Category: A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 25

    Chapter 25: Midsummer

    Summers used to feel long, spent lounging in air-conditioned rooms, gazing out at the scorching sun, longing for the heat to pass. But this summer seemed to have flown by, nearing its end.

    The midsummer clouds were thick, like layers of cotton blankets piled on top of each other, giving a sense of simple honesty.

    Su Yu stared blankly at the sky, his mind empty, the cicadas chirping noisily, yet he still felt at ease.

    He and He Mu Qing hadn’t gone far, just wandering around their neighborhood until the afternoon, then blinking, they found themselves at the nearby milk tea shop, He Mu Qing’s favorite.

    “Su Yu, hurry up.”

    He Mu Qing walked with a light step, as if she never got tired no matter how far she walked. She had always been like this since she was young.

    She wore a newly bought dress, a simple, long, fitted dress with a blue and white polka dot pattern, covering her shapely legs, only her fair ankles exposed. The color of her nail polish had also changed to a clean sky blue, matching her dress perfectly. As she walked beneath the trees, her skirt fluttered like a dancing elf.

    The low-heeled crystal sandals she wore were a gift from Su Yu for her sixteenth birthday. They weren’t expensive; he hadn’t had much money back then. Among the pile of gifts she received from her classmates, they were quite inconspicuous.

    But the quality seemed to be good. Compared to the other gifts that had long since disappeared, He Mu Qing had worn these sandals for a year and a half, having the heels repaired once by the old shoe repairman downstairs.

    “Coming, you walk too fast.” Su Yu caught up, walking in the shade of the trees along the sidewalk, still sweating profusely.

    “It’s actually open! Quick, buy me milk tea.”

    He Mu Qing excitedly swung her arm. The milk tea shop was privately owned, its opening hours unpredictable. The owner was a free-spirited person, sometimes opening for only two or three hours a day. They had been worried that the shop might be closed, but luckily… they were in luck today.

    The midsummer ivy grew rampantly, covering the entire wall with its green tendrils, even in the slightest bit of sunlight. The milk tea shop’s wooden sign was completely obscured, only the single character for “tea” visible.

    But the name didn’t matter. Whenever he and He Mu Qing talked about the milk tea shop, it was always this one.

    “Yo, you two are here together today?”

    A man in his forties or fifties stood behind the counter. His surname was Mo, but they didn’t know his first name. Su Yu and He Mu Qing always called him Old Mo.

    Old Mo had a neatly trimmed beard and his long hair was tied back in a small braid. He looked sharp and clean, just like the milk tea he made.

    Old Mo was surprised. It had been a long time since these two had come to the shop together. He Mu Qing had come alone to buy milk tea not long ago.

    “I’m leaving soon, so I’m taking Mu Qing out for a walk.”

    “I see. Mu Qing told me you’re going to Qingchuan, right? That’s quite far.” Old Mo nodded, stroking his beard. “From what you’re saying, it seems like the little girl is reluctant for you to leave.”

    “Ugh, Old Mo, stop your nonsense! I’ll pull your braid off!” He Mu Qing’s face flushed red, her voice loud enough to fill the entire shop.

    “Alright, alright, I’ll stop.” Old Mo clearly knew He Mu Qing’s temper and changed the subject. “What do you want to drink today? No one’s been in the shop all afternoon. I was about to close.”

    “The usual.”

    “Okay, go find a seat.”

    Old Mo put on the pink apron hanging on the wall and went to prepare the ingredients.

    “Su Yu, come sit here.”

    He Mu Qing found a seat by the window and called Su Yu over.

    “Want to go to the night market later?”

    “No…”

    He Mu Qing rested her head on the table, her face flushed, making him want to pinch her cheeks.

    “Tired? I thought you never got tired of shopping.”

    “Why are you so annoying?” He Mu Qing rolled her eyes at Su Yu, her expression fierce.

    “You’re the one with the bad temper.”

    “Haha…”

    He Mu Qing ignored Su Yu, staring blankly at the familiar street outside. The scenery outside wasn’t always the same. A new fried chicken restaurant had opened, and a small supermarket had been closed for a while. As time went on, everything was changing, including this summer.

    She remembered how much she had hated running into Su Yu at school during middle school. She had always felt embarrassed to be seen with him, afraid of being teased by her friends. She would avoid him after school, not wanting to walk home with him.

    Back then, the boy hadn’t understood these things and had always treated her the same as he did in elementary school. He would sometimes sneak into her class to find her, making He Mu Qing so angry that she scolded him in front of everyone. The boy left, dejected, but that day after school, he waited for her near the school gate, until she was alone, then handed her milk tea and mango pudding, apologizing.

    They had both been immature back then. Later, as they grew up, she no longer felt embarrassed when he came to her class, but he stopped coming altogether.

    Everyone was changing, becoming someone they didn’t like.

    “Mango pudding. The milk tea ingredients aren’t fresh anymore, so I can’t make it. I brewed some tea instead, consider it a gift. It’s my latest creation, try it.” Old Mo brought the pudding and tea to their table.

    “Old Mo, you haven’t added any new paintings lately. They’re still the same ones.” Su Yu looked at the paintings on the wall; he had seen them all before.

    “Sigh, maybe I’m tired of the scenery here. I don’t know what to paint anymore.” Old Mo shook his head, his tone helpless. “Alright, you two chat. I’ll clean up and close the shop.”

    “Old Mo’s skills are still as good as ever. It’s a pity he’s only running a small shop here.” Su Yu tasted the complimentary tea and sighed. “I won’t be able to drink this for half a year.”

    “I’ll go to Qingchuan, I definitely will.”

    He Mu Qing suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with determination. “I’ll find you then, and you’ll have to buy me milk tea.”

    “Huh?”

    Su Yu was stunned, but he quickly smiled. “If you get into Qingchuan University, I’ll gladly buy you milk tea every day, not just one cup.”

    “Okay, then… let’s write it down and post it on the wall as proof, in case you go back on your word.”

    He Mu Qing pointed to the message board on the wall, covered with yellow sticky notes. They had left messages there before, but later, they felt it was too childish and tore them down.

    “Fine, let’s write it down. I’m just afraid you won’t make it to Qingchuan.”

    “Haha, arrogant.” He Mu Qing scoffed, seeing through his provocation.

    The setting sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow, the clouds painted red as if draped in a thin veil.

    Bathed in the setting sun, they looked down at their names written on the sticky notes, their heads unconsciously close together, close enough to feel each other’s breath.

    “Click!”

    The camera shutter clicked. Old Mo stood behind them, smiling. Looking at the blank canvas, he suddenly thought… he would close the shop a little later.

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 24

    Chapter 24: Parting

    The boisterous reunion ended quietly. Su Yu was completely drunk that night. When he woke up, half of the attendees had already left. He looked around the empty private room, a sense of melancholy washing over him.

    The seat next to him was also empty. Chen Kai was gone, and Xia Qian Ge had also left, perhaps having slipped away quietly last night. They hadn’t even said a proper goodbye, just parted ways like that.

    The following days were uneventful. He checked his scores, applied to Qingchuan University, confirmed his submission, and everything was set in stone. There was no hesitation, and even regret was useless now.

    The summer days ticked by, seemingly only in anticipation of the first day of college, a new beginning. He hadn’t accomplished anything significant in his second life, and even the university he got into wasn’t as good as before. But being alive again was enough. He didn’t regret it, at least not now.

    “Hey, you don’t understand this problem?”

    Someone tugged on Su Yu’s shirt, pulling him out of his daze. “Aren’t you supposed to be the tutor? Why are you spacing out more than the student?”

    Su Yu looked down. He Mu Qing was looking up at him, her big eyes filled with dissatisfaction. She pointed at a problem in the textbook. “I don’t get it. Explain it to me.”

    “Didn’t we just go over a similar problem? If you understood that one, you should be able to do this one. How can you not understand?”

    “How are they the same? I don’t see it.”

    “That’s because you didn’t understand the first time. Why did you lie to me?”

    “Ugh, I don’t want to study anymore. I just don’t get it! Why are you bullying me? I’m stupid, okay?”

    He Mu Qing threw down her pen, acting cute, her big eyes fluttering like butterflies, making his heart soften.

    “Don’t try that with me. We know each other too well. Acting cute is shameful!”

    “Hmph… blockhead.” He Mu Qing immediately dropped the act and pouted. “You’re such a blockhead.”

    He Mu Qing really didn’t understand what had gotten into Su Yu. She had promised him that if he got into Qingchuan University, she would grant him one request, and he had asked her to listen to him tutor her?

    She was a cute, pretty girl, and he expected her to obediently sit through his lectures? She had even… specifically bought a beautiful dress, waiting for him to make his request. And the result? She had spent the past few days stuck at home listening to his tutoring, wearing the same old pajamas, her new dress untouched in the closet, probably gathering dust.

    “It’s for your own good. With your grades… where can you go? Do you really want to go to some average university and just coast through?”

    Su Yu smiled helplessly. The girl hadn’t given any thought to her future. “Which university do you want to go to? Have you thought about it?”

    “No… it’s still early.”

    He Mu Qing shook her head, absentmindedly kicking her slippers. Her white legs swung beneath her knee-length nightgown, her jade-like feet tapping the floor. Her toenails were painted a bright orange, a pleasing sight.

    Her eyes suddenly lit up as she looked at Su Yu. “Hey, how about Qingchuan University?”

    “Qingchuan University?” Su Yu chuckled and poked He Mu Qing’s forehead. “With your current grades, you can only dream of going there.”

    “Haha.”

    He Mu Qing brushed his hand away impatiently, muttering, “Just you wait and see. I’ll get in and scare you to death.”

    “If you want to get in, study hard. Once I’m gone, no one will tutor you.”

    “Oh… when are you leaving?” He Mu Qing suddenly remembered. More than half of the summer break had passed, and Su Yu still had to go to Qingchuan.

    “In a few days. Qingchuan is quite far. Even by high-speed rail, it takes a long time. I plan to go early and take a look around.”

    “So soon.”

    He Mu Qing was stunned. She suddenly remembered the dress in her closet that she hadn’t shown Su Yu yet. She had thought there was still time. They had lived in the same building for over a decade, seeing each other almost every day. But now Su Yu was telling her he was leaving in a few days.

    Once Su Yu left, they wouldn’t see each other again until winter break. She felt inexplicably uncomfortable, not just reluctant but also upset, a feeling of sadness that was more irritating than the math problems she couldn’t solve.

    He Mu Qing suddenly grabbed the air conditioner remote and started pressing buttons furiously. Su Yu watched, knowing that if he said anything now, she would probably snap the remote in half.

    The temperature kept dropping, all the way to the lowest setting. Su Yu was sitting right in front of the vent, the cold air sending shivers down his spine. He couldn’t take it anymore and finally spoke.

    “What… what are you doing? Why did you turn the AC down so low?”

    “You’re leaving soon, why didn’t you tell me earlier… why didn’t you say anything? You’re still here tutoring me, I thought you wouldn’t be leaving for a while.”

    He Mu Qing threw the remote on the table, her eyebrows furrowed, her eyes fierce. Su Yu knew this was what she looked like when she was really angry.

    “You’re so annoying, really annoying.” She stood up and opened the bedroom door, pulling Su Yu’s arm and dragging him outside. “I don’t want to see you. Get out of my house.”

    “Your… your mom asked me to come. If you kick me out, I’ll tell her.” Su Yu didn’t dare to use too much force, barely managing to stay seated.

    “My mom is at the hospital taking care of my dad. I’m in charge now. I can tell anyone to leave, and they have to leave.”

    He Mu Qing was as stubborn as a child when she was angry, her words childish and illogical. She could never hide her feelings, her displeasure written all over her face.

    “Stop pulling, you’ll rip my clothes. Are you a pervert?”

    “You’re the pervert, your whole family are perverts! You’re a blockhead, emotionally stunted, a big idiot…” He Mu Qing bit her lip, still clutching his shirt.

    “Stop, okay? Tomorrow… tomorrow I’ll take you out. I’ll treat you to mango pudding, everything’s on me!”

    “Really?”

    Su Yu felt the grip on his arm loosen. He lay back in his chair, panting. He Mu Qing was staring at him, her eyes as bright as crystal grapes.

    “R-Really.”

    Su Yu grinned, his face full of sincerity.

    “Fine, you can go then.”

    Su Yu was stunned. He gaped at He Mu Qing. “Huh? You’re still kicking me out?”

    “I’ll forgive you tomorrow if you take me out.” The girl lifted her chin proudly. “I didn’t say I’d forgive you today. Get out, or I’ll get a broom and chase you out.”

    “You…” Su Yu gritted his teeth, annoyed, and retorted, “He Mu Qing! You’re so despicable!”

    “Slam!”

    The door to the He family home slammed shut, the sound cold and harsh. The smile on He Mu Qing’s face faded. She couldn’t stay mad at Su Yu for long, and agreeing to his offer was just a way for both of them to save face.

    After Su Yu left, she didn’t feel as upset anymore. She rarely acted cute, often getting angry at Su Yu instead. But most of the time, she wasn’t truly angry, just using it as a way to act cute, because whenever she got angry, Su Yu would try to appease her by agreeing to her small requests.

    This time, Su Yu had given in as usual, but she wasn’t as happy as before. It felt like punching cotton, soft and yielding, leaving her feeling powerless.

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 23

    Chapter 23: Cake

    “I like you, and I love you.”

    A slurred, drunken confession, light as a feather, almost drowned out in the noisy private room.

    She hadn’t lost… she still hadn’t lost.

    He liked her, loved her, not those sluts who flaunted themselves in front of him all day.

    Xia Qian Ge’s long, curled eyelashes trembled. She hadn’t had a single drop of alcohol, yet the thick blood coursing through her fragile veins felt like highly concentrated alcohol, numbing every nerve.

    She could no longer maintain the facade of the gentle and beautiful Xia Qian Ge. A simple, drunken murmur turned into a torrential flood, washing away the defenses she had built over the years, stripping her bare, revealing her crude and vicious soul without the mask. Yet, she willingly surrendered.

    Swallowing the saliva that flooded her mouth, Xia Qian Ge was aware of her shameful state, but she couldn’t suppress the throbbing in her heart. Someone whose veins were filled with alcohol, how much reason could they possibly retain, how could they control their body?

    It was like a cake, a delicious, sweet cake. Hadn’t she tasted it on the bus that day? Just a small lick, and she was addicted, unable to forget the taste.

    The curve of her lips twisted into a terrifying grin. She covered her face with her hands, like a disgraced woman stripped naked and exposed on the street, her arms futilely shielding her, protecting her last shred of pathetic dignity.

    “Huh? Xia Qian Ge? You’re not drunk yet? Then let’s keep drinking!”

    Chen Kai, who had been slumped on the floor in a drunken stupor, suddenly got up. His sleepy, drunken eyes were almost slits as he looked at Xia Qian Ge, his words slurred. “Why are you smiling so happily? Did something good happen?”

    Xia Qian Ge didn’t answer. Her eyes, hidden beneath her bangs, were dark and cold, her black pupils gleaming with a chilling light as they slowly shifted from Su Yu to Chen Kai.

    Like a dark, eerie forest at midnight, swirling with soul-devouring black mist, she stared at Chen Kai for a long time, then stood up impatiently. Her seemingly frail arm grabbed the back of Chen Kai’s collar, dragging him towards the restroom.

    With a thud, Chen Kai was thrown into the restroom. He clung to an empty trash can, retching violently, as if trying to empty his stomach in one go.

    Xia Qian Ge just watched, kicking aside Chen Kai’s leg that was blocking her way, and walked to the mirror by the sink to smooth her messy bangs.

    She looked at her reflection in the mirror, the unnatural flush on her face receding like a tide. She smiled at the sullen, fierce girl in the mirror, a terrifyingly cold smile. If anyone had entered the restroom now, they would have been terrified.

    The private room was still lively. Xia Qian Ge quietly returned to her seat beside Su Yu, unnoticed. She saw that he was still slumped on the table, half of his creamy white face visible. A sense of relief washed over her. In the corner of the room, only she and Su Yu were together, while the owner of the empty seat on the other side was sound asleep in the restroom.

    No one noticed them. The momentary peace gave rise to desire. She reached out a trembling finger towards Su Yu’s cheek, her eyes filled with longing.

    She hadn’t seen him since that storm. She had sat at home, counting the days on the calendar, the summer break stretching endlessly before her.

    The scorching sun seemed to incinerate everything. She walked barefoot in the desert, each step on burning sand, her lips pale and dry, her skin cracked and peeling, near death. But the news of this gathering was like an oasis appearing before her eyes.

    Sweet, clear water filled her lungs. Seeing him, she felt reborn.

    Her fingertip stopped just inches from his face. She didn’t dare to go any further, afraid of disturbing his sleep. She was afraid that his drunken confession had just been a dream, giving her hope only to cruelly snatch it away, kicking her back into the abyss of hell.

    “I love you too, you know? I love you so much. Your soul… your body, every little detail, I love it all.”

    Her words were rambling, like a lovestruck girl suddenly receiving a confession, flustered and blushing.

    “Why aren’t you saying anything? Say it again, please. Tell me you love me.” She smiled sweetly, her voice soft and gentle, making his bones melt.

    But Su Yu remained peacefully asleep, oblivious to Xia Qian Ge’s inner turmoil. It was like a silent mockery, making her seem pathetic and pitiful.

    Without a response, the smile on her face slowly froze, then shattered into pieces.

    “Say it! Why won’t you say it?”

    A low growl escaped her throat, blood vessels creeping across the whites of her eyes. Her chest heaved, then her voice softened again. She shook her head frantically, muttering incessantly, as wronged as a child caught in blame, aching for comfort, making one want to comfort her.

    “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have yelled at you. I… I just love you too much. I hate that you’re going to Qingchuan. You know I’m going to Jiangnan. Why can’t your eyes only see me? Didn’t you say you loved me?”

    Seeing Su Yu still passed out drunk, Xia Qian Ge became even more unrestrained. She was putting on a one-woman show, her emotions complex and difficult to describe, her expression constantly shifting—excitement, anger, longing, malice, self-blame… all flickering across her face.

    She grew bolder, testing… touching. She was like a mouse that had climbed onto the dining table, staring at the sweet, creamy cake. Desire, like ivy growing wildly in early summer, slowly wrapped around her reason, imprisoning it, leaving only desire, her eyes dark and clouded.

    Swallowing her saliva, she leaned closer to the boy’s face, her movements gentle as a breeze, his warm breath on her face, their faces inches apart.

    She didn’t dare to be too brazen, just a light touch… she licked the cream-covered cake, her taste buds exploding, the soft sensation making her lose all control. The sweetness that spread through her made her heart tremble.

    Bliss…

    Her entire body trembled as if she had lost her soul. The intoxicating feeling washed over her, spreading through her lower body.

    The fulfillment of desire brought emptiness, and emptiness brought madness… Satisfied yet wanting more, after licking, she wanted to bite, and after biting, she craved even more, until finally, she could become one with him, body and soul intertwined.

    Her desire continued to escalate, but Xia Qian Ge suddenly clutched her slender, white neck, choking herself, as if cutting off all oxygen. The veins on her forehead bulged, her eyes rolled back, and she lost all strength, collapsing onto the floor like a drunkard, leaving his body.

    She had almost made a terrible mistake. She gasped for breath. The boy was both her cure and her poison.

    The pit of desire could never be filled. Her initial intention had only been to see him, to quench her thirst, but she hadn’t expected it to turn out like this.

    She sat slumped on the floor, like an addict who had just gotten their fix, now left with an unspeakable emptiness and loneliness. She murmured softly, so softly that only she could hear.

    “Why can’t you say you love me again? If you don’t say it… how can I agree to be with you?”

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 22

    Chapter 22: Flower’s Fragrance

    The restaurant across from the school had greasy plastic fans constantly whirring, circulating the oily fumes from the open kitchen. A shirtless chef tossed a heavy wok with one hand, the flames reflecting off his bald head.

    Su Yu had thought that turning in his gaokao papers marked the end. But the day before the scores were released, he was invited to a class reunion, supposedly to make up for the party that was canceled due to the downpour.

    This was another deviation from his previous life. This sudden gathering seemed to foreshadow something, making Su Yu uneasy. However, since Chen Kai said that… Xia Qian Ge wouldn’t be there, he agreed to attend.

    Su Yu pushed open the door to the private room, the noisy chatter audible even from outside. He was a bit late, and as soon as he entered, he became the center of attention.

    “Sorry I’m late.”

    “Su Yu, sit here. Three cups for being late.”

    Chen Kai held a glass of alcohol, an empty seat beside him, specifically reserved for Su Yu.

    “Mo Yufei isn’t coming either?” Su Yu didn’t see her and asked.

    “She said she went back to her hometown. Xia Qian Ge isn’t coming either. Don’t laugh at me, everyone’s waiting to interrogate you.”

    “Interrogate me about what?”

    Su Yu could feel the intense gazes on him. He shrugged, feigning ignorance.

    “Which university did you apply to? Chen Kai insists it’s Qingchuan, but we don’t believe him. Aren’t you going to Jiangnan?”

    A classmate finally asked. Whether it was true or not, they all wanted an answer regarding the whereabouts of Yangming High’s three-year reigning school beauty.

    “It’s really Qingchuan University. I wasn’t confident about… Jiangnan.”

    “But… but Xia Qian Ge is definitely going to Jiangnan. What about you then?”

    “Xia Qian Ge and I…”

    Su Yu held the glass of alcohol he was given as a penalty for being late and drank it in one gulp. He frowned, unsure whether it was the alcohol or the truth that was bitter, and gave them his answer.

    “You might have misunderstood. We shared an umbrella that day only because we were going the same way. Xia Qian Ge and I… are just friends.”

    Many people at the table exchanged glances, confusion and regret flashing in their eyes. Some sighed in relief, as if this was the answer they had been hoping for.

    “Well, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s continue drinking…”

    Chen Kai raised his voice, holding up his bottle, but before he could finish speaking, the door opened again, and a familiar figure walked in. Su Yu stared at the face, his heart skipping a beat.

    “Sorry I’m late.”

    Xia Qian Ge’s breathing was slightly rapid. Her sudden appearance silenced the room.

    “Is there… still a seat for me?”

    “Yes, yes, there’s one here.”

    Chen Kai was the first to react, pulling up a chair next to Su Yu. It wasn’t to tease Su Yu; it was genuinely the only remaining seat.

    “Thanks. Long time no see.”

    Xia Qian Ge sat down next to Su Yu, looking at him and Chen Kai, politely greeting them.

    “Long time no see.” Su Yu noticed the light sheen of sweat on Xia Qian Ge’s forehead and handed her a tissue. “Wipe your sweat.”

    “Oh, thanks.”

    “Qian Ge, why did you suddenly come? I messaged you, and you said you had a part-time job today.” The girl who had invited Xia Qian Ge asked, puzzled.

    “I was supposed to be working, but I found someone to cover my shift, so I rushed over.”

    “Penalty drink, penalty drink! Even Su Yu had one. We’ve been waiting so long, she has to drink.”

    Someone suddenly started chanting, raising their glass and urging her to drink. But Xia Qian Ge seemed hesitant, forcing a smile. “I… I don’t really drink. How about a different penalty?”

    “I’ll drink for Xia Qian Ge.”

    Su Yu swirled the alcohol in his glass and drank it all in one gulp, the bitter liquid burning his throat. He didn’t hesitate. Xia Qian Ge never drank in his previous life either. He knew he was being impulsive, but since this was their last meeting before parting ways… he didn’t need to hold back.

    “Aren’t you afraid…” Chen Kai trailed off, sending Su Yu a message. “Aren’t you afraid of being misunderstood?”

    “It’s fine. We’re graduating, it doesn’t matter.”

    Su Yu’s sudden chivalry seemed to liven up the party. After this gathering, they would go their separate ways. The atmosphere of farewell became the perfect accompaniment to the alcohol. Glasses were filled, toasts were made, and as evening fell, many faces were flushed.

    “Su Yu… have you and Chen Kai had too much to drink?”

    Xia Qian Ge stared at the faint blush on Su Yu’s face. She hadn’t had a single drop of alcohol, yet her fair skin was also flushed. The clinking of glasses filled the air, everyone lost in the intoxicating haze, secrets spilling out.

    “It’s fine, Su Yu and I can handle it.”

    Chen Kai swayed slightly, putting his arm around Su Yu to steady himself. “Last time, I was the only one drinking. This time, you have to drink too, Su Yu.”

    “I’ll drink! Why wouldn’t I?”

    Su Yu downed another glass. His vision was blurring. He had been wanting to get drunk, to let loose for a while, and only alcohol could do that. Actually… he had already confirmed it. The moment he entered the classroom, he had recognized the girl as Xia Qian Ge, not the madwoman. He should have been at ease.

    But looking at her face, he couldn’t relax. He was always afraid, his nerves stretched taut, his head aching, yet he couldn’t do anything about it.

    “When… are you going to Jiangnan?”

    Su Yu’s eyes were red and slightly watery. The alcohol seemed to be taking full effect. He suddenly wanted to talk to someone, and not the drunken Chen Kai beside him. His gaze drifted towards Xia Qian Ge, as if he had returned to the past.

    “A week early.”

    “A week… that’s soon, soon…”

    “What about you?”

    “About the same. I have to go early too. Qingchuan is quite far.”

    “Yes, so far. I’m going to Jiangnan, and you’re going all the way to Qingchuan.”

    Xia Qian Ge asked abruptly, a coldness swirling in her eyes, yet a smile remained on her face. She looked no different from the other drunken people at the table, except her smile was somewhat forced. She was like a doll, the stuffing inside worn and tattered, yet her exterior remained beautiful, a stark contrast.

    “Why do you have to go to Qingchuan?”

    “Why? Because… I…”

    Su Yu’s eyes were unfocused. He couldn’t see Xia Qian Ge’s face clearly, only smelled the familiar fragrance of gardenias. His body, unaccustomed to alcohol, could barely handle the dizziness.

    He slumped on the table, his breathing ragged and heavy with the smell of alcohol, murmuring incoherently.

    “Because I like you, and I love you.”

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 21

    Chapter 21: Missed Opportunities

    A silent battle had raged for years, and today was the day of the final showdown, the day for a new beginning.

    Su Yu gazed out the bus window. The wide road was now crammed with people and vehicles, leaving no space to spare. He remembered his nervousness back then. The outcome of this battle wasn’t just about his future, but also about whether he could… get closer to the girl.

    Now, however, Su Yu felt only a faint sense of farewell.

    “Hey, do well on the exam, okay? If you don’t… don’t come looking for me. I don’t want to see you cry.”

    He Mu Qing pushed Su Yu’s shoulder, her delicate, willow-like eyebrows furrowed in mock seriousness. Su Yu couldn’t help but smile. “What if I do well? What will you do?”

    “Doing well is what you should do. I even came to see you off to the exam, what more do you want?” He Mu Qing glared at Su Yu, but her tone softened. She bit her lip. “Come find me with your requests after you get your good scores, got it?”

    “Okay, okay, I’m leaving. You should go back to class.”

    Su Yu smiled and nodded, turning to look at Uncle He and Auntie He sitting in front. The whole family had come to see him off. “Uncle, Auntie, thank you. I’ll be going now.”

    “Do well on the exam, Su Yu. Don’t mind your father. He didn’t even come to see his son off for the gaokao. I’ll give him a good scolding later.” Uncle He reassured Su Yu, seemingly afraid he would be upset.

    “It’s okay. I actually perform better when he’s not around.” Su Yu didn’t care about his father. His presence or absence wouldn’t change anything.

    “I’m going to the exam center. No need to pick me up this afternoon. I’ll go back myself.”

    Su Yu closed the car door and left, merging into the stream of examinees.

    The hands on the clean clock face moved slowly, time ticking away, the air thick with anxiety.

    Su Yu held his pen, the questions on the paper familiar. His once-blurred memories were becoming clearer. He knew the answers to almost every question, but he deliberately answered some incorrectly. He wanted an average score, just enough to get into Qingchuan University.

    He had thought he would hesitate, but the moment he picked up his pen, he seemed to have hardened his resolve, pushing aside all other thoughts, his mind focused only on the paper in front of him.

    He had experienced so much in this life, things he had never imagined before. His second chance at life had brought him so many moments with Xia Qian Ge that he had only dared to dream of before.

    He loved her, but he had never truly understood her. All the sweet moments they shared in this life gave him hope.

    Perhaps he could help her overcome her obsession. He could change He Mu Qing’s future, so why couldn’t he change his and Xia Qian Ge’s? But he was still afraid, not just of the gleaming knife in her hand.

    He had been avoiding the fact that he was the cause of her madness. It was a bloody truth laid bare before him. He also held a knife in his hand, just like she had said when she lay on top of him, possessing his body: he had killed Xia Qian Ge with his own hands.

    Xia Qian Ge was dead, killed by Su Yu.

    So he ran, escaped to Qingchuan, far away from her. Distance and time would heal everything. It had to end.

    The bell rang. Time was up.

    The two days of exams seemed to pass in a blur. Su Yu walked out of the exam center with his bag, letting out a long, heavy breath, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. No matter how much he had hesitated before, the results were now set, and there was nothing more to think about.

    “How did you do?”

    Someone patted him on the back. Su Yu turned around and saw Chen Kai, who had also just come out of the exam center. They had been assigned to the same exam center and had agreed to meet outside.

    “It’s not like I was aiming for Jiangnan University. How could I mess it up?”

    “I mean… did you get a score high enough for Jiangnan?”

    “No, not enough for Jiangnan.” Su Yu shook his head, wanting to end the conversation.

    “That’s good. At least you can finally move on.” Chen Kai put his arm around Su Yu’s shoulder, chuckling. “When you go to Qingchuan, if you find a girl you like, tell me first. I can help you scout.”

    “What about you? I haven’t seen you like anyone in three years of high school. Are you planning to unleash your charm in college?”

    “Me? Haha, actually…”

    Chen Kai’s cheerful expression suddenly dimmed. He looked Su Yu in the eyes, his face unusually serious. “Come on, you always say I never treat you. Let’s go get a drink. I’ll tell you then.”

    After the exams, perhaps it was time to indulge in the long-awaited freedom. But Su Yu hadn’t expected to be dragged off to drink right after putting down his pen.

    As evening approached, the food stalls on the street began to open for business. They found a spot at a large outdoor eatery. The long, narrow street was lined with yellowing plastic chairs. Sparks flew from the charcoal grills, the greyish-black smoke swirling in the air. The burly owner, his arms bare, fanned away the smoke, the sizzling skewers of meat tempting their appetites.

    “Drink up, bottoms up.”

    Chen Kai tossed Su Yu a beer bottle and took a large gulp from his own before Su Yu could react.

    The cold beer flowed down his throat, and soon, a reddish flush appeared on his face. They were still students, and this was their first time drinking. It would likely end in a mess.

    Su Yu didn’t drink much. Although he had a high tolerance in his previous life, his current untrained body probably couldn’t handle the alcohol. If they both got drunk, they wouldn’t be able to go back. But he didn’t stop Chen Kai from drinking, just sat there watching the people coming and going on the street. The tangled old electrical wires hung overhead, casting mottled shadows in the dim moonlight. An old bicycle rode past on the sidewalk, its bell ringing.

    He also wanted to let loose, to get completely drunk.

    “I didn’t want to tell you this before, because I was afraid it would affect your pursuit of Xia Qian Ge. Actually, I also like someone, but I’m planning on giving up.” Chen Kai suddenly spoke, his breath heavy with alcohol. “Now that you’re out of the picture, I won’t hide it anymore. Mo Yufei, your deskmate, I’ve liked her for a while.”

    “Oh, Mo Yufei.”

    Su Yu smiled. He had never known Chen Kai liked anyone in his previous life. Chen Kai had married early, to a colleague. Su Yu had even attended his wedding. They had looked happy and in love on stage, but perhaps it was just for show.

    “Then go after her. Mo Yufei is also going to a local university, the same one as you, I think.”

    “I confessed, but she rejected me.”

    Chen Kai blushed, chuckling self-deprecatingly. “She said she hadn’t thought about that kind of thing, but then I saw her getting close to a boy from the next class.”

    “…”

    “Didn’t you ask her about it? Mo Yufei doesn’t seem like that kind of girl. Don’t miss your chance.”

    In Su Yu’s memory, Mo Yufei was quiet and didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives. She was pretty and not exactly an outcast in the class.

    “I didn’t ask. Didn’t want to embarrass myself.”

    Su Yu saw a flicker of light in Chen Kai’s eyes, which quickly dimmed again. He didn’t say anything more, just opened another bottle of beer and handed it to Chen Kai, clinking their bottles together.

    The dim, yellow streetlights attracted countless moths and insects. The sparse light fell on them, beer bottles scattered on the ground, along with a few puddles of vomit.

    Su Yu helped Chen Kai leave the eatery, their shadows stretching long in the light. Perhaps, it was time for them to say goodbye too.

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 20

    Chapter 20: Vow

    The trees lining the street were bent sideways by the fierce wind, their leaves swirling in the turbulent air, disappearing into unseen dark corners.

    The old bus was packed, every available space occupied. The vehicle seemed like an ark in the apocalypse, sustaining everyone’s lives.

    Water dripped from hair and clothes, pooling on the metal floor, mixing with dirt to create a dirty, slippery mess.

    Su Yu gripped the handrail, securing a small space in the cramped bus. Xia Qian Ge stood inside, her back to him, gazing at the apocalyptic scenery outside, lost in thought.

    Her hair smelled fragrant. Water dripped from the ends of her wet hair, occasionally brushing against Su Yu’s nose. The familiar scent, the dim, crowded bus, their close proximity—it created a strangely intimate atmosphere.

    The bus suddenly lurched violently, catching everyone off guard. Some passengers lost their footing on the slippery floor and fell, women screaming, men groaning. The already crowded bus became even more chaotic.

    Su Yu instinctively moved forward, wanting to protect Xia Qian Ge. But his feet slipped, and he fell against her. His chin rested on her delicate shoulder blade, his cheek close to her slender neck. The fragrance was stronger now, his rapid breaths brushing against her fair, translucent skin. The moment was charged with an ambiguous intimacy.

    “Sorry, I didn’t mean to…” Su Yu tried to apologize, struggling to get up, but the press of bodies behind him held him in place. He tried a few more times, but he couldn’t break free. He watched as a blush spread across her delicate, transparent skin, reaching the tips of her ears.

    “It’s… it’s okay.”

    Xia Qian Ge’s voice was muffled, a mixture of whimpers and moans. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, suppressing… suppressing something. She had dreamt of such intimacy countless times, and now it was happening in reality. The excitement touched every nerve, making them spasm uncontrollably.

    The bumpy road finally smoothed out after a chorus of complaints from the passengers. Su Yu took the opportunity to stand up, a flustered expression on his face. He didn’t dare to look at Xia Qian Ge.

    But Xia Qian Ge turned around, her gaze fixed on the boy’s gentle, jade-like face, the shy redness of his ears making her heart tremble. A smile played on her lips, and she swallowed, her throat bobbing.

    “This is my stop.”

    Su Yu looked out the window at the familiar bus stop sign. His stop was approaching.

    Reluctance… reluctance. Don’t go, stay. Every cell in her body screamed.

    The lingering warmth of their brief contact hadn’t faded yet. The warmth spread like vines across her skin. His hot breath on her neck teased what little reason she had left. But it wasn’t time yet… her fingers, hidden behind her back, clenched into white fists. How much longer did she have to endure?

    “Do you want me to walk you home?” Xia Qian Ge’s long, curled eyelashes fluttered, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. “I have an umbrella.”

    “Oh, no need. One umbrella isn’t enough for both of us. And… someone’s picking me up.”

    “Someone… is picking you up?”

    The gentle smile on Xia Qian Ge’s face froze. She glanced towards the bus stop up ahead. Many people were waiting under the shelter, but she still spotted the girl at once—the girl who had brought him water that day.

    She held a yellow umbrella, standing out in the crowd. One… why only one umbrella? Were they going to share an umbrella? Doing the same thing he had just done with her?

    Xia Qian Ge lowered her head, her wet bangs falling over her eyes. Her eyes widened, bloodshot and ugly, looking as pathetic as a forgotten ghost. She had been the proud queen of Yangming High for three years, but now she had lost to a girl who had suddenly appeared, a crushing defeat.

    “Her name is He Mu Qing, right? She’s quite famous in Grade 11. What’s your relationship with her?” Xia Qian Ge looked up, a bright smile still plastered on her face.

    The girl’s terrifyingly deep composure wouldn’t collapse so easily. She held the mask firmly in place.

    “Childhood friends. I haven’t told you before. Not many people at school know.”

    Xia Qian Ge smiled sweetly, making seemingly casual conversation. “Childhood friends? She seems to like you a lot. She’s willing to pick you up in such heavy rain.”

    “I guess. Well, I’ll be going then. Goodbye.”

    “Mm-hmm, goodbye.”

    Before Xia Qian Ge could finish speaking, she could only watch as Su Yu got off the bus, the smile on her face instantly shattering.

    There were several residential buildings near the bus stop. Many people got off at this stop, the crowded bus quickly emptying out, leaving many seats available.

    Xia Qian Ge leaned against the railing, the boy’s receding figure still in her mind, the emptiness in her eyes terrifying. Her hand, gripping the railing, was white and frightening. Blood rushed back to fill the void, her mind slowly returning to her body.

    She had finally seen a glimmer of hope, only to watch it slip away, powerless to stop it.

    He was clearly shy… his face so red, even though they had barely done anything. If there wasn’t affection mixed in his thoughts, where did that intimacy come from? Why would he be shy?

    With his recent coldness, Xia Qian Ge had almost thought her charm no longer held any sway over him. But just a brief touch, and he had become so flustered.

    But the intimacy between that girl and Su Yu still drove her mad with jealousy. Childhood friends? No one, absolutely no one, could share an umbrella with him, or be so close to him!

    She hadn’t lost yet. Even if it meant resorting to any means necessary, if her body could make Su Yu look at her twice, she wouldn’t hesitate to offer it, along with her soul, on a silver platter.

    Her red lips were bitten almost to the point of bleeding. The brief physical contact had almost broken her resolve. Xia Qian Ge didn’t want to admit it, but she had sworn to herself that her love for him would have nothing to do with his physical body.

    Her love for him shouldn’t be just skin-deep, it shouldn’t be like this. She loved his soul. But just now, she had actually… reacted, just like him.

    The warm wetness between her legs made her rub her thighs uncomfortably, like a little mouse that had tasted the sweetness on the master’s table, unable to forget the delicious flavor. She hadn’t expected his body to evoke such an uncontrollable desire within her.

    The sticky wetness between her legs throbbed with a dull ache, a feeling like needing to urinate, but with an added soreness.

    Her wet tongue traced her palate, drawing out a thin strand of saliva. She huddled in the shadows of the bus, her wet hair covering her flushed face.

    “Su Yu, I’m sorry… I’m afraid I’ll have to break my vow.”

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 19

    Chapter 19: Downpour

    It was raining…

    Su Yu looked out the window. A light drizzle scattered through the air, painting the thirsty cactus by the window a vibrant green, as if bringing it back to life.

    The rain grew heavier, from a silent drizzle to a loud patter. Raindrops pelted against the window like bullets, scattering into droplets that rolled down the glass.

    The sky… suddenly darkened. Thick clouds blocked out the light, as if night had already fallen.

    A blinding flash of lightning, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. The clear sky of the past few days seemed to be unleashing its pent-up fury, sudden and violent.

    The dismissal bell was almost inaudible over the thunder. Today was their last day at school, the last day before the gaokao, and there were no more scheduled classes.

    After reminding them of the key points for studying at home, the homeroom teacher left the classroom. Senior year often ended with an afternoon gathering in the classroom, a farewell party of sorts, to commemorate the end of their high school life.

    But the sudden downpour replaced the planned celebratory tossing of papers from the rooftop, washing away their plans. They could only hurriedly pack their things and leave, a simple “goodbye” serving as their final farewell.

    Su Yu looked at the pouring rain, worried. The weather forecast had predicted clear skies. He hadn’t brought an umbrella. If he thought about it carefully, he might have remembered that it had also rained heavily on this day in his previous life. But it had just been a bit of rain, nothing he had paid much attention to, so he had forgotten.

    Oh well, Su Yu decided to brave the rain and go home. He could leave his books at school and pick them up tomorrow.

    “You’re going to walk in the rain without an umbrella?” Chen Kai asked before leaving. “Do you want me to give you a ride?”

    “It’s just a bit of rain. The bus stop isn’t far.”

    “Alright then. I’ll be going. See you at the exam center.”

    Chen Kai and Su Yu were assigned to the same exam center. He patted Su Yu’s shoulder and stepped into the rain.

    Su Yu still stood at the entrance of the building, not leaving. Many others were also waiting in the stairwell, seemingly waiting for the rain to stop. But he remembered, this rain… would continue until evening.

    The rain soaked the small space of the stairwell, making it damp. Everyone was eager to go home, their feet churning the mud and rainwater on the ground.

    Out of the corner of his eye, Su Yu saw Xia Qian Ge’s delicate figure emerge from the crowd, holding an umbrella.

    Then, something unexpected happened. As if a program that had run flawlessly thousands of times suddenly encountered a bug, the outcome was completely different.

    Xia Qian Ge did walk out of the crowd, but not towards the exit. She walked towards Su Yu.

    “Want to share?”

    The girl held the umbrella and quietly stood beside Su Yu.

    The hall was crowded, so it wasn’t a particularly noticeable action. But because it was Xia Qian Ge, the consequences were different. The surrounding gazes quickly focused on them. Su Yu froze, feeling the heat of everyone’s stares on his back.

    Xia Qian Ge never interacted much with any boy in public. There might be exceptions, but whoever that person was, it would never be Su Yu.

    They sat near each other in class, and for a while, there were even rumors that Su Yu had a crush on Xia Qian Ge. Although Xia Qian Ge seemed indifferent to the rumors, their relationship had cooled down a bit. Since then, she rarely talked to him in public.

    The rumors quickly died down, but whenever they were seen together, it still attracted curious glances, let alone now, with Xia Qian Ge holding an umbrella and asking him if he wanted to share.

    The release of pent-up emotions after graduation often led to impulsive actions driven by hidden affections. It seemed reasonable, and most of the other students shared similar thoughts.

    But Xia Qian Ge seemed oblivious to the surrounding gazes. Her dark eyes were fixed on Su Yu, seemingly waiting for his answer. She looked the same as always, except… the usual smile on her lips was gone.

    “After this… we won’t see each other again.”

    These words were like a bolt of lightning, shocking Su Yu’s tense nerves. His knuckles turned white, the surrounding whispers forming walls around him, trapping him.

    But Su Yu still stepped forward and took the umbrella from Xia Qian Ge. “Let’s go together then.”

    The rain was heavy, the howling wind giving the raindrops immense force, each impact leaving a dull ache.

    Su Yu held the umbrella, pushing against the strong wind, his hand gripping the handle tightly. He stood tall and straight like a poplar tree, withstanding the onslaught of the wind and rain.

    The rain was cold, but he felt a soft touch on his back. Xia Qian Ge was behind him, gently holding onto the corner of his shirt. They were close, their body heat and breath mingling, like the last survivors of an apocalypse, huddling together for warmth.

    The gazes behind them pierced through the curtain of rain. They had never seemed so well-suited, as if they were meant to be together.

    Xia Qian Ge had been the school beauty of Yangming High for three years, a flower blooming on a cliff, so dazzling that people dared not look directly at her. They watched from afar, their admiration hidden in their hearts.

    They had thought Su Yu was just like them, a boy with youthful features and no sense of style, as ordinary as a blade of grass in the crowd.

    But now… if anyone could be worthy of Xia Qian Ge, it should be Su Yu.

    “Are you okay?”

    Su Yu shook the rainwater from his hair. Despite the umbrella, they were still quite wet, the wind sending chills down their spines.

    “Yeah, I didn’t get too wet.”

    The bus hadn’t arrived yet, so they huddled together under the shelter of the bus stop, the storm raging outside, an unspoken intimacy between them.

    Xia Qian Ge broke the silence, her voice soft, her wet hair plastered to her shoulders. She looked frail, as if she would collapse with a gust of wind. “What do you want to ask me?”

    “Why…” Su Yu looked away, his eyes meeting Xia Qian Ge’s in the cold, damp air. “Why me?”

    “Are you afraid of what others will think?”

    Xia Qian Ge didn’t answer his question but asked one of her own.

    “We’re graduating. It doesn’t matter what they think. I’m just… curious.”

    “Because we won’t see each other again after this. As for why you…”

    Su Yu’s heart pounded in his chest. He instinctively took a few steps back, as if something terrible would happen after Xia Qian Ge revealed the answer.

    “Because we’re friends. Others don’t know about my family situation, and they wouldn’t randomly meet me in that deserted park and chat with me.”

    Xia Qian Ge spoke slowly, her tone lighter, a faint smile appearing on her lips.

    “You scared me. You suddenly seem like a different person.” Su Yu let out a long breath.

    “Thank you.”

    “Huh?”

    “I don’t think I could have made it through without you.”

    “Me too. Without your umbrella, I would be drenched.”

    “I forgot to say it in class, good luck with the gaokao.”

    “Yeah, good luck.”

    The two of them huddled together in the storm, chatting about trivial everyday things, deliberately avoiding sensitive topics like university applications or misunderstandings. For a moment, it felt peaceful.

    But both harbored secrets. The peace was just an illusion, the smiles on their lips merely a crude disguise. One person’s heart remained unchanged, a madness… a fierceness like the storm, as if ready to devour.

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 18

    Chapter 18: The Past

    “Why have you gotten so good at the game? I never knew you could do those combos. They’re not even online, are they?”

    “Just mashed some buttons.”

    Su Yu casually replied. He and Chen Kai had just left the internet cafe behind them. School had ended early today, so Chen Kai dragged him along to play a few games. Even though he had a computer at home, Chen Kai insisted on going to the internet cafe, claiming the atmosphere was better.

    “That’s no fun.” Chen Kai pouted. “Teach me a few moves, I haven’t learned that combo yet.”

    “Buy me a drink.” Su Yu gestured. “One milk tea.”

    “No money! We’ll talk after the exams.”

    The two walked with their arms slung around each other’s shoulders, their backpacks hanging loosely. The feeling was familiar. Su Yu no longer had the desire to play games, yet he still came to the internet cafe, spending the afternoon with Chen Kai, fiddling with the grimy mouse and ash-covered keyboard.

    “Su Yu, your family still lives here, right? Will you come back during holidays and breaks?”

    “Not sure. I’ll be alone anyway. I might visit Mu Qing. Once she goes to college, I might not come back at all.”

    “What? What about me? We’re best buds, and you won’t come back to see me?”

    Chen Kai draped his arm around Su Yu’s neck, clowning around. Their shadows stretched long on the familiar old street. They walked to the intersection and parted ways. Remembering that He Mu Qing’s favorite milk tea shop was nearby, Su Yu decided to buy her some mango pudding.

    “Hey, I suddenly think He Mu Qing is pretty good. Aside from her bad temper, there’s nothing wrong with her.”

    Su Yu just glanced at him indifferently, making Chen Kai feel uneasy.

    “If you don’t like her, you don’t like her. Why are you getting angry?”

    “She can find someone better.”

    He had already changed He Mu Qing’s future and shouldn’t interfere any further. Her life would be different now. She could continue being the proud swan she was, her life taking a completely different trajectory.

    “Tsk tsk, I don’t understand you. I’m leaving.” Chen Kai shrugged and headed towards the bus stop in the opposite direction.

    Su Yu remembered the way to the milk tea shop clearly. Sometimes, after going to the internet cafe, he would buy snacks for He Mu Qing. But he also had another reason. After his rebirth, his time had been consumed by studies, and there were some places he hadn’t had the chance to visit.

    The park still looked dilapidated, neglected and unkempt. The old exercise equipment was covered in rust, the once colorful flowerbeds now overgrown with weeds. A black stray cat darted through the low, gray bushes, disappearing without a trace.

    Because of its condition, few people came to this quiet park. Su Yu passed through it after buying He Mu Qing’s favorite mango pudding from the milk tea shop. Taking the park path saved him a lot of time. When he was younger and bolder, he hadn’t been afraid of this seemingly gloomy park.

    The benches along the path were covered in a thick layer of dust. Su Yu walked forward, towards a pavilion. He climbed the steps. The red-painted pillars were cracked and weathered, the cracks spreading from the base to the roof. Occasionally, small grains of sand would fall. The entire pavilion seemed on the verge of collapse.

    The corners of the pavilion were filled with cobwebs, but the stone table in the center looked clean, covered only by a thin layer of dust, seemingly out of place in the dilapidated park.

    She… hadn’t been here in a while.

    Su Yu’s thoughts wandered, each familiar spot in the park tugging at his nerves, a dull ache in his chest.

    He hadn’t met Xia Qian Ge at school, but rather one day, after leaving the internet cafe with a mango pudding in hand, he had taken a shortcut through the park and seen her sitting in the pavilion, working on problems.

    Her skin was as white as snow, purer than the white earphone wire around her neck. The slight furrow of her delicate, willow-like eyebrows tugged at Su Yu’s heartstrings. That day, he stood there for a long time, no longer just stealing glances. He was mesmerized, caught in her gaze when she looked up.

    His heart almost stopped, then clenched tightly, because he saw the bloodshot eyes, the faint redness around her eyes, and the faint traces of tears on her cheeks.

    “I’m from Yangming High. Starting Grade 10 this year.”

    “Oh? Me too.”

    “Why… are you crying?”

    “It’s nothing, just some dust in my eyes.”

    Later, he often passed by this place, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

    His nostalgic thoughts were interrupted by a mournful meow. Su Yu suddenly turned around and saw Xia Qian Ge standing in the wind, her long hair fluttering, sadness swirling in her clear eyes. Su Yu remembered her saying that when she was feeling down, she would come here to be alone.

    “You… still come here often?”

    Su Yu masked his surprise with a smile and pointed to the thin layer of dust on the table. “I thought you wouldn’t come anymore.”

    With the exams so close, Xia Qian Ge should be studying at home, not here.

    “It’s too stuffy at home. I came out for some air.”

    Xia Qian Ge brushed past Su Yu, wiped the dust off the seat with a tissue, and sat down. She was still wearing her ugly school uniform, but it still looked good on her.

    Whenever Su Yu saw Xia Qian Ge, she was mostly in her school uniform. At their age, many girls were already secretly using their mothers’ makeup and imitating the fashionable outfits in magazines. As for their school uniforms… they were long forgotten in the corners of their closets.

    “That day, during the mock application, you chose Jiangnan University, right?”

    Xia Qian Ge nodded slightly, looking at the boy standing under the pavilion, his posture tall and straight like a pine tree, dark emotions swirling in his black eyes, forming into shards of ice.

    “Yes, Jiangnan University.”

    Silence spread like the setting sun. Su Yu paused. Although he already knew the answer, he couldn’t help but ask, “How is… your family?”

    “They’re fine. They got divorced.”

    “Divorced… I’m sorry.”

    Su Yu came from a single-parent family. He knew who suffered the most in a broken home.

    “It’s okay. They can’t fight anymore, and I don’t have to hide here after school to do my homework.”

    Xia Qian Ge seemed indifferent, at least stronger than Su Yu had been. She looked at the mango pudding in his hand, stunned for a moment.

    “Do you like sweet desserts?”

    “I don’t, but someone does. I’m bringing it to her.”

    “I see. So… it was always for her.”

    “What?”

    Xia Qian Ge’s voice was too soft; Su Yu didn’t hear her clearly.

    “Nothing. Aren’t you going back?” Xia Qian Ge’s voice was cold, perhaps because of the evening breeze.

    “Oh, I’ll be going then. It’s getting late. You should go back soon too.”

    “Mm-hmm.”

    Su Yu left the park, leaving Xia Qian Ge alone, sitting amidst the layers of leaves, her figure looking thin… and lonely.

    He had forgotten something. In the past, when Xia Qian Ge told him to go back, he had never left so readily.

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 17

    Chapter 17: Trap

    “Students, although this is just a mock university application, I still hope you take it seriously and choose wisely based on your abilities.”

    The grade director stood at the entrance of the computer lab, loudly explaining the key points of the gaokao application process. Class 1, Grade 12 was the top class, and their performance directly affected the school’s overall university acceptance rate. The school leaders placed great importance on this class, repeating the same old tired speech over and over again.

    Su Yu, feeling bored, hid in the back, playing Spider Solitaire on the clunky school computer with Chen Kai. His gaze drifted, sometimes towards the screen, sometimes towards the corner of the room where Xia Qian Ge was sitting.

    The girl sat upright, only a small portion of her smooth forehead visible beyond the monitor. She seemed to be listening attentively, which was normal. Someone as diligent as her wouldn’t take this lightly.

    “You’re really going to Qingchuan?”

    Chen Kai noticed Su Yu’s gaze, but this time, he wasn’t in the mood to tease. He was unusually serious. “Xia Qian Ge is really great. I think you have a chance if you pursue her.”

    “I want to pursue her too.” Su Yu looked away, forcing a smile. “But there’s no future for us. Why gamble my future on a slim possibility?”

    “But you like her.”

    “Is that all?”

    “Isn’t that enough?” Chen Kai’s eyes widened, and he slammed his hand on the table. “Who can like someone… for three years?”

    “People can live without each other. I like Xia Qian Ge now, but maybe I’ll like someone else in the future.” Su Yu rambled, making excuses to Chen Kai.

    “Fine, you’re not bad-looking. I’m not worried about you finding a girlfriend.”

    Chen Kai dropped the subject. Su Yu seemed to have given up. He dragged the mouse and selected his desired university as his first choice without hesitation. He was applying to a local university, and as long as his grades were stable, there wouldn’t be any problems. He didn’t need to overthink it.

    Su Yu, on the other hand, stared at the screen, his mouse hovering over Qingchuan University.

    He thought he had figured everything out, but when it came time to make a choice, he hesitated.

    The girl’s hopelessly insane and crazed image would often appear in his dreams. He would wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in cold sweat.

    “Su Yu… you are my cure.”

    He had etched every word she said into his heart. In his previous life, he couldn’t save her, couldn’t be her cure. But now he had a chance. As long as he left before she became completely consumed by her madness, everything would disappear, nothing would happen.

    It should end…

    With a heavy heart, Su Yu filled in Qingchuan University as his first choice and left the rest blank. He didn’t need a backup plan. His life would restart at Qingchuan University.

    “Let’s go.”

    Su Yu tugged on Chen Kai. He didn’t want to stay here any longer, it would only fuel his regrets. Out of sight, out of mind. But before leaving, he looked back. Xia Qian Ge was still filling out her application, completely oblivious to his departure. His hesitation seemed a bit presumptuous now.

    But this was good. Without any connection to him, Xia Qian Ge could stay healthy and wouldn’t fall into that madness.

    A cold gaze pierced through the tangled black wires, locking onto its target. Staring at his screen, unable to see clearly, a burning anxiety filled her heart. The grating sound of teeth grinding echoed in her mind, like a feather tickling her heart, unreachable yet unbearably itchy.

    The words “Jiangnan University” were displayed on her screen as her first choice, a place many dreamed of, a paradise for countless students. Most could only dream of it, yet Xia Qian Ge filled it in casually. With her grades, entering Jiangnan University was almost a certainty. She was more concerned about someone else’s application.

    Xia Qian Ge smoothed the wrinkled fabric of her school uniform. She looked at the empty seat, the screen still lit, but its owner gone.

    She quietly stood up, approaching the seat, her steps as light as a ghost. In the large computer lab, no one noticed her movements.

    She sat down, gently clicking the mouse, browsing the history, where his unsaved records remained. She swallowed, her heart pounding, a hint of triumphant joy in her eyes.

    A thousand thoughts raced through her mind. Her grip on the mouse tightened, the cheap, old mouse almost unable to withstand the force.

    He would definitely choose it, the same university as her. After all, he liked her, had a crush on her for three years. Even without a confession, his affection was obvious. His hard work, going from the bottom of the class to excelling now, wasn’t it all for her?

    A little bit of control, giving him hope when he was disappointed, giving him the cold shoulder when he was proud. He would always dance in the palm of her hand, unable to escape.

    But the moment she opened the history, the smile froze on her face, replaced by a terrifying coldness. Blood vessels crept across the whites of her eyes, her pupils constricting, a burning brand seared into them.

    The words “Qingchuan University” were displayed coldly, mocking her. She had become a complete failure. The trap she thought was flawless had been escaped by her prey, who had completely ignored her carefully laid bait.

    Why… he had clearly said he wasn’t sure, yet now he had made a decision. Had he deliberately kept it from her, or had he simply changed his mind?

    Qingchuan… how far was it from Jiangnan? If he really went there, what difference would it make when they met again? It would be like they were strangers. There would be other pretty girls around him, perhaps even more beautiful than her. He would hold another girl’s hand, stand in front of her, and smile.

    Xia Qian Ge couldn’t bear to think about it. Even the vaguest image of that scene in her mind made her heart clench, an unbearable pain.

    If it really turned out like that…

    She would go crazy, she definitely would…

    Her pale lips turned blood red, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth.

    What Jiangnan? What student paradise?

    Paradise was where he was; without him, it was hell!

    She had been struggling in hell for over a decade, looking at him, finally crawling to the edge, unwilling to return to that pain, absolutely not…

    Xia Qian Ge stood up shakily, her eyelashes lowered, and left the computer lab like a walking corpse. But beneath her downcast eyes, a bloody hue lingered, growing thicker, almost tangible.

    What was lost must be reclaimed. It wouldn’t end like this between them. They were bound together from the very beginning and would never be separated.

    Su Yu, you can’t escape. We…

    Will meet again.

  • A New Life, Yet Still Bound by Her Love 16

    Chapter 16: Mask

    He was truly beautiful, becoming more so each day. A straight nose, skin as fair as jade, and thin lips that, when pursed, were as delicate as a line. But what captivated her most were his gentle, water-like eyes, not at all what a boy should have. Looking at them for too long, she even found them somewhat enchanting.

    He hadn’t been this dazzling before. But the boy’s youthful features were gradually maturing, like a precious stone shedding its grains of sand, becoming radiant and eye-catching, attracting more and more bees and butterflies.

    She was the first to discover this budding flower. Even if it bloomed now, in all its glory, it still belonged to her. No one else was allowed to even glance at it. If anyone dared to harbor any ill intentions, she would gouge out their eyes, forbidding them from looking, making them understand that coveting what belonged to another came at a price!

    The evening breeze ruffled the greyish-white curtains and Xia Qian Ge’s hair. She gently smoothed the ends of her hair, his image filling her dark pupils.

    The break before evening self-study was long. Most students would walk around the track after dinner, enjoying the breeze and relieving the day’s fatigue. So the classroom was mostly empty, only a few students coming and going, no one noticing Xia Qian Ge’s small actions in the corner.

    She just watched, skipping dinner, afraid of missing this perfect opportunity. Su Yu was sound asleep. The basketball game seemed to have exhausted him, as he had fallen asleep at his desk as soon as he returned to the classroom.

    Her expression was complex, a mixture of mad adoration and the bitterness of unrequited love.

    Xia Qian Ge longed to touch his cheek but was afraid of disturbing his sleep. In the end, she just lightly traced his lips with her fingertip before retracting her hand. She was tired of these days, hiding like a shameful thief. But it wasn’t time yet. Just wait… just a little longer.

    Suppressing the throbbing in her heart, the welling bitterness made her clench her thighs, a blush spreading across her fair skin. No… she shouldn’t desire his body, but why couldn’t she resist? Not just his soul, but everything about him, including his body… should belong to her!

    After all, she was the first.

    Suddenly, Xia Qian Ge’s gaze turned venomous as she looked at the half-empty water bottle on Su Yu’s desk. He had taken a long gulp from it.

    The image of that other girl’s equally beautiful face surfaced in her mind. For the first time, Xia Qian Ge felt a sense of crisis. She knew Su Yu liked her. Otherwise, he wouldn’t always steal glances at her profile, wouldn’t always find trivial excuses to chat with her on his phone…

    And he wouldn’t… pretend his confession was a truth-or-dare game.

    If Su Yu’s change was because of that woman, perhaps… she needed to adjust her plans. No one could touch… what belonged to her.

    Jealousy always made people lose their reason, turning them ugly.

    Xia Qian Ge stared at the water bottle, her gaze growing more and more hostile. It was like a thorn stuck in her throat, neither going up nor down. She quietly picked up the bottle, walked to the trash can, and coldly threw it inside, covering it with some scraps of paper.

    After doing all this, a smile returned to her face. She became the gentle, kind, almost perfect good girl, Xia Qian Ge, once again.

    In his sleep, a tickling sensation on his neck made him instinctively scratch at it, jolting him awake.

    Su Yu opened his eyes, the tickling sensation gone. He looked around the empty classroom in confusion. Most people had left. It seemed he was alone in this corner, except for…

    His pupils constricted as he saw a pork floss bun and a new bottle of water on his desk.

    Who left these? A wave of confusion washed over him. He looked at Xia Qian Ge, who was working on problems in front of him. Her profile looked serene and beautiful, captivating his gaze.

    Su Yu gently poked Xia Qian Ge’s back with his pen, making her turn around. Her beautiful eyes looked at him quietly, waiting for him to speak.

    “The bread and water, who left them?”

    “Me. I heard you won the basketball game.” Xia Qian Ge pointed to the bread and water on his desk. “I saw you were still sleeping when I came back from dinner, so I brought you some.”

    “Oh, thanks.”

    Su Yu’s eyes were still sleepy. He couldn’t help but yawn, then suddenly noticed a missing water bottle—the one He Mu Qing had given him. He had drunk half of it, but now it was gone.

    “I had half a bottle of water left. Where… did it go?”

    “I didn’t see it. The desk was empty when I came back.” Xia Qian Ge shook her head, her face full of confusion. “Someone was cleaning earlier. Maybe it fell on the floor and was thrown away.”

    “I see.”

    Su Yu didn’t think much of it. His stomach was growling, so he tore open the packaging of the bun and took a large bite.

    Xia Qian Ge had bought him dinner? He hadn’t received such treatment in his previous life. Was it truly a case of “to the victor go the spoils”? Did he get this special treatment because he had won the game?

    Su Yu didn’t dare to dwell on it. It didn’t matter anyway. He and Xia Qian Ge would go their separate ways after graduation. He would go to Qingchuan, and she would go to Jiangnan, far away from each other. They might never see each other again in this lifetime.

    “While you were sleeping, the teacher said we’ll be going to the computer lab next week for a mock university application. Have you really not decided yet?”

    Xia Qian Ge looked at Su Yu, her eyes bright, waiting for his answer.

    “About that, I…” Su Yu swallowed the last bite of the bun and took a sip of water. “I’ll think about it some more. My grades aren’t as stable as yours. I don’t dare to think too far ahead.”

    “Oh, you should decide soon. I’m going to practice my listening comprehension.”

    Xia Qian Ge turned around, her back to Su Yu. The smile on her face instantly vanished, leaving only a cold glint in her eyes. She put on her earphones, but she wasn’t practicing listening comprehension at all. She didn’t even have any listening materials on her phone. She was listening to music.

    If Su Yu had heard it, he would have been surprised, because he had heard those songs before. It was his playlist.

    Xia Qian Ge listened to the music, her heart growing colder. His taste in music seemed to have completely changed. What he used to listen to was typical of a lovesick teenager. But now, everything had changed, just like him.

    “Xia Qian Ge, did you… finish the English homework? I forgot, it’s due during evening self-study.”

    Su Yu leaned on his desk and poked Xia Qian Ge with his pen. But when she turned around this time, a lingering coldness remained in her eyes, making him catch his breath, confused.

    “Are you in a bad mood…”

    “Here. Don’t just copy everything. These problems are important, take a good look at them.”

    Before Su Yu could finish his question, Xia Qian Ge slapped her homework on his desk, her voice still carrying the same gentle tone she used with everyone.

    “Thanks.”

    He took the notebook, looking at the neat handwriting, the name he knew so well: Xia Qian Ge.

    Girls were all like this, soft as water, seemingly transparent, yet impossible to see through.