国产三级农村妇女系列

‘But what if Li Zexuan despises me because of my family background?’ Xie Wanyu was in a dilemma.

She just wanted to be an ordinary girl living her ordinary life. She didn’t wish for everyone to like her. She just wanted everyone to not treat her badly for having a family she didn’t ask for.

“Rongrong, my parents… are bad people,” said Xie Wanyu.

“That doesn’t matter! We are not them, are we? My grandmother always said that just because they are our parents doesn’t mean we are exactly like them. Parents or not, we are different people!” Luan Rongrong also didn’t have a happy childhood. She had spent most of it with her grandparents.

Her grandparents had been happy and optimistic people, so Luan Rongrong had a better outlook on life. She was outgoing and liked making new friends.

“My grandma used to say that we cannot change the fact that our parents gave birth to us, but we can always choose what kind of people we want to be. We are not our parents,” said Luan Rongrong matter-of-factly.

“When I was young, I wanted to play with other children in my neighborhood. Whenever I made a friend, their parents would pull them away and tell them not to play with bad children like me,” said Xie Wanyu.

“Me too,” said Luan Rongrong sadly. “I understand. When they said that to me, I always told them that if their families only had good people, they should stay away from me because I know all the bad people who can turn into wolves and eat good people for breakfast. They looked so terrified that I didn’t even feel bad about it. I always told my grandma about it afterward. She would always pat my head and say, only sheep travel in pairs, and wolves have to walk alone.

It’s important that we know ourselves to be good. Who cares what others think? They don’t even know us properly.”

“Your grandmother is very wise. My grandma only told me that my parents aren’t bad people, but she gave me no reason to believe that. She would repeat that whenever I asked what they had done, ” said Xie Wanyu. Her grandmother always remained quiet in the face of her questions. She often saw her grandma crying secretly.

“My grandma also used to say that we are all born with a blank sheet of paper. Instead of pointing out other people’s sheets of paper for being dirty, one should always try to paint one’s own sheet of paper colorfully. Wanyu, you’re so smart and beautiful. I’ve seen you put an injured bird back into its nest. You are so kind! Your future will definitely be bright. How can you, of all people, feel that you are not worthy of Li Zexuan’s friendship? He should be honored to have a friend like you.”

“Thank you, Rongrong.” Xie Wanyu lifted her chin slightly.

After not seeing Xie Wanyu for a few days , Li Zexuan decided to wake up early and went to the Year 2-6 classroom to see if she was there.

As usual, Xie Wanyu arrived early to class.

Li Zexuan peeked from outside the door. His lips curled up in a smile when he saw her. “Xie Wanyu!” he called.

Xie Wanyu, who was studying, heard someone call her name. She raised her head and saw Li Zexuan at the door.

“Xie Wanyu!” called Li Zexuan again while he gestured for her to come to the door.

“Go on.” Luan Rongrong encouraged her.

Xie Wanyu put down her book and walked to the door of the classroom.

“This is for you,” said Li Zexuan, handing her a small paper bag. “See you at the usual place after school.” Li Zexuan then turned and walked away, red in the face.

Xie Wanyu returned to her seat. She opened the paper bag. There was a packet of soy milk and a cheese bun inside.

“Oh my god! He is bringing you breakfast now!” said Luan Rongrong, teasing her.

Xie Wanyu quickly closed the bag. Fortunately, it was still early and there was no one else in the classroom.

After the evening self-study session, Xie Wanyu went to the Xingzhi Tower. She had some sour sticks in her bag that she was going to give to Li Zexuan.

Luan Rongrong, meanwhile, got her period. She had to go to the convenience store to buy some sanitary pads. So, she couldn’t accompany Xie Wanyu today.

Li Zexuan arrived early today. He was waiting for Xie Wanyu. He got up when he saw her walking toward him.

“Xie Wanyu, are you free on National Day?” asked Li Zexuan. “I want to invite you to my house to attend my stepmother’s birthday party. Will you come?”

He didn’t know where the birthday party would be held. Knowing his father, it will definitely be in some hotel.

“A birthday party?”

“Yes. I want to invite you and Luan Rongrong. Tell her too, alright? I will send you the address. It will be around 10:00 p.m. on National Day. You have the best results in the second year of high school right now. I want Ms. Lin to see what a top student looks like.” He had wanted to invite only her, but he was afraid she might refuse if she had to attend the birthday alone.

“Ms. Lin is very good. She can make great desserts and fruit tea. She can sing very well too! I told her about you last time I went home.” Li Zexuan wanted to lie and say that Lin Wan wanted to meet her, but he couldn’t do it. “Oh?” Xie Wanyu was surprised. Why would he mention her to his family?

“I want to get into Imperial Films College, but I am not very good at cultural studies. Since you are a top student, could you help me a bit? I think you would have no problem getting into Beijing University if you wanted,” said Li Zexuan.

“I am not that good,” said Xie Wanyu timidly. “But if you have anything you don’t understand, I will try to help. I… don’t think I should come to your house.” Xie Wanyu opened her bag and took out a pack of sour sticks. “This is for you,” she said. “It’s delicious. You don’t have to bring me breakfast. I usually eat in my room before heading to the classroom.”

Li Zexuan took the packet. “Thank you. Is this what you like? Um… please think about my invitation. There is no rush for an answer, of course. You can take your time. I will walk you to your dorm.”

“That’s alright. I will go back by myself,” she said. “Goodbye.” She began walking away.

“Xie Wanyu!” called Li Zexuan again. “How should I ask you if I have doubts about cultural studies?”

She turned back. “You can copy your questions down in a notebook. You have free activities on Wednesday afternoon, right? Just come and find me in the library at that time.”

“Alright,” he said. “Can we also meet on other days besides Wednesday? Maybe we can have lunch together. Do you want to walk back to the dorms after the self-study sessions in the evening?

“Thank you, but no. I don’t want my classmates spreading rumors.”

“Oh… okay.” Li Zexuan understood her completely.

He was a celebrity. If he tried to hang out with Xie Wanyu out of the blue, other students would overthink the matter and make it a big deal. Even if phones weren’t allowed in schools, many students sneaked them in and kept them hidden in their drawers. If someone took a picture of them together and posed it online, it would cause a huge scandal.

Li Zexuan watched Xie Wanyu enter the glass door to the girls’ dorm before he turned around to leave.

Luan Rongrong was just returning from buying things from the convenience store. “Li Zexuan?”

“Oh… hi,” he said hurriedly. “Luan Rongrong, I wanted to invite you and Xie Wanyu to my house on October 1st. I already talked with Xie Wanyu. You can ask her for the details.”

“Did you walk Xie Wanyu to the dormitory?” Luan Rongrong covered her mouth in disbelief.

“I… need to go. Goodbye.” Li Zexuan took quick, long strides and disappeared into the night.

Luan Rongrong happily skipped back to her room. She seemed even happier than Xie Wanyu.

She put down her things. “I just met Li Zexuan,” she said. “He invited us over to his house on National Day! He told me to ask you for details. What’s going on, Xie Wanyu? He is so straightforward, isn’t he?”

“It’s his stepmother’s birthday,” said Xie Wanyu. “But… I think it’s not appropriate for us to go to his house..”