Chapter 10: Ashui

In the darkness, Zhang Chenxi’s forehead was drenched in sweat as his body trembled violently, jolting him awake from a nightmare.

His eyes were wide open in the darkness, still haunted by the pain and confusion lingering from his dream.

Disheveled hair clung to his pale cheeks, strands dampened by sweat. His lips quivered slightly as he murmured, “Little liar, where are you going?”

The scenes from his dream remained etched in his mind—the conversation with A Shui, filled with both hope and despair.

Slowly, he rose and walked to the window, gazing out into the silent night.

Moonlight bathed him, outlining his solitary figure.

His eyes were hollow and sorrowful, thoughts drifting back to the moments spent with A Shui.

A Shui always wore a radiant smile, like the spring sunshine that could dispel all the shadows in his heart.

Her eyes were bright and lively, as if hiding a clear spring, and every glance toward him seemed to convey endless love.

Her long, glossy black hair gently swayed in the breeze, releasing a faint, refreshing fragrance.

Zhang Chenxi took a deep breath, forcing himself to break free from the memories.

He knew today was May 12th—the anniversary of A Shui’s passing.

After a simple wash, he put on a black trench coat, which fluttered in the wind as if echoing the grief within him.

His steps were heavy and slow as he made his way to Nanming Cemetery.

Within Nanming Cemetery, an overwhelming silence reigned.

Zhang Chenxi stood quietly before A Shui’s tombstone, his gaze filled with deep affection and longing.

He slowly crouched down, reaching out to gently stroke the cold stone, the icy touch stabbing at his heart.

“A Shui, you won’t come back,” his voice was low and hoarse, laden with infinite sorrow.

His fingers traced the tombstone as if caressing her face.

“Little liar, you promised to go to Hangzhou with me. Why did you break that promise?”

Tears welled up in his eyes, but he fought hard to keep them from falling.

He recalled the promises made with A Shui—they planned to stroll by West Lake in Hangzhou, savoring the poetic and picturesque scenery.

Yet all that vanished with her departure.

At that moment, in a corner of the cemetery, Lin Siqing stood silently with Fu Sijiao.

A faint coldness and smugness lingered on Lin Siqing’s face as he crossed his arms, eyes fixed intently on Zhang Chenxi’s back.

He was dressed in a dark jacket, its lines sharp in the wind, complementing his untamed aura.

His hair was tousled by the breeze, adding to his stern demeanor.

“Look, Zhang Chenxi already has someone in his heart.”

Lin Siqing’s voice was low and calm. He turned to Fu Sijiao, his gaze carrying a subtle trace of pity.

Fu Sijiao’s eyes were filled with confusion and shock. She watched Zhang Chenxi’s lonely and sorrowful figure, a complex tide of emotions swelling inside her.

She wore a simple white dress that fluttered softly in the wind like a blooming lily.

Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders, a few strands blown across her tear-streaked cheeks, yet she seemed oblivious.

Her lips pressed lightly together, uncertain of what to say.

Zhang Chenxi poured out his memories before the tombstone, recounting the joyful times spent with A Shui—the laughter and sweetness felt as if it were only yesterday.

At times, a smile would grace his face—an involuntary response to those cherished moments; at other times, sadness enveloped him as he realized A Shui was gone forever.

His body trembled slightly, the pain surging within like relentless waves crashing against his inner defenses.

Fu Sijiao’s gaze never left Zhang Chenxi. She could feel the deep anguish within him.

Sympathy stirred in her heart. He was clearly a man with his own story. Yet she had her own convictions—refusing to be a mere substitute, she was simply herself.

Lin Siqing observed it all from the side, his inner calm not as genuine as his exterior suggested.

Though he had always despised Fu Sijiao, seeing Zhang Chenxi’s suffering stirred something within him.

His brows knitted slightly, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

*

Outside Nanming Cemetery, Fu Sijiao’s eyes locked onto Lin Siqing, brimming with anger and disbelief.

Her cheeks flushed with excitement, like a burning flame. Strands of hair were tousled by the wind, clinging to her tear-streaked face.

Her lips trembled slightly, her voice quivering with a hint of sobbing yet resolute: “Lin Siqing, why did you tell me all this?”

Lin Siqing stood tall and cold.

He lifted his head slightly; his sharp nose caught the sunlight, resembling a stern mountain peak.

His eyebrows arched disdainfully, eyes gleaming with icy light like stars in a cold night, utterly devoid of warmth.

He wore a black leather jacket that gleamed harshly under the sun, the metal zippers on his clothes jingling crisply with his movements as if cheering him on.

His hands casually slipped into the pockets of his worn jeans, frayed at the cuffs but unable to diminish his rebellious arrogance.

“Hmph, just so you know you don't deserve love.”

A mocking smile curved at Lin Siqing’s lips, sharp as a blade piercing Fu Sijiao’s heart.

His voice was low and hoarse, every word squeezed out through clenched teeth, dripping with malice.

He took slow, steady steps toward Fu Sijiao, each step sounding like it crushed her broken heart with a heavy thud.

“Do you really think Zhang Chenxi is sincere with you? Dream on. His heart has always belonged to that dead A Shui. You’re nothing more than a pastime to him when he’s lonely.”

As he spoke, Lin Siqing leaned slightly forward, bringing his face close to hers.

His breath brushed lightly against Fu Sijiao’s cheek, sending a chill through her.

His gaze locked onto hers, as if trying to see through her soul, filled with contempt and disdain.

Fu Sijiao leaned back slightly, attempting to escape his oppressive stare.

Tears welled in her eyes, stubbornly refusing to fall.

“You’re wrong. I’m not you—I don’t have such narrow thoughts. In the end, I wish you to lose what you love forever.”

Though her voice trembled, she fought to maintain composure.

Her hands clenched tightly into fists, nails digging deep into her palms, the pain grounding her.

Seeing Fu Sijiao’s reaction, Lin Siqing’s scorn deepened.

He straightened up and sneered, “Fu Sijiao, you think too highly of yourself. Whoever I like will never be you, nor will I ever lose what I love.”

His words struck like ruthless arrows aimed at Fu Sijiao.

He raised his hand, making a dismissive gesture in the air, full of disdain.

“You’re not good-looking, your character is weak, and there’s nothing attractive about you. How could Zhang Chenxi ever truly like you?”

Lin Siqing continued, his gaze roaming freely over Fu Sijiao, from her hair to her toes, as if inspecting a worthless object.

Fu Sijiao’s lips turned pale as she bit them, her heart filled with pain and rage.

“Lin Siqing, you’re so arrogant.”

Fu Sijiao had truly had enough of this miserable man.

“Fu Sijiao, who do you think you are? Some angel sent from heaven? You’re nothing but a sudden, unwanted guest in my house!”

His voice grew louder, nearly a shout.

His eyes widened, as if trying to devour Fu Sijiao whole.

At last, Fu Sijiao’s tears spilled over uncontrollably. Her body seemed to lose its support as she slowly sank to the ground.

Lin Siqing, you’ve gone too far. I won’t forgive you for now.

Lin Siqing looked down at Fu Sijiao from above, his anger gradually subsiding.

He took a deep breath and turned away, leaving Fu Sijiao alone, crying in the sunlight.

His solitary figure in the sun seemed to tell of the pain and conflict buried deep within him.

Why do you and your mother have to barge into my home?

Lin Siqing despised Fu Sijiao.