Chapter 54: When We Talk About Loyalty (2) (Seeking First Subscription)

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Xia An ignored Le Ning—Zuo You thought this was just something from before last month’s college entrance exams. But for Xia An, it was already a long-forgotten matter from a past life. From the perspective that lemon and pomelo both belong to the Rutaceae family, Le Ning was actually the good little sister of Miss Pomelo. Meanwhile, you also had a good elder sister and a rather familiar... good aunt? Hah, that was too hasty. It was absolutely not the time now. At least, he had to wait until little Pomelo had opened her eyes to the entertainment industry before gradually instilling such ideas. In that circle, even grandmothers were commonplace.

He thought for a moment and said, “I haven’t exactly been ignoring her.” This was the truth. Coupled with Xia An’s expressionless face and calm tone, Zuo You didn’t misunderstand. She even praised Xia An as a good young man. “That’s more like it.” Zuo You clasped her hands behind her back and slowly stepped backward in front of Xia An. The warm breeze pushed her hair from behind to the front of her face, shining golden. The plain white T-shirt, backlit by the sun, revealed the delicate curves of her slender waist.

“I’m a girl too. I understand that at this age, it’s not easy for a girl to steadfastly like a boy.” Hearing this, Xia An silently admired her in his heart, nodding “mm-hmm” twice. Zuo You said, “You’re a boy who knows how to say no, that much I’ve always known.” Oh? Am I? — Xia An was too embarrassed to speak. Zuo You said, “Our school’s music theory program is quite good; she might not have gone there entirely because of you... right?” Tsk, she definitely did! Xia An wanted to say that Le Ning had passed the professional exams at the three top national conservatories. “That’s impossible, her parents wouldn’t allow it,” Xia An said righteously. Zuo You pursed her lips and nodded, then asked Xia An, “What if she still keeps pursuing you at school?” What do you mean? A confession? Xia An shook his head firmly: “Absolutely impossible, I made it clear to her.” Indeed, it was made clear—the whole scene had passed. The confession succeeded, moving on to the next stage.

He said, “I think she’ll come to understand and make the right choice.” The right choice—in Zuo You’s understanding at this moment meant letting go. After all, girls should cherish and love themselves, and embrace the truth that forced fruits aren’t sweet. Zuo You tilted her head, pondering for a moment: “If she still keeps after you, promise me you won’t be too harsh with her. Just wait until I return to school; I’ll have a good talk with her.” “Mm, okay, no problem.” Xia An nodded obediently without hesitation. He knew this time Zuo You’s return to Yanjing was not only to prepare for the September 4th finals but also to participate in an advertising shoot afterwards. She told Xia An she wanted to try signing with a management company but admitted she would still prioritize professional training and wouldn’t sign any overly demanding contracts. If she got a good ranking again, she could attend professional training at the Beijing Dance Academy during summer breaks, which she valued even more.

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Even if the agency had other commercial plans, Zuo You promised Xia An she would definitely return to school by mid-month. Xia An clearly remembered that this year’s freshman military training, enhanced by the “Sunshine Activities” assessment from universities, was hailed as the most rigorous and authentic military training in the history of Binda University. Strictness was the theme. In the original timeline, Xia An had already suffered through it once, unforgettable for a lifetime: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., fully militarized management. She wanted to talk with Le Ning? The two weren’t in the same dormitory building and might not have the time. Before October 1st, there was a month; based on the current progress, Xia An believed he could handle little Le Ning, who was still in her “middle school hero” phase. Having decided to take full responsibility, Xia An didn’t think the love triangle was troublesome. The “king not meeting king” arrangement was just a beautiful myth; sooner or later, they’d face off—just face it calmly and handle it skillfully. That was the responsibility of a scoundrel: ask for what you want, accept what comes with it. Besides... Tang Wan was still standing there. A triangle was the most stable structure, that’s what the books said; books never lie, right?

It was almost four o’clock when they left the commercial street. Xia An insisted on returning the money Zuo You had given him and insisted on splitting at least half of the 8,000 yuan on the card. “This was saved for you, meant for you to spend—I hate seeing you be so hard on yourself.” That convinced Zuo You. She looked at Xia An with watery eyes: “In that case...” Across the street was a branch of Construction Bank, and she pulled Xia An inside. She said not to waste the money and kept none for herself. “Since you don’t plan to give it to your uncle and aunt, let’s just save it.” Xia An nodded in agreement, “Okay, saving for marriage.” Zuo You responded with a generous “Mm,” “Alright, we’ll save together.” The couple exchanged glances, their eyes full of affection, making the young female teller behind the glass very envious.

She asked, “What service would you like today?” Xia An handed over the card, “Withdraw 8,000.” The teller was about to process it when Zuo You said, “No need.” Then she took 2,000 yuan from her own wallet and put it in. “Deposit this 2,000 to make it a round sum.” Xia An was puzzled. The teller looked at the balance showing exactly 630,000 yuan and didn’t understand the meaning of “making it round” either. Zuo You linked her arm with Xia An’s and told the teller, “Change the card’s password.” The teller was still confused. Xia An began to catch on. Zuo You smiled and said to him, “You set the first three digits, I’ll set the last three, to stop you from wasting it, okay?” Xia An’s eye twitched, but he smiled unchanged and nodded, “Okay.” Since it was like this... he added, “You keep the card.” Fortunately, the money was still there; they could just get a new card. Zuo You thought for a moment and said, “Alright.” She told the teller, “That’s it—deposit 2,000 and change the password.”

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The teller finally understood. So this was their... love fund. Wow! She glanced at the number on the screen, swallowed hard, then looked at Xia An, and finally settled her gaze on Zuo You’s face. Well, with a face like that, no wonder. After leaving the bank, watching little Pomelo happily tuck the card into her wallet, Xia An suddenly felt that buying the bracelet might have been a bit unnecessary. He silently told himself that Tang Xiaowan must never find out about this. “Where to next?” Xia An asked. Zuo You said, “Just sit anywhere.” At the end of the street was Dongshan Central Plaza. The fountain scattered golden sparkles in the westward slanting sunlight. Children ran across the water surface, parents bending behind to steady them. Peace doves circled in flight.

Zuo You didn’t let go of Xia An’s arm; the two nestled together on a bench before the lawn. The headphone cord forked between their closely pressed arms. The music didn’t loop; it played on shuffle. Currently playing was Jay Chou’s cover of Wu Zongxian’s “You’re Happier Than Before.” The lyrics didn’t quite fit the two listeners’ current state, but the title was perfectly apt. Zuo You wanted Xia An to tell her about his summer past, but Xia An’s memories were too scattered to narrate. He was vague, accompanied by a deep sigh, which made Zuo You laugh. “What’s up? Little brother has a story?” Little brother? Xia An leaned close to her ear and said, “Even less reason to tell you; it’s too long.” The delicate Pomelo didn’t understand or react, just let out a “tsk,” swinging her feet, facing the sunlight and evening glow beyond the mist.

Xia An felt this moment was so, so beautiful. Rebirth was so, so wonderful. Otherwise, once youth passed, a young person just coming of age would have to run after many unreachable things, constantly missing the flowers blooming by the roadside, constantly missing the sunset falling on them. This lifetime, he wouldn’t anymore. Zuo You glanced at the time and said, “Let’s go to the train station.” Xia An was surprised; there were still several hours to go. Zuo You smiled, “I want to write a journal; I’ve never been to an internet café. You’ll take me once.” Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with a burning light, as if to say: if possible, every “first time” from now on... will be with you.