-- Chapter 4 –
The chilling glare of the sun.
The sprays of water from the fountain radiated shimmers of all spectrums. A cascading sound, accompanied by a rhythmic melody.
Since it’s noon, there were few people on the grounds.
Yi Tang Yao sat on a bench, his arms slung over its back. A glint from the rims of his eyes seemed to appear indistinctly. Na Lu leaned on his arm, and raised her head towards Xiao Mi, murmuring sweetly.
“I’m sorry, today’s your date with Yi Tang Yao. I shouldn’t be here. But...... Yao said he missed me...... I...... I could only......”
The bench didn’t seem to have space for Xiao Mi. She stood alone; the thin chiffon of her light emerald dress appeared especially thin under the clear sunlight.
“It’s okay.” Xiao Mi broke her off, and quietly stared at Yi Tang Yao. “Then, I’ll be off first. Enjoy yourselves.” As she said this, she turned off to leave. Her heart felt like it had been severely carved by a cold, edged object.
A hand grabbed onto her wrist.
Yi Tang Yao held her, his brows raised. The diamond on his nose radiated an unnatural glow.
“Unhappy?”
Xiao Mi inhaled deeply, and shook her head.
“No.”
“Then, are you happy?”
“Yes.”
Yi Tang Yao guffawed, his head arched. His cold eyes held no hint of a smile. “I brought another girl along to your date, and you claim to be happy? Xiao Mi, is there anyone more phony than you?”
“There is.” Xiao Mi stared at him.
Yi Tang Yao was slightly stunned.
Xiao Mi’s smile was as adorable as an angel. “I’m not a hypocrite. Running 10,000m, writing a thesis, all those were to make you happy. The date as well. You like this dress, so I wore it for you even though it’s freezing. You have affections towards Na Lu and want to be with her, then be with her. As long as you’re happy, why wouldn’t I be?”
“How lame.”
Na Lu rubbed her shoulders, goosebumps running through her skin. Yang Ke Wei often cursed her for being melodramatic. Now, she should have seen this; Xiao Mi is capable of being a hundred times more corny.
“Okay!” Yi Tang Yao nodded dismissively. “What grandiose words you speak, it’s touching.” With a little strength, he pulled Xiao Mi roughly into his arms.
Yi Tang Yao hugged Na Lu with his left arm, and Xiao Mi on his right. He burst out with a laugh. “Then, let’s date with the three of us, how lively is this!”
That day, every passer-by on the square turned back continuously with astonished glances. A young man hugging two ladies intimately under broad daylight. A girl, nestled in his arms, was delicate like a dewdrop. The other sat upright like a bamboo, sporting a refreshing appearance.
Kids these days are indeed brazen.
“Yao, thanks. Lunch was delicious, I love that ocean fish soup the most, ahhh...... exquisite and palatable!” Na Lu smiled sweetly at Yi Tang Yao.
“If you like it, we’ll go there next time.”
“Ah!” Elated, Na Lu planted a kiss on his cheek. She loved eating in a French restaurant, the décor, atmosphere, cutlery, food and even the waiters were all first grade. She cast a slight glance at Xiao Mi, who sat on the left of Yi Tang Yao, and noticed Xiao Mi’s fist tightly pressed against her stomach.
“Xiao Mi, have you eaten?” She feigned concern towards her.
“No.”
Her stomach is constricting. Xiao Mi’s forehead beaded with sweat.
“Aiya, what should we do? But, we’ve already eaten.” Na Lu’s smile reached her eyes, her head intimately pasted against Yi Tang Yao’s chest.
Xiao Mi gazed at a supermarket at the far reaches of the square, and stood up. “I’ll just buy a piece of bread.” She has to eat, or she’ll faint. She wouldn’t want to embarrass herself in front of him.
Yi Tang Yao laid back on the bench suavely.
He didn’t speak; the rim of his eyes still contained an elusive darkness.
“Ah, Yao, I suddenly felt like eating ice-cream!” Na Lu bit down her finger, smiling at Xiao Mi. “But...... I don’t feel like walking, and I don’t want Yao to go to the trouble for me...... But...... I really want it...... Xiao Mi......”
Xiao MI closed her eyes, and took in a deep breath.
“Okay, I’ll buy for you.”
“Thanks! The store’s over there--!” Na Lu pointed her finger. The ice-cream store is on the west of the square, while the supermarket selling bread in on the south. “Hurry back, I want to eat it immediately.”
The sunshine at noon isn’t warm at all.
The ice-cream stick in her hand has a piercing chill to it.
As Xiao Mi dashed back in her fastest speed with the ice-cream on hand, the fits of cold in her body is already making her hands tremble. Meanwhile, Yi Tang Yao and Na Lu has already left the bench. The two of them stood by the fountain, watching the jets of water dance along to the music.
“Sorry, I don’t feel like eating it anymore.” Na Lu spun her head, fluttering her eyelids at Xiao Mi. “You eat it, okay? You’re hungry, aren’t you?”
“Oh.”
Xiao Mi lowered her head toward the ice-cream, and walked over, tossing it into the bin.
Na Lu’s expression stiffened. She glanced at Yi Tang Yao, and finally subdued the ball of fire in her heart. She leaned on him affectionately. “The fountain is the most romantic place.”
Yi Tang Yao’s eyebrows arched.
Na Lu continued. “Legends say that as long as you throw a coin into the pool, and make a wish, that wish will come true.”
Yi Tang Yao’s lips curled into a smile.
“Yao, you don’t believe me?” Na Lu stomped her feet. “Lots and lots of people believed in it. So, every fountain place has its wishing coins.”
“A coin, its highest value is a dollar.”
“Yeah.”
“That means to say, their wish is only worth a dollar.”
Na Lu’s mouth hung open.
Yi Tang Yao stood indifferently, his lips curled into a sneer. “A wish worth only a dollar, it doesn’t matter if it’s fulfilled.”
“You shouldn’t say that.”
Xiao Mi stared at the glittering ripples that broke out on the surface of the pool. Sunlight shimmered vibrantly.
“As the coin gradually sinks to the bottom of the water, it’s like a beautiful wish is kept. When there’s sunlight, the coin will radiate a tiny glow from the depths of the water; as the fountain sprays, it’s as if the wish within the coin is singing. Maybe, a mere coin is unable to fulfill a wish. But, when you toss it in, you have faith. For this faith, you will persevere and work hard for it. And then, that wish will really come true.
Yi Tang Yao stared at her; after a long while, he laughed scornfully.
“Really? Then, I’ll make a wish as well.”
He fished out his wallet from the pocket of his jeans, there’s only banknotes and cards in it. Na Lu opened the clasp of her purse frantically. “I have, I’ll give it to you.”
Yi Tang Yao brushed off the hand holding the coin, and took off the diamond from his nose. A flick of his finger; the diamond drew a dazzling arc in the air, and fell into translucent, leaping waters to the depths of the fountain.
“Yao! The diamond......”
Na Lu clasped her mouth in shock. Ever since she first met Yi Tang Yao in Sheng Shu, he has always been wearing that diamond on him. He has never taken it out for the past three years.
“Can the diamond’s wish be granted?” Yi Tang Yao questioned Xiao Mi.
“As long as you put in effort, any wish can come true.”
“I don’t believe it.” Yi Tang Yao’s voice was low.
“At first, I didn’t believe it too.” Xiao Mi’s eyes shone with clarity as she gazed at him. “Until—God forcefully robbed my happiness from me, and rendered my life unable to breathe. And yet, he still returned me a little miracle.”
Na Lu could no longer tolerate Yi Tang Yao and Xiao Mi conversing as if there weren’t anyone else beside them. She cuddled back onto Yi Tang Yao, grabbing her arm, as she grinned sweetly at Xiao Mi.
“Mm, I do believe a miracle will be bestowed on you. Because, I have rarely seen a girl as thick-skinned as you. Clinging onto Yao all day, doing ridiculous things. Aren’t you putting in your best effort, hoping to fulfill your wish of getting close to Yao?”
Yi Tang Yao placed his arms around her, and kissed her cheek. “Jealous, that there’s a girl this crazy over me? You should be proud.”
Na Lu giggled. “No way, I just think that Xiao Mi is crazy; it would be bad if it’s some mental disease. What would I do if she hurts you!” Spinning around, she glared at Xiao Mi. “Am I right, Xiao Mi?”
Xiao Mi bit down on her lips. “I’m sorry.”
“What are you sorry for?” Na Lu’s gaze was cold. “Then, do you still want to cling onto Yao like this in future? Do you know how irritating you are, do you not have pride? Don’t you feel ashamed?”
Xiao Mi closed her eyes.
The fine lashes of her eyes trembled violently.
She couldn’t say a word; she knew she’s annoying like this, but, she just wanted—to stay beside him.
Yi Tang Yao surveyed the flushed Xiao Mi unfeelingly. He suddenly pulled her into his arms, leaned close to her ear, and whispered sharply. “You like me?”
Xiao Mi was stunned.
“Tell me, how much do you like me?” Yi Tang Yao’s smile was sinister.
These words......
Xiao Mi’s tears instantly welled up in her eyes.
“I will love you forever. Even if you no longer love me, even if you’ve forgotten about me, even if I vanished from the face of the earth, I will still love you.”
Tears slowly trickled down her cheeks.
She answered softly.
“Piak—“
A slap was struck across Xiao Mi’s face.
Na Lu stared at her in disgust. “I called you shameless, and here you are, worse than that!”
Yi Tang Yao was disconcerted; the hand that held onto Xiao Mi’s shoulder shook slightly. Then, he recovered his lackadaisical smile. “Do you know what wish I made with that diamond?”
Xiao Mi’s face burned. She started coughing, the last ounce of strength in her body vanquished.
“I wished, for you not to shamelessly stick to me ever again.” He kissed her scalding ear cruelly, his voice in a whisper. “A girl, who inexplicably clings onto someone, is terrifying and detestable.”
Xiao Mi’s body froze, her face ashen.
“But, I’m regretting it a little now—“ Yi Tang Yao wiped the tears on her face with a finger, and tasted it. Mm, cool and salty. “It’s refreshing, to be liked by someone so fervently. Why not, we try dating for a while.”
“Yao!”
Na Lu shrieked, all femininity lost.
“But, what can I do?” Yi Tang Yao’s grin was cruel. “The diamond’s already tossed into the fountain, but I don’t want that wish anymore.”
Xiao Mi’s body hurt so bad, she could no longer comprehend what he was saying.
“Bring me my diamond.” He kissed Xiao Mi’s parched lips lightly. “Find it, and I’ll date you for a month.”
“Yao! What are you saying?!” Na Lu released yet another shriek.
Xiao Mi raised her head, and stared at him, her lips deathly pale. “No need, I don’t have to be your girlfriend. As long as you’re happy, as long as you would allow me to watch over you, then I’ll be happy.”
Yi Tang Yao raised his brows. “Oh? You’re scared once you heard that you’ll have to find the diamond in the pool. Aren’t you willing to do anything for me, as long as I’m happy? Then, find the diamond for me.”
Na Lu glanced at Yi Tang, then at the pool, and she suddenly understood what he was trying to do. She couldn’t help but laugh, “Yeah, Xiao Mi, hurry. If you can cross mountains and seas, searching for a diamond in the pool should be a piece of cake, shouldn’t it?
The depth of the pool is close to 20m.
The fountain unleashed torrential sprays of water.
It’s deep.
A surprisingly chilling ray of sun gleamed on the clear water surface, its cold currents threatening to send a shiver down every passer-by. Splashes of water stirred the surface of the pool with waves of ripples, it’s impossible to see what’s beneath.
Yi Tang Yao stood majestically, radiating an indifferent air under the sunlight.
He raised Xiao Mi’s chin.
“Why, scared the water’s too cold to go in? Is your love only as shallow as the fountain?”
Xiao Mi held her hands tightly together, her face pale and her voice faint.
“If I find the diamond, will you be happy?”
“Yeah, I’ll be very, very happy.” Yi Tang Yao’s voice was detached, his eyes not even looking at her.
...... ......
......
She tugged at his arm violently, her eyes gleaming.
“I want to see snow!”
“Snow?”
He broke into a bitter laugh, his lean figure about to break under her shaking. On the sunny days of April, where would there be snow to watch?
“I just want to see it.” She babbled excitedly. “Snowflakes fluttering lightly, crystalline and dancing beside me. The whole sky is surfeited with snow, while I close my eyes with my arms outspread amidst it...... It would be romantic, wouldn’t it?!”
“Xiao Mi, what drama have you watched again?”
“Winter Sonata! Baek Yong Jun stood in the snow....... his smile...... smiling as he spun in the snow...... Uwaa, it’s too mesmerising and romantic!”
He knew it. Every time she caught a beautiful scene in a korean drama, she would insist on imitating it without fail. She claimed it was to genuinely feel the romance in the story.
“I don’t care, I just want to see snow...... Yi......” She started shaking him again. “Say yes...... please......”
“After graduation, I’ll bring you to Switzerland to watch the snow, okay? I heard that snow is beautiful there.” His voice was gentle.
“No!” She pouted. “I want to see it now!”
“Xiao Mi......”
“Yi......” She begged him. “Say it’s okay, please, I know the noble Yi can do anything! I adore Yi most!”
“If you see snow, would you be happy?” He sighed with a smile.
“Yes! Yes!” She nodded vigorously. “I would be very, very happy! Extremely happy!” Her eyes glowed, and she hugged his arm tightly. “Yi, you have a way don’t you? Uwaa, I just knew that Yi loves Xiao Mi the most! Yi would promise Xiao Mi anything!”
The vibrant sunshine of Qing Yuan Institute.
Her laughter were akin to wind chimes. His eyes filled with adoration. Both laid in each other’s embrace in bliss, as if all the light leapt on him and her.
Every student in Qing Yuan was aware that they were the school’s most famous couple. But, to witness such a lingering scene would make anyone unable to resist turning back.
Her face was throbbing red.
He stared at her, and abruptly kissed her on her lips. She started, a deeper blush blooming on her face. She shyly looked at him, and found his face growing pink. He smiled, and pulled her hand, sprinting on the school’s boulevard.
The leaves on the two sides of the boulevard rustled ecstatically.
Her heartbeat was faster than the fluttering leaves.
He pulled her along.
Across the court.
Across Jing Ming lake.
Across the Literature and Arts centre.
He halted, smiling. “Look, sakura blossoms.”
This is the campus’ sakura walkway. It was the season for blooming. Rosy blossoms, accompanied with lush green wood, formed a floating sea of flowers. Sunlight perforated the clouds and set off the ivory white flowers in a crystalline glow; as if an embellish on its beautiful coat. As the breeze blew, decks of pink, almost white petals drifted gradually from their branches, frolicking lithely in the air.
What beautiful blossoms......
The petals danced gracefully in descend, as if in a snowscape.
Xiao Mi spread out her arms, her eyes shut, beaming.
She gently spun.
Amidst the falling petals, her smiling, spinning gestures are alike an angel’s.
Sakura blossoms fervently fell; a flower rain; a petal snow. Under the sakura tree, Xiao Mi blissfully embraced the most beautiful flower blizzard in April.
“Ah! Pei Yi is on the tree!”
A few astonished gasps resounded from the pathway.
Xiao Mi’s eyes flew open. Keke, her smile in that instant were more candid than flowers. So it was Yi, who climbed onto that sakura tree. He sat on a branch, shaking the twigs carefully, so that the petals would gently fall.
He smiled at her, his gaze softer than ever.
Blankets of flower petals embellished Xiao Mi into the most ravishing sakura princess.
While Pei Yi—
Received a mark in his conduct card for climbing a tree.
“As long as you’re happy.”
He walked out from the security office after getting chastised, embracing the slightly guilty girl waiting outside for him, with a smile.
.....
...... ......
* * * To Be Continued * * *