Chapter 7, Things That Cannot Be Abandoned

Hmm. I replied softly, "I am here with Xu Muchan."

Alright. I nodded my head

His gaze turned towards me, and the expression hidden behind the dark eyes behind the lenses was indiscernible to me

I certainly understand such matters. In this world, only oneself can punish oneself, and only oneself can forgive oneself

What exactly does he like about me? He should have truly gotten to know me for the first time in the first year of high school, right? At that time, I was even more withdrawn than I am now. What about that version of me could have possibly attracted Xu Muchan? I cannot understand.

Once, Lu Lanxin was cheerful and lively, but now, Lanxin has long since changed beyond recognition

"Shh—" He gently placed his finger on my lips, "You'er is in the bathroom. If you want her to know what we were just doing, you can speak a little louder."

Thank you I replied softly

But you and I both understand, Lanxin, you are no longer a child of a few years. Some dreams cannot be realized merely through effort. Liu Wen always views issues with such sharpness, getting straight to the point. Therefore, Lanxin, her giving up on dance may not really have much to do with you all

Xu Muchen slapped the door behind me with his palm, producing a sound of "thud"

After Xu You'er left, only Xu Muchen and I remained at the door

02

"When are you coming back?" Liu Wen asked me

Indeed, in our childhood, who did not possess a bit of excessive pride, who did not feel like the protagonist? Chen Ke did not want to reveal the truth, you were unable to tell Mo Yuchen that it was actually not that serious

She is a timid little girl, seemingly very shy and rarely speaks. Her name is Xu You'er

"You are avoiding me," he said in a low voice. "Why are you avoiding me?"

Xu Muchan reached out his hand, but instead of taking the paper bag from my hand, he firmly grasped my wrist. With a strong pull, he dragged me into the room, then extended his other hand to close the door behind me

"But Lan Xin, you did not." Liu Wen took over the conversation and said softly, "You are very brave, never avoiding."

However, this ultimately led to a change in Yu Chen's future. I gave a wry smile and said, "For so many years, neither Chen Ke nor I had the courage to tell Yu Chen or the people around us about this."

03

Was I not merely the executioner who destroyed the future of others in the past?

I really want to take the opportunity to return to school, but seeing Xu You'er’s hopeful gaze, I couldn't bring myself to say it out loud if I were to go back

"Is that why you say you cannot be with Xu Muchen?" Liu Wen asked slowly

Every time I see Xu Muchan, I am reminded of those broken dance shoes, and I recall how I ruined Mo Yuchen's future out of fear of losing face

Xu You'er saw me, paused for a moment, and then her eyes brightened.

I responded in a voice that was almost inaudible

Xu Muchan grabbed my arm and pulled me forward. I glared at him in anger, but he smiled at me nonchalantly and said in a voice only the two of us could hear: "Can you bear to disappoint someone who likes you?"

I feel somewhat uneasy and have a strong desire to turn around and run away

I pressed my lips together, a certain emotion swelling within my heart

It is now 2 PM, Xu Muchen said that Xu You'er’s bus will arrive at 3 PM. I do not have time to indulge in idle thoughts, so I put my phone into my small bag and quickened my pace towards the bus stop outside the school gate

I haven't thought about it yet. I looked at Xu Muchan with a sense of helplessness

Compared to eating, I would rather go back. I have many things to do, and I must face Chen Ke, face Mo Yuchen, and also Song Yanyi, who has been waiting for my answer.

What? My emotions have gradually calmed down, and I am no longer as afraid to speak with Xu Muchen as I was before

So that's how it is," she said with understanding, "but what a coincidence, sister, that you and my brother attend the same university

When I wanted to push Xu Muchen away, he released me first, but he still trapped me against the door, using his arm to prop up the door panel, looking down at me from a height

I nodded.

If it were an older sister, that would be wonderful. She did not wait for my response and continued to walk forward with a smile, saying, If it were an older sister, I would be very happy.

I crossed the road, walked into the train station, and as I walked, I suddenly remembered something

"Well, I had some food in the car," Xu You'er said warmly as she linked her arm with mine. "It has been many years since we last met, and I feel that Sister Lu, you haven't changed much at all. I recognized you at a glance!"

"I mind Song Yanyi," he said in a very forceful tone, "I should say I hate that guy. Why haven't you rejected him yet?"

I do not know what is happening, but the scene before me unexpectedly evokes a warm feeling within me

Xu You'er smiled mischievously and asked, "Sister Lu and brother, are you a couple?"

"You are Sister Lu!" She ran towards me with a smile, "What a coincidence, my brother actually asked you to pick me up. He just called me, and when I heard your name, I was wondering if it was the Sister Lu I know. I didn't expect it to really be you!"

I instinctively wanted to refuse

"Speaking of which, Xu Muchan, why do you like me?"

He may be angry, he may have given up on me, but I cannot discern it from his expression and gaze

He is so close that my heart begins to race uncontrollably again. I want to step away, but Xu Muchen takes a step forward, trapping me at the door.

Indeed, it is quite a coincidence, I said

His fingers brushed over my lips, and then he took a step back

The corners of my mouth involuntarily lifted upwards, he did not give up on me, nor did he retreat because of my words, this is truly wonderful

"Alright!" Xu You'er jumped up from the sofa, "Wait for me a moment, I will change my clothes." After saying this, she quickly ran off to change her outfit

My heart, warmed by others time and again, is no longer the appearance of being trapped in the cold, dark ice.

Grandfather and grandmother, as well as paternal grandfather and grandmother, all passed away when we were very young. My aunt wanted to take my brother and me back home, but my brother did not agree. From that moment on, my brother has been taking care of me. When Xu You'er said these words, her expression became very gentle, "Sister, do you know? In my heart, my brother is the most important person in the world. So I have always hoped that one day, my brother would meet a particularly good girl." After she finished speaking, she paused for a moment, turned back to look at me, and in her beautiful eyes, there was a layer of mist, "Sister, will that girl be you?"

She is on the train at 3 PM, and I will send you her photo right now. I have already told her that you will help pick her up. Xu Muchen completely gave me no chance to refuse and hung up the phone after speaking.

"Lan Xin is indeed very brave," Liu Wen said with a smile, reaching out to pat my head as if comforting a child, "Keep it up!"

All the way, I have been thinking, at this point, after I uttered those words and fled in disgrace, how does Xu Muchen truly view me?

Then I will have my brother make sweet and sour ribs for you to eat, his sweet and sour ribs are really delicious!" Xu You'er said to me with a proud expression, "Not just ribs, he can make many delicious dishes.

I stared at the phone screen that had already dimmed, momentarily at a loss for thought

I instinctively turned to look at him; his expression was serious, and his brows were furrowed. He asked me in a low voice, "Girlfriend? How come I didn't know? What are you talking about?"

I can understand the feelings of Xu Muchan when facing his only family member

I felt a bit frustrated and turned to place the bag in my hand on the sofa

I hung up the phone and slowly followed behind. Xu You'er said she wanted to eat "Ants Climbing a Tree" and ran off by herself to get some vermicelli. I walked over to Xu Muchen, who turned his head to look at me and asked with a low laugh, "What do you want to eat?"

I no longer wish to retreat

I do not know about this matter. I have liked Xu Muchan for so many years, yet I am surprisingly unaware of his affairs

"Sister, do you know why I like you so much?" Xu You'er linked her arm with mine, turned her head to look at me, her face full of smiles

Xu Muchan had originally taken a step forward to avoid me, but at that moment, he suddenly stopped. He turned back to look at me, and my gaze unguardedly collided with his eyes

Thus, I raised my hand and took the initiative to partner with Xu You'er. When she looked up at me, I wore a radiant smile.

Before I could come up with an answer, the bus arrived at the station. I checked the time and realized there were still a few minutes until 3:00

Throughout the journey, Xu You'er chattered away with me about the past. Unlike me, Xu You'er has a particularly clear memory of that period.

Liu Wen asked me earnestly, "So what do you plan to do? Do you intend to be bound by this matter forever?"

A blurred memory gradually emerges in my mind

Ah? Quite good. I answered Xu You'er’s question very objectively. There is one exception, which is that I have a good temper. To be honest, I am somewhat unclear about what kind of temperament Xu Muchen truly has. I once thought he was a very gentle boy, but recently I have discovered that he is not the kind of person who is gentle and mild. His deep black eyes are unfathomable, and I cannot discern the truth behind his calm expression

Eight years old. Xu You'er said with a faint smile, "When I was eight, my parents were in a car accident, and neither of them survived. At that time, my brother was only ten years old. Fortunately, my parents left behind a sum of wealth, so my brother and I have never been in a difficult situation due to lack of money."

"Sister is just like mother," she said softly, "I have always longed to experience again the feeling of mother drying my hair for me, it is truly nostalgic!"

As I passed by the subway entrance, my footsteps hesitated instinctively for a moment

"After dinner, I will take you back," Xu Muchen said softly. "That guy really likes you; you must have felt it too. So, just consider it as fulfilling a little girl's whimsical request, alright?"

Wow, this feels so good! At that moment, Xu You'er pushed open the bathroom door and walked out. The nightgown she was wearing was the same one I had worn here last time. Her long hair was wet and still dripping.

I looked at him and the image of him walking side by side with Luo Ningning surfaced in my mind, and I suddenly felt a surge of anger: "Luo Ningning! Aren't you two together? No way, going to the movies together, going to the classroom together, how does that not look like something only couples would do!"

"Lan Xin." Liu Wen handed me her phone, "Face it well, whether it is yourself or Xu Muchen, do not make decisions that you will regret."

"Yes, I want to say thank you to my sister." She bent down slightly towards me, "Because now I have grown into the person I like."

I was taken aback, not expecting Xu You'er to suddenly bring up this topic; for a moment, I did not know how to respond

Although I had once decided to carry this past with me for a lifetime, I now regret it

"Are you coming back very late?" Liu Wen suddenly asked after hearing my words, "Are you with Xu Muchen?"

He looked at me with a sense of comfort

After my parents passed away, I was left with only my elder brother, so whenever I have free time, I will come to see him Her topic suddenly shifted to this point

"Then when do you want to speak?" he asked, "The winter vacation is about to begin."

At that time, I thought, I also want to become a person like you, sister. She felt a bit shy, "Sister, will you laugh at me?"

After taking the elevator upstairs, Xu You'er knocked on the door

It is only through such subtle changes in expression that I know Xu You'er must remember me

You, as a person! I pondered for a long time but could not come up with an appropriate adjective to describe him, so I can only say, "truly annoying!"

After I said those words to him, why was he able to remain calm and composed, pretending as if nothing had happened while calling me, even asking me to pick up Xu You'er? Shouldn't he be asking Luo Ningning for help instead?

I recall his exceptional culinary skills, which I once found incredible, but now I understand why he is such a good cook. With both parents gone, he had to learn to cook and prepare meals, as he also has a younger sister to take care of. He did not agree to his aunt's suggestion to take his sister to live at her house, probably because he did not want his sister to feel like a burden from a young age

The little Xu You'er stood there, at a loss for words, not daring to speak. At that time, she was not as lively and outgoing as she is now; she was very quiet, timid, and not particularly skilled in socializing

A very faint glance

Because I am going to attend junior high school, the school is a bit far from the dance studio, and since I do not have much interest in dancing, I did not continue practicing I found an excuse to brush it off

My brother is truly the best in the world! Xu You'er said, He is tall and handsome, has a good temper, and can cook. Whoever becomes my brother's girlfriend in the future will definitely be extremely happy

"You know, I really like you," he said with a low laugh. "Coincidentally, I like you very much as well. Lu Lanxin, you are truly charming."

Xu Muchen's home has Xu You'er’s clothes, which indicates that Xu You'er has been here, and I remember he mentioned this. So, Xu You'er can also go to Xu Muchen's house, why does he still want me to pick up Xu You'er

She stopped in her tracks, turned her head to look at me, and wore a radiant smile: "Have I changed in any way now?"

Sure. I took the hairdryer, knelt on the sofa, and dried her damp hair with it. She looked like a little cat, her face displaying a very comfortable expression

Warm and soft lips gently pressed against mine

I understand. Xu Muchen is indeed impressive; he immediately hit my weak spot. I cannot stand others looking at me with such expectant eyes, as it renders me unable to utter a word of refusal

"Do not force yourself." His voice suddenly became very gentle, "If you cannot walk towards me, then wait for me to walk towards you"

Xu Muchan's voice came through: "Lan Xin, are you free right now? If you are free, could I trouble you with something?"

"I won't." All along, it has been Xu Muchen approaching me, and I no longer wish to stand still and wait.

A person is very lonely

Just as I was lost in thought, Xu Muchen sent over a photo of Xu You'er

I followed her in silence, my heart filled with mixed emotions. It felt as if the entire world was conspiring for me and Xu Muchan to be together, and this accumulation of feelings solidified my thoughts more and more.

Ah? I am even more confused. Why did the conversation suddenly shift to Song Yanyi? Were we not discussing Luo Ningning? What is the relationship between Luo Ningning and Song Yanyi?

I was taken aback: "I am not avoiding you."

"The next stop is here," said Xu You'er as she stood up from her seat—we came directly from the train station to take the subway.

I eat everything

In fact, I really want to leave and let Xu You'er find Xu Muchan by herself, but since I promised Xu Muchan to pick someone up, I must ensure that I hand her over to Xu Muchan properly

I no longer wish to hear words that are insincere. He looked at me with an unusual calmness and said, If you do not like Song Yanyi, then do not give him any false impressions

A sudden pang of emotion surged within me, and my hand paused for a moment, instinctively making my actions of drying her hair a bit more gentle

The phone rang again. I stared blankly, tears blurring my vision, but even so, I could still see clearly that it was Xu Muchen calling.

That was shortly after I had just started attending the dance class, Xu You'er slowly recounted to me

Many things, perhaps one may not remember, but others always do. So, what about Mo Yuchen? In her heart, does she still remember those broken dance shoes, the pair that led her life to a turning point?

"Yes, it is me." I smiled at her, "Have you had lunch yet?"

Thinking this way, I no longer feel conflicted

I want to question him why he did this, and on what basis he did this

I want to strive on my own, to reach Xu Muchen with my own strength, and tell him that I like him, and have liked him for many years

Xu Muchen asked me to do a favor, and I need to step out for a moment. I took the clean clothes and entered the bathroom, taking a good shower.

I looked at her in confusion; in fact, this is also a question that perplexes me. I find Yu Er's affection for me to be quite inexplicable. Could it be that at some point in the past, I did something that left a lasting impression on her

However

Perhaps it is precisely for this reason that I have always felt that Xu Muchen would like me, which is an event even more incredible than a comet colliding with the Earth

Thank you for liking me, regardless of the reason for your affection

It was precisely because of those broken dance shoes that her life trajectory was completely altered. A small mistake led to such a terrible consequence

You really are something! Why do you always get entangled in strange places? Xu Muchen chuckled and said, "So how long do you need to consider?"

Lán Xīn ... ... '' Liú Wén hesitated a bit, as if she had something to say to me, but felt that it might not be appropriate to express it.

I have destroyed her dreams and future! I lowered my head, feeling extremely sad in my heart. I cannot be at ease with myself while being with Xu Muchan, nor can I allow myself to smile freely. I feel that I must accept punishment. However, I do not dare to tell others about this matter, so I can only punish myself.

I dried Xu You'er’s hair, and it seemed that Xu Muchen had also finished his tasks. When he entered the bedroom to change into a new outfit, he was still fastening his cufflinks as he came out.

04

There is nothing between Luo Ningning and me. Xu Muchan pushed up the glasses on his nose bridge, looking at me with a half-smile, and said, "No, that's not quite right; I can't say there is absolutely nothing."

I believe that I am now ready to properly face Mo Yuchen

Don't you think that I am really terrible like this? For the past seven years, I have been hating myself, hating the way I neglected my friends for such trivial matters. What does it matter to be embarrassed? After all, it is the future of Mo Yuchen!

Hello! I suddenly felt a deep sense of powerlessness, "Why don't you listen to what others are saying!"

Unconsciously, I let out a sigh of relief

"Regardless of how one puts it, that is still a factor," I said, "an important factor"

It is not only Xu You'er who says this; Chen Ke and Mo Yuchen also said the same after seeing me. This is probably because I have a baby face

Sister Lu

Xu You'er called out to me, and I suddenly came to my senses

Like the night loves the day, like the south wind cherishes the cherry blossoms, like dolphins kiss the waves—I like you

The sounds of cicadas in the midsummer, the calls of birds, and the wind rustling through the treetops come together to piece together a scene, ultimately revealing a small silhouette deep within the recesses of memory

"Neither Jiani nor I can help you with anything," Liu Wen said helplessly. "This is your mental block. If you cannot forgive yourself, then no matter what we say, it will be meaningless."

I quickly took a step back to prevent the distance between Xu Muchan and me from appearing too ambiguous

In fact, I no longer remember this matter; upon careful reflection, I can only recall a few very vague fragments.

"Mm, I'm so happy!" Xu You'er was particularly excited; she truly is a vibrant and energetic girl

Hmm. I picked up the phone and answered the call

Brother! Xu You'er rushed over to hug Xu Muchen, saying, "I miss you so much! Also, brother, you are simply an angel for bringing Sister Lu to my side!"

"Cowards will never admit their mistakes," Guo Jiani said, "Lan Xin is not a coward. Hasn't she faced it well? Hasn't she punished herself properly? All these years, being alone, it must be very lonely, right?"

Xu Muchan was taken aback, then let out a low laugh, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes: "You saw it all, didn't you? Do you care?"

"Initially, I thought my brother was being overly concerned; I knew the way and could go there by myself. However, it was truly wonderful that Sister Lu came to pick me up. You have no idea how much I admired you at that time," Xu You'er said, feeling a bit shy as she stuck out her tongue. "I even regarded Sister Lu as my role model. Back then, I really wanted to become someone like you, Sister."

Xu Muchan quietly looked at me and after a while asked a question: "So do you know why You Er likes you so much, even idolizing you?"

Can we not discuss these matters now

Now, speaking to Guo Jiani and Liu Wen, the heavy stone that has been pressing in my heart has surprisingly lightened a little

"By the way, sister, why did you stop dancing later on?" Xu You'er suddenly asked me

I have finally gained the courage to run forward

Of course not

Regardless of the reasons behind Mo Yuchen's decision to give up dance, at least the dance competition that year, the stage that belonged to Mo Yuchen, was ruined because of the mistakes made by Chen Ke and me

Hehe. I also do not know what Xu You'er is secretly enjoying.

He stood inside the house, while I stood outside the door. I handed him the bag in my hand: "Here you go, the skirt."

May I see you one more time? I murmured the question

I could only temporarily set aside other thoughts and opened the photo to take a look.

"Sister, please don't do this." Xu You'er smiled as she held my hand, "Many years have passed, and I am no longer sad. My brother and I have both grown up well. Come on, sister, let's go up."

At that time, I thought my sister was truly amazing, always so happy, particularly brave, and very intelligent, as if no problem could ever stump her. She smiled and said, "Back then, I was just a coward who could only hide behind my brother, too afraid to speak in front of strangers."

What should I do? Has my true feelings been exposed?

01

The supermarket is right in front of us. Upon entering the supermarket, the first floor features several specialty counters, while the department store area is located on the second floor. Since we are here to buy groceries, our destination is clear: the second floor

Just like—he paused, his gaze filled with laughter, his words laced with humor, "just like I like you."

Do you know what kind of feeling it is when a person in darkness suddenly sees a glimmer of light? His voice was soft and slow, "Even knowing that the light will burn his eyes, he still wants to approach it, because humans are inherently drawn to pursue the light."

I understand. I frowned and shook off his hand, quickly walking a few steps to reach Xu You'er.

What about the other relatives? I couldn't help but ask

As I took the paper bag containing Xu You'er’s dress out of the cabinet, I turned back to Liu Wen and said, "I don't know yet, it shouldn't be too late."

He paused here deliberately, seemingly observing my expression

Well. After learning about this matter, I found it impossible to refuse Xu You'er’s request

My heart suddenly trembled, and I turned my head away to avoid looking at his face, saying: "I don't know what you are talking about. Moreover, don't you already have a girlfriend?"

He gazed at me quietly, his expression peculiar, making it difficult to discern what emotions were concealed within.

Upon entering the supermarket, Xu Muchen casually pushed a shopping cart

I did not flinch in the face of his gaze

"Well, if anything happens, be sure to call me and Jiani," Liu Wen said. "Just remember, no matter what happens, we are here because we are friends"

I want to go back! I turned around and walked towards the door

I stood up and walked to Xu You'er's side, the subway stopped, the doors opened, and Xu You'er pulled me off the train

Xu You'er joined our dance class midway through the session. That day, in the evening glow of the sunset, Xu Muchen led Xu You'er as they walked on the ground covered with fallen clouds. She hid behind Xu Muchen, feeling somewhat timid and somewhat at a loss.

I saw him again. This is the first time I have been in such close proximity to him since I rejected him

My heart trembled slightly, and I was startled to raise my head to look at her. Have her parents passed away? Is that why Xu Muchen started working so early?

I sat down on the sofa. The appearance of Xu You'er completely dissipated the previously ambiguous atmosphere, and I let out a slight sigh of relief. As long as it is not just Xu Muchen and me alone, there should not be any problems.

Is that so

I have a slight headache. I previously thought that after I said such things, Xu Muchen must have already given up on me. I even felt sad and regretful about it. However, it seems that those negative emotions were truly unnecessary.

In that dance competition, if Mo Yuchen had won first place, she should now be a graceful dancer on stage, rather than a small business owner who feels content just running a boutique.

Alright, then let's go to my brother's place now. Fortunately, Xu You'er did not continue this topic; she put her arm around my shoulder and pulled me forward.

I never thought that a small act of kindness would be remembered by another person, and many years later, they would return that kindness to me in greater measure

However, Lanxin, I want you to know that no matter what decision you make, I will support you," Guojiani said firmly. "Because that is a decision you made yourself, Lanxin. Whether it is forgiveness or continuing to carry the burden of guilt, it is a choice you will face after careful consideration, isn't it?

I shook my head: "It is not like that. Later, I learned something through various sources. That is, before the competition, Mo Yuchen told her family that if she did not achieve first place, she would give up ballet. Her family is not wealthy, and she cherishes the opportunity to dance."

The girl in the photo, Xu You'er, is a delicate-looking young lady; the little one in my memory has also grown into a young woman

I am not tired, I will just go to the restroom and take a shower. I will leave Sister Lu in your care. Please do not let her leave, as I want to talk to her after I finish my shower

Xu You'er walked over while drying her hair with a towel, saying: "Oh, Sister Lu, why are you just standing there? Brother, how could you let Sister stand like this, no matter how busy you are! You didn't even think to pour her a glass of water!"

You are being ridiculous! I said in a lowered voice

I turned around in frustration: "I just didn't agree to anything."

"She unilaterally wants to take me as her master, so she cannot be considered a disciple, as I have not yet agreed to accept her as one." Xu Muchen smiled, "That's how it is regarding Luo Ningning. Next, Lu Lanxin, shouldn't we talk about Song Yanyi?"

Xu You'er did not listen to me and insisted on pouring a glass of water for me, placing it on the coffee table in front of the sofa

Exiting the residential community where Xu Muchan lives, if one walks along the road leading to the subway station for about ten minutes, one will arrive at a large shopping supermarket

Of course not! I quickly denied it, for when Xu You'er spoke, my heart skipped a beat. "We are just friends."

"Has Mo Yuchen always been unaware of this matter?" Guo Jiani asked me softly, "In fact, Lan Xin, you are not as bad as you imagine. This issue is not solely your problem; anyone in that situation might not be able to handle it well."

I happened to go there once. My hand instinctively tightened.

I lifted my head and caught a glimpse of Xu Muchan's silhouette, while Xu You'er was placing a cabbage into the shopping cart

I told myself not to overthink it, perhaps it is because Xu Muchen is concerned about Xu You'er’s safety that he asked me to pick her up. The reason he asked me to come is probably because among the people he knows, I am the only one who knows where his home is. After all, he has mentioned that I am the first guest to visit his home

I do not evade. Since I have decided to confront my own heart, I will no longer evade.

My eyes suddenly felt warm. Although I do not know why Xu You'er would say such words, in that moment, the overwhelming emotion in my chest was not false.

Xu You'er's eyes clearly expressed disbelief: "Just friends?"

Sister, what do you like to eat? I will have my brother make it. Xu You'er smiled with her eyes curved in delight

I stared wide-eyed at his face, which was so close, and in the depths of his pitch-black eyes lay emotions deeper than the abyss

It seems that all the irritability has been washed away, and I feel completely relaxed in both body and mind as I walked out of the bathroom

Xu Muchan noticed my hesitation, turned around, and wore a smile that was neither fully a smile nor fully serious

Xu You'er suddenly leaned closer to me and said with a malicious look, "My brother must be particularly popular at school, right?"

After walking for a while, I suddenly remembered something and quickly took out my phone to call Liu Wen. It seems that I will be returning very late today, and I cannot let Liu Wen and Guo Jiani worry.

Aside from that, the only memory I have of Xu You'er is that she dances very well and works very hard. Among the students in that session, Xu You'er was the youngest, yet in the end, it was Xu You'er who advanced to the finals alongside Mo Yuchen

I know

However

I did not pay attention! I gritted my teeth and wanted to deny it to the end

"Great, then I am in for a treat today," I replied with a smile

Of course, I said, forcing myself to remain calm

I am clearly a coward! I am just a coward who does not even dare to touch my memories, how could I be brave?

I have thought for a long time and truly cannot recall any moment when I was together with Xu You'er, apart from occasionally exchanging a few words; I have no other interactions with her.

Disciple? I was bewildered

"Sister, I have always remembered that smile; it felt particularly warm." Her gaze was very gentle, filled with memories.

I know this! I retorted, "I promised him that I would give his matter serious consideration. I will fulfill my promises, and therefore, until I have thoroughly considered it, I will not refuse him.

I need to go to the supermarket, as there is no food left at home. Would you like to go together?" Xu Muchen asked while walking.

I carefully recalled, but I can no longer clearly remember what kind of personality Xu You'er had during our dance practice.

Hmm? I looked up at her and asked, "What do you want to say?"

I walked out of the subway station with Xu You'er, and she happily chatted with me about her interesting stories from high school. By the time we reached the neighborhood where Xu Muchen lived, she had already chattered on about many things.

Did I, in the past, once warm the heart of a young girl?

"Do you know the way?" I asked

He clearly said he liked me, yet he behaves ambiguously with other girls. Although I know I have no right or position to feel this way, I can't help but care a little, and I am even somewhat angry.

I am finally free

As she spoke, she turned around and looked at me with an expression of anticipation: "Sister, what do you think?"

I stubbornly said: "I don't care at all!"

No, thank you, I am not thirsty I said hurriedly

I think Lan Xin is very brave and very frank, " Guo Jiani said with a smile, " If it were someone else, they might have forgotten about this matter long ago, or even felt that it was not their fault, using various excuses to absolve themselves.

Is that so? Xu Muchen said, "Speaking of Luo Ningning and me, if one must draw a connection between us, then she is my disciple"

"You'er is on vacation and is coming to play with me. I am a bit busy and do not have time to pick her up. Could you help me pick her up?" Xu Muchen's voice was calm, completely in the tone of asking a familiar person for a favor.

After Xu You'er finished speaking, she let go of Xu Muchen and ran inside. Before she walked away, she did not forget to wink at me.

Xu You'er nodded: "Yes, I came here last summer. Has Sister Lu been to my brother's place?"

I looked over at Xu Muchen, and he was also looking at me, a faint smile on his face. Our gazes met in mid-air, and then I quickly turned my head away, my heart starting to race again.

The door opened quickly, and Xu Muchen was wearing a bathrobe, with black-framed glasses perched on his nose and his hair somewhat disheveled. It seemed that he was indeed very busy

I took a deep breath, forcing myself not to think about Xu Muchen. The most important thing right now is to face Xu You'er. When I see Xu You'er, what kind of expression and tone should I use to speak to her

Ah? My heart suddenly trembled as I looked at Xu You'er in surprise

A tremendous sound of "bang" echoed in my mind, and the walls of my heart collapsed in an instant

Because I had seen Xu You'er’s photos in advance, I almost recognized her as soon as I saw her. I waved at her.

Xu Muchan turned around and glanced at me again

"Well, I have mentioned it, but do you mind my relationship with Luo Ningning?" He had a glint of cunning in his beautiful eyes, like a cat that had caught a mouse, "If you didn't like me, you wouldn't mind such matters, would you?"

But why would Xu You'er say such things to me

Xu Muchen? I had no choice but to look up at him

I subconsciously nodded; Xu You'er had just told me that it was due to a group practice. However, what does Xu You'er liking me have to do with Xu Muchen liking me?

"You make sweet and sour ribs very well, so let's have sweet and sour ribs," I said

I am deeply shocked; both Xu Muchen and Xu You'er’s parents have passed away, and Xu You'er mentioned that it has been many years. Does this mean that they have been orphans for a long time?

"Then you have punished yourself for seven long years; no matter how great the mistake, it should be sufficient to make amends. Moreover, it was not you who damaged the dance shoes; you simply did not speak the truth, which is also understandable," Liu Wen said. "If it were me in that situation, my actions would probably not differ much from yours."

Did he hear my response just now

"Sister Lu, could you help me blow dry my hair?" Xu You'er said, holding the hairdryer and looking at me with an expression full of anticipation

05

"It seems you promised You'er to keep her company and talk, didn't you?" Xu Muchen said to me in a voice that was almost cheerful, standing beside me. "Lanxin, are you a person who does not keep your word? Or are you saying that you even deceive a little sister?"

Carrying such confusion, I walked to the exit.

"Affection cannot be concealed." He leaned slightly closer and whispered in my ear, "Lu Lanxin, do not make me wait too long"

Xu You'er pulled me along behind Xu Muchen, chattering away about Xu Muchen as we walked

"Lu Lanxin." He suddenly leaned in, holding my face in his hands while I was still in a daze

She murmured to herself as she walked over to pour me some water

However, when he mentioned Song Yanyi at this moment, I remembered that I still owed Song Yanyi an answer. I had promised him that I would seriously consider the possibility of being with him, but then a series of unfortunate events occurred, and in my state of confusion, I actually forgot about this matter

Xu You'er is two years younger than us, and she is petite and delicate. When she first joined the dance class, she was timid and had very little presence. Once, when the dance teacher asked us to practice in pairs, it was destined that one of the three of us—Chen Ke, Mo Yuchen, and I—would have to partner with someone else.

He took a step closer to me, and I cautiously stepped back. He smiled and raised his hand to rest it on the top of my head

Are you tired?" Xu Muchen withdrew his gaze and looked back at Xu You'er, his eyes filled with a tender affection.

"Sister, you were once my idol," she said very sincerely and seriously, without a hint of joking. "You didn't practice dancing anymore after that, and I was quite disappointed for a long time, always thinking how nice it would be to see you again someday"

I waited for a moment and then saw a girl with a backpack and a ponytail walking over. As she walked, she looked around, clearly searching for something

I want to say that, in fact, this is really a trivial matter. If a person's dream can be so easily destroyed, can it still be considered a dream? Liu Wen thought for a moment and then said, "I always feel that Mo Yuchen's decision to give up dancing may not be solely because of that incident."

I took a deep breath, suppressing the tumultuous emotions within me, "I want to go back on my word."

You have. Xu Muchen insisted

His gaze seemed to tremble slightly, and then he gently nodded his head, making a barely audible sound of "mm".

The more one likes, the less one can see clearly

Xu You'er soon emerged, wearing a light pink dress. Her long hair, freshly washed and left down, cascaded over her shoulders, giving her the appearance of a little princess

Although the home is empty, with only him and his sister present, at least they have each other; they are family, true family

At that time, Xu You'er was unable to keep up with the pace and performed the worst in jumping, which is why no one was willing to partner with her

I cannot understand him

I nodded gently

Haha. She seemed to have thought of something, and laughed happily, "Indeed, whether it was in childhood or now, I am always so happy to see you, sister. Sister, I truly like you a lot!"

Well, I want to try to face Yu Chen, to confront the secret that has been buried deep in my heart for many years. Liu Wen and Guo Jiani's words have made me even more resolute in my thoughts.

I remember I said that I didn't like you! It was as if I was sulking with him, and I deliberately brought up what I had said to him that day

Along the way, Xu You'er told me that whenever Xu Muchen had a break after entering university, she would come to find him

"Lan Xin, you are truly not straightforward at all." Xu Mu Chen, however, completely disregarded what I had said, as if he already had the answer in his heart. "Lu Lan Xin, you really are not suited to lie at all. If you do not like me, then why did you show that kind of expression back then? Your expression clearly told me that you like me! You spoke harsh words to me while wearing an expression of affection, which is really excessive. If you do not like me, then why did you show that kind of expression back then? Your expression clearly told me that you like me! You spoke harsh words to me while wearing an expression of affection, which is really excessive. If you want me to keep my distance from you, then do not show me such an expression."

I thought for a long time but could not come up with a reason. Later, I thought of Xu Muchan and Luo Ningning. What kind of relationship do they have? If encountering them together in the cinema was merely a coincidence, then seeing them walking together again at school cannot be considered a coincidence, can it?