romantic fiction: Love and friendship
She didn’t know whether to be happy or sad now. Her past memories seemed to have shattered into pieces, scattered behind her, bit by bit, and she could no longer grasp them.
1.
Xie Yurong’s bicycle tires were deflated again; it was the third time this week.
Someone had stuck a small thumbtack into the tire. The first time, Xie Yurong thought it was an accident, but three times in a row clearly indicated it was deliberate.
Looking around, there was no suspicious person in sight. After all, who would stay behind after committing such an act? They’d have already fled!
Xie Yurong’s brightly colored and stylish bike stood out among the dull, gray ones around it, like a peony blooming among weeds, out of place no matter how you looked at it. She had initially resisted accepting the bike, not wanting to be so conspicuous, but her parents insisted on buying it as a reward for her being first in her grade.
With rewards came punishments. Whenever she didn’t get first place again, she’d get scolded countless times, enduring their sighs as if the sky had fallen, as if she had become a wayward child.
With flat tires, Xie Yurong had no choice but to push her bike. When she reached the school gate, the guard looked at her suspiciously. The dismissal bell hadn’t rung yet, so he had to check on students leaving early. Xie Yurong decided to explain that she felt unwell, had been to the bathroom four times in two classes, and the teacher had sent her home to rest.
The guard didn’t make it difficult for her and let her go. She needed to find a place to fix her bike before heading home. The repair shop she had visited before was good; a few yuan to patch a tire, and they’d also inflate it, check other parts, and lubricate it for free. The shop owner had a young apprentice who always had a cold expression, a bit of stubble on his chin, and a habit of peering at people as if inspecting them.
When she brought her bike in, the apprentice came over, asking about the problem and deftly removing the thumbtack. As he worked, he casually introduced himself, “I’m Hu Chuang. If your bike has any issues, just come to me.”
Xie Yurong nodded, her stomach rumbling again, worried she’d need the bathroom, but the pain passed.
Hu Chuang looked like a troublemaker, with shoulder-length greasy hair, tattoos on his arms, and a tendency to wear tight clothes and chew on toothpicks. His fierce face made his words sound harsh, even when they weren’t.
She found him intimidating and thought, who would dare approach him? Her solution was to stop using her new bike and bring out the old one from home, hoping this would make her less of a target.
2.
The Xie family wasn’t wealthy, just an ordinary household. But her parents always wanted to give her the best. She had expensive school bags in kindergarten, learning machines in elementary school, a new bike in middle school, and even her seating arrangements were influenced by her father’s connections. They provided everything they could, whether she needed it or not.
Growing up under such protection, she had long said she didn’t need it. She could be like other kids, develop naturally, but no one listened. Later, she realized it wasn’t that they didn’t listen, but that they wanted returns on their investments.
She had to repay their efforts with achievements. Without them, it was a grave sin.
When she didn’t do well in exams, they’d scold her: “We give you the best, and you still disappoint us. You waste our efforts.” But what did exam results have to do with being sensible? Did sensible kids necessarily understand quadratic functions and chemical equations? Did they have to memorize so many English words and phrases? Everyone was different; maybe a child who couldn’t study well could draw or sing, or fix TVs. But many truths, though understood, aren’t accepted when they concern oneself.
Her parents fell into this category, often arguing about her education—whether she should learn piano or violin, Chinese painting or oil painting, English or math. Sometimes she wondered why they couldn’t let her grow up normally. Did they want her to be an artist or a diplomat? She had no interest in either.
So when she found a toad in her old bike’s basket, she didn’t scream or run, but felt something indescribable. She had never been bullied, always protected, but who could protect her forever? Now, no one could help.
She didn’t know if the thumbtacks, the toad, or the missing lock were all the same person’s doing, but she couldn’t think of anyone she had offended until she saw Hu Chuang near her bike in the schoolyard.
3.
She confronted Hu Chuang at the repair shop, asking why he had punctured her tires and put things on her bike.
Hu Chuang, with a toothpick in his mouth, looked at his master, then at her, grunted, and said softly, “I just made a mistake. How was I supposed to know it was your bike?”
She insisted, “Don’t lie. It wasn’t just once. What do you want?”
He turned to her, looking sincere, and apologized. “Sorry, Xie Yurong. It was just a prank, a bet. I won’t do it again.”
She had expected him to deny it, but his easy admission and apology left her speechless. Seeing her stunned, Hu Chuang’s eyes gleamed with a hint of a smile. “Don’t be so petty, little girl. It’s just a joke. How about this—if your bike has any problems, I’ll fix it for free. Ride your new bike, I promise I won’t mess with it again, okay?”
She had never seen him like this—his face still fierce but with a playful cuteness. She demanded he refund the money for previous repairs. He handed her a hundred yuan, calling her extortionate.
She took it with a smile, thanked him, and felt like a schoolyard bully, laughing at the irony of extorting someone like Hu Chuang.
Over time, they became acquainted as she passed his shop daily. She found he wasn’t as hard to get along with as he seemed, just intimidating. He probably didn’t want anyone getting close.
4.
But Hu Chuang didn’t keep his promise. He continued to prank her, adding a bit of excitement to her mundane school life.
His favorite phrase was “no big deal.” No matter the task, he’d wave it off as a small matter. But she knew some things were far from small.
Like the one thing she regretted asking him to do, which changed their lives.
It was just a regular monthly exam. She did poorly, not even making the top ten in her class. The teacher called her in to ask if anything was bothering her or affecting her studies. She felt it was overkill for a single poor exam result, but the teacher insisted she discuss it with her parents.
Hu Chuang appeared, and an idea struck her.
He often pretended to steal her things to tease her. But this time, she asked if he’d help her stage a scene—self-scripted, self-directed, and self-acted.
5.
That day, she returned home with one shoe missing, her clothes torn, her bag gone, and her bike abandoned. She refused to explain, just cried. Her family wanted to call the police, but she stopped them.
After a night of fuss, she claimed she was mugged by a gang, who took her money and watch and threatened to ambush her if she reported them.
Her family focused on her well-being, the exam results forgotten. But the school reported the incident to the police for student safety. Despite her insistence that she remembered nothing, the police soon suspected Hu Chuang.
No one knew she had orchestrated the mugging. She panicked, realizing her childish prank had gone too far. She warned Hu Chuang, giving him her savings and some stolen family money, and he fled, claiming a family emergency.
She felt guilty, but he didn’t blame her, saying he left for her.
She owed him a debt she didn’t know how or when to repay.
6.
After Hu Chuang left, the incident was forgotten. It wasn’t as severe as feared. The stolen items were minimal, and her bag was returned. Life moved on.
She tried to find him but had no luck. She frequented the repair shop, indirectly asking about him. The owner said Hu Chuang was doing well in another city, running his own shop. She finally relaxed, starting to forget him.
That summer passed, and a new student, He Mengdu, transferred from Shanghai. Without a local household registration, he had to return for the college entrance exam, living with his aunt.
He was different—his clothes, speech, and everything. His unusual attire and mannerisms drew attention, but he adjusted, finally donning a school uniform.
Though his grades weren’t great, he stood out. He struggled with the rigorous schedule, often punished for dozing off or unfinished assignments.
One night, he stayed after school for punishment while she did the bulletin board. He suggested adding illustrations to her text-heavy work, offering to help in exchange for her doing his assignments.
They struck a deal. He was good at drawing, making the bulletin board lively. The next day, it received praise and high marks, earning the class a commendation.
She began to notice his smile, which made her heart flutter.
7.
He Mengdu’s bike was parked in front. As soon as Xie Yurong left the school gate, she saw it and decided to take another route home. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see him; she just didn’t feel ready today.
He Mengdu had left an envelope in Xie Yurong’s bike basket. Inside was a drawing of her in Japanese manga style. Next to her was a tiny boy holding a flower, with a caption that read, “Do you like me?”
Many young people experience this inexplicable feeling toward someone. When he walks past you, your heart races; when he looks at you, you blush; when he’s within your sight, you can’t help but follow him with your eyes.
It was just like that.
Xie Yurong had this feeling for He Mengdu, but she was a bit scared. Love had come unexpectedly. She wasn’t unprepared or unwilling; it was just a girl’s nature to want the boy to ask a few more times, to appear as if she wasn’t that interested, only agreeing in the end because she was moved.
She hadn’t responded to He Mengdu but continued to talk to him, sometimes even in front of others, acting nonchalant. He Mengdu, evidently experienced, didn’t press her, and as a result, Xie Yurong ended up talking to him even more. Being seated in front and behind each other, sometimes he’d poke her with his pen, and she’d lean on his desk, listening to him without turning around.
Opportunity came soon. One night during evening self-study, the power went out, plunging the classroom into darkness. Everyone was excited, chatting and singing in the dark.
To Xie Yurong’s surprise, He Mengdu seized the moment to kiss her. He called her over, saying he had something to tell her. When she turned, he grabbed her shoulders and kissed her.
It was the first time a boy had kissed her—cool lips, a warm tongue. She was initially startled, almost crying out. But his strong, steady hands on her shoulders reassured her. Though it only lasted a few seconds, it felt like an eternity.
She didn’t know then how long an eternity was.
When the lights came back on, her face was still red. No one noticed, but she felt as if everyone was staring at her, guilty and embarrassed. She buried her head in her work, not daring to look up. Though He Mengdu occasionally called her from behind, she didn’t dare respond, still immersed in the kiss, fearing he’d see her blushing face if she turned.
8.
Senior year passed slowly day by day but felt like a speeding wheel when summed up. In the blink of an eye, another spring arrived. But for Xie Yurong, this spring wasn’t pleasant. Despite being March, it was still chilly, and the heavy coats and visible breath made the season dull.
If not for Hu Chuang’s sudden appearance, Xie Yurong would have peacefully endured this season, enjoying secret hand-holding with He Mengdu after school, his charming smile, and his kisses in dark corners after evening self-study.
Hu Chuang’s return was unexpected. She had almost forgotten him after He Mengdu came, knowing only that he was doing well, becoming a successful young man. She even felt that if not for what happened back then, Hu Chuang might still be a small-town mechanic. Perhaps he should thank her, so she no longer felt she owed him.
Hu Chuang blocked Xie Yurong in the alley where they had once staged the mugging. It was evening, the streetlights dim. He looked thinner. He pressed down on her bike, trapping the front wheel between his legs, leaning on the handlebars, his face uncomfortably close.
“You know how I’ve been? Forgotten me so soon, haven’t you?” Hu Chuang’s grip on her arm stopped her from retreating.
“You’re doing well, aren’t you? Running a bike shop, being a boss?” Xie Yurong’s voice trembled with fear and tension. She tried to see his face, but it was too dark, and he wore sunglasses.
Hu Chuang laughed, “How do you know how I’m doing?”
“I asked around at the repair shop,” she said, turning her face away as he moved closer.
He hesitated, then grabbed her hand. “What’s going on with you and that guy?”
Xie Yurong trembled inside. Was he stalking her, asking around, or using other methods? It was her life; what did it have to do with him? She shook off his hand. “That’s my business. Just because you helped me once doesn’t mean I have to listen to you!”
His hand hung in the air as she quickly pulled out her bike and sped away.
That night, she couldn’t sleep, fearing Hu Chuang might retaliate by revealing their past. She worried about his future actions. Had he been in love with her all along? If so, that was even more concerning.
9.
He Mengdu went missing. His aunt called the teacher in the middle of the night, saying he hadn’t come home. The teacher and some male students searched but couldn’t find him. The police suggested waiting until the next day.
He Mengdu was found unconscious at the school gate, injured, possibly drugged. He was taken to the hospital for a stomach pump. He couldn’t remember what had happened.
Only Xie Yurong knew it must have been Hu Chuang. But there was no way to contact him unless he showed up again.
She spent the next few days in fear, feeling like she was carrying a time bomb. Hu Chuang reappeared on the third day of He Mengdu’s hospitalization, in the rain. Seeing him, she cried.
“Are you crying for him? How much do you like him? If I’d known, I’d have hit him harder!” Hu Chuang still wore his sunglasses. She couldn’t see his eyes, couldn’t sense the kind-hearted boy who loved pranks.
“Let him go. I won’t be with him anymore. Don’t bother me. Be your boss, and I’ll go to college. Let’s not interfere with each other, okay?”
“No,” Hu Chuang said firmly. “I want us to be together.”
She felt she was about to break down. Her thin raincoat made breathing difficult, her clothes sticking to her, making her feel suffocated.
“If we’re not together, that guy’s life will be hard,” Hu Chuang said.
She felt dizzy, thinking of the boy who once said everything was “no big deal,” now turned into someone she couldn’t recognize. Had he been waiting to come back for revenge?
She agreed to be with Hu Chuang, and after He Mengdu was discharged, she avoided him completely, ignoring his questions.
He Mengdu soon found out the truth. He confronted her and Hu Chuang, realizing his ordeal was all her doing.
He never told her that the drink Hu Chuang forced on him contained cocaine. Cocaine, a substance from TV crime dramas, something terrifying and potentially life-ruining. He hadn’t told her, fearing she’d worry, never imagining she was behind it all.
Before leaving, he said, “Good job, Xie Yurong!” His eyes filled with hatred, making her feel the world had collapsed.
10.
After that, He Mengdu never spoke to her again, only looking at her with hatred when their paths crossed. She knew he had every right to hate her; the ordeal left him with both emotional and physical scars.
She focused on studying, hoping to escape by going to a faraway university, away from Hu Chuang and He Mengdu, to live freely. Thinking of this felt like taking a deep breath in a green forest after leaving a polluted city.
But her hopes ended soon. One night, Hu Chuang came, telling her to stay local for college so they could be together openly once she was in university.
Her heart sank, and she felt faint. She protested, wanting to see the world, not to stay trapped.
He laughed, “You think I don’t know you’re trying to escape? You can’t. Wherever you go, I’ll find you. We’re destined to be together.”
She stayed silent. He softened, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Let’s go back to how we were. Please?”
She remained silent, thinking if she could go back, she’d rather never have met him.
But then, someone else appeared.
He Mengdu emerged from the shadows, punching Hu Chuang hard. His sunglasses flew off. “Is this love? It’s harassment!”
Hu Chuang didn’t retaliate, searching for his sunglasses as He Mengdu illuminated the scene with a flashlight.
In the dim light, she saw Hu Chuang’s disfigured face—a hollow socket where an eye should have been. Seeing her shocked expression, he quickly put on his glasses.
That explained his nocturnal appearances. She hadn’t really looked at him since his return, not knowing what he’d endured.
11.
Hu Chuang never ran a bike shop. After leaving, he was robbed and ended up in Guangzhou, penniless. He found an old acquaintance involved in child trafficking and theft. Refusing to join, he was detained. His eye was injured jumping from a fourth-floor balcony.
Returning to the gang after treatment, he reluctantly joined, organizing theft and selling illegal items.
He lost hope of escaping, finally free when the gang leader was arrested, scattering the members. He lived in fear of being caught.
She suggested he turn himself in, but he refused, saying there were worse criminals living free. He’d stop his crimes but wouldn’t burden the authorities.
He accused her of wanting to get rid of him by sending him to jail.
She hesitated, feeling responsible for
his fate. Despite his actions, he hadn’t committed recent crimes except against her and He Mengdu.
Thinking of He Mengdu made her heart heavy. His punch had moved her, but she doubted anyone now.
12.
Hu Chuang was arrested less than a month before the exams. She learned of it from her mother at breakfast, shocked to hear he’d confessed to everything, including the mugging.
Her mother gossiped about the incident, but she couldn’t listen, her past flooding back like an overturned basket of beans.
She hurried to school, expecting more news, but it was just another day. Morning classes proceeded as usual, disappointing her.
The day passed in a daze. After school, He Mengdu handed her a note: “He won’t bother you anymore. Focus on your exams, leave here, start anew.”
He Mengdu had turned Hu Chuang in.
She walked aimlessly, memories of Hu Chuang and He Mengdu playing in her mind. Her past felt distant yet vivid.
She realized she might never truly escape.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
