Chapter 44
There was only one spot for a student representative in each class.
The homeroom teacher suggested that the students write down the names of their classmates they thought were most suitable for the position, and the class monitor would collect the votes.
Lu Weize was not interested in such matters and lazily walked out of the classroom.
Zhao Xinghai chased after him, laughing, "Brother Lu, don't worry, I'll make sure the classmates vote for you."
Lu Weize replied nonchalantly, "It doesn't matter whether I get elected or not. Don't involve me in this hassle."
Zhao Xinghai chuckled, "Alright then!"
During the afternoon study period, Cao Da came over with a notebook, asking the classmates to write down the names of their ideal student representatives on paper.
Lu Weize took a pen and wrote his own name on the paper.
When Cao Da collected the votes and looked at them, he found that Lu Weize was far ahead in the number of votes, while Qin Xiao had very few.
He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to close his notebook, he caught a glimpse of a name on a note—Qin Xiao.
These two characters pierced Cao Da's eyes like sharp thorns.
He lifted his head and looked at me.
I was holding a pen, focused on writing something, seemingly unaware of his gaze.
Cao Da's heart sank little by little.
The voting results came out, and Lu Weize was elected as the student representative with an overwhelming majority.
After school, Lu Weize and Zhao Xinghai went to play basketball, maintaining a cold expression as if someone owed him eight million and hadn't paid it back.
Seeing this, Zhao Xinghai and the others didn't dare to provoke him.
I walked over to the edge of the playground with a bottle of mineral water, watching Lu Weize sweat it out on the court, a hint of heartache flashing in my eyes.
I waited for a while until they took a break before walking over with the water.
“Lu Weize, drink some water.”
Lu Weize lifted his eyelids, glanced at me, then lowered them again without saying a word.
I twisted open the cap of the water bottle and handed it to him. "Weize."
Hearing his name made Lu Weize's heart soften. He took the bottle and tilted his head back, drinking it all in one go.
Zhao Xinghai and the others wisely left first.
Only Lu Weize and I were left on the playground.
Lu Weize put down the bottle and looked at me. "Is there something you need?"
"Let's talk."
After a moment of silence, Lu Weize followed me to a small garden.
They sat down on a bench, and Lu Weize lit a cigarette, taking a puff. "Go ahead."
I looked at him. "Are you angry?"
Lu Weize exhaled smoke but did not answer.
"You're mad at me, aren't you?"
Lu Weize frowned and impatiently said, "Is there something you feel guilty about towards me?"
"There is," I replied, lowering my head and twisting my fingers. "I accidentally cast my vote for Qin Xiao."
Lu Weize sneered, "Reason."
"I..." I bit my lip and whispered, "I was afraid I couldn't keep up with you."
Lu Weize paused for a moment, furrowing his brow. "What do you mean by not being able to keep up with me?"
"You are so outstanding, and I..." I lowered my head, my voice growing softer, "I'm so terrible."
Lu Weize was speechless for a few seconds, then pulled me into his arms, pinching my chin to make me look at him. "Lin Chu, look at me."
I raised my head and gazed into his dark eyes.
"You are the best," Lu Weize said gently as he looked at me. "No matter who you are, I like you."
My heart raced violently at his words.
I stared at him blankly, my eyes gradually turning red.
Lu Weize gently wiped away the tears from the corner of my eyes and said softly, "So, don't overthink it, okay?"
After winter arrived, the mornings were cold and freezing.
Lu Weize had come to the classroom early, opening his textbook and studying diligently.
Before the morning self-study session ended, Qin Xiao posted his speech on the blackboard, preparing to run for student representative.
I looked at Qin Xiao and then at Lu Weize, worried that he might be upset.
However, Lu Weize appeared calm, as if he didn't care about it at all.
Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, I saw Lu Weize stand up and leave the classroom.
I hurriedly chased after him, "Lu Weize, where are you going?"
"To the office."
A sense of unease crept into my heart.
I returned to my seat, anxiously waiting.
After a while, Lu Weize came back and silently sat down in his seat.
I looked at him cautiously and asked, "What are you going to see the teacher for?"
Lu Weize smiled and said, "I'm not giving a speech anymore; I'm letting the student representative spot go to Qin Xiao."
I stared at him in confusion. "Why?"
"Someone in the class group is stirring things up, saying I got the speech opportunity because of my family, claiming I didn't work hard enough, and even saying I fought and am unworthy of being the student representative."
Lu Weize chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Anyway, I don't feel like participating."
"You're lying," I said, my eyes turning red. "You clearly worked very hard."
Just last night, I saw him staying up late researching and writing his speech.
Lu Weize ruffled my hair. "It's okay; I don't care."
"And..." he paused, "you said you didn't want me to give the speech."
I choked back tears. "That was before; now I want you to go."
Lu Weize smiled but didn't say anything.
I handed him a piece of paper. "This is for you."
Lu Weize took a glance at the paper, which was densely filled with words; it was the speech I had stayed up late to write for him.
He folded the speech and put it in his pocket. "Thank you, I'll take it."
"But you don't have to use it."
"This is just my heartfelt gesture."
Lu Weize ruffled my hair. "Alright."
Chapter 45
I realized that Qiao Qiran had been out of contact for three days.
I called him and sent countless messages, but there was no response.
I could only find a few of Qiao Qiran's friends to inquire about his whereabouts, but I was told that Qiao Qiran had gone to Dongxin County.
I remembered that Qiao Qiran's mother was buried in Dongxin County.
Worried that Qiao Qiran might do something foolish, I thought for a moment and decided to go find him.
After Lu Weize learned about this, he was concerned that it wouldn't be safe for me to go alone, so he accompanied me.
We first took a car to the bus station, then bought tickets to Dongxin County.
The bus was crowded, and the smell was unpleasant. I felt a bit carsick and my face looked pale.
Lu Weize frowned, bought me some motion sickness medication, and let me lean on his shoulder, which made me feel a little better.
After more than three hours, we finally arrived at Dongxin County.
Lu Weize opened the map, entered the location of the bar where Qiao Qiran had posted on social media, and navigated us there.
The bar was small, dimly lit, and the music was deafening.
Lu Weize held my hand as we navigated through the crowd of people dancing wildly in the dance floor, and finally spotted Qiao Qiran in a corner.
He was completely drunk, and there was a woman sitting next to him.
The woman was dressed provocatively, heavily made up, clearly someone from a special profession.
At that moment, she was hugging Qiao Qiran's neck and kissing him.
Lu Weize stared in disbelief, his eyes wide open.
Although Qiao Qiran had a bad temper, he wouldn't do something so outrageous.
Seeing this, I quickly stepped forward and patted Qiao Qiran's shoulder: "Qiao Qiran."
Qiao Qiran suddenly looked up and forcefully pushed me away: "Get lost!"
I stumbled back from the push and nearly fell, but thankfully Lu Weize caught me just in time.
Recognizing me, Qiao Qiran pointed at my nose and cursed: "Lin Chu, you bitch, it's all your fault my mom is dead!"
Lu Weize was furious: "Qiao Qiran, are you out of your mind?"
He was about to step forward when I pulled him back.
I shook my head at him: "Lu Weize, let me handle this."
I walked up to Qiao Qiran and said softly: "Qiao Qiran, you're drunk. Let me take you home."
Qiao Qiran glared at me with red eyes, saying, "I don't need your concern, none of you need to care about me!"
"Just let me live or die on my own!"
I patiently advised him, "Qiao Qiran, don't be like this. Let's talk things over."
"My mom is dead! What else is there to say?" Qiao Qiran lost control of his emotions, crying and shouting like a madman.
I sighed helplessly and gave Lu Weize a knowing glance.
Lu Weize understood immediately and stepped forward, covering Qiao Qiran's mouth with one hand and hoisting him over his shoulder as he walked toward the bar exit.
I hurried to follow.
Once we finally got outside the bar, Qiao Qiran seemed to sober up a bit and stopped causing a scene, only tightly hugging Lu Weize and sobbing softly.
Lu Weize rolled his eyes in disdain, "This is disgusting. Don't wipe your snot on my clothes."
Qiao Qiran cried even louder.
I couldn't stand it any longer and poked Lu Weize, "Can't you be a little nicer to him?"
Lu Weize let out a soft huff, "I don't care about him at all. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have come looking for him."
I said gently, "Lu Weize, I know you're the best."
Only then did Lu Weize seem satisfied, and his attitude toward Qiao Qiran improved a lot.
Qiao Qiran had been crying all the way, and his eyes were swollen like walnuts.
I asked him where his home was, but he refused to say, only stating that he had no home.
Feeling sorry for him, I said, "Then let me take you back to my house."
Qiao Qiran nodded.
I looked at Lu Weize and said, "Lu Weize, you carry him."
Lu Weize was reluctant. "Why should I?"
I looked at him pleadingly.
With a helpless sigh, Lu Weize squatted down in front of Qiao Qiran. "Get on."
Qiao Qiran climbed onto Lu Weize's back, sniffling, "Lu Weize, thank you."
Lu Weize grimaced and said, "Shut up and be quiet."
We found a hotel and booked two adjacent rooms.
Lu Weize used Qiao Qiran's ID and money from his wallet to check in. I noticed there was a photo of me in the wallet.
I was a bit surprised and asked, "Why is my photo in your wallet?"
Qiao Qiran turned his face away and didn't answer.
Lu Weize replied casually, "I tore it off from your enrollment form."
I looked at him suspiciously and asked, "What do you need my photo for?"
Qiao Qiran awkwardly turned his face away again and said, "It's nothing, just put it there randomly."
Although I didn't believe him, I didn't press further.
We each went into our rooms.
I went to the bathroom to take a shower. As soon as I finished and opened the door, I saw Lu Weize standing outside.
I was startled and asked, "What are you doing?"
Lu Weize avoided my gaze and said, "I ordered takeout and wanted to ask what you want to eat."
I mentioned a list of dishes, and Lu Weize quietly noted them down before turning back to his room.
I dried my hair and searched through my suitcase for a set of pajamas. Just as I finished putting them on, there was a knock at the door.
I thought it was Lu Weize, but when I opened the door, it was Qiao Qiran.
Qiao Qiran's eyes were red and swollen, and he looked haggard. I invited him in and asked him what was wrong.
Qiao Qiran said softly, "Lin Chu, thank you."
I smiled and replied, "No need to thank me; we are good friends."
Qiao Qiran looked at me, hesitating to say something.
I asked him, "Is there anything else?"
He shook his head and said, "No, just rest."
After saying that, he got up and left.
I watched him go, closed the door, and sighed.
Lu Weize came out of the bathroom after taking a shower. Not seeing me around, he heard my voice coming from the next room.
Curious, he walked over to the next room, pushed the door open, and saw me having dinner with Qiao Qiran.
The two of them were chatting and laughing, creating a warm atmosphere.
Lu Weize felt an inexplicable pang of emotion rising in his heart.
He walked over, sat down beside me, and said softly, "I ordered takeout. Why don't you come over to eat?"
I explained, "Qiao Qiran is staying in a hotel for the first time and isn't quite used to it, so I'm keeping him company."
Lu Weize nodded, "Hmm, then you two go ahead and eat."
He looked at the two of them, secretly making a resolution in his heart.
He wanted to protect us and not let anyone bully us.
Qiao Qiran sat in the room, awkwardly turning his face away to avoid my gaze.
"That bottle of anti-swelling medicine under the table was put there by you, right?"
Qiao Qiran snorted lightly, "Yes, I put it there. So what?"
I stared at him, "When we were kids, did you secretly watch me?"
Qiao Qiran was taken aback for a moment before quickly arguing, "No way."
I insisted, "You're lying. I remember your eyes."
Qiao Qiran's expression changed slightly, and he dared not look at me.
I pressed on, "Did you secretly watch me shower?"
Qiao Qiran's face turned red, and he hurriedly denied, "I didn't!"
I narrowed my eyes and stared at him coldly.
Feeling uncomfortable under my gaze, Qiao Qiran ultimately fled in a panic, running out of the room.
I didn't chase after him; I knew that Qiao Qiran needed some time alone to calm down.
He ran all the way to the end of the corridor, gazing at the moon outside, his emotions complicated.
He recalled moments from his childhood when he would secretly hide behind the window every night, watching my bedroom until the lights went out.
Once, when his parents were away, he had the driver take him to see me secretly.
I received a gift—a new doll that I had been talking about for a long time.
I thought it was from my mom and smiled happily.
That was the first time he saw my smile, a smile he would never forget for the rest of his life.
Since then, he often secretly came to see me, bringing me various gifts.
However, I never opened any of them.
I threw all the gifts he gave me into the trash can.
Qiao Qiran recalled these memories, feeling as if his heart was being torn apart.
He hated me for abandoning him.
Yet, he couldn't help but want to see me.
He ran downstairs, hiding behind a tree to watch me secretly.
He saw me walking with a boy, laughing and chatting together.
He was consumed by jealousy, wishing he could rush over and separate us.
In the end, he held back.
He turned away, swearing never to see me again and vowing to hate me.
He ran in the rain, letting the water wash over his body.
He cried for a long time, kneeling on the ground in despair, weeping uncontrollably.
He was filled with resentment, hating me, hating my parents, and even hating himself.
He hated my parents for abandoning him, for making him an orphan.
He hated himself for not being able to forget me, for still liking me.
He cried for a long time before finally calming down.
He stood up, wiped away his tears, threw the cake away, and tossed it into the trash can.
When he got home, he knelt in the hospital and cried out loud.
He released all the emotions he had suppressed over the years.
He cried sadly, like a child.
After crying for a long time, he finally grew tired and fell into a deep sleep.
As night fell, Qiao Qiran gradually calmed down.
In truth, he had long forgiven me; he just couldn't forgive himself.
The pain in his heart was too deep for him to let go.
Qiao Qiran hugged a pillow, sitting on the big bed, coldly watching me and Lu Weize eating and whispering to each other on the other side. Lu Weize kept serving me food.
"That's enough, I can't eat anymore," I protested.
Lu Weize shrugged, "You're so thin, you should eat more."
Qiao Qiran scoffed, "How old is she? Is she still growing?"
I blushed, "I'm from the Lu family."
Qiao Qiran was furious, "Lu Weize, go to hell!"
Lu Weize rolled his eyes, too lazy to respond to him.
Qiao Qiran lay on the bed playing Snake, and by the time we finished eating, it was almost midnight.
"Does it still hurt?" Lu Weize asked me with concern.
I nodded.
Lu Weize helped me lie down and massaged my temples, softly asking, "Does it still hurt?"
I nodded again.
Lu Weize sighed helplessly and continued to massage my temples.
Seeing Lu Weize's infatuated gaze, Qiao Qiran suddenly understood that I was just pretending to be in pain!
He could no longer tolerate it and shouted, "You two should go back to your rooms and sleep!"
Lu Weize and I exchanged a glance, understanding each other without words, and walked out of the room together.
Qiao Qiran gritted his teeth in anger, these two bastards!
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