Love in the Depths of Time (GL) - Chapter 21

Lin Xi stood in the corner of the campus, sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on her. But her heart felt heavy with gloom.

On the first day of high school, Lin Xi saw a familiar figure—Jia Le. The girl who had once given her warmth and companionship throughout elementary and middle school was now in the same school as her again. A mix of emotions surged in Lin Xi’s heart—joy at their reunion, but also unease about the future.

Their reunion was nothing like the romantic scenes in movies. It was just a fleeting moment of eye contact in the library. Lin Xi’s heart raced, and she noticed a hint of surprise in Jia Le’s eyes as well. They exchanged smiles, as if time had never passed.

“Jia Le, long time no see.” Lin Xi’s voice trembled slightly as she tried to control her emotions.

“Yeah, Lin Xi, how have you been?” Jia Le smiled warmly.

Due to several collaborative projects between their clubs, Lin Xi and Jia Le quickly became close friends again. But deep inside, Lin Xi kept hearing a voice reminding her of Mother Wen’s words: “Some feelings must be restrained. I hope Jia Le can have a normal life, without unnecessary trouble.”

Lin Xi knew that her feelings for Jia Le had long surpassed ordinary friendship. Even in elementary school, she had realized her special attachment to Jia Le. That feeling had taken root in her heart, growing stronger over time. However, Mother Wen’s words were like invisible chains, tightly binding her.

Lin Xi tried hard to suppress her emotions. She kept telling herself that she couldn’t let her feelings affect Jia Le’s life. She began to deliberately maintain some distance, avoiding being alone with Jia Le too often. She no longer expressed her care and affection as openly as she did when they were children, instead burying these emotions deep inside.

One time, during a joint club outing, Lin Xi and Jia Le were assigned to the same group again. Throughout the trip, Lin Xi kept a subtle distance from Jia Le. Watching Jia Le laughing with other classmates, Lin Xi felt a pang of sadness but reminded herself that this was for Jia Le’s sake.

“Lin Xi, what’s wrong?” Jia Le noticed something was off and asked with concern.

“N-No, it’s nothing.” Lin Xi forced a smile. “I’m just a little tired.”

Jia Le didn’t press further, but she could sense the change in Lin Xi. She didn’t know that Lin Xi was struggling with an inner battle.

Lin Xi wrote in her diary:

“Jia Le, do you know? I still like you. This feeling has never changed. But I also know that some emotions must be restrained. I can’t let you get into trouble because of me. I can’t let you be hurt by my feelings. Mother Wen’s words keep echoing in my mind, so I can only choose to retreat and stay silent. I hope you understand. I hope you’ll be happy.”

Life is always full of surprises.

On Monday during lunch break, the weather was perfect—bright sunlight with a gentle breeze. Jia Le had just come out of the library, carrying a few books, ready to head to the field to find Lin Xi. From a distance, she saw Jiang Xue standing in front of Lin Xi.

Jiang Xue, a member of the school’s finance club, had always taken good care of Lin Xi. The two had built a strong friendship through club activities. But Lin Xi had never imagined that this friendship could turn into something else.

Jia Le felt a slight pang in her heart but reassured herself that Lin Xi was just chatting with a classmate. She quickened her pace to approach them.

But just then, Jiang Xue looked at Lin Xi, her eyes filled with warmth and determination. “Lin Xi, I’ve been meaning to tell you—I like you.”

Lin Xi froze. She never expected Jiang Xue to confess at that moment. Her mind went blank. She didn’t know what to say or how to respond. She lowered her head, avoiding Jiang Xue’s gaze, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her clothes.

“Lin Xi, I know you might need time, but I hope you’ll give me a chance to be part of your life.” Jiang Xue’s voice carried both hope and nervousness.

Lin Xi’s heartbeat grew faster. She didn’t know how to respond. She liked Jia Le—that was her secret. Apart from Yang Sheng and Fu Mei, she had never told anyone. She was afraid of confronting her feelings and even more afraid of rejection. She didn’t know what to do, so she remained silent.

Jia Le’s footsteps halted instantly. Her heart sank, as if weighed down by a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe. Clutching her books tightly, her palms were covered in sweat. She stared at Lin Xi and Jiang Xue, waiting for Lin Xi’s answer. She watched Lin Xi, saw her lowered head, and felt a growing sense of unease and anxiety. She hesitated—should she step in? But she couldn’t help but walk forward.

“Lin Xi, what are you two talking about?” Jia Le asked softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Lin Xi looked up at Jia Le, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She didn’t know what to say and could only force an awkward smile. “N-Nothing.”

Jiang Xue turned to look at Jia Le, a flicker of embarrassment in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. “Jia Le, I was just discussing club matters with Lin Xi.”

Jia Le nodded, though she was still puzzled. She knew Lin Xi and Jiang Xue were close, but something felt off. She looked at Lin Xi and gently asked, “Lin Xi, are you okay?”

Lin Xi smiled slightly and nodded. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Jia Le nodded back, but her concern remained. She knew something was troubling Lin Xi, but she didn’t know how to help.

Jiang Xue looked at Jia Le, her expression complicated. She knew how close Lin Xi and Jia Le were, but she also knew her own feelings for Lin Xi. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Jia Le, what I’m talking about with Lin Xi is important. Could you give us a moment?”

Jia Le was stunned. She hadn’t expected Jiang Xue to say that. She turned to Lin Xi, seeking reassurance. Lin Xi lowered her head and simply nodded.

Jia Le’s mind was in turmoil. She didn’t know what to say or do. In the end, she turned and walked away.

Lin Xi watched Jia Le’s retreating figure, pain flashing in her eyes. She knew Jia Le had misunderstood, but she didn’t know how to explain. She could only remain silent.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xi looked at Jiang Xue with an apologetic expression. “Jiang Xue, I’m honored that you like me, but…I can’t return your feelings.”

Jiang Xue’s face turned pale. Disappointment and sadness flickered in her eyes. She bit her lip and whispered, “I understand. I wish you happiness.”

Lin Xi watched Jiang Xue walk away, her heart filled with guilt and helplessness.

That night, Jia Le sat at her desk, flipping open her diary. Carefully, she wrote down her feelings:

“Today, I saw Lin Xi with Jiang Xue. Jiang Xue confessed, but Lin Xi didn’t respond. I don’t know what to think or do. I’m afraid of losing Lin Xi. I don’t know what to do.”

Looking out at the night sky, Jia Le’s eyes were filled with confusion and uncertainty. She knew Lin Xi was struggling with something, but she didn’t know how to approach her. All she could do was wait, hoping Lin Xi would give her an explanation.