A/n: This Chapter has been fixed. Thank you for waiting.
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The earlier conversation and fleeting flashbacks from the past brought forth memories she had buried deep within her mind. Before they could fade once more, she documented them on her phone.
In her past lifetime, Bei Sangyun had teetered on the brink of insanity numerous times. To shield herself from madness, she had forced herself to forget, locking away memories she desperately wished to erase.
This resulted in her forgetting much of her past, including some of her everyday life and some insignificant memories. These memories only resurface when triggered by certain events.
Jang Shin’s confession from the past hadn’t left a lasting impact on her. It hadn’t been a significant moment in her eyes.
Instead, it was Fei Chuan’s departure, limping away on the night of the homecoming dance, that had left a deeper impression on her than the scene in the garden.
But even some insignificant memories had been forgotten and buried alongside those she wished to erase.
However, this time, Bei Sangyun didn’t mind reclaiming them all. She felt happier and not alone this time. If she knew what had scarred her the most, perhaps she’d find the strength to overcome it, unlike in the past.
As she typed out the memories that had resurfaced, Fei Chuan’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Did you exchange numbers with him?"
Bei Sangyun blinked, not comprehending whom Fei Chuan referred to or what he meant by "exchange numbers."
Seeing her confusion, Fei Chuan coughed awkwardly. "...I heard Jang Shin went to talk with you."
Realization dawned on Bei Sangyun. Fei Chuan knew? How had the news spread so quickly?
Glancing around, she noticed her classmates stealing furtive glances at them, and it all clicked.
"He did talk to me. But it’s nothing important. We didn’t exchange numbers."
Upon hearing ’nothing important,’ Fei Chuan’s heart, which had been racing earlier in an attempt to decipher the situation, instantly calmed down.
Oh, so nothing significant had occurred.
His previously tight lips softened, a small curve appearing. "I see." Jang Shin had been rejected, then?
Bei Sangyun must have informed Jang Shin that she was the one pursuing him.
With a lighter heart this time, Fei Chuan returned to typing.
.......
The class bell rang, signaling the end of the day, and students hurriedly streamed out of the classroom, eager to head home.
As Fei Chuan retrieved his bag from the locker, a shadow approached him.
Locking his locker, he turned to face the person who had approached.
"Do you have a moment to talk?" Jang Shin asked.
Fei Chuan glanced around, noticing some students emerging from upstairs. He had always been the first to leave the classroom and he intended to wait for Bei Sangyun outside the school.
If these students spotted him conversing with Jang Shin, it might spark rumors that would inevitably involve Bei Sangyun in unnecessary gossip.
"Follow me," Fei Chuan instructed, leading the way.
He guided Jang Shin to the school clinic. Initially, he had considered taking Jang Shin to the old gym, but that space was reserved solely for himself and Bei Sangyun. He wasn’t keen on inviting outsiders into their private place.
Remembering Bei Sangyun’s suggestion that the clinic was suitable for discussing private matters with Zhong Cheng, Fei Chuan chose it as their meeting place.
The school doctor noticed them and observed the atmosphere between the two. Having become accustomed to the clinic serving as a rendezvous point for Bei Sangyun and Zhong Cheng, the school doctor paid them little mind.
Given that most students came from affluent backgrounds and preferred their family doctors over the school’s, the clinic remained largely vacant.
Unperturbed, the school doctor continued to play chess on his computer, leaving Fei Chuan and Jang Shin to their conversation.
"What do you want to talk about?" Fei Chuan was the same with Bei Sangyun in this regard. Both did not want to bother with unnecessary talk.
However, unlike his usual nervousness around Bei Sangyun, Jang Shin appeared calm as he wandered around the clinic, taking in his surroundings.
Fei Chuan noticed Jang Shin’s apparent disregard for him and felt his patience wane. Yet, recognizing the game Jang Shin was playing, Fei Chuan maintained his composure and met his gaze steadily.
Finally ceasing his perusal of the room, Jang Shin turned to answer, "You must have heard I spoke with Lin Sangyun."
"And?" Fei Chuan replied.
"She claims she’s pursuing you."
Fei Chuan’s impatience evaporated instantly. Slipping his hand into his pocket, he strolled about casually, mimicking Jang Shin’s earlier behavior, appearing disinterested. "And so?"
Jang Shin’s disdain for Fei Chuan grew as he observed his attitude.
"You’re allowing a lady to pursue you. What kind of man does that?" Jang Shin’s disapproval was evident.
"Since when did it become unacceptable for women to pursue men, or for men to be pursued by women?" Fei Chuan countered.
"Only men with inflated egos and low self-esteem allow themselves to be chased by a young lady. You’re toying with her emotions. If you don’t have feelings for her, then have the decency to be honest and not lead her on."
"And who said I don’t have feelings for her?" Fei Chuan retorted, suddenly confronting Jang Shin. Tilting his head, his peach-blossom eyes reflected his assertiveness.
Jang Shin narrowed his gaze. This was the Fei Chuan he remembered: unflappable, prideful, and dominant.
But he wasn’t intimidated. That boy from their past was far more daunting than the Fei Chuan standing before him now.
Many years had passed, and he was no longer that Jang Shin who always lost to that monster of a kid.
"What’s your game, then? You’re toying with her emotions, keeping her dangling on a string. You’ve been manipulative since we were kids. Don’t think I don’t see through your facade."
Fei Chuan arched an eyebrow. Little did Jang Shin know, it was his heart that had been manipulated and was played the most between him and Bei Sangyun.
But there was no need for Jang Shin to know that.
"Perhaps you are right. I have a big ego and low self-confidence. That must be why I am keeping her around. But she likes me that way." Fei Chuan remarked, tilting his chin smugly. "There’s nothing you can do about it, so you might as well give up."