The Goddess and the Ugly Duckling - Chapter 4

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasi. If you’re not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

The northern wind carried a slight chill, and apart from that lush field, all the leaves of the trees covering the mountain side had fallen, leaving nothing behind.

Yu Xiaoya’s eyes widened, looking to him she asked in shock, “How did I lose? You just put down the chopsticks, you didn’t even spin them!” After the barbecue started, Gao Heng dragged the others to play again. He simply wasn’t in the mood to do “Black—white—match—” so had chosen to spin a chopstick instead, and whomever it landed on would just be declared the loser.

Yu Xiaoya’s eyes widened, looking to him she asked in shock, “How did I lose? You just put down the chopsticks, you didn’t even spin them!” After the barbecue started, Gao Heng dragged the others to play again. He simply wasn’t in the mood to do “Black—white—match—” so had chosen to spin a chopstick instead, and whomever it landed on would just be declared the loser.

N/A

Xiaoya giggled while walking beside Lu Xiaoya. From since she had begun high school, she had never been this happy. Peeping at the torch light in Lu Xiaobei’s hand, Xiaoya then said, “Captain, that sort of looks like the flashlight the principal carries around every night.”

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

Truth

“I thought there was gonna be a winter camp couple.”

Stars… acne…

Gao Heng then looked at Xiaoya, a wicked smile spawning on his face.

“I thought there was gonna be a winter camp couple.”

When a student passed by them, they all took off in every direction, all except for one little pigeon. This one was not afraid of people like the others, and the bright green and purple around its neck made it especially beautiful. For this reason, a group of girls came by and fed it some corn kernels, the little thing was even brave enough to get closer to them and peck it from their hands.

Stars… acne…

The northern wind carried a slight chill, and apart from that lush field, all the leaves of the trees covering the mountain side had fallen, leaving nothing behind.

The song: 星星点灯 (Star Lighting/Lamps) by Zheng Zhihua[]Link: YouTube

Winter days are that time of year where things are the most lifeless, but a group of teenagers are always full of life. Even after playing from the afternoon until evening, they still showed no sign of exhaustion.

Yu Xiaoya then turned her head, the embers of the bonfire leapt, illuminating that person’s bright and clear face, the scene causing their beauty to increase threefold. In that moment, she recalled the black wind-breaker that person wore the night before, as well as her statuesque figure on the hillside today, “Captain, in my heart, you are the most outstanding of us all. So if I was ever looking for a boyfriend, I will surely try to find one like you.”

Yu Xiaoya then turned her head, the embers of the bonfire leapt, illuminating that person’s bright and clear face, the scene causing their beauty to increase threefold. In that moment, she recalled the black wind-breaker that person wore the night before, as well as her statuesque figure on the hillside today, “Captain, in my heart, you are the most outstanding of us all. So if I was ever looking for a boyfriend, I will surely try to find one like you.”

From her seat beside Yu Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei cleared her throat, and Xiaoya felt a bit more at ease. After spending half the day stirring up trouble, she wasn’t the only one who got familiar with her winter camp schoolmates, even managing to whisper in the captain’s ear from time to time. So right now with the captain as her backer, nothing—even the unstoppable—could stand in her way.

Lu Xiaobei was still unresponsive. Only then did Xiaoya notice that the captain seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and possibly hadn’t heard what she said at all. So she the called out, “Captain? Captain?!”

Xiaoya shook her head in response, replying, “Nothing. Everyone’s singing just sounds really nice.”

Mr. Qi had borrowed a barbecue grill from the owner of the building and had taken the twenty students for a hillside barbecue that evening, nipping the issue of dinner that night in the bud. Xiaoya happily nibbled on a steamed bun then, while listening to Gao Heng shout, “Little junior, you lost! But I’ll do you a solid and choose truth for you since it’s going be dark soon, and if I give a dare, I’m afraid you won’t see the road clearly. You might end up falling and crying.”

Yu Xiaoya was stunned for a while, never expecting Gao Heng to ask such a question. The scarlet glow of the setting evening sun was obstructed by the mountains, yet Xiaoya’s cheeks were tinged with a crimson hue. She quickly glanced at all the boys sitting around her, hearing their boisterous laughter, and feeling herself grow embarrassed—embarrassed to the point of death!

Yu Xiaoya’s eyes widened, looking to him she asked in shock, “How did I lose? You just put down the chopsticks, you didn’t even spin them!” After the barbecue started, Gao Heng dragged the others to play again. He simply wasn’t in the mood to do “Black—white—match—” so had chosen to spin a chopstick instead, and whomever it landed on would just be declared the loser.

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

“Scoff—”

Lu Xiaobei felt as if a bucket of cold water was poured on her head. Her heart thundering as it pounded. But she was unsure about who exactly it was beating for.

When a student passed by them, they all took off in every direction, all except for one little pigeon. This one was not afraid of people like the others, and the bright green and purple around its neck made it especially beautiful. For this reason, a group of girls came by and fed it some corn kernels, the little thing was even brave enough to get closer to them and peck it from their hands.

Truth

Yu Xiaoya’s heart was now beating like a drum. Gao Heng looks super careless but his EQ isn’t bad, so he shouldn’t ask any improper questions, right?

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

Gao Heng then argued back, “I did spin it! You were just too happy eating your bun to notice!”

From her seat beside Yu Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei cleared her throat, and Xiaoya felt a bit more at ease. After spending half the day stirring up trouble, she wasn’t the only one who got familiar with her winter camp schoolmates, even managing to whisper in the captain’s ear from time to time. So right now with the captain as her backer, nothing—even the unstoppable—could stand in her way.

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

Yu Xiaoya took a bite of her now cold steamed bun, “There is only one person among us worthy of being the one who stands above all others.”

“Huh?” Xiaoya was a then a bit stunned, as the index finger of Lu Xiaobei’s half-closed right hand gently hooked her by the chin. It felt like being touched by a feather—a bit ticklish… a bit tingly. Lu Xiaobei then sang the line once more, this time right beside Xiaoya’s ear, “The star lights, will light up my future…”

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

Maybe it was just because there were a lot of people, or maybe it was down to Xiaoya’s luck being that great, but since she never experienced losing, she was a bit excited to join the game. So, at that moment, she really wasn’t mad at all, saying, “Ask away.”

Gao Heng then looked at Xiaoya, a wicked smile spawning on his face.

Xiaoya shook her head in response, replying, “Nothing. Everyone’s singing just sounds really nice.”

Yu Xiaoya bit her lips, her inner turmoil revealed in her eyes. If the punishment this time was downing three cups, she could just pour them. This time… This time…

Gao Heng then looked at Xiaoya, a wicked smile spawning on his face.

The northern wind carried a slight chill, and apart from that lush field, all the leaves of the trees covering the mountain side had fallen, leaving nothing behind.

N/A

Seeing Lu Xiaobei didn’t reply, Xiaoya explained, “After the evening self-study classes back at school, the principal always takes along a huge flashlight when going around to catch people, like if there was a couple holding hands or something. Even boys and girls walking side by side got counted. And after he grabbed them, he made them stand outside under the big tree near the gate.”

The owner of the building had brought over a few large flash lights to give the students, and with Mr. Qi carrying the two grills in hand, all the students were escorted off the mountain in single file. The road there was levelled, and although there were no street lights, under the dancing moonlight, the star-filled sky, and the large flash lights in hand, the students didn’t feel the journey was difficult at all.

The song: 星星点灯 (Star Lighting/Lamps) by Zheng Zhihua[]Link: YouTube

Stars… acne…

The song: 星星点灯 (Star Lighting/Lamps) by Zheng Zhihua[]Link: YouTube

Mr. Qi had borrowed a barbecue grill from the owner of the building and had taken the twenty students for a hillside barbecue that evening, nipping the issue of dinner that night in the bud. Xiaoya happily nibbled on a steamed bun then, while listening to Gao Heng shout, “Little junior, you lost! But I’ll do you a solid and choose truth for you since it’s going be dark soon, and if I give a dare, I’m afraid you won’t see the road clearly. You might end up falling and crying.”

Yu Xiaoya’s heart was now beating like a drum. Gao Heng looks super careless but his EQ isn’t bad, so he shouldn’t ask any improper questions, right?

Yu Xiaoya’s heart was now beating like a drum. Gao Heng looks super careless but his EQ isn’t bad, so he shouldn’t ask any improper questions, right?

Maybe it was just because there were a lot of people, or maybe it was down to Xiaoya’s luck being that great, but since she never experienced losing, she was a bit excited to join the game. So, at that moment, she really wasn’t mad at all, saying, “Ask away.”

This… this is just a game.

The hand holding Lu Xiaobei’s cup stilled, her body turning to the side, and her gaze calmly fixed on Xiaoya. That girl’s facial features weren’t that outstanding, and was covered in a lot of acne. But her eyes however, they were surprisingly bright. At that exact moment, her smiling eyes was no different than a crescent moon, one completely filled with her own reflection.

“What’s the matter?” Lu Xiaobei tilted her head, revealing a charming smile, one which made her prior preoccupied state seem like a figment of the imagination.

Gao Heng then looked at Xiaoya, a wicked smile spawning on his face.

Seeing Lu Xiaobei didn’t reply, Xiaoya explained, “After the evening self-study classes back at school, the principal always takes along a huge flashlight when going around to catch people, like if there was a couple holding hands or something. Even boys and girls walking side by side got counted. And after he grabbed them, he made them stand outside under the big tree near the gate.”

The hand holding Lu Xiaobei’s cup stilled, her body turning to the side, and her gaze calmly fixed on Xiaoya. That girl’s facial features weren’t that outstanding, and was covered in a lot of acne. But her eyes however, they were surprisingly bright. At that exact moment, her smiling eyes was no different than a crescent moon, one completely filled with her own reflection.

From her seat beside Yu Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei cleared her throat, and Xiaoya felt a bit more at ease. After spending half the day stirring up trouble, she wasn’t the only one who got familiar with her winter camp schoolmates, even managing to whisper in the captain’s ear from time to time. So right now with the captain as her backer, nothing—even the unstoppable—could stand in her way.

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

Lu Xiaobei felt as if a bucket of cold water was poured on her head. Her heart thundering as it pounded. But she was unsure about who exactly it was beating for.

The owner of the building had brought over a few large flash lights to give the students, and with Mr. Qi carrying the two grills in hand, all the students were escorted off the mountain in single file. The road there was levelled, and although there were no street lights, under the dancing moonlight, the star-filled sky, and the large flash lights in hand, the students didn’t feel the journey was difficult at all.

N/A

The hand holding Lu Xiaobei’s cup stilled, her body turning to the side, and her gaze calmly fixed on Xiaoya. That girl’s facial features weren’t that outstanding, and was covered in a lot of acne. But her eyes however, they were surprisingly bright. At that exact moment, her smiling eyes was no different than a crescent moon, one completely filled with her own reflection.

The song: 星星点灯 (Star Lighting/Lamps) by Zheng Zhihua[]Link: YouTube

Lu Xiaobei felt as if a bucket of cold water was poured on her head. Her heart thundering as it pounded. But she was unsure about who exactly it was beating for.

Truth

Gao Heng then argued back, “I did spin it! You were just too happy eating your bun to notice!”

The northern wind carried a slight chill, and apart from that lush field, all the leaves of the trees covering the mountain side had fallen, leaving nothing behind.

“Scoff—”

Seeing the captain sweep her eyes in his direction, Gao Heng felt his mouth slightly twitch, prompting him to then off-handedly threw out a question, saying, “Little junior, from the ones seated here, who do you think is the most handsome, and who would you like to be your boyfriend?”

But although Xiaoya was relieved by doing this, she still turned her head, not wanting to talk to Lu Xiaobei for a while.

Truth

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

In that moment, everyone stopped cheering, all completely scared stiff by Yu Xiaoya’s serious tone. This girl, is she really planning on confessing in front of everybody? Gao Heng was already preparing his pose. Let alone the twenty students there, even in the entire school, he was chosen to be one of the top ten most popular kids.

Seeing Lu Xiaobei didn’t reply, Xiaoya explained, “After the evening self-study classes back at school, the principal always takes along a huge flashlight when going around to catch people, like if there was a couple holding hands or something. Even boys and girls walking side by side got counted. And after he grabbed them, he made them stand outside under the big tree near the gate.”

Seeing Lu Xiaobei staring intently at her face, smiling as though she was suddenly in a good mood. Xiaoya unconsciously touched her own face, thinking there was something dirty there. But all she felt was oily skin… and her pimples…

Yu Xiaoya took a bite of her now cold steamed bun, “There is only one person among us worthy of being the one who stands above all others.”

“Once there was a youth who dreamt their entire sky was filled with stars. He had no clue how high the sky reached, nor till when ocean stretches far…” As night fell, the melodic waves of songs floated over the hillside.

From her seat beside Yu Xiaoya, Lu Xiaobei cleared her throat, and Xiaoya felt a bit more at ease. After spending half the day stirring up trouble, she wasn’t the only one who got familiar with her winter camp schoolmates, even managing to whisper in the captain’s ear from time to time. So right now with the captain as her backer, nothing—even the unstoppable—could stand in her way.

Yu Xiaoya was stunned for a while, never expecting Gao Heng to ask such a question. The scarlet glow of the setting evening sun was obstructed by the mountains, yet Xiaoya’s cheeks were tinged with a crimson hue. She quickly glanced at all the boys sitting around her, hearing their boisterous laughter, and feeling herself grow embarrassed—embarrassed to the point of death!

Mr. Qi had borrowed a barbecue grill from the owner of the building and had taken the twenty students for a hillside barbecue that evening, nipping the issue of dinner that night in the bud. Xiaoya happily nibbled on a steamed bun then, while listening to Gao Heng shout, “Little junior, you lost! But I’ll do you a solid and choose truth for you since it’s going be dark soon, and if I give a dare, I’m afraid you won’t see the road clearly. You might end up falling and crying.”

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

Yu Xiaoya’s heart was now beating like a drum. Gao Heng looks super careless but his EQ isn’t bad, so he shouldn’t ask any improper questions, right?

Yu Xiaoya bit her lips, her inner turmoil revealed in her eyes. If the punishment this time was downing three cups, she could just pour them. This time… This time…

The owner of the building had brought over a few large flash lights to give the students, and with Mr. Qi carrying the two grills in hand, all the students were escorted off the mountain in single file. The road there was levelled, and although there were no street lights, under the dancing moonlight, the star-filled sky, and the large flash lights in hand, the students didn’t feel the journey was difficult at all.

The northern wind carried a slight chill, and apart from that lush field, all the leaves of the trees covering the mountain side had fallen, leaving nothing behind.

Seeing the captain sweep her eyes in his direction, Gao Heng felt his mouth slightly twitch, prompting him to then off-handedly threw out a question, saying, “Little junior, from the ones seated here, who do you think is the most handsome, and who would you like to be your boyfriend?”

Gao Heng then looked at Xiaoya, a wicked smile spawning on his face.

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

When a student passed by them, they all took off in every direction, all except for one little pigeon. This one was not afraid of people like the others, and the bright green and purple around its neck made it especially beautiful. For this reason, a group of girls came by and fed it some corn kernels, the little thing was even brave enough to get closer to them and peck it from their hands.

This… this is just a game.

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

Lu Xiaobei was still unresponsive. Only then did Xiaoya notice that the captain seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and possibly hadn’t heard what she said at all. So she the called out, “Captain? Captain?!”

In that moment, Yu Xiaoya was then transported back to her regular classroom. There, despite the entire room being filled with people, she was still all alone. If she carelessly gave the wrong answer to this question, or did something wrong, she might just become a circus monkey and attract even more attention.

In that moment, Yu Xiaoya was then transported back to her regular classroom. There, despite the entire room being filled with people, she was still all alone. If she carelessly gave the wrong answer to this question, or did something wrong, she might just become a circus monkey and attract even more attention.

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

Seeing Lu Xiaobei didn’t reply, Xiaoya explained, “After the evening self-study classes back at school, the principal always takes along a huge flashlight when going around to catch people, like if there was a couple holding hands or something. Even boys and girls walking side by side got counted. And after he grabbed them, he made them stand outside under the big tree near the gate.”

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

Gao Heng then argued back, “I did spin it! You were just too happy eating your bun to notice!”

What difference was there, though?

When a student passed by them, they all took off in every direction, all except for one little pigeon. This one was not afraid of people like the others, and the bright green and purple around its neck made it especially beautiful. For this reason, a group of girls came by and fed it some corn kernels, the little thing was even brave enough to get closer to them and peck it from their hands.

Lu Xiaobei listened for a while, then also began to sing, “The star lights, will light up my future…” Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei, the vast number of stars twinkling in the sky were unable to compare to the pair of sparkling eyes currently before her, the thought of who that lucky person able to become such a girl’s partner would be creeping into her mind.

In that moment, Yu Xiaoya was then transported back to her regular classroom. There, despite the entire room being filled with people, she was still all alone. If she carelessly gave the wrong answer to this question, or did something wrong, she might just become a circus monkey and attract even more attention.

Yu Xiaoya’s heart was now beating like a drum. Gao Heng looks super careless but his EQ isn’t bad, so he shouldn’t ask any improper questions, right?

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

Lu Xiaobei listened for a while, then also began to sing, “The star lights, will light up my future…” Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei, the vast number of stars twinkling in the sky were unable to compare to the pair of sparkling eyes currently before her, the thought of who that lucky person able to become such a girl’s partner would be creeping into her mind.

Maybe it was just because there were a lot of people, or maybe it was down to Xiaoya’s luck being that great, but since she never experienced losing, she was a bit excited to join the game. So, at that moment, she really wasn’t mad at all, saying, “Ask away.”

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

Yu Xiaoya then turned her head, the embers of the bonfire leapt, illuminating that person’s bright and clear face, the scene causing their beauty to increase threefold. In that moment, she recalled the black wind-breaker that person wore the night before, as well as her statuesque figure on the hillside today, “Captain, in my heart, you are the most outstanding of us all. So if I was ever looking for a boyfriend, I will surely try to find one like you.”

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

“Huh?” Xiaoya was a then a bit stunned, as the index finger of Lu Xiaobei’s half-closed right hand gently hooked her by the chin. It felt like being touched by a feather—a bit ticklish… a bit tingly. Lu Xiaobei then sang the line once more, this time right beside Xiaoya’s ear, “The star lights, will light up my future…”

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

Winter days are that time of year where things are the most lifeless, but a group of teenagers are always full of life. Even after playing from the afternoon until evening, they still showed no sign of exhaustion.

This… this is just a game.

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

But although Xiaoya was relieved by doing this, she still turned her head, not wanting to talk to Lu Xiaobei for a while.

Gao Heng then argued back, “I did spin it! You were just too happy eating your bun to notice!”

Yu Xiaoya took a bite of her now cold steamed bun, “There is only one person among us worthy of being the one who stands above all others.”

Seeing Lu Xiaobei staring intently at her face, smiling as though she was suddenly in a good mood. Xiaoya unconsciously touched her own face, thinking there was something dirty there. But all she felt was oily skin… and her pimples…

What difference was there, though?

“Scoff—”

In that moment, everyone stopped cheering, all completely scared stiff by Yu Xiaoya’s serious tone. This girl, is she really planning on confessing in front of everybody? Gao Heng was already preparing his pose. Let alone the twenty students there, even in the entire school, he was chosen to be one of the top ten most popular kids.

Yu Xiaoya’s heart was now beating like a drum. Gao Heng looks super careless but his EQ isn’t bad, so he shouldn’t ask any improper questions, right?

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

Seeing the captain sweep her eyes in his direction, Gao Heng felt his mouth slightly twitch, prompting him to then off-handedly threw out a question, saying, “Little junior, from the ones seated here, who do you think is the most handsome, and who would you like to be your boyfriend?”

“Huh?” Xiaoya was a then a bit stunned, as the index finger of Lu Xiaobei’s half-closed right hand gently hooked her by the chin. It felt like being touched by a feather—a bit ticklish… a bit tingly. Lu Xiaobei then sang the line once more, this time right beside Xiaoya’s ear, “The star lights, will light up my future…”

Lu Xiaobei was still unresponsive. Only then did Xiaoya notice that the captain seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and possibly hadn’t heard what she said at all. So she the called out, “Captain? Captain?!”

In that moment, everyone stopped cheering, all completely scared stiff by Yu Xiaoya’s serious tone. This girl, is she really planning on confessing in front of everybody? Gao Heng was already preparing his pose. Let alone the twenty students there, even in the entire school, he was chosen to be one of the top ten most popular kids.

Xiaoya was also soft-tempered by nature, so she couldn’t say anything back to attack Lu Xiaobei. Plus, the acne on her face had always been her sore spot. But, right now, she was holding hands with the school goddess, Lu Xiaobei. Seeming to have something to rely on, Xiaoya tightly gripped that warm dry hand, swinging it towards Lu Xiaobei’s shoulder, fiercely hitting twice, before giving up.

N/A

Yu Xiaoya’s eyes widened, looking to him she asked in shock, “How did I lose? You just put down the chopsticks, you didn’t even spin them!” After the barbecue started, Gao Heng dragged the others to play again. He simply wasn’t in the mood to do “Black—white—match—” so had chosen to spin a chopstick instead, and whomever it landed on would just be declared the loser.

Yu Xiaoya then turned her head, the embers of the bonfire leapt, illuminating that person’s bright and clear face, the scene causing their beauty to increase threefold. In that moment, she recalled the black wind-breaker that person wore the night before, as well as her statuesque figure on the hillside today, “Captain, in my heart, you are the most outstanding of us all. So if I was ever looking for a boyfriend, I will surely try to find one like you.”

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

The hand holding Lu Xiaobei’s cup stilled, her body turning to the side, and her gaze calmly fixed on Xiaoya. That girl’s facial features weren’t that outstanding, and was covered in a lot of acne. But her eyes however, they were surprisingly bright. At that exact moment, her smiling eyes was no different than a crescent moon, one completely filled with her own reflection.

Xiaoya shook her head in response, replying, “Nothing. Everyone’s singing just sounds really nice.”

Yu Xiaoya then turned her head, the embers of the bonfire leapt, illuminating that person’s bright and clear face, the scene causing their beauty to increase threefold. In that moment, she recalled the black wind-breaker that person wore the night before, as well as her statuesque figure on the hillside today, “Captain, in my heart, you are the most outstanding of us all. So if I was ever looking for a boyfriend, I will surely try to find one like you.”

Stars… acne…

Maybe it was just because there were a lot of people, or maybe it was down to Xiaoya’s luck being that great, but since she never experienced losing, she was a bit excited to join the game. So, at that moment, she really wasn’t mad at all, saying, “Ask away.”

The song: 星星点灯 (Star Lighting/Lamps) by Zheng Zhihua[]Link: YouTube

In that moment, Yu Xiaoya was then transported back to her regular classroom. There, despite the entire room being filled with people, she was still all alone. If she carelessly gave the wrong answer to this question, or did something wrong, she might just become a circus monkey and attract even more attention.

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

Lu Xiaobei listened for a while, then also began to sing, “The star lights, will light up my future…” Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei, the vast number of stars twinkling in the sky were unable to compare to the pair of sparkling eyes currently before her, the thought of who that lucky person able to become such a girl’s partner would be creeping into her mind.

“Scoff—”

“Aw, what a let down.”

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

“Once there was a youth who dreamt their entire sky was filled with stars. He had no clue how high the sky reached, nor till when ocean stretches far…” As night fell, the melodic waves of songs floated over the hillside.

“Huh?” Xiaoya was a then a bit stunned, as the index finger of Lu Xiaobei’s half-closed right hand gently hooked her by the chin. It felt like being touched by a feather—a bit ticklish… a bit tingly. Lu Xiaobei then sang the line once more, this time right beside Xiaoya’s ear, “The star lights, will light up my future…”

Lu Xiaobei was still unresponsive. Only then did Xiaoya notice that the captain seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and possibly hadn’t heard what she said at all. So she the called out, “Captain? Captain?!”

Gao Heng then argued back, “I did spin it! You were just too happy eating your bun to notice!”

“Aw, what a let down.”

“Once there was a youth who dreamt their entire sky was filled with stars. He had no clue how high the sky reached, nor till when ocean stretches far…” As night fell, the melodic waves of songs floated over the hillside.

The song: 星星点灯 (Star Lighting/Lamps) by Zheng Zhihua[]Link: YouTube

Lu Xiaobei felt as if a bucket of cold water was poured on her head. Her heart thundering as it pounded. But she was unsure about who exactly it was beating for.

The northern wind carried a slight chill, and apart from that lush field, all the leaves of the trees covering the mountain side had fallen, leaving nothing behind.

The northern wind carried a slight chill, and apart from that lush field, all the leaves of the trees covering the mountain side had fallen, leaving nothing behind.

Xiaoya was also soft-tempered by nature, so she couldn’t say anything back to attack Lu Xiaobei. Plus, the acne on her face had always been her sore spot. But, right now, she was holding hands with the school goddess, Lu Xiaobei. Seeming to have something to rely on, Xiaoya tightly gripped that warm dry hand, swinging it towards Lu Xiaobei’s shoulder, fiercely hitting twice, before giving up.

Seeing Lu Xiaobei staring intently at her face, smiling as though she was suddenly in a good mood. Xiaoya unconsciously touched her own face, thinking there was something dirty there. But all she felt was oily skin… and her pimples…

“Once there was a youth who dreamt their entire sky was filled with stars. He had no clue how high the sky reached, nor till when ocean stretches far…” As night fell, the melodic waves of songs floated over the hillside.

“Aw, what a let down.”

“What’s the matter?” Lu Xiaobei tilted her head, revealing a charming smile, one which made her prior preoccupied state seem like a figment of the imagination.

This… this is just a game.

“I thought there was gonna be a winter camp couple.”

Winter days are that time of year where things are the most lifeless, but a group of teenagers are always full of life. Even after playing from the afternoon until evening, they still showed no sign of exhaustion.

Lu Xiaobei felt as if a bucket of cold water was poured on her head. Her heart thundering as it pounded. But she was unsure about who exactly it was beating for.

In that moment, everyone stopped cheering, all completely scared stiff by Yu Xiaoya’s serious tone. This girl, is she really planning on confessing in front of everybody? Gao Heng was already preparing his pose. Let alone the twenty students there, even in the entire school, he was chosen to be one of the top ten most popular kids.

Xiaoya was also soft-tempered by nature, so she couldn’t say anything back to attack Lu Xiaobei. Plus, the acne on her face had always been her sore spot. But, right now, she was holding hands with the school goddess, Lu Xiaobei. Seeming to have something to rely on, Xiaoya tightly gripped that warm dry hand, swinging it towards Lu Xiaobei’s shoulder, fiercely hitting twice, before giving up.

Stars… acne…

In that moment, Yu Xiaoya was then transported back to her regular classroom. There, despite the entire room being filled with people, she was still all alone. If she carelessly gave the wrong answer to this question, or did something wrong, she might just become a circus monkey and attract even more attention.

In that moment, Yu Xiaoya was then transported back to her regular classroom. There, despite the entire room being filled with people, she was still all alone. If she carelessly gave the wrong answer to this question, or did something wrong, she might just become a circus monkey and attract even more attention.

What difference was there, though?

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

Lu Xiaobei listened for a while, then also began to sing, “The star lights, will light up my future…” Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei, the vast number of stars twinkling in the sky were unable to compare to the pair of sparkling eyes currently before her, the thought of who that lucky person able to become such a girl’s partner would be creeping into her mind.

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

Gao Heng then argued back, “I did spin it! You were just too happy eating your bun to notice!”

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

This… this is just a game.

Lu Xiaobei was still unresponsive. Only then did Xiaoya notice that the captain seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and possibly hadn’t heard what she said at all. So she the called out, “Captain? Captain?!”

∽***∼

Lu Xiaobei felt as if a bucket of cold water was poured on her head. Her heart thundering as it pounded. But she was unsure about who exactly it was beating for.

Mr. Qi had borrowed a barbecue grill from the owner of the building and had taken the twenty students for a hillside barbecue that evening, nipping the issue of dinner that night in the bud. Xiaoya happily nibbled on a steamed bun then, while listening to Gao Heng shout, “Little junior, you lost! But I’ll do you a solid and choose truth for you since it’s going be dark soon, and if I give a dare, I’m afraid you won’t see the road clearly. You might end up falling and crying.”

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

Lu Xiaobei was still unresponsive. Only then did Xiaoya notice that the captain seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and possibly hadn’t heard what she said at all. So she the called out, “Captain? Captain?!”

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

Yu Xiaoya took a bite of her now cold steamed bun, “There is only one person among us worthy of being the one who stands above all others.”

Truth

“Once there was a youth who dreamt their entire sky was filled with stars. He had no clue how high the sky reached, nor till when ocean stretches far…” As night fell, the melodic waves of songs floated over the hillside.

Gao Heng then argued back, “I did spin it! You were just too happy eating your bun to notice!”

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

The owner of the building had brought over a few large flash lights to give the students, and with Mr. Qi carrying the two grills in hand, all the students were escorted off the mountain in single file. The road there was levelled, and although there were no street lights, under the dancing moonlight, the star-filled sky, and the large flash lights in hand, the students didn’t feel the journey was difficult at all.

Seeing Lu Xiaobei staring intently at her face, smiling as though she was suddenly in a good mood. Xiaoya unconsciously touched her own face, thinking there was something dirty there. But all she felt was oily skin… and her pimples…

Maybe it was just because there were a lot of people, or maybe it was down to Xiaoya’s luck being that great, but since she never experienced losing, she was a bit excited to join the game. So, at that moment, she really wasn’t mad at all, saying, “Ask away.”

Lu Xiaobei listened for a while, then also began to sing, “The star lights, will light up my future…” Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei, the vast number of stars twinkling in the sky were unable to compare to the pair of sparkling eyes currently before her, the thought of who that lucky person able to become such a girl’s partner would be creeping into her mind.

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

Truth

“What’s the matter?” Lu Xiaobei tilted her head, revealing a charming smile, one which made her prior preoccupied state seem like a figment of the imagination.

The owner of the building had brought over a few large flash lights to give the students, and with Mr. Qi carrying the two grills in hand, all the students were escorted off the mountain in single file. The road there was levelled, and although there were no street lights, under the dancing moonlight, the star-filled sky, and the large flash lights in hand, the students didn’t feel the journey was difficult at all.

“What’s the matter?” Lu Xiaobei tilted her head, revealing a charming smile, one which made her prior preoccupied state seem like a figment of the imagination.

But although Xiaoya was relieved by doing this, she still turned her head, not wanting to talk to Lu Xiaobei for a while.

“Huh?” Xiaoya was a then a bit stunned, as the index finger of Lu Xiaobei’s half-closed right hand gently hooked her by the chin. It felt like being touched by a feather—a bit ticklish… a bit tingly. Lu Xiaobei then sang the line once more, this time right beside Xiaoya’s ear, “The star lights, will light up my future…”

The owner of the building had brought over a few large flash lights to give the students, and with Mr. Qi carrying the two grills in hand, all the students were escorted off the mountain in single file. The road there was levelled, and although there were no street lights, under the dancing moonlight, the star-filled sky, and the large flash lights in hand, the students didn’t feel the journey was difficult at all.

“Aw, what a let down.”

Xiaoya giggled while walking beside Lu Xiaoya. From since she had begun high school, she had never been this happy. Peeping at the torch light in Lu Xiaobei’s hand, Xiaoya then said, “Captain, that sort of looks like the flashlight the principal carries around every night.”

“Scoff—”

“Scoff—”

This… this is just a game.

Gao Heng then argued back, “I did spin it! You were just too happy eating your bun to notice!”

When a student passed by them, they all took off in every direction, all except for one little pigeon. This one was not afraid of people like the others, and the bright green and purple around its neck made it especially beautiful. For this reason, a group of girls came by and fed it some corn kernels, the little thing was even brave enough to get closer to them and peck it from their hands.

Mr. Qi had borrowed a barbecue grill from the owner of the building and had taken the twenty students for a hillside barbecue that evening, nipping the issue of dinner that night in the bud. Xiaoya happily nibbled on a steamed bun then, while listening to Gao Heng shout, “Little junior, you lost! But I’ll do you a solid and choose truth for you since it’s going be dark soon, and if I give a dare, I’m afraid you won’t see the road clearly. You might end up falling and crying.”

Yu Xiaoya bit her lips, her inner turmoil revealed in her eyes. If the punishment this time was downing three cups, she could just pour them. This time… This time…

The northern wind carried a slight chill, and apart from that lush field, all the leaves of the trees covering the mountain side had fallen, leaving nothing behind.

Seeing Lu Xiaobei staring intently at her face, smiling as though she was suddenly in a good mood. Xiaoya unconsciously touched her own face, thinking there was something dirty there. But all she felt was oily skin… and her pimples…

What difference was there, though?

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

Seeing Lu Xiaobei didn’t reply, Xiaoya explained, “After the evening self-study classes back at school, the principal always takes along a huge flashlight when going around to catch people, like if there was a couple holding hands or something. Even boys and girls walking side by side got counted. And after he grabbed them, he made them stand outside under the big tree near the gate.”

Seeing the captain sweep her eyes in his direction, Gao Heng felt his mouth slightly twitch, prompting him to then off-handedly threw out a question, saying, “Little junior, from the ones seated here, who do you think is the most handsome, and who would you like to be your boyfriend?”

Seeing Lu Xiaobei staring intently at her face, smiling as though she was suddenly in a good mood. Xiaoya unconsciously touched her own face, thinking there was something dirty there. But all she felt was oily skin… and her pimples…

“I thought there was gonna be a winter camp couple.”

Xiaoya shook her head in response, replying, “Nothing. Everyone’s singing just sounds really nice.”

“Huh?” Xiaoya was a then a bit stunned, as the index finger of Lu Xiaobei’s half-closed right hand gently hooked her by the chin. It felt like being touched by a feather—a bit ticklish… a bit tingly. Lu Xiaobei then sang the line once more, this time right beside Xiaoya’s ear, “The star lights, will light up my future…”

Yu Xiaoya took a bite of her now cold steamed bun, “There is only one person among us worthy of being the one who stands above all others.”

Xiaoya was also soft-tempered by nature, so she couldn’t say anything back to attack Lu Xiaobei. Plus, the acne on her face had always been her sore spot. But, right now, she was holding hands with the school goddess, Lu Xiaobei. Seeming to have something to rely on, Xiaoya tightly gripped that warm dry hand, swinging it towards Lu Xiaobei’s shoulder, fiercely hitting twice, before giving up.

Lu Xiaobei was still unresponsive. Only then did Xiaoya notice that the captain seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and possibly hadn’t heard what she said at all. So she the called out, “Captain? Captain?!”

“I thought there was gonna be a winter camp couple.”

Lu Xiaobei listened for a while, then also began to sing, “The star lights, will light up my future…” Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei, the vast number of stars twinkling in the sky were unable to compare to the pair of sparkling eyes currently before her, the thought of who that lucky person able to become such a girl’s partner would be creeping into her mind.

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

“Once there was a youth who dreamt their entire sky was filled with stars. He had no clue how high the sky reached, nor till when ocean stretches far…” As night fell, the melodic waves of songs floated over the hillside.

Stars… acne…

Yu Xiaoya’s heart was now beating like a drum. Gao Heng looks super careless but his EQ isn’t bad, so he shouldn’t ask any improper questions, right?

Seeing the captain sweep her eyes in his direction, Gao Heng felt his mouth slightly twitch, prompting him to then off-handedly threw out a question, saying, “Little junior, from the ones seated here, who do you think is the most handsome, and who would you like to be your boyfriend?”

Gao Heng then looked at Xiaoya, a wicked smile spawning on his face.

Seeing the captain sweep her eyes in his direction, Gao Heng felt his mouth slightly twitch, prompting him to then off-handedly threw out a question, saying, “Little junior, from the ones seated here, who do you think is the most handsome, and who would you like to be your boyfriend?”

“What’s the matter?” Lu Xiaobei tilted her head, revealing a charming smile, one which made her prior preoccupied state seem like a figment of the imagination.

The hand holding Lu Xiaobei’s cup stilled, her body turning to the side, and her gaze calmly fixed on Xiaoya. That girl’s facial features weren’t that outstanding, and was covered in a lot of acne. But her eyes however, they were surprisingly bright. At that exact moment, her smiling eyes was no different than a crescent moon, one completely filled with her own reflection.

Mr. Qi had borrowed a barbecue grill from the owner of the building and had taken the twenty students for a hillside barbecue that evening, nipping the issue of dinner that night in the bud. Xiaoya happily nibbled on a steamed bun then, while listening to Gao Heng shout, “Little junior, you lost! But I’ll do you a solid and choose truth for you since it’s going be dark soon, and if I give a dare, I’m afraid you won’t see the road clearly. You might end up falling and crying.”

Xiaoya shook her head in response, replying, “Nothing. Everyone’s singing just sounds really nice.”

Stars… acne…

Mr. Qi had borrowed a barbecue grill from the owner of the building and had taken the twenty students for a hillside barbecue that evening, nipping the issue of dinner that night in the bud. Xiaoya happily nibbled on a steamed bun then, while listening to Gao Heng shout, “Little junior, you lost! But I’ll do you a solid and choose truth for you since it’s going be dark soon, and if I give a dare, I’m afraid you won’t see the road clearly. You might end up falling and crying.”

“Scoff—”

The owner of the building had brought over a few large flash lights to give the students, and with Mr. Qi carrying the two grills in hand, all the students were escorted off the mountain in single file. The road there was levelled, and although there were no street lights, under the dancing moonlight, the star-filled sky, and the large flash lights in hand, the students didn’t feel the journey was difficult at all.

When a student passed by them, they all took off in every direction, all except for one little pigeon. This one was not afraid of people like the others, and the bright green and purple around its neck made it especially beautiful. For this reason, a group of girls came by and fed it some corn kernels, the little thing was even brave enough to get closer to them and peck it from their hands.

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

“Scoff—”

Seeing the captain sweep her eyes in his direction, Gao Heng felt his mouth slightly twitch, prompting him to then off-handedly threw out a question, saying, “Little junior, from the ones seated here, who do you think is the most handsome, and who would you like to be your boyfriend?”

Xiaoya shook her head in response, replying, “Nothing. Everyone’s singing just sounds really nice.”

Yu Xiaoya bit her lips, her inner turmoil revealed in her eyes. If the punishment this time was downing three cups, she could just pour them. This time… This time…

Seeing the captain sweep her eyes in his direction, Gao Heng felt his mouth slightly twitch, prompting him to then off-handedly threw out a question, saying, “Little junior, from the ones seated here, who do you think is the most handsome, and who would you like to be your boyfriend?”

Yu Xiaoya then turned her head, the embers of the bonfire leapt, illuminating that person’s bright and clear face, the scene causing their beauty to increase threefold. In that moment, she recalled the black wind-breaker that person wore the night before, as well as her statuesque figure on the hillside today, “Captain, in my heart, you are the most outstanding of us all. So if I was ever looking for a boyfriend, I will surely try to find one like you.”

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

Yu Xiaoya’s eyes widened, looking to him she asked in shock, “How did I lose? You just put down the chopsticks, you didn’t even spin them!” After the barbecue started, Gao Heng dragged the others to play again. He simply wasn’t in the mood to do “Black—white—match—” so had chosen to spin a chopstick instead, and whomever it landed on would just be declared the loser.

“Scoff—”

Lu Xiaobei was still unresponsive. Only then did Xiaoya notice that the captain seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and possibly hadn’t heard what she said at all. So she the called out, “Captain? Captain?!”

Yu Xiaoya’s heart was now beating like a drum. Gao Heng looks super careless but his EQ isn’t bad, so he shouldn’t ask any improper questions, right?

Yu Xiaoya’s eyes widened, looking to him she asked in shock, “How did I lose? You just put down the chopsticks, you didn’t even spin them!” After the barbecue started, Gao Heng dragged the others to play again. He simply wasn’t in the mood to do “Black—white—match—” so had chosen to spin a chopstick instead, and whomever it landed on would just be declared the loser.

Yu Xiaoya took a bite of her now cold steamed bun, “There is only one person among us worthy of being the one who stands above all others.”

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

Lu Xiaobei listened for a while, then also began to sing, “The star lights, will light up my future…” Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei, the vast number of stars twinkling in the sky were unable to compare to the pair of sparkling eyes currently before her, the thought of who that lucky person able to become such a girl’s partner would be creeping into her mind.

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

“Huh?” Xiaoya was a then a bit stunned, as the index finger of Lu Xiaobei’s half-closed right hand gently hooked her by the chin. It felt like being touched by a feather—a bit ticklish… a bit tingly. Lu Xiaobei then sang the line once more, this time right beside Xiaoya’s ear, “The star lights, will light up my future…”

The song: 星星点灯 (Star Lighting/Lamps) by Zheng Zhihua[]Link: YouTube

Seeing Lu Xiaobei staring intently at her face, smiling as though she was suddenly in a good mood. Xiaoya unconsciously touched her own face, thinking there was something dirty there. But all she felt was oily skin… and her pimples…

N/A

Stars… acne…

Xiaoya giggled while walking beside Lu Xiaoya. From since she had begun high school, she had never been this happy. Peeping at the torch light in Lu Xiaobei’s hand, Xiaoya then said, “Captain, that sort of looks like the flashlight the principal carries around every night.”

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

Yu Xiaoya took a bite of her now cold steamed bun, “There is only one person among us worthy of being the one who stands above all others.”

Stars… acne…

The owner of the building had brought over a few large flash lights to give the students, and with Mr. Qi carrying the two grills in hand, all the students were escorted off the mountain in single file. The road there was levelled, and although there were no street lights, under the dancing moonlight, the star-filled sky, and the large flash lights in hand, the students didn’t feel the journey was difficult at all.

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

The hand holding Lu Xiaobei’s cup stilled, her body turning to the side, and her gaze calmly fixed on Xiaoya. That girl’s facial features weren’t that outstanding, and was covered in a lot of acne. But her eyes however, they were surprisingly bright. At that exact moment, her smiling eyes was no different than a crescent moon, one completely filled with her own reflection.

Maybe it was just because there were a lot of people, or maybe it was down to Xiaoya’s luck being that great, but since she never experienced losing, she was a bit excited to join the game. So, at that moment, she really wasn’t mad at all, saying, “Ask away.”

In that moment, Yu Xiaoya was then transported back to her regular classroom. There, despite the entire room being filled with people, she was still all alone. If she carelessly gave the wrong answer to this question, or did something wrong, she might just become a circus monkey and attract even more attention.

Yu Xiaoya’s eyes widened, looking to him she asked in shock, “How did I lose? You just put down the chopsticks, you didn’t even spin them!” After the barbecue started, Gao Heng dragged the others to play again. He simply wasn’t in the mood to do “Black—white—match—” so had chosen to spin a chopstick instead, and whomever it landed on would just be declared the loser.

“Once there was a youth who dreamt their entire sky was filled with stars. He had no clue how high the sky reached, nor till when ocean stretches far…” As night fell, the melodic waves of songs floated over the hillside.

Xiaoya was also soft-tempered by nature, so she couldn’t say anything back to attack Lu Xiaobei. Plus, the acne on her face had always been her sore spot. But, right now, she was holding hands with the school goddess, Lu Xiaobei. Seeming to have something to rely on, Xiaoya tightly gripped that warm dry hand, swinging it towards Lu Xiaobei’s shoulder, fiercely hitting twice, before giving up.

This… this is just a game.

But although Xiaoya was relieved by doing this, she still turned her head, not wanting to talk to Lu Xiaobei for a while.

Yu Xiaoya took a bite of her now cold steamed bun, “There is only one person among us worthy of being the one who stands above all others.”

Xiaoya looked at Lu Xiaobei pleadingly, seeming like a someone drowning trying to grasp at straws. Sensing Xiaoya’s teary eyed state, Lu Xiaobei blocked her lips with a cup feigning a drink, whispering, “It’s only a game.” Any random you say is fine.

Lu Xiaobei felt as if a bucket of cold water was poured on her head. Her heart thundering as it pounded. But she was unsure about who exactly it was beating for.

But although Xiaoya was relieved by doing this, she still turned her head, not wanting to talk to Lu Xiaobei for a while.

Seeing Lu Xiaobei didn’t reply, Xiaoya explained, “After the evening self-study classes back at school, the principal always takes along a huge flashlight when going around to catch people, like if there was a couple holding hands or something. Even boys and girls walking side by side got counted. And after he grabbed them, he made them stand outside under the big tree near the gate.”

What difference was there, though?

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

But although Xiaoya was relieved by doing this, she still turned her head, not wanting to talk to Lu Xiaobei for a while.

What difference was there, though?

Yu Xiaoya’s mind was so empty, she couldn’t grasp at anything. Only managing to repeat to herself: This is different. This is different. This is different.

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.

T-this isn’t good! It’s only a game, but why does it feel like I’m making a confession.

“What’s the matter?” Lu Xiaobei tilted her head, revealing a charming smile, one which made her prior preoccupied state seem like a figment of the imagination.

Lu Xiaobei felt as if a bucket of cold water was poured on her head. Her heart thundering as it pounded. But she was unsure about who exactly it was beating for.

Maybe it was just because there were a lot of people, or maybe it was down to Xiaoya’s luck being that great, but since she never experienced losing, she was a bit excited to join the game. So, at that moment, she really wasn’t mad at all, saying, “Ask away.”

Xiaoya’s eyes soured in anger. She wanted to leave, but Lu Xiaobei held her back, “Don’t be rash, you might fall later if you’re not careful.” Lu Xiaobei didn’t say these words without reason, as yesterday when Xiaoya was walking off the bus, she hadn’t looked where she was walking and twisted her foot. But, fortunately, it wasn’t serious, leaving no redness or swelling behind. But right now it was dark, and they were also going down a mountain, so her falling there wouldn’t be any kind of laughing matter.

Half lain on a huge stone, was a huge tree trunk. Maybe it was like that because it got struck by lightning, or maybe it was because someone chopped it down, but on it was a string of grey pigeons lined in a row, looking like troops ready and waiting to march in some parade.