Silence fell among the five.
Yun Mi placed the small gift box on the table and pushed it back.
Xie Yue frowned, trying to smooth things over with some casual talk.
Zhou Shihui would probably only attend the first half of senior year; then he'd go through the recommendation process. By the time they started senior year, Zhou Shihui would already be in college.
Xie Yue said, "Well, we can still meet up when we're in college."
Zhou Shihui said, "My dad wants me to apply for the US as a freshman and then get a green card."
Xie Yue said dryly, "That's too bad."
Zhou Shihui spoke up, "I only have one regret..."
"What regret?"
"I want to confess to the person I like."
At those words, Yun Mi's heart leaped. She sat on the blue plastic stool and looked up. Zhou Shihui seemed to have tidied himself up before coming out—more attentive to his appearance than usual.
Zhou Shihui was looking at her.
He still hadn't given up.
Yun Mi instinctively looked at Chen Yiyang.
The boy's sharp, dark eyes. He sat lazily, with a youthful smile, also looking at her—whether observing or scrutinizing, she couldn't tell.
Chen Yiyang clearly knew Zhou Shihui was going to confess today.
So the argument between Zhou Shihui and Chen Yiyang was because Zhou Shihui liked her?
Yun Mi was a little angry. She stood up.
Ding Yuan, who had been enjoying the gossip, was startled by Yun Mi's movement. She leaned in and whispered, "Mimi, what's wrong?"
The dim yellow light bulb hung overhead. At the late-night snack stall, the charcoal fire glowed dark red at the bottom of the stove, white smoke drifting in all directions.
Yun Mi couldn't think of anyone more infuriating than Chen Yiyang.
She liked him, and when someone else confessed to her, he could remain unmoved.
Yun Mi's stomach began to churn.
She knew Chen Yiyang had no right to interfere, but she was still angry.
The girl's voice was calm. Before things got out of hand, she spoke up. "I just remembered something at home. Aunt Qin said I need to buy medicine. It's very important, and I need it tonight." She turned her eyes to the cold-faced boy and said in almost a commanding tone, "Chen Yiyang, come back with me first."
Chen Yiyang had originally wanted to make Zhou Shihui give up. He thought Yun Mi would refuse after Zhou Shihui confessed.
He hadn't expected... something even crueler.
In the boundless night, the boy's bangs half-covered his eyes. Chen Yiyang almost imperceptibly curled his lips.
He smiled.
Author's note: No additional note.