Novel Lived
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Zhou, who was at least a few years older than these two little rascals, exchanged tender glances with the boy. His daring leap from the neighboring balcony to save someone proved the extraordinary relationship between them.
After the commotion finally died down, Zhou looked at Yi Ming gravely and said softly, “Yi, wait a minute before you go back. I have something to ask you.”
Yi Ming was taken aback. His eyes flitted to Jiang Wei and he nodded.
Zhou simply washed her face and came out of the bathroom. She sat down on the stool opposite the sofa.
The three of them stared at each other in silence, and an odd atmosphere suddenly filled the living room.
Zhou bit her lip, pondering for a moment before blurting out, “Little Yi, there was always a stray cat meowing on the balcony recently...was that you?”
Sitting bolt upright, Yi Ming nodded. “Yes.”
“And that laundry pole, the one with the little basket always tied to it, that was also Jiang Wei’s tool for sending you meals, right?”
“That too...”
“And the note under the door...”
“Also...” Yi Ming reflexively started to admit before he caught himself. “No, no, no...it wasn't.”
Yi Ming broke into a sweat. If he owned up to that, Zhou would probably kill him to salvage her dignity.
Sure enough, Zhou heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing his denial.
After a long pause, just when Yi Ming was about to relax, she caught him off guard by asking frostily, “So...I still haven't surpassed Auntie Liu from the fourth floor?”
Jiang Wei on the sofa: “...”
A flabbergasted Yi Ming: “...”
Sister, that was quite an abrupt change of topic...
Although Yi Ming denied it, Zhou had a guess about all the bizarre happenings recently based on his response.
The two kids clearly had feelings for each other but were forced to stay “apart” because of her. Zhou felt terribly guilty and decided to move out the next day.
“Sis Zhou, it’s not your fault...” Flustered, Jiang Wei quickly clarified that Zhou wasn’t to blame for any of this. She and Yi Ming had been entangled for over a decade without getting together because of her own issues.
In fact, after the last incident, Jiang Wei's feelings for Yi Ming had begun to change strangely.
After all these years of ups and downs, she had never feared losing him. But in a university setting where he shined so brightly, she could no longer conceal that radiance like when they were young.
After making up with Yi Ming, Jiang Wei was once again afraid to face his feelings.
Over a decade of companionship had made her used to having him around. Whether their bond was based on friendship or love, she didn’t want to, nor dared to, define it any clearer.
“It’s got nothing to do with you, Sis Zhou.”
Hearing this, Yi Ming also immediately stood up straight as a poplar tree and put on a solemn face. “It’s my fault. I should have tried harder and chased after Jiang Wei successfully after the college entrance exams. Unfortunately, my looks aren’t good enough, so I’ve dragged things out until now...”
Zhou: “...”
This guy can't be very bright if he still hasn't caught Jiang Wei with his looks!
Seeing them both stand up to talk to her, Zhou smiled awkwardly. She quickly got to her feet as well and explained, “Actually...I’m not moving out entirely because of you two. I found a study buddy for the postgraduate entrance exam, and our schedules might match better. Jiang Wei would often not dare to watch TV out loud or speak loudly to accommodate me, which made me feel very guilty for a long time.”
Jiang Wei shook her head. “Sis Zhou...”
“There, there. Don't worry, I’ll settle myself properly.”
Zhou rubbed Jiang Wei’s hair affectionately and reassured her with a smile.