Bei Yao struggled to support him, whispering softly in his ear, "I'll help you over there, don't worry. Everyone feels weak after finishing a run."
After a long-distance run, one shouldn't sit down immediately—it's better to walk a bit more. Unable to truly comprehend how much pain Pei Chuan was in, she asked, "Do you want to sit for a while?"
Pei Chuan gritted his teeth and stood up. "Let's walk."
They walked together to the finish line, where colorful flags stood erected. Stirred by the mountain breeze, they created a sense of welcoming splendor.
Everyone could tell Pei Chuan was in a bad state. His face was as pale as paper, and the way his long legs moved beneath his black sweatpants seemed off. Countless curious and probing glances turned their way.
To be fair, Bei Yao was clearly more famous. Since she started volunteering there that morning, many had recognized her as the girl who danced with the cheerleading squad last time—the renowned school belle of Sixth High. Although Pei Chuan was well-known among the second-year students at Third High, he hadn't reached the level of being widely recognized across several schools.
Yet Bei Yao had boldly crossed the protective line to support him—more like an embrace than mere assistance. Most students were sixteen or seventeen, and their excitement over such gossip far surpassed their interest in the marathon rankings.
Someone whispered quietly, "Who is that guy? Bei Yao went to help him?"
"Don't know him, never seen him before. But to be that weak... tsk, Bei Yao's taste really isn't great."
The murmurs reached his ears. The wind chilled the sweat covering Pei Chuan's body. So, despite giving his all, in others' eyes, he was just mediocre.
Pei Chuan found it somewhat laughable.
Really, what was he even doing? Aside from causing trouble for her, what he wanted to prove was utterly worthless.
Leaning on a table for support, he stood unsteadily. Beads of sweat dripped heavily from his bangs, and his shirt was long soaked through. Bei Yao intended to mix warm water and bring it over to feed him.
Shi Tian felt awkward and quietly pulled Bei Yao aside. "Why did you go help him over? Does his result still count now?"
Pei Chuan's performance had actually placed him within the top fifty for the prize list. Throughout the entire race, he hadn't taken a single sip of water or wasted any time.
Bei Yao said, "He finished the entire race. Why wouldn't it count?" Her gentle, clear eyes held a stubbornness for the first time, leaving Shi Tian momentarily speechless. Bei Yao hurriedly poured water, added glucose, and walked over.
Pei Chuan glanced at her—she was dirtied because of him. A man's sweat on a woman shouldn't be due to his wretched state.
He pressed his palm against her paper cup, pursing his pale lips.
He didn't accept her water.
Bei Yao didn't understand, but he did.
If, as a volunteer, helping someone exhausted was an act of kindness, then offering water after the race would invite speculation.
Because of the pain from his severed limb, his fingers trembled slightly as he reached for the water pitcher himself.
Seeing this, Wu Mo quickly stepped forward to help pour water for him.
Enduring the intense pain, Pei Chuan didn't look up to see who was helping him—as long as it wasn't her. During the year without him, Bei Yao had lived lightly and happily. He still remembered the consequences brought by Shang Mengxian's deliberate approach.
Wu Mo felt delighted inside. Though she didn't understand why Pei Chuan seemed so uncomfortable and was startled by Bei Yao's boldness, his refusal to drink Bei Yao's water in front of so many people thrilled her.
Eagerly, she poured the water and handed it to him, using a volunteer's tone to say, "You've worked hard. Have some water."Pei Chuan truly had no strength left to pour water. He reached out to take it, but a small, fair hand intercepted and took the cup away.
That hand was pale and delicate—the same one that had just rested on his waist moments earlier.
Pei Chuan lifted his gaze.
Bei Yao didn’t speak. Pressing her lips together, she moved Wu Mo’s water aside and offered her own cup instead.
Whispers began to ripple through the crowd. Wu Mo’s expression darkened, but aware of Pei Chuan’s presence, she forced a teasing tone: "Bei Yao, we’re all volunteers here. What are you doing?"
Bei Yao herself didn’t quite understand her actions, but even in her naivety, she sensed Wu Mo’s ill intentions.
Girls are born with a certain intuition.
Seeing that Bei Yao ignored her, Wu Mo said, "Bei Yao, if you keep this up, he won’t get any water at all. Isn’t that going too far?" She thought to herself, Let Pei Chuan see how unreasonable Bei Yao can be.
Bei Yao’s clear eyes reflected Pei Chuan’s image. Her crisp voice carried a hint of grievance as she held out her own cup: "This one has glucose added."
His dark eyes watched her without any trace of blame. His Adam’s apple moved slightly.
Shi Tian could hardly bear to watch any longer. She briskly poured another cup, haphazardly dumping a heap of glucose into it, and said with a strained smile, "Here, classmate, drink up."
Pei Chuan lowered his gaze, accepted Shi Tian’s water, and drank it. He frowned slightly—just how much glucose had Shi Tian added? The sweetness was overwhelming his taste buds.
The unfolding scene left onlookers baffled.
It wasn’t until they saw Pei Chuan drink from the student council president’s cup that they reluctantly concluded, Ah, the volunteer service must be exceptionally thorough. Later, when others reached the finish line on the verge of collapse, someone still offered support, gradually overshadowing the earlier incident.
Wu Mo knew this was her only chance. She stepped forward and said, "Let me help you rest over there. There are benches for athletes."
For some reason, Bei Yao knew he wouldn’t let her support him. She could only watch him, biting her lip.
Pei Chuan glanced at Bei Yao. She was never willful—this was the first time she had been pushed to what could be considered a display of temper. Even if her motives weren’t what he secretly hoped for, his heart felt as if gently caressed by a soft breath, melting into tenderness.
He brushed Wu Mo’s hand aside without looking at her, gritted his teeth, and walked over on his own.
Those twenty meters felt like dying all over again.
Wu Mo’s expression soured. Deep down, she understood that by taking the initiative today, she had openly crossed Bei Yao. Bei Yao might be innocent, but she wasn’t a fool. Yet, having laid her cards on the table, Wu Mo felt a twisted sense of relief—as if finally unleashing what had been suppressed. The outcome was still uncertain.
Pei Chuan’s mind lingered on the matter of Han Zhen. With many classmates around, he suppressed his pain and called out, "Classmate Bei."
"Classmate Bei" turned to look. He lowered his voice and said, "I left my wallet at the foot of the mountain. Could you help me fetch it?"
She walked over and crouched beside him. "What does it look like?"
"Black, at the water stall, inside my jacket."
Bei Yao felt a pang of regret. Looking back, she realized how embarrassing it was that she hadn’t let him drink Wu Mo’s water.
Her cheeks flushed faintly pink. In a soft, delicate voice, she whispered near his ear, "Um... Classmate Pei, Wu Mo is not good at all." It was her first time speaking ill of someone behind their back—her earlobes turned red, and her eyes shimmered with shy embarrassment.
He looked down at her.
Yes, Wu Mo is not good at all. What about you? Can you recommend yourself?Yet he still had his rationality, managing only to squeeze out a single word from his throat: "Mm."
"Classmate Bei" fled in panic after speaking ill of him.
He forced himself to watch her take the shuttle down the mountain, letting out a soft groan from the pain. Pei Chuan called Wang Zhan: "Changqing Mountain, send someone up."
Wang Zhan knew he always pushed himself too hard—if he was calling, it must be serious. On the other end, Wang Zhan's forehead veins bulged in frustration. What trouble are you causing now?
Wang Zhan pulled some strings to have someone rush up the mountain and bring Pei Chuan down.
Meanwhile, Han Zhen ran up panting heavily only to find Wu Mo still sitting there, with no sign of Bei Yao.
The young man's shirt was half-soaked with sweat. As he approached, the light in his eyes dimmed.
Wu Mo's heart skipped a beat as she remembered she had deceived Han Zhen.
She quickly poured him a glass of water and whispered, "She didn't want to come. No matter how much I tried to persuade her, she refused. I'm sorry."
Han Zhen shook his head and smiled faintly. "It's fine, I don't blame you. It's okay if she doesn't want to accept it. I... I'll just keep it to myself."
His figure gradually faded into the distance.
Wu Mo was furious!
Bei Yao stood you up like that and you're not even angry! Just accepted it with melancholy. For the first time, Wu Mo felt so angry she could spit blood. Does that girl only have an excessively pretty face? Everyone keeps siding with Bei Yao. Even when Bei Yao stopped Pei Chuan from drinking water, no matter how uncomfortable he was, Pei Chuan just remained silent and indulgent.
Han Zhen's public confession fell through, so naturally, there were no rumors.
~
Three days after the autumn marathon, Pei Chuan was still confined to home for recovery.
Wang Zhan looked at the young man reading in bed, his profile clean and handsome. Wang Zhan resignedly said, "How many times have I told you not to engage in such strenuous exercise? A prosthetic leg isn't... Forget it, you're top-tier at enduring pain."
He added self-deprecatingly, "Are you changing the dressing yourself again today?"
Only then did Pei Chuan respond: "Mm."
After all, Pei Chuan was just a teenager. Dr. Wang's son was about his age. He sighed and said, "Pei Chuan, you should go back home."
Pei Chuan replied, "You're overstepping. You can leave now."
"..." Wang Zhan said, "Young man, return to school early and learn some manners from your teachers. Old Wang here is old enough to be your father. You know, acting like this won't make any girls like you."
Pei Chuan stiffened and murmured, "There wouldn't be any anyway."
Wang Zhan had meant to tease him but accidentally struck a nerve. Feeling awkward, Wang Zhan coughed twice and took his leave.
Actually, Wang Zhan could have comforted Pei Chuan, but in the end, he didn't.
He had a son and a ten-year-old daughter. If his daughter were to marry someone with a disability, as a father, he would find it hard to accept. Beyond physical limitations, their hearts are especially sensitive, making it difficult for anyone to tolerate and support them through a lifetime together.
Some things—if you don't give hope from the start, you won't fall into a deeper abyss.
He remembered that beautiful and outstanding girl named Bei Yao, who seemed to be an only child. If he truly liked her, how difficult and bitter it would be.
Pei Chuan skipped school for five days. When he returned, his leg still ached faintly.
Jin Ziyang said, "Brother Chuan, that's hardcore. I wouldn't dare do what you did. If I skipped that many classes, my old man would definitely beat me to death."
Actually, they all wondered—hadn't Pei Chuan's family received calls from the teachers?
Zheng Hang asked, "Brother Chuan, are you okay?"
Pei Chuan pulled a book from his desk drawer. "I'm fine."Jin Ziyang exclaimed in surprise, "Have you been infected by Wei Ge? Why are you starting to read books too?"
Ji Wei in the front row turned around excitedly, "Brother Chuan, you've also discovered the joy of studying..."
Pei Chuan frowned, "Shut up."
Ji Wei remained cheerful, shyly saying, "For the English test from the day before yesterday, we'll get the results next class. If I pass, I'll treat everyone to a meal."
Zheng Hang laughed heartily, "Oh oh, best of luck to you."
"Thank you."
Pei Chuan couldn't help but curl his lips into a slight smile.
Sometimes, he felt that youth didn't seem so obscure and unbearable after all. Those things people considered bad or delinquent also had their vibrant and amusing aspects.
Yet whenever he thought of another person, his heart would go wild and uncontrollable—both bitter and sweet. Even though he loved with earth-shattering intensity, she remained completely unaware. But he guarded his corner alone, finding satisfaction in not giving up.
When the English test papers were handed back—classmate Ji Wei nearly cried again. He scored 62 points in English!
He carefully folded the test paper, while Zheng Hang laughed hysterically, "Yes yes, keep it safe. Next time you might not get this score again."
Ji Wei paid no mind to his friend's teasing, seriously taking out his error notebook to record the mistakes.
Ji Wei's family was wealthy—in fact, among the several youths, his family circumstances were quite good. But due to his natural airheadedness, he had few friends, and others couldn't tell how rich he was.
Recently at Allure World, they decided to hold their gathering at Allure World.
Jin Ziyang still brought his young girlfriend. The group booked a private room, and later he suggested going to the main hall to sing.
Actually, the main hall on the fifth floor of Allure World was quite lively.
Relying solely on wealthy students wouldn't sustain such a large establishment like Allure World. So as its reputation grew, Allure World became more like a club favored by adults.
Consequently, students visited less frequently.
After all, during adolescence, while they yearned for the adult world, there was also an inexplicable fear that held people back.
Pei Chuan's leg still hurt. He leaned against the bar counter and asked the bartender to mix him a drink.
Ji Wei found a table in the corner and earnestly negotiated with the staff—could they get him a desk lamp? The colorful lights were dazzling his eyes, making it difficult to read.
Pei Chuan, truth be told, had never really had many friends since childhood. Jin Ziyang and the others were among the first people he'd gotten somewhat close to. Sometimes he felt confused about his current world, but most academic high-achievers' circles were aloof and arrogant, and his eccentric personality would make him an outsider.
Amidst the clinking glasses, people occasionally moved from the fifth floor to upper levels. Some would play billiards at Allure World, others would book rooms. Society people came and went. Pei Chuan half-squinted his eyes, watching a man with abnormal behavior hurriedly go upstairs.
With one glance he guessed—that man was on drugs, his mental state very poor.
Pei Chuan remained silent.
But before Jin Ziyang and the others went over, he tapped the bar counter and said, "Let's head back early tonight."
Zheng Hang didn't object either, "Alright, Brother Chuan, want a cigarette?"
Pei Chuan accepted it. At nine o'clock in the evening at Allure World, a group of police officers stormed in.
Fate seemed to be playing a joke—Pei Haobin walked at the forefront and immediately spotted Pei Chuan. The youth sat on a stool before the bar, his long legs slightly bent.
Across the crowd, father and son locked eyes.
Pei Haobin's eyes widened in disbelief. This year's Pei Chuan had cold, detached brows, a cigarette dangling from his lips. Through the wispy smoke, Pei Chuan's expression remained distant.
Around them, people sang loudly as colorful lights crisscrossed overhead.Time seemed to rewind in an instant, as four-year-old Pei Chuan sat laughing on his shoulders: "When I grow up, I want to be like Dad, become a policeman and catch bad guys."
Pei Haobin's heart trembled as he remembered that Pei Chuan had once strived toward the light, moving forward with determination.
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