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Chapter 2570 is nothing

Then, He Wenhui stayed at home for a few more days.

It's not that I'm reluctant to leave, it's that I'm genuinely worried.

Although Yu Qiuhua's eyes were healed on the spot, who knows if they will relapse?

If her eyesight deteriorates again after only a couple of days, she won't be able to stay at school with peace of mind.

The first thing I do every morning is to show Yu Qiuhua things: today it's the calendar, tomorrow it's the house number, and the day after tomorrow it's the leaves in the distance.

Yu Qiuhua was exhausted by her daughter's antics, but she knew her daughter was worried about her. She would read the messages carefully each time and then report them back to her.

"This is a calendar, and it says May 18th on it."

"I saw it, I saw it, your mother isn't blind."

"Then what do you think is drawn on this?"

"It's a drawing of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, with cars on the bridge and ships below. Is that alright?"

He Wenhui nodded and turned to go to the kitchen to boil water.

Yu Qiuhua sat on the edge of the bed, both annoyed and amused, muttering, "This girl is stricter than someone checking household registrations."

Over the course of several days, Yu Qiuhua's eyesight remained excellent; not only did it not relapse, but it became even clearer than before.

Previously, Yu Qiuhua always felt like there was a fog in front of her eyes when she looked at things, but now that fog has dissipated, and she can even see the fly legs on the wall clearly.

He Wenhui was relieved and began packing her luggage.

The night before she left, He Wenhui pulled her mother, Yu Qiuhua, under the lamp and showed her the things one more time.

This time, I was looking at an old newspaper, and the words on it looked like ants.

Yu Qiuhua took it, squinted her eyes, and read a passage aloud without making a single mistake.

"Wenhui, is this enough now?" Yu Qiuhua put down the newspaper. "If you keep tormenting your mother like this, she'll go blind even if she's not already."

He Wenhui didn't say anything, but folded the newspaper and put it back on the table.

Seeing her daughter's expression, Yu Qiuhua knew she was genuinely worried, and her tone softened immediately, "Hui'er, don't worry. My eyesight is really good now, even better than before the accident. Study hard at school and don't worry about home."

“I know,” He Wenhui said.

"Don't worry about things at home, Mom's here. Wen Yuan and Wen Tao are both grown up and can help with chores. Wen Da is also very well-behaved. Just take good care of yourself while you're away."

He Wenhui nodded, and although she opened her mouth to say something, she closed it again.

I'm really afraid that once I start talking, I won't be able to stop.

Seeing her eldest daughter like this, Yu Qiuhua didn't say anything more. She patted the back of her hand and got up to sew a schoolbag for Wen Yuan.

Wen Yuan's schoolbag had a hole worn through at the bottom, so Yu Qiuhua found a piece of old cloth and mended it under the lamp.

……

On the day she left, Yu Qiuhua saw He Wenhui off at the alley entrance.

Wen Yuan, Wen Tao, and Wen Da all came out, and the three younger siblings stood behind Yu Qiuhua, none of them saying a word.

Yu Qiuhua held He Wenhui's hand, her eyes red-rimmed, her lips trembling for a long time before she finally managed to say, "Don't forget to send a letter home when you get to the capital."

He Wenhui nodded, wanting to say something, but her throat felt like it was blocked by something, and she couldn't utter a single word.

He patted his younger sister Wenyuan's head, glanced at Wentao and Wenda, picked up his bag, and turned to leave.

Wen Yuan called out, "Sister!"

He Wenhui paused for a moment, but didn't turn around, and quickened her pace.

I'm really afraid that if I turn around, I won't be able to move my legs.

……

There is a bus stop at the alley entrance that goes directly to the train station.

He Wenhui got on the car and sat in the window seat.

Yu Qiuhua stood at the entrance of the alley and didn't leave.

As the car drove off, Yu Qiuhua's figure grew smaller and smaller until it was finally blocked by the cement wall at the corner.

He Wenhui's tears finally fell, streaming down her cheeks.

He Wenhui did not go to the second canteen to say goodbye to Liu Hongchang.

It's not that I forgot, it's that I felt it wasn't necessary.

He Wenhui knew that Liu Hongchang treated her well.

Not only did he give her lamb bones, but he also personally cooked lamb bone soup, stayed up all night to buy her train tickets, and accompanied her to the mining area to pick up Wenda.

He Wenhui remembered all of these things.

But He Wenhui knew clearly that she had no way to repay him.

I'm about to go to school in the capital, and we'll be separated by distance. I don't even know if we'll ever see each other again.

Rather than saying goodbye in person and making both of them uncomfortable, it's better to just leave like this.

Moreover, He Wenhui knew in her heart that Liu Hongchang had feelings for her.

He Wenhui isn't stupid. Why would a man be nice to you for no reason?

But He Wenhui has no time to think about these things right now.

There are so many things to do at home and so many things to do at school. My mind is full of thoughts about how to finish my studies and how to make life easier for my family. I don't have time to think about anything else.

Liu Hongchang is a good person, but being a good person doesn't necessarily mean being a certain way.

My gratitude to Liu Hongchang is nothing more than that.

Besides, He Wenhui has her own boyfriend, Li Jianbin, so there's no need for her to give Liu Hongchang any futile hope.

The train started moving.

He Wenhui held her handbag in her arms, lay down on the soft sleeper, and closed her eyes.

Liu Hongchang bought He Wenhui a soft sleeper berth, naturally so that He Wenhui would feel very comfortable.

He Wenhui couldn't help but think of Liu Hongchang and Su Ning. The two men kept circling around her, which made her feel happy.

Now that her mother's eyesight has improved, He Wenhui can finally go to the capital with peace of mind, where her studies and future lie.

……

Liu Hongchang only found out that He Wenhui had left several days later.

That noon, after the workers finished eating and dispersed, the canteen was quiet.

While wiping the stove, Su Ning casually remarked, "Master Liu, have you heard? He Wenhui went to Beijing; she left a few days ago."

Liu Hongchang was chopping vegetables when he paused for a moment.

He didn't look up or say anything; he just stood there blankly.

Su Ning glanced at Liu Hongchang, said nothing more, threw the rag into the basin, and took the dirty bowls and chopsticks out.

Liu Hongchang stood for a while, put down the kitchen knife, walked to the door, and leaned against the door frame.

He pulled a cigarette out of his pocket, lit it, took a drag, and coughed violently from the fumes.

Actually, he doesn't smoke much; he carries cigarettes in his pocket to give to acquaintances.

The cigarette was burning in his hand, and the ash fell to the ground.

He Wenhui has actually left.

He left without saying goodbye, without a single word.

Liu Hongchang couldn't quite describe how he felt. It wasn't sadness or grief, but an emptiness, like something had been ripped out of his chest. It didn't hurt, but he just felt uncomfortable.

He knew he shouldn't feel this way. He and He Wenhui were not related, so what did it have to do with him that she was gone?

But Liu Hongchang just couldn't control himself.

I think of that magical dream again.

In her dream, He Wenhui married him, and then died.

Liu Hongchang remembers that dream very clearly, even remembering what clothes He Wenhui was wearing in the dream.

He recalled the look in Su Ning's eyes when she looked at him, a look that held a hint of sympathy and a hint of unspoken words.

Liu Hongchang stubbed out his cigarette on the doorframe and turned to go back to the kitchen.

I picked up the cleaver again and continued chopping vegetables, one cut at a time, slowly and heavily.

The potato shreds were cut unevenly, some like chopsticks and some like needles.

Liu Hongchang looked at the hideously ugly shredded potatoes on the cutting board and put down the knife.

Su Ning came in from outside, glanced at the shredded potatoes on the cutting board, and then at Liu Hongchang. "The way you cut these shredded potatoes today is enough to make the workers curse you out."

Liu Hongchang remained silent.

“…” Su Ning poured the shredded potatoes from the cutting board into the bowl.

Liu Hongchang leaned against the stove and suddenly asked, "Xiao Su, do you think I'm pretty stupid?"

Su Ning thought for a moment, "It really is stupid! But being stupid isn't a problem, the problem is knowing it's stupid and still rushing forward. He Wenhui has always had a boyfriend, and he's her childhood sweetheart."

“I know! Li Jianbin.” Liu Hongchang immediately thought of the plot in his dream.

Suning ignored Liu Hongchang and continued chopping vegetables, cooking, and joking with the workers.

Because he knew that some things he had to figure out himself, and no matter how much others said, it wouldn't make a difference.

……

Yang Maixiang heard that Liu Hongchang from the second canteen had been acting like he'd lost his mind lately, often spacing out while working, and either making the dishes too salty or too bland, which the workers were complaining about.

Yang Maixiang's heart skipped a beat after hearing this.

Liu Hongchang was distracted during their last blind date, and he immediately sensed something was off.

Although she only met Liu Hongchang once, Yang Maixiang had a good impression of him.

This person is a man of few words, but honest and reliable, unlike some people who talk a good game but never deliver anything worthwhile.

Thinking that since Liu Hongchang wasn't coming to find him, he would go to find him himself.

She's a woman, so there's nothing shameful about taking the initiative; after all, it's easy for a woman to pursue a man.

Yang Maixiang rode her bicycle straight to the second canteen.

When they arrived at the canteen, Liu Hongchang was busy working at the stove.

Yang Maixiang leaned her bicycle against the door, walked into the kitchen, and called out, "Liu Hongchang!"

Liu Hongchang looked up and saw Yang Maixiang, and paused for a moment. He recognized her immediately; it was the girl from their blind date last time. What was her name again?

Yang what? Liu Hongchang thought for a long time but couldn't remember.

"You're here?" Liu Hongchang forced a smile. "Have you eaten?"

"I've already eaten." Yang Maixiang walked confidently to the stove, looked Liu Hongchang up and down, and said, "Liu Hongchang, what's wrong with you lately? I heard that your cooking is either too salty or too bland, and the workers are almost dying from how salty it is."

Liu Hongchang blushed, lowered his head, and stirred the pot with the iron ladle in his hand. "Nothing's wrong, I just haven't been sleeping well lately."

"Didn't sleep well?" Yang Maixiang looked at him. "Why didn't you sleep well?"

Liu Hongchang fell silent.

Yang Maixiang waited a while, and seeing that he still didn't speak, she said directly, "Liu Hongchang, don't try to fool me. I heard that a college student surnamed He came to the second canteen before. She was quite pretty, and you were quite interested in her. Now that she's gone, this is how you behave, isn't it?"

Liu Hongchang's face turned bright red, reaching his ears.

He stopped using the iron ladle in his hand, looked up at Yang Maixiang, then lowered his head again. "There's nothing between us. She's a college student, and I'm just a cook. How could we..."

"What do you mean?" Yang Maixiang interrupted Liu Hongchang. "Liu Hongchang, stop fooling yourself. Do you think others can't see your feelings for her? But does she even look at you? She didn't even say goodbye when she left. And you're still here indulging in wishful thinking. Aren't you stupid?"

Liu Hongchang opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word.

Yang Maixiang is right, he has nothing to argue about.

He Wenhui left without even saying goodbye. What does that mean?

This shows that they didn't take Liu Hongchang seriously at all.

He was heartbroken here, while others were happily going to university in the capital. Who cared about a cook like him?

But Liu Hongchang still couldn't let it go.

Of course, I've thought about letting go, but my mind won't listen to me; the more I try to let go, the less I can.

He Wenhui's image was deeply rooted in his mind, and he couldn't shake it off.

I know this is not normal, and I know I should look at the person in front of me.

Yang Maixiang was standing right in front of him, alive and well, but his eyes were only on He Wenhui.

Yang Maixiang looked at Liu Hongchang and waited for a while, but he didn't speak.

Yang Maixiang understood everything, so she sighed, "Liu Hongchang, I, Yang Maixiang, am not the kind of person who clings on relentlessly. I came to see you today to make things clear. I have a good impression of you, and if you're willing, we can date. But if you have someone else in your heart, then forget it. I won't be someone else's substitute."

Liu Hongchang raised his head and looked at Yang Maixiang.

Yang Maixiang is very beautiful, with big eyes, and she speaks with her chin slightly raised, which makes her seem like a straightforward person.

“Yang Maixiang, you’re a good girl,” Liu Hongchang said, “but now I…”

"Alright, stop talking," Yang Maixiang interrupted him. "I know."

Then, Yang Maixiang turned and walked out.

As she reached the door, Yang Maixiang suddenly paused, without turning around, and said, "Liu Hongchang, you seem quite intelligent, so how come you're so muddle-headed when it comes to matters of the heart? Come find me when you've figured it out. But don't wait too long, I can't wait for you forever."

The carefree Yang Maixiang simply got on her bicycle and rode away.

Liu Hongchang stood at the kitchen door, watching Yang Maixiang's figure grow smaller and smaller as she walked away.

Su Ning walked over from behind and stood next to Liu Hongchang, also looking in the direction Yang Maixiang had gone.

"Tsk tsk, this girl is really nice," Su Ning said.

"I know."

"Then why didn't you ask them to stay?"

"..." Liu Hongchang remained silent.

Su Ning glanced at him. "Are you still thinking about He Wenhui?"

"..." Liu Hongchang remained silent.

Su Ning sighed, "Master Liu, let me be honest with you. He Wenhui is a good girl, but she's not from our world. She's a college student now, and after graduation, she'll most likely stay in Beijing, become a cadre, and marry a cadre too. She's all about romance and poetry. What are we? We're just roughnecks flipping woks in the cafeteria. Don't take offense, I'm just telling the truth. If you focus your attention on someone you can't reach, you'll only suffer in the end."

Liu Hongchang lowered his head, looking at the pair of liberation shoes on his feet, with a hole worn through at the toe. "I know."

“What good is it if you know?” Su Ning said. “Knowing and doing are two different things. Look at Yang Maixiang, what a great girl she is, generous, straightforward, and not pretentious. She’s more than a match for you. If you miss out, you’ll regret it later.”

Liu Hongchang was silent for a while, then said, "Xiao Su, you're right. But I still have He Wenhui in my heart, and I can't help it. I want to forget her, but I can't."

Su Ning looked at him, shook her head, said nothing more, and turned back to the kitchen.

Liu Hongchang stood alone at the door for a long time.

……

That night, Liu Hongchang tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.

It felt like two little people were fighting in my head.

One person said, "Yang Maixiang is so wonderful! She's generous and straightforward, doesn't burden anyone, and life would be so comfortable if you married her."

The other one said, "But you don't like her. You have He Wenhui in your heart. You can't lie to yourself, and you can't lie to others."

The two argued in Liu Hongchang's head all night, and neither of them won.

As dawn approached, Liu Hongchang drifted off to sleep.

He had another dream, but this time it wasn't about He Wenhui; it was about the old house from his previous dream.

He stood alone at the doorway; the house was empty, not a soul in sight.

Dust settled on the table, and cobwebs formed on the stove.

Liu Hongchang called out He Wenhui's name, but no one answered.

He called out again, but still no one answered.

He stood alone at the door for a long time before finally turning around and leaving.

The old house behind me grew farther and farther away, smaller and smaller, until finally I couldn't see it at all.

When Liu Hongchang woke up, it was already broad daylight.

He sat up, drenched in sweat, rubbed his eyes, and felt his face was wet. He reached down and touched it; it was tears.

I don't know why I'm crying, and I don't want to know.

I quickly put on my clothes, washed my face, and went to work in the cafeteria.

Halfway there, Liu Hongchang ran into Yang Maixiang again.

Yang Maixiang rode her bicycle from the opposite side.

Yang Maixiang saw Liu Hongchang, but did not stop or greet him, and rode her bicycle straight past him.

Liu Hongchang stood by the roadside, watching Yang Maixiang's figure grow smaller and smaller in the distance. He opened his mouth, wanting to call out to her, but no words came out.

Liu Hongchang stood there for a long time until Yang Maixiang's figure completely disappeared around the corner.

Looking down at the pair of liberation shoes on his feet, and then at his clothes, he really looked like a circus clown.

He stared at himself for a long time, then suddenly smiled, but the smile looked very bitter.

Then he turned and walked towards the cafeteria, realizing that he had made a fool of himself.

When they arrived at the cafeteria, Suning was already busy at the stove.

He saw Liu Hongchang come in, but didn't even look up. "You've arrived?"

"Ah."

"We're having noodles this morning. I've already prepared the sauce; you can go and cook the noodles."

Liu Hongchang responded and walked to the stove.

He picked up the large iron pot, scooped out water, and put it on the fire.

Once the water boiled, Liu Hongchang put the noodles in and stirred them with long chopsticks.

The heat hit his face, and he blinked.

As Su Ning chopped scallions, he said, "Master Liu, I've been thinking about it, and I still have to tell you something."

"You said."

"If you really don't like Yang Maixiang, then forget it. You can't force a relationship. But if you're only against it because of He Wenhui, then you're being foolish. He Wenhui left without even saying goodbye. What does that mean? It means you're nothing to her. Is it worth missing out on someone who truly cares for you for a woman who doesn't care about you?"

"..." Liu Hongchang paused for a moment while stirring the noodles.

“Xiao Su, I understand what you’re saying.” Liu Hongchang put down his chopsticks, turned around and looked at Su Ning. “But matters of the heart aren’t about reason. I understand, but I can’t do it.”

Su Ning looked at him and sighed. "Fine, I won't say anything more. Think about it yourself."

"You're very interested in Yang Maixiang?"

"Not bad! A very easygoing personality, it's rare to see a girl like that."

"How about I help you two connect?"

"Save your breath! You should sort out your own problems first."

"..."

Neither of them spoke; the only sound in the kitchen was the bubbling of noodles in the pot.

Liu Hongchang scooped out the cooked noodles, divided them into bowls, and poured the sauce over them.

The workers arrived one after another, carrying their bowls and finding places to sit down, slurping their food.

One of the workers took a bite, looked up, and said, "Master Liu, the noodle sauce is really good today! It smells delicious!"

Liu Hongchang was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Then eat more."

The worker smiled and said, "Absolutely! We still prefer coming to the second canteen."

Liu Hongchang stood behind the stove, watching the workers eat noodles.

Suddenly, I remembered the first time I met He Wenhui...

He stood behind the stove and secretly glanced at He Wenhui several times.

At that time, I didn't know He Wenhui's name. I only knew that she was a student who had just been admitted to university and was good-looking.

Looking back now, it seems like it was a very, very long time ago.

...(End of this chapter)