"Just follow my lead," Ouyang Xiao said casually and gently, but his ears betrayed him, turning bright red.
“But…” Song Jing paused for a moment, then blushed.
“But?” Ouyang Xiao’s brows furrowed immediately, his tone unconsciously becoming fierce. “But what?”
But what?
Song Jing couldn't answer either. She liked Ouyang Xiao, even idolized, revered, and admired him. How could she tell him about her unease? The clearer Ouyang Xiao's attitude, the more uneasy she became. When asked why, Song Jing couldn't provide a definitive answer.
“My mom said I have to stay in this province.” Song Jing gritted her teeth and decided to rely on her mother for now, “Besides, the universities in this province are pretty good.”
"Damn it, that's right!" Ouyang Xiao squeezed out a few words, his beautifully shaped eyebrows furrowing into several knots. Although he spoke rudely, it did not damage his image; on the contrary, it added a touch of wild charm. Ouyang Xiao's face was gloomy, and his attitude was more serious than ever before. "Do we really have to bring forward the time for both sets of parents to meet?"
He's serious!
Realizing this, Song Jing grabbed Ouyang Xiao's hand: "What...what are you saying? You can't do this...I...I..."
She was just using an excuse to fend off Ouyang Xiao, but to her surprise, Ouyang Xiao's only reaction was to "set an earlier date for both sets of parents to meet," and she actually hesitated. Damn it! She remembered that notebook again! She had been feeling uneasy all along, and now, somewhere deep inside her, a feeling of joy was rising. She was about to lose her temper and do something terrible that she would regret later!
"Today... we don't have enough time... let's discuss this first..." Song Jing almost bit her tongue. What did she blurt out in her panic? She might as well just die! They haven't even had a proper declaration of love, and now they're getting engaged? No, no, what is she thinking?! But, but, if both sets of parents meet and the situation is settled, then... then how wonderful that would be! Song Jing couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
"You think so too? Let's get engaged first..." Ouyang Xiao squeezed Song Jing's hand tightly, her excitement making it seem like she was about to dance in front of everyone. "How about this! Let's discuss it first. I'll go to your house today, and then we'll set a time and find a restaurant... Do you know which restaurant is good? I remember Cuiweiju has really good food! Also... if I'm going to your house, should I prepare anything? Should we wear formal attire when our parents meet..."
Song Jing smiled with delight at Ouyang Xiao's innocent excitement, without giving it much thought—no, she was simply unable to think. The excited Ouyang Xiao, the Ouyang Xiao with her childlike, innocent smile, the Ouyang Xiao displaying all her emotions before her… so many sides, so many sides she had never seen before.
“Okay, I need to revise my plans first. Let’s just get married right after we graduate from university! At that time, I’ll be twenty-two and you’ll be twenty-one, which is legal! Okay, let’s do it this way!” Ouyang Xiao took out her notebook, tilted her head and thought for a moment, then quickly revised the important parts. “We’ll go back to your home after we hand in the college application forms!” Ouyang Xiao unconsciously used the word “go back”.
"Are we going now?"
"The timing is just right, isn't it? Oh, we still need to buy gifts. What does your mom like? What does your dad like?"
"My mom? Hmm, she'll be happy if you buy her something, it doesn't matter! As for my dad, he likes cigarettes and alcohol, but they're bad for his health, so it's better to just buy him regular fruit..."
"No way! How can we just brush off something this important with fruit!"
"Then let's ask the auntie; she should have experience!"
"right!"
One moment Ouyang Xiao and Song Jing were worrying about their college application forms, and the next they were talking about meeting each other's parents, getting engaged, and getting married. Holding hands, they were completely oblivious to everyone else, forgetting that they were in a classroom—a serious and public setting.
It wasn't until the two of them walked out of the classroom and handed in their application forms that the other students in the classroom, who had been staring in disbelief for so long, were finally able to speak.
"Are they... insane?"
"That's so cool!"
"What do they think this place is...?"
"……cut!"
Such words, such feelings of envy, disdain, even ridicule, were all irrelevant to Ouyang Xiao and Song Jing. Their eyes were only on each other, nothing more.
***
Song Jing's home.
Since Song Jing's father happened to be away on business, Ouyang Xiao had to deal with Song Jing's mother.
Upon entering, one can immediately discern the homeowner's personality: the elegant curtains and furnishings, devoid of superfluous furniture or strange items adorned with gold or silver. A light green sofa is covered with white fabric embroidered with patterns. A simple plum blossom planter sits in the corner, while a light green bamboo blind hangs diagonally over the entrance to the dining room, adding a touch of charm.
Song Jing's mother was watching TV and was smiling slightly. When she saw them come in, she quickly turned off the TV and made room for them.
"Please sit down, don't be shy!" the hostess said to Ouyang Xiao.
"Thank you," Ouyang Xiao said, handing over the gift she was holding.
"You must be Xiao Jing's classmate. Where are you planning to study?" The hostess brought out hot tea, placed it on the table in front of Ouyang Xiao, and asked.
“I originally wanted to go to Tsinghua University,” Ouyang Xiao replied, “but now I’ve decided to go to S University.”
"Oh? Our Xiaojing is staying in this province to attend N University. That will make it easier for her to find a job or anything like that in the future!"
Song Jing quickly stopped talking to prevent the topic from going too far: "Mom!"
Ouyang Xiao put down his teacup, clenched his right fist to cover his lips, then looked up and stared directly at Song Jing's mother, saying in a deep voice, "I...I want Song Jing to come to S University with me!"
“Oh.” Song Jing’s mother said casually, then her eyes widened. “What did you say?!” Her sharp eyes swept over Song Jing, then she glared at him. “What’s your relationship with this kid? He suddenly called to say a classmate was coming over, and it turns out he’s your boyfriend—a high school sweetheart, no, how old are you? And you’re already thinking about…”
Ouyang Xiao interrupted Song Jing's mother, saying, "Her relationship with Song Jing isn't what you think. We haven't even started dating yet. We've decided to start after we receive our acceptance letters, and we plan to get married within two years of graduation."
"W-what?" Song Jing's mother calmed down, pretending to drink tea. "I didn't hear wrong, did I..."
Ouyang Xiao said seriously, "If we're going to get married, we have to start working on it now. I think we should buy a house to live in later. It can't be too small. At least Song Jing and I should each have a room as a studio, a big study, and a large kitchen. I also want two children, twins would be even better! If we could have a yard to grow flowers, that would be great. If not, at least we should have a place for Song Jing to grow flowers, like orchids or something. Of course, if we work in a city far away, I think we should come back for at least two weeks a year, or go on a trip, or just stay at home and do nothing."
That was the first time Ouyang Xiao had spoken his mind. Although he had no experience, he spoke very fluently and logically, without the slightest embarrassment or blushing. His confidence was astonishing.
As a result, some people stopped drinking their tea, while others stood there dumbfounded, unsure of what to do with their hands and feet.
The wind lifted the bamboo curtain, making a rustling sound.
Time seemed to have stopped.
"You...you're joking, right?" Song's mother asked tentatively.
Ouyang Xiao said very seriously, "No, I know I'm not mature enough to make a promise right now, but I hope you can see my sincerity and give me a chance to try."
Song Jing clenched her fists, then released them, and suddenly pulled Ouyang Xiao to kneel down: "Mom, I want to be with him."
She had always thought he treated her carelessly, setting demands and goals without ever considering her situation. A single smile was enough to win her over, while her efforts to get closer remained elusive. She had blamed his neglect, resented his heartlessness, and even cursed his cold-bloodedness. Now she understood his true feelings. To be together forever, she had to endure. She had told herself to be patient before, but one person's self-righteousness couldn't convince her. Though she wavered and began to consider giving up, thankfully, he never gave up on her.
From the age of ten, when he met Ouyang Xiao, Song Jing's entire life was completely under Ouyang Xiao's thumb.
But I'm willing to do it.
Ouyang Xiao looked at Song Jing in surprise, then quickly lowered her head: "Mom, I want to be with her."
Mrs. Song sighed, "What if...we regret it later..."
Ouyang Xiao and Song Jing exchanged a smile and said, "No regrets."
Why regret it?
My heart is never deceived, my soul has never admitted wrongdoing; all I want is that one irreplaceable person.
The relationship proceeded under the approval and supervision of both families. Dates could only take place where the parents could see, and although it was sometimes embarrassing, they were happy to be together.
That day, Song Jing saw Ouyang Xiao off as she left for home.
In early August, it was cloudy with light rain.
The streets, still damp from the rain, were refreshingly clean, the air filled with the scent of rain and the fragrance of unfurling green leaves. Near the outskirts of the city, cars moved quietly past, kicking up strings of raindrops. On the sidewalks, the red and dark green tiles shone even brighter and more beautifully after being washed.
Ouyang Xiao held an umbrella, while Song Jing walked beside her, clutching another umbrella.
They had just left Song Jing's house. Ouyang Xiao and Song Jing were both quite good at chess, and they spent the whole afternoon playing chess—arguing, cheating, taking back moves, and even acting coquettishly. These were things that neither Ouyang Xiao nor Song Jing had ever experienced before, and they were in high spirits. Now, however, they didn't know what to say. It seemed that all the shyness they hadn't shown before had now surged up, and even stealing a glance at each other would make their faces blush even more.
Soon, we arrived at the bus stop.
Ouyang Xiao stopped in her tracks: "Hey!"
Song Jing looked up, her eyes filled with doubt.
"how?"
"Reach out your hand, um, left hand, no, right hand will do!" Ouyang Xiao said nonchalantly. He seemed to remember that it was left for men and right for women!
Song Jing obediently reached out her hand.
A brand new, beautiful silver phone landed lightly in Song Jing's palm.
"This, this is..." Even Song Jing couldn't help but stammer.
"You know how to use it, right? I already have a gift from my uncle, so I don't need it." Ouyang Xiao said to herself, "The first and only name in my contacts is mine! And..." Ouyang Xiao glared at her fiercely, "You're not allowed to use the phone I gave you to call other people, especially boys! You're not allowed to ignore me without contacting me first. Even if I don't call you for a long time, you must call me at least once a day to report back!"
Song Jing's face slowly turned red, then turned into a ripe tomato.
"Aren't you going to say yes?!" Ouyang Xiao was getting better and better at playing the villain.
Song Jing nodded.
Now that everything is out in the open, why not go along with him? Stubbornness only appears when necessary, and two people always need to work things out. Song Jing never felt wronged by Ouyang Xiao's domineering, unreasonable, and domineering behavior. She knew that while he was making demands on her, he was also making demands on himself; they were one.
Ouyang Xiao looked at her for a while, then suddenly reached out and hugged her gently, releasing her in an instant. The tenderness and care in her movements made Song Jing almost think it was her imagination. Ouyang Xiao smoothed the hair that was hanging by her ear and said with a faint sigh, "We can be friends, but I think you probably don't like the way I get jealous."
Song Jing simply smiled, but a surge of tenderness welled up in her heart, and her chest was filled with overwhelming emotion. She was about to burst into tears with a happy smile.
***
When Ouyang Xiao got home, before he could even sit down, someone came out of the inner room and greeted him with a smile: "Hey! The bird that went out to show off its tail feathers has come home!"
Ouyang Xiao said coldly, "Gao Jin, you've arrived."
Gao Jin spread his hands: "You don't seem to welcome me?"
Ouyang Xiao gave a cold, forced smile: "How could that be? You're my best friend—" That's right, Ouyang Xiao's best friend is probably the only person besides Song Jing who knows Ouyang Xiao's true colors right now, a guy who's fearless.
"I heard from Auntie that you... um, you and Song Jing are getting engaged?" Gao Jin carefully considered his words, then realized that he didn't need to be careful with Ouyang Xiao at all, and could just say it directly, "Aren't you being a little too impulsive and forceful?"
Ouyang Xiao sat down on the sofa, rested her hands on the armrests, and turned to look out the window.
Gao Jin thought for a moment, chuckled, and sat down opposite him.
"Her movements are as slow as an ox. If someone says a few words to her—no, if three people say that to her, she'll want to back down and give up." Ouyang Xiao gazed out the window at a spider plant with pure white blossoms, water droplets sliding down its leaves. His voice was extremely slow. "If I don't forcefully urge her forward, I'm afraid—"
"Afraid?" Gao Jin was stunned. Ouyang Xiao would say he was afraid? Don't make me laugh, but he was serious!
“Someone once asked me what I would do if the other person changed their mind? At that time, I confidently said that I would not let her change her mind, and I believed that Song Jing would not change her mind. But what is the reality? I know that there are many things in life that cannot be changed, so I try my best to change what I can change. Maybe I have been standing on the top for too long and I have completely forgotten the taste of failure, and I have also forgotten that Song Jing cannot chase after me forever…” Ouyang Xiao said softly, and in the quiet room, only his voice could be heard, “I am afraid… so…” He looked up and smiled, “How can I not hold on tightly in my hands?”
Gao Jin felt a tightness in his chest, wanting to shout, wanting to destroy something, but in the end he just smiled faintly: "You always know what you want. This time is different. Didn't you consider Song Jing's feelings?"
Ouyang Xiao looked straight at him: "Gao Jin, Song Jing is mine. She wants to be with me. This is not something I'm joking about."
"I see."
No one understands you and her better than me.
One of them made catching up with the other their ambition and dream, while the other was determined to never give up and hold the other firmly in their grasp, as if it were the most devout thing in the world. These were thoughts that would be ridiculed and called foolish by others if spoken aloud, but you two kept going, and even when you fell, your posture remained heroic.
“There’s still a long time ahead,” Gao Jin murmured.
"I've already spent seven years, I don't care if it's ten years, twenty years, or a lifetime."
She didn't know, and nobody knew.
He wanted to be with her, to be with her forever; that longing had become his greatest and only goal in life, a goal he would strive to achieve with all his might.
——End