Being "Crushed" - Chapter 27

After that, they officially entered their final year of preparation. Lu Sifang could finally approach Song Yuhan openly under the excuse of “studying together.”

However, their interactions remained polite and restrained — warm but not overstepping boundaries. After all, Song Yuhan was well-respected, a top student who maintained a high profile. Lu Sifang didn’t want her reputation to be tarnished because of him. Instead, he quietly planned to confess his feelings only after the college entrance exams.

At the same time, he himself stayed focused and determined to take the exam at Beijing University alongside her. He couldn’t break the promise he had made.

“I tell you, brother, you’ve really pushed yourself hard! Life for you has only been about eating and solving problems with Song Yuhan…” After some exercise, Zhou Shangqing had lost a lot of weight; his once soft facial features had sharpened. Yet he frowned with concern:

“I’m not saying I don’t believe you, but is it really that easy to get into Central Beijing University? Top students have been working hard for years—do you think they’re just standing still while you catch up casually?”

Lu Sifang stared at the report card in his hand, his expression darkening. Finally, he nodded in agreement, “Yeah, it’s definitely tough.”

He had always been proud of his intelligence, flexibility, and diligence. Though he managed to catch up to most peers, he was still far from being the top scorer.

But he was determined to get into Chung King University… Since the usual admission route was risky, he decided to try alternative methods, taking a dual approach.

He thought for a while, eyes suddenly lighting up. He began searching through cabinets at home, looking for something but came up empty after rummaging through several boxes.

Zhou Shangqing was surprised by his sudden activity and stayed out of the way, afraid to disturb his focus. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“My medals.”

Unable to find them, Lu Sifang paused, then guessed what might have happened. He went downstairs to find Lin Shu, who was calmly sipping tea in the living room. With a cold expression, he asked:

“Where’s my medal?”

Lin Shu looked startled. Yun Danfeng cast a brief glance at Lu Sifang, but paid him no real attention. “I don’t know. Sister-in-law Lin accidentally threw it out while cleaning,” she said quietly, staring at her tea with eyes full of resentment.

“Give it back. That was the first medal I ever won.” Lu Sifang pursed his lips, studying Lin Shu’s well-kept face. Something flickered in his eyes — a trace of sorrow as if touched by ashes.

Lin Shu flinched at the look in his eyes. The tea in her hand trembled slightly. She saw in his gaze the spirit of a woman who had once soared recklessly — the same woman who had shattered her once-happy family and perfect life. It was all because of her.

Even after death, that woman left behind a tiny evil seed, a burden Lin Shu had to bear for years.

Wasn’t she arrogant? Didn’t she seek out her own flaws? Why couldn’t she have died with that little evil seed?

Lu Sifang lowered his gaze, facing the woman who was his so-called stepmother.

From the moment he first met her, he knew Lin Shu hated him.

But so what? No matter how good his attitude was, it was better than facing that kind of hatred. In fact, he pitied her even more.

She and his late mother were both victims.

For years, the most decent thing he and Lin Shu could do was live under the same roof, pretending to ignore each other — but clearly, she was unaware of this.

Lin Shu had a son named Lu Chenggong, born on the same day, month, and year as Lu Sifang.

Yet, their destinies couldn’t be more different.

Though both were biological children of Lu Xiubin, who named Lin Shu’s son Chenggong but later changed his name to Sifang, one was favored and one was neglected.

After his biological mother passed away, Lu Xiubin ignored Lu Sifang, and Lin Shu’s hatred toward him only grew.

Since returning to the Lu family home, most of Lu Sifang’s hard-earned achievements were credited to Lu Chenggong.

But this time, Lu Sifang was unwilling to let it slide.

“If this is the only thing not working, give it to me.” His eyes flashed as his tone sharpened.

Lin Shu shrank back, intimidated by the sudden anger. She bit her lip, reluctant.

Though she hated him, she was timid by nature… Without anyone’s support at home, she dared not stand up to Lu Sifang. So, she looked away and said stubbornly, “It’s in the drawer of Chenggong’s study.”

After hearing this, Lu Sifang stopped pressing. Without another word, he entered the spacious study and retrieved the medal. Satisfaction crossed his face. He then quietly walked down the long corridor and back to his small room at the end of it.

Meanwhile, Lin Shu stared after him, jealousy burning in her eyes. Furious, she smashed the delicate teacup she held.

The sound of breaking porcelain echoed sharply through the hall.

When Lu Sifang returned to his room, Zhou Shangqing crouched on the floor covering his ears, frightened by the noise. Yet, he swallowed his questions after glancing at Lu Sifang’s face.

Lu Sifang ignored the commotion downstairs. As soon as he entered his room, he turned on his computer and started searching for various information.

Elsewhere —

Zhou Su finally managed to schedule a study session with Song Yuhan but greeted her with a teasing tone: “Song Song, you’re so unkind. When you have a new love, you forget your old one…”

Song Yuhan busily denied it, cheeks flushed, “What new love…? Su Su, don’t say silly things.”

Then Zhou Su, smirking, revealed a rumor: “So, Quan Yunsheng, who everyone knows surrendered to Lu Xiaobawang, has actually given his blessings to you?”

Song Yuhan quickly waved her hands, growing redder and redder, “That’s ridiculous! I don’t even dare to listen if you say that…”

She smiled widely. Zhou Su then said seriously, “Lu Sifang is handsome and kind, but you have to stay focused! You’re aiming for Beijing University — don’t get distracted!”

Song Yuhan nodded earnestly, “Yeah, maybe… we’ll both get into Chukyo University together.”

Zhou Su was shocked, “Who? Who wants to get into Beijing University with you?” She herself wasn’t likely to get into a top university…

Realizing what she said, Song Yuhan hurried to add, “You! Don’t you want to?”

Zhou Su blinked and pointed at herself, hesitating, “Me?”

She wasn’t planning on Beijing University… How did she say that?

Song Yuhan winked at her and nodded seriously.

Zhou Su laughed awkwardly. “Yeah… I don’t really want to…”

She only hoped to pass math — if she did, she’d be lucky. Getting into Beijing was like winning the lottery.

Song Yuhan was puzzled but trusted her friends completely. She believed Zhou Su had other plans.

“So where are you thinking of taking the exam?”

Zhou Su thought a moment. “Somewhere close to you, but I haven’t decided yet.”

“That’s fine. There’s still time to figure it out.” Song Yuhan smiled gently, not worried.

Then the two focused on studying, enjoying a fulfilling day.

Meanwhile, Lu Sifang rarely practiced skateboarding anymore. Instead, besides studying with Song Yuhan, he was obsessed with basketball — practicing so much the gym closed around him every day.

But he never shared the reason behind this change.

Interestingly, after practice, he often found a bottle of water mysteriously added to his schoolbag. Yet, whenever he looked around, no one was nearby… He would hold the water and smile quietly to himself.

A year flew by as they all worked tirelessly for the exams. Days filled with effort passed without notice.

On the night after the college entrance exam, Lu Sifang and Song Yuhan walked side by side along the boulevard, as always.

They neither asked nor answered questions about the exam. Instead, they simply strolled quietly under the tree shadows, savoring the relief and fresh air after months of tension.

Amidst the crowds, Song Yuhan lost her footing and stumbled right into Lu Sifang’s arms. Their eyes met briefly before she quickly stepped back, blushing with panic.

Unsure where to place her hands, she awkwardly draped them around him. The bustling crowd pressed in, brushing against their backs, causing a tingling numbness.

Lu Sifang kept his gaze forward but his eyes were fixed on her figure. A pleased smile tugged at his lips.

With the noise of whistles growing louder and more vehicles passing by, Song Yuhan’s hand touched his again. This time, he didn’t just squeeze it — he took it firmly in his own, gently “protecting” her.

“Be careful not to fall.”

Her heart raced so fast it drowned out every other sound, leaving only the pounding beat in her ears…

She had always let him hold her hand. Whether she forgot to react or simply didn’t want to, she no longer pulled away.

As the sun set, Lu Sifang hesitated for a moment. Based on how he thought he’d done, he was at least 90% sure he’d be admitted to Chung King University this time. But without 100% certainty, he didn’t want to risk disappointing her.

He had to have the acceptance letter in hand before confessing his feelings.

No matter how much he wanted to give up, the path still had an end.

With their hands slowly loosening at the fork in the road, they parted ways silently.

Postscript: The Ex-Love Side Story

After parting ways, Zhou Su finally noticed something strange and asked Song Yuhan: “Song Song, why do you always buy a bottle of water before you leave?”

Song Yuhan, feeling caught, nervously held the bottle and said, “I drink it on the way for a while…”

“Is that so?” Zhou Su touched her chin skeptically but didn’t press further.

“Alright, take care going home!”

Song Yuhan sighed in relief and nodded, “You too.”

After waving goodbye, instead of heading toward the Song family home, Song Yuhan suddenly changed direction and went straight to the stadium.