Chapter 72: Misunderstanding

Stabbed—speechless long.
Eventually—“If forced—for other’s good—silent give up—not only now—think future?”
Li Wen straw brow—“What hardship worth full abandon—middle stuck—”
“Abandoned side—cliff breakup—no reason—cold violence—more wronged.”
“Never dated—ideal—trust respect—right to know—you agree?”
“Why ask?”
“Friend similar…”
“Persuade her—not self-pity sacrifice—bad both—”
“Okay tell her.” Smile fell—think.
That night no sleep—one question—
Regret?
Asked many times—self-deceive useless—one answer.
Plain life old—regret cowardice—what if other choice fuller.
Balcony cigarette—dawn light—decision breakthrough.
Tired twenty-seven years weighing—live for Jiang Ya once.
Called Zheng Yuan—meet Saturday.
……
Saturday café.
Zheng Yuan delighted—year pursuit cold—recent response—excited.
“Order anything—pastries?”
“No thanks—must explain face to face.”
“Parents want match—especially father likes you.”
“Slow—why sudden?”
“Sorry—not suitable—no possibility—ignore family.”
Cold water—never tried—give chance—
“Had relationship?”
“Dated a woman.”
Stunned—thought excuse—
“No need lie—”
“Parents know? Now know why they push you—excellent but impossible—delete contact—goodbye.”
Left—Zheng followed car—blocked building—fierce reject—spectators—fled.
Relief—finger on number.
……
Qi Yu slept late—woke 1 PM—lazy till 3—delivery—evening trash walk.
Pavilion—neighbors cards—greeting—
Gossip—
“Girl floor pretty—glad didn’t set son up—afternoon boyfriend fight building six—teacher glasses—fierce chased him away—”
Screen dark—breath—grip phone—
“Teacher—No.1 Middle—glasses?”
“Glasses pretty—know her?”
“No—random.”
Expression changed.
Boyfriend—sting—
Rational—gossip not from nowhere—man argued at her door—not brother few friends—pursuer? Why at home—boundaries—
Rather woman—
Still believe?
Why still care—strangers—
Slammed fist wall—hand red blood—pain calms—
Dark room—pathetic—
Phone—train ticket—no hesitation this trip.
……
Bedroom half hour—check phone—no reply—dozen messages—
Understood Qi Yu’s wait that night.
Nine PM—Qi Yu door.
Fast open—pity in her eyes—
“What you want?” Cold impatient.
Disgust—sour heart—
Breath—“Thought clear—talk properly?”
Long look—laugh—
“Talk what? Midnight ex visiting—appropriate?”