Unbearable - Chapter 21

Chapter 21: The Two of Them Were So Close, Their Heads Nearly Touched

Her sudden question caught Cheng Miao off guard.

She thought about it. “Six years? Well, at least five or six,” she replied.

After answering, Cheng Miao looked puzzled. “Why are you asking this?”

Even with her usual cluelessness, she could tell that Yu Wei saying they weren’t close and rarely talked was a lie. As an anonymous fangirl of Yu Wei, how could she not know what kind of person she was? If Yu Wei didn’t know someone well, she wouldn’t even acknowledge them.

“No reason. Just curious,” Yu Wei said flatly, her brows slightly furrowed as she turned to leave.

“Wait a second,” Cheng Miao called out. “I’m one of your icy fans. As long as it’s not during class, I’ve gone to all your competitions, domestic and international.”

Yu Wei nodded. “I know. You’re always in the front row.”

Cheng Miao hadn’t expected to be recognized. She was overjoyed and let out two sheepish chuckles before collecting herself again. “When I first met Xiao Wei, she was being cornered by some punks for protection money. She only reached their chest in height, looked like a delicate little doll, eyes brimming with tears. But when she opened her mouth, she said, ‘Then kill me.’ She wasn’t being dramatic—she meant it.”

“She was carrying a violin case then. I’ve never seen that violin again.” Cheng Miao’s voice was low, her brows furrowed as she looked at Yu Wei. “Besides me, she didn’t have any other friends. Even now, you’re kind of an exception. You know what I mean, right?”

As Yu Wei’s only friend, she spoke seriously and earnestly.

Yu Wei suddenly recalled the dried bl00d between Yu Wei’s fingers and nodded before walking away.

Her face changed instantly, and Cheng Miao scratched her head, worried she might’ve done more harm than good. She didn’t feel like playing anymore.

Coincidentally, Yu Wei was also leaving, so they walked out together.

“What were you two talking about?” Yu Wei asked casually.

Cheng Miao scratched her head. “Nothing much, just a little bonding.”

“Huh?” Yu Wei was surprised, then lowered her voice and asked, “Did you confess you’re a fangirl?”

Cheng Miao nearly clapped a hand over her mouth in shock. “Don’t talk nonsense! That’s a digital criminal record!”

She couldn’t be a fangirl anymore. Her best friend clearly had something going on with someone. Yu Wei even came asking how long she’d known her.

Was that normal? That was not normal!

“Draw me a banner when we get back, okay? Just like always,” Cheng Miao winked. “I’ll be cheering loud from the stands!”

She used to ask Yu Wei to make all her support banners and posters for the competitions.

So before meeting in person, Yu Wei had already seen all kinds of photos that Cheng Miao had sent her.

“Sure,” Yu Wei agreed. Then, after a pause, she added, “Do any of your other friends need one too?”

She needed the money.

Her old violin was too small—she needed a new one. She calculated her earnings from drawing, but there were still many expenses ahead.

“You’re taking commissions for portraits now?” Cheng Miao nodded. “Totally! Lots of people would want that!”

When they got to class, Yu Wei pulled out her phone.

…: I’m going shopping with Cheng Miao after school. Want to come?

A few seconds later, Yu Wei replied: No.

Yu Wei breathed a sigh of relief. Then she sent texts to Ding Qing and Li Yu. Once school ended, she packed her things and left without Cheng Miao, taking a cab to buy the violin.

The new violin cost her half of her savings, but once she had it, she walked a long way with it on her back.

It was heavy, but maybe she had grown up—because it didn’t feel as heavy as the old one used to.

She took a cab home, opened the door, and found no one there. Ding Qing wasn’t home yet, and neither was Yu Wei.

Yu Wei had texted Ding Qing saying she’d gone out with Yu Wei.

When she returned to the old villa, the first floor was quiet, as always.

She quickly climbed the stairs and walked down the hallway in front of the bedrooms. Yu Wei’s door was open. She hesitated a moment and stood at the doorway.

Yu Wei was sitting on the yellowed wooden floor, leaning against the foot of the bed with her knees pulled close to her chest, her chin resting on her knees, and her hands limp.

Her pale fingers gently brushed the dust off the old violin case, revealing the clear wooden grain underneath. Dust particles floated up, suspended around her wrist.

The soft, golden sunset filtered through the glass window and sheer curtains, casting warm beams around her.

Knock, knock—

Yu Wei lightly tapped her fingers on the violin case, as if greeting an old friend.

Her fingers suddenly stopped, and she turned her head and looked up.

“You’re back.”

Yu Wei felt like something poked at her chest—like the dust floating around Yu Wei, stirred with no direction or logic.

“I messaged you.”

“Oh, I didn’t notice.” Yu Wei said as she pushed the old violin case under the bed, revealing the new one on the other side. She stood up. “Wait, I need to wash my hands.”

Yu Wei hummed in response.

Yu Wei walked past with her head lowered, and Yu Wei held her breath for a moment as she watched her push open the door to the side. That’s when she realized the room layout was a mirror image of hers.

In other words, their bathrooms were only separated by a wall.

Yu Wei listened to the water running inside and pressed her lips together.

When the water stopped, Yu Wei came out rubbing hand cream onto her hands. It seemed like just washing her hands had dispelled all her earlier gloom.

“Did you come back on your own?” Yu Wei asked, not having heard any car below.

Yu Wei nodded, her eyes involuntarily drawn to Yu Wei’s fingers.

So delicate—like snow.

The hand cream made her fingers glisten slightly as she rubbed it in, smoothing it over her knuckles and fingertips.

Yu Wei turned her face away, eyes flicking toward the open bathroom door. There was a mirror directly opposite.

She pursed her lips, then turned back to look at Yu Wei.

Yu Wei picked up her glasses from the bed and put them on, then pulled out her phone.

A message alert flashed—it had been sent half an hour ago.

Yu Wei: Coming to the rink?

Yu Wei held the phone, turned her head to look at her. “I’ll come.”

Her eyes lit up instantly.

Yu Wei’s throat moved as she swallowed. “Let’s go in the evening. It’s too crowded right now to skate properly.”

Yu Wei nodded, her gaze landing on the bag in Yu Wei’s hand.

Yu Wei seemed to remember it then and frowned slightly, placing the bag on Yu Wei’s desk corner. “It’s for you.”

She didn’t wait for a response before heading to the gym room next door.

Yu Wei blinked, put down her phone, and opened the bag. Inside was a shoebox.

She pulled it out and opened it. Inside was a pair of skates, already fitted with blades.

She pressed her lips together, her teeth gently biting the soft flesh inside.

Thumps and bumps came from the room next door.

Yu Wei walked to the gym room doorway and watched Yu Wei training inside. “Thank you.”

“No problem,” Yu Wei replied without looking up.

Yu Wei stood there for a few seconds. “Then… I’ll go do homework.”

Yu Wei hummed in response.

She turned and left.

Only then did Yu Wei look up toward the door.

Ding Qing got home late. She came upstairs with water for both girls and brought Yu Wei a plate of fruit.

Yu Wei stared blankly at the plate.

“Don’t like it?” Ding Qing looked at the peach slices—crisp white peaches.

Yu Wei quickly took it and smiled. “I love it. Thanks, Mom.”

“What are you thanking me for?” Ding Qing laughed softly, then looked at her and sighed. “Over the years, I neglected a lot. Only after finding you did I realize so much time has passed.”

Her voice choked, and her eyes welled up. “Do you blame me?”

Yu Wei shook her head.

After she left, Yu Wei leaned against the door for a long while before coming back to herself.

That night, Yu Wei texted: Ready to go?

Yu Wei shouldered her backpack and opened her bedroom door—only to find Yu Wei standing there too, putting her phone away.

“Wait a sec.” Yu Wei turned back and grabbed her tablet.

The two went downstairs one after another.

Ding Qing was waiting in the living room. Seeing Yu Wei with a backpack, she smiled. “You like skating now too?”

Yu Wei nodded and headed out. “Mom, the school anniversary is next week. Will you come?”

“Of course.”

Watching Yu Wei finally ask a question, Ding Qing felt a pang. She had lost her biological daughter, and so much happened afterward. In her anger, she took it out on Yu Wei.

Even now.

Even after finding her real daughter, Ding Qing had spent the last few days thinking about how to win Yu Wei’s heart again. That night, when Yu Wei said she and Yu Wei were alike, Ding Qing realized what she had missed.

Not only her biological child—but the one beside her too.

At the rink, when Yu Wei said she wanted to learn to skate, Ding Qing was stunned for a moment before smiling. “If you want to learn, go ahead. Come during the day to find a coach. It’s too tiring at night.”

Yu Wei didn’t know how to respond, so she just nodded.

Ding Qing’s phone rang again. She answered it as she walked to the changing room.

“Warm up first,” Yu Wei said, snapping Yu Wei out of her daze. “Follow me.”

“Oh.”

Yu Wei hurried after her. After just one set of warm-up exercises, she was already panting.

Yu Wei stopped and let her sit on the rink barrier to change shoes.

It was low, just the right height to sit.

Yu Wei bent over, took off her shoes, and pulled out her skates.

A shadow fell over her. Yu Wei bent down and expertly began tying her laces.

“I can do it,” Yu Wei reached out, but grabbed nothing.

Her fingers awkwardly hovered in the air before pulling back.

“Your skates are your only support and safety on the ice. The laces are your safety rope. You have to make sure they’re secure,” Yu Wei said, voice cool and professional like a coach—nothing special in her tone. “I’ll show you once. Next time, you do it yourself.”

Yu Wei nodded and watched carefully.

They were so close—their heads nearly touched.

Yu Wei’s fingers moved faster, leaving behind afterimages.

Yu Wei felt dizzy watching and realized this wasn’t something you could learn by watching once.

After tying the laces, Yu Wei looked up. “Do they fit?”

Yu Wei nodded. “Yes.”

Yu Wei raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”

Yu Wei pressed her lips together and nodded again.

Yu Wei immediately reached to untie them.

“They’re fine! Really!” Yu Wei quickly reached out, grabbing Yu Wei’s hand.

So soft.

Yu Wei thought, her fingers nearly sinking into Yu Wei’s warm palm.

“If they fit, they don’t,” Yu Wei looked at her, suddenly feeling dry-mouthed. She swallowed. “New skates should feel a little tight.”

Yu Wei realized and quietly said, “Yeah… they’re a little tight.”

“Ready to start?” Ding Qing came back from the rest room, just off the phone.

Yu Wei immediately let go, flustered for no reason.

The warmth left. Yu Wei let go too and took out a set of protective gear from her bag. She lifted Yu Wei’s leg and began fastening the knee pads.

“No need.” Yu Wei squirmed uncomfortably. “She’s coming.”

Yu Wei suddenly looked up.

Her dark eyes held a bottomless depth in the dim light. Yu Wei glanced at her, then away, a string tightening in her chest.

High heels clacked against the floor, growing louder.

Yu Wei let go and turned away.

That string in Yu Wei’s chest was gently released.

“Put these on,” Yu Wei pulled out a piece of black clothing from her bag and handed it to Yu Wei.

She opened it and saw it was a pair of shorts. Her face flushed immediately. Even though it was protective gear, it still felt a little embarrassing. She bit her lip and looked away.

Yu Wei sat nearby to change her own skates. Their bags were between them—not too close, not too far.

“I thought something happened between you two.” Ding Qing walked over and sighed in relief. Her phone rang again. She sighed and held it. “Work’s busy… you two…”

“We’re fine. No problem,” Yu Wei quickly said, pressing the shorts to her lap.

Ding Qing nodded, looking guilty. She glanced at Yu Wei, then Yu Wei. “I’ll come pick you up later.”

After she left, Yu Wei sighed in relief and stood up to put on the shorts.

Her loose school pants were gathered by the elastic waistband.

Yu Wei bent down to adjust them and heard Yu Wei say, “I started skating because my dad liked it. He used to skate with me, take me to ice shows. I envied the pretty outfits and movements, so I begged him to find me a coach.”

Yu Wei paused, hands still on her waistband.

Online, people said she was forced to skate by her parents and was rebelling.

“And you?” Yu Wei asked, “Why the violin?”

Yu Wei was silent for a few seconds. “Apparently, rich kids all know how to play some instrument.”

Yu Wei looked at her.

Yu Wei looked away, her thumb nervously digging at her pinky.

She turned and stepped onto the ice, but slipped and almost fell.

Yu Wei caught her in one swift motion.

She held her steady. “Don’t be nervous. Relax.”

Yu Wei took a deep breath.

“Keep your head up. Don’t stare at your feet.”

Yu Wei looked up, her eyes landing on Yu Wei’s lips and chin.

Yu Wei pursed her lips.

Yu Wei looked away, her eyes falling to her neck.

Yu Wei skated backward, holding Yu Wei by the arms. They faced each other, circling the empty rink—the only sound was their skates slicing across the ice.

After a few laps, Yu Wei gradually found her balance, though still unsteady.

Yu Wei let go and pushed her to practice on her own.

“Can you do it?”

Yu Wei nodded. “I’ll just walk.”

But a few steps later, she fell.

Yu Wei immediately rushed over and offered her hand.

Yu Wei didn’t take it, pushing herself up awkwardly. “You go practice. Don’t worry about me.”

She skated along the edge, slowly at first, then wobbling around—getting the hang of it.

She was making progress.

Yu Wei kept her practice restrained and didn’t throw herself around like a sandbag this time. Yu Wei would sneak peeks at her while skating—she was so graceful, her skates like part of her body… no, even better than her feet. They let her fly.

Every time she passed, a breeze followed.

“You’ve improved a lot.” Yu Wei checked the time. “Stop now.”

Yu Wei had just started getting the feel for it and didn’t want to stop. “Just a little longer?” she pleaded softly.

Yu Wei pressed her lips together.

After five minutes, she called her again.

Yu Wei gave her puppy eyes.

Yu Wei gritted her teeth. “Keep going and your legs will hurt tomorrow.”

They already did—but Yu Wei bit her lip and pushed through.

“Moving forward is your own journey. Longing is someone else’s. It’s not yours,” Yu Wei said from behind.

Without realizing it, Yu Wei had skated ahead of her.

She couldn’t see, but could feel Yu Wei watching—and surprisingly, it didn’t feel unbearable.

In fact, for the first time, she thought—being seen like this… wasn’t so bad.

And the answer to the question from yesterday had finally come.