Lin Wanqing's Hesitation
I. A temporary refuge, where secrets are stirring.
Amidst the city's hustle and bustle, a dramatic engagement party farce had just come to an end. Like a valiant bull charging into a china shop, Ah Yu, in full view of everyone, at the critical moment when the engagement ceremony was about to conclude, recklessly dragged Lin Wanqing away from Gu Yanting and Zhong Hua's engagement ceremony. Now, the two, panting heavily, hid in a secluded little house, as if the outside world had been instantly shut out.
The small house was filled with an old and decaying smell. The walls were mottled and uneven, like messy marks left by the chisel of time. A few rays of sunlight struggled to squeeze in through the cracks in the broken window frame, forming thin beams of light, in which countless dust particles were suspended and danced wildly.
Lin Wanqing leaned against the wall, her chest heaving violently. Her delicate face was now filled with exhaustion and panic. Strands of hair clung messily to her cheeks, and her usually clear and bright eyes, like stars, were now shrouded in a heavy worry. She bit her lower lip slightly, her rosy lips turning pale from the force, and her eyes revealed deep inner turmoil and struggle.
Ah Yu stood in the center of the room, his chest heaving violently. Large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead and dripped onto the dusty floor, instantly leaving a small, dark stain. His gaze was fixed on Lin Wanqing, his eyes filled with both the relief of surviving a disaster and the uncertainty and determination about the future. His deep eyes were like the deep night sky, containing endless affection and courage.
The two stared at each other silently, neither daring to break the silence. Time seemed to freeze, each second stretching endlessly, the only sound the faint echoes of their slightly hurried breathing in the small space. Lin Wanqing broke the silence first, her voice soft and hoarse, as if sanded: "Ah Yu, you shouldn't have been so impulsive. You've really offended Gu Yanting this time; he definitely won't let us off easily." Her words were filled with deep worry, her brows furrowed tightly, as if they were insurmountable mountains.
Ah Yu paused slightly, then a faint smile appeared on his lips, a smile tinged with a hint of untamed freedom, as if all difficulties were nothing more than fleeting clouds in his eyes. He slowly walked to Lin Wanqing, gently placing his hand on her shoulder, his movements tender yet undeniably firm: "Wanqing, don't worry. Now that I've made this decision, I won't be afraid of Gu Yanting's revenge. How could I possibly watch you marry that guy? I..." He paused, his eyes growing even more intense with deep affection, like a deep, still lake capable of engulfing anyone, "...I can't lose you."
Lin Wanqing trembled slightly; Ah Yu's words struck her heart like a hammer blow. She looked up, her gaze meeting Ah Yu's, her emotions surging like a tidal wave. On one hand, she knew Gu Yanting's ruthless methods. Ah Yu's blatant abduction of her at the engagement banquet was undoubtedly tantamount to pulling the tiger's tail; Gu Yanting would surely retaliate without hesitation, and Ah Yu might be plunged into an abyss of no return. How could she stand by and watch the person she deeply loved take such a huge risk for her sake?
Yet, on the other hand, how could she bear to be separated from Ah Yu? Those precious moments spent with Ah Yu, like glittering stars, shone with a warm and captivating light in the river of her memory. From their innocent childhood companionship to their shared life and death, their bond had long since taken deep root, like the intertwined roots of an old tree, firmly planted in each other's hearts. Every exchange of glances, every unintentional touch, seemed to carry a thousand unspoken words.
This tangled emotion tore at her heart like two sharp blades, piercing her deeply. She lowered her head, unable to meet Ah Yu's burning gaze, and whispered, "But, Ah Yu, we can't be so selfish. We can't let our feelings drag everyone into this storm without considering the consequences. Zhong Hua... she's innocent too, and I'm really worried you'll get hurt because of me." Her voice trailed off, almost choking back tears, which welled in her eyes as if they would spill over at any moment.
II. Memories of the past, entangled with emotions
Ah Yu frowned slightly, a hint of pain and helplessness flashing in his eyes. He gently held Lin Wanqing's hands, pressing them tightly against his chest, letting her feel his heart pounding fiercely for her: "Wanqing, I know you're kind-hearted and always think of others. But, don't our feelings matter? Over the years, my feelings for you have never changed. Do you remember when we were little? We played together in the alley, and made a promise under that old locust tree to be together forever. Have you forgotten those memories?"
As Ah Yu spoke, Lin Wanqing's thoughts drifted back to the distant past. It was a bright and sunny afternoon, golden sunlight like fine threads spilling into the ancient and tranquil alley. A faint fragrance of flowers filled the alley, the scent of roses blooming in the neighbor's yard. She and Ah Yu, hand in hand, ran joyfully through the alley, their clear laughter echoing in the narrow lane.
They ran to the old, leafy locust tree and stopped. The tree's trunk was thick and mottled, like a wise old man who had witnessed many hardships, silently guarding this peaceful corner. Ah Yu raised his head, his eyes shining with a pure and firm light, and said in his childish voice, "Wanqing, when we grow up, I want to marry you and make you my bride. We will always be together and never be separated."
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