Oneshot

One

Ji Qingchuan first saw Murong Chen during the summer vacation of her junior year.

She took an early morning flight from Singapore and arrived at the international airport around noon. The four-and-a-half-hour flight wasn’t long, but she was already exhausted.

On the night before leaving Singapore, she stayed in her friend’s room, reluctant to fall asleep, staring blankly at the white ceiling all night. She didn’t say a word.

At 4:30 in the morning, she got up, packed her luggage, and took a taxi to the airport. Her friend stared at her for a long time, wanting to say something but hesitating. In the end, she could only sigh.

Qingchuan smiled, embraced her friend, and whispered a heartfelt thank you in her ear, thanking her for staying with her that night.

The taxi sped through the quiet morning, with sparse lights on the AYE. Suddenly, Qingchuan felt a bit sleepy. The driver smiled and asked, “Is the young lady going home for vacation?”

Her sleepiness vanished as she looked at the kindly driver. She smiled and replied, “Yes.”

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Qingchuan smiled wryly, “Yeah. Missing home.”

The uncle tried to comfort her, but Qingchuan couldn’t hear him anymore.

Unable to help it, she turned her head to look back, and the trees gradually receded.

In the depths of Qingchuan’s heart, someone was moving away from her at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour.

She wiped away her tears and suddenly laughed.

Lost love, huh.

Qingchuan raised the corners of her lips.

She loved him, but unfortunately, he didn’t love her.

After cruelly delaying it again and again, he finally said, “I’m sorry, it’s not that I don’t like you, but I…”

Qingchuan found it strange that she could still manage to smile.

It’s much simpler to just say “not in love.” She looked at him, smiling cutely, “I understand.”

He had a lot more to say, but Qingchuan’s gaze choked his words in his throat.

She looked at him with unusual calmness, smiling ambiguously, her gaze penetrating his mind and seeing through his thoughts.

As soon as Qingchuan boarded the plane, she began to doze off.

The flight attendant hesitated when serving breakfast but ultimately chose not to wake her.

However, Qingchuan didn’t sleep soundly. She repeatedly dreamed of that song, “Give Me a Rose,” the only melody that made her want to cry.

Qingchuan found it strange.

Shouldn’t she be sad? Upset? Shouldn’t she hate him?

But she couldn’t remember anything about him.

Over and over, there was only that song, “Give Me a Rose.”

When she got off the plane, there was a long delay at the customs due to issues with her laptop.

When the customs officers sternly scolded her about it, Qingchuan felt like crying.

In the past twenty-two years, there had never been a moment so exhausting.

Later, she finally cleared customs. Most of the people who were supposed to pick her up had already left. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw the warm faces of her parents.

Qingchuan could only smile and call out, “Mom, Dad,” with no more words.

After the car passed the ring road, Dad Ji said, “Several uncles are waiting for you. Let’s have dinner together tonight.”

Qingchuan, who had been looking out the window, turned back and smiled wryly, “Is there a need to be in such a hurry?” Her mood today was really not suitable for meeting guests.

Mom Ji smiled and patted her arm, “You, every time you come back, several uncles are eager to treat you to a meal. Why do you still talk like this?”

Qingchuan was suddenly speechless.

Her soft spot had been ruthlessly poked.

When she met several uncles and aunts at the hotel, she was only wearing an oversized long T-shirt and a pair of denim shorts.

She never brought clothes when returning to her home country. Today, for the sake of convenience on the plane, she wore this outfit. When she was suddenly invited to dinner, she didn’t even have spare clothes, so she had to come like this.

After greeting everyone with a smile, Qingchuan finally noticed the focus of today.

The uncles and aunts were people she had seen many times, but there were two boys and a girl, close to her age, whom she had never seen before.

Qingchuan vaguely guessed and, sitting down beside one of the boys with a smile, she rested her index finger against her cheek and said with a charming look, “These are the children of uncles and aunts, right? I’ve heard about you for a long time.”

Sweeping her gaze over them one by one, she playfully continued, “Let me guess, Murong Chen, Zhao Han, Gu Lin.” Going in order, as she saw the glint in their eyes, she knew she guessed correctly and couldn’t help but laugh.

Qingchuan thought, how good it was that she could still laugh.

The adults also laughed along.

Uncle Gu said, “Qingchuan is indeed clever.”

Taking a sip of tea, Qingchuan’s teacup shielded her scrutinizing gaze.

She sighed inwardly.

What a pity. Murong Chen, Zhao Han, and Gu Lin are all good-looking and have good temperament. If they had met twenty years earlier, how happy it would have been for a few childhood friends to grow up together.

At that time, Qingchuan was particularly fascinated by novels about childhood sweethearts.

However, these adults forcibly cut off this possibility.

They had known each other for decades, but only now did they think it was time for their children to meet.

Qingchuan’s peripheral vision caught Murong Chen and Zhao Han chatting and laughing.

Qingchuan’s thoughts began to spin, and her intuitive reaction was, could these two become a couple?

Although Qingchuan was not a fan of fanfiction, she read all sorts of miscellaneous books, and her exposure to BL (boys’ love) literature was not shallow.

Thinking like this, she couldn’t help but smile.

Murong Chen, sitting beside her, turned his head and looked at her in surprise.

The smile on Qingchuan’s face paused for a moment, then resumed as she slowly put down her teacup. “Let me tell you something. The first time I met Uncle Murong, my dad told me to call him Uncle Mu. I called him Uncle Mu for many years before I found out that Uncle Mu’s surname is actually Murong. My dad insisted on calling him by separating the surname, listen, Lao Mu, it sounds so unpleasant.”

Everyone at the table burst into laughter, and their eyes turned to Uncle Ji.

Uncle Ji glared at his daughter.

Qingchuan just giggled.

Murong Chen added humorously, “Luckily, you didn’t call me Murong Brother.” After Qingchuan mentioned it this way, he also felt that calling someone by separating their surname sounded really unpleasant.

Qingchuan tilted her head and looked at him, with a puzzled gleam in her eyes, “Why? Are you older than me?”

They both turned to look at their respective mothers.

Ji Mom and Murong Mom checked the dates and surprisingly found that Murong Chen was a few days younger.

Qingchuan smiled playfully, “So, you’re younger, Murong little brother.”

Murong Chen struck a pleading pose, “Let’s make a deal, Murong, or just Stupid Morning, skip the little brother part, okay?”

Qingchuan was currently sensitive to the term “little brother.” When she casually said it, she felt uncomfortable all over, reminding her of someone younger.

Taking advantage of the situation, she continued, “Murong is good; ‘Morning’ should be reserved for your girlfriend.”

Uncle Murong smiled and continued, “You guys are not young anymore, why haven’t you got boyfriends or girlfriends?”

Qingchuan knew she said the wrong thing, picked up a king prawn with her chopsticks, pretended to focus on peeling it, and heard everyone deny having a boyfriend or girlfriend. Then, she mischievously teased, “Maybe some of us do have someone but won’t tell you, Uncle Murong.”

She hinted with a glance at Murong Chen beside her.

Murong Chen helplessly looked at the woman who unjustly implicated him, shaking his head in denial.

Qingchuan smiled at him and happily enjoyed the king prawn.

Uncle Gu raised his wine glass to signal them, “I’ll toast to you all. Whether you have someone now or not, bring them back next October. This is an order, no appeals.”

Qingchuan thought, she would definitely not be in the country in October.

So, Qingchuan just smiled and took a sip of juice.

Zhao Han patted Murong Chen’s shoulder, jokingly saying, “Oh no, what if you can’t find someone by then?”

Murong Chen also laughed, “Then we’ll come back together.”

Qingchuan nearly sprayed out her juice.

Gu Lin remarked, “Why, are you two planning to reenact the ‘One-Armed Swordsman’?”

Qingchuan stole a glance at the adults and saw that they didn’t react much. She figured they probably hadn’t watched ‘One-Armed Swordsman,’ so she breathed a sigh of relief.

Gu Lin realized her statement might be inappropriate and discreetly stuck out her tongue, raised her index finger, and made a gesture for silence.

Zhao Han and Murong Chen just exchanged smiles.

Qingchuan picked up another king prawn and was in the middle of peeling it when she heard Aunt Murong say, “Xiao Chen, help Qingchuan peel the prawns. You’re a boy; don’t sit there and watch the girls do it themselves.”

Qingchuan was embarrassed and didn’t want others to peel for her, so she quickly shook her head and said it was unnecessary.

However, Murong Chen took a prawn from her hand, smiling, “I’ll do it. You’re not peeling it right.” He handed a wet tissue to Qingchuan, saying, “Wipe your hands.”

Qingchuan stared at the tissue for a moment before slowly accepting it, thanking him, and carefully wiping her hands.

In her heart, she secretly praised Aunt Murong’s excellent upbringing.

When she looked up, there was already a bowl filled with peeled king prawns in front of her.

Qingchuan was taken aback and, looking into the plate again, found it completely empty.

She turned her head in astonishment and looked at Murong Chen, whispering, “Murong, you don’t have to peel them all for me, right?”

Murong Chen just smiled without saying a word, his gaze warmly fixed on her.

Gu Lin smiled and signaled the waiter to refill Qingchuan’s cup with juice. She said to Qingchuan, “If you like it, eat more.”

Zhao Han brought a dipping plate and placed it in front of Qingchuan, saying, “Qingchuan, take your time.”

Qingchuan was stunned.

How did she suddenly feel like she was only a few years old?

She couldn’t help but chuckle, “Oh dear, even though I’m not the youngest, why is everyone taking care of me like this?”

With a smile on her face, she picked up a king prawn with her chopsticks, dipped it in sauce, took a bite, and enjoyed the delicious flavor. It wasn’t just the taste of the king prawn but also the strong affection within it.

A warm feeling filled Qingchuan’s heart, and a smile curved her lips.

There are so many beautiful things in this world. Why should she be sad and upset for a man?

Later, Qingchuan packed her bags and went to Fenghuang alone.

Although her parents were worried about her going alone, Qingchuan reassured them with a smile, saying, “It’s fine. I have a classmate in Huaihua, and she will accompany me.”

She managed to convince her parents, but she didn’t go with her classmate. Instead, she traveled alone to the place she had longed for.

Qingchuan loved everything ancient.

There are not many ancient cities left, and Qingchuan has visited Langzhong Ancient City, wandering around the ancient city for a day. In the end, she climbed up Jinping Mountain. Looking down from the top, all she could see were the gray tiles. Qingchuan’s mind was blank, and she couldn’t think of anything.

She had long heard of Fenghuang Ancient City. Seeing the stilted houses from the Tuojiang Bridge, with the gentle green waters flowing beneath her feet, the water plants swaying softly in the water, Qingchuan breathed in the humid air and couldn’t help but break into a smile.

Encountering Murong Chen for the second time in Fenghuang genuinely surprised Qingchuan. She checked into the Tuojiang Inn and, instead of rushing to explore, went for a meal first.

After flipping through the menu, Qingchuan felt her mouth watering, wanting to try everything. Seeing her hesitation, the innkeeper suggested, “Why not join that table of boys? They have more people, and you can order more dishes.”

Following his pointing finger, Qingchuan saw the group and immediately smiled, saying, “Sure.”

She walked over with her backpack, patted one of the boys on the shoulder, and playfully said, “Murong.”

Murong Chen turned around in surprise, standing up, “Qingchuan.”

Qingchuan smiled, “Mind if I join you guys for a meal?”

“Of course not.” Murong Chen signaled the innkeeper to bring an extra chair.

One of the boys who came along teased, “Murong Chen, who’s this beautiful lady to you?”

Qingchuan chuckled, “Murong is my younger brother.”

“Oh.” The boys drew out their words, casting a seemingly playful glance at Murong Chen.

Murong Chen’s eyes flashed, and he gently pressed Qingchuan’s shoulder, smiling, “Qingchuan, you’re not my sister after all.”

Qingchuan turned to look at him, her gaze a bit surprised.

Murong Chen silently looked at her, his gaze persistent.

Qingchuan’s heart skipped a beat, and she turned away, saying, “Alright, if I’m not, then I’m not.” She took the menu, “I’ll order, okay?”

She looked at the other boys for their agreement, seeing them nod, she ordered a few dishes. Seeing no objections from them, she nodded to the innkeeper.

Qingchuan asked, “Murong, how come you’re here in Fenghuang?”

Murong Chen smiled and asked in return, “Qingchuan, why are you in Fenghuang?”

Qingchuan thought she asked a silly question and laughed.

Seeing Qingchuan alone, Murong Chen couldn’t help but feel a bit worried, “Qingchuan, you came alone?”

Qingchuan smiled and nodded.

Murong Chen frowned, “Qingchuan, you’re a girl. Why didn’t you find someone to accompany you? Why did you come so far alone?”

Qingchuan playfully stuck out her tongue. Murong was more naggy than her parents.

The boys beside them burst into laughter.

Murong Chen thought for a moment, “Qingchuan, come with us for some fun.”

Qingchuan widened her eyes and shook her head repeatedly, “No need, really.”

Murong Chen directly took her phone, entered a series of numbers, waited for his own phone to ring, and then disconnected it, handing it back to Qingchuan, decisively saying, “It’s settled.” He looked cunningly at Qingchuan, “Or, I’ll call Uncle Ji.”

Qingchuan felt threatened.

Thinking it wasn’t a big deal, she just laughed, “Murong, you’re like a nanny.”

Murong Chen pursed his lips, just lowering his head to smile. He focused on Qingchuan, making her feel a bit uneasy. She raised her head and asked, “Murong, what are you looking at?”

Murong Chen smiled faintly, “Nothing.” He picked up a piece of roast chicken for her, “Eat.”

Qingchuan couldn’t quite understand, feeling that Murong’s attitude was a bit strange.

After the meal, Qingchuan wanted to go to the banks of the Tuo River.

Murong accompanied her.

Qingchuan was playful by nature. When she saw the serene river, she didn’t want to leave. Playfully, she splashed around by the river. A Miao girl rowing a boat passed by. Qingchuan called out to her, smiling and asking her to take them for a ride.

People here were all friendly, and the Miao girl smiled and agreed.

Qingchuan pulled Murong onto the boat, sitting at the bow and drifting along the Tuo River.

Suddenly, Qingchuan laughed, “Murong, I remember you went to the same high school with me, right?”

Murong Chen was somewhat surprised, “You remember?” He and Qingchuan were in the same year but different classes.

Qingchuan turned her eyes to look at him, supporting her chin with her hand. She remembered how she came to know his name—it was because his name was always linked with a girl in our class. However, she hadn’t expected that he would be Murong Uncle’s son.

Murong Chen chuckled, not knowing whether it was fortunate or unfortunate to be remembered for such a reason. He gazed at the Tuo River and slowly said, “Qingchuan, I, on the other hand, have known that you are Uncle Ji’s daughter for a long time. I’ve seen you before.”

Qingchuan was surprised, looking at him with confusion.

Murong Chen fell silent, extending his hand to stir the Tuo River water. He felt the flowing water slipping through his fingers, cold and refreshing.

Qingchuan gazed at him for a long time and then suddenly smiled, “Murong, you’re speaking strangely today.”

She looked towards the hanging houses by the river, vividly beautiful. Both of them fell into a moment of silence.

Clouds drifted across the sky, gradually darkening, leading to the dock where the Miao girl had brought them back.

Qingchuan and Murong walked slowly along the riverside. Someone passed by, carrying wishing lanterns. Qingchuan smiled and looked at Murong, “Let’s buy wishing lanterns and release them.”

Murong Chen smiled, paid for two lanterns, and Qingchuan didn’t argue over who would pay. She took one lantern and walked towards the water.

Suddenly, Murong Chen reached out, grabbing Qingchuan’s wrist, and whispered, “Qingchuan, before I make a wish, can you answer a question for me?”

Qingchuan remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

He looked at her and softly asked, as if afraid of disturbing something, “Qingchuan, do you have a boyfriend?”

Qingchuan shook her head.

Murong smiled, “That’s good. I’ve made my wish.”

He closed his eyes, silently reciting his wish, and then let go, allowing the wishing lantern to drift away with the water.

Qingchuan silently watched him, then suddenly smiled, “Murong, you didn’t ask if I liked someone.”

Murong also smiled, “That’s not important.”

Indeed, it wasn’t important.

Qingchuan sighed and asked, “Murong, when did you see me?”

Murong chuckled, “Is that important?”

Qingchuan also laughed, “Not important.”

Indeed, it wasn’t important.

The next day, Qingchuan went to Tea Dragon Cave Miao Village with the group of boys. The road conditions were poor, with the mountain path winding through eighteen turns, steep and rugged. Qingchuan rarely walked on mountain roads, and she was panting heavily, covered in sweat.

Originally trailing behind her, Murong saw her face reddened by the sun, took off his hat, put it on Qingchuan, and extended his right hand, saying, “Come, I’ll help you.”

Qingchuan glanced at him, adjusted her hat, and then reached out to him, saying, “Let’s go.”

The moment Murong touched her hand, he held it tightly. Qingchuan’s hand felt a bit painful, but she just lowered her head and pursed her lips.

With Murong leading the way, she found the journey much easier. Qingchuan suddenly said, “Murong, you’re actually a good person.”

Murong sensitively looked at her, “Qingchuan, it seems like this phrase is usually used when rejecting someone.”

Qingchuan couldn’t help but sigh, “Murong, you clearly understand it very well.”

Murong shook his head, “No, I didn’t understand anything.”

Qingchuan chuckled, lowered her head, and sighed in her heart. “Murong, if only I had met you earlier.”

She said, “Murong, actually, I have someone I like.”

Qingchuan didn’t want to say these words. The person she once liked had long drifted away from her heart.

Murong casually smiled, tightened his grip on her hand, “I told you it doesn’t matter.”

Qingchuan fell silent. The stone path unfolded step by step, with rough stones and lush wild grass. Qingchuan could see the Miao village clustered with houses like blooming flowers in the distance.

Faint sounds of water reached her ears, and when she looked up, a stream-like flow descended from the mountains, bringing a serene and cool atmosphere.

Qingchuan exclaimed, “Wow, I can hear the mountain sounds even before reaching the Miao village.”

Murong remained silent, only lowering his head to look at their joined hands, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Qingchuan tossed everything aside in her mind and enjoyed the journey.

They stayed in Fenghuang for a week. Initially, Qingchuan didn’t plan to stay that long, but with Murong, they thoroughly explored every corner of Fenghuang.

Qingchuan said, “Murong, I will remember you.”

It was the first time she had so much fun, so carefree, and so openly delighted.

Murong just smiled.

Qingchuan stared at him for a while, sighed deeply, and said seriously, “Murong, there is no future between us.”

Finally, she couldn’t avoid making it clear, transparent, so clear that even her heart was faintly aching.

“Too far apart, no guarantees.”

The plane ride alone would take four and a half hours.

Murong Chen laughed, his fingers gently tracing through her long hair. “So, Qingchuan, how about I promise you a future?”

Qingchuan didn’t understand his meaning, but Murong refused to say more.

Later, when Qingchuan’s vacation ended, she flew back to Singapore. Whenever she thought about it, she couldn’t help but suspect if it was all a dream. Another midsummer arrived, and Qingchuan was busy working. Suddenly, her phone rang, and Murong Chen’s clear voice came through, “Qingchuan.”

Qingchuan was momentarily stunned. The number was local. Murong had enrolled in a graduate program in Singapore. He said, “Qingchuan, I promised you a future, and now I’m here to fulfill it.”

Qingchuan smiled. So that’s how it was. Holding his hands tightly, she asked, “Murong, when did you first see me?”

Murong Chen smiled, “You were sixteen, singing ‘Darkness Falls’ during a class meeting. I walked by the window.”

It turned out to be that early. Qingchuan smiled with lowered eyes. Not childhood friends, but still a story.

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