Xu Xiaxia's matter finally came to an end, and she returned to school as usual. Although some people still pointed fingers at her, she smiled and responded to them. Over time, no one made fun of her anymore.
She tried to act the same as before, but nothing was the same.
She would suddenly stare out the window in a daze in the noisy classroom, and she would argue with Zuo Rang less and less often, and she became a lot quieter.
After Zuo Rang sent Xu Xia Xia away several times , her uncle probably learned about his niece's previous siege and arranged a special car to pick her up. It is said that he also helped Xu Xia Xia's father pay off part of his debt.
On the weekend, Lu Sining cooked a tonic soup and was going to go to the martial arts gym to give it to Yu Qianlin. Wen Shu heard it, silently mentioned the tonic soup, said "Mom, I'll go and give it to you" and went out. Even Wen Shu herself didn't understand why she took the initiative to take on such a task that she would have found troublesome before when she heard Yu Qianlin's name.
Wen Shu got out of the car and before he reached the entrance of the martial arts gym, he heard the grandfather and grandson arguing from a distance. Then Yu Qianlin rushed out of the gym, looking furious.
Yu Qianlin saw Wen Shu was stunned, and the frozen expression on his face was a little funny. He looked at Wen Shu in annoyance, and sat down on the cement steps next to the martial arts hall without saying a word.
Wen Shu rolled her eyes and sat down with him. She once again broke her principle of not caring about other people's affairs and took the initiative to ask, "What's wrong with you?"
Yu Qianlin hugged his calves and rested his chin on his bent knees, revealing a rare vulnerable expression. He told him about the quarrel he had with his grandfather over the school he chose to attend.
"So, this is why you quarreled with Master?"
When school was over on Friday, the head teacher repeatedly reminded them to use the weekend time to discuss the schools they chose with their families and submit them to her on Monday so that she could provide guidance to each student.
Wen Shu had already had his own plans, and Lu Sining did not object. He did not expect that Yu Qianlin and Grandpa Yu would have such a big disagreement.
Thinking about how Yu Qianlin looked just now, he was like an angry little lion.
"Yes." Yu Qianlin lowered his head, feeling extremely depressed. "I know Grandpa is worried about me, but the only thing I wanted to do since I was a child was to be a policeman!"
Wen Shu thought of himself, sighed secretly, and asked, "Why do you want to be a policeman so much?"
Yu Qianlin was silent for a long time before he slowly spoke: "Because I want to find my parents."
"What?" Wen Shu was shocked.
"I was abducted when I was two years old, and it was my grandfather who saved me from the traffickers. I was too young at the time and I didn't remember where my home was or my parents' names. The police couldn't find my parents either, and I was almost sent to an orphanage. Fortunately, my grandfather adopted me."
Yu Qianlin said it lightly, but Wen Shu never thought that Yu Qianlin, who was naturally free and easy, would also have a painful secret that was unknown to others.
She said silently in her heart: "Yu Qianlin... is fine now. Everything will get better slowly. This is the truth you made me understand."
"When I was just old enough to understand, my grandfather told me my life story, so I want to find them and tell them that I am still alive and happy!"
Wen Shu looked at Yu Qianlin like this, and suddenly felt that the boy's various appearances were just to cover up the pain that had long been overflowing in his heart. However, she was not good at speaking by nature, and it seemed that she could do nothing except being a listener.
Yu Qianlin looked up at the sky, suppressed his tears, and secretly cursed himself for being hypocritical. He didn't know why, but he felt strangely relieved when he told others something he had kept secret for a long time.
He had never told anyone about this, and Wen Shu was the first person to know about it.
No one would know that although he looks carefree, he actually has a sad corner inside.
The reason he said all this to Wen Shu was probably because he felt a similar aura in her. Their growth trajectories, seemingly different but actually similar in nature, made him feel that she would not be someone who would make fun of him, and also made him believe that she was a trustworthy person.
It was the first time that Wen Shu saw Yu Qianlin like this. She wanted to say something to comfort him, but she couldn't even utter a decent word. For the first time, she hated herself for being so tongue-tied!
Yu Qianlin smiled when he saw her conflicted look on her face. He said, "Don't worry! Who am I? Yu Qianlin! One day I will convince grandpa!" Then he patted her head again.
The light touch was like a feather caressing Wen Shu's heart, making the complicated emotions in her heart disappear instantly.
She was a little confused: What was going on ? It seemed like she was being counter-comforted?
When people are in trouble, if they meet someone who has similar experiences as themselves, they can always easily resonate with each other. She thought about it for a while and understood Yu Qianlin's feelings at that time. Just like her, what she learned earlier than growing up was patience.
She caught a glimpse of the almost forgotten pot of soup. She picked it up and handed it to Yu Qianlin, asking, "Are you hungry?"
"I'm not hungry!" Yu Qianlin was speechless. This person couldn't even comfort her? It was a pity that he took such good care of her!
"Are you really not hungry?" Wen Shu unscrewed the lid, and the fragrance immediately filled the air. Yu Qianlin's stomach growled twice.
Wen Shu pretended to drink it, but Yu Qianlin snatched it away with both hands: "This is what Auntie gave me!"
"Aren't you hungry?"
"Who said that? You?" Yu Qianlin had selective amnesia. The tonic soup had been stewed for a long time, and it was warm and delicious. Yu Qianlin was seduced by the soup and forgot about the unpleasantness. He took a sip, thought about it, put down the soup, and said, "Wait a minute."
"What?"
"Just wait!"
After saying that, he stood up and left. After a while, he came back with two sets of disposable bowls and chopsticks.
"Where did you get it?"
"Just buy it from the vendor over there!"
Wen Shu imagined the scene of Yu Qianlin shamelessly buying a bowl, and the boss must have a gloomy face. She burst out laughing, and quickly covered it up. She looked at Yu Qianlin who was wolfing down the food, and her heart suddenly felt warm.
At this moment, perhaps all the rare delicacies are not as good as this bowl of warm soup, all the tender moments are not as good as you and me, the soft breeze dancing in my ears and the warm sun hanging on the clouds.
On Monday, Wen Shu and the others had lunch together. Halfway through the meal, Xu Xia Xia suddenly said, "Which school do you want to apply to? I want to apply to the Foreign Language Department of University A!"
"Department of Physics, C University." Zuo Rang said while chewing pork ribs.
"Public Security University." Yu Qianlin followed closely, leaving only Wen Shu. The three of them looked at her in unison, especially Yu Qianlin, who showed undisguised expectation. She panicked and asked casually, "Did the master agree to your request?"
"Not yet, but there will always be a way!"
"Don't change the subject! Wen Shu, speak quickly!" Zuo Rang compared Wen Shu to a thief in the forest, and could tell at a glance that Wen Shu had something to hide.
"Yes, yes, yes, hurry up and say it!" Xu Xia Xia also joined in the fun.
"Communication University." In the same city as the People's Public Security University.
Yu Qianlin's eyes suddenly lit up. It was just as he thought. He was a little nervous at first, worried that the university Wen Shu wanted to go to was far away from the People's Public Security University. Now it's all right!
Unlike Yu Qianlin's happiness, Zuo Rang always felt that Wen Shu was just being perfunctory to them, or rather, perfunctory to Yu Qianlin. Thinking of this, his eyes met Wen Shu's. Wen Shu immediately looked away and lowered his head guiltily to eat his meal.
In fact, she didn't want to go to the Communication University, but to an art academy in the south, a place she had wanted to go since she was a child, although it was also Wen Yan's alma mater.
Before Wen Yan fell into poverty, he loved to tell Wen Shu about every tree and grass in his alma mater, and there was always deep nostalgia in his eyes. Although she hated Wen Yan, these things also remained in her memory.
When she received the application form that day, her first reaction was the Academy of Fine Arts. Later, she looked up some information online and felt that it was a perfect fit for her. She liked the pictures of the academy online and immediately made up her mind to get in. She couldn't go against her heart, but was ashamed to say the reason for her choice.
Today, Yu Qianlin suddenly asked about it. Wen Shu met his expectant eyes and lied without thinking.
After deciding on their majors, everyone started working towards their goals. Even Yu Qianlin, who was usually lazy, started studying harder than ever before.
Zuo Rang often laughed at him, saying that with his grades, he could get into the university of his choice without having to work too hard.
He smiled mysteriously and continued to work on his exercises.
Once in a while, Wen Shu saw him taking out the photo of the gate of the People's Public Security University and looking at it carefully. He couldn't let it go, and the light in his eyes couldn't be concealed.
He stopped thinking about his lies and threw himself into .
She also wanted to be like him, get into the university she wanted and realize her dream.
Perhaps the first most stressful and important moment in everyone’s life is the college entrance examination, and the second is probably when the college entrance examination results are announced.
June 24th.
Wen Shu woke up at five in the morning, and couldn't fall asleep after tossing and turning, so she changed her clothes and went out for a run. When she came back, she saw Wen Yan and Lu Si Ning sitting on the sofa, as if they were waiting for her.
Wen Shu immediately became furious. She opened the door wide and pointed outside: "Go away, you are not welcome here!"
Wen Yan stood up stiffly, with a flattering look on his face: "Xiaoshu!" When he went out, he deliberately changed into his neatest clothes, hoping for a chance.
When he was recognized by the dean of studies, Wen Shu, that day, he ran home in panic. He sat there all night, watching Wen Shu's cold eyes, crying, and disappointment, like a movie clip playing in front of him. He took out the few remaining albums and trophies, looked at the dusty studio, and gradually burst into tears.
What has he done all these years!
When he learned from his doctor a few days ago that his condition had worsened again and he could fall into a coma or even die at any time, he made up his mind to obtain the forgiveness of the mother and daughter.
So, he showed up on such an important day for Wen Shu, even though he knew that Wen Shu might be unhappy or even furious, he still came.
Because this is a matter that concerns your lifelong study.
Wen Yan's long-lost gentle and calm call made Wen Shu's breathing stagnate. After she came to her senses, she still said coldly: "You are not qualified to call me that!"
"Xiaoshu," seeing that the atmosphere was becoming tense again, Lu Sining hurried to smooth things over, "Your father came to see you specially." As she spoke, she winked at Wen Yan, "I'll go make breakfast for you first."
In fact, this was not the first time Wen Yan came, but he always chose to come when Wen Shu was not around.
At the beginning, Lu Sining reacted violently like Wen Shu, fearing that he would disrupt their lives again.
Wen Yan concealed the fact that he was seriously ill, repeatedly assured her that he wanted to reform and make amends, and begged her earnestly, hoping to repair the family relationship.
Lu Sining finally softened her heart. She still couldn't bear to be cruel to the man she loved, so she just warned him not to have too much hope.
Although she wanted a complete family, she was worried that Wen Shu would not accept and forgive Wen Yan just like that. She was also worried that Wen Yan would return to his old ways and hurt Wen Shu again, so she had to maneuver carefully.
Wen Yan understood: "Xiaoshu, these are the painting supplies Dad bought for you." He handed the painting supplies he had picked out a long time ago to Wen Shu. Wen Shu glanced at them coldly. That was her and Wen Yan's favorite brand.
"Are you trying to use this to offset the torture you've inflicted on us mother and daughter over the years?"
"No, no!" Wen Yan wanted to explain himself, but he had no way to defend himself. He had indeed made too many mistakes over the years.
"Then please leave our lives!" Wen Shu said coldly. How could she tolerate herself forgiving him so easily!
Wen Yan's eyes turned red at Wen Shu's indifferent tone. He realized how much harm he had caused to his daughter, but he was truly repentant and didn't want to give up easily. He took out Wen Shu's previous award certificate from his pocket and said, "Xiao Shu, look! This is the certificate for your first gold medal when you were a child. I found it a few days ago. Look, look..."
The man was like a child, presenting old things like treasures, just to seek forgiveness. Wen Shu's heart was burned by this scene. She was so sad now as she had been looking forward to this scene.
"Xiaoshu, I really want to make it up to you and your daughter. I want to live a good life with you. Can you forgive me?" Wen Yan's voice was choked with sobs. This was his last chance for redemption.
Wen Shu raised his hand and knocked the certificate out of Wen Yan's hand, saying coldly: "Go away! I don't want to see you, and I won't forgive you!"
"Little book..."
"Let's go!" Wen Shu pointed his hand towards the door and no longer looked at Wen Yan.
Wen Yan stammered, wanting to say something, but saw Lu Si Ning shaking her head at , so he held back the tears that were about to fall and turned to leave. When he was about to step out of the door, he turned back again, not giving up, and saw that Wen Shu was still in the same posture, so he wiped his eyes and dragged his feet away.
After Wen Yan left, Wen Shu finally remembered the most important thing of the day. With an uneasy heart, she checked her score, 562 points, not high nor low, but more than enough to get into that art academy.
She thought about Wen Yan's recent strange changes and Lu Sining's worried look which she deliberately ignored, and suddenly became confused.
Before she was fifteen, she still believed that Wen Yan would change. But after so many years, she had long given up the idea that Wen Yan would turn back and just pretended that she didn't have this father.
But what she couldn't deny was that her heart still ached when Wen Yan apologized to her and begged for her forgiveness with sobs.
After all, he was the father she respected and admired the most when she was a child, and she was just a little girl who had just graduated from high school and disguised herself with indifference and pretending to be mature.