Summer got serious and asked Logan, "No, really, how were the noodles?"
Logan pondered for a moment before replying, "They were okay."
Summer pouted and didn't push further. Getting a genuine compliment from him was like pulling teeth. It made sense, though—Logan was a master manipulator, never sincere with anyone.
She stopped chatting and focused on gathering wild vegetables. After finding a good spot, they collected a bunch and returned to the residence to wash and chop them for their chicks.
By the time they got back, the others had finished dinner. The boys were now lounging in their dorm, chatting, playing cards, or chess. It was always lively with so many people.
After feeding the chicks, night had fallen. Logan retreated to his dorm but quickly grew annoyed with the noise. Seeking solitude, he grabbed his harmonica and headed out to the nearby river, finding a quiet spot on a large rock by the water.
***
Not long after Logan left, Henry found an excuse to slip out too. Instead of heading to the river, he went to the girls' dormitory. He stood silently outside for a few minutes before calling out in a low voice, "Summer, come out here for a minute."
Summer had been resting after feeding the chicks and was startled by Henry's voice. Holding her breath, she didn't respond immediately.
After a moment, Henry spoke again, "I have something to say to you. Don't pretend you didn't hear me."
Summer hesitated before replying, "If you have something to say, just say it here. I can hear you."
Henry insisted, "It's not convenient here. Come outside."
Summer took a deep breath, feeling irritated. Even after breaking ties, he still thought he could control her. She decided it was better to face him head-on rather than avoid him.
She stood up and went to the door, facing Henry with a stern look. "Say what you need to say."
Henry turned and walked towards the gate, "Come with me."
Summer followed him reluctantly, her eyes full of resentment. She didn't fear him—years of friendship assured her he wouldn't harm her.
They walked until they were near the riverbank. Summer stopped, not wanting to go further. "Let's talk here."
Seeing she wouldn't go any further, Henry turned to face her, his expression serious. "I'm asking you seriously, what's wrong with you? Half a month and you're still acting up?"
Summer met his gaze, unfazed. "I'm not acting up. I told you, I want to cut ties with you and the others. I don't like you anymore. We don't get along, and I don't want to. Can't you just leave me alone?"
Henry's teeth clenched in anger. "And Logan? You get along with him? After half a month, you still don't see what kind of person he is? A guy who can't say a kind word, always with a sour face, and you can get along with him?"
Summer retorted, "I like his sour face. What's it to you?"
Henry exploded, "Summer, I'm like a brother to you! Who else is going to look out for you?"
Summer shot back, "My last name is Tang, yours is Han. You're not my brother and you have no right to control me!"
Henry took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "You're following him around, cooking for him, and you think that's okay? He's hated by everyone!"
Summer snapped, "Yes, I'm crazy. I like him!"
Her declaration stunned Henry, his brows furrowing in disbelief.
Not far away, Logan sat on a large rock by the river, idly turning his harmonica in his hands. He had been listening to their argument, but when he heard Summer's confession, his hand froze, and his eyes lifted in surprise.