03

I just didn't expect that when Zhuang Li and I were holding hands going to the restaurant, we would run into Ding Chushan. He saw me as well, and his expression immediately darkened.

I know

It was I who initially proposed it, yet now it is he who has spoken of it, leaving me feeling so embarrassed. The sense of loss that rises within me is inexplicable.

In the Ding family, only he is working, while Mu Lianru has been idly staying at home, with no other sources of income. The entire Ding family relies on Ding Chushan's salary for sustenance; now that he is no longer present, the family will face even greater difficulties, with the heavy burden falling on a woman, leading Mu Lianru to despair.

At this moment, silence speaks louder than words; any further discussion would be futile

When Ding Xuan called me with a crying voice, I was in physical education class

This time..." Zhuang Li paused and said, "is different"

Thinking of this, my tears could not help but fall down drop by drop

City Center District Hospital

Where is she

The mountains are silent

I can imagine Zhuang Li's utterly ungracious demeanor. When I was with him, there were bold girls who handed him love letters, only to be humiliated by him to the point of fainting.

Sun Qing continues to be my deskmate

On the morning of the second day, Mu Lianru was dressed appropriately, no longer appearing mad and disheveled, and even unprecedentedly prepared breakfast. Ding Xuan finally opened the door and walked out, his complexion pale and almost a size thinner.

Upon hearing the name "Zhuang Li," Ding Xuan's expression immediately turned unpleasant, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes: "You only have eyes for Zhuang Li! Have you developed feelings for him?"

Ding Xuan's questioning sent a chill down my spine, as if something had suddenly been torn apart, desperately wanting to surge forth. I feigned calmness and denied, "How could I possibly like that unapproachable stone, Zhuang Li?"

Zhuang Yanzhi's gaze returned to the book, and he casually remarked, "Just play around with it."

Although I knew that everything Zhuang Li said was false, for some reason, I still felt a subtle joy in my heart

Perhaps the last two characters carry a sense of pleading. After a short while, a note slipped through the crack of the door. The handwriting on it is very delicate, yet the words convey a sense of sadness between the lines

Zhuang Li stood in front of me nonchalantly, with a cold expression on his face, and said softly: "Ding Lanyin, my girlfriend"

Mom!" Ding Xuan furrowed her brows, grasping Mu Lianru's hand, and explained anxiously, "The honey was really taken by me. My sister is in her third year of high school, and it's too hard for her..."

He brought this upon himself, and I need not be polite

I slowly got up from the ground while holding the note, and then handed the note to Mu Lianru. She stared blankly for a while, and finally remembered that she had a precious son, her originally dazed expression gradually returning to clarity

You can also play seriously

Does he naively think that I would allow Zhuang Li to bring anything to the Ding family? I couldn't help but smile sarcastically

Ding Xuan went to find Zhuang Li? This is something I never anticipated

I said softly: "Zhuang Li, at least you still have a father, but I have lost both my father and mother. No matter what, you have family. As for me, I have no family. In my current home, I can feel no love at all. Your father... must care about you very much, he just doesn't show it."

I am merely honoring the bet

I followed behind him and asked, "Are you looking for me for something?"

These two words brought the unspoken story to an abrupt halt, as if the air itself had ceased to flow; I could even hear his voice trembling. Such a calm and proud person also has a soft side within.

How did she die

Zhuang Li continued to sarcastically say: "The Ding family is truly interesting. Rest assured, I will collect what they owe you on your behalf."

Ding Xuan shook his head, silently tidying up, and left for school with me. He followed behind me, his head lowered, and I occasionally turned back to look at him

The phrase "the dealer's person" instantly filled my heart with joy

Two words are very light, I smiled faintly

I made an effort to squeeze out a faint smile and asked, "Uncle, may I ask where Zhuang has gone?"

I helplessly went to open the door

He continued, "When she died, my father was still holding another woman in his arms"

How do you respond to that

Sun Qing and I stuck out our tongues, feeling embarrassed as we lowered our heads and composed ourselves

If someone were to ask me whether I remember what I looked like at sixteen, I would certainly say that I do, and I would also tell them that I met someone and that we have been together from the age of sixteen almost to eighteen.

When this idea flashes through the mind, the original intention of certain things has already begun to change

I do not have a past, but rather stand quietly not far away

Ding Chushan walked over in a few steps, his face darkened, and with anger boiling, he raised his hand, intending to strike down fiercely, while cursing with harsh words: "At such a young age, you don't learn well, instead you imitate others in love; how can you be so despicable at your core! If you don't want to study, just say it early; I don't want to spend this money either!"

The Ding family does not owe me anything, nor do I owe the Ding family anything. The Ding family has shown me the grace of nurturing, although the money used over the years comes from the inheritance left by my father

On the weekend, I got up early and went out. Although Zhuang Li did not invite me, I still longed to see him. Just as I opened the door, Ding Xuan was standing behind me, looking at me with a blank expression

In the long memories that followed, I have always remembered that embrace, so light, mingled with the cold and sharp scent of Zhuang Li, making that early summer shine brightly

I saw Zhuang Li's father, Zhuang Yanzhi. He was sitting on a chair on the balcony, drinking tea and reading a book. When he turned his head, I was startled by his sinister gaze, causing my heart to race, and I couldn't help but tightly grasp Zhuang Li's sleeve.

I could not help but take his hand. Zhuang Li's palm was dry and large, with distinct knuckles, and his nails were trimmed to an appropriate length, clean and elegant. Yet, these hands were always cold, cold enough to reach into one's heart

The countless imagined futures of youth, akin to the thoughts of a comic book girl, have been subdued after entering the intense final year of high school

Zhuang Yanzhi's expression suddenly darkened, and he violently threw the book in his hand at Zhuang Li, angrily shouting: "Get lost!"

He said: "Thank you"

After the evening study session, Zhuang Li packed up her backpack and stood at the classroom door

I sat on the swing, swaying back and forth. Zhuang Li stood beside me, his gaze seemingly lost somewhere. After a while, he suddenly spoke: "Why don't you ask me something?"

You should go out quickly

Zhuang Li is not at home, and no one answers the phone. Zhuang Yanzhi stands on the balcony, looking at me coldly, and that gaze still instills a sense of fear.

It seems that the relationship between you and your father is not very good

He said softly, "My mother used to really like this swing chair"

I really want to say yes, but my first reaction in my mind is whether Zhuang Li will invite me over the weekend, and what comes out of my mouth is: "I am afraid Zhuang Li might have something to ask me."

Zhuang Li fell silent, no longer speaking

What accident did he have

"I said the honey was missing, and it turns out you, this little thief, took it! Our Ding family provides you with food, clothing, and education, yet you have learned to steal! Today, I will teach you a good lesson on behalf of your parents!" As she spoke, Mu Lianru reached out her hand, intending to slap me.

However, whenever there is such public opinion, he would take my hand and walk around the school, while the teachers would turn a blind eye.

In the evening, I squatted at the door of his room and slipped a note through the crack in the door

If you do not wish to speak, please write your thoughts on paper. I am very concerned about you. Please.

Ding Xuan stood in front of me and shouted at Mu Lianru: "The honey is mine, it has nothing to do with her"

Zhuang Li remained silent for a long time, as if time had come to a standstill. In the end, he said nothing.

The lives of three individuals, as well as the tuition fees for Ding Xuan and me, are all significant issues

The sky began to drizzle, the rain dampening the hair and soaking the clothes. The entire city was enveloped in mist, shrouded in a haze.

He finally let go of me, turned his back, and said softly: "Dad had an affair, she developed depression, and an accident happened when she went out. When she died, Dad was still holding another woman."

Mu Lianru crossed her arms and said with a sarcastic smile: "Our Ding family has already been exceedingly generous to you, so please have some self-awareness and do not harbor any delusions. Furthermore, keep your distance from Ding Xuan; your seductive face is quite off-putting."

He was too forceful, making it difficult for me to catch my breath. I gently patted his back and said with some difficulty: "Zhuang Li, I can hardly breathe..."

I touched my face, staring blankly at the photo on the desk, the bitterness in my heart continuously fermenting, as if brewing a storm of sorrow. Tears swirled in my eyes, refusing to fall.

This statement lacks conviction, my palms are continuously sweating, and my body's reactions are all too abnormal

The dealer is renowned throughout the city

I never realized how much I depended on Zhuang Li

This is the longest thing I have ever heard Zhuang Li say, and my heart ached; I gently embraced him

During dinner, Ding Chushan was out drinking and did not return. After the meal, Mu Lianru went out to play cards. It was late at night when Ding Chushan finally returned, drunk and knocking on the door outside.

Ding Xuan was urgently pushed out the door by Mu Lianru.

Ding Chushan, you have left me and our son, how are we supposed to live? What are we to do... Ding Chushan, open your eyes! What are we going to do from now on?

After handling Ding Chushan's funeral affairs, Mu Lianru sat on the sofa in a daze for several consecutive days, her eyes devoid of light. Ding Xuan hid in his room, refusing to come out, and hardly touched the food left at the door. The entire house was filled with a heavy atmosphere of despair.

Ding Chushan tightly grasped the cup, glanced at me, and suddenly broke into a silly smile, mumbling drunkenly: "Ding Lanyin, your father is a fool... I took you in back then, just because of your father..." He waved his hand and took large gulps of water from the cup

In that moment, I could sense the atmosphere around us had changed. Zhuang Li was tense all over, his brows slightly furrowed, yet in the end, he did not push me away

Ding Xuan said softly: "He has left, no longer needing us..."

Even though those memories are so distant, I can still feel that it was a joyful time. Yet now, I can no longer possess such joy

As she spoke, she carried out everything that Ding Xuan had just brought in.

He said softly, "Today has already been considered good."

Do not make wild guesses. After graduating from the third year of high school, Zhuang and I parted ways at the main road, each going in a different direction I said with utmost sincerity

Zhuang Li took a step forward and stood up bravely

I placed a blanket over him, but he irritably kicked it aside

What has increased and what has decreased between Zhuang Li and me

How can I be reconciled with this

As the days gradually pass, the atmosphere of learning becomes increasingly strong

Where are you? I asked anxiously

Seeing Ding Xuan's dazed expression, I couldn't help but walk up to him with red-rimmed eyes and embrace him. Ding Xuan is much thinner than I had imagined, as if he has become nothing but a pile of bones, which is heart-wrenching

Later, I sat on the balcony for a very long time, long enough to recall the times when my parents were still alive

Ding Chushan has always been one to bully the weak and fear the strong. Upon seeing Zhuang Li's attire and his assertive demeanor, a hint of guilt appeared on his face. He straightened his back, shot me an angry glance, and then said: "I will deal with you when I return tonight"

But I am determined to find Zhuang Li

I raised my head to look at the teacher, kicked Sun Qing's foot again, and asked: "Which ancient poem?"

Even if I dislike Ding Chushan, I still do not wish for his death

During the Chinese language class, I was staring blankly at Zhuang Li when suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my arm. It was only then that I realized Sun Qing was pinching me.

Zhuang Li took a few steps and sat beside me. I could smell the cold, sharp scent emanating from him, which made me feel somewhat embarrassed

I am well, no need to worry

Ding Xuan stood outside the morgue, his eyes red and silent. Mu Lianru was inside, holding Ding Chushan's corpse and crying out in anguish, her sharp and piercing voice nearly shattering the eardrums.

Ding Chushan, aware that he had provoked someone he should not have, did not dare to linger for too long and hurriedly escaped from the restaurant

It turns out that everything was my own delusion; his long-standing companionship was merely due to a wager.

I originally thought he would not tell me, but unexpectedly he said: "Today is the anniversary of his mother's passing"

Upon hearing this, Mu Lianru's expression changed repeatedly, and she said sharply, "What hardship is there in studying? No one dies from it." She then said to Ding Xuan, "Mom has bought some fruit, and it's already washed and placed on the table. Go eat it quickly."

Zhuang Li suddenly pulled me into his embrace, and the chill emanating from him made me involuntarily shiver

When Zhuang Li was seen, he was dressed in black, standing in the rain, looking expressionlessly at the tombstone. The entire empty mountain was shrouded in a thin layer of mist, blending Zhuang Li's figure into the verdant surroundings, as if he could disappear at any moment

If that person is not present, I hope that the one who accompanies me in the future is Zhuang Li

I patted him on the shoulder and said, "Everything will be alright"

"No, you are definitely not a victim. Communicate well with your father; after all, you are still his son, and his blood runs through your veins," I gently comforted. Such a Zhuang Li truly evokes deep sympathy.

From beginning to end, I touched my swollen face, my head lowered, without saying a word

Zhuang Li stopped in his tracks, turned around, and said coldly: "He fears that you might be harmed, and has asked me to set you free"

The seven words struck me like a thunderclap, instantly awakening me.

His tone was filled with hatred. In my memory, Zhuang Li rarely lost control like this; only when mentioning his family did he show a hint of humanity, otherwise he always appeared aloof and detached from the world.

Other people's parents send this and that every day, but Ding Chushan and Mu Lianru never inquire. In their minds, it is best if I do not get accepted, and after the college entrance examination, I should go directly to work to save on college expenses

Such tranquility accentuates the sudden embrace, making it feel prolonged

Apart from the occasional dates with Zhuang Li, all my thoughts are devoted to studying

"Let's go." Zhuang Li bypassed me and walked ahead

I bid farewell to Sun Qing and walked outside with my backpack, while Zhuang Li followed behind me

When returning home in the evening, Ding Chushan did not inquire about anything, merely throwing out the remark, "Make sure to cling well to this big tree," and then said nothing more

"Get lost!" Zhuang Li coldly uttered a single word, exuding a powerful aura that warned others to keep their distance.

Zhuang Li continued to speak softly: "When I was young, it was my mother who took care of me; my father never cared for me, so I hate him"

Good night

I resigned myself to fetching a cup of warm water and presenting it to him

Sun Qing said with a sly smile: "I was just teasing you. Who told you to stare at Zhuang Li so intensely that your eyes almost popped out? I really should take a picture of your infatuated expression and let the whole class enjoy it"

Ding Xuanhong, with a flushed face and her head lowered, said: "The third year of high school is very tough; these are to help you regain your strength"

Mu Lianru hurriedly stepped forward, grasped Ding Xuan's hand, and asked, "Darling, are you alright?"

In fact, I am also uncertain in my heart

Such indulgence has resulted in Ding Xuan becoming weak and fragile, unable to withstand even the slightest blow

The manor before us is the true reality

Zhuang Li suddenly turned his head, and I saw his handsome face; my heart began to beat irregularly.

My greatest concern is Ding Xuan, who has been in the house for a whole week. Even the teacher has called to ask why he is not attending school. I can only patiently explain the situation at home. All the miscellaneous matters have fallen on my shoulders

At this moment, Zhuang Li needs tranquility; he is both reminiscing and reflecting.

Zhuang Li coldly said with a stern face: "If she has any injuries on her body tomorrow, I will definitely repay you a thousandfold. If you don't believe it, you can try; the people of the Zhuang family are not ones you can easily provoke"

The originally excited mood could only silently subside after hearing Zhuang Li's response

Looking at him, my sympathy overflowed, so I mustered the courage to gently embrace him

I had vaguely heard Zhuang Li mention the place where his mother was buried, so I hurried there

I smiled sweetly as I tugged at Zhuang Li's clothes, raising my face and asking, "When did I become a member of your Zhuang family?"

I walked over a few steps and couldn't help but wipe away the tiny raindrops from the tips of his hair

This is sufficient

I did not think much either and hurriedly went out to find Zhuang Li

I do not understand the reason

Your home is truly beautiful I exclaimed sincerely

The more Ding Xuan said this, the more worried I became. Throughout his life, he has always had smooth sailing and has never faced any setbacks. Ding Chushan and Mu Lianru have spoiled him, never uttering a harsh word or laying a hand on him.

He suddenly said without any preamble: "If you develop feelings for Zhuang Li, you will lose utterly."

The person I lived with for over ten years suddenly left, and it feels as though a corner of my life has been vacated

He wants to take me home, which is absolutely a rare occurrence. After all this time, he has never taken me home after school, let alone gone to school together or helped me buy breakfast. Even though we are in the same class, we rarely have lunch together, and the only time we spend more time together is on weekends. Many people are speculating whether he and I are not together.

As soon as I opened the door, I was hit by a strong smell of alcohol. Ding Chushan, with his eyes half-closed, staggered into the living room, not even changing his shoes, and collapsed onto the sofa in a sprawled position, his face flushed and frowning as he shouted, "Pour me a glass of water!"

I know that Sun Qing is most afraid of being tickled, so I used my hand to scratch her waist, and the two of us became a bundle of laughter in the classroom

Ding Chushan forcefully withdrew his hand and shouted angrily, "Who is this reckless young man! It is not your place to meddle in my discipline of my daughter!"

Zhuang Li turned her head to look at me, her deep eyes gradually tinged with sadness, causing my heart to tighten and inexplicably feel distressed.

Then do not hit your sister, do not scold your sister

I am working on my math homework, and those distorted function graphs are giving me a headache. Ding Xuan put down his things, showing no intention of leaving. He sat beside me, quietly watching me.

The Ding family is an ordinary household, yet the art supplies they bought for Ding Xuan are the best and the most expensive. As for me, they merely offer charity, as if they were casually raising a kitten or a puppy. I even doubt why they decided to adopt me in the first place

I made a sound of "hm" and changed into my shoes

Ding Xuan wrote: "Give me one more night, I will be better tomorrow, take care of my mother for me"

I had always thought that Zhuang Li was fortunate, as he came from a good family background, and God had also bestowed upon him an outstanding appearance. Everything seemed to go smoothly for him, until he took me to his home

I find it hard to imagine that such an outstanding individual as Zhuang Li could have such significant issues with his family, and it is equally difficult to fathom the bitterness concealed behind his words

Car accident. The people from his company said he was dismissed today, then he drank a lot and had an accident while driving home. " Ding Xuan paused, then said sadly, " I never thought there would come a day when he would leave me... "

I am serious

Zhuang Li slightly tilted his head, and the book flew past the side of his face. He expressionlessly pulled the dazed me upstairs

He asked in a hushed voice: "Where are you going? Are you going to find Zhuang Li?"

In the evening, Mu Lianru cried throughout the night, her mournful cries incessantly tormenting those around her. I kindly went to comfort her, only to be scratched on the hand by her.

The phone screen suddenly lit up in the darkness, and amidst the blinding light, I saw the message sent by Zhuang Li

Eighteen years old, not yet.

On the right side of the main gate, there is a beautiful glass greenhouse, filled with lush green plants, many of which are unidentifiable. Sunlight streams through the glass, casting warm light all around.

Just two short words made me unable to help but smile, transforming my original sadness into joy

He choked with emotion and said, "Dad is dead..."

Perhaps it was the intensity of his gaze that made me feel somewhat uncomfortable. I couldn't help but look up and meet his clear eyes, asking, "Do you have anything else to discuss?"

He took me to the rooftop, where there was a small garden, particularly beautifully maintained. In the middle of the open space, there was a swing chair, with dappled light and shadow falling upon it, resembling a painting

I do not know when it started, but sitting in the classroom, I find Zhuang Li's figure particularly striking. In the past, I would also glance at him during class, but my gaze was always casual. However, now it seems as if my eyes are glued to him and cannot look away

Ding Xuan secretly bought a lot of brain-enhancing oral solutions for me with his private money, and also brought honey to my room

Having previously studied materialism, I understand that changes in quantity can lead to changes in quality. Spending a long time with Zhuang Li, those small occurrences seem to ferment over time, and before I know it, they have taken on a different flavor

The light rain continued to fall in a gentle drizzle, the raindrops landing on my neck, bringing a chill, yet Zhuang Li's body gradually warmed up. I couldn't help but reach for his hand, attempting to offer him comfort. His usually cold hand finally gained a bit of warmth.

Later, I have always hoped that in the future my home would have a balcony like that, surrounded by climbing pink roses, with a swing set in the middle, where on summer nights, I could enjoy the breeze with my loved one, inhaling the fragrance of the flowers while gazing at the stars

As he walked, Ding Xuan suddenly stopped and said, "I will no longer let you worry."

Mu Lianru looked at Ding Xuan, her tone softened considerably: "Son, you should go out first. Mother knows it wasn't you who did it; you don't need to take the blame for someone else."

Ding Xuan wanted to say something more, but was suddenly interrupted by Mu Lianru, who burst through the door. She stormed up to me, and upon seeing the items laid out on the table, without any warning, she slapped me and began to hurl abusive words at me.

Ding Lanyin, you appear extremely calm when you lie, even more so than your usual calm demeanor.

After standing for a while, Zhuang Li finally turned around. When he saw me, there was a moment of distraction in his eyes

Ding Xuan turned around in desolation and softly said, "You have no idea," before returning to the bedroom

Your younger brother came to see me

After taking a few steps, I suddenly turned around, bounced in front of Zhuang Li, and looked up to ask: "Are you going to take me home?"

The language teacher on the stage coughed twice and said sternly, "Please pay attention to the lecture, students below."

Ayin, would you accompany me to the art exhibition this weekend?

"What happened to my father?" I asked softly

Ding Xuan's tone was excessively desperate, causing my eyelids to twitch repeatedly

I hurriedly changed my clothes, asked Sun Qing to help me request a leave of absence, and then rushed to the hospital

Zhuang Yanzhi exuded a seasoned aura that instinctively instilled fear in others, as if nothing could escape those sharp eyes

I was just about to enter the greenhouse for a visit when I was pulled into the house by Zhuang Li

This feels very sharp and intense

"Does he care about me?" Zhuang Li said sarcastically, "He only has that woman outside in his heart, only his company, his career; I am also a victim of his career."

All anomalies are laid bare in Ding Xuan's eyes

I looked at Ding Xuan's hands full of things with a mix of amusement and exasperation, and said, "Do you want your sister to become a big fat person?"

Speak some genuine thoughts to reassure me

The words were left unspoken, and I harbored a knot in my heart; however, I did not dare to wake Ding Chushan to continue questioning him

Sun Qing reminded with her head down: "The teacher asked you to recite the ancient poem"

"In light of ... ... in light of ... ..." Ding Chushan kept repeating these two phrases, and then collapsed onto the sofa, losing consciousness

Zhuang Li's home is located in a manor outside the city. Just as early summer arrives, I see from a distance that the white fence is adorned with blooming light pink roses. The vines climb densely, and the delicate pink flowers blossom amidst the lush green leaves. In almost an instant, I found myself fond of Zhuang Li's home

Zhuang Li was unconvinced

He wanted to say something, but he just lacked the opportunity, so I complied with his wish

died

His probing gaze fell upon me, suffocating me.

Seeing Ding Xuan so upset, my heart also ached. Although Ding Chushan treated me poorly, he was willing to raise me, and I have always kept this kindness of nurturing in my heart, hoping to repay this gratitude in the future