Chapter Seven: Ex-Husband and First Love

…The familiar voice and the familiar scent—there was no need for her to turn around; Dong Yanyan already knew who it was. Even after all these years, even when she had finally come to understand that this person could not be relied upon and would never offer her the security she longed for, the moment her gaze met his, her heart still fluttered uncontrollably. Lin Feng, the heartbreaker with a name as alluring as a spring breeze, whose very presence conjured up images of broken-hearted girls in his wake! He was as striking as ever, his handsome features always tinged with a hint of melancholy, and even now, with a gentle smile at the corner of his lips, he radiated the warmth of a March wind.

Dong Yanyan suppressed the excitement bubbling within her and flashed him a brilliant smile, teasing, “I thought we were lining up by height, so I just went to the back.”

“Then you’ll have to move further back! We’re all taller than you!” Yang Xiaohai stuck his head out from behind Lin Feng, trying to squeeze past her. Dong Yanyan raised her meal tin and playfully knocked him back, scolding, “You can barely compete with me—try your luck with a guy!” Four years of friendship meant she joked freely with him, even though she knew his height was a sore spot. This sharp-tongued fellow had once outdone even her in their banter.

It was only after the words left her mouth that she remembered she’d only known him for half a month in this life. Was she being too harsh?

“I won’t compete with you; I’ll just pretend you don't exist,” Yang Xiaohai retorted, glaring at her like a wounded child. That innocent, almost guileless expression had won this otherwise unremarkable, ill-tempered guy more than his fair share of female friends. Why? Because he was safe, obviously. But Dong Yanyan would later come to realize he was trickier than he looked.

“Well, at least you still consider me a decimal point. He just ignores me completely,” Dong Yanyan pouted, casting an aggrieved look at Lin Feng. On a thirty-year-old woman, this expression might have seemed contrived, but in her seventeen-year-old body, it was nothing short of adorable.

Lin Feng chuckled and ruffled her hair. Fine, ‘Little Shorty’ was a nickname he’d given her, but what class didn’t have a petite girl nicknamed that?

A flush of warmth blossomed in Dong Yanyan’s heart: This is the guy I’ve secretly loved for two years! At last, a first, intimate contact! Her spirits soared. Since she was already pressed close to him, why not make the most of it? Her past failed crushes were the result of inexperience! Now, with the soul of a thirty-year-old romance novelist—albeit a failed one—surely dealing with an eighteen-year-old boy would be a breeze? Her eyes narrowed in calculation, heart-shaped stars sparkling in her gaze: Even if nothing came of it, it would be delightful just to take advantage! She allowed herself the mischievous thought.

Fortunately, Lin Feng stood half a head taller than she did and remained oblivious to her predatory gaze.

She arched a delicate brow, lips curling as she prepared to strike up a conversation, when suddenly a boy in a school uniform, hair parted neatly, rushed past her, balancing four meal tins in each hand, all brimming with food.

“Excuse me! Excuse me!” he called, hurrying by, but still managed to bump into Dong Yanyan’s shoulder. Lin Feng reacted swiftly, pulling her aside just in time to prevent soup from spilling on her.

“Can’t you stop running around like a headless chicken?!” Dong Yanyan snapped at Xu Cheng, frowning in annoyance. She always disliked his frantic energy; it made him seem utterly unreliable.

“Ah, Little Shorty! Sorry, I honestly didn’t see you! Are you okay?” Xu Cheng flashed a sheepish grin, revealing gleaming white teeth.

Even he was ignoring her now! Dong Yanyan rolled her eyes, “I’m fine!” She waited, hoping for a few more comforting words, but Xu Cheng had already strode off without so much as a backward glance.

She’d forgotten—he was at best her “ex-husband” now. There were definite losses: no more daily meal runs, no more carrying water for her, and… no one to accompany her to the restroom at night… Dong Yanyan felt both relieved and a little lost as she thought this. But when she turned and saw the checkered shirt beside her, her spirits soared once again: She was still leaning on someone, after all. It wasn’t her fault—the cafeteria was always this crowded.

“Thank you!” she looked up at Lin Feng, offering him a smile so sweet it nearly made her face cramp.

Lin Feng lowered his head, his tone teasing, “I never expected you to be so fierce—like a little chili pepper!”

“Please, spare me the nicknames! If you must give me one, at least keep it to yourself!” she muttered, eyes lowered.

Lin Feng paused, then looked away, chatting idly with the guys behind him as if nothing had happened.

Sensitive as ever, a sentimental boy’s nerves were always finely tuned. Dong Yanyan had long grown used to his feigned obliviousness. No hurry—he’d be here at least two years. Let’s see who lasts longer! Yes! Now they were once again classmates, starting from the same line—a wonderful beginning. How thrilling it was to openly pursue a handsome guy right under her “ex-husband’s” nose! She entertained the thought with a wicked glee.

Her joy didn’t last long. When she returned to the classroom for evening study, as was her habit she entered through the back door, hugging her books to her chest. She immediately spotted Xu Cheng sitting in the last row, heads bent close with his female deskmate, whispering so intimately their noses nearly touched. Fury flared within her: It’s only been a few days and he’s already flirting! To think he once boasted shamelessly about being an innocent boy! Hmph! You’re better off believing in ghosts than trusting a man’s word!

“Found it!” Xu Cheng exclaimed, followed by his lovely deskmate Yang Lili’s delighted laugh. “Thank you!” she said, carefully placing something into her eye.

So he’d just been helping her find a contact lens!

Dong Yanyan’s anger flared again when she realized she’d been staring at them for ages. Embarrassed, she quickly turned, hurrying to her seat in the front row. It wasn’t her fault—after all, Xu Cheng was her legal husband only two days ago, sharing the same bed, and now he was suddenly a stranger. It was normal to feel a little awkward! Stay calm, stay calm—she’d get used to it!

That night, back in the dormitory, none of the girls had gone to sleep yet. Dong Yanyan’s Room 103 was on the first floor, at the very end—a small room for only eight people (small because the sunny side housed twelve per room). This was the shaded side; they hardly saw any sunlight all year (occasionally some sunset), so the air was always damp, and the place had a notorious reputation for being the coldest and most unwelcoming in the entire school. It was so cold in winter that they had to seal the windows with layers of plastic, and even two thick quilts weren't enough; icy drafts seeped in from everywhere. The neighboring room, with the same heating, was noticeably warmer—its girls strolled around in thin pajamas, unbothered by the chill, while Dong Yanyan and her roommates never parted with heavy sweaters, sometimes adding jackets even before bed. Spring arrived later here than anywhere else, though at least summers were cool. Perhaps the dorm leaned against a cold hill, though there was a lobby and staircase in between!

Back then, Dong Yanyan had only thought the dorm was cold. Her rheumatism was a direct result of three years spent in that chilly, shaded room. But now, as an avid fan of all things supernatural, she couldn’t help but let her imagination run wild with all sorts of spine-chilling thoughts…