Chapter 4: Give Me Your Hand

"Mm." Qiao Xi replied, not giving it much thought.

"You’re not in a hurry to go home after school, are you? I can take you to see it. That’s settled then." As Gu Panxi finished speaking, she made the decision for both of them without asking Qiao Xi again, and Qiao Xi didn’t object.

They arrived at the cafeteria a bit late; most of their classmates had already finished eating and left. After getting their food, they picked a spot at random and sat down to eat and chat, though it was mostly Gu Panxi doing the talking.

As soon as classes were over in the afternoon, Gu Panxi pulled Qiao Xi along.

"Let me tell you, the Seventh of July Bridge is really special. It’s the place couples in love most want to visit…" Gu Panxi’s phone rang halfway through her sentence. After answering, she started to look flustered. "Ah, Qiao Xi, I’m really sorry, something’s come up at home. I have to hurry back."

"Alright," Qiao Xi nodded.

After Gu Panxi left, Qiao Xi looked ahead. There was a lake, and in the middle of the lake was a small bridge—that must be the "Seventh of July Bridge" Gu Panxi mentioned.

The water was crystal clear, and she could see wooden posts set into the lakebed. On the right side of the bridge, the distance between each post was about one adult stride, leading to the other side of the lake. A red cord twined around each post, and the posts themselves were rather slender—a small misstep and one could easily fall into the water.

Qiao Xi was tempted to try crossing. Seeing no one around, she stepped forward.

She hopped onto the first post, her body swaying before she steadied herself. Carefully, she placed her right foot, suspended in mid-air, onto the second post, and proceeded step by step. When she was nearly at the other side, she spotted a figure ahead.

She paused, but continued steadily. She stopped at the last post, surprised to find that the gap between the final post and the lakeshore on this side was much wider than at the other end.

Of course, she could jump across, but standing on the shore was Ouya.

"Give me your hand," Ouya reached out to her.

Qiao Xi hesitated, but placed her hand in his. He gripped her gently, supporting her as she jumped over.

"This is the Seventh of July Bridge. The girl stands on the far side, the boy here, so the distance between them is greater," Ouya explained.

Qiao Xi nodded in response.

"It’s said that if two lovers walk toward each other from opposite ends and manage to join hands in the middle, they’ll stay together for life."

Qiao Xi listened in silence.

"Do you believe it?" Ouya asked, looking at her.

She shook her head slightly.

"You don’t?" Ouya questioned.

"I don’t know." It had nothing to do with her, anyway.

"It’s getting dark. You should head home," Ouya said.

"Goodbye, Vice President."

"Just call me Ouya."

"Alright," Qiao Xi said, turning to leave.

When she got home, she called out as soon as she opened the door, "Grandma, I’m back."

"Back already? How are you settling in at the new school?" her grandmother asked kindly.

"It’s fine."

"That’s good. Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner. Remember to call your parents in a bit."

"I will."

After dinner, her grandmother began clearing the dishes.

"Let me do it, Grandma," Qiao Xi offered, getting up.

"No need, I’ll take care of it. Go make your phone call."

"I’ll call after I finish washing up."

Once the dishes were done and the kitchen tidied, Qiao Xi came out.

"Come make your call. I’ll wash some fruit for you," her grandmother said.

"Okay."

Qiao Xi sat down, took out her phone, and dialed the number.

As soon as the call connected, she said, "It’s Qiao Xi."

"Qiao Xi? What is it?"

"Grandma asked me to call. I started classes at my new school today."

"You transferred schools? Why the sudden transfer? Never mind, I’m busy right now. We’ll talk another day."

"Alright."