When Xiang Yu returned to the dormitory, she was inevitably teased and questioned by everyone. She openly admitted her relationship, which eventually quieted her roommates. During their late-night chat after lights out, they learned that Xiang Yu and Lu Heng had been desk mates since junior high and continued through high school to the present. They were both envious and happy for her.
The next day, Xiang Yu called Xue Min. As soon as the call connected, and she began with, "Hello, sorry to bother you," the voice on the other end called out her name, "Xiang Yu, it's me."
"Hello, Mr.Xue," Xiang Yu quickly replied, "You mentioned yesterday that there were some club matters that needed my confirmation."
"Yes," Xue Min said, "Do you have some time now? If it's convenient, let's meet at the library. There are some forms you need to fill out, and I think it's better to explain them in person."
Xiang Yu glanced at the clock on the wall; there was still over an hour before the cafeteria opened. She thought she had enough time and said, "Okay, Mr.Xue, I'll grab my things and head over now. I'll be downstairs in fifteen minutes."
"Great, see you at the library."
Xiang Yu went back to her dorm, grabbed her backpack, organized her things, and left. When she arrived at the library, Xue Min was already waiting. He ran over when he saw her, and they found a relatively quiet table inside. Xue Min took out a few sheets of paper and began explaining them in a low voice. Since they were in the library, they had to speak softly, so Xue Min sat very close to Xiang Yu, almost catching the faint scent of her hair. The sunlight from the window illuminated her face softly, creating a white silhouette around her, highlighting her slightly lowered eyelashes and the fine hairs on her face. Xue Min stared at her, lost in thought, until Xiang Yu gently called his name and lightly pushed him, snapping him back to reality. Embarrassed, he felt his face flush red. But Xiang Yu didn't seem to want to dwell on it; she just wanted to finish the forms quickly. She filled them out with her head down, only asking questions when she was uncertain. Once she finished, she carefully reviewed the forms to ensure there were no mistakes before handing them to Xue Min. She patiently watched him check them over before standing up and saying, "Mr.Xue, if there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now. Thank you, Mr.Xue." She was polite yet distant as always, making Xue Min feel a pang of frustration. Unconsciously, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.
Xiang Yu struggled slightly but couldn't break free. Since they were in the library, she couldn't make a scene and politely asked, "Mr.Xue, is there something else?" while trying to gently pull her hand away. Xue Min knew he was overstepping and shouldn't be doing this, but he couldn't bring himself to let go. He hesitated for a moment, then stood up. He was tall, and standing, he enveloped Xiang Yu in his shadow. "Xiang Yu, come with me. I have something to tell you," he said, not waiting for her response, and pulled her towards the library exit, heading to a secluded bamboo grove in Cheng Garden.
Xiang Yu didn't resist or speak as they walked. Once they stopped, she looked at him with her clear, cold eyes, "Mr.Xue, what do you need to say?" Xue Min, seeing her now, felt his resolve waver. Looking into her eyes, he knew she understood everything, just as he did. She had always rejected him; her heart belonged to someone else, never giving him even a fraction of her affection. Yet, he couldn't accept it. Why? He felt they were more compatible. He pulled her closer, holding both her hands. She didn't resist, only looking at him with even colder eyes.
"Xiang Yu," Xue Min's voice was hoarse, "I like you, Xiang Yu."
Xiang Yu's expression softened a bit, and she seemed to sigh, "Thank you, Mr.Xue. Thank you for liking me. But I'm sorry, I already have someone I like. His name is Lu Heng. You probably know him."
Though he knew the outcome, his heart still ached, and he was filled with unwillingness. "Xiang Yu," Xue Min's voice grew more strained, "We are clearly more compatible, aren't we?"
"But love isn't about putting two people on a scale to see who is more compatible," Xiang Yu said with a hint of pity in her voice. "It doesn't make sense. Love is love. I just love Lu Heng. Thinking of him makes me happy."
Xiang Yu freed herself from Xue Min's grasp. He knew he couldn't force it or hold onto her. Xiang Yu turned and walked away. Xue Min stood there, staring at his empty hands as the bamboo leaves rustled in the wind, making a soft, whispering sound.