Love in the Depths of Time (GL) - Chapter 9

Every Tuesday at 5:30 in the afternoon, phoenix tree leaves swirled as they fell to the ground. Jia Le would rush into the back alley of the school, clutching a roasted sweet potato, while Lin Xi had already been squatting by the faded blue iron gate, counting the ants in the cracks between the stone slabs. Jia Le’s mother was a kindergarten teacher and always said, “One more person just means an extra pair of chopsticks.” But on those evenings filled with the aroma of braised ribbonfish, the bond between the two children became thicker than bl00d.

At the Wen family’s dining table, a cloth was neatly laid out, and Lin Xi would always rub the edge of her bowl over and over again. Jia Le would poke the soft yolk of her egg, letting the golden liquid quietly flow into Lin Xi’s rice. “Xiao Lin, eat more so you can grow taller,” Wen’s mother would say as she handed over a freshly steamed egg custard. The pearl color on her fingernails reflected the same silver strands in her hair. Under the table, Lin Xi’s knees pressed tightly against Jia Le’s. When Wen’s father spoke about the interesting customers at the internet café, Lin Xi tried to smile, but it was stiff, like a rusty gear struggling to turn.

The change began on a rainy afternoon in a corner booth of the internet café. Wen’s mother had just baked some cookies and brought them over to visit Wen’s father and their daughter. But when she arrived, she saw the two girls in the corner. Lin Xi had fallen asleep with her head resting on Jia Le’s lap. Jia Le’s school uniform jacket was draped over them, her right hand still holding a ballpoint pen she had been using to tutor Lin Xi, while her left hand unconsciously twirled a strand of Lin Xi’s hair. The streetlights outside flickered through the rain, making the intertwined strands shine like a flowing galaxy.

Standing at the door, Wen’s mother felt a surge of complex emotions rising within her. Her grip on the door handle tightened, her knuckles turning pale. She saw the closeness between Lin Xi and Jia Le—something that went beyond mere friendship.

—It was the kind of body language that only lovers in the throes of passion would have.

This moment filled Wen’s mother with overwhelming emotions. She felt an intense mix of worry and fear. She feared that such feelings would affect Jia Le’s future. Once she calmed down, she decided to intervene and have a serious talk with Lin Xi.

**Wen’s Mother’s Inner Thoughts**

Sitting on the living room sofa, Wen’s mother held a freshly brewed cup of tea, but she had no desire to drink it. She had grown up in a traditional family, deeply influenced by traditional values, believing that relationships between men and women were the norm. Her heart was filled with concern.

She murmured softly to herself: “I’m worried that Lin Xi’s feelings for Jia Le have gone beyond friendship. This might bring unnecessary trouble for Jia Le.

I want Jia Le to have a stable and happy life. I’m afraid Lin Xi’s feelings will drag her into an emotional whirlpool that could affect her studies, her career, and her future marriage.

I know Lin Xi has had a difficult past. Deep down, I worry that her past might affect her emotions and behavior, and I’m afraid she won’t be able to give Jia Le real happiness.

I instinctively want to protect my daughter from all risks and harm. But in doing so, I may have limited Jia Le’s emotional freedom and failed to consider Lin Xi’s feelings and intentions. I made my judgment based purely on my instincts and traditional beliefs, which only deepened my misunderstandings and biases against Lin Xi.”

That weekend, Wen’s mother went to the convenience store where Lin Xi worked. She knocked on the door and walked in. She sat down on a chair, holding a cup of tea. Looking at Lin Xi, she said, “Lin Xi, I know you’re a good girl, and I really appreciate how much you care for Jia Le. But there are some things we need to talk about.”

Lin Xi put down the tray in her hands and looked up at Wen’s mother. She felt a hint of unease in her heart. “Auntie Wen, what is it?”

Wen’s mother sighed, her eyes filled with determination. “Lin Xi, I hope you can understand that Jia Le is still young. She has a long future ahead of her. Some feelings need to be controlled. Please don’t let her get caught up in unnecessary troubles.”

Lin Xi’s heart sank. She knew that Wen’s mother had already seen through her feelings. She lowered her head, remaining silent.

Wen’s mother continued, “I’m not against your friendship. Both you and Jia Le are good kids. But you have to understand, this is the most important time for your studies and your future. I hope you understand my concern.”

Lin Xi was a kind and sensitive girl. She knew Wen’s mother meant well, but her heart ached. After a long silence, she finally nodded and said, “Auntie Wen, I will.”

Wen’s mother’s words stirred a storm in Lin Xi’s heart. But she couldn’t ignore her feelings for Jia Le. She had secretly loved her for a long time, yet she never had the courage to confess. Jia Le was gentle and kind, and Lin Xi cherished every moment they spent together. That night, Lin Xi tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She kept thinking about Jia Le’s smiling face and the beautiful times they had shared.

The next day at school, Lin Xi saw Jia Le but still felt conflicted. She wanted to be close to her but feared that what Wen’s mother said would come true. She was afraid her feelings would affect Jia Le, or even hurt her. Slowly, she started to distance herself. She stopped seeking Jia Le out, stopped sharing her thoughts like before.

When Lin Xi began avoiding Jia Le, Jia Le noticed immediately. She felt hurt. Lin Xi was no longer as warm and open as she used to be. Jia Le was full of questions, wondering if she had done something wrong, but she couldn’t figure out what it was.

Jia Le’s inner thoughts: “What happened to Lin Xi? Did I do something wrong? Why is she avoiding me all of a sudden?”

Determined to find out the truth, Jia Le decided to talk to Lin Xi. She sent her a message, asking to meet.

“Lin Xi, how have you been lately? We haven’t talked in a while. I want to see you.”

Lin Xi’s response was brief: “I’ve been a bit busy. Maybe another time.”

Meanwhile, He Xiaoyong noticed the change between Lin Xi and Jia Le. He took the chance to get closer to Jia Le, always looking for opportunities to spend time with her. Jia Le felt a little grateful for his kindness, but deep down, she still missed Lin Xi.

He Xiaoyong said to Jia Le, “Jia Le, Lin Xi seems busy these days. Don’t worry too much. I’m here for you if you need anything.”

Jia Le forced a smile, but her eyes were full of sadness.

Even though Lin Xi kept avoiding her, Jia Le decided not to give up. One day after school, she found an opportunity to talk to Lin Xi directly.

Jia Le said, “Lin Xi, I know you’ve been avoiding me lately, but I really want to know why. We’re best friends, aren’t we? If something is bothering you, you can tell me.”

Lin Xi looked into Jia Le’s sincere eyes, feeling a deep pain in her heart. She knew she had hurt Jia Le, but she didn’t know how to explain it.

Lin Xi replied, “Jia Le, it’s not on purpose… I just have a lot going on lately. I’ve been really busy. Please don’t overthink it.”

Jia Le looked at Lin Xi with disappointment but chose to believe her words.

As time passed, Jia Le started spending more time with He Xiaoyong and other friends. Although she still felt a bit sad about Lin Xi’s distance, she tried to keep herself busy, hoping not to dwell on it.

Lin Xi, on the other hand, struggled in silence. She feared that her feelings would cause problems for Jia Le. She knew she had lost someone important to her—someone she loved deeply. But despite her pain, she held onto her decision, convincing herself that this was the best for Jia Le.

One day, as Lin Xi walked past the internet café, she saw Jia Le and He Xiaoyong together. She stopped at the door, watching them in silence. Her heart was filled with both relief and sorrow. She knew she was no longer the one always by Jia Le’s side.

Days passed, and the distance between them grew. Lin Xi focused on learning programming, chasing her dreams. But deep inside, there was always an empty space—one that could only be filled by someone she loved and lost.