In the narrow, dilapidated corridor with dim lighting, his tall, erect figure seemed somewhat lonely. Xu Ke couldn’t help but say, “Goodbye.” Shen Mu paused at the staircase corner, glanced back at her. Suddenly, the motion sensor lights went out, and his figure melded into the darkness as if a past memory had abruptly been cut off. In that instant, Xu Ke’s heart ached. This man, loved, hated, intentionally forgotten, gradually forgiven… Although she no longer felt attached to him, every time she saw him, she would think of her youth, those beautiful years, the poetic feelings, all inextricably linked to him, etched into the fabric of time, indelible.
She quickly turned, closing the door as if to shut out those memories she didn’t want to recall or remember. Turning back, she met Lin Ge’s excited eyes. He put his arm around her shoulders, happily saying, “Xiao Ke, let’s go see the house tomorrow.” Xu Ke nodded, “Okay.” They entered the bedroom, and Lin Ge closed the door, embracing her. “Once we buy the house, we’ll get married.” Xu Ke nodded, defaulting to the idea, but playfully pouted, “Is this how you propose?” Her playful, sweet demeanor made Lin Ge’s heart overflow with happiness. He held her tightly, letting out a long sigh. “Xiao Ke, Lin Yao is a bit immature. I know it’s tough for you living with her.” Xu Ke was taken aback, “Why bring this up suddenly?” “Because when I came back, she complained to me about someone sending you lingerie, not answering your phone during dinners, etc. It was annoying, so I waited for you downstairs.” Xu Ke felt warmed by his trust, “Do you believe me?” Lin Ge looked at her earnestly, “Of course, I believe you! She does this because she lacks confidence in me. She always feels that a girl as beautiful and excellent as you isn’t someone I can afford or control. She’s just worried about me; she doesn’t have any ill intentions, don’t take it to heart.” Xu Ke nodded; it didn’t matter what Lin Yao said, as long as he trusted her, that was enough. They hugged quietly, sharing a tacit understanding without words.
He was an introverted and shy person, never one for dramatic or extreme actions, his emotions flowing like a gentle stream. Xu Ke cherished his steadiness and tranquility, feeling relaxed and at ease with him, unlike the tumultuous emotional exhaustion she experienced with Shen Mu. Nestled against Lin Ge’s chest, she recounted the night she encountered a thief, mentioned Shen Mu, and casually glossed over the incident with the lingerie. After speaking out, she felt much more at ease; she hoped for honesty between them, disliking deceit because she had tasted the bitterness of betrayal. After listening, Lin Ge was silent for a long time. Xu Ke thought he might be upset, feeling a bit anxious, wondering if she should have told him. But if she hadn’t, wouldn’t there always be a doubt in his mind, and a knot in hers?
