Chapter 110: How Far Is It From Spring?

“Forget about you, I want to hit him myself. Why does he have to pick on you of all people?” Li Zhe laughed. “But let me clarify one thing: Jia Xuan really isn’t a bad person. He’s never done anything truly wicked in his life; he’s just impulsive. When his temper flares, he loses all reason. He regretted what happened last time—he didn’t mean to scare you. Actually, we can all see that he genuinely likes you. That day in your class when he argued with you for a bit, he felt bad afterward. He heard from Siying that you liked that crystal bracelet, and even though he still had a high fever, he went out to buy it for you. You hadn’t accepted it yet, and he was really disappointed. I’ve known him since middle school; we grew up together. I’ve never seen him take the initiative to make up with a girl—he’s the kind who needs to be comforted himself. I don’t mean anything else by this; I just want you to be a little more forgiving, considering his lack of experience. Sure, his temper isn’t great, but he’s reasonable and admits his mistakes. When two people are together, sometimes you have to understand each other, don’t you think?”

Dong Yanyan felt warmth flood her heart and nodded gently.

“I know he’s not a bad person, but both of us get irrational when we’re impulsive. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have ended up in such a mess over a small misunderstanding. We just got on well for a few days, then started fighting like a gang brawl. It even dragged you into trouble with the teachers. How are we supposed to get along in the future?” Her eyes reddened with unshed tears.

“Yanyan, don’t cry. It’s all in the past now. If he bullies you again, I’ll take care of him for you,” Li Zhe vowed solemnly.

His words, though well-intentioned, only made Dong Yanyan’s feelings of grievance surge again. She sniffled, “Isn’t the point of being together to be happy? What’s the meaning of fighting and sulking all the time? I know he treats me well, but he’s always so harsh with me—who can stand that?”

“All right, all right, no more crying,” Li Zhe said, pulling her close and patting her back gently, his voice soothing and deep, a voice honed from broadcasting studies. But why were both his hands around her now, and why was his embrace getting tighter? Was this dancing? How could you dance when you’re held so tightly?

Sensing something was off, Dong Yanyan pushed him away forcefully. Grabbing his collar, she scolded angrily, “Li Zhe, how dare you take advantage of me? I knew none of you in the dorm were good!” She stomped her feet and turned to run off. Li Zhe didn’t expect her to suddenly change like that and was startled. His face flushed with embarrassment as he glanced furtively at the other students dancing nearby. Fortunately, the lighting was dim and her voice was low, so no one seemed to notice; otherwise, he would have been utterly embarrassed.

He found a seat nearby and, still savoring the moment, said to his companion, “Her skin feels really nice—warm and soft like a kitten. No wonder Jia Xuan likes her so much.”

Zhou Zheng laughed and threw his arm over Li Zhe’s shoulder. “You like Dong Yanyan? Save it. She dares to cross old Tang, how would she even notice us?”

Li Zhe smiled. “Just joking. Yanyan isn’t that kind of person. Besides, she’s Jia Xuan’s girlfriend. No matter how lonely I get, I wouldn’t make a move on her.” He sighed with a hint of boredom. “I’m seriously realizing how small our school is. I should have just gone to university.”

“You’re the impatient type. If you’re looking, find an easy target. I can introduce someone for you,” Zhou Zheng teased.

Li Zhe’s eyes brightened. “Sounds reasonable, but I prefer simple, good girls. The complicated ones won’t do.”

*

Meanwhile, Dong Yanyan stormed downstairs in a huff.

She knew that although Li Zhe was usually gentle and refined, he was a flirt at heart. Yet she still wanted to talk to him, hoping he might explain Jia Xuan’s side, so her own heart would feel better. That scoundrel Jia Xuan couldn’t speak nicely or buy gifts properly. If only he had half of Li Zhe’s generosity and thoughtfulness, she thought sadly. As she reached the fifth floor, she couldn’t resist glancing at room 510. Just then, a few girls from her dorm and Song Mingcheng smiled as they were about to go upstairs.

“Yanyan, why are you downstairs? We were just coming to find you,” Gu Xiaohan asked with a smile.

“It’s stuffy upstairs. I came down for some fresh air,” Yanyan replied casually and tried to leave.

“Wait for me! Let’s go down together!” Xin Ran turned around, putting an arm around her shoulder with a smile.

Back in the dorm, after washing up, one lay on the top bunk and the other on the bottom, chatting away. Dong Yanyan loved this feeling—two people quietly talking. That was how many nights had passed in this very room.

*

On Sunday morning, snow began falling heavily again. When it snowed like this, the roads became difficult, and newspapers were always delivered late. Today, the papers arrived at the news agency from the printing press close to six o’clock. After quickly distributing the papers, Dong Yanyan wrapped her hat and scarf tightly and set off against the wind and snow with Song Mingcheng.

Seeing her hurry, Song Mingcheng chuckled, “Since it’s already late, why rush? Let’s take it slow. It’s Sunday anyway; no classes.”

“You don’t understand how anxious our customers are. When it’s snowy and cold, they can’t go out, and the morning paper is their only entertainment. Even if it’s half an hour late, they get annoyed,” Dong Yanyan said, struggling to pedal her bike while glancing back.

“That’s just how it is,” Song Mingcheng smiled.

The snow was so heavy she didn’t catch his words, so she moved closer and asked, “What?”

“I just remembered you used to argue with delivery people before. Karma’s funny that way,” he said.

She laughed. “So you’re saying this is payback? But am I really comparable to that nightmare? That weirdo delivers papers after ten every night and even rings the doorbell specially. Imagine waiting all morning for the paper and then being woken up at midnight. It’s not just me; the whole neighborhood wants to beat her up. The news agency’s crazy too, hiring someone like that.”

“That’s why you’re not cut out for this job. Hanging around such a mixed crowd will affect your demeanor. Since you want to aim for something refined, you can’t always mix with the riffraff. Stick with me, at least you won’t have it so tough,” Song Mingcheng said with a smile.

Dong Yanyan had her own plan: the five hundred yuan her fourth uncle gave her was nearly spent. This month’s salary she intended to take home for the New Year. Her family had borrowed a lot for the new semester, and her father’s finances were tight. With this six hundred yuan, they could have a good New Year.

She glanced up at the endless white sky, snowflakes landing on her eyes, cool and blurring her vision. “We’ve seen snow all winter, but when will spring finally come?” she said wistfully. Suddenly, her bike slipped. Quick as a flash, Song Mingcheng reached out and steadied her. Cold sweat broke out on her; she hated falling.

“Don’t be in such a hurry to look at the sky when you haven’t figured out the road yet,” he teased.

“Your philosophy is impressive. You’re wasting your talents at school. You should go meditate,” she joked.

“I’m doing this for your own good,” he said with a faint smile.

Dong Yanyan was speechless. This wasn’t a fellow villager she’d found; it was like having a father who lived as if he were the ultimate truth, unable to rest without teaching her every day.

*

As expected, they faced many complaints along the way. She had no choice but to explain patiently to each customer. When people pay, they have every right to be rude. She had been the same once.

Walking up stairs, resigned, she thought about how cold it was when she first started, wrapped up tightly, but now, after a few flights, she was sweating. She took off her scarf and was about to put the paper in the box when the door opened. Someone inside snatched the paper, flipping through it with dissatisfaction. “Why so late today? Look at the time! Is this a morning paper or an evening edition?”

“Sorry, the heavy snow delayed the printing press,” she wiped the sweat from her brow and smiled apologetically. Then her eyes fell on the person’s face. She froze, her expression hardening sharply. “Look carefully! It says in big letters right here: City Evening News! Need me to teach you how to read?” she snapped.

“What are you saying... Yanyan? Is that you?” Ren Jiaxuan looked surprised. Seeing her uniform, he seemed to realize who she was and quickly pulled her inside. “Come in quickly. It’s so cold out here. What if you get sick?”

He claimed to like her, yet after chasing her for over two months, he didn’t even know she worked at the news agency. He hadn’t noticed that she had cut her hair two days ago.

“Don’t pull me! I still have to deliver papers,” she said irritably.

Ren Jiaxuan stepped closer and hugged her tightly, full of concern. “Sorry, Yanyan. I didn’t know you were delivering papers. If I had, I’d never let you work so hard. You’re freezing. Come inside. You don’t have to do this job.”

He felt warm. Had he just gotten out of bed?

“Let go! If someone sees this, what will they think? Talk to me back at school,” Dong Yanyan struggled to break free. Ren Jiaxuan held on firmly, and they stood locked in place at the door.

“Jiaxuan, why are you outside in your pajamas? It’s freezing at the door. Put on this sweater!” An elderly woman, neatly dressed, came out of the inner room with a sweater in her hand.

“I know, Grandma! Just put it there,” Ren Jiaxuan replied impatiently.

Taking the chance, Dong Yanyan broke free and ran downstairs.

Ren Jiaxuan stood at the door, holding the paper, stunned.

“The papers came today? Quite late, huh? Usually they arrive before seven. Maybe it’s the heavy snow making the roads difficult,” the old lady said cheerfully, taking the papers and putting on her reading glasses.