Translator:Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor:Nyoi-Bo Studio

Nianzhi, Nianzhi, youre walking so fast, you didnt even hear me. Are you mad? Ai Weinan saw Gu Nianzhi finally stop and sped up her pace to stand before her.

Gu Nianzhis face was composed as she shook her head cooly, Classmate, Im not close with you, so dont speak to me with such familiarity? Im a simple person and cant take your unwarranted friendliness.

Ai Weinan flushed. Thankfully she had been running after Gu Nianzhi and was red from it anyway, nobody could tell she was embarrassed. Dont be angry, ok? Ai Weinan pleaded, her voice oozing with sincerity, Please dont misunderstand, theres really someone in Xiawens heart, but its not me. Im the same as you, and thats why I wanted to let you know. Please dont misunderstand me, I was never your match, its someone else.

Gu Nianzhi looked up at Ai Weinan and suddenly felt pity for her. She was ruining herself for a man who didnt love her. Her words alone were meant to cause a rift and put a thorn in Gu Nianzhis heart. When the moment was right, the misunderstandings would accumulate and Gu Nianzhi would have a huge fight with Mei Xiawenwhile Ai Weinan could conveniently watch the show. He was just a man, was he worth all this scheming? Gu Nianzhi realized she didnt understand anymore. What is love? Was it throwing away everything like Ai Weinan, charging through all obstacles, creating her own terms when there were no termsis only this worthy of being called love? It didnt seem like there was a strong sense of possessiveness and exclusiveness like this between her and Mei Xiawen. Gu Nianzhi looked at Ai Weinan, perplexed. She stared at Ai Weinans gaping red lips and her thoughts were elsewhere.

Nianzhi, Im telling you the truth, Ive been classmates with Xiawen in junior high and high school for a total of of six years and his desk mate for three years. He was our class rephandsome face, good grades, good background and there were many girls that liked him. Im not afraid to tell you that I was smitten by him once, but when he fell madly in love with my best friend, I forfeited. Ai Weinan continued, her eyes red. Her words were 70% truth and 30% made upshe even got herself worked up in process. They were each others first loves. You know, no matter for men or women, the first love is always untouchable. Xiawen is a loyal man, a person like him would never forget his first love.

Gu Nianzhi,

Ai Weinan wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, Im know about their relationship the best. I also know they have a shared Weibo called Black Teas Sky. You should have a look when you can. Youll understand how madly they loved each other without me telling you.

Gu Nianzhi came to her senses and only asked Ai Weinan one thing, Did they break up?

Ai Weinan was surprised, They did, but in his heart

How do you know what Class Rep feels in his heart? Are you a mind reader? Gu Nianzhi raised her brows slightly, no longer letting Ai Weinan string her along, Ill ask you another thing, when did they break up?

They broke up four years ago when we graduated from high school. Then my good friend, Jiang Hongcha went abroad to study music and Xiawen stayed to study law. Ai Weinan answered feebly, You really dont mind?

Then its fine. They broke up four years ago and youre stirring the pot today and exaggerating about how much they loved each otherdont you think thats ridiculous? If they really loved each other so much, why did they break up all those years ago? Its just studying abroad, I dont see how true love couldnt conquer something as trivial as that. Gu Nianzhi finished and eyed Ai Weinan, From the way I see it, you just couldnt stand Class Rep with someone else?

Youre taking this the wrong way, Im not Ai Weinan found herself unable to outspeak Gu Nianzhi and hastily tried to explain herself.

Gu Nianzhi was no longer cordial, her tone brusque, Fine, fine, youve really worried yourself sick over Class Reps love life. Someone not knowing better would think youre his mom, not his classmate.

Ai Weinan sensed the dripping sarcasm and pursed her lips as she smoothed her long hair. She replied dryly, I dont care what you think of me. You dont understand how much I love him, as long as hes happy, Ill be happier than anyone else. Love is not about possession

Why are you telling me this stuff? Are you preaching? Youre also a law student, didnt you know its illegal to preach in a non-religious setting? Gu Nianzhi interrupted Ai Weinan and looked up at the tree lined path ahead. She dryly said, I dont understand your love. For me, if I love him and he loves me, then no one can break us apart. If he doesnt love me, Ill distance myself and will definitely not bother him. Ill also definitely not stay at his side as a friend and wreak havoc on his life.

Ai Weinan was beginning to understand, she looked at Gu Nianzhi with a suddenly cold gaze, You dont love Xiawen. If you love him, you wouldnt be so logical.

Youre not me, how would you know how what Id do? Gu Nianzhi was at her wits end and rolled her eyes at Ai Weinan. She said contemptuously, Ill say it again, other peoples business is not for you to worry about. Dont you think youre a busybody? Gu Nianzhi spoke as she hurried away.

Ai Weinan stood on the tree lined path on the C University campus, and watched Gu Nianzhis back disappear at the end of the path. The noon sun was beaming through the crevices between the leaves and the light was scattered in speckles on the pathjust like the feelings she was trying to deny. Ai Weinan smiled and took out her phone to dial a number.

Hongcha? Its Weinan, when id your flight? Ill pick you up at the airport.

Gu Nianzhi returned to the dorm and felt beyond disgusted when she thought about what just happened. Afterwards, Mei Xiawen called her twice but she didnt pick up. She went to the library alone to make the final edits on her thesis. She was working until nearly evening and finally finished the first draft. He Zhichu had rushed her several times already to ask to see it. She found He Zhichus email and send the first draft over. Not long after she sent the email out, she received a text from him. She was in no rush to return to the dorm, carrying her laptop bag and sat cross legged on the grass field by the library. She bathed in the last of the sunlight for the day and replied to his text.

Professor He: You only finished the thesis now?

Gu Nianzhi: Yes, the first edition, hot off the presses. Please advise, Professor He. O(_)O~

Professor He: When is the thesis defense?

Gu Nianzhi: Mid-June, around the 15th or so.

Professor He: Theres not many days left, Ill try to edit it and send back to you as soon as possible.

Gu Nianzhi: Thank you! I bow! Professor He is my saviour!

Professor He:

Gu Nianzhi: Just a joke, Professor He wouldnt mind right?

Professor He: Cut the nonsense, do you have a passport? Quickly get a US visa. I got you the opportunity to intern at United States Congress. Youre free for half a year after graduating, itll be perfect for you to intern in the States.