Chapter 194: Chapter 194: The Deceiver
How Huahua managed to gain Xuanling's trust no longer matters. After all, she's just a naïve girl. How she forced me step by step into a corner is irrelevant too. As long as Xuanling is safe, nothing else is important—not even my current disheveled state. At least I've learned a profound lesson.
The morning mist blanketed the mountains, exuding a hazy beauty. I woke early, mostly because a throbbing headache kept me from sleeping. Standing on a large stone by the doorway, I gazed at the verdant fields stretching before me. The lowing of cattle echoed from the barn. Despite yesterday's brush with death, I felt an inexplicable calm this morning.
Like the drifting mist, wandering aimlessly until the rising sun devours it at its peak, it surrenders without regret.
The elderly couple rose even earlier, returning from the fields with hoes in hand. I greeted them, but their simplicity was evident in their reserved response. They busied themselves preparing breakfast, their voices rising in playful bickering. The old man insisted on cooking something fresh for us, while the old woman complained of her fatigue.
Their quarrels seemed more like everyday banter—sharp in words but harmless to the heart. Xuanling's parents, though rural folk, were utterly genuine and unpretentious.
Xuanling emerged from her room and approached me, pouting slightly. "Was it the rats? Couldn't sleep well? My house may be a bit shabby," she teased.
I chuckled and replied, "Rats are fine. At least when times get so tough we can't afford food, we can catch a rat to eat."
"Ew, that's disgusting!" Xuanling exclaimed with mock anger.
Her expression was endearing—innocent and blissfully unaware. I found myself wishing she could remain that way forever.
Xuanling drew closer, her tone suddenly serious. "Will you visit often in the future?"
Turning my gaze to the fields, I replied, "Of course. When we graduate and can't find jobs, we'll return to farm—spend a month here, another in Kunming."
Gratitude sparkled in her eyes. She hugged me tightly, saying nothing. I felt her warmth—a tangible, comforting presence. Xuanling wasn't glamorous or wealthy, yet I loved her deeply, just as she embraced every part of me. This simple, mutual affection defined our love.
The sound of a door opening broke the moment. Turning, I noticed some embarrassed onlookers, shuffling awkwardly as though unsure whether to retreat. We shared a laugh and didn't dwell on sentimentality.
After breakfast, Xuanling's father prepared Yao tribe specialties for us to take on the road. We expressed our heartfelt thanks and departed amid their waving goodbyes, leaving the serene village behind.
It took over six hours to reach Kunming. I dropped Xuanling off at the school. My worries about her safety had dissipated; Huahua would surely avoid me now. Scammers always vanish without a trace once they succeed, leaving you unable to pursue them.
Cheng Na met Xuanling and, upon seeing her, unleashed a torrent of relieved scolding and hugs. That's friendship—scolding you, hitting you, but never letting you doubt their love.
Only now did I understand why Cheng Na cared so much about Xuanling's relationship with me. She knew that if Xuanling invested everything in me and I abandoned her, Xuanling would truly have nothing left.
Waving goodbye, I watched Xuanling and Cheng Na leave. The crisis surrounding Xuanling had passed, but she would never know what had transpired or her significance in a man's heart. Perhaps she already knew. Last night's kiss and her tender embrace spoke volumes.
Leaving the school, I dropped Zeng Hong off at her home. Exhaustion marked her features, a testament to her sleepless night. Despite the misunderstanding, I owed her gratitude. Zeng Hong had changed—less selfish, less willful, and more selfless at a crucial moment. Though I knew we could never be more than friends again, it didn't stop me from cherishing her friendship.
After a long day, I returned to Ruili, where pressing matters awaited—particularly settling debts. Financial strain weighed heavily, and I was determined not to owe Zeng Hong more than I already did.
Upon arrival, my brothers greeted me at the bar on Border Trade Street. Their concern for my injuries was evident, though I assured them there was no need for revenge.
Just as things settled, my phone rang. Seeing Huahua's number, my heart skipped. I hadn't expected her to dare contact me.
Her laughter came through, sharp and mocking. "So, feeling like a fool yet?"
"You're impressive. I'll admit that," I replied.
"I only took what was mine. Scammers have their code. Consider this a lesson," she quipped.
"You'll regret this. Next time I catch you..." I left the threat hanging, though I wasn't sure if there would be a next time.
And so, this chapter closed. Yet beneath the calm lay the turbulence of new challenges ahead.