Chapter Twenty-Five
As Tan Yuze approached the classroom door, he smelled a fragrance he knew all too well: White Rose. Xu Li was standing in the classroom, talking quietly with her classmates.
Her dark brown hair was tied up, with a few wisps of hair playfully falling on either side of her face. Her slender fingers gently turned the pages of the book in her hand, her eyes full of concern.
Xu Li quickly noticed Tan Yuze's arrival. She suddenly raised her head and her eyes instantly focused on him.
A look of surprise instantly welled up in her bright, expressive eyes, but then, as if sensing something, her gaze dimmed slightly, a mixture of worry and heartache.
She walked quickly to Tan Yuze, stood on tiptoe, and carefully examined him, as if to make sure he was unharmed. "You've finally come."
Xu Li's voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, but it was full of complex emotions: reproach, concern, and a cautiousness that came with relief.
Tan Yuze looked at her, and his heart felt as if it had been gently struck. He subconsciously reached out and gently stroked her slightly messy hair: "Little Li, the way you're saying it makes me feel like I haven't been here for years."
Xu Li seemed to have her secret exposed, and her eyes darted away in a flustered manner: "I'm just worried. When you were in the hospital, I stayed by your side every day, but you wouldn't tell me the truth. Now that you've been discharged, I have to keep an even closer eye on you."
She paused, then added softly, "What if you secretly try to be brave again?" Tan Yuze's heart softened, and his eyes welled up with tears. During his hospital stay, Xu Li stayed by his side almost every step of the way.
During the day, she would fetch water and cook for him, and she would also help him with his notes in her spare time; at night, she would curl up on that narrow and hard hospital chair.
She was asleep with her legs curled up and her head tilted to one side. Her long eyelashes cast a faint shadow under her eyes, and the ends of her hair hung down by her side, occasionally being blown up and falling back down by the wind.
Every time Tan Yuze wakes up in the middle of the night, as long as he calls out "Li Zi", he always hears a soft "hmm" and sees her sleepy but concerned face.
He reached out and grasped Xu Li's arm, as if making a decision, and said, "Xiao Li, I'm really fine now. Before I was discharged from the hospital, the doctor gave me a thorough check-up. My injury has healed very well, and I won't have any aftereffects. So don't worry anymore, okay?"
Xu Li seemed to be moved by him, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes, but she still obediently nodded: "Okay, I believe you."
She paused, then, as if remembering something, a sly glint flashed in her eyes. "But if you dare to lie to me, I'll really get angry!"
Looking at Xu Li's expression, Tan Yuze couldn't help but laugh out loud, as if the gloom in his heart had been swept away.
He knew that this concern from Xu Li was his most precious warmth.
The classroom was filled with the murmur of couples, as if everyone was witnessing a public display of affection. "Oh my, are you two... together?"
Xu Li took his hand. "Yes, we talked about it."
"You just found out?" Lu Yi said.
"Hey, how long have you been talking?"
"About three months!" came a chorus of voices.
Then they all ran to Lu Yi to hear the news, while Xu Li and Tan Yuze ignored them.
Tan Yuze dragged his slightly heavy yet somewhat unsteady steps toward his seat. The classroom returned to its usual liveliness, but he felt as if he were in another world.
Sunlight streamed in obliquely through the window, warming him, yet his heart remained cold. The pain of those punches striking him seemed to replay itself in his mind.
He sat down mechanically, his schoolbag slamming heavily onto the floor with a dull thud.
After Mu Mu left, Zhou Chen changed seats and became Leng Yuxuan's deskmate.
His deskmate, Zhou Chen, was talking to the classmate next to him when he saw him come in. His eyes lit up immediately: "Yuze, you're finally here! We thought you were going to rest for a few more days."
Zhou Chen leaned closer, his face full of concern, "I heard you fell, are you alright?" Tan Yuze forced a smile, "I'm fine."
They knew the gist of Tan Yuze's situation.
He lowered his head, avoiding Zhou Chen's gaze, not daring to look him in the eye. He knew he was lying, but he didn't know how to say it.
Zhou Chen seemed to sense something, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, but he didn't ask any more questions. He simply patted Zhou Chen's shoulder gently and said, "Tell me if you need anything, I'll help you."
Tan Yuze looked up and met Zhou Chen's eyes. Those eyes were full of sincerity and concern, which warmed his heart and made his eyes redden.
He quickly lowered his head, frantically rummaging through his schoolbag to hide his emotions. The school bell rang, and the teacher walked briskly into the classroom.
The classroom fell silent instantly, with only the teacher's voice lecturing from the podium. Tan Yuze tried hard to concentrate, but the pain, the fear, and the unresolved questions were like a large net, tightly binding him and making it difficult for him to break free.
The first class ended quickly, and Tan Yuze felt dizzy. He slumped over his desk, closed his eyes, and tried to clear his head.
The sunlight outside the window became a bit dazzling. He frowned and lowered his head even further. "Hey, what are you doing?" A familiar voice pulled him back from his daze.
Tan Yuze looked up and saw Zhou Chen standing next to him, holding a workbook. "It's nothing, I'm just a little tired."
He rubbed his temples, trying to look more energetic. Zhou Chen frowned upon hearing this: "Why don't you go and rest for a while? I'll tell the teacher for you."
Tan Yuze shook his head: "No need, I'm fine. You go to class first."
Zhou Chen wanted to say something more, but the class bell rang again, so he had no choice but to put the workbook on Tan Yuze's desk: "Then take care of yourself. If you feel unwell, tell me immediately."
Watching Zhou Chen's retreating figure, Tan Yuze felt a warm current welling up inside him. He knew he was very lucky to have such a good friend. For the next few classes, Tan Yuze spent his time in a half-awake, half-asleep state.
His thoughts kept drifting back to that afternoon, back to the moment those fists landed. He didn't know why those people were hitting him; he had no deep-seated hatred for them.
He was just an ordinary student who went to and from school on time every day, studied hard, and didn't cause trouble, but he wasn't exactly honest either. He would sometimes beat up a few bullies.
The school bell finally rang, and the classroom instantly became lively. Students packed their bags and walked out in twos and threes. Tan Yuze also packed his things slowly, feeling somewhat conflicted.
He wanted to go home, but he didn't want to stay alone in that empty room. "Hey, Yuze, let's go together." Zhou Chen's voice rang in his ears again. Tan Yuze looked up and saw Zhou Chen and Bai Chuan standing next to him, holding schoolbags and smiling.
"Okay." Tan Yuze nodded, feeling grateful. They walked out of the classroom together and down the stairs. The campus was bustling with people, all busy with their own things.
Tan Yuze followed Bai Chuan with his head down, feeling uneasy. What about those who beat him up at school? Would they come looking for trouble again?
Bai Chuan seemed to sense his unease and turned around: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Tan Yuze shook his head: "It's nothing, I'm just a little tired."
Zhou Chen glanced at him, said nothing more, and simply stayed close to him. They walked out of the school gate, and Tan Yuze looked up at the setting sun outside.
The sky was dyed orange-red, with wisps of clouds drifting by. He took a deep breath, trying to relax. "How about I take you home?"
Zhou Chen suddenly said. Tan Yuze looked at him with some surprise: "No need, my home is quite close, just a few steps away."
Bai Chuan shook his head: "It's okay, I'm going that way anyway." Tan Yuze wanted to refuse, but seeing their determined eyes, he could only nod.
They walked side by side on their way home, the crowd gradually thinning out. The setting sun cast long shadows on them. Tan Yuze felt a pang of emotion; it was truly wonderful to have such a friend.
"By the way, Yuze, how did you get so badly injured? I heard from others that you have a huge bruise on your head," Zhou Chen suddenly asked.
Tan Yuze paused for a moment, his steps faltering slightly. He knew he couldn't lie to Zhou Chen anymore, but he didn't know how to say it.
Tan Yuze raised his head, met Zhou Chen's gaze, and recounted everything that had happened that afternoon.
After hearing this, their eyes widened in disbelief: "How could this be? Why did you go there alone?"
Tan Yuze smiled wryly: "I don't know either, I just wanted to take a shortcut home with them." After a moment of silence, he tightly grasped Tan Yuze's hand.
"Don't hold it, it's too girly."
"You can't go to such dangerous places alone anymore, understand?"
Tan Yuze nodded, feeling touched. He knew he couldn't hide it any longer; he needed help.
“Then I’ll go to school with you tomorrow,” Bai Chuan said again. Tan Yuze was a little surprised: “Why?” Bai Chuan smiled: “I’m free tomorrow, so I can go with you. In case those people come to cause trouble for you again, it’ll be good to have someone to look after you.”
A warm feeling welled up in Tan Yuze's heart. He didn't know what to say, so he just held her hand tightly. The sun gradually set behind the mountains, and the sky grew dark.
Tan Yuze and Zhou Chen continued walking, and the surroundings became quiet. Only the sound of their footsteps echoed in the empty street.
"Yuze, don't be afraid, I'll be with you." Zhou Chen's voice rang in his ears, like a shot of adrenaline. Tan Yuze raised his head and looked ahead.
He knew that tomorrow would be a new beginning, and he would face everything bravely.
morning.
He recalled the image of Xu Li getting injured for his sake, and tears welled up in his eyes. The afternoon sun shone gently on the streets around the school, and Tan Yuze walked briskly towards the pharmacy.
Throughout the journey, his heart was filled with trepidation and anticipation.
Stepping into the pharmacy, the smell of disinfectant hit him. He carefully selected suitable gauze and disinfectant, asking the clerk in detail about how to use them, afraid that he might not be able to take good care of Xu Li's wound.
As he walked out of the pharmacy with the medicine in his hand, the sunlight shone on him, and at that moment he was filled with determination to heal Xu Li's wounds.
Upon arriving at the classroom, the students were all chatting animatedly, but Tan Yuze immediately spotted Xu Li sitting quietly in the corner. He strode over, clutching the medicine tightly in his hand.
Xu Li looked up, and their eyes met, containing a wealth of complex emotions.
Tan Yuze said softly, "Xiao Li, let me take a look at your hands." His voice was soft, but it was full of deep gratitude and heartache. Xu Li's heart trembled, and she nodded slightly, extending her injured hands.
Tan Yuze carefully took it, gently poured out the disinfectant, soaked a cotton ball in it, and wiped Xu Li's hand joints little by little.
"hiss..."
"Ouch, that hurts. I'll be gentler then."
Tan Yuze lowered his head and carefully bandaged the wound. He was very careful, and every movement was gentle as if he were protecting the most precious treasure. His eyes were focused and tender, as if he wanted to turn all his guilt into this careful care.
The noise in the classroom seemed to fade away, and everything around them became quiet. The classmates gradually noticed the emotional fluctuation between the two and cast admiring or moved glances at them.
While bandaging Xu Li's wound, Tan Yuze said softly, "Little Li, it's all my fault this time. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have gotten hurt."
His voice was choked with sobs, each word sounding like self-reproach. Xu Li smiled slightly and comforted him in a slightly hoarse voice, "Silly boy, we're together now, so your problems are my problems. It's what I should do. As long as no one bullies you anymore, this little injury is nothing."
After the bandage was finished, the clean white gauze wrapped around Xu Li's fingers resembled a blooming white lotus. Tan Yuze looked at his masterpiece, his eyes filled with satisfaction and gratitude.
He held Xu Li's hand tightly, their fingers intertwined, a silent promise that no matter what the future held, they would walk side by side.
"You know what, the bandaging is pretty good. Lu Yi bandaged my hand so badly I couldn't move it, it felt like it was going to turn into a zombie."
She paused, then said, "Could you help me bandage these days? You bandage them so well." "Okay."
In this youthful campus, this brotherhood shines like the brightest star, illuminating their campus life and making them realize that having someone willing to stand up for them on the road of life, and being willing to protect this friendship for a lifetime, is the greatest fortune.
afternoon.
The winter sun shone through the classroom windows, casting dappled shadows on the desks. During the break between classes, the students of Class 6 of Senior Three were enthusiastically cleaning the classroom.
Xu Li sat at her desk, her chin resting on her hands, her gaze frequently drifting to the window. Outside the classroom, Lu Yi stood on the windowsill, tiptoeing, diligently wiping the window.
He was wearing a white shirt with the sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing a section of his bronze arm. In the sunlight, sweat slid down his cheeks, but he was completely unaware of it.
Xu Li watched Lu Yi's focused back, her eyes filled with tenderness. She hummed a song softly, her fingers unconsciously tapping a rhythm on the table.
Just then, a voice came from outside the classroom: "Hey, Xu Li, you're slacking off again!" Xu Li looked up and saw Tan Yuze standing by the window in the corridor, holding a rag in one hand and his other hand on his hip, his eyes full of teasing.
Xu Li rolled her eyes, but her words were anything but merciful: "Tan Yuze, you're wiping the windows outside and even inside the classroom. Are you trying to slack off?"
Upon hearing this, Tan Yuze smiled slightly, revealing a row of neat white teeth: "Who's like you, able to complete the task of cleaning while sitting in the classroom?"
Xu Li puffed out her cheeks in anger, about to retort, when Tan Yuze suddenly leaned closer to the window and lowered his voice, saying, "Are you so engrossed in watching Lu Yi clean the windows that you forgot you were supposed to sweep the floor?"
Xu Li's face turned pale instantly. She raised her head and said, "Go to hell, Tan Yuze." Tan Yuze laughed loudly when he saw this: "Alright, I know you have feelings for him, but don't make it so obvious. If Lu Yi finds out, he might feel embarrassed."
Xu Li became even more embarrassed by Tan Yuze's words. She picked up a book from the table and threw it at Tan Yuze, shouting, "Tan Yuze, are you shameless? I'll beat you to death!"
Tan Yuze nimbly dodged the book, still smiling. He approached her and pulled her aside, saying, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Go sweep the floor, or the teacher will criticize you for being lazy when she comes."
Xu Li then put down her book, picked up a broom, and began to sweep the floor diligently. Lu Yi, having finished wiping the windows, saw Xu Li sweeping the floor so earnestly, and a warm smile appeared on his lips.
The classroom was filled with the cheerful laughter of the students. This seemingly ordinary daily life of senior high school students was full of warmth and vitality.
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