Chapter 265 Secret
The next day, the weather was fine, and the group arrived at Beihai Park as agreed.
Zhang Yueran was full of energy, leading the excited Xiaoman along the lakeside path, skipping and hopping, leaving behind a string of crisp laughter.
Nan Zhiyi, arm in arm with Zhou Anping, walked slowly behind.
She keenly noticed the gloom between Zhou Anping's brows and asked, "Anping, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Or are you tired? Let's find a place to sit down and rest?"
Zhou Anping shook his head. "It's nothing, I just feel a little listless. I probably didn't sleep well last night."
She did have some things weighing on her mind, but she didn't want to voice those conflicting thoughts.
Perhaps it's because their lives have diverged so much. Nan Zhiyi has Gu Xiao protecting her wholeheartedly and has a successful career that she loves, while she... her unspeakable sense of loss and struggle would only increase his worry if she talked about it, or... even she herself is afraid to clearly face this gap.
Even with her best friend whom she grew up with, she chose to keep certain secrets to herself.
Seeing that she wouldn't say more, Nan Zhi didn't press her further. Instead, she patted her arm and steered the conversation in a lighter direction.
"You'll officially start your maternity leave next month, right?"
"Yes, things will be easier from now on, and I can stay home and prepare for childbirth with peace of mind."
"That's good. But I have to go to school now, so I'm afraid I'll only be able to spend time with you on weekends." Nan Zhiyi said apologetically. "If you're feeling bored or lonely, be sure to call me. Even if I can't come right away, it would be nice to talk to you."
Zhou Anping felt a warmth in his heart and leaned against her affectionately: "I know, without you, I would probably be so bored in the capital."
Nan Zhiyi smiled and reassured her, "How could that be? You can make new friends even without me."
Zhou Anping pursed his lips. "That's different. The people in the capital are different from those we've known since childhood. Sometimes when they speak, they sound polite, but there's always a layer between them, a hidden meaning in their words, strange and unsettling. I don't want to..."
She stopped abruptly halfway through her sentence, unable to fully express the subtle feelings she had about social circles and social status.
She sighed softly, "Zhiyi, why do people have to grow up? I really want to go back to my childhood, to the cotton mill, to the courtyard, where we were carefree. How wonderful that was."
Nan Zhiyi looked at Xiaoman, who was being lifted high by Zhang Yueran and giggling, and then at her friend beside her with a slightly furrowed brow.
Anping seems unhappy these past few years, completely different from her cheerful and always smiling self. Given her past personality, she would definitely be running ahead now, laughing and playing with Xiaoman and Yueyue, instead of always being so gloomy...
A pang of sadness welled up inside her, and she tried to comfort him: "Anping, childhood was wonderful, but we can't go back. Growing up brings its own troubles, but it also gives us the power to take control of our lives and the possibility of encountering more beautiful things... We can create a happiness that is more precious and more solid than when we were children..."
"Don't be afraid, Anping. Life always moves forward, and so do troubles; they will all pass."
Zhou An listened quietly for a long time before gently squeezing Nan Zhiyi's hand in return. "...You're right." But she hadn't done anything wrong either...
The two sisters walked forward in silence for a while.
Zhang Yueran, who was ahead, turned around and waved vigorously at them: "Sister! Sister Anping! Come and see, there are so many beautiful carp here!"
Nan Zhiyi smiled and agreed, then took Zhou Anping's arm: "Let's go, let's go take a look. Let's not think about anything today, let's just take a break and be kids for a while."
The two sisters smiled at each other, temporarily setting aside their conversation, and walked forward.
The group had a pretty good time that afternoon.
After riding the electric boat, Zhang Yueran took Xiaoman to ride the carousel and the elephant slide. They didn't head back until the sun was setting.
When they arrived at the park entrance, Meng Qingshan was already waiting in his car, saying he was taking Zhou Anping back to the General's Building for dinner.
He politely asked Nan Zhiyi and the others if they needed a ride, but Nan Zhiyi smiled and declined, saying, "No, Qingshan, I promised Yueyue I'd take her to Quanjude. You guys go back first."
Zhou Anping reached out and gently squeezed Nan Zhiyi's hand. "Let's get together again next time."
Okay! Don't forget to call me.
Watching Zhou Anping being helped into the car by Meng Qingshan, and waving to them through the car window, Nan Zhiyi also waved back. Then, she took Xiaoman and Zhang Yueran to Quanjude to eat Peking duck, and didn't return home until it got late at night.
Before we knew it, it was time for the first day of school.
On the first day of school, Nan Zhiyi first helped Zhang Yueran carry her bags to the dormitory of the Department of Wireless Electronics. Afterwards, the two hurriedly went to their respective classrooms.
Many students were already seated in the classroom.
She spotted Shan Xiaoyan and Yang Mei at a glance, then walked over and sat down in the empty seat next to them.
"Xiaoyan, Yangmei, it's been a long time."
Nan Zhiyi greeted them with a smile and took out two small oil paper packets from her cloth bag. "These are dried meat and preserved fruit that my sister brought from our hometown. I heard that it's a custom to exchange hometown specialties when school starts. I'm just passing on these gifts, so please don't mind."
Shan Xiaoyan and Yang Mei quickly accepted it.
Yang Mei said softly, "Zhiyi, you're too kind. You're still thinking of us."
Shan Xiaoyan believes that Nan Zhiyi considers them good friends, which is why she shared with them, so she was pleasantly surprised.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry! I also brought some roasted peanuts and sesame candy from home, but I forgot to bring them with me today. Come with us to the dorm after school, and I'll get them for you to try!"
Nan Zhiyi smiled and nodded: "Okay, it's only fair to return the favor, so I won't stand on ceremony."
Seeing that Nan Zhiyi did not refuse, the two were even happier.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Nan Zhiyi glanced around the classroom and asked, "Why haven't I seen Huiqin? Hasn't she arrived yet?"
Shan Xiaoyan, always well-informed, lowered her voice and said, "I was just about to say that. Last night I went to their dorm to look for her, but her bed was empty. She didn't even show up. It's already the start of the semester, could it be... she's not coming?"
These words silenced all three of them, and a sense of worry arose in their hearts.
At this moment, counselor Teacher Li walked in with the roster. As usual, he called out the names. When he called out "Gao Huiqin", no one answered. He made a mark after the name and didn't say anything more.
Afterwards, Teacher Li organized everyone to go to the auditorium to attend the opening ceremony and welcome the newly enrolled freshmen of the Class of '78.
After the opening ceremony, everyone returned to their classrooms for a class meeting.
Standing on the podium, Teacher Li said in a clear voice, "Students, in the blink of an eye, you are already sophomores, upperclassmen. In the new academic year, I hope that you will set a good example for the freshmen in all aspects of your studies and life, and lead by example!"
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