222: Sympathy

At this moment, Mother Chen gently patted Chen Mengyao's shoulder, her tone resolute: "When it's evening, I'll go find Lu Chen and see what he really means."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mengyao's previously lowered head shot up, her eyes wide with terror and panic, tears uncontrollably welling up.

She lunged into Mother Chen's arms, clutching her mother's clothes tightly, her fingertips white from the force, and cried, shaking her head vigorously: "No, Mom, don't go."

Mother Chen gently embraced her daughter, patted her back, and sighed, saying: "But what kind of situation is this? Although our family owes Lu Chen a lot, he shouldn't treat you like this."

Chen Mengyao paused, then slowly lifted her head from her mother's embrace, her face still streaked with un-dried tears.

She roughly wiped her face with the back of her hand, her voice choked with sobs but trying to remain calm: "Mom, actually, I can see that Lu Chen has his own difficulties."

She paused slightly, her eyes becoming a little distant, as if lost in thought, "I've been thinking about this these past few days, and every time I recall his seemingly resolute gaze, there's actually a hint of imperceptible tenderness hidden within."

Mother Chen was stunned, looking at her daughter with eyes full of confusion and heartache: "Tenderness? He treated you like that, and you're still making excuses for him."

Chen Mengyao gently shook her head, looking at her mother with a firm gaze: "I know you're worried about me, but I can really feel it.

He's not the kind of person who would be heartless for no reason; I just don't know what secret is behind all of this."

She bit her lip slightly, her brows furrowed, her face filled with an expression of struggle and contemplation, "So, I want to wait a bit longer.

Maybe he has some hidden difficulties."

Mother Chen sighed helplessly, raising her hand to gently brush away a tear-soaked strand of hair from Chen Mengyao's cheek: "Silly child, you always think of others so much.

I'm just afraid you'll get hurt even more by him.

We already owe him too much; I don't want you to suffer any more grievances."

Chen Mengyao leaned against her mother's arms, her voice soft but with a hint of stubbornness: "Mom, I'm not afraid.

I trust my feelings; his kindness to me wasn't fake.

Give me a little more time; I want to understand what's going on."

Mother Chen was silent for a long time, then finally nodded gently: "Alright, I'll listen to you.

But if he makes you suffer again, I will absolutely not let him off."

As she spoke, a flash of determination and fierceness crossed Mother Chen's eyes—the deepest protective instinct of a mother for her daughter.

Chen Mengyao nodded slightly, resting her head on her mother's shoulder, looking out at the bright moon.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto her face, reflecting her expectant yet slightly sorrowful expression.

The room fell silent, with only the occasional chirping of insects from outside, as if murmuring Chen Mengyao's persistence and waiting in her heart.

Mother Chen gently patted Chen Mengyao's shoulder, her rough, chapped hand conveying a mother's unique warmth and comfort.

"Go to sleep, child; you have school tomorrow."

Her voice was full of fatigue and heartache, as if burdened by life's heavy load, but in front of her daughter, she still tried to create a gentle haven.

Chen Mengyao nodded softly, her movements filled with endless loneliness and submission.

She slowly lay down, pulled the slightly faded quilt over herself, and wrapped herself tightly, as if trying to find a sense of security in this small space.

The dim yellow light still faintly illuminated the room, reflecting the tear marks on her face.

With the rise and fall of her breathing, those tear marks shimmered in the faint light, as if embodying her broken emotions.

Soon, her breathing gradually steadied, and in this night full of sorrow, she drifted into a sleep, whether with dreams or not.

The next morning, the sun's rays streamed early through the dilapidated window, falling on Chen Mengyao's face.

She slowly opened her eyes under the gentle caress of the sunlight, her gaze still holding the sadness and confusion of the previous night.

After a quick wash, she walked into the small, cramped kitchen and began preparing breakfast for her family.

Simple porridge was boiling in the pot, steaming upwards, and her figure bustled amidst the swirling steam, her small frame shouldering many of life's trivialities.

After making the meal, Chen Mengyao quickly finished her portion, then left the house with her younger sister, Chen Xuening.

Along the way, Chen Xuening was like a cheerful little bird, chattering incessantly, trying to dispel the gloom in her sister's heart with her own happiness.

"Sister, there might be something fun at school today!

You're not allowed to be unhappy anymore."

Chen Xuening said, pulling Chen Mengyao's hand, her face full of anticipation, her eyes sparkling with innocent light.

Chen Mengyao forced a smile and gently pinched her sister's cheek, "Okay, I'll listen to you, I'll be happy today."

But that smile hid a deep bitterness that she couldn't conceal.

After dropping her sister off at school, Chen Mengyao walked to her own school alone.

Along the way, the sun was still bright, and people came and went on the streets, but she felt that everything around her had become incredibly strange and cold.

The moment she stepped through the school gate, an unusual atmosphere enveloped her.

Students were gathered in small groups, whispering to each other, and occasionally casting strange glances her way.

Those gazes were like sharp thorns, piercing directly into her.

She lowered her head slightly and quickened her pace, trying to escape the focus of those stares.

"Look, that's her, she actually confessed to Lu Chen in public that day," a girl whispered, yet deliberately loud enough for everyone around to hear.

"Yeah, and she doesn't even consider her own status.

How could Lu Chen possibly like her?" another girl echoed, a hint of mocking laughter on her face.

"I heard her family still owes Lu Chen money; maybe she's just trying to use this opportunity to pay off the debt," a boy also joined the discussion, his tone full of disdain.

Every comment was like a sharp blade, cutting into Chen Mengyao's heart.

Her head drooped lower and lower, her steps became more frantic, and she unconsciously clutched at the hem of her clothes, her fingertips turning white from the force.

She felt as if she was in a dark vortex, with the surrounding voices constantly pulling her into the abyss.

Just as she was utterly embarrassed and wished for a hole to crawl into, a familiar figure appeared before her.

It was Gao Xuewei!

A glimmer of surprise instantly flashed in Chen Mengyao's eyes, as if she had seen a ray of light in the darkness.

"Sister Xuewei!" she cried out instinctively, her voice filled with the excitement and grievance of a long-awaited reunion.

Gao Xuewei hurried over, still dressed in elegant clothes, her hair neatly tied back, her eyes filled with concern.

"Mengyao, what's wrong?" She looked Chen Mengyao up and down, noticing her pale face and haggard expression.

Chen Mengyao was about to speak, but the whispers started again in her ears, making her throat feel choked, unable to utter a word.

Gao Xuewei frowned, looking at the students who were still pointing and whispering, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes.

"What are you all staring at!" Her voice was clear and loud, carrying a hint of authority, instantly quieting the surrounding chatter.

She pulled Chen Mengyao to a corner and asked softly, "What exactly happened between you and Lu Chen?"

Chen Mengyao fell silent for a moment, a complex mix of emotions flashing in her eyes—confusion, grievance, and a hint of an indescribable attachment.

"I... I don't know either."

She lowered her head, not daring to meet Gao Xuewei's gaze, her voice so soft it seemed afraid of being scattered by the wind.

Gao Xuewei sighed softly, raised her hand, and patted Chen Mengyao's shoulder, "Don't hide it from me; I genuinely want to help you.

The rumors about you and Lu Chen are everywhere, and I don't want you to be hurt by them."

Her eyes were sincere, and her tone conveyed concern.

Chen Mengyao bit her lower lip, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke slowly: "Sister Xuewei, I'm not sure why it turned out this way.

When we were together before, he was very good to me, but then one day, he suddenly asked me to leave."

Her eyes gradually reddened, and her voice began to tremble.

"Did he say why?" Gao Xuewei pressed, her eyes full of confusion.

Chen Mengyao shook her head, "He didn't say anything, he was just so resolute.

I don't understand, was all that past tenderness fake?" Tears welled up in her eyes, her voice filled with pain and bewilderment.

Gao Xuewei frowned, lost in thought.

After a moment, she said, "Lu Chen is a man of deep thoughts, and he always has his own considerations in his actions.

His sudden behavior might be due to some hidden circumstances."

Chen Mengyao looked up, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes, "Really? Sister Xuewei, do you think he has a hidden reason?"

Gao Xuewei nodded, "He's not the kind of person who would easily hurt those around him.

Don't be too sad yet; maybe things will still turn around."

She gently patted Chen Mengyao's hand, trying to offer her some comfort.

"But everyone is talking about me now, and I feel like I can't take it anymore."

Chen Mengyao's tears finally streamed down her cheeks, falling to the ground and splashing into tiny droplets.

Gao Xuewei looked at her with heartache, took a tissue from her bag, and gently wiped away her tears, "Don't mind what those people say.

They don't understand the situation and will only spread rumors blindly.

You need to be strong and stand up for yourself."

Her tone was firm and powerful, as if injecting strength into Chen Mengyao.

Chen Mengyao took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, "Thank you, Sister Xuewei.

If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't know what to do."

She looked at Gao Xuewei gratefully, her eyes full of trust.

"Why be so polite with me? If anything happens in the future, you can always tell me.

I'll help you," Gao Xuewei said with a smile, her expression warm and encouraging.

At this moment, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting golden patches of light on both of them.

Under Gao Xuewei's comfort, Chen Mengyao's mood gradually calmed down.

Although the future remained uncertain, at this moment, in this warm friendship, she found a glimmer of courage to move forward.

She secretly told herself that she must be strong and must uncover the truth of everything.

Gao Xuewei gently held Chen Mengyao's hand, her hands delicate and soft, carrying a warm temperature, transmitting a comforting power.

She leaned in slightly, her gaze gentle and firm, and said: "These next few days, I'll continue to look for an opportunity to sound out Lu Chen and see what he's really thinking, alright?

You mustn't be too sad, okay?" Her tone was soft, like a spring breeze, sweeping across Chen Mengyao's clouded heart.

Chen Mengyao's eyes were slightly red, and she nodded gently, her hair swaying with the movement, "Okay, Sister Xuewei, thank you so much."

Her voice was nasal, full of gratitude; in this moment where rumors were like daggers, Gao Xuewei's concern was like a warm light in the darkness.

Gao Xuewei tilted her head slightly, took a pack of tissues from her exquisite handbag, pulled one out, and handed it to Chen Mengyao, then asked with concern: "Mengyao, are you financially comfortable?

If you have any difficulties, you absolutely must tell me."

Her eyes were sincere and pure, without any pretense.

Chen Mengyao took the tissue, gently wiped the corners of her eyes, then shook her head, "Lu Chen gave me a lot of money; I'm not short on cash right now."

Mentioning Lu Chen, her eyes instantly dimmed, and her voice unconsciously dropped a few notes, hiding some complex and difficult-to-discern emotions.

Gao Xuewei nodded gently, then, as if remembering something, her expression darkened, and she gave a self-deprecating smile, "Maybe in a few days, I'll also have to leave the Lu family."

She lowered her gaze, a bitter smile on her lips, as if being manipulated by the great hand of fate, full of helplessness.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mengyao's previously lowered head shot up, her eyes wide with disbelief, "No way, Sister Xuewei!

Lu Chen values you so much, how could he let you leave?" Her tone was urgent, and her hands unconsciously clenched, as if this could keep Gao Xuewei's position in the Lu family.

Gao Xuewei smiled bitterly and shook her head again, reaching up to smooth her hair behind her ear, her movements revealing a sense of melancholy, "This is just my intuition, a very strong feeling."

She looked up, her gaze fixed on the distant school building, as if searching for answers in that seemingly endless place, "After staying in the Lu family for a long time, even if there are no signs, I just feel inexplicably uneasy."

Chen Mengyao looked puzzled, her brows tightly furrowed into a ' river' shape, "Sister Xuewei, don't scare me, what exactly is going on?

Did something happen?" She leaned closer, clutching Gao Xuewei's arm tightly, her fingertips slightly white from the force, her eyes full of worry.

Gao Xuewei patted Chen Mengyao's hand, trying to calm her down, "I can't quite explain it, but recently I've just felt that Lu Chen's gaze towards me is a bit different.

It's like he's hiding a lot of words but refuses to say anything."

She bit her lip slightly, a thoughtful expression on her face, "And the atmosphere at home has also become very strange; I always feel like something is quietly brewing."

Chen Mengyao tilted her head, trying to process these words, "But Lu Chen has always been very good to you before, could it be that you're overthinking it?" Her tone carried a hint of hope, as if she wished this was truly just Gao Xuewei's baseless speculation.

Gao Xuewei sighed softly, "I also hope I'm overthinking it.

But this feeling is getting stronger and stronger, making me very uneasy."

Her eyes were a little unfocused, as if she was lost in deep worry.