I turned back to the room and saw Ye Zhengchen half-naked on my bed, and anger surged within me.
I kicked his calf with all my strength and said, “Go! Reminisce with your old lover and settle things with her before coming back here.”
He pressed his calf and replied, “A woman who can’t distinguish right from wrong!”
“If you don’t leave, I’ll smash your head with the rice cooker.”
Ye Zhengchen dressed while walking out.
I heard Qin Xue’s soft voice. “Did I interrupt you?”
“I told you clearly, I don’t like you…”
“Do you like her then?”
Ye Zhengchen replied coldly, “Who I like is none of your business.”
“You like her?!” Qin Xue laughed sarcastically. “Do you know what liking means? You’re just playing around, discarding her once you’re done! Dare you say you can be faithful to her? That you’ll marry only her?!”
“Qin Xue, you’re smart. Don’t hurt others or yourself!” His voice was icy.
Will he speak to me like this one day?
I picked up Ye Zhengchen’s half-drunk beer, tasting the cold bitterness.
“I didn’t want to hurt anyone, I just don’t want you to hurt Xiao Bing anymore!” Qin Xue said loudly.
I knew she was saying this for me to hear, but I didn’t want to listen.
Some hurts are ones I chose myself; I don’t need others to remind me.
I turned off the light, packed things in the moonlight, and went to bed alone.
The next day, I skipped two classes to send Ye Zhengchen to the airport. The airport shuttle raced along the nearly empty coastal highway. Ye Zhengchen deliberately avoided attention, pulling me to sit at the back.
The bus was quiet except for occasional whispers and the engine’s sound. I curled up by the window, staring blankly outside, with many words I wanted to say but didn’t.
It was a windless day, with morning light dancing on the sea. I saw couples walking on the beach, their footprints extending far away. Ye Zhengchen took my left hand. I glanced at the dazzling watch on my wrist, suddenly feeling heavy, like wearing shackles.
He held my hand, and our watches sparkled in unison. I frowned slightly.
