Chapter 62: Zhang Xinran
As Lin Yu turned around, he saw a young woman standing before him, about 1.65 meters tall. She wore knee-length shorts and a small suspender top, an attire exuding coolness. Her short, chic hair reminiscent of the lead actress, Daimi Moore, from the century-old film "Unfinished Love Between Ghosts and Spirits," radiated an indescribable bold and capable aura.
Though not possessing remarkably fair skin, she exhibited a kind of ivory-like complexion, markedly healthy and radiant. Her features were strikingly beautiful, with almond-shaped eyes, rosy cheeks, a high nose, and a small mouth, easily transforming into a stunning beauty with a little grooming. Her unique temperament revealed a kind of unyielding forthrightness, portraying a girl unafraid of expressing her authenticity. Moreover, her physique was remarkably robust, displaying a flat abdomen and slender yet sturdy legs. Clearly, she was someone who maintained a regimen of regular exercise, exuding a healthy and attractive aesthetic. Observing her, one might easily mistake her for a fitness coach.
"Zhang Xinran..." Lin Yu exclaimed in surprise, feeling a rush of joy and warmth. Zhang Xinran was his high school classmate and had even served as their class monitor back then.
This girl was always straightforward and spirited. In school, she was famously known for her tomboyish nature and hailed from a background in martial arts. She had won the city's youth martial arts championship twice and once rallied a group of female classmates to confront boys from another class who harassed one of her female classmates. They chased the boy to the point where he cowered in the men's restroom. At that time, he was ridiculed with the nickname "Shangxiang," and it was no exaggeration.
Undoubtedly, she excelled in both character and academics, representing the new generation of exemplary students. It was said she had even been admitted to Huajing Normal University after graduation. However, Lin Yu had stopped attending school by the latter half of the year. Unexpectedly, they crossed paths today.
During their school days, Lin Yu had a good relationship with this senior class monitor. Her straightforward and righteous nature prompted her to visit him several times when he skipped school, attempting to convince him to return to his studies. Regrettably, by then, Lin Yu had become an unrepentant spendthrift, unable to heed anyone's advice.
Nevertheless, her sincere intentions had deeply moved Lin Yu at the time.
Listening to her words now, Lin Yu couldn't help but smile wryly inside. If nothing went wrong, wasn't she responsible for slapping that old lady on the bus?
Wasn't this a classic case of setting someone up without any fairness or justice?
This senior class monitor remained true to her past habits of jesting without restraint when happy. This time, however, it had left Lin Yu feeling somewhat awkward.
"Class Monitor, do you really have to immediately pin a colossal black mark on my forehead upon our reunion? Besides, even if you wanted to set me up, could you have picked a more bearable target? Introducing such an old lady to the scene, isn't that deliberately trying to disgust me? Pitying my youthful prime," Lin Yu chuckled, touching his nose.
"Haha, you always pretended not to hear me calling you from the front." Zhang Xinran was amused by Lin Yu's antics and burst into laughter. But this statement was equivalent to her admission.
"Miss, I had my headphones on, and the carriage was too noisy. Could I have possibly heard you?" Lin Yu rolled his eyes, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"Okay, okay, don't lament over it. It's not that big a deal. Why do you keep dwelling on it?" Zhang Xinran laughed and walked over to pat his shoulder, demonstrating a very gender-neutral behavior in her eyes.
"I'm not lamenting; I'm feeling melancholic," Lin Yu said in feigned despair.
"Tsk, just stop it. Alright, old classmates meeting again shouldn't dwell on these things. Anyway, I'll treat you to dinner as an apology," Zhang Xinran waved her hand generously.
"Really? Then I want a feast!" Lin Yu's eyes immediately lit up.
"You're outrageous. I'm barely scraping by these days. How dare you let me treat you to a feast? Let's just go for spicy hot pot. If you like it, eat it; otherwise, forget it," Zhang Xinran scolded him, giving him a glare.
"Oh come on, Miss Class Monitor, you're being a bit too stingy. I heard you went to Huajing Normal University back then; that's a top-notch institution. The students it produces are the cream of the crop. You're now successful and back in your hometown, and you're still shy to invite me for spicy hot pot?" Lin Yu teased her intentionally.
"What's so great about Huajing Normal University? Even after graduating, I came back home. Nowadays, without money, connections, or looks, you're just empty talk wherever you go," Zhang Xinran sighed. Her once sunny face now displayed a shade of gloom, indicating that work-related issues had been bothering her.
"Really? Isn't everyone vying to get into Huajing Normal University? Moreover, why did you return home? If things aren't working out, you could continue your studies. After pursuing further education, everything becomes more manageable," Lin Yu suggested.
"I did consider continuing my studies, and my results had already come in. But some issues cropped up at home, and I had no choice but to return. I couldn't go elsewhere for work," Zhang Xinran's eyes reddened as she spoke, shedding tears that she had held back for a while.
She was a girl who couldn't hide her emotions.
"What happened? Don't worry; take it easy. Let's go, and I'll treat you to KFC. Old classmates meeting again; let's have a good chat," Lin Yu sighed lightly, already sensing that something was amiss.
"My father suffered a sudden stroke when I was about to graduate from college last year. Though he survived, he's paralyzed at home. My mom, who was already weak, couldn't handle this shock and fell ill too. I'm the only child, and I must return to take care of them," Zhang Xinran explained, her eyes now moist with tears. She leaned on Lin Yu's shoulder, weeping heavily, causing onlookers to glance their way, thinking it was a lovers' quarrel.
"In one corner, the moon shines brightly across the nine continents, where some households revel while others sorrow. Happiness may appear similar, but misfortune varies in every home. This is indeed a truthful reflection of our world," Lin Yu murmured, comforting Zhang Xinran, feeling a twinge of heartache himself as he reminisced about his own past experiences.