WG - 71

In the afternoon, Xie Ye had a dream, but it wasn’t exactly a dream.

He merely recalled some events, and upon waking up, he suddenly remembered that what happened in the dream was actually from the time in middle school when he carried Chi Zhiyu back from the dance studio.

Later, he saw it too.

—Chi Zhiyu cried for the first time.

That day, after leaving the Chi family, Xie Ye’s lips gradually tightened, full of murderous intent, the sense of violence pressing on his rationality. Without looking back, he strode out while holding the person in his arms.

The young man was hot-blooded; he had been restraining his temper. Being able to speak so rationally to Bai Li had already reached his limit. If he stayed any longer, he feared losing control of his emotions and doing something he shouldn’t.

Upon returning home, Xie Ye immediately asked Jian Yazhi to call the family doctor over, then carried Chi Zhiyu back to his room.

After soothing her to sleep, Jian Yazhi brought the doctor upstairs to treat her wounds. They also changed her into pajamas so she could rest peacefully.

After everything was settled, Xie Ye returned to the room and sat by Chi Zhiyu’s bedside to keep her company.

It was already evening by then. Jian Yazhi checked the time and told him to go sleep in the next room, as sitting here wasn’t appropriate and might disturb Xiaozhi’s rest.

Xie Ye refused, “It’s still early. I’ll go to sleep later. You go ahead.”

Seeing him like this, Jian Yazhi didn’t insist and accompanied them for a while before going to bed.

Xie Ye sat there, lowering his gaze to Chi Zhiyu’s sleeping face, lost in thought, quietly staying without speaking.

After waiting for a while, seeing that she no longer frowned and truly fell asleep, Xie Ye got up to wash up and then returned to the adjacent room.

......

In the middle of the night.

Xie Ye woke up inexplicably, seeing the curtains swaying slightly in the wind, furrowing his brow, he lost the will to sleep, got up, and closed the window.

Afterward, he wasn’t sure if the windows in his room were closed, feeling uneasy, he turned around, opened the door, and left the room. Just as he was about to head to the adjacent room, he suddenly heard some noises downstairs.

He paused and walked down to the first floor.

The living room lights were off, dimly lit with only a faint glow coming from the kitchen.

The sound came from the kitchen. Xie Ye walked over and saw the slim figure in front of the counter, softly asking, “What’s wrong?”

Chi Zhiyu’s actions seemed to pause. Without turning around, she continued to face away from him and said hoarsely, “Nothing, I was just thirsty. Do you want water too?”

Xie Ye hummed in response and walked to her side. Because she was looking down, he couldn’t quite see her expression.

Chi Zhiyu picked up the kettle and cup, poured a glass, and handed it to him.

Xie Ye took it and noticed her slightly red eyes. His throat inexplicably felt dry as he softly asked, “Can’t sleep?”

Chi Zhiyu lowered her gaze, “Hmm, it seems a bit.”

Xie Ye said, “So you sneaked down here.”

“......”

Chi Zhiyu stood silently, not speaking.

“One person coming down isn’t afraid? Next time remember to turn on the light; if you fall, you’ll have to go to the hospital.” Xie Ye softly said, “Otherwise, if you’re thirsty, call me or give me a phone call, okay?”

Chi Zhiyu stood quietly, silent.

“Talk.” Xie Ye tried to read her expression, “Did you become mute after sleeping for a while?”

Chi Zhiyu still didn’t respond.

Xie Ye stood beside her, looking at her sideways. He didn’t urge her further, quietly pouring her a cup of hot water and setting it aside to let the steam dissipate.

Chi Zhiyu stared at the water in front of her, her gaze somewhat absent.

A long while later.

Xie Ye watched as she suddenly lifted her hand, picked up the cup, took a sip, then put it down. “Let’s go upstairs.”

“Hmm.”

Xie Ye walked beside her. Chi Zhiyu suddenly said softly, “Xie Ye, can I hold your hand?”

Xie Ye extended his hand in front of her, “Hold.”

After getting an answer, Chi Zhiyu held his hand. Her fingertips were cold, as if they lacked warmth.

Xie Ye held her hand back, walking forward a few steps, when suddenly the person beside him stopped in her tracks, standing behind him.

Noticing this, Xie Ye turned to look at her.

Chi Zhiyu was still holding his hand but lagged behind alone, standing in the darkness, slightly lowering her head, her body trembling slightly.

Xie Ye’s expression froze, walking to her front and saw a crystal-clear tear roll down from the air, finally hitting the ground.

Xie Ye’s fingertips felt cold too. Slightly bending down, his fingers touched her face.

Chi Zhiyu stood still, her eyes redder, yet she made no sound. Only her shoulders trembled lightly, tears uncontrollably sliding down her cheeks, one after another, continuously falling.

Plop.

Gently landing on the ground.

It was as if they landed on his heart, causing great pain.

Xie Ye closed his eyes briefly, quickly opening them again to look at her, reaching out to lift her constantly bowed head, gently wiping the tears from her face. The droplets were heavy, suffocating.

Just now, she might have been here in the darkness, alone.

Silently crying.

Or perhaps every time.

Hidden in that cold home, enduring those injuries and sorrows alone.

Without anyone knowing.

Xie Ye’s throat felt dry, pausing for a moment, gently wiping away her incessant tears, his voice slightly hoarse, “Don’t be afraid.”

You’re not alone anymore.

So you don’t have to cry alone anymore.

You can

No longer hide in your blanket every night, fearing Bai Li’s midnight screams and madness, then wipe your tears the next day, facing life alone and strong.

You can

Sleep well, live well.

......

That was the first time Xie Ye saw Chi Zhiyu cry.

She never let go of his hand either.

Like a drowning person clutching the only straw.

Holding tightly, without letting go.

Otherwise,

She might fall into the abyss.

......

That day.

That girl had reached her limit, unable to face and bear anymore. She put down all her strength, hiding in front of him, crying silently.

It was like tonight’s New Year’s Eve.

His girl came to his embrace again, saying heartbreaking words repeatedly.

The Spring Festival Gala on TV inside the house was still broadcasting, actors delivering lines amidst the audience’s laughter.

Outside the window, there were sounds of fireworks, permeated with a strong festive atmosphere.

Chi Zhiyu looked at the fireworks blooming in the dark night, noisy and dazzling.

Suddenly, Chi Zhiyu felt as if she had returned to that birthday party, so lively, so hurtful.

Everything seemed to have just happened yesterday.

Chi Yan and Bai Li’s words seemed vividly clear, constantly reminding her of past events.

And she would always remember Bai Li’s words.

——”Ayu, let’s endure a little more.”

Endure a little more.

Because today is your birthday party, you are the protagonist of this banquet, your father needs this event.

So nothing should happen here.

So,

Endure a little more.

“Why,” Chi Zhiyu looked at the fireworks that re-bloomed, her eyes dull and lifeless, “I’m in so much pain, why do I still have to endure?”

Xie Ye’s movements paused.

“Clearly, I am his daughter.” Mentioning this, Chi Zhiyu’s tone became somewhat difficult: “But he can be so indifferent, so hurtful.”

“I’ve never done anything wrong.” Chi Zhiyu’s eyes gradually reddened, seemingly confused, softly murmuring, “Why do they not want me anymore?”

Hearing this, Xie Ye let go of her, looking at her expression, his throat dry, struggling to speak.

After a long while, he finally spoke, “If they don’t want you, then so be it.”

Chi Zhiyu held back her tears, looking at him.

Xie Ye gently pressed her reddened eyes, his voice low and hoarse, “Chi Zhiyu, besides them, many people like you. I like you, my mom likes you too. What are you afraid of?”

Xie Ye caressed her face, looking into her eyes, “And you must remember—”

His tone was soft, but the words struck her heart heavily.

“I love you.”

They don’t love you.

I do.

And I always will.

Chi Zhiyu looked at the person in front of her.

The emotions that had been suppressed in her heart unfolded infinitely with that sentence.

Her nose tingled, tears welling up in her eyes, spilling over at once, rolling down her cheeks.

Xie Ye’s fingertips gently wiped away her tears, suddenly calling out, “Chi Zhiyu.”

“......”

“You’re great.” Xie Ye’s tone was soft, “You’ve always been amazing. So don’t endure. If it hurts, say it.”

Upon hearing this, Chi Zhiyu paused, staring into his eyes.

“Don’t endure anything. Cry if you want to cry, don’t do what you don’t want to do.” Xie Ye stared at her face, his familiar arrogant and confident tone, “Remember, with me, no one will make you endure.”

No suppression.

No compromise.

Don’t委屈 yourself for those unworthy people.

Because you haven’t done anything wrong.

You are good.

“......”

Chi Zhiyu stared at him blankly, tears uncontrollably flowing down.

Xie Ye continued to wipe her tears, “Do you remember?”

Chi Zhiyu sniffed, holding back her tears, leaned forward, hugged him, buried her head in his chest, firmly biting her lip.

Xie Ye gently lifted her onto his lap, ruffling her hair. The force remained unchanged, still heavy, yet still comforting. His tone casual, “What does hugging me mean? Do you remember?”

Chi Zhiyu wrapped her arms around his waist, her fingertips tightly gripping his clothes, softly humming.

Remembered.

She really liked this boy.

Truly, very much.

The fireworks outside were still being set off, one after another, occasionally accompanied by distant explosions from other households.

Listening to these sounds, Chi Zhiyu felt that this year seemed a bit different.

She looked up at the somewhat bright window outside, sniffed, “They’re setting off fireworks again.”

“Hmm?” Xie Ye followed her gaze, as if remembering something, casually asked, “What? You want to set them off too?”

Chi Zhiyu sniffed, shaking her head, “No, I don’t.”

Xie Ye was still following his own topic, raising an eyebrow, “I find you quite childish.”

“?”

“But,” Xie Ye resumed his usual carefree demeanor, “I can indulge your childish thoughts today.”

“......”

“Hmm?” Chi Zhiyu was taken aback, “Indulge me in what?”

After asking, Xie Ye didn’t answer, just suddenly picked her up. Startled, Chi Zhiyu instinctively clung tighter to him.

Xie Ye put her down, helped her put on her coat, zipped it up to the bottom, then held her hand and pushed open the courtyard gate.

Chi Zhiyu followed him into the yard, facing the cold wind, completely bewildered, her voice still nasal, “What are we doing here?”

The courtyard had a side gate, somewhat similar to the balcony upstairs, allowing a view of the bustling streets outside.

“Stand here.” Xie Ye let her stand in place, walked to the side, picked up something, and placed it in her hand, “Hold it, kid.”

Chi Zhiyu dumbfoundedly looked at the sparkler in her hand, snapping out of it, she couldn’t help but laugh and looked up at him, “When did you buy these?”

“I happened to see them a few days ago and bought a few on a whim.” Xie Ye took out a lighter, lit two of them, and handed them to her, “Be careful not to get splashed.”

Chi Zhiyu hummed in acknowledgment, taking them, and looked down.

Once the sparklers were lit, they instantly emitted a sizzling sound, simultaneously releasing dazzling light, like small fireworks blooming.

Like a cluster of flowers, dotted with stars, radiating brilliance.

Chi Zhiyu’s gaze was fixed on that small firework, the suppressed emotions seemed to blossom together, suddenly dissipating.

The sparklers burned quickly, ending in just over ten seconds.

Chi Zhiyu turned to look at Xie Ye, frowning, “That was way too fast.”

“And you’re blaming me?” Xie Ye laughed, lowered his gaze, and relit two more for her, teasingly saying, “This time, beg it to burn slower.”

Chi Zhiyu took them, “Next time remember to buy bigger ones, they’ll burn slower.”

Not long after, they burned out again.

Chi Zhiyu was waiting for the next one, but seeing he didn’t continue lighting them, blinked, “Are they all gone?”

Xie Ye glanced at her, “Do you think I’m a vending machine?”

Chi Zhiyu hadn’t had enough yet, disappointedly saying, “Why did you buy so few?”

“......”

Earlier, seeing her continuously staring at the fireworks without looking up at him, Xie Ye was already a bit annoyed. Now she was asking this again, making him feel a bit irritated. He raised his hand and pinched her cheek,

“Kid, what’s with you, only seeing these broken fireworks, huh? Who bought them for you, don’t you know?”

Chi Zhiyu caught his meaning, laughed out loud, hugged his waist, tilted her head, kissed him, and smiled, “Yes, yes, it was you who bought them for me.”

Coincidentally, fireworks went off outside, dazzling and eye-catching, celebrating the New Year’s Eve.

Xie Ye stared at her, leaning down to kiss the corner of her lips softly, whispering, “Happy New Year, girlfriend.”

Chi Zhiyu’s eyes twinkled with a smile, kissing his lips, softly replying, “Happy New Year, boyfriend.”

Seeing her smile, Xie Ye inexplicably curved his lips too, touching her slightly cold face, not lingering further, single-handedly pulling her back into the living room.

Neither of them felt sleepy, so they simply sat on the sofa together, continuing to watch the Spring Festival Gala, chatting intermittently.

Originally, Chi Zhiyu had vowed to stay up all night with him, but halfway through, possibly due to crying earlier and releasing emotional fluctuations, she gradually fell asleep nestled in Xie Ye’s arms.

Xie Ye patted her back with one hand, as if consoling.

Not knowing how long it had been.

Hearing her breathing gradually become calm and light, Xie Ye casually turned off the TV, got up, lifted her in his arms, and headed upstairs to her room.

Xie Ye settled her on the bed, pulled over the blanket to cover her, and casually sat by the bedside, quietly watching her.

Not long after.

The hour hand of the clock on the bedside table moved past the last mark.

Pointing to twelve.

Outside the house, bursts of firecrackers rang out, welcoming the new year.

Chi Zhiyu’s eyelashes fluttered, seemingly startled awake. Xie Ye gently and rhythmically patted her back, soothing her, “It’s alright.”

After the firecrackers finished, silence returned.

Perhaps because of his presence, Chi Zhiyu finally felt reassured, closed her eyes peacefully, and gradually fell asleep.

Xie Ye sat by the bedside, looking down at her.

And everything she said that night began to surface in his mind, echoing repeatedly in his ears.

He had once wondered.

What was Chi Zhiyu like before they met.

He imagined.

Would she be the same as now, living painfully yet resiliently.

Or maybe, Bai Li and Chi Yan weren’t as crazy yet, and she still lived like other children.

But.

She wasn’t living well, not at all.

Even worse.

Xie Ye closed his eyes, concealing the rampage and brutality in his eyes. After a long while, he opened his eyes again, looking at the tear stains on her eyelids. In her dream, she seemed to be crying again, another tear sliding slowly down.

Xie Ye raised his hand, carefully wiping away the tears on her face.

Then, his Adam’s apple slowly rolled, as if a bit choked up. He lowered his head, placing a respectful and warm kiss on her forehead, accompanied by his earnest and clear words.

“Happy New Year, nine-year-old Chi Zhiyu.”

Remember.

From now on, I will be in your life.

So, you don’t have to cry anymore.

My clumsy yet fervently beloved little girl.