When she returned with the water, the pit had already been dug, and the two were leaning against the locust tree, chatting.
Blue sky, white clouds, yellow earth, and green plants – the scene was unspeakably beautiful.
Perhaps it was because the two were good-looking, but even amidst the surrounding noise and crowds, they formed a distinct landscape.
Conspicuously so.
Chi Zerui turned his head with a sense of premonition, and Yu Wenli was still urging them to continue leaning.
Then he taught Wen Tingxue how to fill the pit with a shovel.
The young girl learned quickly and was not fussy; her speed was no less than his.
After filling about thirty centimeters, Yu Wenli hesitated for a moment, stepped on the soil to compact it, and then continued to fill.
After several repetitions, the pit was completely filled.
...
As the last drop of water was poured, the sun finally emerged from the clouds, lazily shining on the newly planted saplings.
The weather forecast had indicated it would be cloudy today.
Therefore, the moment the golden light scattered, people were overjoyed, as if blessed by the heavens.
In the lively and festive atmosphere, Wen Tingxue felt a long-lost joy.
It felt like New Year's.
Yu Wenli looked at the joy on the young girl's face, and his germaphobia-induced displeasure eased a little.
His expression also improved slightly.
His germaphobia wasn't severe, but it was still germaphobia.
His tolerance was limited, especially when it came to dirt and stains on clothes and shoes.
But the young girl was happy for once, so he couldn't just leave.
"Brother Yu."
Wen Tingxue was meticulous, and even though Yu Wenli hid it well, she could sense something.
"Are you unhappy?"
The young girl held his hand, her slightly raised eyes, facing the sunlight, were as brilliant as gemstones.
Yu Wenli curved his lips and didn't deny it. "A little."
"But after you asked, I felt much better," Yu Wenli said, ruffling her hair.
The young girl's dimming eyes instantly lit up again, even brighter than before.
Yu Wenli's slight displeasure was completely dispelled.
Then, remembering something, he pulled her to the tree and said slowly, "According to our local saying.
"When a tree is planted, you make a wish, and when the tree takes root and sprouts, growing slowly, the wish will come true, so..."
The young man lowered his head, whispering intimately, "Little girl, make a wish."
His breath lingered around them, and Wen Tingxue watched his profile with a racing heart.
His exceptionally superior bone structure was flawless even at such close proximity.
His exquisite face was like a slowly unfolding scroll, each stroke meticulously crafted.
Even with the scar near his eye, it didn't detract from his beauty, but rather added a touch of imperfect realism.
The light cast from the side made his features appear even more profound.
When he smiled, it was captivating.
"What are you looking at, brother? Afraid you won't have enough wishes? Then you can have mine too."
Wen Tingxue thought he must have been a demon in his past life, perhaps a fox spirit.
Otherwise, how could he be so charming!
She was almost overwhelmed!
The young girl, blushing, dodged him, afraid he would hear her heart pounding.
Yu Wenli smiled and didn't press her.
After all, it was in public, and the young girl was shy.
Chi Zerui, who was nearby, happened to overhear their conversation and said lazily, "As the saying goes, thrice is the limit.
"Just make three wishes, and the extra one is a gift from brother."
Wen Tingxue looked at him in surprise. Chi Zerui raised an eyebrow, "What? Doesn't brother treat you well usually?"
The young girl: "..."
Perhaps her speechless expression was too cute, like a little yellow duck blushing.
It inexplicably touched Chi Zerui's soft spot. So the young man crossed his arms and pretended to be fierce, "Make them! Three!"
Song Jiamai had been engrossed in watching the fun and was completely out of sync.
By the time he reconnected, he couldn't understand the conversation.
But he instinctively defended Wen Tingxue.
"What are you doing? Daring to be fierce to my little sister-in-law?! Want to fight?"
Chi Zerui rolled his eyes at him.
After understanding the situation, Song Jiamai also said, "The more the better. Who knows which one heaven will grant. Little sister-in-law, make four, mine are for you too."
Wen Tingxue: "..."
She just wanted to explain, she didn't want wishes!
But... friendship couldn't be disregarded, so she clasped her hands together and made a wish to the tree.
"First wish, may my family and friends be healthy and joyful."
"Second wish, may Brother Yu and everyone around him be safe and healthy, and may their wishes come true."
"Third wish, may our friendship last forever."
The last wish, she kept in her heart and did not speak it.
Everyone tactfully did not ask further questions.
When she opened her eyes, Chi Zerui couldn't help but tease, "Little sister Tingxue, is brother your friend, or Brother Yu's friend?"
The young girl smiled sweetly, "Of course, they're all my friends. So, I made two wishes for you, Brother A Rui, so you're not at a loss."
Under the sun, the young girl's eyes sparkled brightly.
Chi Zerui was inexplicably momentarily dazed.
Yu Wenli put his arm around the young girl's shoulder, "Silly girl, why didn't you make a wish for yourself?"
"How do you know I didn't?"
The young girl retorted unhappily, "The last one was! I want to bring honor to you and shine brightly in the monthly exam!"
Yu Wenli was completely surprised by the wish she kept in her heart.
After a moment of stunned silence, he chuckled, "Indeed, you're a silly girl. When you've decided to do something, it's best not to even tell the gods."
"But you are more important than gods," the young girl replied instinctively.
After realizing what he meant, her cheeks flushed as she explained, "I mean, in my heart, you are more capable than gods."
Yu Wenli's heart stirred, like a stone dropped into a lake, causing ripples.
"Then brother must work hard."
"Work hard at what?" Wen Tingxue was stunned.
The young man flicked his finger and gently pinched the young girl's cheek, saying, "Work hard to be worthy of Little Sister Yi Yi's praise."
This scene was captured by a camera not far away.
Chi Zerui stood to the young girl's left, looking at her with a smile.
Song Jiamai stood by the tree, one hand on the tree, the other gesturing to accuse the two of being too mushy.
The beautiful atmosphere, the frozen moment – when revisited years later, the individuals had already gained considerable recognition in their respective fields.
At that time, no one expected this photo to cause a stir.
-
At three o'clock in the afternoon, Jiangcheng Art Center.
Since Xie Liangzhe would be attending the competition in person, for the sake of appearances, his female companion would undoubtedly be Mrs. Xie.
Mrs. Xie had been happy about this for a long time.
Xie Jinye stood by the roadside, watching the departing car, and smiled sadly.
"If it weren't for this competition, my mother wouldn't even have the qualification to go to Xie's. But those women can enter and leave Xie's freely. Isn't that funny?"
Wen Tingxue wanted to comfort her but didn't know how.
Her tragedy stemmed from her parents, and she couldn't blame her parents, could she?
"Let's go, I still need to get my makeup done."
Xie Jinye didn't need her answer and quickly composed herself, pulling her towards the art center.
Stepping over dozens of stairs, they entered the art center's grand entrance.
The high-ceilinged design and luxurious decoration style, with marble floors so shiny they reflected people's figures.
Before they could admire the splendor inside, Wen Tingxue first saw a group of acquaintances.
"Quick, go!"
Xie Jinye had clearly seen them too and, with a tense tone, pulled Wen Tingxue to hide to the side.
But it was too late.
Shang Ziqian had already spotted them and was approaching with his entourage, his eyes filled with vengeful ferocity.