Outside the school, everyone was lively. Girls giggled in groups, and boys loudly bragged about the most nonsensical things. The cheerful atmosphere perfectly matched the last day of school.
A girl strolled down the path, her long, slightly curled ponytail swaying gently as the sunlight highlighted her radiant, light-brown skin. She looked almost ethereal, like a descended goddess.
"Li Xue! Where do you think you're going?" Hua Rong's shout shattered the serenity.
Li Xue turned, rolling her eyes. "Can't a girl just chill on the last day of school?"
"No," Hua Rong replied with exasperation. "Remember, you promised to run errands with me."
Chen Yi approached, his cool demeanor immediately commanding attention. "She's right. Let's go." His calm voice sent chills down Hua Rong and Li Xue's spines.
"Seriously, dude! Smile once in a while," Li Xue teased.
Chen Yi's expression remained unreadable. Though he had emotions like anyone else, he rarely showed joy, especially after his father's death.
"Are you coming or not?" he asked impatiently.
"Going, going!" Hua Rong interrupted, grabbing Li Xue's arm and dragging her along. Chen Yi followed at a steady pace, hands tucked in his pockets.
As they walked, a slender girl with straight black hair approached. Her pale skin glowed under the sunlight as she stepped directly in front of Chen Yi, clutching a small bouquet of flowers.
Li Xue and Hua Rong exchanged curious glances, pausing to watch the scene unfold.
"Chen Yi," the girl stammered, cheeks flushed. "Since summer break is starting, I was wondering if you'd like to... go on a date with me?"
Li Xue bit her lip, suppressing a laugh, while Hua Rong openly grinned.
Chen Yi's face remained completely neutral. "No."
The girl's eyes widened in shock. "Wh-why?"
"I'm not interested," he said flatly, walking past her without another word.
The girl stood frozen, and Li Xue finally burst out laughing. "Did you see her face? Priceless!"
Hua Rong joined in, clutching her stomach. "Chen Yi, you could've let her down gently! You're brutal."
"Why waste time sugarcoating?" he replied, unfazed.
As the laughter died down, Hua Rong sighed wistfully. "Confessions are so romantic, though. Imagine finding someone who truly loves you."
"True love doesn't exist," Li Xue declared.
"What?" Hua Rong gasped dramatically. "How can you say that?"
"It's simple," Li Xue shrugged. "People are selfish. Love is just an illusion."
"You're hopeless!" Hua Rong huffed. "When I find true love, you'll eat those words."
Li Xue did not respond which was equivalent to 'We'll see'
Chen Yi rolled his eyes but said nothing, continuing to lead the group toward the market.
As they walked they reached the market, which was not far away from their homes.
The bustling market was filled with vendors calling out their wares, the scent of spices and fresh produce wafting through the air. As the trio walked past a narrow alley, Li Xue glanced at a small, shabby pawn shop tucked between larger stores.
The shop's sign was crooked, and the dim windows were covered in grime. "What a waste of time," she muttered, dismissing it.
But before they could continue, a familiar voice called out angrily. "LI XUE!"
Hua Rong's mother stormed toward them, her face flushed with fury. "You've been hiding your test scores from me? How dare you!"
"Uh-oh," Hua Rong whispered, grabbing Li Xue's arm.
"Run," Li Xue whispered back, and Hua Rong didn't need telling twice. She dragged Li Xue and Chen Yi into the nearest building—the pawn shop.
Inside, the air was thick with a musty, unpleasant smell, like mold and something metallic. Trinkets, old coins, and dusty relics cluttered the shelves.
"Ugh, this place stinks," Hua Rong muttered, pinching her nose.
"Out of all places to hide, you choose this?!" Li Xue fumed. Along with Chen Yi's approval. "Were here now. So lets look around." Chen Yi suggested. To which the girls agreed.
The shopkeeper, a wiry man with disheveled gray hair, peered at them from behind a counter. His name tag simply read "Mr. Han" in faded letters. He didn't say a word but watched them with an unsettling intensity, his small eyes darting between them.
"What is this place?" Li Xue whispered, her voice low.
"A junkyard disguised as a shop," Hua Rong quipped.
Chen Yi looked at the shopkeeper and got bad vibes, "Let's get out of here as soon as possible."
"Oo- Look at this trinklet!" Hua Rong exclaimed with enthusiasm.
As the others browsed, Li Xue suddenly felt a strange pull. A faint voice seemed to whisper her name, urging her toward the back of the shop. She hesitated but followed the feeling.
On a dusty shelf, surrounded by broken trinkets, lay a jade necklace. Its intricate carving shimmered faintly in the dim light, and the whispers grew louder in her head.
Li Xue carefully picked it up, the jade cool against her skin. She turned to the counter. "How much for this?"
Mr. Han's face turned pale. He stumbled back, eyes wide with fear. "Take it!" he said, his voice trembling. "Take it and leave!"
Li Xue blinked in confusion. "What? For free?"
"Yes, yes!" he insisted, waving his hands frantically. "Just take it away from here!"
"That's... weird," Hua Rong whispered, watching the scene unfold.
Chen Yi frowned but said nothing, his gaze lingering on the necklace as if sensing something strange.
With the jade in her hands, Li Xue felt a chill run through her body. She gave a smug face to Chen Yi, "Well, it's free so-"
"Fine, Just take it." Chen Yi responded to which Li Xue jumped with excitement. She hurriedly put the jade necklace on. "Lets go, your mom's probably gone." Li Xue said.