Wan Qiu received a novel.
It had no name, no publisher, and was only a blank sheet of paper as its cover.
The person who gave him this novel was Chu Yigui.
Wan Qiu opened the novel, and what he saw were words that were both unfamiliar and familiar.
This is actually a rewritten novel.
Chu Yigui integrated all the contents he had recorded in his notebook, revised and corrected them, and finally compiled them into a new novel, which he gave to Wan Qiu.
Wan Qiu read the entire novel carefully.
The writing is fluent and natural, with no illogical points.
Wan Qiu vaguely felt that this was probably the novel he remembered.
The details may differ slightly, but that's the general idea.
"You're really amazing, Yi Gui." Wan Qiu stood in front of Chu Yi Gui, holding the printed novel, and said sincerely.
Chu Yigui did not accept Wan Qiu's praise. He simply asked calmly, "What did you feel when you watched it?"
Wan Qiu thought for a moment.
"It feels like I'm just reading a novel."
“Because it’s just a novel,” Chu Yigui said with a smile.
When Wan Qiu was holding the novel, Chu Yigui took her hand.
"Want to go somewhere together?"
Wanqiu didn't know where he was going.
However, this was a rare opportunity for Chu Yigui to take him to a certain place on her own initiative.
They walked on without anyone following them.
They hailed a taxi on the roadside, arrived at a certain stop, and waited for the shuttle bus.
Wan Qiu was holding the novel and the heavy copy paper, which should have been kept at home.
But Chu Yigui said she wanted to take it with her.
They boarded the bus, but unfortunately there were no seats available, so Chu Yigui held him close by.
As the bus drove further and further away, empty seats appeared, and they sat side by side.
Outside the window, spring has gradually begun to unfold a green world.
After getting off the bus, Chu Yigui reached out and straightened Wan Qiu's scarf and hat, and gave Wan Qiu a hand warmer.
They were far from the city center, surrounded by low buildings, sparse traffic, and hardly any pedestrians on the roadside.
It was a bit chilly, but thankfully they were dressed warmly.
The warmth exchanged while holding hands also dispelled the cold.
Their final destination, Wanqiu looked up and saw a cemetery.
In the vast cemetery, one can see different tombstones, all standing solemnly.
Wanqiu looked up at Chu Yigui, but Chu Yigui led Wanqiu through the cemetery.
We went deeper.
They stopped in a place surrounded by trees.
Before them lay a patch of ground marked by burning.
Hidden within is a section enclosed by a ring of bricks.
"The cemetery staff here are a bit superstitious. They occasionally burn some things here as a toll for wandering ghosts so that they won't disturb the spirits of the dead."
Despite it being broad daylight, Wan Qiu, who firmly believed in the existence of ghosts, felt goosebumps rise on his back.
The forest had become terrifying.
However, Chu Yigui, who noticed the change in Wan Qiu's expression, smiled.
Laughter and sunshine dispelled some of the panic.
"Let's burn this book here."
Wan Qiu was stunned and instinctively hugged the novel tighter.
"He no longer exists in this world. His obsession has vanished with his death. Let him disappear peacefully now."
Wanqiu didn't understand.
If you wanted to destroy it in the first place, why create it again?
"Because we wanted to give him a complete life, we witnessed his life together."
Wan Qiu vaguely realized what was happening.
It's because of my own obsession.
Because of a slight unease in his heart.
Chu Yigui did this to soothe his confusion.
A gentle breeze was blowing, and even though the weather was nice today, it was still a bit chilly.
But the hand warmer in her pocket kept Wanqiu warm all the time.
Wan Qiu was holding a novel.
He finally nodded.
Chu Yigui lit one of the pages, and flames ignited.
The fire burned ever brighter, turning the beautiful white paper into ashes.
The text has completely disappeared.
Blown by a gentle breeze, it flew into the sky and scattered across the unknown earth.
Wan Qiu thought it would be better to bring paper money instead.
"In his world, there will be people who miss him and burn offerings for him."
Wan Qiu felt that Chu Yigui was right.
Even though Chu Wanqiu stubbornly lost everything, there were still people who cared about him.
But here, there is only Wanqiu.
"I will live a good life," Wan Qiu said.
“I really like it now,” Wan Qiu said.
Chu Yigui stood beside Wan Qiu.
Watching the flames disappear.
Watching the ashes fly.
Looking at Wanqiu.
He looked at Wan Qiu, who was looking at him.
He only looked at Wanqiu.
——
Chu Yigui is about to enter her senior year of high school, but she has already finished studying all the courses for the entire year and completed countless exercises.
We are currently preparing junior high school exam papers for Wanqiu.
Chu Yigui was well aware of Wan Qiu's study progress; he had used his holidays in the first and second years of junior high school for studying, and Wan Qiu's unique focus had played an important role.
Wan Qiu just took the entrance exam for the high school.
Today is Wanqiu's last exam in his attempt to skip a grade and go to high school.
Wan Qiu did not take the high school entrance exam, but rather the entrance exam for transfer students arranged by Chu Jianshu.
Although Chu Yigui knew Wan Qiu's level, he couldn't be sure that Wan Qiu would actually pass the exam.
The high school entrance exam is more difficult than the middle school entrance exam, and Chu Yigui was prepared for Wanqiu to fail.
As long as Wanqiu can solidly learn the junior high school problems, it will also benefit her in high school.
The pen in my hand was writing for a while, then slowly stopped.
Even though he was the only one in the study, it seemed that as long as he looked up, he could see Wan Qiu sitting next to him.
Although he had spent a long time in the Chu family, the person he actually spent the most time with was Wan Qiu.
Even when no one was around, Chu Yigui could still describe Wanqiu's appearance.
Wanqiu, who will soon be an adult, has grown a lot taller, but perhaps because her height increased too quickly, she has not developed enough horizontally and is too thin.
But still...
very beautiful.
Chu Yigui could not remove the word "beautiful" from Wan Qiu as she grew up.
Like newly sprouted branches and leaves, tender, fresh green, and full of vitality.
The clear image that appeared in my mind seemed to be someone who had just finished writing the questions and was looking up in his direction with some trepidation.
Those beautiful eyes suddenly looked into him and immediately attracted his attention.
Just as Chu Yigui unconsciously smiled, the figure suddenly vanished.
Chu Yigui leaned against the back of her hand, vaguely feeling that she might be somewhat bewitched.
Besides at school...
They spent all their time together.
The mere fact that the exams were held on the same day made Chu Yigui feel uncomfortable.
After closing the exam paper she was preparing, Chu Yigui went downstairs and sat in the living room.
You can see the main entrance of the villa from here.
Butler Bai stepped forward and poured Chu Yigui a glass of plain water: "Are you very worried?"
"Thank you." Chu Yigui stood up and accepted the water, maintaining proper etiquette.
"If you're so worried, why don't you go along?"
Chu Jianshu took Wan Qiu to the exam early in the morning.
Because of Chu Jianshu, Wan Qiu's results will be released immediately after the exam is completed, and they will receive the news directly.
“Wanqiu asked me if I wanted to go with him…” Chu Yigui’s fingers unconsciously stroked the rim of the cup, “but I just felt that I didn’t deserve to worry so much.”
"How can someone who's worried have the right to say that? You're taking it too seriously."
Butler Bai looked at the child, whom he had practically watched grow up, with a gentle expression.
"It's also because I'm a little scared."
Butler Bai looked somewhat surprised and asked, "What are you afraid of?"
Chu Yigui said slowly, "I know how hard he is studying. If his efforts are not rewarded, I'm afraid he will be sad."
Butler Bai was somewhat surprised.
Chu Yigui did not look at Butler Bai, but instead appeared somewhat dazed.
His gaze wasn't fixed on one spot, but rather wandered.
There was nothing in front of him that could immediately attract his attention.
"It's alright, Wanqiu probably won't be disappointed by this. That child is happy no matter what she does." Butler Bai couldn't help but smile at this thought.
Wanqiu seems to be able to find joy in everything she does.
Butler Bai knew that his words of comfort had not been of any use, but it was not a big deal.
Chu Yigui was genuinely concerned for Wanqiu from her own perspective.
Although Butler Bai vaguely felt that it was a bit too much, there was nothing wrong with worrying about others.
Chu Yigui looked at the time.
The exam time has passed, and the grading time has now exceeded the deadline, so Wan Qiu must have already received the results.
but……
There is no news.
Butler Bai had already gone to the kitchen to prepare dinner, even though it was still quite bright outside.
Chu Yigui stood up, went to the French windows, opened them, and went outside.
The surroundings were filled with the chirping of insects and birds, a chaotic and disorderly scene.
The sound of the leaves rustling was exceptionally clear.
The intense heat of a summer afternoon clings tightly to the skin, seeps into the body, and tries to deprive it of moisture.
Chu Yigui frowned.
Amidst the noise, a faint sound suddenly came from afar, growing louder as it approached.
Chu Yigui turned around and returned to the living room, the closed windows blocking everything behind her.
But Chu Yigui did not immediately go to the door.
Instead, they stood still.
The sunlight streaming through the window warmed his back, and all the chaos vanished the moment the door opened.
Chu Jianshu entered first, and Butler Bai immediately helped him carry his briefcase.
Wan Qiu appeared beside Chu Jianshu.
When standing in the sunlight and looking into the shadows, things are never very clear, but the boy at the door seemed to radiate a faint halo in the shadows, attracting everyone's attention.
Butler Bai spoke gently to Wan Qiu, who responded in kind.
Then, Wan Qiu turned her head, and her beautiful eyes accurately caught Chu Yigui's presence.
Chu Yigui smiled.
Wan Qiu strode forward, crossed the living room, and stood in front of Chu Yigui, stepping on Chu Yigui's shadow.
"Congratulations." Chu Yigui spoke first, before Wan Qiu.
"Do you know I passed? Did Dad say so? But Dad didn't call." Wan Qiu was clearly surprised that Chu Yigui could guess.
"Looks like I guessed right?" Chu Yigui simply smiled.
"I can go to high school with you now!" Wan Qiu suddenly stepped forward and hugged Chu Yigui, expressing his joy unrestrainedly.
Chu Yigui lowered her eyes and smiled: "I hope you will take good care of me for the rest of the year, young master."
Hehehehe.
Wanqiu's laughter emanated from Chu Yigui's embrace, muffled yet sweet like milk candy coated in icing.
Wanqiu successfully skipped a grade.
Although he only skipped one level.
But at least they were able to study at the same school for a year, which was already precious enough for Wanqiu.
Wan Qiu also received praise from Chu Jianshu.
He said he was really working hard at his studies.
Wan Qiu knew he might not be smart, but hard work definitely paid off.
Chu Yigui's fingers ran through Wanqiu's hair.
It carried a familiar scent that only Wan Qiu possessed, intertwined with joy, even more intense than the sun.
Chu Yigui noticed that Chu Jianshu was walking towards him.
Chu Yigui patted Wan Qiu on the back: "Go tell Zhou Peiyu?"
"Yes!" Wan Qiu released Chu Yigui, excitedly took out his phone, and walked past Chu Jianshu to make a call.
Chu Jianshu turned his head to the side, and a hint of gentleness appeared on his usually serious face.
"Thank you for your hard work, Yi Gui," Chu Jianshu said.
"Wanqiu has always worked very hard."
"Your grades have never dropped, and you've worked very hard," Chu Jianshu affirmed Chu Yigui.
After Wan Qiu's embrace ended, Chu Yigui regained his composure. He was as gentle and proper as ever, but more vibrant than before.
"Uncle Chu is already very used to being praised." Chu Yigui tilted his head slightly, like a junior who was a little embarrassed by the praise. "I am also very happy to hear Uncle Chu's praise."
“The senior year of high school will be very intense, and you’ve been taking care of yourself. The principal told me that your grades are excellent and you could represent the school in competitions, but you’ve refused.”
The principal had mentioned it to Chu Jianshu many times, but Chu Jianshu, who was no longer Chu Yigui's father, could not make any promises to the principal.
"Indeed, I refused," Chu Yigui replied.
"Participating in more competitions and winning enough honors could even lead to direct admission without taking the college entrance examination, which is not necessarily a bad thing."
"I still hope to take the college entrance examination as scheduled, experience the examination atmosphere, and familiarize myself with the exam questions."
Chu Jianshu knew that the underlying meaning of these words was to pave the way for Wan Qiu's future college entrance examination.
"If that's your choice, I can't say anything, but it would be a real shame to give up such a great honor. It would be very beneficial for your future."
Chu Jianshu felt regretful, as this was an achievement that neither Chu Zhang nor Yang Ze could reach.
Chu Yigui gave up too decisively.
Although he felt that Chu Yigui might regret it, he also felt that it was not Chu Yigui who would regret it.
“I understand, Uncle Chu.”
Chu Yigui's response was a polite but firm rejection, and Chu Jianshu didn't press the matter further.
He was no longer Chu Yigui's father and could no longer forcefully interfere in Chu Yigui's life.
"When Wan Qiu found out he had passed, he was very happy and said he wanted to tell you first."
When Chu Jianshu mentioned Wan Qiu, he put away all his ambition and his expression was full of amusement.
"I was going to call you, but I wanted to tell you in person."
Chu Yigui could not hide her smile.
"However, it seems that Wanqiu will not be able to skip grades in high school. Just follow the normal pace."
Chu Jianshu also knew that Wan Qiu had spent too much time trying to skip grades.
He's not smart, so he has to spend several times as much time learning things that ordinary people can learn in a day.
"I understand, Uncle Chu, I will make a good study plan," Chu Yigui said.
"I understand, I trust you completely." Chu Jianshu hesitated for a moment, but finally said, "Even now, I still feel that you are still my child."
Chu Yigui calmly replied to Chu Jianshu, "Thank you, Uncle Chu. You are like a father to me."
This isn't entirely an unfamiliar response after all.
Chu Yigui expressed her feelings.
Chu Jianshu turned and left.
Chu Yigui watched Chu Jianshu's figure disappear from sight, lingered for a moment, and then walked towards the direction where Wan Qiu was making a phone call.
Wan Qiu was extremely happy.
For Wan Qiu, this was not just about skipping a grade; it was essentially proof that as long as he worked hard, he could be just like any other person.
He's just a bit slow.
But he is no longer the person who was so stupid that he couldn't even understand what was being said.
"I'm so happy, waaaaaah!"
After Wan Qiu told Zhou Peiyu about his joy, the joy deep in his heart was mixed with a bittersweet feeling that welled up in his nose.
"Oh dear, why are you crying? Isn't this a great thing? Why are you crying?" Zhou Peiyu praised excitedly.
"Waaah...maybe this is what it means to cry tears of joy?" Wan Qiu said, thinking about what she had learned.
"Hahahahahaha." Hearing Wan Qiu cry, Zhou Peiyu laughed heartily on the other end. "Anyway, it's great that you're here. Let me tell you, you have to see for yourself how arrogant Chu Yigui is at school!"
"Hmm?" Wan Qiu stammered, asking in confusion.
"You've definitely heard other people talking about Chu Yigui at school. Seriously, he's the undisputed school heartthrob in the eyes of the girls. He consistently ranks first in his studies. To be honest, teachers don't even use students of Chu Yigui's caliber as role models. He's a genius who can't be replicated."
"Hmm..." Wan Qiu often heard Zhou Peiyu talking to him about Chu Yigui on the phone.
"Speaking of which, have I told you before? When Chu Yigui was in her first year of high school, a senior who had graduated from high school went to confess to her, saying that she was born two years too early and that she was willing to wait for Chu Yigui to grow up."
Zhou Peiyu kept talking incessantly.
Wan Qiu asked with some confusion, "Why do we have to wait for Chu Yigui to grow up?"
"Dating, dating!" Zhou Peiyu's carefree voice carried a clear hint of mockery. "I heard she's the school beauty from her senior year. I heard she had already graduated by the time I heard about it. I heard she got into the best university in the country and said she'd be waiting for Chu Yigui there."
Wan Qiu asked with some surprise, "Is Chu Yigui dating your senior?"
"No."
Suddenly, a crisp and clear sentence came from behind Wan Qiu. Wan Qiu turned around abruptly and saw Chu Yigui standing behind him.
"Nothing?" This sudden question even interrupted Wan Qiu and Zhou Peiyu's conversation, making Wan Qiu forget what she had just heard.
"I didn't date that senior, and she didn't confess to me. She was probably encouraged by her classmates. She kept looking behind me when she said those things."
Chu Yigui sat down next to Wan Qiu and turned to speak to him.
"I did refuse seriously, but I don't know why the rumors are circulating that I didn't refuse."
Zhou Peiyu heard it all clearly on the other end of the phone.
“I guessed so, because some girls who confessed to Chu Yigui before said that Chu Yigui himself said he only focuses on studying and doesn’t consider anything else.” Zhou Peiyu nodded.
"I did say that," Chu Yigui replied.
"...So many people confessed their love?" Wan Qiu murmured.
"It's not exactly a confession," Chu Yigui calmly told Wan Qiu. "High school is stressful, and many students want to release that stress in other ways. Coupled with their naive longing for love, this kind of thing happens."
Wan Qiu stared longingly at Chu Yigui.
For some reason, Chu Yigui seemed a little cold when she talked about these things.
It's as if all the romance and beauty of nature have been frozen inside a block of ice, so that you can only look at them but not touch them.
"Wow, what kind of straight man's statement is that? I'll let it slide since you're good-looking." Zhou Peiyu's voice came from Wan Qiu's phone.
"Isn't it because you like someone that you confess your feelings?" Wan Qiu murmured.
"Not necessarily. If there is a sufficiently outstanding partner, it can create a sense of vanity. Excellent appearance, better grades, and superior family background can all confuse feelings. The only things they see in me are these, and even my family background is just a figment of their imagination."
Wan Qiu hesitated for a moment.
Zhou Peiyu understood what he was saying and remained silent for two seconds: "Oh, I know everyone is superficial, but you are just very outstanding... Okay, if someone only dates me because my family is rich, I will also be very unhappy, I'm sorry."
Chu Yigui remained noncommittal.
He looked away calmly, seemingly not fond of mentioning the confession he had received.
But Wan Qiu hesitated and looked at his phone.
She glanced up at Chu Yigui again.
“But Yi Gui is really beautiful, isn’t it?” Wan Qiu suddenly said.
“That’s right, he’s good-looking. I think he looks better than those male celebrities on TV even without makeup, except for Chu Zhang,” Zhou Peiyu said.
"Besides, Yi Gui is a very good student, isn't that something to be proud of?"
As Wan Qiu pondered, he unconsciously gripped his pen, as if recalling the time when Chu Yigui tutored him.
"Yi Gui is so handsome every time he explains a problem to me. Isn't that something to like?"
"Now that you mention it...now that you mention it..." Zhou Peiyu hesitated for a moment.
“You come from a good family…” Wan Qiu suddenly paused, then slowly said, “Yi Gui has no money now.”
Zhou Peiyu: "Pfft..."
But Wanqiu immediately added, "But Yigui will have a lot of money in the future because Yigui is outstanding!"
Zhou Peiyu laughed heartily on the other end of the phone: "Ah, yes, yes, yes..."
Just as Wan Qiu hung up the phone and was fiddling with her phone, wanting to call someone else to share the good news, she inadvertently looked up and met Chu Yigui's gaze.
Chu Yigui was looking at him.
It's just that it's not quite the same as before, when it always seemed so peaceful; something seems a little off.
He looked very happy.
In the hazy autumn air, I felt as if I had bitten into a juicy orange from summer and tasted its fresh, sweet and sour flavor.
Chu Yigui looked away.
Wanqiu was puzzled.
Wanqiu looked at his phone and saw the message in the family group that he had passed the test.
Because everyone else was still at work, Wan Qiu didn't dare to make a phone call directly, as it would affect their work.
The group chat exploded after a phone call with Zhou Peiyu.
Wan Qiu scrolled through the messages one by one, a smile playing on his lips, unable to hide his joy.
When Wan Qiu looked up again, he found that Chu Yigui was still staring into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.
He quietly covered his lips with his hand.
He looked like he was thinking about something.
"Yi Gui?" Wan Qiu asked, holding his phone with some confusion.
"Hmm..." Chu Yigui seemed to come back to her senses and suddenly leaned on Wan Qiu's shoulder.
Shoulders, one higher than the other, pressed together, and the other's warmth was quickly transferred.
Wanqiu was somewhat bewildered.
"What's wrong?" Wan Qiu noticed the slight smile on Chu Yigui's lips.
Chu Yigui said self-deprecatingly, "My thinking has gone astray."
"Huh?" Wan Qiu was puzzled.
"When I thought others were superficial, I realized that I was the most superficial of all."
Chu Yigui looked somewhat helplessly at Wan Qiu's puzzled gaze.
"Does Wanqiu like me because I'm good-looking and good at studying?"
"I like it," Wan Qiu replied matter-of-factly.
Chu Yigui smiled, a blush creeping onto the tips of her ears.
Even though it was almost evening, it felt like I was in a midday orchard, bright and dazzling.
"In the future, I will be more tactful and sincere in rejecting confessions."
Wan Qiu found Chu Yigui's words strange.
But thinking about it again, I think I can understand it.
Saying no is inherently difficult and definitely requires skill.
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