With the arrival of autumn, the temperature rapidly dropped, and a chill permeated the air.
Since he no longer had to bear the burden of his sister’s medical expenses, Bai Yang’s financial situation gradually improved, and he had managed to save up some money. Although he continued to live quite frugally, he could still afford to buy himself a new piece of clothing occasionally.
The coats sold by the roadside shops didn’t provide much protection against the cold wind, so Bai Yang decided to first check if there were any discounts at the mall. If not, he could consider buying online.
Upon hearing about the shopping plan, Ji Xiaoqian immediately insisted on joining him. Bai Yang couldn’t refuse, so he reluctantly brought her along, knowing that he would likely end up carrying bags for her.
They chose a free afternoon to visit a large mall near the school. Despite Ji Xiaoqian riding her bicycle to school every day, her family was well-off, and when the urge to shop struck her, she didn’t hold back on swiping her card. After just one floor of shopping, Bai Yang was already carrying five or six bags. He jokingly remarked, “Who’s accompanying whom to shop?”
Ji Xiaoqian embarrassedly stuck her tongue out and said, “I’ll buy you an outfit later as a thank you for the last time and this time!”
Bai Yang refused, but Ji Xiaoqian’s insistence and playfulness left him with no choice. He was dragged into a men’s clothing store, fully aware that he was likely to end up trying on various clothes.
After trying on some clothes, Ji Xiaoqian’s eyes lit up as she exclaimed, “Indeed, the clothes make the man! Look how handsome you are in these!”
“Am I not handsome normally?” he asked with a smile.
Ji Xiaoqian quickly changed her tune, “You’re handsome normally too! But now you’re even more handsome! These clothes suit you better!”
Bai Yang smiled, secretly enjoying her enthusiasm. However, he had glanced at the price tags in the dressing room and knew these clothes were too expensive. He was looking for a practical and warm coat, not stylish shirts.
Despite his reluctance, Ji Xiaoqian continued to admire him and pushed him to try on more clothes. While he obliged, Bai Yang spotted two people entering the store as he walked out of the dressing room.
Zheng Hanqin was holding onto Shao Cheng’s arm, leaning affectionately against him. Their actions seemed intimate.
Shao Cheng’s gaze met Bai Yang’s, and he paused momentarily. Zheng Hanqin followed his gaze and asked, “Your friend?”
Shao Cheng averted his gaze and replied in a disinterested tone, “No.”
The store wasn’t large, and Bai Yang overheard their conversation as he walked away. He silently turned his head, lowering his eyelids.
Indeed, they weren’t friends, and they hardly even knew each other.
Shao Cheng and Zheng Hanqin had probably reconciled. It made sense; Zheng Hanqin was beautiful and elegant, came from a well-off family, and they had been together for nearly two years. It couldn’t be that easy for them to break up.
Seeing Bai Yang’s expression change, Ji Xiaoqian asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Worried about the cost? It’s okay, I’ll buy it for you!”
Bai Yang didn’t want to spoil her mood, so he smiled and said, “No need, I don’t want these. Let’s go to other stores.”
He returned to the dressing room and changed back into his faded jeans and shirt, then walked out with Ji Xiaoqian. Just before leaving the store, he overheard a conversation between Zheng Hanqin and Shao Cheng.
“How about this one?” Zheng Hanqin’s voice was gentle and sweet.
“Can you wear clothes this cheap?” Shao Cheng’s voice held a hint of disdain.
“Don’t judge based on your own standards. I’m not buying it for you…”
Bai Yang didn’t catch the rest of their conversation. He glanced at his own shirt, which was cheap and fading, feeling a pang of bitterness.
They truly existed in different worlds.
He couldn’t help but turn around to look at the two in the store. By chance, his eyes met Shao Cheng’s. Although Shao Cheng’s face appeared expressionless, the coldness and disdain in his eyes were unmistakable. As soon as their eyes locked, Bai Yang’s heart felt cold.
He dared not look any longer, immediately turned his head to avoid eye contact, and continued walking forward.
The magic of that moment had ended, and Shao Cheng remained as unattainable as ever. He hadn’t changed, and Bai Yang couldn’t let the fortune of a single date cloud his judgment.
Fortunately, he had told Shao Cheng about his feelings before he got back together with his girlfriend.
There were no regrets left.
