"Kind" Roommate

"What's wrong, Jingyao? Is it from that scoundrel? How can someone be so shameless? They even sent him the New Marriage Law, and he's still pestering you like this."

"No, it's a letter from my brother."

Lu Jingyao quickly folded the letter, so her two overly "enthusiastic" roommates wouldn't see its contents.

"No, Jingyao, your expression is off. If it were a letter from your brother, your face wouldn't be so grim. Don't be embarrassed; if you're facing any difficulties, just tell us. We'll all help you solve it."

"Exactly, Jingyao. Our way of thinking is bound to clash with old, bad customs, but that's also our responsibility. We have a responsibility to educate those ignorant people and make them enlightened and progressive."

The two roommates chattered on, quickly leaving Lu Jingyao flustered. She finally began to doubt whether her decision to accept their "concern" had been a mistake.

After coming to the capital to attend university, Li Ye had written to Lu Jingyao once a week for several months, successfully igniting the gossip fire among the enthusiastic sisters in her dormitory. They were all older young women who had experienced life in the countryside, possessing rich experience in eloquent speech. How could the less experienced Lu Jingyao be their match?

Under their repeated "care and concern," she was finally drawn out about her entanglement with Li Ye. Lu Jingyao was conflicted. She wanted to completely escape the cage of her past, but she feared that her family, who remained in Qingshui County, would face retaliation from the Li family.

When her father had said, "If Li Ye gets into university next year, I won't object to you two," Lu Jingyao had clearly sensed her father's timidity and concession.

After hearing Lu Jingyao's confession, her roommates became "publicly indignant." In this era of transformation, how could a talented female university student tolerate the moral shackles of the wicked old society? Criticism was necessary. Even though Li Ye had agreed to break off the engagement, his family's attitude was too malicious and warranted severe criticism.

Her classmates offered various suggestions: a letter of severance, returning the betrothal gifts, legal books – a set of well-planned tactics aimed at shattering the country bumpkin toad's daydream.

Now, it seemed Lu Jingyao's plan had succeeded. Li Ye publicly reclaimed the 26 Phoenix bicycle, which was equivalent to a public declaration of their split and a complete severance of their relationship. But this was not the outcome Lu Jingyao had hoped for!

Lu Jingyao had originally hoped that Li Ye would "understand" her, support her "noble and pure freedom," and proactively resolve the conflict between the Lu and Li families, dispelling the grievances where it was unclear who was right or wrong. Based on her understanding of Li Ye, he should have recognized his mistakes, shown his responsibility as a man, and persuaded the Li family not to dwell on the matter. Only Li Ye could resolve this peacefully and quietly.

However, according to the situation described in her brother's letter, Li Ye seemed to have become a complete stranger. If one were to put it in the words of her two roommates, this toad was truly lacking in tact!

Thinking of this, the tall, slender, and incredibly handsome toad unknowingly crept into Lu Jingyao's heart. Lu Jingyao quickly shook her head vigorously, trying to regain her composure. She no longer wanted to be entangled with Li Ye, nor did she want to endure the oppressive feeling of being pitied.

"Jingyao, what's wrong? Don't keep it bottled up. Let your big sister see your brother's letter, and we'll help you figure it out."

Lu Jingyao's actions were like a catalyst, causing the gossip water of her two roommates to swell and burn, making them uncomfortably antsy. Lu Jingyao felt a bit annoyed but couldn't bring herself to refuse her roommates' good intentions. At this moment, Liu Muhan from the bunk above suddenly spoke.

"Xu Xue, Ma Li, this is ultimately Lu Jingyao's private matter. Aren't you being a bit too concerned?"

"What are you talking about?" Xu Xue immediately retorted, "Little Liu, you city kids have no idea how stubborn country folk can be. If you don't believe me, ask Ma Li. How many educated youths sent to the countryside were deceived by country people, only to regret it their whole lives when they couldn't return to the city?"

Liu Muhan glanced at Xu Xue and Ma Li, then retreated into her own covers. Although she shared a dormitory with Lu Jingyao and the others, there was a subtle rift due to some differences in living habits. She usually didn't talk much with her roommates. This time, she really couldn't stand it and decided to offer Lu Jingyao a piece of advice; whether she listened or not was ultimately up to Lu Jingyao.

Lu Jingyao also seemed to realize something and said to Xu Xue and Ma Li, "It's nothing, my brother just wants to take the college entrance examination next year ahead of time and wrote to ask for my opinion."

Xu Xue expressed some disbelief, "Isn't your brother only in his first year of high school? He wants to take the college entrance exam next year?"

Lu Jingyao smiled, "He studies well and just wants to give it a try. If he doesn't get in, it'll be extra experience, right?"

"That's true."

Only then did Xu Xue and Ma Li let Lu Jingyao go, chattering about other news. A moment later, Xu Xue suddenly said mysteriously, "Jingyao, did you know? That Qian Shun seems to be interested in you. If you think he's a good match, I can help set you up?"

Lu Jingyao was taken aback and hurriedly replied, "No, Sister He, I'm not considering anything other than my studies right now."

Xu Xue sighed, "What a shame. Qian Shun has the family background and the talent..."

Lu Jingyao silently lowered her head, wishing she could cover her ears. That Qian Shun was so similar to Li Ye! Both came from well-off families, spent money lavishly, possessed an unconscious sense of superiority, and had also...

Aside from these two commonalities, the two had nothing in common.

Li Ye was 1.8 meters tall, while Qian Shun was 1.6 meters tall.

Li Ye had a face so handsome it could topple nations, while Qian Shun had a huge, bulbous nose.

Li Ye's bright eyes were filled with pure adoration, but the look Qian Shun cast made Lu Jingyao feel deeply uncomfortable.

If judging purely by appearance, Li Ye would get a perfect score in Lu Jingyao's eyes, while Qian Shun... was hard to describe.

If Li Ye was a toad, Qian Shun was a buzzing fly.

It wasn't until the afternoon that Lu Jingyao found an opportunity to be alone, spread out her stationery, and wrote a reply to her family.

In her letter, she advised her younger brother to be strong and independent, not to covet vanity. If he didn't have a bicycle, he should walk. As long as his grades were good, there would be riches in books.

However, as she reached the end, Lu Jingyao hesitated.

Because she knew her family's situation very well. Her brother, Lu Zixue, had gotten used to Li Ye's "bribes" over the past year and might not be able to adapt to a simple life in a short period.

With her mother's doting attitude towards her beloved son, she might actually end up buying Lu Zixue a bicycle herself.

And Li Ye's sudden demand for the bicycle back would cause people around them to gossip about the Lu family, stirring up trouble for the Lu family, which had finally found peace.

After much thought, Lu Jingyao wrote a second letter.

[Li Ye, it's been a long time. The feeling you give me makes me feel like you're a stranger. Where has that kind, generous, and responsible man gone?]

[Return the bike to my brother. He's still young and can't handle rumors and criticism. Don't worry, I will definitely return the money for the bicycle to you with interest.]