Chapter Three: Those Who Have Passed By

The streets at night were still bustling on both sides. Watching the streams of people coming and going, I felt a sense of déjà vu, as if I could sense a shared melancholy—one born of sympathy, of people crushed by the pressures of their daytime lives.

As we strolled along, Senior Sister Yezi, An Ye, and I deliberately slowed our pace with casual conversation, but inevitably arrived at our destination—the Fragrant Grill Barbecue House.

When we were deciding where to eat, I hadn’t thought of this place. In truth, I had long since become a regular at this barbecue joint; it represented more than just nostalgia for me—it was the site of judgment, a place where I’d fallen from heaven into hell.

Yet the moment we reached the main street, my feet seemed to carry me here of their own accord. Senior Sister and An Ye didn’t seem to notice, and simply followed me, finding a table in the outdoor seating area.

We’d barely sat down when a waiter approached us, eager to take our order.

I glanced at the menu, but before I could speak, the waiter said, “Mr. Yang?”

Looking up, I realized it was one of the original staff from when the restaurant first opened. I couldn’t help but laugh, “What a coincidence! I remember you became a shift supervisor later—why are you still taking orders yourself?”

He chuckled, “Oh, that was just for a while. Let’s not talk about it… Mr. Yang, how come you didn’t bring your girlfriend today?”

As soon as the words left his lips, he glanced at the elegant Shi Yu sitting beside me and instantly realized his blunder, quickly covering his mouth.

I shook my head inwardly. With that kind of quick thinking, no wonder management didn’t work out…

“We broke up a long time ago, right after graduation,” I replied truthfully. There was no shame in it; I had no intention of teasing him.

“My apologies, then, for bringing up something painful.”

“It’s nothing.”

Just as I was about to place our order, a commotion arose behind us. The voices sounded…

Damn, seriously? I cursed inwardly and turned to look.

A girl in a plaid shirt and sky-blue skirt was weaving drunkenly towards us, clutching a beer bottle. She was the one person I could never forget, the only woman I had truly loved since childhood—my ex-girlfriend, Zhang Jiaxin.

To be honest, Zhang Jiaxin wasn’t a top-tier beauty. Even now, Shi Yu was more attractive and had a more mature charm. But Jiaxin had an inexplicable allure, a kind of magic that drew me in, leaving me helplessly infatuated.

“Yang… Chen?” Slurring my name, Zhang Jiaxin staggered to my side, head tilted, reeking of alcohol. Clearly, she’d been drinking long before we arrived.

An Ye immediately recognized her and grinned mischievously at me, eager for a show.

“How did you get so drunk?” As soon as I spoke, I cursed myself for being an idiot. She’d dumped me without a second thought, yet here I was, meek as ever. After we broke up, I’d imagined countless times what I’d say if we met again. I told myself I’d respond with my worth, my achievements, my silence. But fate had thrust us together so soon, and in such a setting…

I stood up and gently took Zhang Jiaxin by the shoulders, leading her back to her table, where her friend Liu Xiaoxiao sat nearby, watching us with a look of helpless resignation.

At five foot five, Zhang Jiaxin looked petite next to my six feet. As I guided her back, she rested her head on my chest and mumbled, “Let’s go home, honey…”

A shudder ran through me. Glancing at her flushed, joyful face, I quickly averted my eyes. My heart twisted in pain. If only… if only things could be as they were. Why couldn’t I let go? She was the one who left me! Yang Chen, you fool!

I noticed Senior Sister watching with interest, smiling and nodding for me to take care of her. I nodded in return.

Holding Zhang Jiaxin close, I felt that familiar warmth. Even through the heavy scent of alcohol, I could still catch the trace of her scent I’d never forgotten.

When we reached Liu Xiaoxiao, I didn’t dare meet Jiaxin’s eyes, turning to leave.

“Don’t go…” came Zhang Jiaxin’s soft plea. “Yang Chen… please stay, won’t you?”

“Yes, Yang Chen, please stay with her for a while, or she’ll cause another scene. She’s had too much, and only listens to you,” Liu Xiaoxiao added with a wry smile.

I looked back at An Ye and Senior Sister. An Ye was placing our order, while Senior Sister gazed quietly at the distant street, lost in thought.

“All right.” I pulled up a chair and sat beside Zhang Jiaxin.

The moment I sat down, she threw her arms around me. I instinctively tried to push her away, uncomfortable with her closeness despite my longing. There was a gulf between us now; things could never be the same.

But no matter how I tried to free myself, she clung to me with drunken strength, and I couldn’t bring myself to shove her off for fear of hurting her.

“Yang… Yang Chen, don’t push me away… I’m not leaving!” she rasped, burying her head in my chest.

“Jiaxin, you’re making Yang Chen uncomfortable. Let’s sit nicely, you’re drunk and making a scene,” Liu Xiaoxiao tried to help, but couldn’t budge her.

“Let her be, Xiaoxiao.” I gently patted Jiaxin’s back, and she gradually calmed, quietly holding me like a child, no longer kicking up a fuss.

“I told you, only you can calm her down!” Liu Xiaoxiao sighed. “Yang Chen, do you still love Jiaxin?”

I didn’t know why she asked; I had no answer, only silence. Looking down at Zhang Jiaxin, who seemed to have drifted into sleep with a faint smile, as if lost in a sweet dream.

Seeing me remain silent, Liu Xiaoxiao sighed, “Yang Chen, I hope you don’t blame Jiaxin. She really does love you, she—”

“Ugh!”

With an abrupt, unpleasant sound, I felt a sudden warmth spread across my chest…

Damn it! My little troublemaker, you sure know how to put me on the spot! Not a drop wasted—she threw up all over me!