Chapter 1, the story goes like this

I smiled with a crooked mouth, laughing while feeling pain in my tongue. "We are getting married, what is there to be ashamed of? Passing on the family line is a natural duty. Who are we? We are the Xie family, a lineage of traditional Chinese medicine.

But it has never been the case. Zhang Ziyue watched me be born, watched me wear split-crotch pants, watched me wear a bra; he even knew the date of my menstruation. In front of him, I had no gender; Xie Huaimin was simply Xie Huaimin, and not a girl in the bloom of youth.

Zhang Ziyue displayed a look of disappointment. His expression was truly beautiful, and I suddenly felt that my absence was the greatest regret of his wedding, almost deciding that I would rush over regardless of floods or typhoons. However, the remnants of reason timely sealed my lips.

Zhang Ziyue did not expect me to ask this question, and was taken aback, "Missing? The one who came to rescue us."

The elevator suddenly plunged downwards. I tumbled to the ground, my heart racing with alarm. "Hey, hey..." the intercom crackled twice. The descent of the elevator paused for a moment, then it continued to plummet straight down

You should say that you are madly in love with Li Yan, that you will marry no one but her, and that you wish to spend this life together with her, from the ends of the earth to the corners of the sea, never to be separated.

After graduating with a doctor's degree, Zhang Ziyue researched nuclear physics. After our conversation, I felt that the fate of us ordinary people is actually entirely in the hands of these intellectuals. At that time, he was already a well-known elite, tall and handsome, with a charming demeanor. The girls pursuing him were beautiful enough to be candidates from "Dream of the Red Chamber," and there were so many that they could form a World Cup team. Young Master Zhang seemed to look down on all of them, picking and choosing as if he were an emperor selecting concubines.

I sighed in frustration

I estimated that at this moment, the elevator should be stuck between the 13th and 14th floors. While going up is certainly good, if it were to fall down, both my life and Zhang Ziyue's would likely be in jeopardy

By that time, our whole family will be laughing foolishly. Among the six children of the Xie family in the same generation, three were directly admitted to key universities, two went abroad, and I am the only one who is just getting by at a second-tier key university in the country. My mother often sighs, "Xie Huai-min, why don't you strive for some pride for me?" In fact, she shouldn't have such high expectations for a girl. Although it is said that one should not strive for pride over something trivial, one should still strive for some pride; it has long been inflated.

Uninformed outsiders who hear about it will often praise, saying: "Huai Min has lofty aspirations, aiming to inherit the legacy of his ancestors and carry it forward, right?"

After shouting, it seemed that all my strength had been exhausted. I sat on the floor, my head bowed, unsure of what expression to wear in front of him. The elevator was stuffy, yet my heart felt a wave of relief, as if I had set down a heavy burden, and my breathing and heartbeat became much more unimpeded.

My mother brandished the spatula, ready to hit me: "At such a young age, not learning anything good! Is this something a girl like you would say?"

My feelings? Even I feel that my admiration is a desecration of his elegance and nobility

Regardless, he is getting married. He has taken another step towards baldness, a beer belly, and hemorrhoids. And I am still young, am I not

As is customary, after a girl confesses her feelings, she should shyly cover her face and run away at lightning speed, leaving the other person behind to fully comprehend the situation. However, now that I have confessed in the elevator, I find myself trapped, unable to go up or down, with no way to escape. In the depths of embarrassment, I find that I am no longer shy, and I might as well go all out.

We entered the elevator. Zhang Ziyue lives on the floor below mine, yet he only pressed the button for my floor, presumably intending to take me home first. He is a thoughtful and considerate person, and the more I think of his good qualities, the more I envy Li Yan's good fortune. In the elevator, it was just the two of us, and an awkward silence enveloped us. I turned my head and saw the collar of his shirt soaked with sweat, and there was a dark V-shaped stain on his chest. His square jaw had a hint of stubble, and beneath his rolled-up sleeves were strong arms. I turned my head again and saw the collar of his shirt soaked with sweat, and there was a dark V-shaped stain on his chest. His square jaw had a hint of stubble, and beneath his rolled-up sleeves were strong arms. And those broad shoulders and chest. All of this will belong to another woman. They will live in a beautiful garden, isolating me from the outside.

I detest it when men ask like this. Many times, they can sense that the other person is heartbroken with just a slight shift in their thoughts, yet their minds just cannot make that connection. I asked him, "Have you set the date?" After a while, he finally reacted and smiled, saying, "The banquet is scheduled for September 19th." "That's a very auspicious number. Is the new house ready?" Zhang Ziyue nodded, "It's all set. Will you come?" I asked him, "Have you set the date?" After a while, he finally reacted and smiled, saying, "The banquet is scheduled for September 19th." "That's a very auspicious number. Is the new house ready?" Zhang Ziyue nodded, "It's all set. Will you come?"

Even if I were to arrive in time, I would not go running to see my beloved marry another; they are over there in sweet bliss, while I am here drinking bitter wine alone, which is too much self-inflicted discomfort.

Seeing this situation, I dare not even think about it. As mentioned earlier, I am someone who is easily content; I only eat until I am seventy percent full. Zhang Ziyue treats me as if I were a little sister from next door, and this unique identity has been earned through twenty years of being neighbors, which other girls cannot attain. I do not harbor any unrealistic expectations

Oh gods, it seems I did not wish to die on the same day, month, and year as Zhang Jun, did I? Zhang Ziyue comforted me: "Minmin, do not be afraid, someone will come to rescue us soon." I am not afraid; after all, I have my beloved by my side. He is different, about to become a groom, and the beautiful and splendid chapter of his life has just begun; to end it here would be too hasty. So I joked to lighten the tense atmosphere: "Brother Ziyue, who do you miss the most at this moment?" He is different, about to become a groom, and the beautiful and splendid chapter of his life has just begun; to end it here would be too hasty. So I joked to lighten the tense atmosphere: "Brother Ziyue, who do you miss the most at this moment?"

At that moment, I was using all my strength to chew on a piece of beef tendon when I heard the news. I momentarily lost control and bit down hard on my tongue, causing tears to stream down my face. It hurt so much! My mother continued, "We have been neighbors with the Zhang family for so many years. When your father and I first came here for work, Zhang Ziyue was only five years old. This child has been smart and sensible since he was young, and he has done well in his career as he grew up. Have you met his girlfriend? I heard she is a model?" My mother continued, "We have been neighbors with the Zhang family for so many years. When your father and I first came here for work, Zhang Ziyue was only five years old. This child has been smart and sensible since he was young, and he has done well in his career as he grew up. Have you met his girlfriend? I heard she is a model?"

I said: "The person I like does not like me." Perhaps my voice was too soft, and Zhang Ziyue did not hear clearly, asking, "What did you say?" I held my breath and finally shouted out without caring: "I like someone, I have liked him since I was young, for many years. But he does not like me; he only sees me as a little sister. He is about to marry someone else now."

Zhang Ziyue has not spoken for a long time, and the elevator is filled with a suffocating silence. Of course, he should know that the person I am referring to is him. He is merely contemplating how to refuse me without hurting my feelings

Indeed, I not only did not inherit my mother's porcelain-white skin and my father's tall stature, but I also did not inherit much of the medical talent that runs in the Xie family. The reason I pursued traditional Chinese medicine was also due to my poor performance in the humanities, and there were no other preferred majors, so it became a matter of going with the flow.

What is wrong with me?

Twenty-one years, I think, I have loved Zhang Ziyue for probably twenty-one years as well. The Zhang family has been our old neighbors, having lived next to us through three moves; this is not an ordinary fate. Zhang Ziyue is six years older than me. When I was still a child with a runny nose, he was already a Young Pioneer. Adults often say that children have no memory, yet I clearly remember that during his childhood, Zhang Ziyue was already handsome and tall, drawing attention. If an adult had asked me back then, I would have certainly said, if I could have Ziyue, I would keep him in a golden house. However, no one ever asked me, and I had no means to build a golden house to hide a living person. Thus, I have silently harbored a crush on him all these years

You have helped me resolve the toast at the wedding banquet" Zhang Ziyue smiled at me. In his eyes, the love in my mind is nothing more than impractical romantic fantasies. Moreover, even if I grow old and my face resembles a withered flower, he will still see me as the little follower who used to trail behind him with a runny nose.

Brother Ziyue, I have liked you since middle school. I know I am not good-looking, nor am I smart, and I do not deserve you, so I have never said anything. Please do not laugh at me; anyway, you are getting married now, so it does not hurt to say it. It feels much better to express it. You do not need to respond to me; I just want you to know. Brother Ziyue, I call you brother, and you will always be my brother. I wish you the happiness you desire.

One summer, I heard from my mother that Zhang Ziyue was getting married. While she was stirring the shredded potatoes in the pot, she said, "Minmin, do you know that Zhang Ziyue downstairs is getting married?"

However, on a clear day, a thunderbolt struck; Zhang Ziyue suddenly decided to marry Miss Li Yan, whom he is currently dating. His first love has finally become someone else's husband, and the girl next door has thus become a stranger.

In short, Aunt Wang has finally put her mind at ease. My mother was quite happy, saying, "What do you think we should give as a gift? Just giving a red envelope doesn't seem sufficient." I coldly chuckled with no ill intent, "A wedding gift? That's easy. It would be most appropriate to send a copy of the spring palace scroll passed down from the Xie family."

The summer of this year was unusually hot, transforming the usually cool seaside town into a furnace by the Yangtze River. The family clinic was thriving, with a continuous stream of people suffering from heatstroke. My father, being kind-hearted and charitable, emulated the ancient sages by distributing cooling herbal tea for free at the entrance of the clinic.

What else do you want?

What? "You should say, the one I miss the most is Sister Li Yan." Zhang Ziyue laughed, saying, "What good does it do for me to miss her while we're stuck in the elevator?" I replied, "You are really not romantic at all, what does she see in you?" He said, "How would I know? This is a question only girls like to ask." I mustered my courage and asked, "What made you decide to get married in the first place?" Zhang Ziyue thought for a moment and said, "I'm not young anymore, I hope to start a family." "Is that all?"

I wiped my tears and said with a lisp, "I am not a model, I work at an advertising company"

"The reputation of the Xie family, built over a century, is about to be ruined by you." My mother glared at me in anger

"How many people are inside? Are they all okay?" Zhang Ziyue cleared his throat and said, "There are two people here, and they are both fine for now." I shouted from the side, "Hurry up and get us out of here, it's boiling hot!" "Wait! The machine is broken and is currently being repaired."

Hello! Hello! A man's voice suddenly came through the intercom, startling both of us.

Zhang Ziyue spoke up: "You seem to have something on your mind lately, always appearing to be lost in thought."

I was rambling: "I just... it’s so hot, I’m feeling dizzy..." Zhang Ziyue laughed and said: "Minmin, why are you so nervous? I just passed by on my way home from work, picked up some cold medicine, and thought I’d take you home as well"

The Xie family is a lineage of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been passed down through two generations in our family. Some uncles and cousins have studied Western medicine. My father has been managing the clinic inherited from my grandfather, and it has been twenty-one years since I was born

After I finished speaking, I met his gaze and smiled at him. Of course, it was not a smile that resembled the dawn of spring. In Zhang Ziyue's eyes, there flickered a light that I could not comprehend, and I did not know which of my words had moved him. He pondered for a long while, slowly relaxing his brow, and said: "Minmin, actually ... ... "

I study medicine and adhere to the doctrine of moderation, achieving a satisfactory level of seven out of ten in all matters. I find contentment in this. The top position is sought after by many, and I do not feel the need to compete for it; I am willing to play the role of a supporting character to highlight the brilliance of others.

Zhang Ziyue suddenly asked me: "Where is Minmin? You are almost in your third year, it’s about time you find a boyfriend." I blushed and felt quite uncomfortable: "I don’t want to right now." "Why? Do you perhaps have someone you like?" I shook my head, thought it over and realized it was wrong, then nodded, but after thinking again, I still felt it was wrong, so I shook my head again

The clinic is close to home, and we walk slowly together. The streetlights illuminate, stretching our shadows long and far. The world is so vast, and we feel like two children. In that moment, I truly wish that time and space could extend infinitely, until the ends of the earth

Our family has no sons; I am merely a laborer, standing at the door every day, boiling water and brewing tea while distributing cooling herbal tea to tourists, passersby, and beggars. Although this job seems grand, my image is quite insignificant. A little boy asked his mother, "Why is the beggar giving us things?" I was drenched in sweat, my hair disheveled, and my eyes gleaming red, which frightened him away. When I returned to the mirror, I was startled by my own reflection. Who was the disheveled, ghostly woman with a face full of resentment staring back at me? I splashed some water on my face haphazardly, tied my hair up, and took a deep breath. "Cheer up, Xie Huai Min. You are not unattractive, and you are capable. Many men strive to marry someone like you. Let Zhang Ziyue be a thing of the past." I pushed open the bathroom door. Zhang Ziyue's smiling face leaped into my view, sending chills down my spine. Did he hear what I just said? This is terrible! Why on earth is he standing at the bathroom door?

In summary, I have experienced a breakup. Just as summer vacation begins, I find myself with nowhere to go but home, and I have to force a smile every day. At night, when the lights are off, tears flow in the darkness. The sweetness and bitterness of first love are known only to me. I have hoped countless times that one day, Zhang Ziyue would knock on my door and say to me: "Minmin, I have realized that the person I actually like is you"

Perhaps I will pursue a graduate degree. When girls have no other options, the only path is to continue studying, for there is always a way through the mountains of books

It is truly a critical moment, and things have gone terribly wrong

We are in Unit 2 of Building B4, the elevator got stuck halfway, please come and take a look quickly

The muscles in my face have all stiffened, and after a long while, I managed to squeeze out a sentence: "School has already started, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to come..."

Zhang Ziyue, experienced and astute, immediately pressed the buttons for all the floors. Then, he rang the bell to call for help

Suddenly, there was a jolt beneath our feet, the lights flickered on and off, and with a clatter, the elevator came to a halt. Zhang Ziyue and I exchanged glances. Is the elevator malfunctioning

He is gentle and elegant, as always. I scrutinized him carefully and found no signs of anything amiss, which eased my mind a little

But now Zhang Ziyue is going to be someone else's husband, my mirage has collapsed, and my future has suddenly become unclear again

During the rapid descent, I could only feel Zhang Ziyue tightly gripping my hand

I asked, "Who at home has a cold?" I skillfully selected the medicinal ingredients and packaged them. Zhang Ziyue watched my actions and asked me, "Will Minmin come back to inherit this clinic after graduation?" "She probably will," I replied. In my youthful fantasies, I envisioned inheriting this clinic, with Zhang Ziyue as my husband. During the day, I would treat patients, and at night, we would stargaze together on the terrace. We were not very wealthy, but this kind of life was very warm. During the day, I would treat patients, and at night, we would stargaze together on the terrace. We were not very wealthy, but this kind of life was very warm

I have met Miss Li Yan, who is not the daughter of Wang Fei and Li Yapeng, but rather an elite in the advertising industry. She is fair and beautiful, comparable to an advertising model, and when standing next to Zhang Ziyue, everyone praises them. When elites pair with elites, the children born are nothing short of extraordinary. Zhang Ziyue is willing to marry, and Zhang Jiale is overjoyed, even my parents are happy as if they were marrying off their own daughter. I am the only one feeling sad, and I cannot express it. People believe that failing in love is a disgrace, stemming from a low personal composite index, not realizing that it is merely hormones at play. Zhang Ziyue is willing to marry, and Zhang Jiale is overjoyed, even my parents are happy as if they were marrying off their own daughter. I am the only one feeling sad, and I cannot express it. People believe that failing in love is a disgrace, stemming from a low personal composite index, not realizing that it is merely hormones at play.

Zhang Ziyue laughed: "Why is it so complicated? If it exists, it exists; if it does not, it does not"

But I am still sad