Chapter 3

I know that He Yuan and Jiang Wang are concerned about my feelings, while Chen Yun Kai does not care.

For a moment, He Yuan did not know how to comfort me. She simply looked at me, who was overly dejected, and suddenly asked, "I am quite curious, are you sad because your confession was unsuccessful, or because you did not receive a congratulatory call..."

Isn't it? she asked in a soul-searching manner

This question remained unanswered until He Yuan left me

After hanging up the phone, I felt a sense of relief, and my appetite was so good that I ate three bowls of rice, which caused my parents to worry, thinking that I was engaging in emotional eating

Compared to the futile comfort, my overly inflated self-esteem requires just such a shot of encouragement. It reminds me of myself two months before the college entrance examination, burning the midnight oil in a final push. Without that girl who struggled so hard, I probably wouldn't even have made the cut.

The most important thing is, "I bite my lip, I must give an explanation to my youth, He Yuan."

"How did it go?" After dinner, He Yuan eagerly ran over to inquire about the outcome of my confession.

Before long, a shadow appeared in the line of sight, tall and elongated. In the blink of an eye, it had approached from a distance to the base of the building.

Because when Deng Heyuan and Chen Yunkai set off north with their backpacks, we were unable to see Jiang Wang even once, let alone receive a belated happy birthday wish

I have noticed, and of course I know

Wait a moment

They came to find me, Chen Yunkai invited me to have a late-night snack

In that instant, the old tears that had been faintly hanging at the corners of his eyes could no longer be shed

Chen Yun went out to buy a drink, only to overhear a confession, which was enough to catch him off guard, wasn't it? I followed behind, parched and pondering.

Because the people of Chuan City are accustomed to celebrating their birthdays according to the lunar calendar, simply remembering the month and day is not sufficient; one must check what the corresponding Gregorian date is for this year. Moreover, Jiang Wang's mind is generally occupied only with medications, experiments, and instruments, these cold and unfeeling things

On the evening of the sixtieth anniversary celebration of the hospital, after getting out of the taxi, the four of us tacitly decided not to mention Chen Yunkai's intention to take the exam in Beijing.

Chen Yun naturally was not aware of my inner thoughts, shrugged his shoulders, "Hurry up and buy the mosquito repellent, wait at the usual place."

The family compound has been around for several decades, welcoming and bidding farewell to one batch after another. As a result, I do not know which nerve in my mother got crossed, but after having a bit of money, she insisted on buying the house in the compound, reasoning that the discounts for employees purchasing hospital properties are substantial.

Lying, there is clearly the matter of dismantling the second generation. He Yuan did not hold back in exposing this.

Previously, I had done my homework and searched for many confession techniques. The most noteworthy one to reference is "to catch someone off guard," which is said to have a higher success rate

If you care about someone, would you forget their birthday

I turned off the computer, but I cannot fall asleep

I cradled my face and gazed at the myriad of lightness, and my heart finally felt lighter.

Returning to the community, I could not help but stop in my tracks as I passed by the increasingly lush tree

After dinner, having learned that I had already recovered from my disappointment over the poor exam results, my mother began to assign me tasks again, "Go buy a box of mosquito coils."

He actually let me win, which is so incredible, yet I feel even more lost—he is unwilling to even spar with me verbally, crying in despair

Meanwhile, a speeding taxi was hailed to a stop. Jiang Wang took the opportunity to slip into the back seat, maintaining a calm demeanor as he bid me farewell, "Help me congratulate them, and let's arrange another time to celebrate together."

I solemnly remind myself that although one cannot have both fish and bear's paw, at the very least, one should strive to attain one of them, so as not to waste one's youth

On the day of turning eighteen

In half a month, it will be my coming-of-age ceremony... At this gradually maturing and sensitive age, I can no longer ignore certain details that simply cannot be overlooked, yet I have no experience to validate anything

However, I did not expect that this lesson would be more difficult than anticipated

How did you come back

I inexplicably felt a sense of being caught in the act, my whole body trembled, and I stood up abruptly

My head is buzzing

For instance, after a breakup, one might travel far away; when encountering misfortunes, one might go to pray; even knowing that some distant places are unreachable, one still encourages oneself in the diary with the words: tomorrow is another day

"Chen Yunkai, if in the future you become a solitary person, think carefully about why that is." I imitated my mother's tone of exasperation, forcefully stepping on the back of his foot, watching him jump in place, and then I sneered.

I had not yet spoken, and seeing my dejected expression resembling that of a defeated rooster, she felt relieved, rolling her eyes and unable to suppress her delight, saying: "I thought you had become quite a force to be reckoned with."

My accident is less than my father's

The key point is that I still believe.

real

"Go back and tear up that 'Five Years of College Entrance Examination and Three Years of Simulation.'" I said, "Without this ritual, it feels like I have to get up at 5:40 again tomorrow, and I don't dare to indulge myself!"

No, no, of course I support it

In a state of nervous confusion, I obediently moved my foot, only to realize that he was directing my gaze to the moon overhead

I lack the ability and do not wish to break anyone's wings

Thinking of this, I feel a bit melancholic, yet I am afraid of being noticed, so I can only keep the atmosphere lively: "Look at the teaching building in this painting, it is not much different from that of Sichuan Medical University, right? Some of the buildings might even be newer than ours."

In order to accommodate He Yuan, he also chose to take the train. I went to see them off, and just before leaving, I put on the birthday gift that Chen Yunkai had given me, a pair of pink Nike sneakers

I turned my head and saw the beautiful curve of the girl's lips.

In that summer, the only thing that brought me joy was probably receiving the admission notice from Sichuan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From this angle, the moon is perfectly leaning against a streetlight below the apartment building, looking somewhat peculiar. Chen Yun said playfully, "It resembles you quite a bit, so chubby"

He speaks frankly, as if I can truly understand.

At that moment, I was unsure whether to consider it fortunate or unfortunate, and when Jiang Wang called, I was still feeling listless

But I can no longer comprehend what she is trying to express. All I know is that I am excellent

This posture allows me to see a few scraps of paper left on the boy's head. I casually twist and throw them away, just as I once plucked the snowflakes for him when he sat alone on the swing, the action coming naturally.

July, the sun blazes fiercely

Initially, my father disagreed, believing that the environment and facilities of the family compound were inferior to those of the new apartment buildings. Unexpectedly, news came recently that the land of the family compound was to be requisitioned, with the government providing funding to support the expansion of the hospital

A spoilsport. I grit my molars.

My dad: "By the way, bring a pack of cigarettes!"

I nodded in self-affirmation as I spoke, "Moreover, if I cannot marry into the Chen family in the future, Aunt Chen will no longer give me so many red envelopes and gifts, boo hoo."

Yet in life, there are always certain things that you know are pretentious, yet you still wish to pursue them

I thought that only the grand farewells depicted on television could stir ripples in my heart. However, I did not expect that those old friends, whom I see every day, only need a single silhouette to catch me off guard

As I spoke these words with a forced smile, He Yuan's expression was somewhat melancholic and complex

He may not necessarily come. I almost blurted it out

Dinner is about to be served, and my father said he forgot to buy drinks. Uncle Chen finally reacted and took the initiative to offer to run the errand. Seeing a good opportunity, I followed him out.

The silent falling "pear blossoms" landed on the head of the shadow's master, yet it was not comical; rather, it added a touch of elegance to him. The man looked up, meeting my gaze, and then my eyes brightened several degrees, prompting me to turn and rush out of the bedroom, running downstairs

What kind of relationship do we have? Isn't it just a relationship of rivals in love? My inner thoughts are so rich that they make He Yuan feel uncomfortable, and I couldn't help but hum, interrupting the conversation

The bus stop is right outside the community, just under 100 meters from the barbecue restaurant

The image of He Yuan turning back to bid farewell keeps flashing through my mind, as well as the encounter with Chang Wan and Jiang Wang on the way home

The two individuals rolled their eyes in unison

What happened to the promised high heels? I am dissatisfied when receiving gifts

In order to sever this lingering worry, I turned it over in my mind repeatedly and finally made a decision

Even throughout that entire summer, I was lost in melancholy, pondering the answers, while my spirit for enjoyment had long since receded

Both you and he possess a certain enigmatic confidence, clearly stemming from being infinitely respected and cherished by your parents. It is this respect and affection that has given you the courage to pursue anything, including acting on whims. For instance, Chen Yun boldly filled in his application for Beijing without a word. For example, you resolved overnight to mark a beginning or an end to your youth. These are things I cannot do, and neither can Jiang Wang. Perhaps it is precisely because we cannot do these things that we are drawn to you

He then glanced at me, and after that, he crouched down to correct my two mismatched flip-flops.

Confess to Chen Yun

He shook his head again and said, "You all order the dishes first; I still have something to take care of."

Is Jiang hard to deal with? I disagree, there is no one in the world better at handling things than him

As for those memories that I treated as bargaining chips, which are irreplaceable between Chen Yun and me, they are about to be overshadowed by another, deeper memory

I have done my best, so I have no regrets

"What does a biological daughter count for?" Mother Chen raised her eyebrows slightly, "Whenever I see the moon, it feels as if I am seeing my younger self, even our growth trajectories are quite similar!"

I could not help but look up, not having thought of what to say, when suddenly a thunderous roar from Chen Yunkai came from behind me

But gradually I realized that the answer may only be important to me.

I finally turned my head and said, "Don't say that, otherwise I will really think that he, well, you know what I mean."

It can be estimated that only I am aware, as I watched the two of them pulling their suitcases side by side into the station, my eyes had once welled up with emotion.

She counted on her fingers, "You see, the grades are neither high nor low, right? It's just enough to get into medical school, but I can only study nursing, isn't that so? In the future, marrying the son of the fish pond owner, wouldn't that make me the fish pond owner's wife?"

This tree seems to have stopped growing taller, precisely blocking the windows of the Jiang family, lush and verdant. After watching for a short while, that lushness suddenly transformed into clusters of flames, licking at the most vulnerable parts of my soul in the wind

It is reassuring that, while the entire world is busily preparing for the college entrance examination and the future, I, carefree and untroubled, have also been inspired to muster my spirits and face the challenge head-on

Get lost

After finishing the comprehensive science exam and exiting the examination room, I roughly calculated the scores for several subjects, adding and subtracting, and the total score was not far from my estimate.

Upon returning home, filled with doubts, I unexpectedly found the computer that my mother had locked away back on the desk. Overjoyed, I logged into QQ and saw five words appear in Jiang Wang's long-empty signature.

Just as I stepped out after changing my shoes, I unexpectedly ran into He Yuan and Chen Yunkai.

This year, I deliberately did not speak

Hey. She kicked me a few times and threw the exquisitely packaged small box at me, "Adult happiness."

Indeed, imagination is abundant, while reality is stark

Chen Yun opened his eyes in suspicion, "What is the matter?"

As I peeled the chestnuts to satisfy my cravings, I occasionally popped one into his mouth, shaking my head: "It's so late now, I have to note down the license plate number if you take a taxi, there are so many perverted drivers these days..."

Although I am envious of He Yuan, the only girl beside me with whom I can openly share my thoughts is her alone

The notification was handed to me by my father, and it brought tears to my eyes. We squeezed into my small room, and together we opened it with a sense of reverence and solemnity, then stared blankly at the five characters "Nursing Major".

Jiang Wang is feeling a bit troubled, "I’m afraid I can’t do it today; I need to hurry back to school. The teacher has recently been leading a research grant project on the role of Cathepsin-X signaling in regulating the radiation resistance of glioma stem cells, and assistance is needed to carry out some ancillary work."

Conscience, little brother! I took the bag in admiration, and then pulled his sleeve, wanting to take him to the barbecue restaurant outside the community: "Let's go to slaughter Chen Yunkai, he is treating us to barbecue!"

The snow-white paper flakes fluttering down are particularly vivid. Suddenly, a gust of wind blows, and in mid-air, it is as if thousands of trees are blooming with "pear blossoms," falling gently.

Illusion

Two question marks flash across my mind

He Yuan reluctantly mustered some enthusiasm, "Please begin your performance"

Little did Chen Yun know, this fearless individual, with a sharp tongue, remarked: "Isn't your heart too much?"

Suddenly, I no longer want to confess my feelings

No need, Mom, I've figured it out. After going to university, I will read more specialized books and strive to take the entrance exam for a clinical graduate program, isn't that the same? Jiang Wang said that I am only twenty-eight points short, and this small gap can be made up in the future; he will help me

I have heard that after the age of 18, it marks the beginning of another journey. It is evident that my new beginning may no longer be related to Chen Yun Kai, as he is going to Beijing with you. You will live together in Beijing, study together, and perhaps in the future, settle in the capital

"I apologize, but such a stubborn person is also my mother." After I finished feeling pleased with myself, Chen Yunkai finally spoke leisurely.

After a while, he suddenly said, "You are the best"

He has taught for a lifetime, and his love for books may surpass his love for me. Even when they are no longer useful, he cannot bear to see me waste them so carelessly. Thus, I can only hide in my room, secretly engaging in this pretentious ritual, finding amusement in my own self-indulgence

As soon as Jiang Wang left, the way he scrutinized me with his gaze lingered in my mind, making it so that I couldn't even enjoy the taste of the barbecue.

However, this is not related to who is more important. I believe this should be considered a growing pain

They hold little significance; their sole purpose is perhaps to make you feel a bit better

The so-called old place is a barbecue restaurant that has been in operation for nearly twenty years, located not far from the family compound. Its flavors are authentic, with a fragrant and spicy taste, attracting many tourists from other regions who come here following recommendations. As a barbecue enthusiast myself, I nodded in agreement like a bird pecking at rice.

I felt a roll in my throat

There is no element of consolation in his tone; rather, it is predominantly congratulatory, as if he genuinely believes I am exceptional

But if it is only like this, why is it that on the day of my eighteenth birthday, He Yuan's words still linger in my ears, leaving me feeling both troubled and disordered in my thoughts

Héyuān, in fact, it is I who truly cannot bear to part with you, do you know that?

In the end, I decided that I could not speak...! ... Let's just take action!

But in the end, I could only send the two of them to the ticket gate, unable to chase the train on the platform, thus missing a heart-wrenching performance.

The scene I imagine is that I unexpectedly rush forward and grab Chen Yunkai's hand. He will struggle, but he won't be able to break free, and in the end, he will have no choice but to comply with me. Then he will carry drinks in one hand and me in the other as he takes me home, perfectly.

Perhaps what I am more envious of is that He Yuan has also taken a small step towards realizing her dream, being admitted to Beijing Film Academy, and will walk hand in hand with Chen Yunkai on the broad roads of the capital, from now on relying on each other for life

How is it almost done

For the first time in eighteen years, I experienced the taste of insomnia, surprisingly not because of Chen Yun Kai, but for that younger brother, Jiang Wang, who, aside from having a good head on his shoulders, no longer catches the eye.

What is so remarkable about the Kyoto University School of Medicine? I am a student it will never have! As I descended the stairs, I flipped through the admission letter from the highest institution, feeling a jealousy that was almost unbearable.

The residential community is exclusively for employees, which is why the monthly rent is low, but the layout of the rooms is not very good. Over time, even my father has come to disdain the environment here, and others look down on it even more. It is rare to find someone like my mother, who stubbornly decided to purchase it.

Upon learning of my grand plan, He Yuan was bewildered, "Jiang Wang caused you insomnia, yet you confessed to Chen Yun, what is the connection between these two?"

Alright

The relationship is not significant, it is just that I suddenly had an epiphany? Although Chen Yunkai often opposes me, he is still quite handsome.

It is a tale filled with bittersweet tears

Lin Yue Liang

When I finally mustered the courage to go all out, Chen Yunkai suddenly stopped in his tracks, and I collided with his upright spine

However, the matter of tearing up the textbooks must be kept from my father

At around 9 o'clock, there was no one at the bus stop, only the two of us sitting on the bronze bench, enjoying a moment of coolness

Is it still not allowed to leave things unfinished

However, I also enjoy eating poached fish slices

Regardless of good or bad

Later, I babbled on and on, but Jiang seemed to have forgotten and did not listen. He scrutinized me under a dim lamp in the room, his gaze hotter than the light, even I, who am rather dull, could sense it

The nursing program at Sichuan Medical University is not a top-tier specialty, but it is not something that just anyone can enter, my brother is impressive

Jiang Wang brought roasted chestnuts, a unique secret recipe from the back street of Sichuan Medical University. The chestnuts are roasted to perfection, fragrant and glutinous, making them unforgettable after just one taste

Fortunately, there were no surveillance cameras in the old neighborhood at that time, so my antics were not recorded. As a result, no one knows that from the iron gate of the community to the entrance of the building, I had several moments where I extended my arm forward, probing and probing, yet I never dared to bring my fingertips closer.

You are correct

Night

Because even geniuses speak this way

Moreover, he is destined to fly to more beautiful places

"Pretentious." Chen Yun commented.

However, on the day of parting, as I was being pulled along by Chen Yunkai through the bustling train station, I suddenly felt that he had great foresight: thank goodness I wasn't wearing high heels

Although I do not understand, I know there is no room for obstruction. With a slight curl of my lips, I said, "Alright, then I will take you to the bus station."

The People's Hospital was formerly known as the 9th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, a genuine public tertiary hospital

He Yuantong was certain, "Of course not"

In order to maintain my figure, you do not compete with me for any delicious food, including the snacks of Chen Yunkai, which have all gone into my stomach. In the future, when you leave, no matter how many friends I make, I probably won't find anyone who would let me have it this way. Therefore, if the fate of Chen Yunkai is with you, I will feel sad, but I can accept it. However, I am quite annoyed by those plots where people guess each other's feelings... Life is neither too long nor too short, so why regret? Thus, regardless of Chen Yunkai's feelings for me, I want to say what needs to be said. So, if the fate of Chen Yunkai is with you, I will feel sad, but I can accept it. However, I am quite annoyed by those plots where people guess each other's feelings... Life is neither too long nor too short, so why regret? Therefore, regardless of Chen Yunkai's feelings for me, I want to say what needs to be said. As for you, there is no need to consider my thoughts; take what you want. Now I tell you this because I do not want to hide anything and affect our relationship.

He completely forgot. Not to mention a gift, he didn't even say a simple happy birthday

In any case, I have never considered changing careers or switching jobs. It is quite good here, as it is close to the hospital

Oh, no—" As she spoke, Aunt Chen's expression was one of lament, "The moon is happier than I am. She is marrying not just the heir to the fish pond, but also a doctor who heals and saves lives!"

However, the train station in Chuan City is quite humane, as it starts playing sentimental songs about parting early in the morning

Buy a flowered catfish to make boiled fish slices, Jiang Wang likes it. That day, I went to the vegetable market to shop, and my mother couldn't stop thinking about her well-behaved neighbor

I only prayed that this year's passing score for Sichuan Medical University would be lower than in previous years. However, perhaps my sincerity was not enough; the passing score for Sichuan Medical University did decrease, but the standards for the Clinical and Pharmacy majors were raised, resulting in my being adjusted to the Nursing program.

Always answering off-topic, truly a typical straight man, it makes me so angry that I want to smash him with the drink I just bought

Do not tell me that you have not noticed that Jiang Wang treats you entirely differently. I cannot specify exactly how it is different for now, but I can only say that if today were the day I failed my college entrance examination, he would never cross half a city just to deliver a bag of chestnuts for me

I am lying in bed, not wanting to engage in even half a word

In the darkness, Chen Yunkai seemed to glance at me once.

Who could have predicted that my first separation from Chen Yunkai would be entirely unrelated to tears, but only to a single word: roll

Looking at that charity from the winner, I am even more skeptical about life

Nursing

Although many people tell me that separation is the first lesson of growth

Jiang Wang raised the plastic bag in his hand, his usual warm and gentle demeanor: "I worry you might be feeling down."

Ah ... ... Alright ... ... I apologize ... ...

Chen Yunkai: "Nike does not produce high heels, so blame it on me"

A close examination reveals many merits in various aspects

They entered the largest library in Chuan City together, unsure whether to buy books or seek information. Although it was so close, I suddenly felt that many things had become distant.

Only two people walked by

On that day, when we went to the train station, we were still a lively trio, bustling about. Upon our return, the once boisterous family compound had become a deserted city.

She hesitated to speak, ultimately looking at my father, her tone languid: "In a battlefield like the college entrance examination, where a single point can determine the fate of thousands, Jiang Wang actually said that twenty-eight points are nothing. Could it be that he was drunk..."

The households are now sealed off, and the demolition has become a foregone conclusion

I seized the opportunity and gazed at him affectionately, saying: "The lyrics represent my heart"

In their words, they did not regard him as a young man who had already reached a height of over 1.8 meters

I stood still, my breath unsteady due to excitement and eagerness

Then that's settled. I feel more powerless, yet my tone is certain: "He doesn't care about me."

However, I have repeatedly rescued him from danger at the hands of Chen Yun, so shouldn't he be particularly grateful to me

Ignoring grades that are neither high nor low... barely getting into medical school... these remarks truly left me feeling a bit dazed by happiness, almost prompting me to turn to Chen Yunkai and ask: "Are you in a relationship, dear? The kind that involves calculating your family assets."

Chen Yun's eyes widened in surprise, "My dear, with this setup, you aren't planning to announce today that she is your long-lost biological daughter, are you"

However, even after buying the drinks and entering the community, I still did not have the courage to say those four words

My mother unexpectedly spoke softly and gently patted my head, saying, "If you don't pass this time, we can repeat the year."

He regained his composure earlier than I did, flipping that thin sheet of paper back and forth, unwilling to believe it

The significance of turning eighteen is special, even Uncle Chen and Aunt Chen deliberately took time to help me celebrate. Aunt Chen even gifted me a large beautiful girl cake and a small golden crown pendant, strung on a chain

He Yuan leaned over, resting her head against mine, the scent of Head & Shoulders shampoo filling the air: "I heard that all the good-looking ones have gone to study medicine. By the time you start school and get into Sichuan Medical University, who will even remember someone named Chen Yunkai? If there’s really no one else to choose from, Jiang Wang isn’t bad either, you might want to consider..."

He calmly gave me a thumbs up, "Impressive"

He turned to the side, waved at me, and gestured for me to take his place.

A long time has passed

Chen Yun is still the same, neither refuting nor responding, standing with his hands crossed, acting like a big shot

I do not even dare to speak, let alone have the audacity to take action

It is nothing, Moon

... can't you let this little princess be pampered a little longer

The overall employee benefits at this institution are better than in many places, the only point of criticism being the affiliated residential community, which I often refer to as the family compound.

In the rapidly rising housing market of Chuan City, it seems that she has found a bargain

Upon our first meeting, the rouge is not applied evenly, yet upon closer inspection, there is beauty to be found in every detail

As for my account of youth

Chen Yunkai's hair has been cut short, making him look exceptionally spirited, with his facial features becoming increasingly sharp. The boy stands tall in the stairwell, his head nearly touching the light, standing shoulder to shoulder with He Yuan, who is about 1.6 meters tall, resembling a visually appealing comic character

My mother held her face in silence, not giving a clear answer for a long time, which made me a bit anxious. "Do you... not want me to pursue graduate studies?"

In summary, I was melancholic throughout that entire night

The pair of water-cutting double pupils of He Yuan flashed slightly, "I shall not say much more, for I have long harbored the desire to escape. As for Jiang Wang, although he does not worry about food and clothing, he comes from a divorced family, and you have heard some of the rumors circulating outside. Do not be deceived by his usual lack of harsh words; in fact, he is quite difficult to deal with..."

I inexplicably became a second-generation demolisher. I encountered Chen Yunkai in the community, and my expression was one of disdain.

I nodded vigorously while holding the bag of chestnuts, "Be careful on your way!"

Buy, buy, buy! I am feeling extravagant

"Moon, you resemble Chen Yun quite a lot." This was the voice of He Yuan

Do not say that he went to Beijing; even if he went to Tokyo, that is his freedom. The Qing Dynasty has long perished, and the remnants of feudal practices such as arranged marriages have been thoroughly washed away by the tide of the times. Jokes should not be taken seriously

Hello, come here

At the edge of the abandoned truck, two young girls swayed their legs, each lost in their own thoughts and silence

I caught a whiff of the aroma from afar, I licked my lips, and was discovered by Jiang Wang, who lightly coughed and said: "Why don't you go eat barbecue first? I can take a taxi."

The day Chen Yunkai left Chuan City was in the morning

"That is for you." He Yuan blinked, her tone suddenly becoming ambiguous

Logically, he should come. However, every year in the past, I have been the one foolishly reminding him in advance, pressuring him to prepare a gift, and I have never tested whether he actually remembers my birthday.