Love and Turmoil
Chapter 1: The First Signs of Darkness
Ah Yu and Zhong Hua met on a sunny spring day. At that time, they only had eyes for each other and were full of joy, looking forward to their future life together. After get off work, Zhong Hua would pick up Ah Yu with a bouquet of flowers. The two would stroll hand in hand through the streets and alleys, their laughter echoing in every corner, as if the whole world was just a backdrop for their love.
However, their happiness was short-lived. As their relationship deepened, pressure from their families began to mount. Ah Yu's parents felt that Zhong Hua's job was unstable and worried that their daughter would suffer if she stayed with him. On Zhong Hua's side, his family also had reservations about some of Ah Yu's habits, feeling that she wasn't good at managing a household.
Meanwhile, rumors began to spread. Neighbors heard things from who-knows-where, saying that Ah Yu and Zhong Hua were incompatible and would break up sooner or later. These words seemed to have wings and reached their ears.
At first, Ah Yu and Zhong Hua could comfort each other, firmly telling each other not to care about the outside world's opinions, as long as they loved each other. But gradually, these pressures, like piling up dark clouds, grew thicker and thicker, making their hearts heavy.
The two had arranged to meet at their usual coffee shop to enjoy a rare afternoon. But sitting in their familiar spot, the usual relaxed and pleasant atmosphere was gone. Ah Yu stirred her coffee, her eyes somewhat unfocused, and said softly, "Zhong Hua, my parents have been nagging me lately, saying that things can't go on like this."
Zhong Hua frowned, grasped Ah Yu's hand, but felt that her hand had lost its former warmth. He sighed and said, "It's the same at my home. Sigh, it seems that we've really brought a lot of trouble to each other now."
Ah Yu looked up at Zhong Hua, her eyes filled with helplessness. The two fell into silence, with only the steaming coffee rising between them, as if adding a touch of melancholy to the oppressive atmosphere.
Chapter Two: Mediation Fails
Su Yao was a mutual friend of Ah Yu and Zhong Hua, and seeing the two of them in this state made her incredibly sad. She felt that as a friend, she had to do something to help them; she couldn't just stand by and watch this beautiful relationship be destroyed.
That day, Su Yao invited Ah Yu and Zhong Hua to the lakeside in the park, thinking that the tranquil environment might allow them to have a peaceful chat. Su Yao spoke first, saying, "You two, don't worry too much about your families and those rumors. Your relationship is your own. As long as you feel it's right, just stick with it."
Ah Yu forced a smile and said, "Su Yao, it's easy for you to say, but hearing those words every day is really tiring. Besides, we don't want our family to keep worrying."
Zhong Hua chimed in, "Yeah, it feels like if we stay together, we're going against everyone. I'm really afraid things will get even worse."
Su Yao waved her hand anxiously: "Don't think like that. No relationship is ever smooth sailing. If we overcome these difficulties, we'll definitely be happier in the future."
However, Yu and Zhong Hua only nodded slightly, but they were not truly moved by Su Yao's words. The barrier caused by pressure and hesitation seemed to have taken root in their hearts, making Su Yao's persuasion seem somewhat powerless.
The three walked along the lakeside, but the scenes of their usual lively conversations were gone, replaced by awkward silences and occasional sighs of helplessness. The atmosphere became increasingly subtle and uncomfortable.
Chapter Three: Struggle and Confusion
After returning home, Ah Yu tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. She thought about all the little things she had shared with Zhong Hua, those sweet moments flashing through her mind. But when she thought of her parents' worried faces and those hurtful rumors, her heart felt like it was being weighed down by a heavy stone.
She couldn't resist picking up her phone, wanting to send Zhong Hua a message, but she typed and deleted, typed and deleted again, unsure of what to say. In the end, she only sent a simple "Are you asleep?" After a long wait, Zhong Hua finally replied, "Not yet, can't sleep."
Ah Yu looked at the reply, tears welling up in her eyes. She replied, "What should we do? I really don't want to part with you, but I feel so tired."
Zhong Hua also sighed deeply. He replied, "I don't know either. Maybe what my family said makes sense. Let's separate for now and talk about it after this storm passes?"
Upon seeing the message, Ah Yu felt as if her heart had been stabbed. She hadn't expected Zhong Hua to say such a thing, yet she felt there really wasn't any better way. She bit her lip, replied with an "Mmm," then threw her phone aside and buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.
Zhong Hua looked at Ah Yu's reply, "Mmm," and felt a void in his heart. He regretted saying those words, but felt it was the only choice he could make at the moment. He got up and walked to the window, gazing at the dark night sky outside, lost in deep confusion. He didn't know if his decision was right or wrong, nor how he would get through the days without Ah Yu.
Chapter Four: Like Strangers
Since deciding to temporarily separate, Ah Yu and Zhong Hua deliberately reduced the number of times they met. Occasionally, they would bump into each other on the street, exchange a quick greeting, and then pass by like strangers.
Once, Zhong Hua went to the supermarket and happened to see Ah Yu also shopping for household items. He stopped involuntarily, wanting to go up and say hello, but hesitated, unsure how to begin. Ah Yu seemed to sense Zhong Hua's gaze as well. She looked up, and for a moment, their eyes met, and both of them froze for a second.
Ah Yu was the first to come to her senses, forced a smile, and softly said, "What a coincidence."
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