Classmate Li Zhuangsheng doesn’t want to be reborn

“I think… I’ve made up my mind,” Li Zhuangsheng said hesitantly.

Things have come to this point. So let's do it today.

"It's okay, just telling the truth." Xie Jiangqing lowered her head, choking back tears.

“Or, you could call Meng Ke out too…” Li Zhuangsheng said as he walked toward the bedroom, “Never mind, I’ll call her myself.”

A moment later, Li Zhuangsheng and Hu Mengke came out. Hu Mengke was holding Xuanxuan with her head down when she saw Xie Jiangqing crying silently with her head down. She was startled and almost fell over because her legs felt weak.

Li Zhuangsheng looked at Qin Luanyu and coughed lightly: "Why don't you leave for a moment?"

"What am I avoiding? I'm also a party involved!"

"Uh... okay." Li Zhuangsheng muttered, silently gathering his emotions, when he suddenly noticed the red tin can on the coffee table and a hint of surprise appeared on his face. "Hey, where did this Xiduoduo come from?"

"What is Xiduoduo? Is it delicious?" Qin Luanyu asked.

Li Zhuangsheng smiled and picked it up: "It's delicious! When we have banquets here, they always serve a plate of Xiduoduo at the end! I love it!"

Qin Luanyu became interested upon hearing this: "Really? Then I want one too!"

"It's just a small bowl of sweet soup. It used to be something only people in the countryside would drink. Nobody uses it anymore."

Li Xiuyu's lazy voice rang out, and Li Zhuangsheng turned around to look, unable to help but rub his forehead.

"Why are you here too?"

"What, you're not letting me hear it?"

Li Xiuyu sat next to Li Zhuangsheng.

She knew that Li Zhuangsheng was shy and had a stubborn personality, and that there were some things he might find difficult to say. But if she were by his side, he would at least have some confidence.

"It's not that we're against it..."

Li Zhuang thought to himself, "Don't you already know?"
“Actually, this is what I think…” Li Zhuangsheng took a deep breath. With Li Xiuyu sitting next to him, he finally became a little bolder.

Xie Jiangqing clenched the hem of her clothes, feeling like she might burst into tears at any moment.

No, no, please don't reject me like this... Ugh, can I surrender? Can I pretend I didn't say anything?
Hu Mengke held Xuanxuan tightly, trembling slightly with anxiety. Although she knew Li Zhuangsheng probably wouldn't abandon her, who could say for sure? She was afraid of losing Li Zhuangsheng, like a drowning person desperately grasping at the last straw.

More than worrying about her future, she feared losing Li Zhuangsheng. Li Zhuangsheng was the anchor of her soul, her greatest attachment to this world.

If someone tries to take him away… “Actually, I’ve already spoken to the village chief.” Li Zhuangsheng pointed at Qin Luanyu. “Actually, this is what I think. It’s better for us to remain friends.”

"Eh?"

Xie Jiangqing and Hu Mengke suddenly looked up. Their eyes were filled with tears, and they couldn't believe their eyes.

See? Li Zhuangsheng won't choose Qin Luanyu, even if it's because of his pride. Li Xiuyu raised the corner of his mouth, looked at Hu Mengke, and shrugged with a half-smile.

"So, um... actually, but, to be honest..." Li Zhuangsheng looked at Xie Jiangqing and stammered, "What you told me, I think you were a bit impulsive. I think you should think it over carefully... Although I'm quite happy, what do you think your parents will say? You should reconsider, your family is definitely..."

"No need to think about it!" Xie Jiangqing blushed and immediately interrupted Li Zhuangsheng, "I'm not a child, I can make my own decisions about my life!"

Her emotions surged wildly, and in her turmoil, she was filled with profound感慨 (gǎnkǎi, deep feelings). "She actually gave up Qin Luanyu for me, so what's a little sacrifice from me! Enough said, from today onwards, Hu Mengke is my own sister!"

"I had no idea I'd become so sought-after..." Li Zhuangsheng smiled wryly. "I... actually don't have much experience, but I'll try my best not to disappoint you..."

"I believe you!"

Xie Jiangqing mustered her courage and, in front of everyone, suddenly hugged Li Zhuangsheng tightly, her eyes glistening with tears, her heart filled with excitement.

"Wait a minute," Qin Luanyu said calmly, "I haven't said anything yet."

"what do you want to say?"

Xie Jiangqing clung to Li Zhuangsheng's arm, her expression a mix of wariness and defiance. "I'm not afraid of you anymore!"
Qin Luanyu turned her head and glanced at Li Zhuangsheng with a smile: "Just playing around, I can understand. After all, you're not that old mentally, so it's normal to be a little playful. But seeing all this makes me really unhappy."

Li Zhuangsheng paused for a moment: "I...I'm not just playing around. I won't share with them..."

He had already shared his thoughts with Qin Luanyu beforehand, and she had indicated that she didn't mind him dating Xie Jiangqing at all. Although Li Zhuangsheng later stated that he would take his relationship with Xie Jiangqing seriously, Qin Luanyu hadn't shown much opposition before... so why is she suddenly making things difficult now?
Hu Mengke said softly, "I know you like your brother-in-law too, but he has already made his choice. There's no need for you to pester him... You're so outstanding, you'll definitely find many wonderful people!"

"Haha, that's not what I meant. It's just that I don't think you and Li Zhuangsheng are a good match." Qin Luanyu shook her head and laughed, looking at Hu Mengke. "Actually, Li Zhuangsheng doesn't love you. You know he only feels pity and affection for you. Of course, you don't care about these things... But why don't you care about these things? Because you don't love him either."

"No, don't spout nonsense and try to sow discord!" Hu Mengke said angrily.

"Your feelings for him are based on practical considerations. If your ex-boyfriend hadn't dumped you, would you still like him so much, to the point of being subservient? Your feelings are too calculating, including your feigned pitifulness and indifference. This isn't your true nature; it's a pragmatic compromise, a way to gain Li Zhuangsheng's sympathy. Why did you bring the child? It's also a form of moral blackmail. So you're calculating. There's nothing inherently wrong with calculating, but are you truly satisfied with this? Are you really willing to spend your life suppressing yourself and being a subservient person?" Submissive? Is this the state you're pursuing? No, you won't be satisfied, because your current state is just a facade after suppressing your feelings. You're not happy with this outcome; it's merely a temporary compromise after weighing the options. Do you think this is happiness? You're even cautious about being jealous. Can you really be content with this small happiness in the long run? Besides, can you really accept Xie Jiangqing? In the future, Xie Jiangqing and Li Zhuangsheng will have their own children. At that time, you and Xiao Xuanxuan will be complete outsiders. What bond will you have with this family? Even if Li Zhuangsheng treats you as before, can your mindset remain the same?

Qin Luanyu smiled leisurely, unhurriedly, but every word she spoke was like a heavy hammer, striking Hu Mengke's heart. Her heart suddenly raced, then seemed to stop abruptly, convulsing without her noticing. Her face burned, and her vision went white.

She opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but no sound came out. (End of Chapter)