Colorful years

The moment Zhang Chao saw Xiao Hong, an indescribable impulse surged within him. He couldn't help but open his arms, as if wanting to embrace the person he had longed for day and night.

However, just as Zhang Chao was about to hug Xiao Hong, she dodged his embrace with astonishing speed.

In that instant, Xiao Hong's mind became incredibly clear, and she resolutely guarded the broken emotional barrier between her and Zhang Chao.

In the past, they might have ignited like dry tinder, burning their passion to ashes. But clearly, that's no longer possible.

Since they were no longer lovers, Xiao Hong secretly warned herself that she must never again engage in those intimate acts with Zhang Chao.

This persistence stemmed from her dedication and seriousness towards love. She knew that easily compromising would only plunge them both into deeper pain.

Therefore, she chose to stand firm on her principles and not allow herself to be hurt again.

Seeing Xiao Hong's resolute reaction, Zhang Chao's eyes revealed deep disappointment. However, he still maintained his composure and did not cross the line.

After all, he is a gentleman who knows how to respect others.

He knew very well that the foundation of love between men and women was mutual affection!

He had hoped to reconcile with Xiao Hong, but reality dealt him a heavy blow.

Despite feeling deeply disappointed, Zhang Chao silently followed Xiao Hong up the stairs.

Upon arriving at the second-floor living room, Xiao Hong reached out and turned on the fluorescent light. Instantly, the entire living room was illuminated by bright light, as if it were daytime.

The two then sat facing each other on a spacious sofa, deliberately keeping a distance between them.

Zhang Chao wanted to get closer to Xiao Hong, but as soon as he moved a little, Xiao Hong moved in the same direction, keeping a distance of about a foot from him.

What a rational woman! Once her status is defined, she remains chaste. Seeing this, Zhang Chao didn't press the matter, so he pretended to be a gentleman and sat up straight on the sofa.

"I told you not to come, but you insisted, so this is the only way I can entertain you." Although Xiao Hong's tone was reproachful, she was actually quite grateful to Zhang Chao for caring about her so much.

"You said you slept alone at the company and had nightmares, and you were very scared. After I found out, how could I not come and keep you company?" Zhang Chao asked, his eyes wide.

A hint of gratitude and warmth appeared in Xiao Hong's eyes as she softly said, "Thank you, Zhang Chao. I'm really grateful that you came to keep me company." Her voice trembled slightly, as if she was trying hard to control her emotions.

Zhang Chao stared intently at Xiao Hong and said, "You're like someone taking a hoe into a mill—looking for trouble. I don't need your praise, I just want you to remember: I'm sincere towards you, I'm the best person for you, and that's enough for me." His eyes were full of determination and sincerity.

Before I knew it, an hour had passed.

The room was quiet, save for the ticking of the clock on the wall. Zhang Chao leaned forward slightly, gazing tenderly at Xiao Hong.

He noticed Xiao Hong's eyes were starting to glaze over, as if she were getting sleepy, but her body showed no sign of wanting to share the bed. Zhang Chao asked softly, "Are you sleepy?"

Xiao Hong's voice carried a hint of weariness, "Mmm."

"Are you still afraid?" Zhang Chao continued to ask.

"I'm not afraid anymore." Xiao Hong's answer was simple and firm.

Zhang Chao smiled with relief, "Okay. I'm going back to sleep. Call me if you're scared."

"Go back now." Xiao Hong's tone was calm, but a hint of reluctance seemed to show in her eyes.

"You're not going to keep me?" Zhang Chao looked at Xiao Hong with a hint of expectation.

"I won't keep you here!" There was a hint of stubbornness in Xiao Hong's voice.

"You really don't want me?" Zhang Chao asked again, unwilling to give up.

"I don't need you. Let's go, I can't even keep my eyes open anymore." Xiao Hong turned around, her back to Zhang Chao.

Zhang Chao looked at Xiao Hong, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes, but a smile still lingered on his lips. He stood up, sighed softly, and then turned and walked towards the door.

Xiao Hong stood with her back to Zhang Chao, her eyes slightly closed, but the corners of her mouth gently turned up. She seemed to be enjoying this moment of tranquility, while also sensing Zhang Chao's departure.

Zhang Chao walked to the door, stopped, and looked back at Xiao Hong. His eyes were filled with tenderness and reluctance. Then he gently opened the door and left the room.

Hearing the door close, Xiao Hong opened her eyes and looked at the doorway. A complex emotion flashed in her eyes, then she gently closed them, tears sliding down her cheeks…

The room fell silent again, with only Xiao Hong's breathing echoing in the air.

The night grew deeper. A faint sadness filled the room, as if the departing figure had taken away all warmth and peace.

Zhang Chao walked downstairs, glanced back at Xiao Hong's room upstairs, and saw that the light was off. He sighed softly, turned around, and left.

He took out his phone and sent Xiao Hong a message: "Sleep well, goodnight." Then, he hailed a taxi to go home.

Sitting in the car, Zhang Chao silently gazed at the night view outside the window, a strange and indescribable emotion welling up inside him.

The city lights shone brightly like stars, but at this moment they could not illuminate the confusion and bewilderment deep in his heart.

He knew that his deep affection for Xiao Hong had not diminished in the slightest. However, the realities of life meant that both of them needed time and independent space to carefully consider their future direction.

This brief separation may be an opportunity for both of us to grow and catch our breath.

After returning home, Zhang Chao lay in bed, unable to fall asleep for a long time.

He recalled every moment he spent with Xiao Hong, those beautiful memories playing out in his mind like a movie.

The time they spent together, whether filled with laughter or tears, was so precious and unforgettable.

Although their feelings for each other were sealed and their relationship stagnated, he firmly believed that this was only temporary.

He believes that as long as they truly love each other, they will be able to overcome difficulties and find their own happiness.

During this time, he will strive to improve himself and become a better person so that he can better take care of Xiao Hong.

He knew that only by becoming stronger and better could he truly protect this hard-won love.

Zhang Chao closed his eyes and prayed silently.

Hopefully, Xiao Hong can also get out of the shadows soon and rediscover happiness.

He looked forward to seeing her again, hoping she would appear before him in a completely new way.

At that moment, he would not hesitate to pull her into his arms and tell her, "I've been waiting for you to come back."