a spicy dish and gently said to Dong, "I actually enjoy Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisine very much"

Qi Dong closed her eyes, pressing against Gu Lei's chest, tightly embracing his waist, fearing that he might be swept away by a train outside. The wheels grinding against the tracks produced a thunderous sound, tearing at Qi Dong's nerves. In that moment, holding Gu Lei, Qi Dong felt that even dying together with him was not something to be afraid of

The climbing destination is Xiaoyang Mountain, which is a two-hour drive from the city. Xiaoyang Mountain is not high, featuring unique peaks, winding paths, and lush vegetation. The ascent and descent take only about two to three hours, making it ideal for leisure hikers.

Time seems to have grown weary, no longer rushing minute by minute. The sound of birdsong travels far, as if it is near at hand, yet also seems to echo through the mountains. Sunlight filters down through the peaks and trees, casting mottled shadows that are filled with a tranquil beauty

A week ago, Qi Dong would have secretly rejoiced at the opportunity to get closer to Cheng Feng. Now, the uncertainty in her heart dampens her interest in seriously planning this trip.

The two of them silently kissed, their lips pressed against each other, until Qi Dong could no longer hold back and pushed Gu Lei away, gasping for breath

He did not die, yet he still left her, allowing her to live alone by herself

But will deliberately seeking a marriage partner and selling oneself lead to happiness? Can happiness be achieved solely through providing excellent after-sales service to each other after marriage?

Qi Dong fell in love earlier than Qi Qing

The last whisper of the wind chased after the train. Qi Dong's heart, which had just settled, was once again lifted to her throat. Gu Lei's soft lips rested on hers, motionless

One party deliberately promotes, while the other willingly accepts, resulting in a naturally joyful gathering of hosts and guests

She is like a split person with two minds and two hearts. One half desperately tries to persuade her to accept a partner, while the other half stubbornly resists. Whenever the profound face appears in her mind, the stubborn other Qi Dong surrenders. The man who entered her life when she was twelve, possessing all her affection and love, is no longer there; the love she clings to cannot provide her with a complete life. Qi Dong almost resignedly forces herself to capture Cheng Feng. The man who entered her life when she was twelve, possessing all her affection and love, is no longer there; the love she clings to cannot provide her with a complete life. Qi Dong almost resignedly forces herself to capture Cheng Feng

He secretly slipped it into her drawer. Qi Dong felt embarrassed and quietly said it was unnecessary, but Gu Lei shot him a glare. The next day, he still secretly slipped it into her drawer

Stinky tofu for one yuan per skewer

That night, Qi Dong had a nightmare

The dining environment is elegant and the atmosphere is warm. Qi Dong conceals her emotions, successfully embodying the persona of a pure and lovely young woman. Cheng Feng, dressed in short-sleeved shirt and trousers, wears frameless glasses, exuding a mature and refined demeanor

Gu Lei swore, "It won't happen, it won't happen!"

At that moment, he did not notice that Qi Dong behind him had a frozen expression, with her nails digging into her palm

Braised potatoes, 5 yuan per bowl

Qi Qing did not want to be in the same class or sit at the same table as Qi Dong. Since middle school, the two had been in the same school and grade but in different classes

Qi Dong was at a loss, unable to determine.

Qi Dong's mother supports two daughters in their education on a limited family budget. Qi Dong enjoys eating fruit, and Gu Lei remembers to bring her a piece of fruit every day

Qi Dong breathed a sigh of relief at no longer eating spicy food. She also appreciated Cheng Feng's awareness and attentiveness, which once again earned him points in her eyes, convincing herself that she was worthy of continuing her sales plan