Solitary Toss of Tenderness

Jiang Huaixi, let’s be together

When Lu Zizheng and Jiang Huaixi returned to the living room, it was already filled with people.

Jiang Huaixi’s father and younger brother had already come back, and her grandmother had also come downstairs. There was also a young and beautiful girl sitting next to Jiang Huaichuan.

As Lu Zizheng and Jiang Huaixi stepped into the living room, everyone in the room looked up at them simultaneously. Lu Zizheng felt a bit awkward for a moment, hurriedly putting on a polite smile on her face.

Jiang Huaixi calmly called out, “Dad, Huaichuan, you’re back.” Then, she turned to the girl next to Jiang Huaichuan, smiled friendly, nodded in greeting, and turned to introduce Lu Zizheng, saying, “This is Zizheng.”

She took Lu Zizheng to introduce each person one by one, saying, “This is my grandmother… This is my father… This is my younger brother, Huaichuan, and this is his girlfriend, Qiao Xin…”

Jiang Huaixi introduced one person after another, and Lu Zizheng smiled and greeted, saying, “Hello, grandmother… Hello, uncle…”

When it came to greeting Jiang Huaichuan, Lu Zizheng hesitated for a moment, unsure of the appropriate address. Jiang Huaichuan seemed to have sensed it and grinned, saying, “Miss Lu, just call me Huaichuan like my sister does. You and my sister are the same age. Can I call you Sister Zizheng?”

Lu Zizheng looked at Jiang Huaichuan, who was dressed in a formal suit but had a cute smile like a little boy. She couldn’t help but show a sincere smile and replied, “Of course, Huaichuan.”

Then, when Qiao Xin greeted Lu Zizheng, Qiao Xin smiled and said, “Sister Zizheng, you can call me Xiao Xin.”

Lu Zizheng smiled and responded in kind.

Jiang Huaixi’s grandmother had silvery hair, a sharp spirit, a kind and benevolent face, and appeared very amiable. Father Jiang had a distinguished presence, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses that gave him a scholarly and serious look. However, at this moment, both of them were somewhat impolitely fixated on Lu Zizheng without shifting their gaze.

Lu Zizheng stood in front of the coffee table in the living room, surrounded by the Jiang family members sitting in a circle. She felt as if their stares were piercing a hole in her. Unnoticeably, she bit her lip. It truly felt like being scrutinized at a family tribunal.

Jiang Huaixi discreetly stood in front of Lu Zizheng, blocking the scrutinizing gazes. She pulled her to sit on the empty sofa to the right and said, “Have a seat for now. Dinner will be ready soon.”

However, Father Jiang and Grandmother Jiang still couldn’t bring themselves to withdraw their fixed gaze on Lu Zizheng. Jiang Huaixi sensed it and felt a bit displeased. She cleared her throat lightly and coughed as a gentle reminder.

Only then did Father Jiang shift his gaze, giving a slight smile. He politely said to Lu Zizheng, “I’ve often heard Huaixi talk about you. Today, we finally have the pleasure of meeting you. Uncle sincerely invites you to come to our home often.”

Grandmother Jiang chimed in as well, saying, “It’s my first time meeting you, but I don’t know why, the more I look at you, the more I like you. Please come to our home often, sit and spend time with us. Whenever you and Huaixi have the time, come together and let grandmother see you, accompany grandmother.”

Lu Zizheng responded in unison, expressing her agreement.

She exerted her utmost effort, being highly attentive and engaging in conversations with the Jiang family members. Most of the time, they asked questions, and Lu Zizheng provided the answers. With few relatives in her own family, she rarely had such discussions about family matters with elders. She handled it with great caution, fearing that any response might be inappropriate, impolite, or not to their liking. Within a few minutes, she had broken out in a thin layer of sweat.

Jiang Huaixi furrowed her brows slightly, turned to Qiao Xin, who was sitting leisurely beside her, and asked, “Have you and Huaichuan thought about settling down?”

Qiao Xin glanced at Jiang Huaichuan beside her, blushed shyly, and nodded gently.

Jiang Huaixi continued to be curious and asked, “Have you discussed it?”

Qiao Xin looked at Jiang Huaichuan, and Jiang Huaichuan answered on her behalf, saying, “Yes, actually I mentioned it to our parents last week. We plan to get engaged in the second half of this year, but we still need to discuss the specifics.”

Indeed, everyone’s attention shifted to Qiao Xin and Jiang Huaichuan. Father Jiang and Grandmother Jiang chimed in, asking about some details and plans for the future.

Lu Zizheng breathed a sigh of relief, while Jiang Huaixi curved her lips, feeling satisfied.

The conversation continued for a while, and suddenly Grandmother Jiang waved her hand, calling Qiao Xin over to her side. She took off a bracelet from her hand and handed it to Qiao Xin, saying, “This was passed down to me by my mother-in-law when I got married to your grandfather. It is said to be an heirloom of the Jiang family. Today, I’m passing this one to you. You and Huaichuan must cherish each other. Grandmother is looking forward to holding her great-grandchild.”

Qiao Xin didn’t refuse and accepted the bracelet with a blushing face. She softly replied, “Grandmother, I will.”

Grandmother Jiang happily touched Qiao Xin’s head and praised her, saying, “Good girl, so well-behaved…” Then, changing the subject, she looked at Jiang Huaixi and reminded her, “Huaixi, now that your younger brother has settled down, grandmother doesn’t need to worry anymore. When will I be able to pass the other bracelet in my hand to my well-behaved grandson-in-law?” Whether intentional or unintentional, Lu Zizheng could feel that Grandmother Jiang gaze shifted towards her.

Lu Zizheng’s heart sank, and she lowered her head, unable to meet Grandmother Jiang’s gaze, feeling hesitant to respond.

Jiang Huaixi, with a clever response, said, “Grandmother, it seems you’ll have to keep it for a few more years on my behalf…”

Grandmother Jiang, feeling frustrated, said, “You should put more effort into this matter.”

Jiang Huaixi smiled but did not respond.

Finally, Mother Jiang came over to announce that dinner was ready, and everyone then moved to the dining room.

The dishes were served one by one, each one beautifully presented with enticing colors, aromas, and flavors. However, there was something peculiar about some of the dishes. Despite using mostly the same ingredients, two dishes would be served together, like a sweet and sour fish alongside a steamed fish.

Finally, desserts and fruits were served. Jiang Huaixi reached out and picked up a small plate of cake for Lu Zhizheng, smiling as she handed it to her, saying, “Here you go, the dessert I owed you from last Christmas.”

Jiang Huaichuan, noticing Jiang Huaixi’s gesture, blinked and jokingly complained to her, “Sis, I’m not happy. You’ve never been this nice to me.”

Jiang Huaixi, without lifting her head, replied calmly, “I know you don’t like sweet food.”

Jiang Huaichuan scoffed and explained to Lu Zhizheng, “Zhizheng, you may not know this, but actually, no one in our family likes sweets. Among all of us, my sister dislikes them the most. However, today, she surprisingly paid attention to the dinner menu and specifically ordered a dessert. It seems it was intended for you, Zhizheng.”

Lu Zhizheng looked at Jiang Huaixi in a daze after hearing her words. Jiang Huaixi calmly explained, “As I said, it’s to make up for the dessert I owed you from last Christmas.”

Jiang Huaichuan chuckled and continued to expose the truth, asking Lu Zhizheng, “Zhizheng, do you know why some dishes have two different styles?” He was satisfied to see Lu Zhizheng shaking her head in confusion before he continued, “It’s because our family doesn’t like sweet flavors but prefers sour tastes. We also enjoy eating coriander and various seasoned dishes. So all the dishes are prepared according to our usual taste preferences, and the extra one is personally selected by my sister for you.”

Lu Zhizheng couldn’t help but be astonished, her expression becoming complex as she looked at Jiang Huaixi. Father Jiang, Mother Jiang, and Grandmother Jiang also looked at her and Jiang Huaixi with complicated expressions.

Jiang Huaixi slightly grew annoyed, furrowing her brows as she lightly reprimanded Jiang Huaichuan, “Didn’t Dad always teach you when you were little to eat more and talk less?”

Jiang Huaichuan mischievously tilted his head and replied, “Ah, but I’m full now and don’t plan on eating anymore, so I can talk more.” Qiao Xin, who was beside them, handed him a piece of watermelon with a smile, scolding him, “You can’t stop talking even while eating.”

Jiang Huaixi didn’t respond to Lu Zhizheng’s gaze. She lowered her head and softly said, “Eat the cake quickly.”

So Lu Zhizheng lowered her head and silently ate the cake, her thoughts drifting away to an unknown place.

Not long after finishing their meal, the snow had stopped. However, Qiao Xin was worried that the snow might continue and the road conditions would worsen, so she asked Jiang Huaichuan to drive her back. Lu Zhizheng took the opportunity to mention that she wanted to go back as well. After an unsuccessful attempt by Grandmother Jiang to warmly invite her to stay the night, she changed her tone and asked Lu Zhizheng to remember to come back. Lu Zhizheng felt somewhat guilty about the old lady’s enthusiasm and sighed softly, weakly agreeing.

On the way back, there was an unusual silence in the car. Lu Zhizheng was clearly lost in thought, and Jiang Huaixi didn’t disturb her.

They arrived at the entrance of the residential area without exchanging a word. Jiang Huaixi parked the car, and Lu Zhizheng was about to get out when Jiang Huaixi suddenly suggested, “Since we’ve eaten, let’s take a walk to digest a bit. I’ll accompany you to the entrance of the building.” She was concerned about Lu Zhizheng’s unusual silence and sadness.

Lu Zhizheng didn’t oppose either, walking slowly side by side with Jiang Huaixi. After only about ten steps, she suddenly spoke, her voice tinged with sadness. “Huaixi, I don’t know anything. What you like to eat, what you don’t like…”

Jiang Huaixi was slightly taken aback, and she chuckled lightly. “I know, you have a small brain capacity and poor memory. It’s an innate deficiency. I’m considerate, gentle, and understanding enough to make up for it.”

Lu Zhizheng laughed at herself. “That’s not what I meant.”

They had reached the entrance of the building. Jiang Huaixi fell silent for a moment, and her cool voice carried a hint of hidden tenderness. “Zizheng, I know. Just keep me in your heart. Don’t think too much.”

Lu Zhizheng turned her body to face Jiang Huaixi, looking at her intently. In that instant, it felt as if her entire world revolved around Jiang Huaixi.

Huaixi, with your tenderness, how can I bear to let go, to refuse?

She pondered and pondered in her heart, twisting the clothes at her side into knots. Finally, she mustered up the courage, tilting her head up and asking Jiang Huaixi, “Let’s be…?”

Just as she uttered those two words, droplets of water fell on Lu Zhizheng’s face from the balcony of an unknown floor above. The sudden chill startled her.

She wanted to ask Jiang Huaixi, “Let’s be together, okay?”

However, after being interrupted, she couldn’t bring herself to ask.

Jiang Huaixi stretched out her hand without hesitation, disregarding everything else. She used her own sleeve to wipe away the water stains on Lu Zhizheng’s face. However, in an instant, Lu Zhizheng’s expression became downcast, her eyes slightly reddened. She held onto Jiang Huaixi’s hand and pleaded in a low voice, “Can I hug you?”

Jiang Huaixi hesitated for a moment, then opened her arms and embraced her.

The icy, wet sensation on her face remained, and that dreadful feeling left by the droplet on her face instantly stirred up the fear hidden deep in her heart. In that moment, she could hardly control the trembling coursing through her entire body.

Back in her third year of junior high school, her father passed away unexpectedly. On the first day back to school after her leave, she excused herself from the morning exercise, claiming discomfort in her body and didn’t participate on the exercise field. The teacher, considering her situation, didn’t press the matter and granted it.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Fangfan, out of concern for her, returned after leaving and skipped the morning exercise.

They were the only two in the classroom. Lu Zizheng had been leaning on the desk, and Zhou Fangfan sat down beside her, patting her shoulder. She turned her face to look at Zhou Fangfan.

Zhou Fangfan asked if she was feeling unwell and gently reassured her. She touched Lu Zizheng’s face and told her, “Zizheng, don’t be afraid. Even if I’m a girl, if you like me in a way that a boy likes a girl, I won’t be unhappy. I will always be there for you, never leaving or abandoning you…”

In that moment, Lu Zizheng, who had been holding back her tears since coming to school, finally couldn’t hold them back any longer. She bit her lip, trembling and crying intensely. Zhou Fangfan opened her arms and embraced her, continuously comforting her softly, saying, “Zizheng, don’t be afraid. You still have me, and I’ll always be with you…”

At that time, she was extremely fragile, clinging to Zhou Fangfan’s words as a lifeline. She didn’t even consider that it might be wrong for a girl to like another girl. Without much thought, she choked up and sought confirmation from Zhou Fangfan, saying, “Even if I like you, like a boy liking a girl, you won’t be unhappy, and you’ll always be there for me, never leaving or abandoning me, right?”

Zhou Fangfan had a moment of bewilderment, and in the next moment, the delight in her eyes was evident to Lu Zizheng. Zhou Fangfan’s voice, carrying a magical power, gradually calmed her anxious heart. She said, “I won’t, I won’t leave you, definitely not, Zizheng…” She lowered her head, and tender kisses landed on Lu Zizheng’s cheek, nose, and finally, her lips…

However, in the next moment, the teacher’s voice filled with astonishment and reproach rang out, “What are you doing?!”

And then, this reprimand marked the beginning of countless nightmares in Lu Zizheng’s life.

Ever since the second year of junior high, Lin Wei had caused trouble for Lu Zizheng because the boy she liked also had feelings for Lu Zizheng. Later, Lu Zizheng heard that Lin Wei had been slapped by that boy. Since then, Lin Wei had always been at odds with her. Now, she finally had the chance for revenge.

As a result, with Lin Wei’s exaggerated and sensationalized proclamations, the situation escalated, the impact worsened, and Lu Zizheng found herself in increasingly difficult circumstances. When she was on the brink of involving her parents and facing the possibility of leaving school, Zhou Fangfan resolutely changed her stance, insisting that she only regarded Lu Zizheng as a good friend, while Lu Zizheng, after her confession was rejected, forcefully kissed her.

The evening before the day she was to have her parents called by the principal, she sobbed with her head on the desk for the entire afternoon. As the last person left the classroom, she was cornered by Lin Wei at the wall and pushed, falling to the ground. Zhou Fangfan, who didn’t know why she returned, hurriedly ran towards Lu Zizheng to help her up and weakly said to Lin Wei, “Lin Wei, you can’t go this far.”

But Lin Wei smirked and said, “This is going too far? I can go even further.” As she spoke, she opened her mouth and spat in Lu Zizheng’s face, cursing, “Disgusting pervert.”

She looked at Zhou Fangfan with a sly smile and asked, “You’re defending her like this? Isn’t it because Lu Zizheng’s confession failed, and in reality, you two have feelings for each other?”

Zhou Fangfan was taken aback and then slowly released Lu Zizheng’s hand, turning around to leave. “How is that possible?”

However, Lin Wei didn’t let her go and called out to her, saying, “I don’t believe it, prove it to me.” Pointing at Lu Zizheng, she said, “Just like me, spit on her and call her a pervert…”

Zhou Fangfan looked at Lin Wei in disbelief, without making a move.

Lin Wei asked, “Do you also want to have your parents called and be expelled?”

Zhou Fangfan remained stunned for a while, then mechanically turned her body and made a spitting motion towards Lu Zizheng, who was collapsed in the corner, muttering in a barely audible voice, “Pervert…”

In that moment, Lu Zizheng heard the sound of her heart dying…

The traces of water on Lu Zizheng’s face had already dried up, leaving behind dried marks on her face, much like the tear stains left by the tears that had slid down from the corners of her eyes. She withdrew from Jiang Huaixi’s embrace and softly instructed, “Go back now, be careful on the way.”

Jiang Huaixi wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, she simply nodded and turned away.

Lu Zizheng watched Jiang Huaixi’s retreating figure, a bitter smile on her lips.

Perhaps it was fate, not allowing her to ask that question.

Good friends are just friends, they cannot possess each other.

TL. What the hell Author?! (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )