Winter, River Dam.
Today's sun was exceptionally brilliant. Its soft, bright rays pierced the cold air and fell upon the single-story houses and the earth.
In the past, Xue Chuchu would always sit outside with Tongtong. Even if they simply sat quietly in the sunshine, they could still feel a rare sense of ease and peace.
But now, despite the warm weather, Xue Chuchu instead pulled her padded coat tighter around herself.
A faint chill seemed to seep into her body, making her face grow even paler.
Without a word, she walked back home.
It's good. Now that Tongtong has Jiang Ning, she won't stay cooped up at home all day like she used to. She was always lively by nature. Xue Chuchu thought.
As her closest friend since childhood, someone who had come with her through their poorest years, of course she hoped Tongtong would become happier and happier.
As for herself? Her expression remained as cool and aloof as ever, giving nothing away.
She walked very slowly on her way home.
It was like many years ago, when she and Tongtong played hide-and-seek in the village. Since Tongtong was so short, as well as clever and nimble, she could always hide herself extremely well. Xue Chuchu simply could not find her.
Of course, Xue Chuchu was no soft persimmon for others to knead. Every time she finished counting, she would pretend to search for a while.
When she could not find Tongtong, she would simply turn around and go home to eat. After she finished eating, she would slowly return and admit defeat.
Tongtong would then crawl out from her hiding place, her face full of joy as she foolishly declared, "I'm the real hide-and-seek master!"
Xue Chuchu would always cooperatively look dejected.
What Tongtong did not know