Chapter 24 In the sweltering summer, someone will always want to give up.
"Yi Qiu?" Wang Jing was waiting for the elevator to go downstairs at the hospital when she unexpectedly caught sight of Luo Yi Qiu rushing past her. Seeing this, she called out to her.
Luo Yiqiu's expression stiffened for a moment when she heard the voice. She turned around and saw that it was Wang Jing. Her smile quickly returned, and she tried her best to act natural, calling her affectionately, "Auntie."
"What are you doing here? Are you feeling unwell?" Wang Jing noticed her somewhat flustered expression and immediately stopped rushing to leave.
"Uh...no, I..."
She stammered, trying to come up with a good excuse, when the woman had already caught sight of the blood test report in her hand.
Upon seeing the name written on the report, Wang Jing raised an eyebrow and said in an ambiguous tone, "You came with Yi Xiao, huh?"
Seeing that she had been exposed, she quickly folded up the form in her hand and hid it behind her back, trying to cover up her secret. Facing the woman in front of her, who was waiting for her explanation, Luo Yiqiu closed her eyes in despair, knowing that there was no point in lying now. She could only awkwardly tell the truth: "It's... Aunt Zhao and Uncle Zhao both had things to do today. Yixiao has a check-up and needs someone to accompany him. He doesn't have any friends around him, so I had to come with him."
As she spoke, her eyes darted away unnaturally, clearly showing some guilt. Wang Jing noticed immediately but didn't call her out on it. Instead, she nodded thoughtfully and didn't ask any further questions, naturally changing the subject: "Oh, is that so? Your dad and his family are coming to my house for dinner tonight, you probably already know that, right?"
"Yes, I know, Auntie." She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the other person didn't ask any further questions about Zhao Yixiao.
Wang Jing took in her reaction and couldn't help but laugh. "See you tonight then."
As she finished speaking and saw that the other person was really about to leave, Luo Yiqiu panicked. She felt she had to say something, so she forced herself to speak: "Auntie... about today..."
Before she could finish speaking, Wang Jing suddenly turned around and interrupted her. As if she had also remembered something, she deliberately sighed helplessly and said, "Oh, by the way, I won't tell your parents about what happened today, so you can rest assured. But I heard from Lin Xiaqing that you and Yi Xiao are very close at school. Yi Qiu, Auntie still advises you, even if it's just at school, to stay away from Yi Xiao at other times. It's better for both of you."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Luo Yiqiu fell silent for a moment. She knew that nothing she said now would make a difference; from the moment she called out to the other person, the situation had already changed.
But she still had to speak up and explain, trying to sound brave: "Auntie... Yi Xiao and I were really just helping each other out as friends..."
"Of course I know, you two can only ever be friends." She smiled dismissively at Luo Yiqiu's weak explanation.
Looking at these high school students in front of her, whose explanations and lies were full of holes, she found it quite amusing.
She thought to herself that Luo Yiqiu was still too young and couldn't even hide her own emotions. She chuckled to herself, but she didn't intend to make things difficult for Luo Yiqiu, since her family had a good relationship with Luo Yiqiu's parents. So she left it at that.
Afterwards, she spoke a few more words to Luo Yiqiu and then left, leaving her alone standing helplessly in the hospital lobby.
People began to line up to register for medical appointments, and Luo Yiqiu silently watched the people coming and going around her, yet she felt as if she were standing still at that moment.
She stared in the direction the woman had left, her eyes lowered in regret.
She understood all too well what the other person meant by what they were saying, and she knew that what had happened this time would eventually come to light, and that once her parents found out, her relationship with Zhao Yixiao would become even more complicated.
Thinking of this, her brows furrowed involuntarily, and she felt a mix of emotions.
When she looked up again, she happened to see Lin Xiaqing standing motionless at the door of the ward not far away. She was also a little surprised to see him there.
Just then, remembering what Wang Jing had said, she suddenly stepped forward angrily and called out to him, "Lin Xiaqing."
Hearing this, and hearing someone call his name, he looked up and saw that it was Luo Yiqiu. He couldn't help but frown: "What are you doing here?"
After saying that, he glanced at the thick report in the other person's hand and almost instantly guessed who the other person had come with. He was about to say something when he saw the person's obviously unpleasant expression and changed the subject, asking, "Why are you staring at me like that?"
Seeing his innocent expression, but with barely concealed annoyance in his words, Luo Yiqiu quickly guessed what was going on and said directly, "I just ran into your stepmother. You must have run into her too."
When Wang Jing was mentioned, Lin Xiaqing's face visibly darkened.
Not long after Wang Jing left, he realized that his behavior had given him away. Normal people wouldn't be so nervous about something that hadn't happened before, so he couldn't help but worry that she would find out about his past with Shen Qingli.
To him, his so-called home was a bunch of lunatics, and from the moment he compromised and moved in, he felt that he had become just as despicable as them.
But all of this has nothing to do with Shen Qingli, and he doesn't want to affect her.
-
Seeing that he didn't speak, Luo Yiqiu took it as his consent.
"I'm going to your house for dinner again tonight."
"Yeah, I know." Hearing her complaints, Lin Xiaqing snapped out of her daze and replied indifferently.
"...I didn't tell Zhao Yixiao about this, so if you see him, don't let it slip." Luo Yiqiu was furious at his nonchalant attitude. "Also, your stepmother said you told her about what happened between me and Zhao Yixiao at school, is that true?"
Hearing her question, Lin Xiaqing frowned slightly and glanced at her with an expression as if she were looking at an idiot.
Every time Zhao Yixiao's name was mentioned, the usually quite intelligent girl in front of him would lose her composure. He was speechless, after all, he never wanted to get involved in their affairs. After a long while, he said quietly, "Only an idiot would believe her."
"..."
Luo Yiqiu listened to his words, which were clearly implying something about her. Her anger was like a bucket of cold water being poured on her, and she finally calmed down a bit.
Seeing that the other person seemed indifferent to her, she felt guilty and said in a weak tone, "It's fine as long as you didn't say anything."
"Your affairs have nothing to do with me, but I suggest you think about what to do. She's not a person who keeps her word."
“I know your stepmother has always been a troublemaker.” Luo Yiqiu gritted her teeth indignantly as she said this, but she was also very worried inside.
"You know that's fine, but I find your family situation quite strange. You're only allowed to have a good relationship with Zhao Yixiao at school? But not outside of school?"
"Hey! Don't put it so harshly, okay? What do you mean by 'family like ours'? Aren't you part of that kind of family yourself now?" She glared at Lin Xiaqing with displeasure before continuing, "What do you know? You have no idea how hard I've tried to maintain my relationship with him. But on the surface, neither of our parents wants things to get too ugly between me and Zhao Yixiao, but..."
However, because of something that happened before, her parents no longer allowed her to have much contact with Zhao Yixiao.
Before, she had to go to and from school together to get both sets of parents' approval, but outside of school, she was the one who would reach out to Zhao Yixiao almost every time something happened, including accompanying him to the hospital today.
Sometimes, Luo Yiqiu herself couldn't even tell the difference between her and Zhao Yixiao's relationship. At school, he still took good care of her, just like before.
Zhao Yixiao's concern for her wasn't feigned; she could feel it. So, in other people's eyes, they were still the childhood sweethearts everyone envied. But outside of school, few people knew that their relationship was falling apart, and she didn't know who to talk to. It would be futile to tell anyone; no one could help them.
Because that was Zhao Yixiao's decision.
But only Lin Xiaqing, an outsider, keenly and cleverly perceived the unusual relationship between them.
However, the only person who knew the inside story was clearly not interested in their matter.
Seeing the expressionless face of the other person, who still seemed not to understand what she was saying, Luo Yiqiu's eye twitched, and she said speechlessly, "Forget it, you wouldn't understand even if I told you. You're always alone at school, so of course you wouldn't understand. But in a way, this is a good thing for you. If you make any friends, you'd better be careful. If Uncle Lin finds out and is unhappy, it won't be good for anyone if things get out of hand."
She was clearly aware of the situation in her own family and Lin Xiaqing's family, but perhaps her current relationship with Zhao Yixiao was making her feel suffocated, so she unusually spoke more with Lin Xiaqing and kindly reminded him of something.
However, in her eyes, the other party didn't seem to need to worry about this matter. After all, with his cold demeanor, probably no one would want to be friends with him.
When Lin Xiaqing heard the other person's nagging, she did not respond or make any expression for the first time.
He wanted to argue, he could sense it himself. But he couldn't say it, because enough people had already reminded or warned him today.
But he knew better than anyone else that he had already made up his mind and made his choice.
After thinking about it, he did feel that Luo Yiqiu and Zhao Yixiao were indeed a bit pitiful. They were actually people who were bound by everything and unable to live according to their own wishes.
No one can escape it.
-
Seeing that he didn't speak, Luo Yiqiu felt bored and was about to leave when she heard a noise coming from the ward in front of her.
Hearing the sounds from the room, Lin Xiaqing quickly snapped out of his daze. Luo Yiqiu noticed his tense expression and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong? Who's in this room that's making you so nervous?"
"My mom."
"Your mother lives in the hospital?" Hearing this, she was a little surprised. Although she had heard her father mention Lin Xiaqing's family a few times before, she didn't pay much attention. She only knew that their family situation was a bit complicated, but she didn't know the specifics.
"Okay, don't say what you were about to say when my mom is here. I don't want her to worry." He said solemnly, his tone pleading with her.
Seeing his serious expression, she also suppressed her surprise and nodded, understanding his concerns.
The next second, the door to the ward opened, and Xia Lin was somewhat surprised to see the two people standing outside: "Xia Qing?"
"Mom, you're awake."
"Hmm, who is this girl?" Xia Lin nodded, turned her head to look at Luo Yiqiu, and asked subconsciously.
"Oh. I am..." Receiving Lin Xiaqing's pleading look, she naturally took over the conversation, immediately putting on her signature smile and sweetly greeting Xia Lin, "Hello, Auntie, I'm Lin Xiaqing's classmate. I accompanied my friend to the hospital today, and I didn't expect to run into him here. How are you feeling..."
She introduced herself in a few words, and Lin Xiaqing unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief as she listened.
When Xia Lin heard that the other party was her son's friend, she immediately smiled and asked Luo Yiqiu about Lin Xiaqing's situation at school.
Luo Yiqiu's answer was also just right, and there was nothing wrong with it.
-
When Shen Qingli arrived at the hospital, she stood not far from Xia Lin's ward and witnessed this scene.
The three of them were chatting animatedly at the entrance of the ward. It was unclear what they were talking about, but Luo Yiqiu was laughing happily, while Lin Xiaqing stood to the side. Although he didn't show any particular expression, it was clear that he was also in a good mood.
The gift box in her hand was so tight that Shen Qingli's hand ached, and she stopped in her tracks but didn't have the courage to take another step forward.
The person who had been frowning at me just moments before was a world apart from the person who was now leaning comfortably against the doorframe.
She finally realized that, without realizing it, she seemed to have become the one who made Lin Xiaqing feel tired and unhappy.
She knew she shouldn't go over there now, for whatever reason, because he wouldn't be happy to see her, and she certainly couldn't put on a smile in this situation.
So for a moment she was at a loss as to what to do.
After a long, long time, she looked at the three people still chatting happily not far away, blinked her slightly sore eyes, and finally forced herself to turn around.
She left her things at the nurses' station, asking them to take them to Xia Lin's room. After giving them the room number, she fled in a panic, not even hearing the nurse calling her from behind.
In the chaos, she did not leave her name.
-
She ran desperately downstairs from the hospital, her head down, not seeing the road clearly, and bumped headfirst into someone's shoulder.
Shen Qingli winced in pain, staggered a few steps, and was about to look up to apologize when she met Zhao Yixiao's eyes.
"Zhao... Senior?"
"Are you alright? Why were you running so fast?" Zhao Yixiao quickly caught her and asked with concern.
"No, it's nothing. I'm sorry I bumped into you." She shook her head, her gaze sweeping lightly over the figure that had been standing next to Zhao Yixiao but had gradually walked away while they were talking.
As she watched the person walk into the elevator, she didn't pay much attention and looked away.
"It's alright." He shook his head, seemingly unconcerned, and asked her in return, "But why are you at the hospital? Is something wrong with Qingyun's health?"
Seeing the other person's worried expression, Shen Qingli quickly waved her hand and explained, "No, no, I'm not feeling well today, so I came to get some medicine."
She spoke vaguely, and her voice sounded somewhat weak.
Fortunately, Zhao Yixiao didn't suspect anything. He nodded and continued to ask, "Are you alright? Why do your eyes look so red?"
"Um, it's nothing serious. I probably just didn't sleep well, so I got some medicine." She subconsciously rubbed her eyes before continuing, "Senior, I have some things to take care of at home, so I'll be going now..."
She didn't want her disheveled appearance to be discovered, and she didn't want to linger there any longer, so she turned to leave after saying that.
But before leaving, she remembered something, stopped in her tracks, and turned back to Zhao Yixiao, pleading, "Senior, could you please not tell anyone about my visit to the hospital today? I don't want my sister and the others to know; I'm afraid they'll worry..."
After saying that, she lowered her head somewhat guiltily.
Hearing her say that, Zhao Yixiao didn't think much of it and even expressed his understanding. He nodded and agreed, "No problem, but don't keep calling me senior. It sounds a bit too formal. I'm a year older than you and I'm friends with Qingyun. From now on, just call me Brother Yixiao, like Chaoxi and the others. Consider this a condition for keeping your secret, okay?"
He made this condition so that she wouldn't feel any burden. Shen Qingli understood his intention, and her tense mood finally relaxed a little.
The emotions that had been building up inside her all day were about to collapse, and a stinging sensation came from the tip of her nose. She bit her lip tightly to hide the emotions in her eyes and forced a smile, saying, "Okay, thank you, Brother Yixiao. I'll be going now."
"Okay, take care of yourself."
"Okay, goodbye."
Upon receiving a response, she rushed downstairs like a frightened bird, not even thinking to ask why the other person was at the hospital, afraid that if she was even a second slower, tears would fall in front of the other person, and she didn't want to be so embarrassed in public.
She didn't want that profound past to be shattered and stained with tears in front of anyone.
In the years that followed, just when she thought she should have forgotten everything, Shen Qingli would still occasionally think of that year, that stubborn and painful... bitter summer.
-
On the other side of the hospital lobby, watching the other person run away, Zhao Yixiao barely managed to turn his gaze away and looked up to see Luo Yiqiu walking towards him with a smile.
She called his name, seemingly in a good mood, but they had known each other for so many years, and he knew her every little move too well. Zhao Yixiao knew she was putting on a brave face; she wasn't happy.
He even knew why Loyal was unhappy, but he couldn't do or say anything.
As Lin Xiaqing once said, they were all too young, powerless to resist anything, and could only live according to the demands of others.
There always has to be one person who takes the initiative to step forward and give up; only then can two people be better off than one.
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Author's Note: -Someone will always have to say give up-
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