Chapter 97 - 97

Xiao Zhanyuan and Xiang Yu wandered aimlessly around the campus, chatting about anything and everything. Xiang Yu couldn't quite grasp what they were talking about—one moment discussing Lu Heng's school team matches, the next reminiscing about a TV show from their childhood. They walked aimlessly, talking aimlessly, and Xiang Yu wondered if life could be as aimless, would happiness be easier to find? They passed through a moon gate and stopped by a bamboo grove. The spring scenery was beautiful, the air filled with the warmth and fragrance of spring. They both fell silent, neither wanting to break the tranquility of the moment. One step closer would be too close, taking a step back would be too far. But Xiao Zhanyuan still reached out and took Xiang Yu's hand. "Xiang Yu," he said, his voice rough, no longer smiling. "I..." Xiang Yu wanted to cover her ears, but she knew she couldn't. She wanted to stay calm, but her heart was in turmoil. It felt like she was being torn apart, asked what she really wanted, who she really cared about. Xiang Yu couldn't answer. She wanted to stop Xiao Zhanyuan, she didn't want to hear it. He held her in his arms, and she heard his voice, though it felt distant: "Xiang Yu, in our past life, the person you loved was me, wasn't it? You've always had feelings for me but couldn't or wouldn't admit it, right?" Xiao Zhanyuan held her by her arms, pulling her back to look into her eyes. "Xiang Yu, I want to try once more. Will you choose me? Please, Xiang Yu, answer me."

Xiang Yu's heart pounded so loudly that it echoed in her ears. She didn't want to hear, didn't want to answer, only wanted to escape. She saw Lu Heng covered in blood again and remembered telling him about the sparrow tree. She thought of the sunset they watched together, the dazzling smile he gave her in the Ferris wheel's lights, and all the Doraemon drawings he made for her. He had said, "Xiang Yu, let's get married." What is life, really? Life is all the trivial, ordinary, insignificant moments. Every minute, every second that seemed unremarkable then becomes a treasured memory. Without realizing it, Xiang Yu found herself crying, but she felt clear and lighthearted inside. She looked up at Xiao Zhanyuan, smiling through her tears. "I'm sorry, Xiao Zhanyuan, and thank you." Xiao Zhanyuan saw her expression and finally understood that he had no chance. He smiled too. "Xiang Yu, I said I would respect your decision. You know, I've always listened to you. Take care of yourself, alright? Promise me you'll be well." Xiang Yu nodded vigorously, wiped away her tears, and left.

Xiang Yu knew she had to find Lu Heng immediately; she had so much to say to him. When she saw him outside his dormitory, all the words in her heart turned into a simple sentence: "Lu Heng, I missed you." Her eyes reddened as she spoke. Lu Heng, flustered, held her in his arms. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's my fault. I shouldn't have been mad at you. Xiang Yu, I..." "Lu Heng," she interrupted his apology, "I love you. I've loved you for a long, long time. I just couldn't see it myself." Her words were filled with sincerity, and Lu Heng's heart melted. He no longer wanted to ask why it was him, or worry about the more suitable people around her. At that moment, he believed that Xiang Yu loved him.