Page 22
Finally, it's over.
Tan Yuze and Xu Li have officially established a romantic relationship.
They strolled along the lake on campus, and Tan Yuze mustered his courage to confess to Xu Li again: "Xu Li, I know you might still be hesitant, but I really like you and am willing to give everything for you. After graduation, I don't know what our future will hold, but I hope you can give me a chance to explore this relationship together, okay?"
Looking into Tan Yuze's sincere eyes, Xu Li felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew that this relationship might not be perfect, but it was full of sincerity and hope.
Xu Li nodded and said softly, "Tan Yuze, although I don't know how far we can go, I'm willing to try with you."
“We will face many challenges after the holiday, but I believe that as long as we trust each other, we will definitely overcome the difficulties.” Tan Yuze was filled with joy upon hearing Xu Li’s response.
He held Xu Li's hand tightly, as if afraid of losing her. Graduation finally arrived, and the campus was filled with the sadness of parting. Students hugged each other, took photos, and said goodbye with reluctance.
Tan Yuze, Xu Li, and Mu Qixue stood in front of the school gate, looking back at the place where they had shared laughter and tears. Mu Qixue looked at Tan Yuze and Xu Li's tightly clasped hands, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
She was happy for their happiness, and also proud of her own growth and transformation. She knew that although she had lost Tan Yuze's love, she had found a better version of herself.
She walked towards them, smiling, and said, "I'm so happy to see you two together. I hope you'll be happy." Xu Li nodded and said gratefully, "Qixue, thank you for the changes you've made for us. I wish you all the best in the future."
Tan Yuze patted Xu Li on the shoulder and said, "Li, graduation is not the end, but a new beginning. I believe you will see someone who truly understands you and is worthy of your love. Trust me."
Mu Qixue smiled as she wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and said, "Thank you all, I will do my best."
The three of them walked together toward the school exit. Their future was full of unknowns and challenges, but they all had new hope and direction in their hearts.
Tan Yuze and Xu Li walked hand in hand into the distance, while Mu Qixue embarked on a journey to find herself.
The campus during graduation season witnessed their youthful love and entanglements, and also opened a new chapter in their lives.
The holiday bell had already rung, and the school gate, which carried youth, dreams, and budding love, slowly closed behind Tan Yuze and Xu Li.
The days spent on campus, like grains of sand slipping through our fingers, have quietly vanished, leaving behind only the excitement and anticipation of two young hearts in a new world.
The city's neon lights gradually replaced the streetlights on campus, becoming the prelude to their nightly stories. Right after graduation, Tan Yuze and Xu Li, though living in the same city, rarely saw each other due to their busy lives as newcomers.
But as night falls and a busy day comes to an end, their deep longing to reunite breaks through the day's fatigue like bamboo shoots sprouting from the ground.
And so, the date quietly began as night deepened.
That evening, as dusk settled, the city seemed to be draped in a dreamlike cloak, the streetlights shimmering with vibrant colors. Tan Yuze had made a reservation in advance at a charming Western restaurant in the city center.
When Xu Li, dressed in a pale yellow dress, stepped into the restaurant with a hint of shyness, Tan Yuze's anxious heart was instantly filled with tenderness.
Inside the restaurant, soft music played, and the air was filled with the aroma of grilled steak and the subtle fragrance of red wine.
The two sat facing each other, Xu Li's eyes showing a hint of unease, while Tan Yuze responded with gentleness.
They started by talking about their respective jobs. Tan Yuze vividly described the twists and turns and interesting stories of the design projects. He mentioned repeatedly revising the plans for clients and working through the night just to refine a single detail. Xu Li shared the joyful daily life in the classroom.
Her eyes shone brightly when she talked about the students' mischievous yet heartwarming moments.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating their slightly flushed cheeks. The steak that night was exceptionally tender and juicy, and the red wine created a sweet arc on their tongues, but nothing could compare to the taste of their first love blossoming.
As Tan Yuze became more familiar with the city, they discovered more romantic spots for the night. There was a quiet park on the outskirts of the city that was bustling with people during the day, but at night it became a private haven for couples.
On a hazy, moonlit night, they walked hand in hand into the park and strolled along the winding paths. The willows by the lake swayed gracefully in the evening breeze, and the lake surface shimmered like scattered diamonds across a pool of clear water.
They found a bench by the lake and sat down. The chirping of insects and the croaking of frogs created a unique symphony for the night.
Tan Yuze leaned closer to Xu Li and carefully took her hand. The warmth of her palm spread throughout his body like an electric current.
They gazed at the starry sky, sharing their past regrets and aspirations. Xu Li said she had always dreamed of watching a stunning sunrise at the beach, while Tan Yuze silently made a promise in his heart to make that dream come true.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still, leaving only the tranquil night and two hearts closely connected.
In this undisturbed world, they made vows that belonged only to each other, allowing the love of their youth to quietly take root and grow in the night.
The moonlight was like water, and the city gradually fell asleep in the night. As usual, Tan Yuze walked through the familiar streets toward Xu Li's apartment.
His heart was filled with anticipation and tenderness, as if every step brought him closer to the source of happiness. Xu Li was already waiting downstairs at the apartment building; her figure appeared exceptionally graceful under the soft streetlights.
She wore an elegant long dress, her hair swaying gently in the evening breeze. Tan Yuze's gaze was captivated by her, and his heart began to race involuntarily. "You've come."
Xu Li's voice was soft and sweet. She smiled slightly, revealing a row of neat teeth. Tan Yuze nodded, smiled slightly, his eyes full of doting: "Hmm, have you decided where to go today?"
After thinking for a moment, Xu Li suggested, "How about we take a walk along the river? The moonlight is beautiful tonight."
Tan Yuze readily agreed, and the two walked side by side toward the riverbank. Along the way, they chatted quietly, sharing the interesting things that had happened to them that day.
Tan Yuze then spoke of his small achievements and challenges. Their laughter echoed in the night sky, seemingly dispelling all fatigue. When they arrived at the riverbank, the moonlight shone on the calm water, creating a shimmering, picturesque scene.
Ships occasionally broke the tranquility in the distance, leaving streaks of golden light. Tan Yuze and Xu Li found a quiet bench and sat down to continue enjoying the peaceful night.
A gentle breeze swept across the river, bringing a touch of coolness and the scents of each other.
Tan Yuze turned his head, his gaze fixed on Xu Li's face. Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight, like two dazzling stars.
He was deeply attracted to her, as if the whole world had only consisted of her. Xu Li seemed to sense Tan Yuze's gaze as well, and she slowly turned her head, their eyes meeting in the air.
It was a tacit understanding and deep affection that couldn't be expressed in words; time seemed to stand still at that moment. Tan Yuze gently raised his hand and slowly brought it closer to Xu Li's cheek.
His movements were gentle and slow, as if afraid of disturbing this beautiful moment. Xu Li quietly looked at Tan Yuze, a shy blush rising on her face. When their fingers gently touched, a warm current instantly spread throughout her body.
Tan Yuze's hand gently caressed Xu Li's face, feeling the softness of her skin. His other hand slowly wrapped around Xu Li's waist, gently pulling her closer. Xu Li's heart pounded like a drum; she could hear her own heartbeat echoing in her ears.
But she wasn't afraid; instead, she felt an unprecedented sense of peace and anticipation. She slowly closed her eyes, waiting for the wonderful thing that was about to happen.
Finally, on this tranquil riverbank, under the gentle moonlight, Tan Yuze's lips softly landed on Xu Li's. It was a simple and innocent kiss, yet it was filled with boundless emotion and love.
Their lips touched lightly, then slowly parted, as if exploring each other's sensations. Xu Li breathed softly, a blissful smile on her face.
Tan Yuze smiled slightly, his eyes filled with satisfaction and love. They smiled at each other again, this time with a deeper understanding and commitment.
In the days that followed, such nightly dates became a regular part of their lives.
Every gathering, every smile, deepens their bond.
On these nights, they not only shared their love for each other, but also wove dreams for the future together.
During this process, their relationship grew increasingly intimate. Their first date, their first hug and kiss, all deepened their feelings for each other.
They are no longer afraid to face the challenges of the future, because they know that as long as they are together, nothing can separate them.
However, life isn't always idyllic. During an important design project, Tan Yuze encountered immense pressure. His work was repeatedly rejected by his advisor, and the academic setbacks left him feeling frustrated.
Xu Li saw it all and felt a pang of heartache. She decided to do something for Tan Yuze to help him relax. On a star-studded night, Xu Li prepared a special surprise.
She set up a small open-air cinema in Tan Yuze's villa. She laid out soft blankets, placed his favorite snacks, and prepared his favorite movie.
When Tan Yuze returned home exhausted and saw all this, a long-lost smile appeared on his face.
He hugged Xu Li tightly and said gratefully, "Thank you, Li. You always bring me warmth and happiness when I need you most."
As time went by, their love grew stronger with each night's date. They shared joy and sorrow together, weathering every storm together.
Their story is like a beautiful melody, every note filled with love and affection. In this city brimming with love, Tan Yuze and Xu Li continue to write their love story.
Their future may be full of unknowns, but they believe that as long as they love and support each other, they will surely be able to create their own chapter of happiness.
.
The late summer sun, like a golden brocade, lazily spread across the cobblestone streets of the town, and the air was filled with the rich fragrance of gardenias, as if casting a gentle filter over this corner kissed by time.
The chirping of cicadas in the trees made my already restless mood feel weary and tired.
Tan Yuze stretched lazily, slowly got up from the dappled light and shadow, and strolled to the window with a bit of drowsiness.
The old locust tree in front of him rippled with emerald green. Through the gap in the window frame, he crouched among the flowers. Her focused and charming profile was like a painting carefully sculpted by time. For a moment, he was mesmerized by her beauty.
Tan Yuze's feelings for Xu Li had already quietly taken root and sprouted in their daily interactions, but were buried deep in his heart by the shyness and naivety of youth.
Xu Li, who was at home, straightened up and inadvertently looked up, her eyes meeting Xu Sheng's. A look of disgust instantly appeared on her face, like clouds dyed by the sunset, carrying a hint of girlish speechlessness.
The moment their eyes met, it was as if even the wind held its breath, time froze, and only the barely audible resonance of their heartbeats remained where their gazes met.
"Ah Li, come quickly and help me get the potted plants." Xu Sheng's voice suddenly came from inside the house, shattering the delicate tranquility.
Xu Li subconsciously lowered her eyes, and the thousands of words she hadn't uttered were instantly suppressed back into her heart.
She tidied herself up briefly, then walked into the house with a hint of regret. Her light skirt swept across the grass, creating a series of soft rustling sounds. Tan Yuze watched the pink figure gradually disappear into the distance, his heart filled with resentment and loneliness.
However, life goes on, and the town's vibrant atmosphere gradually intensifies amidst the clatter of pots and pans. People are busy making a living, and no one notices that beneath the calm surface of this lake, a gentle current of love is quietly flowing.
As night fell, thick as ink, gradually spreading across the sky, Tan Yuze quietly slipped out of his house, like a night boat seeking shelter from the storm, heading towards Xu Li's house.
He walked along the base of the wall, using the moonlight as cover to avoid the gaze of late-night pedestrians, taking each step carefully, afraid of attracting any unnecessary attention.
*
Finally, he arrived at the familiar yet strangely novel window, where the dim light flickered, illuminating the figures of Xu Li's family members bent over their desks.
He took a deep breath, mustered his courage, and gently took out his phone to send a message to Xu Li. The crisp sound was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, rippling out waves of emotion.
Xu Li turned around at the sound, a flicker of surprise and panic in her eyes. She quickly walked to the window, drew back the curtains, revealing a face with a slightly nervous smile. "Why are you here?"
Xu Li lowered her voice, glancing warily left and right, afraid of being overheard in this private moment. Tan Yuze scratched his head, his eyes darting around yet firm: "I want to see you. Let's talk properly."
The moonlight gilded him with a silvery edge, and at that moment, he resembled a young knight who had mustered the courage to venture into the river of love.
Xu Li bit her lip. The chirping of insects outside the window seemed to be encouraging them. She slowly pushed open the window and said softly, "Come in."
In the bedroom, the dim light added a touch of warmth to their secret reunion. The two sat facing each other, the air between them seemingly heavy with tension.
Tan Yuze spoke first, his voice carrying the unique naivety and sincerity of a young man: "Ah Li, actually I didn't come here for anything else, I just missed you and wanted to come see you."
As soon as he spoke, his face flushed red, his eyes fixed on the ground, eagerly awaiting an unknown response. Xu Li's heart skipped a beat, its pounding becoming even more intense. Instantly, memories of her time with Tan Yuze flashed through her mind: those overlooked moments were all traces of budding feelings.
She held Tan Yuze's hand tightly and whispered, "Me too, I miss you too." In this quiet night, two young hearts were closely connected by their honest expression of love.
They smiled at each other, their smiles filled with the sweetness and shyness of their budding romance. The moon outside the window seemed to cast even more gentle light upon this beautiful moment.
The days that followed felt like a sweet and exciting adventure. Tan Yuze and Xu Li cautiously savored the taste of first love in every corner of the town.
They would share a steaming breakfast on a park bench as the first rays of sunlight shone in the morning, exchanging whispers of love amidst the aroma of bread and coffee.
In the afternoon, while the adults were taking their afternoon nap, they sneaked to the old movie theater to watch an old but romantic love movie. Under the dim lights, they held hands tightly and felt each other's heartbeats.
As evening fell, they strolled along the seaside boardwalk, letting the salty sea breeze tousle their hair, talking about their innocent yet beautiful dreams for the future, until night fell and the twinkling lights, like countless eyes, silently watched over the brave young couple.
But sweet times are always fleeting. Xu Sheng's return, like a dark cloud, quietly obscured their sky. Xu Sheng was a cold and serious young man, whose protectiveness towards his younger sister, Xu Li, was almost obsessive.
His sharp eyes seemed to see through everything, leaving Tan Yuze and Xu Li's little schemes nowhere to hide. It was a sweltering afternoon, dark clouds gathering in the sky, an impending downpour.
As usual, Tan Yuze brought carefully prepared snacks to the back door of Xu Li's house, eagerly waiting for his sweetheart. But after waiting for a long time, Xu Li did not appear.
He was extremely anxious. He quietly walked along the wall to the front yard. Through the half-open window, he saw Xu Sheng sitting on the living room sofa, flipping through a book with a gloomy expression, while Xu Li sat in the corner with her head down, as if she had suffered a great injustice.
Just as Tan Yuze was about to step forward, he heard Xu Sheng suddenly speak: "Ah Li, you've been acting all mysterious every day, are you hiding something from me?"
His voice was deep and carried an undeniable authority, making Xu Li tremble. Xu Li subconsciously shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes: "Brother, no, I'm fine."
Xu Sheng placed the book on the table with a soft sound, stood up, and looked down at his sister with no threat in his eyes: "I don't think so. I've been watching your every move these past few days. Don't think I don't know who you've been secretly meeting with."
Xu Li panicked instantly, and tears welled up in her eyes uncontrollably: "Brother, you've misunderstood. I just... I just went to a classmate's house to study."
"Study? Study until the wee hours of the morning?" Xu Sheng snorted coldly and slowly walked towards Xu Li. "Tell the truth, or I'll have a hard time letting you off the hook." Xu Li gritted her teeth, hugged her knees tightly, her lips turned white from being bitten, but she still didn't say Tan Yuze's name.
Meanwhile, Tan Yuze, watching from outside the window, was filled with tension and guilt. He knew he shouldn't have put Xu Li in such a predicament, but he didn't know how to resolve the stalemate between the two brothers.
After a long stalemate, Xu Sheng saw that Xu Li was unmoved by his words and had no choice but to give up for the time being. He warned her, "Li, I advise you to be sensible and stop thinking about causing trouble all the time, or you'll regret it."
After saying that, he turned and left, leaving Xu Li alone in the living room, silently sobbing. Tan Yuze took the opportunity to rush into the house, hugged Xu Li tightly, and whispered to comfort her, "Ah Li, don't be afraid, I'm here."
Xu Li buried her head in his chest, letting out all her pent-up grievances. Both of their clothes were soaked with tears. In the days that followed, Xu Sheng began to monitor them from all angles. He was like a vulture constantly circling over Xu Li's head, not giving Tan Yuze and Xu Li the slightest chance to take advantage of her.
The school bell became the most agonizing signal. Those eyes that were once full of expectation could only turn away helplessly under Xu Sheng's pressure. After school, there was no longer the joy of running around freely. Instead, there was Xu Sheng's constant companionship.
Even the mornings and evenings on weekends have lost their former freedom and ease, as Xu Sheng's meticulously arranged tutoring and talent classes fill Xu Li's life to the brim.
Tan Yuze could only cast a long, affectionate glance through the window when passing by Xu Li's house. Xu Li would occasionally catch it and then hurriedly put down everything she was doing.
They responded with their eyes, and that brief exchange was like the brightest star in their dark world, keeping the embers of hope burning in their hearts.
Xu Sheng's surveillance was like an airtight net, trapping Xu Li firmly within it.
But love had already taken root in Tan Yuze and Xu Li's hearts, and they firmly believed that as long as their hearts were together, distance and obstacles could be overcome. One sweltering summer night, the villa was shrouded in dense darkness, and even the stars had disappeared.
Tan Yuze paced anxiously by the window, the moonlight casting a long shadow on the old floor.
His eyes kept glancing out the window, hoping that Xu Li's figure would pierce through the night and appear at the end of that secluded alley.
Finally, a slender figure appeared in the night. As usual, Xu Li, with nervousness and anticipation, gently knocked on Tan Yuze's window.
Xu Li quietly opened the second-floor window and, like a nimble night bird, silently flew into Tan Yuze's arms. There were no words, only their eyes, filled with deep affection, conveying a mutual understanding.
Sitting by the window, under the dim light of the lamp, two young hearts beat rapidly, as if playing a heartbeat symphony for their secret love.
Tan Yuze carefully held Xu Li's hand, afraid of hurting her. "Li, this can't go on like this, we have to think of something."
His voice was slightly hoarse, tinged with heartache and helplessness. A thoughtful look flashed in Xu Li's eyes, as if he too was troubled by this thorny predicament.
“Tan Yuze, my brother is too strict, and I can’t fight back. But I think we might be able to find an opportunity to have a good talk with him and help him understand our relationship.”
Her voice was soft yet firm, carrying both anticipation for the future and a hint of reverence for her brother. "Let's give it a try. We can't hide forever." Tan Yuze thought for a moment, his eyes resolute, and took a deep breath, as if he were determined to do something earth-shattering.
Xu Li nodded, her eyes full of trust and reliance. She believed in Tan Yuze and that their pure feelings could move Xu Sheng.
However, reality is always crueler than imagination. Xu Sheng's surveillance was ever-present, and even Xu Li's school activities were under his control.
He frequently visited the school, ostensibly to inquire about his sister's studies, but in reality to ask the teachers about Xu Li's daily behavior.
When Tan Yuze ran into Xu Sheng at school, he could only nervously avoid him. The scrutinizing gaze he received was more unsettling than the scorching summer sun.
Finally, Xu Sheng discovered Tan Yuze and Xu Li's plan. He snorted coldly, his eyes filled with disdain yet also a hint of admiration for them.
"You think I can't tell just like that? Fine, we've talked, it's not like we haven't talked before." His voice was deep and powerful, like an insurmountable wall blocking Tan Yuze and Xu Li's way.
Although Xu Sheng is Xu Li's older brother, he is not much older than her, only born a second earlier.
“Ah Li, starting tomorrow, you’re not going anywhere. I’ll stay home with you and see how many more times you can meet that kid.”
Xu Li's tears welled up instantly. She couldn't believe her brother could be so heartless, but looking at his cold face, she knew that Xu Sheng wouldn't compromise easily this time.
While Xu Lizhen was troubled by Xu Sheng's refusal to let her see him, Xu Sheng suddenly leaned close to her and said, "How far have you two gone? Tell me."
She was amused by Xu Sheng. "Why are you so gossipy? Get lost, I can't be bothered to talk nonsense with you."
"Hey, tell me! I'll go first. I talked to Tan Yuqi." Xu Sheng's eyes darted around. "Yes, that's it."
Xu Li was shocked: "No, you're dating Tan Yuze's sister, Tan Yuqi!"
Xu Sheng gave a half-smile and a "hmm," "No, you two talked about it. Tan Yuqi was bullied that day, and you didn't come to save her, so you made me go and save her. So you two treated me like a Japanese soldier and messed with me, right?"
Xu Li really wanted to beat that unreliable brother to death.
"Oh, no."
Xu Sheng could still distinguish between soft and hard tactics. "Hey, hey, don't hit me, I'll help you empty your shopping cart."
"Hmm, that's more like it." Xu Li handed her phone to Xu Sheng. He really did clear Xu Li's data.
Xu Li snorted lightly, a hint of pride in her voice, not in a show of arrogance, "That's more like it."
Tan Yuze stood outside the window, looking at everything inside the room. He knew that if they couldn't find a new way soon, their love would be nipped in the bud.
A daring plan began to take shape in Tan Yuze's mind. He recalled the ancient drainage ditch on the edge of the town, a place rarely visited, making it the perfect location for their secret communications.
He began planning an escape, taking Xu Li away from this oppressive place to find their own free world.
However, Tan Yuze was unaware that Xu Sheng had already spoken openly with Xu Li and that Xu Sheng was no longer involved in the matter.
After all, Xu Sheng had also pursued Tan Yuze's sister, Tan Yuqi. Anyone would be furious in that situation, but Xu Sheng was already satisfied. If he didn't let them meet, he would feel guilty.
Clearly, Tan Yuze was unaware that Xu Sheng had already spoken openly with Xu Li, and that he was still unaware that his sister had been pursued.
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