Chapter 54: Deception

“You sure? Look at photo again?” Staff denied—Qi Yu frowned—hurried album—sneak shot days ago—Jiang Ya at computer—soft profile.
“Check again—should be… around two PM—study materials—no memory?” Voice fast—urgent.
Librarian middle-aged woman—ten years—old staff—kind—knows most teachers—Jiang Ya regular—how not know.
Adjusted reading glasses—glance photo—sigh—kind certain. “Miss—no need photo—I know Teacher Jiang—borrows often—really not today.”
Stunned—heart sank—stone weight—surprise fear together—saw helpless face—no words.
Half beat—put phone away—stared desk—swallowed nervous—looked around—few students reading—rows shelves—empty.
Brow knit—recalled afternoon seeing Jiang Ya leave—goodbye words—all normal—no clue.
Silence—thought flashed—gripped dripping umbrella—last try. “Think again? She said library this afternoon…”
Urgent eyes—silent sigh. “Miss—I’m old—not bad memory—if she came I’d remember.”
Register from drawer—before Qi Yu. “Don’t believe—check register—all visitors—dates too.”
“These two pages today—look… finding person—no need register.”
Thanks—serious read—line by line names.
Weekend moderate traffic—no slack—end—no Jiang Ya.
Dazed—staff took register—gentle. “Really not here—urgent—call her?”
“Students reading—searching here—not proper—right?”
Came back—looked around—students staring—forgot quiet place.
Barely calm—apologized—elevator down—water drops trail.
Stood descending—big window—rain hammering—damp like heart.
Phone vibrated—Jiang Ya caller—brow knit—grip phone—deep breath—answered.
“Hello?” Normal tone—cold eyes ahead.
“Just saw messages and calls—what’s wrong?”
Heard voice—jaw shifted—down stairs. “Why only now? Aren’t you at library?”
Pause—then. “Yes… don’t look at phone reading—muted—didn’t see…”
“What happened? So urgent?”
Near exit—stopped at glass—rain like pour—dark eyes. “Nothing—just asking.”
“Still at library? Rain heavy outside.”
“Mm know—taxi later—you back?”
Answer—stone in chest dropped hard—teeth clenched—emotions surge—mixed—stuffy breathless.
Tired eyes—no more words. “Heading back.”
“Safe—text when home—I may be later.”
“Mm.”
Hung up—pushed door—black umbrella—others afraid step—Qi Yu into rain—fog.
Ride back—rain not less—patter on raincoat—slant rain under—wet pants.
……
Rain day noisy annoying.
Did not care wet shoes—replay short call.
Did not want admit—must face fact.
Jiang Ya lied.
Jiang Ya would lie to her.
Maybe reasons—forced—but not excuse to lie.
Once Qi Li left her with Qi Wenping—said working away—for money—had to leave.
Later—heard call outside door—Qi Wenping begged Qi Li visit—still her daughter.
Thought hidden well—lie exposed hurts more than truth.
Why lie.
Why all lie to her.
Qi Yu did not understand.
What was she in Jiang Ya’s eyes—gave everything—bare all—while Jiang Ya—trust—treat her fool to fool casually?
Fool—circled her only—still—worried umbrella—wet—rushed—empty.
Sometimes hated own lowliness—always giving endless giving—for occasional sincerity. Cold distant—more balanced?
Eyes cold—rain on face—rain cold—not cold as inside.
……
Jiang Ya home 7:46.
Rain stopped—cool air—shiver—warmth inside—sigh—shoes—called Qi Yu.
Since sleepover—toiletries clothes for Qi Yu—weekend together.
Shoes—no answer—kitchen sounds—only Qi Yu.
Squatted Zaizai—petted—kitchen.
Doorway—Qi Yu apron—cutting mushrooms—pot boiling water.
Saw her—brief eye contact—away—light corner mouth. “Back.”
“Mm.” Nod—smile soft at prep—seaweed wood ear meat egg… curious. “Chef Qi—what tonight?”
Light smile—hands not stop. “Not great—rare cook—fridge random—mixed noodle—make do.”
“Good—never tried—not make do—want taste your skill.”
“Mm.”
Glance—thin smile—no more—work.
Silence.
Still doorway—watched Qi Yu—focused board—would not spare glance—sudden loss.
Illusion? All normal—but words slightly cold.
Stood half beat. “Need help?”
“No.” Fast—mushrooms in bowl—water boil—lower heat—dump prep—“I cook tonight—you rest—soon done.”
No reply.
Brow knit—about look back—arms around from behind.
Jiang Ya taller—but soft on shoulder—like clingy cat.
Heart shook—calmed—wiped hands—side glance. “What?”
“Nothing—just hug.” Light—relaxed soft.
“Know? Your messages—so many missed calls—thought accident—heard voice—fine then relieved.”
“What could happen…” looked down—arms on waist—sudden. “Too focused reading? So many texts—half hour reply.”
“What book—so absorbed?”
Casual question—Jiang Ya stiff—eyes drift—silence—“Nothing… just browsing.”
“Materials? Bought?”
Flat tone—strange flash—gone—followed. “No—but notes—for lesson plans.”
“Good then.” Forced corner smile.
On shoulder—arms tighter—slight lift—eyes on neck below hair tie.
Felt silence wrong—mind messy—unease—wanted closer.
Kiss on neck side—shampoo—hers.
“Showered early?”
“Rain—got wet—washed early.” Blank—eyes on pot.
Loosened—half face—concern. “Wet? Why not wait—cold medicine?”
“No need.” Inner sigh—tired—adjust heat—lid on.
Calm. “Not urgent—but thought no umbrella—went find you—fast—wet bit.”
“Not enough for cold.”
Light tone—calmer—more unease—fear.
Pulled hands apart—wanted out—Jiang Ya held again.
“You… went to find me?”
Silent—doorway—let hold—brow knit—waves back—grievance anger confusion.
Unnameable ache.
Silent—unease to panic—gripped clothes—face on body—warmth—slight ease.
“Listen explain—okay?”
“Explain what?” Brow tighter—look back—anger loud inside—still could not harsh.
Brow knit too—water eyes full sorrow—heart fast—each beat in ears.
Half day—only. “I… didn’t mean to lie.”
Qi Yu laughed. What expression.
If not exposed—Jiang Ya might keep acting calm. If not gone—would not know.
“Didn’t mean to can lie? So many chances—library couldn’t find you—crazy messages calls—you ignored—answered still lying—you know I was inside library on that call?”
“So many chances—you didn’t say—wait until I ask—why? Know how frantic when couldn’t find you—then not even there…”
Vent done—air stiller than dark rain.
Believed maybe unintentional—believe—believe and bear deception? Who likes lied to?
Regret—tone too heavy—angry always lowering self.
Did not want more—grievance anger faded—tired after.
Broke free—looked sorrow eyes. “Enough—I believe not intentional—but don’t again.”
“Tired—I’ll sit.”
“Wait.” Pulled hand back—before leave.
Surprised eyes—Jiang Ya hooked neck—deep kiss lips—moment—left.
Soft gaze—eyes like water. “Don’t want misunderstanding between us… listen explain—okay?”