Gao Ze took the bus to Tamsui, and throughout the ride, his tears wouldn’t stop falling. He fought the urge to scream, choosing instead to quietly embrace the unique pain that belonged only to him.
On the first day, he sat by the coast, watching the sun set and rise again. He started to question himself—what had all his years of hard work been for? Perhaps, ever since he was nine years old and decided to give Bai Xiao a home, he had been destined to live a life that was never just for himself.
On the second day, Gao Ze went from denial to trying to understand. He began convincing himself that Bai Xiao had simply been too exhausted, too lonely. During this time, the only person by her side had been Liu Hao. It had to be because of this that she sought another harbor to rely on.
By the third day, Gao Ze had sorted out his feelings and was ready to return to the military. As for Liu Hao, Gao Ze couldn’t say he hated him. After all, they had been childhood friends for so long. How could he not be aware of Liu Hao’s feelings for Bai Xiao? He had simply chosen to turn a blind eye to it all. Because of this, all he could do now was play along with their poorly acted charade until he was discharged—acting as the loving brother, pretending that everything was fine between them.
In the days that followed, the three of them worked hard to maintain the facade of harmony, constantly teetering on the edge of pain and love. Their hearts grew tired, but none of them were willing to let go. Bai Xiao, many times, thought about ending the dangerous relationships between them and starting over somewhere new, where no one knew her.
But every time she faced Gao Ze’s deep affection or the sincerity in Liu Hao’s eyes, she would give in.
Finally, just before Gao Ze was discharged, Liu Hao pulled a dramatic stunt—he self-harmed. After graduating from high school, Liu Hao quickly received his own draft notice, and this terrified him. He feared that once he enlisted, Gao Ze would use his moral high ground to push him out of this twisted love triangle. In his panic, Bai Xiao gave him the answer he wanted—or rather, she was too exhausted to fight anymore. She promised herself to Liu Hao, but when it came to Gao Ze, she couldn’t bring herself to confess.
Gao Ze, ever perceptive, sensed something was off. He took the initiative and said, “I know… I’ve always known about you and Liu Hao. But the love I’ve given you—there’s no taking it back and giving it to someone else. It’s a love that’s one of a kind. If you let go of me, I probably won’t survive…”
Though his words were calm, they hit Bai Xiao’s heart like hammer blows. Each word was painful, and she never imagined that someone as proud as Gao Ze would love her so deeply, even to the point of despair. She couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into tears, crying out all the grievances of the three of them, as if trying to tell the world that they, too, were victims of this twisted love.
Gao Ze gently wrapped his arms around her, kissing away her hot tears with a tender heart. “I won’t force you. I want to give you a happy home, even if the person by your side… isn’t me.”
Bai Xiao tried to smile through her tears, “So tears… they have warmth too, huh?”
“Silly girl, of course they do. You’re not cold-blooded.”
With Gao Ze’s blessing, Bai Xiao and Liu Hao continued their lie. But someone as sensitive as Liu Hao couldn’t help but notice that something was off at home. Gao Ze, mature and steady as always, never made things difficult for Bai Xiao. During the days when Liu Hao was home, Gao Ze became almost invisible, only appearing when Bai Xiao needed something.
Gao Ze’s presence became a thorn in Liu Hao’s heart. Jealousy and insecurity drove him into an even more subordinate position in this relationship. He didn’t want to hurt Bai Xiao, didn’t want to constantly argue or be consumed by suspicion, but he couldn’t help it. He was exhausted but still couldn’t let go of his love. His only option was to childishly search for evidence in their daily lives to prove that he and Bai Xiao had once been in love. Jealousy made him petty and bitter.
Once again, their thoughts drifted back to the pitch-black suspension bridge… the three of them stood in silence for a long time.
“You three are just sitting there on that bridge? What, raising mosquitoes? Hurry and come down already!” The neighbor auntie shook her head as she saw them. “I’m telling you, you’ve all got your heads in the clouds. Xiaobai, I’ve watched you grow up since you were a little girl. I know what kind of people Azhe and Haozi are too. You three kids have always been like this. You think too much! Just close your doors, live your lives, and stop worrying about what other people think! Whether it’s good or bad, it’s your life, not anyone else’s! Now, hurry up and get to bed! Stop raising mosquitoes up there!” With that, the auntie stormed off.
Bai Xiao couldn’t help but giggle, “I remember… I think I once gave her dog a really bad haircut.”
Liu Hao burst out laughing too. “Yeah, I even bought you a Barbie doll from the night market because of that.”
Gao Ze quietly added, “Back then, you said… that you wanted to make money and leave this place. I’ve never forgotten those words.”
Bai Xiao stretched and let out a long sigh, as if a weight had been lifted. “Ah! Right. Let’s leave this place. I don’t want to choose.”
Gao Ze smiled as well. “There was never a choice to make. Let’s move. We’ll go somewhere where no one knows us.”
Liu Hao, seeing the two of them quickly come to a decision, rushed forward and wrapped his arm around Gao Ze’s neck, pulling Bai Xiao in too. “Hey! You didn’t even ask me first! What’s going on with you two?” But after saying that, all three of them laughed, their laughter bright and full.
From that day on, the three of them found a home. Their hearts no longer wandered aimlessly.
Three people, can it work?
Three people, can it really work?
(The End)
