Chapter 56
Autumn arrived quietly in the south. On the campus of F University, Xu Nianlei's life was peaceful and fulfilling. She began to get used to studying by the window in the university library, where the sun shone brightly and she could see the camphor trees swaying in the breeze.
That afternoon, she was organizing the articles for her column at Xinzhi Bookstore when her phone vibrated. It was an unfamiliar number from northern China.
"Hello?"
"Is this Xu Nianlei?" A gentle male voice came from the other end of the phone. "I'm Professor Chen from the Psychology Department at University A."
Xu Nianlei was stunned: "Professor Chen, is there anything I can help you with?"
"It's like this..." Professor Chen's voice held a hint of hesitation, "We've recently been conducting a longitudinal study on adolescent psychological trauma. Lu Baiyan recommended you to us, saying your experience is very representative."
Xu Nianlei's heart skipped a beat. Lu Baiyan... how could he...?
"We've reviewed several of your articles published at Xinzhi Bookstore, especially 'Light Through the Cracks,' and were deeply moved," Professor Chen continued. "We wonder if you would be willing to participate in our research? Of course, we will maintain strict confidentiality, and all information will be kept anonymous."
Xu Nianlei held her phone, her fingertips slightly cold. She recalled those dark memories, Lu Baiyan's timely appearances time and again, and how he always seemed to know exactly what she needed...
"Professor Chen," she asked softly, "how is Lu Baiyan...?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.
"Student Lu..." Professor Chen's voice lowered, "...has been in an unstable state since that accident last year. The doctor said he has severe post-traumatic stress disorder, and often experiences...cognitions that are inconsistent with reality."
Xu Nianlei felt the air around her suddenly thin: "What...an accident?"
"You didn't know?" Professor Chen asked, somewhat surprised. "Last June, in the alley behind the school... he witnessed a girl being attacked by her alcoholic father... the girl died on the spot. Since then, he's lived in his own world, believing he saved that girl and changed her life..."
The library's air conditioning blew cold air onto Xu Nianlei's bare arms, sending a chill through her. She remembered Lu Baiyan's always calm gaze, his perfectly timed help, and every word he had said...
It turns out that none of those were coincidences.
It turns out that he had been using her to save someone else who could never come back.
"Xu, are you still listening?"
"I'm here." Xu Nianlei's voice was surprisingly calm. "Professor Chen, I'm willing to participate in your research."
After hanging up the phone, she sat in the library for the entire afternoon. The setting sun cast long shadows on her desk through the window. She opened her blue notebook and turned the pages one by one.
Those moments she thought were turning points in her life, those moments she thought were genuine acts of kindness, those memories she carefully treasured... were all just one person's broken obsession.
But she didn't feel angry or deceived.
Because she truly changed. From that timid and insecure girl, she has become a capable college student. Whatever her initial motivation, the help she received was genuine, and her growth was real.
She took out her phone and sent a message to Lu Baiyan:
"Thank you for your continued support."
This time, she didn't wait for a reply.
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