sbdcsierra Chapter 211 I'd Rather Turn into Mud
Chapter 211 I'd Rather Turn into Mud
Shang Yibo turned his head to look at Zhou Yanruo, only to see that her face was slightly flushed and her gaze was fixed on the distance in a daze, as if there really was someone having a silent conversation with her in the midst of the swirling snowflakes.
However, he was surprised to find that the scene in his memory was completely opposite to Zhou Yanruo's account. He was certain he wasn't mistaken, because the scene was so unforgettable because he clearly remembered how he felt at the time: it was she who had told him that snow could purify the earth and make life less burdensome with anticipation. Those words, like a ray of light, illuminated the shadows in his heart, making his past entanglements and complaints seem both pretentious and shameful.
Why would Zhou Yanruo relay her own words as if "someone" had said them? Perhaps, deep down, she yearns for such a "someone" to say the same thing to her at this very moment, to guide her out of the shadows of her heart and to bring clarity to her mind.
And the "someone" she mentioned, Shang Yibo knew perfectly well that it was himself, the Wang Jie from back then.
Zhou Yanruo snapped out of her reverie and found Shang Yibo staring at her. Her cheeks flushed even more. "Sorry, I was thinking about something else and got a little distracted."
Shang Yibo looked away somewhat flusteredly and laughed awkwardly, "Yes, this kind of weather always easily stirs up people's thoughts."
"How about we go downstairs for a walk?" Shang Yibo suggested.
Zhou Yanruo nodded slightly, agreeing with what she heard.
The snow fell heavier and heavier, and soon the ground was covered with a thick layer of white snow.
The two arrived at the small park in front of the building. Since it was not yet closing time, there were very few people in the park, making it exceptionally quiet.
Shang Yibo and Zhou Yanruo walked side by side to a fountain that had stopped spraying water and stood silently. The only sound around them was the gentle falling of snowflakes.
After a long while, Zhou Yanruo sighed softly and said in a low voice, "I thought I would never have the courage to stand so calmly on the snow again. Yibo, thank you." Her voice was tinged with bitterness.
Shang Yibo gently traced the words "You're welcome" with his fingertip on the snow-covered stone platform, and then added a simple yet vivid smiley face next to it.
The two looked at each other and smiled, their smiles appearing especially warm and harmonious amidst the swirling snow.
Zhou Yanruo's gaze held a deep meaning as she slowly spoke, "Yibo, I always feel that you are very much like someone I used to know."
Upon hearing this, Shang Yibo's expression froze, his eyes darting away to avoid her gaze, his voice trembling slightly: "Oh? You mean, we look alike?"
“It’s not just his appearance; now that I look closely, your expression, demeanor, and even every subtle movement are extremely similar to his.”
Zhou Yanruo spoke quickly and coherently, as if afraid that if she hesitated even slightly, the surging emotions would freeze in her throat and she would be unable to speak.
A complex smile played on Shang Yibo's lips as he spoke in a low, gentle voice: "Is it possible that I am the person you're thinking of?"
He said those words almost in a pleading tone.
Zhou Yanruo's expression instantly turned somewhat awkward. She gave an embarrassed laugh, trying to hide her inner turmoil: "How could that be? I'm sorry, I might have been a little out of control today. It's just that the snowy weather makes people prone to overthinking."
After saying that, she lightly kicked the snow off her feet, trying to change the subject: "Look, the snow is falling heavier and heavier, shouldn't we go back?"
Shang Yibo did not answer immediately, but just silently looked at her. His deep eyes seemed to hold countless emotions, including expectation, disappointment, and a hint of unwavering determination.
After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke: "Yanruo, sometimes, the encounters between people are like these snowflakes dancing in the sky. They seem accidental, but in fact, they are destined. The snowflakes fall to the earth without hesitation, preferring to turn into mud. Perhaps, we can give each other a chance to explore those memories that have been sealed by time, to see if there are any forgotten corners that hide our past."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yanruo felt a strange stirring in her heart. She looked up at Shang Yibo, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. At that moment, she seemed to truly see that once-familiar figure, which gradually overlapped with the Shang Yibo before her, making it impossible for her to distinguish between reality and a dream.
Suddenly, a crisp ringtone broke the delicate atmosphere between them, pulling them back to reality. Shang Yibo quickly pulled his phone out of his pocket and mechanically waved it in front of Zhou Yanruo, "It's my phone ringing."
He glanced down at the caller ID, pursed his lips, and said, "It's Jian Zheng. He must be asking about the party tonight. I was busy and forgot to reply to him."
He pressed the answer button and held the phone close to his ear: "Hello, Jian Zheng."
Jian Zheng's loud voice immediately came through the receiver: "I texted you, why aren't you replying? What are your plans for tonight? It's so late!"
Jian Zheng spoke quickly and urgently, clearly dissatisfied with Shang Yibo's delayed response.
Standing to the side, Zhou Yanruo heard the conversation between the two clearly and couldn't help but wonder to herself, "Are they that familiar with each other?" A look of surprise appeared on her face.
Shang Yibo noticed Zhou Yanruo's expression, glanced at her slightly, then turned his back slightly and continued talking to Jian Zheng on the phone: "Stop shouting. We're having a gathering at the doctor's house tonight. Jiajia and Hong Yun are coming too. Do you want to come?"
Jian Zheng on the other end of the phone was clearly delighted: "Great! Count me in, I'm so bored!"
After hanging up the phone, Shang Yibo turned around and looked at Zhou Yanruo. "Jian Zheng will also be going to the doctor's house tonight."
However, Zhou Yanruo seemed to be lost in her own thoughts and did not immediately respond to Shang Yibo's words, completely unaware that he was talking to her.
Seeing this, Shang Yibo reached out and gently touched her arm, calling out, "Yan Ruo?"
Zhou Yanruo then came to her senses, "Huh? What did you say?"
Shang Yibo repeated, "Jian Zheng will also be going to the doctor's house tonight."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yanruo nodded slightly, "Oh, okay."
Shang Yibo noticed her unusual behavior and asked with concern, "What's wrong? You seem a little distracted."
Just then, his phone rang again, and the caller ID showed Jian Zheng again.
Shang Yibo answered the phone, his tone slightly impatient, "Hello, what is it now?"
On the other end of the phone, Jian Zheng's voice came through, "Are you and Zhou Yanruo at Rushang Group? I'm at the hotel right now."
Shang Yibo frowned slightly. "So what now?"
Jian Zheng continued, "Are you getting ready to leave? How about I come along with you?"
Shang Yibo casually replied, "Not on the way."
"What did you say?"
Shang Yibo turned to look at Zhou Yanruo with a questioning look in his eyes. Then he turned on the speakerphone and said to Jian Zheng, "Yanruo and I are together now. Ask her."