Chapter 292: Can’t Lie to Yourself

Chapter 292

When she returned home, it was almost noon.

The two of them had run around for half a day and were quite tired. Sister Zhang had so many children that she couldn't cook, so she just made some simple food for herself.

Guo Momo was in no hurry to leave either, and stayed to chat with Zhi Xia for a while.

Although she didn't say it outright, it was evident from the conversation that she felt confused and worried about the future, with a vague sense of dissatisfaction and eagerness to break out of her current circumstances.

Sometimes, Zhi Xia quite admired Guo Momo.

This seemingly delicate girl had not been shown any mercy by fate. On the contrary, she had been given many hardships, yet she remained positive and willing to change her situation. She was smart and patient too.

Even in such a difficult family environment, she had not allowed herself to be dragged down. Instead, she had found a way out to give herself more hope for the future.

Of course, she would not have made it this far without encouragement and help from others along the way. Zhi Xia had contributed the most.

At the same time, Guo Momo also had different feelings towards Zhi Xia.

Initially, she had tried to ingratiate herself with Zhi Xia to gain the approval of PingAn's elders so that they would accept her and improve her life.

But now, she sincerely felt that Zhi Xia was like a beacon lighting her path in life. Whenever she encountered difficulties or felt lost and uneasy, Zhi Xia could always guide her correctly, help her and give her hope.

Zhi Xia was only a few years older than her, yet gave off a feeling of having lived for a very long time.

When Guo Momo returned home safely, the sun had already started its descent in the west.

Pei JianGuo was still sitting in the living room, looking rather gloomy.

Guo Momo was in good spirits today. She walked over with PingAn in her arms and put him down next to Pei JianGuo, "Why are you still at home? Don't you have to go to work in the afternoon?"

She admitted that she had deliberately timed her return.

Although their first encounter had been planned, she could not deny that she had truly harbored feelings for Pei JianGuo at one point.

There were many people on campus, smiles on every face. Zhi Xia had just entered when someone stopped her.

"Zhi Xia, long time no see." Zhao Runze stood before her. Now he could confirm that it was Zhi Xia who had enrolled.

No matter the change in name, there were some things that did not change. Even without formal schooling, she still managed to test into university through her own efforts.

"Comrade Zhao, we're not familiar enough for you to address me by my name. Please call me Comrade An," Zhi Xia remained aloof. She did not have the habit of leading others on when she knew their intentions. Clearly rejecting any hopes he harbored would be better for them both.

But Zhao Runze obviously lacked this awareness, feeling wronged by Zhi Xia not letting him call her by name. "I just want to be friends, what's wrong with that?"

"Comrade Zhao, I'm a married woman. Getting too close with a male comrade would greatly disturb my family, which I do not want. Do you understand?" Zhi Xia stated plainly.

The brightness in his eyes dimmed as he gave a bitter laugh. "I...I understand. Sorry, I won't bother you again."

This time, he knew he had no hope left.

She was truly heartless. Even knowing that story, she still showed him no mercy.

Zhi Xia nodded and walked past him. After getting some distance, she suddenly remembered something and turned back to say: "Comrade Zhao, one's life should not revolve solely around petty romance. You're an exceptional person with such opportunities. Work hard towards a better future, and I believe you'll also find someone compatible to accompany you for life."

This was the only advice she could give, hoping he would set his sights elsewhere instead of on her - and it was out of consideration that he had not actually done anything inappropriate.

Zhao Runze was still a decent man after all. She sincerely wished him well.

Zhi Xia and Guo Momo were not in the same classroom. Zhi Xia walked into her classroom and sat down in her seat.

The person beside her suddenly nudged her. "Zhi Xia An? You're Zhi Xia An?"

The girl before her looked so different compared to when they first met, so much prettier now! Her temperament had changed dramatically too. If not for that face still bearing some resemblance to the An family's grandmother, Zhi Xia would barely recognize her.

Zhi Xia turned to see a skinny, dark girl with big round eyes shining brightly at her.

"You are...?" Zhi Xia racked her brains but couldn't recall who she was.