Chapter 5, The Reconciliation of the Cold War

Zhao Xiaojun stared at Chen Qiaoqi's right fist for a long while, and only after some time did her thoughts return to normal. She glanced at him with some concern, suppressing the urge to ask. She looked at him and said softly, "For no reason at all, why did you hit someone? You are no longer a child; you cannot act so willfully and impulsively!" Chen Qiaoqi, not knowing why, said sadly, "When have I ever acted like a child! I have never been a child!" Zhao Xiaojun couldn't help but soften her tone and said, "Saying such childish things, how can you not be a child? Tomorrow, you will come with me to apologize! Let's consider what happened tonight as if it never occurred." Chen Qiaoqi shrugged his hand off and said, "Dream on! Don't get your hopes up!"

Su Riqin said in a low voice, "I am truly sorry about last night. My brother thought you were some kind of troublemaker, which is why he struck you! Please do not hold it against him!" Su Riqin looked at her, feeling ashamed and unable to lift his head, and humorously remarked, "Your brother's punch could rival that of Wu Song!" Su Riqin's face turned red as he quietly said, "He is simply uncontrollable! There was really no other way, you—" Su Riqin comforted her, saying, "How can I, as a man, hold a grudge against a middle school kid?" He humorously added, "Your brother's punch could rival that of Wu Song!" Su Riqin's face turned red again as he quietly said, "He is simply uncontrollable! There was really no other way, you—" Su Riqin comforted her, saying, "How can I, as a man, hold a grudge against a middle school kid? You shouldn't look so remorseful; it's not your fault! Alright, alright, if you really feel bad about it, bring some fruit to comfort this injured person of mine." Zhao Xiaojun immediately replied, "Alright, alright, alright, what fruit do you like? I will go buy it right away!"

Zhao Xiaojun asked, "Is school over?" He nodded. Lin Qingchuan quickly got up and said, "It's so late! I've wasted another afternoon with you. I need to hurry back to school to study." Saying this, she hurriedly left. Chen Qiaoqi leaned against the door, arms crossed, and casually asked, "Is that guy named Su still pursuing you?" Zhao Xiaojun passed by him and replied awkwardly, "Kids shouldn't worry about so much! Just focus on studying." Chen Qiaoqi followed her and asked, "Do you like him?" Zhao Xiaojun impatiently said, "Why are you so talkative today!" Chen Qiaoqi looked at her intently, and strangely, he did not say anything further.

Standing outside the door, Zhao Xiaojun wanted to reach out and remove her scarf. Su Riqin took a deep breath, and under the cover of the night, pretended to be calm and said, "Zhao Xiaojun, I have always liked you." Zhao Xiaojun felt a bit awkward and was about to say something tactful to ease the situation when Su Riqin stepped closer, and the two were very close together. Zhao Xiaojun leaned against the door, her eyes showing a hint of panic. Su Riqin looked down at her, just about to express his feelings passionately when the door suddenly swung open with a loud "bang." Both of them were startled and turned to look at Chen Qiaoqi, who had poked her head out, causing them to instinctively huddle together.

Stepping out and complaining, she said: "Are you crazy? Money shouldn't be spent like this!" Chen Qiaoqi shrugged and replied: "Don't you like it? I think it looks quite nice when worn." Zhao Xiaojun still indignantly said: "Why would something like this cost so much? They sell them in bulk at the zoo, and in Wudaokou, they are also sold in batches. Who can tell the real from the fake? You're just a spendthrift!" Chen Qiaoqi handed her the bag in his hand, and Zhao Xiaojun turned her head away, sulking: "No! I didn't say I wanted to buy it, you keep it for yourself!"

The two individuals walked along, the cold wind howling through the night, fiercely whipping past their ears. The air was chilly, and every breath they exhaled turned into a mist that vanished into the darkness. Zhao Xiaojun covered her ears with her hands, stamped her feet, and said, "Why is it so cold tonight?" She tucked her hands into the sleeves of her coat, hunched her shoulders, and took deep breaths. Su Riqin looked at her and said, "It's colder tonight; if you're so afraid of the cold, why didn't you bring a scarf?" He then took off the scarf wrapped around his neck. Zhao Xiaojun hurriedly replied, "No need, no need. We'll be there soon." Su Riqin stood in front of her, and without further ado, wrapped the scarf around her neck, smiling as he said, "This is what a gentleman should do." Zhao Xiaojun had no choice but to retract her outstretched hand. She felt a bit awkward, but fortunately, it was dark, and it was hard to see clearly at this late hour.

Chen Qiaoqi let out a cold snort: "Apologize? I should add a few more punches!" Zhao Xiaojun trembled with anger: "When did you become so violent! Why do you have to hit people! Are you out of your mind!" Chen Qiaoqi punched the door, producing a loud "bang," instantly frightening Zhao Xiaojun, whose face changed color. Chen Qiaoqi said fiercely: "Encountering a woman like you, I will go crazy sooner or later!"

Zhao Xiaojun turned his shoulder and asked in a deep voice: "Chen Qiaoqi, why did you say such things? Tell me! You are not someone who enjoys spreading rumors! What is the reason?" Chen Qiaoqi could no longer hold back, erupting like a volcano, and shouted: "Don't you know? I like you! I don't like that Su person chasing after you! I don't like you associating with him!" Zhao Xiaojun looked at him in shock, almost unable to believe it. Chen Qiaoqi's words were like a lightning bolt, striking her directly on the head, leaving her stunned and unable to move.

Zhao Xiaojun suddenly felt a sense of lightness throughout her body, a smile unconsciously appearing at the corners of her mouth, and she uttered a soft "Hmm." The long-standing cold war between the two finally came to an end, fortunately not dragging into the new year, but catching up on the last day of the old year. She then asked, "Why was the call from an unfamiliar number?" Chen Qiaoqi did not respond, and after a long pause, suddenly said, "I'm sorry." Zhao Xiaojun did not expect him to apologize, and was taken aback for a moment, quickly saying, "It's fine, it's fine, it's all in the past now." Unexpectedly, Chen Qiaoqi said, "I shouldn't have let you go back alone." Zhao Xiaojun was stunned; it turned out that this was what he cared about! But regardless of anything, the cold war between the two had finally come to an end.

On Christmas Eve, Zhao Xiaojun's school held a dance. Although she could not dance, she was to stand at the entrance as a welcoming hostess, or more plainly, as a sentry. She would hand out invitations, help direct people, and answer some questions. As most of the guests had arrived, she and a few others slipped inside. The music began to play, the lights flickered, and the crowd was lively and bustling. Others laughed and glided into the dance floor with their partners, twirling gracefully, stepping forward and back, moving left and right, handsome men and beautiful women, chatting cheerfully, and the atmosphere was vibrant. Zhao Xiaojun sat in a somewhat dim corner sipping cold juice, taking small sips, tapping the table, feeling bored. Watching the crowd dance continuously to one song after another, she felt a bit dizzy. Squinting slightly, she suddenly recalled Cinderella's ball, the fairy's magic, the beautiful and splendid dresses, the pumpkin carriage, the glass slipper, and the chime of midnight.

Zhao Xiaojun was astonished by Chen Qiaoqi's strength, not expecting him to be so powerful that she could not break free no matter how hard she struggled. She stared at him, standing there in anger, and after a while, with a serious expression, said: "We need to clarify this now! Why did you hit someone? Why didn't you apologize after hitting them?"

Chen Qiaoqi hummed and said, "Who would have thought of this!" However, he remembered all of Zhao Xiaojun's phone numbers, including her mobile, home, and dormitory numbers. They had long been engraved in his mind, allowing him to dial them at any time and place. Zhao Xiaojun, somewhat angrily, asked, "When did you lose it?" Chen Qiaoqi replied, "Just lost it." As if it had nothing to do with him. He then added, "I will go buy a new one right away. I will call you later." After struggling for so long, Zhao Xiaojun asked again, somewhat angrily, "When did you lose it?" Chen Qiaoqi said, "Just lost it." As if it had nothing to do with him. He then said, "I will go buy a new one right away. I will call you later." After struggling for so long and holding back his anger for so long, he suddenly couldn't wait to buy a new phone and went to a public phone booth to call her. Zhao Xiaojun scolded, "Prodigal! Just send a text. Phone calls are very expensive." Chen Qiaoqi impatiently said, "Who has the patience to send a text?" Zhao Xiaojun huffed and said, "Who is like you, the whole young master!"

Upon seeing him deliberately acting like a rogue, Zhao Xiaojun forcefully pounded his shoulder and shouted, "When did you learn to behave like the thugs outside? Now you even dare to hit people!" Chen Qiaoqi suddenly pulled her into his embrace and said in a fierce tone, "Then I will show you what a rogue looks like!" He tightened his hold on her and pretended to kiss her. Zhao Xiaojun struggled desperately, feeling as if his arms were made of iron and stone, immovable. When she saw that he was truly about to kiss her, in a moment of panic, she turned her head and bit down on his shoulder. Chen Qiaoqi winced in pain, but he did not release his grip on her.

The next day, when Zhao Xiaojun arrived at school to study, Su Riqin looked at her with a haggard face and repeatedly questioned, "Not only do you have a boyfriend, but you are also engaged? Why didn't you tell me earlier!" Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback and replied, "Who are you talking about?" In his anger, Su Riqin spoke without thinking, "You have disappointed me too much! Zhao Xiaojun, I feel like I have wasted my time knowing you!" Zhao Xiaojun angrily asked, "Who did you hear this from? How could you say such things?" Su Riqin interrupted her, "Your brother said it himself, it can't be false! Zhao Xiaojun, I feel like I have wasted my time knowing you!" Zhao Xiaojun angrily asked again, "Who did you hear this from? How could you say such things?" Su Riqin interrupted her again, "Your brother said it himself, it can't be false! I really brought this upon myself! I was rejected by you and still couldn't let go, I truly deserve it! I just didn't expect it to be like this! Why couldn't you just say it clearly!" He left, filled with both sadness and anger, heartbroken.

After being away for more than half a year, returning to her mother's home felt just as noisy and chaotic as before. The entire family crowded together at this time, pushing and shoving, coming and going, responding coldly and indifferently, speaking politely yet in a disordered manner. Zhao Xiaojun felt quite troubled. On New Year's Eve, her younger brother started to make a fuss again, being relentless and unreasonable, completely ignoring the advice of others, creating a disturbance that upset everyone. Although it was just the childish noise of a little kid, which happened often, for some reason, Zhao Xiaojun suddenly found it particularly unbearable. It was as if this significant and lively occasion had nothing to do with her, leaving her feeling entirely detached. This place always had a sense of estrangement, never truly reaching her heart; it was not her real home. Thinking of others, families were all together, filled with laughter and joy, preparing for the New Year, while she felt an indescribable sense of desolation.

Standing quietly in front of the glass door of a small clothing store, what she saw was not the clothes hanging inside, but rather her own somewhat blurred reflection, faintly visible, with only the general outline discernible. She stood there in a daze, her thoughts momentarily blank, unsure of what to do. Her phone rang again, and Zhao Xiaojun let it ring, maintaining the same posture, unwilling to move. However, this time it seemed particularly persistent, ringing incessantly. Some passersby couldn't help but look at her in surprise. The phone rang again, and Zhao Xiaojun let it ring, still holding her position, not wanting to budge. But this time it seemed very insistent, ringing continuously. Some passersby couldn't help but look at her in surprise. Zhao Xiaojun finally took it out, lazily uttering a "Hello." There was silence on the other end. After waiting for a while, Zhao Xiaojun grew somewhat impatient and suddenly glanced at her phone, as if she had thought of something, neither hanging up nor speaking. She remained frozen like that for a while until a low, familiar voice finally came through, "It's me." After waiting for a while, Zhao Xiaojun grew somewhat impatient and suddenly glanced at her phone, as if she had thought of something, neither hanging up nor speaking. She remained frozen like that for a while until a low, familiar voice finally came through, "It's me."

He stood up in a bit of a fluster and said straightforwardly, "I didn't bring that much cash today. Let's talk about it next time." He hurriedly walked out. Chen Qiaoqi suddenly said, "Check out!" Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback for a moment and kicked him, saying, "Are you crazy!" The waitress hurriedly printed the bill and processed the card, leaving no time to stop it. Zhao Xiaojun desperately tugged at his clothes in secret, constantly signaling with his eyes, but Chen Qiaoqi pretended not to notice. As the bank receipt printed out little by little, Zhao Xiaojun stood helplessly to the side. Zhao Xiaojun desperately tugged at his clothes in secret, constantly signaling with his eyes, but Chen Qiaoqi pretended not to notice. As the bank receipt printed out little by little, Zhao Xiaojun stood helplessly to the side

She was a staff member at the venue, and only after the performance ended and most people had left did she start tidying up to prepare to go home. Su Riqin seized the opportunity to run over and asked with a smile, "How is it? Are you feeling tired?" Zhao Xiaojun picked up her coat and replied, "Not too bad, I should be leaving now." Su Riqin quickly interjected, "It's quite late, let me take you home. Don't you live outside? It's a bit unsafe for a girl." Zhao Xiaojun didn't have time to refuse; before she could respond, he had already pushed the door open and stepped outside. Zhao Xiaojun felt it would be inappropriate to decline, as it would make her seem petty.

Chen Qiaoqi took a long time to get up, silently walked into the room, and slammed the door with a thunderous noise Zhao Xiaojun suddenly let out a sigh of relief, her tense muscles instantly relaxed, and she slumped onto the sofa She had truly been frightened just now Chen Qiaoqi, in that state, had genuinely scared her Zhao Xiaojun began to feel a deep-seated wariness towards him, realizing that he was no longer a child

Zhao Xiaojun shook her head with a smile, pulling Chen Qiaoqi to leave. The young lady, still not giving up, said: "If the young lady buys it, we can also teach you how to style your hair! Would you like to try the effect first?" Before Zhao Xiaojun could respond, Chen Qiaoqi had already stopped. The young lady, understanding the situation, pulled Zhao Xiaojun to sit in a chair and styled her hair in front of the mirror. She then adorned her with hairpins and several other small accessories. The young lady stepped back a few paces, looked at her a few times, and praised: "With your hair styled up, your facial contours are revealed, making you even more beautiful." She continued to shower her with compliments. Zhao Xiaojun hesitated and inquired about the price, only to be taken aback, as it was completely beyond her expectations

Zhao Xiaojun collected her thoughts, raised her head to look at him, and slowly shook her head: "I am sorry!" Her eyes were filled with remorse. Su Riqin had indeed been sincere towards her, which was why she felt guilty. In an instant, the world before Su Riqin turned gray, and his face immediately paled. After a long while, he forced a smile and said: "It’s alright, given what happened last night, it seems a bit inappropriate to say this suddenly. I am serious. Zhao Xiaojun, I will not easily let you go like this." Zhao Xiaojun opened her mouth, forced a smile, and said: "It’s alright, given what happened last night, it seems a bit inappropriate to say this suddenly. I am serious. Zhao Xiaojun, I will not easily let you go like this." Zhao Xiaojun opened her mouth, silently looking at him, as if she had something to say.

Su Riqin immediately stopped her, saying: "Zhao Xiaojun, don't refuse so quickly! At least give me a chance! At least give me a chance to like you!" Zhao Xiaojun looked at the pleading and expectation in his eyes, as well as the anxiety and unease, feeling a pang of guilt. She neither nodded nor shook her head, and before leaving, she said: "Everyone should think it over!" Turning to leave, she sighed inwardly, realizing that she had to find a way to make him completely give up. Dragging this out without clarity was truly awkward, especially since they would see each other often.

Zhao Xiaojun felt a sense of lightness upon hearing his voice, her entire body relaxed, and she decided not to dwell on these matters. She casually asked, "Where are you? Why does it sound a bit noisy?" Chen Qiaoqi replied, "I am at the street using a public phone." Zhao Xiaojun inquired, "What about your mobile phone?" "I lost it," he responded. Zhao Xiaojun couldn't help but raise her voice, "Lost it? How could you lose it? Do you have a backup of the numbers in that phone?" Losing a mobile phone is a minor issue, but what is most concerning is the loss of the stored phone numbers. Zhao Xiaojun had also lost a new mobile phone, which she had purchased with her earnings from tutoring, and it had caused her great distress because she couldn't remember a single phone number.

Zhao Xiaojun heard that it was Chen Qiaoqi who spread the rumors, and her blood surged with anger, flames of rage igniting within her, leaving her speechless as she immediately rushed back. It happened to be Saturday, and Chen Qiaoqi was sitting on the sofa watching television. Seeing her return in a fit of anger, he looked up and asked, "What’s wrong? Do you want some water?" As he spoke, he stood up to pour her a glass of water. Zhao Xiaojun took a few strides towards him and coldly said, "Sit down!" Chen Qiaoqi wore a puzzled expression but obediently sat back down on the sofa. Zhao Xiaojun glared at him and asked, "What exactly did you say to Su Riqin?" Chen Qiaoqi feigned understanding, shrugged, and replied, "I didn’t say anything!" Zhao Xiaojun was so furious that she could hardly speak, glaring at him fiercely. She took a few steps closer and coldly reiterated, "Sit down!" Chen Qiaoqi, still looking bewildered, complied and sat on the sofa. Zhao Xiaojun shot him a cold glare and asked again, "What did you say to Su Riqin?" Chen Qiaoqi maintained his feigned ignorance, shrugging and saying, "I didn’t say anything!" Zhao Xiaojun was nearly at a loss for words from her anger, glaring at him and shouting, "You didn’t say anything! How can you still say you didn’t say anything! What has happened to you now! Chen Qiaoqi, what on earth are you doing! Have you lost your mind!" Chen Qiaoqi pretended not to hear.

Zhao Xiaojun pointed at a specialty store and asked, "Aren't you going in to take a look? The boys at our school all like to wear this brand of clothing. Moreover, there are discounts twice a year." Chen Qiaoqi glanced over and, puzzled, replied, "What’s so good about those clothes? They are poor quality and unattractive, and they look quite odd." Zhao Xiaojun huffed, "Isn't it you who looks odd? How can such expensive clothes be considered poor quality!" Chen Qiaoqi walked straight to the specialty store upstairs. He stopped at a lavishly decorated store with well-displayed items. Zhao Xiaojun watched with wide eyes as he selected a jacket, chose pants, picked out towels and gloves, casually draped them over himself to try them on, then asked the sales assistant to wrap them up before paying with a card.

Su Riqin thought to himself that this was truly a fortuitous moment, with the right timing, location, and people, and he must seize it. Along the way, he continuously pondered how to express his feelings of admiration, considering various outcomes. Before he knew it, they had arrived at the bottom of the stairs. Zhao Xiaojun smiled and said, "We have arrived, thank you for seeing me back so late, I should go up now." Su Riqin hated his own hesitation and nervousness, feeling indecisive and somewhat flustered as he said, "Let me take you up. It's only right to see you to the end." The two of them ascended the stairs step by step, and before long, they had reached the second floor. The night was particularly quiet, and just as they reached the second floor, the light suddenly dimmed. Zhao Xiaojun frowned and said, "Why isn't the sensor light on for this staircase? It's eerily dark and quite frightening." They moved towards the door in the faint light.

Zhao Xiaojun barely suppressed her anger as it surged up, saying while tugging at his arm: "Are you going or not!" Chen Qiaoqi forcefully shook her off and coldly sat down on the sofa with a snort. Zhao Xiaojun was unexpectedly thrown off balance by him. Growing even angrier, she stood in front of him, her face darkened, and coldly said: "Are you going to apologize? Is it reasonable to act so defiantly after hitting someone!" Chen Qiaoqi crossed his legs and ignored her with a sidelong glance.

Chen Qiaoqi raised the bag in his hand and asked, "You really don't want it?" Zhao Xiaojun nodded vigorously, saying, "I said I don't want it, so I really don't!" Chen Qiaoqi glanced at her and forcefully threw the bag over the railing. Zhao Xiaojun was startled, looking at the beautifully wrapped bag lying quietly on the ground, and angrily reached out to hit him, saying, "You are really crazy!" Chen Qiaoqi shrugged and replied, "You don't want it either! What use is it for me to keep it?" Zhao Xiaojun, furious, glared at him through gritted teeth. Then, without saying a word, she ran over to pick up the bag next to the trash can, glaring at him and resentfully saying, "Since I don't want it, I might as well take it! It doesn't cost me anything!" Chen Qiaoqi looked at her with a grin, humming a little tune. Frustrated, she hit him again, saying, "What are you laughing at! What are you so proud of!"

The next morning, Zhao Xiaojun coldly ordered him to apologize to Su Riqin again. Chen Qiaoqi, with a sullen face, threw his backpack aside, skipped breakfast, and went to class after putting on his shoes. Zhao Xiaojun was so angry that she did not return at noon to cook for him, thinking it would be better if he starved to death; it was simply outrageous!

Autumn in Beijing is the best season of the year, clear, transparent, and bright. The sunlight pours down like gold through the fine gaps in the locust tree leaves, bright and dazzling, making it hard for one to open their eyes. The sky is unprecedentedly blue, vast and high, evoking a feeling that indeed inspires poetry to reach the azure heights, truly making autumn days surpass spring mornings. However, without noticing, in the blink of an eye, the west wind begins to rise, dust swirling, and before one realizes, winter has arrived. The roads are exceptionally clean, swept by the wind, with rustling fallen leaves on either side. Zhao Xiaojun accompanies Chen Qiaoqi to the mall to buy winter clothes.

Chen Qiaoqi held her tightly and turned her head to kiss her. Zhao Xiaojun's tears suddenly flowed out as she cried, "Chen Qiaoqi, let go!" Chen Qiaoqi seemed startled by her tears and loosened his grip slightly. He raised his finger to wipe the tears from the corner of her eyes, murmuring, "Don't cry, don't cry! Will you go out with me?" Upon hearing his words, Zhao Xiaojun was even more frightened. She struggled hard and broke free from his embrace, retreating repeatedly. Chen Qiaoqi gritted his teeth and looked at her, saying with some pain, "Xiaojun, will you go out with me?" Zhao Xiaojun turned and ran outside, her tears flowing even more fiercely. Chen Qiaoqi, not even wearing shoes, chased after her barefoot, grabbing her and pulling her into his arms. Zhao Xiaojun, with tears streaming down her face, said, "Chen Qiaoqi, what are you doing!"

Chen Qiaoqi dragged her inside and asked, "What are you going to do?" Zhao Xiaojun desperately wiped her tears and said in confusion, "Chen Qiaoqi, let me think about what exactly happened!" Seeing her face full of sorrow, Chen Qiaoqi couldn't help but loosen her grip. Zhao Xiaojun, with tears streaming down her face, weakly said, "Don't follow me!" and quickly walked outside. Zhao Xiaojun was horrified, questioning herself about what was going on! Chen Qiaoqi stared at her, not daring to follow, and when she saw her heading towards the school, she felt somewhat relieved, thinking that she was probably going to find Lin Qingchuan.

Lin Qingchuan suddenly smiled and said: "In fact, when dealing with someone like you, no matter how good his methods are, they will be ineffective. If you drag things out until the end, you will definitely yield. Just think about it, if one day someone gives you a rose, you might not take it to heart, or even scoff at it. But if he gives you a rose every day, you cannot help but take it to heart. Who can resist such charm?" Zhao Xiaojun scoffed, but he gives you a rose every day, you cannot help but take it to heart. Who can resist such charm?" Zhao Xiaojun scoffed and said: "Where did you get this strange idea! Once we graduate, won't we all go our separate ways! You are overthinking it!" Lin Qingchuan laughed: "He can just work with you!" Just as Zhao Xiaojun was about to refute, Chen Qiaoqi suddenly pushed the door open.

After a long while, she finally came to her senses and weakly said, "Stop talking nonsense! Do you know what it means to like someone?" Chen Qiaoqi tightly wrapped his arms around her, buried his head in her neck, and said with a hint of choking, "I like you! I've always liked you! Don't you know? Please don't date anyone else, okay?" Zhao Xiaojun felt her whole body stiffen, a mix of shock, anger, and shyness. She shouted loudly, "Chen Qiaoqi, let go!" Chen Qiaoqi held her even tighter, shaking his head and saying, "I won't let go! I won't let go! I will never let go!" Zhao Xiaojun was so anxious that tears streamed down her face. She buried her head in his neck and said with a hint of choking, "I like you! I've always liked you! Don't you know? Please don't date anyone else, okay?" Zhao Xiaojun felt her whole body stiffen again, a mix of shock, anger, and shyness. She shouted loudly, "Chen Qiaoqi, let go!" Chen Qiaoqi held her even tighter, shaking his head and saying, "I won't let go! I won't let go! I will never let go!" Zhao Xiaojun was so anxious that tears streamed down her face, her body slightly trembling, her hands and feet cold, struggling with all her might, but it was of no use.

Chen Qiaoqi stamped her foot on the ground fiercely, tossed her head, and coldly huffed, "You still recognize me!" She forcefully swung the door open and left without looking back. Zhao Xiaojun, infuriated, vented her anger on the cushion on the sofa. Fine, Chen Qiaoqi, you are ruthless! Zhao Xiaojun did not greet anyone, grabbed her suitcase, and, along with Lin Qingchuan, struggled to rush to the West Railway Station, squeezing through the crowd, enduring the ordeal as they hurried home.

Deliberately lingering at school for evening self-study, she returned home quite late. When she got back, the living room was empty and desolate. Zhao Xiaojun found it somewhat strange; could it be that Chen Qiaoqi had not returned yet? Just as she was pondering this, Chen Qiaoqi walked out of the room, not even glancing at her, as if she did not exist, completely ignoring her. Zhao Xiaojun recalled what had happened the previous night, and her anger surged even more, resolving to ignore him. She did not ask him whether he had eaten, whether he had done his homework, or whether he had any clothes to wash. Zhao Xiaojun recalled what had happened the previous night, and her anger surged even more, resolving to ignore him. She hurriedly took a shower and went to bed with her head covered.

Chen Qiaoqi was furious upon witnessing this scene, filled with rage. Without a word, he swung a punch at Su Riqin with such force that Su Riqin, caught off guard, staggered back repeatedly and fell to the ground in a most embarrassing manner. Zhao Xiaojun quickly grabbed him and angrily said, "Chen Qiaoqi, what are you doing?" Chen Qiaoqi dragged her in and coldly asked, "What did he do to you?" Zhao Xiaojun was forcibly pulled along by him, unable to break free. She shook off his hand and shouted, "Chen Qiaoqi, can't you see clearly? How can you randomly hit someone?" Chen Qiaoqi retorted loudly, "What's wrong with hitting someone? Should I just stand by and watch you get bullied?" After receiving a punch, Su Riqin quickly got up and, seeing the two siblings arguing fiercely, he could only smile wryly and shake his head, realizing that he was being treated like a villain.

Chen Qiaoqi asked, "When are you going back?" Zhao Xiaojun replied, "Our school starts late, we still have more than half a month to go." Chen Qiaoqi suddenly said, "You should go back earlier." Zhao Xiaojun laughed and teased, "Why? Do you miss me?" It took Chen Qiaoqi a long time to respond, "I miss you very much." She did not notice the serious expression on Chen Qiaoqi's face. Zhao Xiaojun casually said, "Alright, alright, we will talk about it then." Not long after, she received a text message from Chen Qiaoqi, and Zhao Xiaojun smiled. He is still the same. As a result, Zhao Xiaojun returned to school a week early, while Chen Qiaoqi had already started school.

The young lady smiled broadly, her attitude exceptionally warm and friendly, and she approached with a casual remark: "Is this young lady here to accompany her boyfriend to buy clothes? You can choose a couple more items, we can offer a special discount, giving you a 10% off." Since Chen Qiaoqi returned from Zhao Xiaojun's school, he had been wearing casual clothes outside of school, except for the mandatory school uniform. With his tall stature and Zhao Xiaojun's petite frame, it was understandable that the young lady mistook Zhao Xiaojun for his girlfriend. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Zhao Xiaojun looked at her self-satisfied expression, her face flushed as she was about to explain, but Chen Qiaoqi said, "Alright, we'll come again next time." After saying that, he picked up the bag and left. The young lady courteously opened the glass door and accompanied them to the entrance, still cheerfully calling out, "Take care! We welcome you to visit again."

Since then, the two began a prolonged cold war. Chen Qiaoqi ate takeout every day and sent his clothes to a nearby shop for washing. Zhao Xiaojun paid him no mind and busied herself with her own affairs. They were like sworn enemies from several lifetimes, unwilling to compromise, neither willing to back down first. After three weeks of a winter-like cold and desolate life, Zhao Xiaojun had her winter break. She wondered if she should seek reconciliation with him; it was becoming too absurd to continue this way. Just as she was about to stop Chen Qiaoqi, who was putting on his shoes to go out, she forced a calm demeanor and called out to him: "Hey, I have something to discuss with you"

Zhao Xiaojun shouted angrily: "Let go of me quickly, what are you going crazy for! What kind of hooliganism is this!" Chen Qiaoqi remained unresponsive, burying his head on her shoulder, motionless. Zhao Xiaojun felt an inexplicable fear; it was only tonight that she truly realized that Chen Qiaoqi was no longer the little boy who was shorter than her. He could even knock down a tall and strong boy like Su Riqin with a single punch. No matter how hard she tried, it was futile. She had never noticed the significant difference in strength between them, which made her feel a bit frightened. In a state of anxiety, she said: "Chen Qiaoqi! If you keep this up, I will really get angry!"

Zhao Xiaojun pried open Chen Qiaoqi's grip with her five fingers and glared at him, saying, "Let go!" Chen Qiaoqi remained unmoved. Unable to move, Zhao Xiaojun, feeling anxious, turned her head to ask with concern, "Su Riqin, are you alright? Do you need to go to the hospital?" Su Riqin hurriedly replied, "It's nothing serious—" Chen Qiaoqi, impatient, attempted to close the door. In her urgency, Zhao Xiaojun stretched out a hand and wedged it in the doorframe. Feeling guilty, she said to Su Riqin, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! You go back first! I will definitely give you an explanation tomorrow." She was momentarily flustered by the sudden situation, her hands and feet in a state of confusion. With a forceful push from Chen Qiaoqi, Zhao Xiaojun was suddenly shoved inside, and the door slammed shut with a loud "bang."

As the third year comes to an end, everyone begins to feel busy and anxious, either preparing for graduate school entrance exams or getting a head start on job hunting. Lin Qingchuan lies on Zhao Xiaojun's soft bed, rolling around a few times, tossing and turning, unable to help but exclaim: "This is truly enjoyable! It is so much more comfortable than the single bed at school; that broken bed feels like lying on a pile of stones every night!" Zhao Xiaojun also lies down with her, squinting and saying: "You're not dead, why would you lie on a pile of stones!" Lin Qingchuan turns over and pinches her cheek, and Zhao Xiaojun quickly tries to appease her, begging for mercy. After playing around for a while, Lin Qingchuan asks: "Have you really decided not to take the graduate entrance exam?" Zhao Xiaojun flips over, burying her face in the blanket, and grumbles a muffled "hum". After a moment, she lifts her head and says: "With my grades, there's no hope for graduate school; it's better to plan early." Lin Qingchuan sighs: "It's hard to find a job out there. Just look at the streets, there are university students everywhere, and there are plenty of graduate students; even those with a doctor's degree can't find jobs. In Beijing, sigh..."

Zhao Xiaojun looked at the bag in his hand and scolded, "What a waste!" Chen Qiaoqi asked in confusion, "How is it wasteful? I wear this brand of clothes at home too!" Zhao Xiaojun rolled his eyes at him, speechless. Suddenly, she said, "Do you know about the Four Great Fools in Beijing?" Chen Qiaoqi was taken aback, "Four Great Fools?" Zhao Xiaojun laughed and said, "They are the ones who put phone cases on their phones, order lobster when dining, go to karaoke after meals, and the last fool is the one who shops at Yansha! You could be considered one of them!" Chen Qiaoqi disdainfully replied, "Boring!"

Zhao Xiaojun also sighed and said, "What can be done! If you are going to take the postgraduate entrance exam, you might as well take mine as well, so I won't have to take it again." Lin Qingchuan had decided to take the postgraduate entrance exam since she entered university, in order to rid herself of the stigma of being a graduate from a second-tier school. After a moment of silence, she suddenly asked, "What exactly is going on between you and Su Riqin? It's been so long, and things have been so lukewarm. It's just causing everyone to gossip." Zhao Xiaojun turned her head away and said, "I am also troubled. I have already rejected him, but he still won't give up. I don't know what to do anymore." Lin Qingchuan lamented, "I didn't expect that in this world where efficiency is valued in everything, there are still people like him. Women like you deserve to be struck by lightning." Zhao Xiaojun remained silent.

The ringtone of her phone rang, breaking her gloomy train of thought. She took it out from her coat pocket and saw an unfamiliar number. As she contemplated whether to answer, considering the long-distance and roaming charges, she felt a pang of regret over the phone bill. Just as it rang for the third time, it stopped. Zhao Xiaojun irritably stuffed it back into her pocket, ignoring it. Aimlessly squeezed into the crowd of shoppers, jostling against one another, she deliberately weaved through the throngs of people, her ears filled with the sounds of haggling, yet her heart felt increasingly desolate.

Su Riqin chuckled a few times and said, "As long as it's something you bought, everything is delicious." Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiaojun felt a bit flustered and at a loss. Su Riqin couldn't help but ask seriously in a low voice, "Zhao Xiaojun, how have you been considering what I said last night?" Zhao Xiaojun lowered her head to look at the tips of her shoes and remained silent for a long time. Su Riqin did not urge her, quietly waiting. Su Riqin couldn't help but ask seriously in a low voice, "Zhao Xiaojun, how have you been considering what I said last night?" Zhao Xiaojun lowered her head to look at the tips of her shoes and remained silent for a long time. Su Riqin did not urge her, quietly waiting.

As two individuals passed by a specialty store selling small accessories, the interior sparkled with golden light and radiant gems, dazzling the onlookers. Zhao Xiaojun could not help but step inside for a glance, picking up a hairpin adorned with two phoenixes entwined around it, surrounded by a series of red artificial gemstones ranging from large to small. A few silver strands hung down from the top of the pin, with pink pearls below. She found it truly beautiful and could not put it down. The salesgirl beside her chattered incessantly, saying, "Miss, you have such good taste; this is one of our new products. With your long, black, and shiny hair, this hairpin would be perfect for securing it, making you look so beautiful when you go out!"

Unable to stay in the house, I stepped out the door. It was a rare sunny day, and the sparse pale sunlight swept away the damp chill that had lingered for days. The streets of the small town were scattered with red paper remnants from firecrackers, blown everywhere. The air still carried a faint scent of gunpowder and sulfur, which was not unpleasant. Many families had already hung up large red lanterns early, and long Chinese knots adorned the walls, bright red and delightful to behold. Zhao Xiaojun strolled along the narrow street from East Street to West Street, wandering about. There were many pedestrians, mostly housewives shopping for New Year goods, carrying large and small bags, hurrying along, likely eager to return home. Zhao Xiaojun felt a bit lethargic and lacked energy.