Xiao Zhanyuan's Memories
Xiao Zhanyuan had known Xiangyu a long time ago. She was a very delicate and beautiful girl. She often went alone to the noodle shop next door to eat a bowl of dumplings, sitting in the corner by the window, holding a book and reading. Sometimes the sunlight would shine on her, and she would sit motionless in the light and shadow, like a statue, with only the light and shadow dancing on her face. He would sometimes get lost in watching her.
Xiao Zhanyuan was a son of the generation of educated youth, they were sent to support the rural areas and stay there after that, now Xiao Zhanyuan back to his parents' hometown and living with his aunt in the city. No one cared about him. He stopped going to school when he was in his teens and later learned to fix cars, opening a small repair shop where he lived alone. He knew he was quite good-looking and that some girls liked him. But some of those who loved his appearance annoyed him with their persistent approaches. Others, although they loved his appearance, still despised him as he was poor, and he couldn't be bothered to look at them twice. But Xiangyu, he didn't know how to describe her. Once, when her bicycle chain broke and she came to get it fixed, Xiao Zhanyuan asked her name, saying he often saw her. She smiled and said her name was Xiangyu. After that, every time he saw her, Xiao Zhanyuan couldn't help but walk out and call her, "Xiangyu." Every time, she would smile back and say, "Hello."
They actually had little communication, and their conversation was limited to "Xiangyu" and "Hello." Until one day, Xiao Zhanyuan heard faint cries and cries for help outside. He rushed out and saw Xiangyu being pressed down and bullied. His blood boiled instantly, and he kicked the guy who was pinning Xiangyu down. He chased the two bad men away and turned to see Xiangyu's clothes torn, her hair messy, and her hands trembling as she cried. His heart tightened, aching and pitying her. "Xiangyu, Xiangyu," he couldn't help but call her, but she looked at him blankly with wide eyes, full of tears. It was him who carried her back to the repair shop and let her sit on his bed. He was flustered and panicked, searching for a clean towel and giving her his jacket. He told her to stay here for the night as the school dormitory was already locked, and he handed the clothes and the towels to her. But she seemed lost her mind, as if she hadn't heard anything. He looked at her, only hearing his own heart pounding loudly, so loud, thump thump thump thump. Suddenly he couldn't control himself, reached out and hugged her, her body was small and soft. But before he could feel anything, she seemed to hesitate for a moment and then began to struggle desperately. But he held her tighter, his tone softer and gentler, "It's okay, Xiangyu, it's okay, don't be afraid, don't be afraid, Xiangyu, it's me, Zhanyuan, it's me, I'm here, they've all been chased away by me, it's okay, I'm here, you'll be fine." She gradually calmed down, no longer struggling, leaning softly in his arms, her tears unstoppable, falling heavily on his chest. He felt his heart being crushed, his body burning, and she trembled as she cried. Xiao Zhanyuan's mind was in turmoil, he wanted to hug her, kiss her, and say he liked her, but he didn't dare to move. Later, she seemed extremely exhausted from crying, and fell asleep in his arms. Xiao Zhanyuan cautiously lowered his head to look at her, her hair brushing against his lips, her brows furrowed, her face swollen from crying. He carefully laid her on his bed, her clothes in disarray, her neck slender and white, the top button of her clothes torn off, revealing a piece of fair skin, the delicate curves of a young girl. Xiao Zhanyuan felt like he was no different from those two jerks, panicked and covered her with the blanket. There were some scratches on her hands and legs, not too serious. He sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her, devoutly humble. She would sob in her sleep, and he would touch her forehead, feeling a little warm. Xiao Zhanyuan dared not leave, he sat by the bed, holding her hand in his, watching her all night. When dawn broke, Xiao Zhanyuan poured her a glass of water and placed it by her bedside, then pulled the blanket again before leaving.
He sat with his back to the door, listening as Xiangyu woke up, her voice very soft, perhaps changing clothes. He heard the door open, subconsciously straightened his back, not daring to move. He heard Xiangyu thank him and say she would wash the clothes clean and return them in a few days. Her voice was a little hoarse, still with a hint of crying. She was about to leave, and Xiao Zhanyuan reached out and grabbed her wrist, "Deal with the wounds." he said. Xiangyu thanked him gratefully. Later, she left, and Xiao Zhanyuan lay in the place where Xiangyu had slept, holding the blanket she had covered herself with, stupidly staring into space all day.