Although Yuansu is usually carefree, she is the type of girl who gets shy in front of the person she likes.
Teased by this, her ears turned red in an instant, and she kicked me under the table. "You're close with him, you go!"
"My foot! Stop kicking, stop kicking, I'll ask, okay?" I couldn't dodge her "shadowless kicks," so I had to reach out and tap Yan Luo behind me. "We're going to see a movie tomorrow morning. Are you coming?"
Yan Luo turned around, chopsticks in hand. "Watch what?"
"'Classmates.'"
Yan Luo said, "Boring. I'm going to see 'Fast & Furious' with Gaowen and the others."
I glanced at Yuansu.
Her little face dimmed, unable to hide her disappointment. It was truly pitiful to see.
Fine, time for the trump card.
I leaned in close to Yan Luo and whispered, "The FBI..."
He immediately pulled away and glared at me. "Are you ever going to let that go?"
"Are you coming or not?"
"This is the last time! Don't you ever bring it up again!" Yan Luo turned back around, fuming.
I turned to Yuansu and said, "It's done. He's going, too."
Yuansu asked skeptically, "What did you say to him? And what 'last time'?"
I said, "It's a secret. You're buying the cola and popcorn tomorrow."
Luckily, she didn't press for details, just gave me a bashful yet playful shove. "That goes without saying."
During the evening self-study session, the scores and rankings for the weekly exam were posted. I had improved by two spots since the first mock exam.
An improvement is an improvement; at least I have something to report when I get home.
After evening self-study, I called Dad and told him I was coming home to sleep and didn't need a ride. Then, I grabbed my bag of dirty laundry and prepared to head home.
Just as I stepped out of the school gate, I saw Dad bundled up tight, standing in the cold wind like many other parents waiting for their children.
I hurried over. "Dad! Didn't I say you didn't need to pick me up?"
Dad smiled as he took my bag and handed me a bag of hot, roasted chestnuts. "I happened to be out for a walk nearby when you called, didn't walk far at all. How come I don't see Yan Luo?"
I shelled a chestnut, gave it to Dad first, then shelled one for myself. "He's going to watch the midnight showing of 'Fast & Furious' with friends tonight. I'm not going."
"Midnight shows aren't safe. If you want to see it, Dad will take you tomorrow."
I said, "No need. I already have plans to see a different movie with Yuansu and the others tomorrow morning."
"That's fine. Do you have enough money?"
"Enough. I just need to buy a ticket; the snacks are on Yuansu."
Dad said worriedly, "If you're short on money, tell Dad. You mustn't bully your classmates."
I said, "What do you mean 'bully'? She owes me a favor."
We chatted all the way home. As we neared the house, Dad said, "Your Elder Sister and Juyan are coming over for lunch tomorrow. Can you make it back in time?"
I had intended to eat out with friends, but I was more curious about the follow-up regarding the curtains, so I said, "I can. Count me in."
Dad nodded and started discussing Juyan with me. "I think Juyan is a very steady young man. He’s thoughtful, has a good job, and is handsome. Your Mom and I are very satisfied. Xiaohe, what do you think?"
"Hmm... he's great, but both Brother Juyan and Elder Sister are people of few words. If their future children grow up in a house where no one talks, what if they become autistic?"
Dad was both annoyed and amused. "You really have no filter. Don't you dare say that in front of them."
***
Although Mom thinks that high school seniors should be focusing on practice problems instead of going to the movies, luckily my slight improvement in the weekly exam, combined with Dad speaking up about "balancing work and rest," allowed me to leave the house the next day without any mishaps.
Sitting at the bus stop at the entrance of our neighborhood, I tilted my head back and yawned, only to hear Yan Luo's voice. "Hey, Lianhe!"
I finished my yawn and turned to look at him sluggishly. "Morning. Did you eat?"
"Of course I ate. I'm not like you, just waking up."
Today, Yan Luo was wearing a smoky-gray windbreaker. The jacket was stylish, and paired with his tall, lean frame and fresh features, he looked quite pleasing to the eye.
He sat down beside me and continued, "After the movie today, let's grab lunch out, shall we?"
"I can't. My sister and her fiancé-to-be are coming over today. I want to go home for lunch."
He said, "Don't be like that. You can see your brother-in-law-to-be whenever. But us classmates will be scattered to the winds after graduation; every meeting is one less. All the close friends are coming out today. Gaowen is even bringing his camera."
Hearing him say that, I didn't want to go home either. As for the curtains, that was already a done deal—whether I was satisfied or not, they were already installed.
Hanging out with friends and taking photos was more important.
I called Dad to tell him I wouldn't be back for lunch.
Dad was understanding and transferred me a hundred yuan for activity money.
By the time I reached the cinema, Yuansu, Gaowen, and the others had already arrived and were playing with the claw machines in the lobby. Only two girls who lived further away were still on the bus and would arrive momentarily.
Yuansu had put effort into her appearance today. She wore her hair in a high bun, donned a cinched plaid skirt with leather ankle boots, and wrapped a red scarf around her neck. She looked very pretty.
She saw us first and called out a sweet "Lian'ou~" to me, but her eyes were glued to Yan Luo.
Truly, she values romance over friendship.
The other girls present had also dressed up, curling their hair and wearing lipstick. As they walked by, you could smell their perfume.
Looking around, I was the roughest one—not only was I wearing a tracksuit, but I’d been too lazy to wash my hair last night, so I’d just stuck on a baseball cap and headed out.
Soon, the other two girls arrived, all looking beautiful.
Great, these people! They called it a "friendly gathering," yet everyone dressed to the nines without telling me. Truly, they are plastic friends.
After buying the tickets, we had some time before the show, so everyone took a group photo in front of the poster.
Since I was so unkempt, I was naturally squeezed to the edge. Gaowen adjusted the tripod and camera timer before rushing to stand next to me.
I turned to remind him, "You should stand in the middle..."
He used one finger to push my face forward. "No time! Say 'cheese'!"
I immediately made a peace sign at the camera and grinned goofily.
After the group photo, he took some smaller group shots and individual photos for the others. Yuansu had originally pulled me and Yan Luo in for a photo, but I tactfully stepped out of the frame, letting her have her wish and take a picture with Yan Luo.
With the showtime approaching, people began exchanging tickets.
There were many people watching movies for New Year’s, so we couldn't get a full row of seats; we only managed to get smaller, scattered blocks.
Although we were all "friends" in name, several people had that "more than friends, less than lovers" vibe. These small seating blocks were perfect for creating some alone time during the movie.
By the time the swapping was done, only one corner seat remained, and it went to me, of course.
Holding this unpopular ticket and looking at the pairs in front of me, I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it.
Is dating really that great? If I had known there would be an odd number of people, I wouldn't have come.
***
Just as I was fuming, the ticket in my hand was taken away by Yan Luo.
He handed me his own ticket. "I don't really want to watch it anyway. Sitting in the corner is perfect for a nap."
Yuansu also felt it was a bit excessive to leave me hanging, so she nodded. "Yeah, Lian'ou, let's sit together."
Seeing them both being so considerate, my anger subsided quite a bit, and I swapped the ticket back. "Forget it, I can see from anywhere. My seat is close to the exit, which makes it convenient for bathroom breaks."
Hearing that, Yan Luo didn't say anything more.
Yuansu gave me a grateful squeeze.
My seat was in the far left corner of the back row. After sitting down, I leaned against the left armrest, found a comfortable position, and ate my popcorn while waiting for the feature film.
Who would have thought that less than ten minutes into the movie, the couple in front of me started leaning into each other, their heads bobbing around, locked in an inseparable embrace.
They probably thought sitting in the corner was discreet, but I could see everything clearly.
I was incredibly awkward and quickly grabbed a handful of popcorn to shove into my mouth to distract myself.
But the two of them kept at it. During the silent parts of the movie, I could even hear their slurping.
The theater was full, yet not a single person around them said a word.
After a while, the girl slumped down, and the guy’s shoulders heaved as he panted heavily like a fish out of water.
I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't even bother with my cola or popcorn; I stood up and fled the theater.
Once I ran out, the more I thought about it, the angrier I got.
I had been so happy to come to the movies today, only to end up with a corner seat I didn't want, and then run into a couple acting like they were in heat in a public place. What a stroke of bad luck!
I went to the front desk and reported them.
The cinema staff took it seriously and immediately sent security to check the surveillance. Soon, the couple was escorted out of the theater by security. They left, swearing and cursing, threatening to write a negative review.
Afterward, the staff apologized repeatedly and gave me a new cola and popcorn, along with two vouchers for the cinema.
But I was no longer in the mood to stay, and I didn't even want to go to the post-movie lunch.
What lunch? If I stayed, I’d just be an extra lightbulb again.
I sent a message to Yan Luo and Yuansu saying I had something to do and was heading home, then left with my cola and popcorn.
I really did want to go home, but when I reached the bottom of the cinema building, I thought that if I went home at this hour, Dad would surely worry that I’d had a falling out with my friends, and he might even go asking Yan Luo all sorts of questions.Or we could just grab a bite somewhere outside and head back after mealtime.
There was a solo hot pot restaurant nearby. When I arrived, they had just opened for business. I found a quiet corner and sat down, but before I even had a chance to order, someone suddenly grabbed my arm.
I jumped in fright, looked up, and saw Yan Luo. Surprised, I asked, "Why did you come out?"
He let go of my hand and glared at me, annoyed. "I should be asking you that! You dragged me out to watch a movie, and then you ran off first. Didn't you say you were going home? Why are you eating hot pot here all by yourself?"
I glanced behind him and asked, "Just you? Where is Yuansu? Did you leave her there by herself?"
Yan Luo pulled out the chair next to me and sat down. "What do you mean, by herself? Aren't there several other classmates? I already told Yuansu that I'm taking you home and won't be joining their dinner."
A complicated feeling welled up inside me.
Today, aside from watching the movie, my main goal had been to play matchmaker between him and Yuansu. I never expected one unpleasant incident after another—we didn't get to see the movie, and I ended up splitting the two of them apart. I felt so bad about Yuansu's popcorn.
Yet...
I also felt so happy.
With Yan Luo keeping me company, I wasn't the extra person in the crowd.
After finishing the hot pot, neither of us felt like lingering. We took the bus back, and when we reached the residential complex, we each went our separate ways home.
I waited for the elevator on the first floor. It rose from the basement, and when the doors opened, Elder Sister and Juyan were actually inside.
These two managed to show up right at mealtime even on a Sunday—were they really that busy?
"Elder Sister." I stepped in, stood on her side, and greeted the other person, "Hello, Brother Juyan."
He replied indifferently, "Hello."
Elder Sister's tone was equally flat. "Dad said you and a friend went out to see a movie. Why are you back so early?"
I said, "The movie wasn't very good, so Yan Luo and I left early. We just had hot pot, so I won't be eating with you guys later."
She said, "Mmm."
After that, the elevator fell silent.
Although we were full sisters, we didn't have much to talk about, and with Juyan present, I couldn't bring myself to chat with Elder Sister about everyday domestic trivialities.
I had no choice but to look down at my phone and pretend to be busy.
Fortunately, we reached home quickly.
The moment they walked through the door, they received a warm welcome from Mom.
Learning that I had already eaten outside, Mom looked slightly displeased as she said, "Since you could come back early, why did you have to eat outside? What a waste of money. If you aren't eating, go back to your room and study. You only moved up two places, don't get conceited."
"Oh."
I went into my room, closed the door, and collapsed face down on the bed.
Just then, my phone chimed with a new message. I picked it up to take a look—the group of friends had already finished the movie and were getting ready for dinner. They had posted today's photos in the small group chat, and Yuansu was even asking worriedly whether we had made it home safely.
Sigh, she was so nice; I couldn't even blame her for ruining the mood.
I replied to her, and then started scrolling through today's photos.
Gaowen's camera took great pictures. I had thought I would look like a complete mess, but there weren't actually any ugly shots of me.
When I swiped to the photo of Yan Luo and Yuansu together, I tapped to zoom in, my fingertip hovering over Yan Luo's faintly smiling face, and a heavy feeling settled in my chest.
Today, just seeing him sit next to Yuansu had made me feel left out.
If he gets a girlfriend in the future, will he still take care of me the way he did today?
Will we still be as close as we are now?
Will I still be able to shamelessly go over to his house to hang out?
Probably not anymore.
I dug up the photos we took during the family barbecue outing with the Yan Family this summer vacation. In a large group photo, Yan Luo and I stood between Dad Yan and Mom Yan, the four of us holding drinks and skewers, grinning from ear to ear at the camera.
As I looked at it, my eyes grew moist.
My own family had never taken a photo like that.
I really, really love the Yan Family.
I love them so, so much.
I can't bear the thought of parting with any of them.
Just then, Dad knocked on the door from outside. "Xiaohe, dinner is ready, come out and have a bite?"
I hurriedly wiped the tears from my face, sat up, and shouted toward the door, "I'm full, I don't want to eat. You guys go ahead."
Dad said, "We have braised prawns, the ones you like..."
Mom's voice drifted in from the living room. "If she doesn't want to eat, don't keep urging her. She was out playing all morning anyway, let her study."
Dad had no choice but to say through the door, "Well, I'll save some for you. Go to sleep for a bit if you're tired."
I said, "Okay."
Dad went off to serve the dishes. The moment he left, I changed into my pajamas, pulled back the covers, and slipped into bed.
In order to go out and play today, I had stayed up late working through my evening self-study session yesterday, barely managing to finish my homework. Since I didn't have to worry about homework right now, I was just tired enough to catch up on some sleep.I do not know how much time had passed when I heard the door open, followed by footsteps drawing closer. Suddenly, a chill hit me as the blanket was yanked off. At the same time, Mom's voice exploded right beside my ear: "Lianhe! I've been calling you forever! What kind of fake sleeping are you pulling?"
I bolted awake in an instant, sitting up wide-eyed with my heart hammering against my ribs.
Mom stood beside the bed, seething with anger.
She had actually pulled off my blanket.
All the warmth drained from my body. Because I had been jolted awake, my head pounded fiercely, and a sudden surge of temper made me snap at her: "Are you out of your mind?! I wasn't pretending to sleep! Why did you pull off my blanket?"
Seeing that I dared to talk back to her, Mom became even more infuriated.
"When have you ever taken an afternoon nap? The moment you're asked to study, you fake sleep to slack off, without a single ounce of self-discipline. How are you going to pass the exams for a good university acting like this? If you were even half as hardworking as your elder sister, you wouldn't be stuck with this mediocre, half-assed academic standing that gives everyone something to worry about—"
Here she goes again! Comparing me to Elder Sister again!
I completely broke down, jumped off the bed, and screamed at her: "Since you love Elder Sister so much, why did you even give birth to trash and good-for-nothings like me?! I'm terrible at studying, I don't have a single redeeming quality, and I just make you mad all day long. What are you standing there for? Come on, strangle me to death right now!"
With that, I stretched out my neck and yelled: "Do it! If you don't finish me off today, don't blame me for driving you to your grave later!"
Mom never expected that I would go this crazy. Her lips trembled as she stared at me like I was some kind of monster. For a brief moment she froze, and then she violently slapped me across the face.
After hitting me, she burst into tears first.
Great. I, the one who got hit, haven't even cried yet, and you, the one who did the hitting, are crying already.
What are you crying for? I'm the one who was wronged!
I shoved her away and bolted out without looking back.
As soon as I reached the living room, I crashed hard into someone.
It was Elder Sister. She hadn't left yet, and my collision sent her tumbling to the floor with an "ouch."
Someone stepped forward to help her up.
It was Juyan. He hadn't left either.
I stood frozen in place, utterly overwhelmed and confused.
I had assumed Elder Sister and the others had already left, which was why Mom dared to lecture me so recklessly.
Yet now, all of them had witnessed me throwing a shrieking, tear-streaked tantrum.
How could Mom do this? Why did she have to make a fool of me in front of them?
Because the argument had to do with Elder Sister, she didn't scold me for being reckless after being helped up; instead, she just looked at me with a conflicted expression.
Comforting people wasn't her strong suit, and she had no idea what to say in a moment like this.
Hearing the commotion, Mom walked out of the bedroom. Taking in the scene and realizing I had knocked Elder Sister down, she rushed over to check if Elder Sister was hurt, then whipped her head around to snap at me: "Lianhe! What are you taking your anger out on your sister for? She didn't do anything to you! Hurry up and apologize to your sister!"
Elder Sister awkwardly tugged at her arm: "Mom, I'm fine. Don't yell at Xiaohe anymore..."
Mom insisted: "Stay out of this! It's all because your dad spoils her—she has zero manners. Today I am going to make her admit her mistake and apologize!"
She shielded Elder Sister like a mother hen while glaring at me as if I were her sworn enemy.
Looking at the two of them acting like such a devoted mother and daughter, I couldn't even be bothered to say a word. I sniffled, wiped away my tears, and blindly bolted out the front door.
I refuse to let her be my mom anymore!
The elevator was stuck on the third floor, refusing to budge, and Mom's scolding reached my ears every second.
Ranting about how I lacked drive, was gluttonous and lazy, talked back to my parents, spent money recklessly...
Like I had lost my mind, I hammered the elevator buttons repeatedly, but it didn't move.
If you aren't going to move, I will!
The moment I yanked open the fire escape door, Juyan chased out from the apartment and grabbed my wrist: "Lianhe."
I forcefully shook him off: "Go away! Leave me alone!"
Afraid of hurting me, he voluntarily let go.
By then, I had calmed down just a fraction. Juyan hadn't done anything wrong to me; I couldn't take my anger out on him.
I averted my face, not wanting him to see me looking so wretched, but the moment I spoke, my uncontrollable sobs broke through: "I... I'm going to Yan Luo's place... I'm not running around... I'll... tell Dad..."
Before my words trailed off, a jacket carrying someone's body heat settled over my shoulders.
I stood there in a blank daze, only then realizing how cold I was.
In five or six-degree weather, I was wearing nothing more than thin pajamas, shuffling barefoot in slippers. Everything from head to toe was freezing cold, except for my face—because I had just been hit, it still burned fiercely even as my tears dried in the wind over and over again.
I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of grievance. Clutching his jacket, I squatted down on the ground and burst into tears.
The elevator finally arrived, and Juyan said he would take me to Elder Sister's place.
I silently followed him inside.