bonfire
Chapter 15: Bonfire
The resort's night was lit by a bonfire, sparks crackling and shooting up into the star-studded sky. Students gathered around the bonfire, guitar music and young voices drifting through the spring night.
Bai Ke sat on the outskirts of the crowd, his eyes unconsciously searching for that figure. Chen Yiyu sat on the other side of the campfire, the flickering flames casting flickering shadows on his face. He listened quietly to the song, occasionally whispering to the students around him.
"So you're here." Lu Zihan sat down next to her and handed her a can of warm milk tea. "It's cold at night, drink something hot."
Bai Ke declined the milk tea he offered her and leaned slightly to the side to create some distance.
"I want to formally apologize to you for what happened during the day." Lu Zihan's voice was very soft. "I have already dealt with Wang Meng. She won't bother you again."
"I hope so." Bai Ke's tone was flat.
Lu Zihan suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Today, I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words."
The guitar stopped playing, and everyone's eyes turned towards him. Bai Ke felt a flicker of unease.
"I want to say something to someone—" Lu Zihan turned to Bai Ke, his eyes burning. "Bai Ke, I've been attracted to you since the first day you joined the Student Union. During this time, I've become more and more convinced that you are the one I've been looking for."
The crowd erupted in exclamations and whistles. Bai Ke froze in place, digging his toes into the ground.
"I know my past relationships have made you doubt my sincerity," Lu Zihan continued, his voice lowering, "but this time I'm serious. This is the first time I've confessed my feelings in front of so many people, and I want to prove my sincerity."
"Promise him! Promise him!" Several student union cadres began to make a fuss, and their voices became louder and louder.
Bai Ke's gaze passed over the dancing flames and met Chen Yiyu. He looked at her quietly, his eyes filled with a bottomless darkness, and no emotion could be seen.
"Senior Lu," Bai Ke stood up, his voice not loud but enough to quiet the surroundings, "Thank you for your appreciation, but I need some time to think about it."
She didn't refuse directly, not wanting to embarrass Lu Zihan in front of everyone. But this vague response obviously gave Lu Zihan hope.
"I'll wait for you." He smiled, with a determined light in his eyes.
Bai Ke used the excuse of feeling dizzy to leave the bonfire party early. On her way back to the accommodation, she could sense a familiar figure behind her, but she didn't look back.
The next morning, the resort organized a group development activity. Games like "Trust Backfall," "Crossing the Electric Grid," and "Blind Square" tested teamwork.
In the "three-legged race" relay, Bai Ke and Chen Yiyu were assigned to the same group.
"Do you mind?" Chen Yiyu asked softly, holding the straps.
Bai Ke shook his head. Their ankles were tied together, and their arms had to be placed on each other's shoulders. Such close contact made Bai Ke's heart beat faster.
"Listen to my command," Chen Yiyu's voice rang in his ears, "one, two, one, two..."
They worked in perfect harmony and quickly surpassed the other groups. When they reached the finish line, Chen Yiyu firmly supported Bai Ke, who was leaning forward due to inertia, and his hands rested on her waist for a moment.
"Thank you." Bai Ke lowered her head to hide her blushing cheeks.
"It's okay." Chen Yiyu let go of his hand, his eyes gentle.
The next game was "Crossing the Swamp," which required the team members to collaborate and cross a simulated swamp. As the activity leader, Lu Zihan volunteered to team up with Bai Ke.
"I'll take you there." Lu Zihan stretched out his hand.
Before Bai Ke could respond, Chen Yiyu came over and said, "This game requires a sense of balance. It's easy to lose balance when there are only two people."
Lu Zihan raised his eyebrows: "Do you have doubts about my ability?"
"Just discussing the matter at hand." Chen Yiyu's tone was calm, but his eyes showed no sign of retreat.
The air was filled with the smell of gunpowder. Other students also noticed this subtle atmosphere and cast curious glances at him.
"Then it depends on your ability." Lu Zihan smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes.
The game began, and Bai Ke cautiously stepped onto the first "rock." The swamp's design was quite challenging, requiring precise judgment of each step. She focused completely, gradually finding her rhythm.
Just as she was about to reach the finish line, her foot slipped and she lost her balance.
"careful!"
Two hands reached out to her simultaneously. Chen Yiyu moved closer, firmly holding her arm. Lu Zihan's hand, however, remained suspended in mid-air before slowly withdrawing.
"Thank you." Bai Ke said to Chen Yiyu, noticing the beads of sweat on his forehead - he rushed over almost instantly.
Lu Zihan walked forward and asked with concern: "Are you okay? Do you want to rest for a while?"
"I'm fine." Bai Ke gently withdrew his arm, nodded to Chen Yiyu, and walked towards the rest area alone.
During the free time at noon, Bai Ke took a walk alone by the lake in the resort. The spring breeze blew across the lake, creating shimmering waves.
"Bai Ke."
She turned around and saw Chen Yiyu standing not far away, with the sunlight outlining a golden outline behind him.
"Thank you for the morning game," she said.
Chen Yiyu approached and his eyes fell on the lake: "Lu Zihan is not the right person."
Bai Ke didn't expect him to be so direct.
"I know," she replied softly, "I've already rejected him."
Chen Yiyu turned to look at her: "That's good."
They strolled side by side by the lake, just like that first snowy afternoon many years ago. This time, there were no unexpected calls, no Qiu Luodi, only the quiet spring time.
"After my sophomore year, I might go to Germany for an exchange year," Chen Yiyu suddenly said. "The Department of Physics has a cooperative project."
Bai Ke's heart sank slightly: "When was the decision made?"
"Not long ago." He stopped and looked at her seriously. "Before that, I have something to say to you."
The sound of an assembly whistle in the distance interrupted their conversation.
Bai Ke looked at him, feeling both anticipation and anxiety. This time, she hoped the words she hadn't said could truly be heard.
"Go back." Chen Yiyu said softly, "I'll wait for you by the lake after the bonfire party tonight."
His gaze was so focused, as if he was making a solemn promise. Bai Ke nodded, feeling that a knot in his heart was slowly unraveling.
On the way back, her steps were much lighter. This time, she would not let those unfinished words dissipate in the wind.
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