Chapter 68: Coldness

Shop near apartment—ten minutes walk—refused Zhou He ride.
Jiang Ya appeared—thought changed.
No reason—revenge—sat shotgun.
Past shop front—glance—Jiang Ya still there—stare through glass.
Hand tightened—facade broke—glance collide—look away front.
Forgot—windows closed—outside can’t see.
Corner passed—heart calm—sigh—night trees stalls people—none entered eyes.
Only that glance—Jiang Ya shadow in night—melancholy.
Strange pleasure—finally win round—she hurts too—not so calm—lost—sour?
Fleeting—acid bitter hard digest.
Isn’t this what Jiang Ya wanted?
Separate tracks—no bother—no choose—filial daughter again.
Why lost in front of her?
Look away—window open—eyes dry—blink—sigh loud in quiet car.
Red light—ahead community.
Zhou He—“That was your girlfriend?”
“Ex.” Flat—look her—“How know?”
“Intuition—eyes—friends not that deep.”
“Deep?” Twist mouth—“Her or me?”
“Both. You don’t feel?”
Penetrating smile—uncomfortable—default.
“Years reading people—honest—both still have each other—try again?”
Cold smile—“Not try—family oppose—she won’t choose me—unchangeable.”
“Why unchangeable—not like me—death parted.”
Surprised—Zhou He smiled no sadness—“No perfect love—except death much can change—she didn’t say break clearly—forced?”
Stared taillights—dark—“Thought that.”
“If won’t tell—stalk? Beg parents?”
“Don’t get worked up—just a suggestion.”
“Sorry—bad mood.”
Green—minute—community gate.
Advice—“Don’t be impulsive—misunderstanding—talk calm—world few second chances.”
Stunned—no reply—watched car go—words loop.
Chance?
Lower eyes—night—lonely shadow.
Still… chance?
……
2 AM—bedroom lamp on.
Over exercised—sleepy—tossed—gave up—phone—hidden album—flip.
All photos together—sneak shots—thousands—not deleted.
First—office after together—last—mountain trip—gear—fog—arms—happy.
Promised every climb photo—print—future house wall.
Future dream—eve of breakup.
Last photo?
Part ways—each go her own way in peace.
Story can end?
Meet part—no warning—scatter instant.
Gone—memory warmth how erase?
Tears wet pillow—staring photo—blind—wipe—endless—grievance shred reason—heart ground trampled.
Broken heart—still her brand—loved proof.
Phone aside—arm over eyes—bite lip—silent—only tears speak.
Dry—balcony—cold water—night sky—ring.
Phone—frozen.
No remark—number memorized.
Long hesitate—breath—answer.
Half minute silence.
Brow knit—finally voice.
“You okay lately?” Hoarser than memory.
Five words—heart hammer.
Eyes mist again—jaw shift—hard—“What do you think?”
Years careful—read every move—exhausted—not machine—tired enough.
Silence—then—“I hope you’re well.”
Hear choke—heart flick—flat—“I’m fine—don’t worry.”
“Call just for this?”
“I… just ask…” pause—“Person today… friend?”
“Friend or not—your business?” Mock lip—“Think something with her? Just broke up—no energy—okay?”
Tone never used in fights—wanted dignity—all changed.
Jiang Ya urgent—“Not that—don’t misunderstand…”
“What then?”
Hoped—still care—want talk—heart might crack…
Waited—nothing.
Eyes closed—hair rake—lost patience—“Nothing else—I hang up.”
“Don’t call if no matter.”
“Sorry…” choke—“Won’t bother—rest.”
Hung up herself.
Still holding—drop phone bed.
Sorry again.
Always sorry.
Cold smile—drawer cigarette—window—clumsy light.
Week habit again.
Thanks Jiang Ya.
……
After call—no contact.
One person life—faster. Jiang Ya work—Li Wen outings—Zaizai toys clothes—play dress fun.
Seemed recovered—class humor—gym—teachers students say brighter—not depressed.
Only smile—tree lush outside—hollow inside.
Day another person—night phone memories—pain means alive.
Added Tang—asked Qi Yu—fine—Moments normal life—no relief—mixed.
Comfort self—better direction—why sad.
Half month more.
No chance—no coincidence—no meet.
Early April—public class done—relief—phone—classmate wedding invite.
Saturday—big money hotel—music noise—Li Wen seat—high school table—Qi Yu there.
First look—heart jump—frozen.
Qi Yu thinner—sharp chin—paper in wind.
Li Wen pull sit—between Qi Yu—cold and dazed—Li Wen chatty.
Awkward few words—glance—more awkward.
Li Wen bathroom—man sat her spot.
Handsome—staring—uncomfortable—cold glance.
“Sorry—my friend’s seat.” Qi Yu.
Both stunned—Qi Yu cold—drink—not look.
Man shameless—“Leaving soon”—phone Jiang Ya—“Groom’s classmate—watched you—temperament—know you?”
Glance Qi Yu—indifferent phone—doesn’t matter.
Brow knit—sour old flow.