During our senior year in high school, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived and the weather had become somewhat chilly.
It happened that Wei Qingfeng's eldest uncle and second uncle came to visit our family. All of us, more than twenty people gathered at his place for a meal to celebrate the reunion.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became more lively.
Due to the large number of people that day, the men sat at one table playing drinking games, while the women sat together chatting; everyone was in high spirits.
Somehow, the conversation centered on me and Wei Qingfeng. Everyone brainstormed and talked enthusiastically.
This situation occurred almost every time we had a meal together. At first, I was a bit embarrassed, but over time, I became immune to it.
They could talk about whatever they wanted, it's not like I could stop them.
While Wei's aunt was peeling shrimp, she said, "It's amazing how quickly the kids have grown up. After they finish their college entrance exams next year, they'll be leaving us. Time really flies."
"Indeed, if they attend a school nearby, that would be great. But if they go too far away, there will be nobody to look after Xiaoyue. Considering her aloof personality, I can't help but worry."
"That's easy. Just let Xiaoyue and Qingfeng apply to the same university. You're not worried that Qingfeng cannot take care of Xiaoyue, are you?"
With such simple words, the two mothers had decided my university aspirations. No one asked for my opinion. Even though I was present, I was utterly ignored.
Wei's uncle has two sons. The eldest son, Wei Qingchen, is twenty-four and studying traditional Chinese painting at Lin University. He hardly comes back once a year, and I’ve always called him 'big brother'.
The younger son, Wei Qingfeng, is a year older than me. We grew up together and I believe the bond between us is quite strong.
From the time I learned to walk, I was his little tail; from the time I learned to talk, the word 'Qingfeng' dominated my vocabulary; and from when I began to grasp the sense of romance, he became like a seed in my heart, sprouting and growing into a towering tree.
I like him, deeply.
Regarding the matter of attending the same university as him, I hadn't really given it serious thought before. I've been studying traditional Chinese painting since I was a child, so as long as the major aligns, any university would be fine; as long as our mothers are happy, that's all that matters.
As for my feelings towards him, there's an ancient poem that encapsulates it well: "If our mutual love is long-lasting, what does it matter if we are not together every moment of the day?"
I admit that I like him, like him to the point where I have sworn on several nights when I thought of him that I would marry Wei Qingfeng in this life. I like him so much that I have always believed he would be my forever.
I sat next to Aunt Wei, with Wei Qingfeng at the men's table, back to back with me, naturally hearing all the conversation.
I sneaked glances at him a few times; he always looked serious, as though he were unhappy.
I didn't understand why he was like this, and didn't pay it much mind, after all, he has always been rather emotionless and that is his usual state.
"The so-called 'marriage before career', once they graduate from university, we can select a suitable city together, I will buy a house, rush to get married, and then focus on our careers. If a child comes first, we will move there together to raise the child."
"Auntie, don't talk nonsense." I am, after all, an eighteen-year-old girl. Hearing the two mothers talk about having children, I felt so embarrassed I wished I could find a hole to crawl into.
Auntie placed the freshly peeled shrimp into my bowl, slapping my cheek with a hint of reproach, "What are you blushing for? This is an eventuality, after all."
"So, I should start preparing the dowry, right? Oh, talking about it makes it seem like the big day is just around the corner. I really need to start preparing." My mother is quick to jump to conclusions. If it were not for the other diners, she would probably put down her bowl and rush home to check her bank balance, then discuss with my father about what style to decorate the house in, and which car would be more suitable for me to drive in.
My mother is from the south, but she has the straightforwardness of a northern lady. She is decisive and open-minded.
Uncle from the other table laughingly interjected with a red face, "Isn't that the truth! Our children are making us feel old. Oh, and don't forget to invite us when it's time for the two of them to tie the knot. Let's all have a good time together."
"Of course, we could forget anyone but you. You are Qingfeng's dear uncle, you certainly have a seat reserved at the wedding."
The topic quickly shifted from which university to apply for to the division of labor and cooperation in preparation for the wedding, as if the wedding were taking place the next day. Everyone present enthusiastically participated in the discussion, including the kids who were no taller than an adult's knee, eagerly longing to be the flower children. Everyone seemed incredibly excited.
I had long become accustomed to their whimsical conversations, and neither could refute nor stop them, it was easier to pretend not to hear. Hence, despite the heated discussion amongst everyone else, I focused solely on dealing with the pile of large shrimp in my bowl.
In my heart, liking Wei Qingfeng was one thing, but marriage was still a distant notion that was too early to discuss just yet. Moreover, our wedding should ultimately be our own decision, not arranged by others, right? I should have human rights too.
The thought of marrying Wei Qingfeng wasn't just a casual whim. Our wedding should be planned according to our wishes for it to be the best.
However, this was just my thoughts.
Back then, I was still young and had never considered that love is a matter between two people. Isn’t this why we call it mutual affection?
By the time I understood this, I was already hurt by love. My innocent heart from my youth was wounded and bloody.
Wei Qingfeng that day was, surprisingly, out of my prediction, you can even say that I was quite shocked.
With his injuries and blood, he forced me to give up my affection for him.
While eating, he suddenly arose without warning. The force was too strong that the chair slid a long distance on the floor and suddenly fell over with a loud bang, creating an unpleasing sound.
I was eating heartily, and his sudden action shocked me. I instinctively turned my head to look at him, with half a piece of shrimp still in my mouth.
I had never seen Wei Qingfeng like this before.
Standing there with a full face of anger, his tall and thin frame was slightly shaking, and the flames of anger was burning in his eyes, appearing like he had been gravely wronged and extremely irritated.
"It's all because of you! Always following me around. I can't reason with you, I can't scold you, you're shameless. I'm telling you, stay away from me in the future, don’t follow me around anymore."
I never expected that he would say something like this. I was dumbfounded, watching the half-eaten piece of shrimp fall to the ground in complete silence. All of the blood in my body rushed to my head, and there was a buzzing sound in my ears. My face felt hot, as if it were on fire.
His words were harsh. It was no different from publicly accusing me of being a shameless sycophant.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and my throat seemed to choke, causing a stinging pain.
Qingfeng, what did I do wrong for you to humiliate me in front of so many people? I just like you and want to be with you. Could it be a crime to like you? Or is it that being liked by me is a disgrace that disgusts you?
You may not like me, you might want to ignore me, but you should make it clear to me at an appropriate time. You should not indulge my presumptuous behavior on one hand, while on the other hand, devalue me like a worthless stray dog.
I really am not that shameless, I just like you, that's all.
Qingfeng, is this your way of forcing me to give up my affection for you? How cruel you are!
