The moment I saw Nuo, I gasped. This...
NO.1 We, are sisters
Ruo and I grew up together since childhood. Our relationship was inseparable, our bond stronger than even blood siblings. We went to school together every day, returned home together, played together, and our personalities were strikingly similar. What she liked to eat, I also enjoyed, and what I liked, she did too. Since we were young, we have grown in the admiration of others. We had good achievements, came from good families, had beautiful appearances, and we were happy.
In our childhood, we often said that we would go to university together in the future, work together, travel to Provence together, and even get married together. We vowed never to be separated in this lifetime.
Childhood was truly carefree. If I had known how much change we would experience later on, perhaps, I wouldn't have fallen in love with someone I shouldn't have. But of course, these are all things spoken after the fact!
I remember that whenever anyone asked about our relationship, we would both say in unison: "We, are sisters."
NO.2 The innocence of youth tore apart our love
The beauty between us began to deteriorate at the start of the second semester of sophomore year! Yes, I remember it clearly!
When we first entered high school, everything was so wonderful, every place was so pleasing to the eye. We were still like before, everything we owned came in pairs. Classmates often joked: "What will happen when one of you gets married?" And we would both answer simultaneously: "What to do? We'll just marry the same person!" Everyone laughed until they held their stomachs back then!
Back then, we didn't understand love. It was a Tuesday noon, after we finished lunch and returned to school, I saw the boy I had long admired. With a red face, I told Ruo, "Xiao Ruo, it's him!" Seeing her startled expression, I thought I understood. I remembered, Ruo had once told me that she liked a boy too. In that instant, I felt as if fate was playing a joke on me. But when I asked Ruo with a skeptical tone, she denied it. I hoped so much that she would say no, even if it was a lie. Perhaps because we were too close, too close that even this little deceit seemed unbearable! Yes, we must have been too good for heaven's stingy hand to bear and became envious.
NO.3 He is called Che, and he changed our unbreakable love
Che is a very sunny boy, an excellent pianist! He is handsome and talented, his writings can deeply immerse people. At that time, Che was very popular in school, his eyes black and profound.
Back then, we were too young, too naive. Even today, many might fall for such a boy.
My first conversation with Che should have been when he transferred to our literary society. That day, he stood on stage with a radiant smile saying: "Hello, my name is Che, I am very pleased to study with all of you." For the first time, the audience clapped loudly.
When choosing seats, Che chose the one next to me. Thus, I sat beside him, Ruo on the left, and Che on the right! It was obvious that Ruo was excited that day, she kept saying, "Han, originally his name is Che, what a nice name, clean and clear just like him!"
"Han, he has transferred to our society, now we have the chance to chat!"
"Han, I really like him, can you not compete with me? Just this once, let him be mine, okay?"
I heard Ruo talking for a long time, and I remained silent throughout. Let? Can I? Am I able to?
NO.4 Our first time, also my first time with her
The first time Che found me, Ruo wasn't there. Che invited me to discuss the topic "The Last Time". We talked happily, extremely happily. After that conversation, I liked Che even more. He was funny, humorous, and as long as you performed well, he would generously praise you. Vanity, I think no one can escape it! Maybe our laughter drowned out the sound of the phone ringing. Ruo called me. When she came to the room shortly after, she happened to see us laughing joyfully. I don't know why, but the moment I saw Ruo, I inexplicably felt guilty. Perhaps I felt sorry for Ruo, after all, she also loved this excellent boy. Maybe my guilt made Ruo think I intentionally ignored her call. Ruo probably thought I betrayed her!
"Why didn't you pick up my call?"
"I didn't, did you call me?"
I hurriedly took out my phone, strange, why wasn't it on me? Oh, it's in my bag! I opened my bag and saw 10 missed calls, all from Ruo!
"Sorry, I didn't mean to," I said apologetically, due to the earlier guilt and current shame, I lowered my head like a child who had done something wrong!
"Why, you've never not picked up my calls before, is it because of him? Why, you promised not to compete with me, but now you're meeting him privately? Why? Han, I hate you, take your lies and leave, I never want to see you again!" Ruo almost shouted these words.
Seeing Ruo's tears, honestly, I wanted to walk over and wipe them away, tell her, silly girl, we will always be good sisters, I won't compete with you! But sorrow overwhelmed me, leaving me unable to utter a single word! I could only stand there frozen. We had never experienced anything like this before, so I didn't know how to resolve it. I only knew to cry, cry hard. Che patted my back and said, "Han, don't cry, it's okay."
"Ruo, stop crying too. The situation isn't what you think, Che and I are just friends! We were just discussing topics here, nothing else! We might have been too engrossed in our conversation to hear the phone ring," Che explained!
"Really? Is that true?"
Ruo stopped sobbing. I think it was because of the phrase "just friends"!
"Really, Ruo, it's really just that," I defended strenuously.
"Alright, I believe you!"
We both turned from sadness to happiness, but somewhere deep inside, it hurt badly. Was it because of those two words "just friends"? Forget it, I shook my head, trying to shake off those disturbing thoughts!
NO.5 The closer we got, the deeper the wounds
Before long, Che and I became closer. Eating, chatting, shopping, we would always appear together. However, Ruo drifted further away from me! People often asked me: "Hey, why are you alone? Where's your good sister? Have you guys started being independent now? Where's Ruo?..."
Wherever I went, wherever there were familiar faces, these questions would arise. Only then did I realize, Ruo, we haven't been together for a long time!
Che often asked me: "Han, aren't you and Ruo good? Is it because of me now? I gave a bitter laugh, how could it be? Don't overthink it, we're fine!"
NO.6 A sentence of "I love you" ultimately led to "leaving you"
"Ruo, what's wrong, open the door!" I screamed outside the door, but there was no response inside.
"Ruo, are years of friendship between us going to end like this? I'll give him back to you, alright? Just come back!"
"Ruo, I'm so cold, please open the door!"
"Ruo, I didn't mean to!"
"Ruo, open the door, didn't we promise to be together forever?"
The door opened, I saw Ruo's pale face, tears still streaming down. I rushed forward, hugging her with all my strength, but Ruo pushed me away. She said, "Stop pretending, how could you do this to me? I actually foolishly believed you, like a fool, following your advice to confess my feelings. Do you know? At that moment, I felt like a clown. Do you know what he said? He loves you, An Zihan, did you hear that? He loves you! Haha, I'm just too funny, from now on, we are no longer sisters!"
After Ruo spoke, she walked away. I could see her steps were unsteady. I stayed rooted to the spot, sitting on the floor, tears falling drop by drop onto the floor, the sound of them hitting the ground was clear. Sitting on the floor, I wiped my own tears, repeatedly writing Ruo's name, muttering over and over: "I'm sorry."
I don't know how long I sat there on the floor, until Che arrived. He gently lifted me into his arms, asking concernedly, "Girl, what's wrong? Why are you so cold? How long have you been sitting on the floor? You'll catch a cold doing that." I shoved Che away, yelling at him, "Go away, it's all your fault, you demon. If it weren't for you, Ruo and I wouldn't have ended up like this. Give Ruo back to me!" At that moment, I was almost mad. Che refused to let go, I tugged at his clothes, bit him, hit him, but he didn't leave or let go. Perhaps because I cried for too long, maybe I was dehydrated, after using so much strength, I had none left. My vision became increasingly blurry...
When I woke up, I was already in the hospital. Beside me, Che was sleeping peacefully. I wanted water, and just as I moved my foot, Che woke up, "What's wrong, girl?" "I want water." "Stay lying down, don't move, I'll get you some water!" Che brought the water, checking the temperature first to ensure it wasn't too hot before letting me drink. I said, "Thank you, why am I in the hospital? Where's Ruo?"
Che smiled, "You have a fever, Ruo... she..." Looking at Che's expression, I already knew the outcome, "Ruo, still doesn't forgive me, does she?" Che didn't reply, just saying, "I'm sorry."
NO.7 Those vows have all become fleeting clouds
When I returned to school, everything had changed. Ruo had moved to another dormitory, swapping our twin beds. When we met, even a glance was too precious. The fruit shop owner I often visited still prepared two identical servings of fruit for me. Only after getting the fruits did I realize I was eating them alone, carrying two portions of fruit, sitting by the bed alone, tears streaming down my face. I often heard nosy classmates say, "Look, those two sisters broke up! Probably because of a man, right?" Some regretted it, some watched indifferently, some consoled...
NO.8 Your silhouette stretched so long
Finally, Ruo was leaving. There were only two weeks left until the final exams, yet Ruo was leaving now. I looked at Ruo sadly, but Ruo smiled. Seeing Ruo's forced smile, my heart nearly shattered. I said, "Ruo, I'll see you off," Ruo glanced at me and said, "Alright!"
I saw Ruo off to the school gate. Her family's driver had been waiting there for a while. She said, "That's enough, see you here!" I nodded, handing the luggage to Ruo! Ruo said, "Han, you must be happy, happy to the point of tears!" Turning around elegantly, she left. I squatted there, crying again. Che's voice rang out, "Don't worry, I'm still here," burying my head in Che's embrace. In my heart, I said to myself, "Ruo, I'm sorry!"
NO.9 Bearing the burden of guilt, how can I enjoy love so easily?
Ruo left, taking my heart with her. The day after Ruo left, her mother called, almost crying through the entire conversation. She said, "Hanhan, how did things turn out like this? Aren't you the best sisters? Is it because of that boy? Is he worth it? You're still so young, do you even know what love is?" She said, "Hanhan, do you know? Your mom and I had already bought the villa for after your marriage, right by 'Night Charm,' your favorite sea, the villas were so close together!" Now, what are we supposed to do? She said, "Hanhan, you must be happy!" My mom also called me, saying, "Hanhan, cheer up, you're not so easy to break apart!" Mom said, "She asked Ruo, Ruo said she didn't want to lose me, but she couldn't!" Mom said, "Ruo is going on a trip!!" I cried, not uttering a single word, just listening. Blue Ruolei, have you seen? How did we become so undisciplined? When did we make them so sad! Blue Ruolei, are you okay? Blue Ruolei, I miss you, do you know?
School started again, a new student transferred in, a girl, very cute. The teacher said, "Han, go collect the things Ruo left behind, the new classmate is moving in. Only you can touch her belongings; we respected her while she was here, and we still respect her now that she's gone!" I nodded and said, "Thank you, teacher, I'll go!"
When I reached Ruo's dormitory, the walls were covered with the words, "Han, I'm sorry," stunning me. Ruo, did you forgive me?
As I left with Ruo's belongings, I saw a pink envelope marked "For Han." I quickly opened it:
Han: Don't be sad about my departure. I'm just going on a trip, when I figure things out, I'll return, and we'll still be good sisters! Forget those unreliable beautiful vows of the past! They were too beautiful, thus perished too early! Beautiful but so pale!
I cried, Ruo, I won't forget! Trip?? Where will Ruo go? "Provence"?? Yes, she must be going there, the place we promised to visit!
I made up my mind, I must find her. I can lose everything, but I cannot lose her! I left without telling Che, leaving him only a letter: "Bearing the burden of guilt, how can I enjoy love so easily!"
I don't know how Che will react upon reading it, but I know I must find her!
NO.10 Provence, the dreamlike boy
It's been a week in Provence, and I still haven't found Ruo. Phone, MSN, QQ, no trace of her. Extremely disappointed, I came to Provence, this fairy-tale-like place. Smelling the fragrance of lavender, my mood gradually improved. I took many pictures of lavender, accidentally capturing him in one.
When he approached me, I forgot how to breathe. He... looks so much like Che, fair skin, distinct features, one single eyelid, one double, yet harmonious. His hands, however, are not as slender as Che's; they are long and coarse. I stammered, "Who are you?" He smiled, equally bright and clear. He introduced himself as "Yan." I smiled back, and he said, "You look so beautiful when you smile!" I smiled even brighter, and he stared at me until realizing I was staring back, then diverted his gaze.
Yan resembles Che so much that sometimes I fantasize it's Che beside me. Yan is a lover of lavender, understanding how to plant and nurture it, knowing when it's most beautiful. He's a lavender expert! The happiest times are spent with Yan, as I feel no guilt during those moments.
NO.11 I want to return with you, to grow another Provence for you
"Hey, Yan, why are you calling so early in the morning?" I groggily complained.
"Hehe, Han, let's go out today, I'll take you to a great place."
Yan on the other side must have been scared witless by my loud volume. Serves him right for disturbing my sweet dreams! Punishment duly administered!
"No, I need to find someone today."
"Just today, I'll help you search afterward."
"Alright, meet at the usual spot."
I quickly got dressed and headed to the agreed location. "What's wrong with Yan inviting me but arriving late?" I started to grumble.
"Sister, are you Han?" A little girl holding a bundle of lavender innocently asked me. I replied affirmatively, and she said this was for me.
The little girl placed the flowers in my hand and left. I was a bit confused. Then an old lady appeared, similarly handing me a bundle of lavender and leaving without a word. When I couldn't hold any more, Yan finally showed up. He looked exceptionally handsome today. He knelt down in front of me, holding a large bouquet of lavender: "Han, I love you, will you be my girlfriend? I'm willing to accompany you back to China, to your city, and grow another Provence for you!" At that moment, I really wanted to accept, but then I thought of Che. Is he okay now? Does he miss me? Is he happy without me? I retreated, running wildly away. Yan chased after me. Finally, when I couldn't run anymore, Yan caught up. He said, "Han, I won't pressure you, I'll wait for you!" I looked up, meeting his determined gaze, and remained speechless.
NO.12 Without you accompanying me, I'll return alone
I've been in France for about a month now, still no news of Ruo. I decided to leave. I sent Yan a text message: "Yan, thank you for keeping me company this month. It's been the happiest time of my life. Thank you, and I wish you find your happiness in the future! Grow another Provence for the girl you love!" Seeing the successful send notification, I smiled, preparing to switch off my phone when it rang. Yan? Responding so fast, I hesitated for a long time before pressing the answer button. A message arrived from Yan: "Han, wait for me, in this lifetime, I'll only grow lavender for you!" I cried, why are you so kind to me? I don't deserve it. At that moment, I thought, perhaps if Yan and I were together, Ruo wouldn't have been so hurt. So I told Yan, "I'll wait for you!"
Standing in the boarding lounge for quite a while, there were only a few minutes left before boarding. Where was Yan? I called him, but there was no answer! "Passengers flying on flight 5483 to Beijing, please board immediately as the plane is about to depart!" The pleasant announcement sounded again. I looked outside, reluctantly turning around.
NO.13 Your vow of "growing another Provence for you" was given to someone else
Today, I'm really happy. Ruo called saying she's back, bringing her boyfriend along. This girl, three years of absence, finally returns, and unexpectedly brings her boyfriend back too. I must see her, I miss her so much. She disappeared for three years without a trace!
The moment I saw Nuo, I gasped, ... Isn't this Yan? I ran over, hugging Yan, "Yan, is that you?" "Miss, please let go, I'm not Yan, I'm Nuo." "Nuo?? How could that be, Yan, don't you recognize me? I'm Han!" Ruo pulled me away, saying, "Han, what are you doing? This is Nuo, the boyfriend I mentioned, right? Do you know him?" Che ran over, asking, "Girl, what's wrong?" I looked at Yan, no, it should be Nuo, so alike, hastily saying, "Sorry, I mistook you for someone else." Nuo smiled, "No problem, you must be Han, right? Nice to meet you, I'm Nuo!" I said, "Nice to meet you, this is my... friend, he's called Che!" "Nice to meet you," "Nice to meet you," exchanging pleasantries, we prepared to go shopping. Watching Ruo and Nuo's intertwined hands, my heart really ached. I knew that the boy named Yan, I must have loved!
We frequently went out shopping, each time four people. We were still so cheerful, so full of laughter. Three years apart, we've all changed, but the initial heart remains unchanged, still loving! No matter how I look, Nuo is exactly like Yan, actions, expressions, habits, even the fondness for lavender is so pronounced! Once, Ruo sweetly told me: Nuo had said he would grow another Provence for her here. Hearing this, I could no longer remain calm. I yelled at Ruo, "Impossible!" Ruo obviously looked surprised, asking, "How do you know?" I laughed, saying, "Sorry, I was thinking about something else, what did you say?" Ruo smiled, saying, "You, there's really nothing I can do about you!" As she spoke, Nuo arrived. Seeing my phone, he insisted on taking a look, saying it looked familiar. I handed it over. When he saw the first photo I took of him, he became agitated, then painfully crouched down, clutching his head. We asked what was wrong, but he didn't answer. He said there was a girl in his mind, her face unclear. He said his head hurt terribly! I quickly took away the phone. After he took some medicine and felt better, I asked what was wrong. He said he didn't know. Since coming out of the hospital, a girl's image kept appearing, but her face was unclear. I started to panic and said, "I have to go."
NO.14 Will that barely reconnected line break again?
The day Nuo truly regained his memory was when we went shopping. After buying things and coming out, since the street was too crowded, we squeezed back and forth. Just as we came out, a car sped toward me. Quickly, Nuo pulled me aside. The car couldn't brake in time and hit the person behind us. Nuo cried out, crouching on the ground in pain. We went over, and suddenly Nuo stood up, hugging me and saying, "Han, I remember, I remember everything, I'm Yan! The girl I've been longing for in my mind is you!"
I saw Ruo's sadness, Che's despair, Yan's surprise. Ruo ran away, and I chased after her. Looking at Ruo's back, I lost control and said, "Blue Ruolei, stop right there! For three years, are you going to repeat the same mistakes as three years ago? Again