Chapter 44 "Not even a friend."
The ceremony didn't take long. When leaving the venue, Jiang Yao was surrounded by students, mostly little girls, who chattered with him.
The reason is simple. Compared with Duan Zhuxian's gentle and steady appearance, Jiang Yao looks more approachable.
Although they have a cool and arrogant temperament, there is always a faint smile on their faces, which is casual and ostentatious, which just fits the aesthetic of their age.
When we reached a slightly wider road, the noisy crowd gradually dispersed.
Jiang Yao turned around and unexpectedly met Duan Zhuxian's thoughtful gaze behind him. A glint of light flashed in his eyes. He turned around to face Duan Zhuxian and walked backwards: "Mr. Duan, are you jealous of my popularity?"
Duan Zhuxian said: "I'm used to it. School will always be your home ground."
He had seen Jiang Yao surrounded by people too many times.
Jiang Yao was always surrounded by excitement and love, and he never lacked companions. There was sunshine wherever he went, so much so that he once firmly believed that it didn't matter whether he was in Jiang Yao's life or not. This was also part of the reason why he changed his choice and applied to Q University.
He never thought that Jiang Yao actually needed him a little bit.
As they were talking, the two of them walked side by side into the camphor tree forest where fallen leaves were flying, and a group of tall and strong boys came towards them.
The leader, holding a basketball, stood directly in front of Jiang Yao without even saying hello. "I heard that Senior Jiang is a very good basketball player. When the national team members visited our school, Senior Jiang even scored two goals against professional players."
Jiang Yao raised his eyebrows in surprise: "My fame has spread to ten years later?"
The boy nodded, trying hard to hide the anticipation in his eyes and trying to project the calmness of an adult. "We've always wanted to spar with Senior Jiang. I wonder if Senior Jiang is free and could offer some pointers?"
This kid said nice things, but Jiang Yao could see through what he was thinking at a glance.
It’s not shameful to lose when playing against him, but if you beat him, the record will be enough to brag about in school until graduation.
Jiang Yao hadn't touched the ball for a long time, and he felt a little itchy, so he kindly fulfilled his little plan.
Another boy stole a glance at Duan Zhuxian, then quickly looked away and asked Jiang Yao, "Do you want to fight, Senior Duan?"
"He doesn't fight."
"I'll fight."
The two said in unison.
Jiang Yao looked at Duan Zhuxian in disbelief, thinking he was hallucinating.
Back in school, when he wanted to compete with Duan Zhuxian in various sports, he had to ask him many times before he could even move the giant Buddha. He had never seen Duan Zhuxian so enthusiastic before.
Arriving at the basketball court, Jiang Yao Bianre said to Duan Zhuxian, "Let's each lead a team later?"
Duan Zhuxian said: "I want to join your team."
Jiang Yao paused in his stretching movement, his thoughts stuck for a moment.
He seemed to have never thought that there was an option between him and Duan Zhuxian to fight side by side.
Jiang Yao pursed his lips and said, "Two adults teaming up to bully a child, only you have the nerve to do that."
These words happened to fall into the ears of a young boy who was eavesdropping in the corner. The boy tossed the basketball and said unconvincedly, "We have represented the school in the competition. Seniors, please don't look down on us."
After discussion, the eight boys assigned three people to form a team with them, and the basketball court gradually became surrounded by a crowd.
It's a recreational game, not a formal competition, and the focus is on which team scores more goals within half an hour.
A minute later, the ball was in Jiang Yao's hands. Seeing this, the five boys on the opposite side rushed up to block him without any regard for tactics.
As expected, he was right. These little brats were just trying their best to beat him so that they could have some bragging rights.
But unfortunately, their interception methods were child's play in his eyes.
In an instant, Jiang Yao had predicted the route, but there were too many people in front of him, and the three child teammates seemed to be deliberately giving points to the opponent, which made it a bit troublesome.
He dribbled the ball around the first person and was about to avoid the next obstacle, but his movements froze for a moment.
At the end of his sight, Duan Zhuxian had already waited in the best position at some point, sending him a pass signal with his eyes.
Jiang Yao suddenly realized that Duan Zhuxian was still by his side. Duan Zhuxian was no longer an opponent he couldn't overcome, but a backup who was on par with him.
He didn't need to dribble past several people and run so far to shoot.
He just needs to throw the ball, there are people waiting for him ahead.
He thought so and did so.
The basketball drew an arc in the air, Duan Zhuxian caught it accurately, and made a layup effortlessly.
After their first successful collaboration, the two quickly found a tacit understanding and led their three teammates who were slacking off to win the game effortlessly.
In the end, Jiang Yao gave these guys a little slack and didn't let them lose too badly. After all, one of their secret crushes might be among the onlookers.
The boys hadn't recovered from their crushing defeat yet, their previous arrogance and confidence gone. The captain embraced the ball and admitted defeat: "Senior, we are too weak."
After playing a beautiful game, Jiang Yao was in a good mood. Looking at the dejected children in front of him, he casually offered a few words of encouragement: "Your level is not bad, but you want to win too much and you are too impatient."
Having their thoughts touched upon, several boys blushed at the same time, but they were not as upset as before.
Jiang Yao smiled and said, "But young people, who wouldn't want to win?"
One of the boys asked, "Can I still spar with the senior in the future?"
Jiang Yao nodded: "Of course, if there is a chance."
After leaving the court, Duan Zhuxian walked up to Jiang Yao and said, "Good technique, teammate."
As he spoke, he raised his hand, palm facing Jiang Yao.
Jiang Yao was stunned for a moment before realizing that Duan Zhuxian wanted to high-five him.
A smile appeared on his lips, and he slapped it with his palm.
"You're not bad either."
*
After playing ball, Jiang Yao's wet school uniform jacket was almost dry.
Just as he was about to take off Duan Zhuxian's coat, he saw Duan Zhuxian take his school uniform and put it on himself naturally.
Jiang Yao's school uniform was one size too small, and it looked a little tight on Duan Zhuxian.
But he won't remind you.
Reminding him is equivalent to admitting that he is physically weaker than Duan Zhuxian.
After having lunch with the school leaders in the school cafeteria at noon, the two were invited to participate in campus activities in the afternoon and posed for photos with the school leaders.
It was almost time for dinner when Jiang Yao finally had time to take out his cell phone. He saw that his high school class monitor had sent him a message a few hours ago, saying that he planned to take advantage of the school anniversary to get together at the restaurant near the school gate.
Jiang Yao had a lot of friends to play with in class back then. Thinking that he hadn't seen them for a long time and missed them very much, he agreed.
Coincidentally, Duan Zhuxian also received an invitation to a class reunion, which was held at the same restaurant as Jiang Yao and his class.
The venue was set on the third floor. Jiang Yao arrived not too early. In the private room, besides the classmates who had just attended the school anniversary, there were also some who came specifically for the dinner. There were more than 20 people in total. They all had a good relationship with Jiang Yao when they were in school.
The dishes hadn't even been served yet, but the room was already buzzing with activity.
A tall and strong man came around Jiang Yao with two glasses of wine, pushed aside a few classmates who were talking to him, and said proudly, "Boss, come and have a drink."
This man is called Wu Jie, the vice-captain of Jiang Yao's volleyball team. He is usually called "Boss".
Jiang Yao evaded the question: "I have to drive later."
Wu Jie said, "Just call a driver. It's no big deal."
Jiang Yao thought deeply, then rolled up his sleeves and clinked glasses with his deputy captain.
Anyway, Duan Zhuxian is having dinner downstairs, so I can take Duan Zhuxian's car later. Even if I get drunk, I won't be left unattended.
Wu Jie drank and asked, "Boss, when did you and Duan Zhuxian become friends?"
As soon as these words were spoken, a group of people immediately pricked up their ears.
Jiang Yao narrowed his eyes: "Why don't I remember you being so fond of gossip?"
If anyone in the class was most shocked by their marriage, it would have to be Wu Jie. He had witnessed firsthand how Jiang Yao and Duan Zhuxian battled it out on the court. Could two people with such strong personalities really be attracted to each other?
He changed his tone and asked, "What kind of marriage is this? A family alliance?"
Jiang Yao hummed, "I guess so."
Wu Jie suddenly understood: "No wonder."
Someone retorted, "A business marriage doesn't mean it's not true love. I heard that Duan Zhuxian made a passionate confession at the wedding. It's a pity I didn't see it with my own eyes."
The implication is that Jiang Yao did not invite him.
Jiang Yao said, "Most of the guest lists are reserved by my family. Next time, I will set up a few tables myself and invite you all over for a gathering."
The man laughed: "Brother Jiang, if you say that, I will take it seriously."
Jiang Yao raised his eyebrows: "When has your brother Jiang never fulfilled his promise?"
The squad leader, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly said, "I can't imagine Duan Zhuxian making a passionate confession at all. He's so cold and arrogant, can he really be affectionate in front of so many people?"
Most of the people present had little contact with Duan Zhuxian. Apart from his good family background and strong abilities, their biggest impression of Duan Zhuxian was that he was distant, like ice and snow high up in the sky. They were afraid of getting frostbite if they looked at him for too long.
Jiang Yao paused while picking up the food, and suddenly Duan Zhuxian's drowning eyes at the wedding appeared in his mind.
It's indeed very affectionate.
Even in the most famous love movies, he had never seen such a thrilling look.
One male classmate drank too much after just a few bites of food and said with a thick tongue, "I, I also want to see Duan Zhuxian's affectionate look. Can we call him over and have him perform on the spot?"
"How dare you let Duan Zhuxian perform for you?" The girl next to him rolled her eyes and asked in confusion, "By the way, why didn't you bring Duan Zhuxian to dinner with you?"
Jiang Yao said, "He also has a class reunion to attend."
The deputy monitor said regretfully, "I was planning to observe the great reconciliation of the century up close."
Someone echoed: "Yeah, when I first heard that you and Duan Zhuxian were getting married, I thought it was a joke."
Jiang Yao took a sip of wine, a hint of a smile on his lips: "Is it really that outrageous?"
The vice-class monitor nodded. "Don't say it's outrageous. Even in the explosive world, it's quite explosive. After all, in the impression of us old classmates, you two weren't even friends. You were competitors for three years. Who would have thought that you two would officially announce your marriage in the blink of an eye?"
…
Everyone is still talking about it.
Only Jiang Yao, who was the center of the topic, sat there holding the wine glass, as if a basin of cold water was poured over his head.
Not even a friend.
Yes, he and Duan Zhuxian were obviously not even friends, everyone knew it.
My chest suddenly felt a little stuffy. My heart, which had been lifted high by everyone's teasing, suddenly fell back to its original place. The corners of my mouth, which had been raised for half the dinner, slowly flattened.
After just a few drinks, he almost forgot the nature of his marriage with Duan Zhuxian.
He subconsciously took it seriously, including the deep affection that Duan Zhuxian acted out.
It was just a moment of strangeness. Jiang Yao curled his lips again and clinked glasses with the wine glass that was extended to him, but the smile never flowed into his eyes again.
After three rounds of drinks, someone stared at their phone and exclaimed, "Oh my god, check out the alumni group chat! Duan Zhuxian really knows how to be romantic."
The squad leader immediately pulled out his phone, read the information, and exclaimed, "Now I know Duan Zhuxian has a sentimental side."
Jiang Yao also took out his cell phone to look at it.
In the alumni group, someone anonymously posted a candid photo.
In the picture, Duan Zhuxian was kneeling on one knee, with his head down in surprise.
Jiang Yao threw his phone aside and said nonchalantly, "It's just shoe laces, what are you thinking?"
The man at the opposite table chuckled and said, "I also want to find someone who is willing to kneel down and tie my shoelaces."
The guy next door punched him and said, "You are so beautiful, but you don't even know your own weight."
Jiang Yao finished the wine in his glass, and his eyes fell on the photo on the phone again. Without warning, his eyes were burned by Duan Zhuxian's blurry but serious profile.
An impulse suddenly surged in his heart.
He wanted to ask Duan Zhuxian in person why he did such an ambiguous thing to him. It was so incomprehensible and he had no sense of boundaries at all.
But they are two people who have lived under the same roof, slept together, gotten married, and seen each other's flaws. It is too hindsight to talk seriously about "sense of boundaries" now.
He suddenly couldn't figure out what kind of relationship he and Duan Zhuxian had now.
It seems to be related to everything, but it has nothing to do with anything.
Maybe he drank too much, Jiang Yao felt a little dizzy and his thoughts were confused. When the dinner was coming to an end, he left early.
The temperature dropped sharply at night. Jiang Yao stood in the vent of the stairwell and felt the cold wind mixed with snow particles for a while, and his drowsy thoughts became clear again.
Going up to the second floor, he straightened his clothes and knocked on the door of the private room where Duan Zhuxian was.
"Jiang Yao?" The person who opened the door was Duan Zhuxian's classmate. Seeing him, he looked surprised and asked, "Why are you here?"
Jiang Yao glanced into the private room and didn't see Duan Zhuxian at the table, so he asked, "Where is Duan Zhuxian?"
The person who opened the door was a little surprised: "He just sat down and had a cup of tea and left an hour ago. Didn't you know?"
*
Walking out of the restaurant, Jiang Yao lit a cigarette.
After taking a few puffs, he took out his cell phone, opened the address book, and hovered his thumb over Duan Zhuxian's phone number for a long time, but ultimately did not click on it.
Since Duan Zhuxian left without telling him, he didn't want to be too proactive.
All his initiative towards Duan Zhuxian was used up during those two years in high school.
Jiang Yao pressed his temples, which were swollen and sore from the alcohol, and a rare hint of self-mockery appeared on his lips.
In his subconscious mind, which he has always been afraid to face and is related to Duan Zhuxian, he actually really hopes that Duan Zhuxian can take the initiative towards him once.
Even if it was just to take off all disguises and take a few steps towards him, he could see a little more clearly what Duan Zhuxian was really thinking.
Snow particles fell into the air and gradually condensed into snowflakes, getting bigger and bigger, falling on Jiang Yao's eyelashes, blurring his vision as they melted.
He raised his hand to wipe it off and was about to call the driver when he suddenly stopped.
Through the flying snow, he saw a tall and straight figure wearing a school uniform that was obviously one size too small, walking slowly towards him under a street light not far away.
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