Chapter 11: The Price of Trust

From afar, they saw Ye Lin approaching—with three other guys in tow.

As he got closer, Ye Lin grinned and said, “Everyone happened to be free, so I invited the rest of the guys from our dorm too. The more, the merrier, right?”

Instantly, the expressions of Sheng Han, Tian Yu, Ling Fei, and Hui Qian darkened, and the air grew uncomfortably tense. But Ye Lin, oblivious to the awkward atmosphere, simply urged everyone to get going.

Things between Sheng Han and Ling Fei had only just begun to thaw. Throwing a fit at this moment would feel out of place and unjustified—especially to the guys, who were outsiders to what had happened in the girls’ dorm that night. No one had ever spoken openly about it, after all. Sheng Han didn’t have a valid reason to object to seeing each other again—it would only make her look overly sensitive and dramatic.

The mood during the late-night meal turned out to be quite pleasant. They were all classmates and dormmates, and compared to others, that made them closer. Gradually, Sheng Han also let go of her earlier discomfort and wariness. Maybe she had overthought it. Even if everyone was trying to push her and Hao Yu together, that didn’t mean she was Hao Yu’s type. He was a senior about to graduate, surely not someone who’d waste time on some childish matchmaking.

Thinking this, Sheng Han laughed at herself. Maybe she had overreacted. She glanced over at Hao Yu—he was happily chatting and drinking with the others, nothing strange about him at all. The uneasy feeling from their previous dinner had completely vanished.

A sense of ease washed over Sheng Han. The weight that had been pressing down on her chest finally lifted. After the meal, still not satisfied, the group decided to head to a nearby KTV for some karaoke.

In fact, what had really been weighing on Sheng Han these past few days wasn’t just the incident with Ling Fei—it was something else entirely. Usually, she and Xiu Jie would talk on the phone every night for a long time. But lately, his calls had become fewer and shorter. Sometimes when she called, he’d tell her he was busy with student council events. Occasionally, he’d sound distracted, only chatting briefly before hanging up. Xiu Jie had never treated her so indifferently before. His sudden change made Sheng Han feel deeply insecure.

In the KTV room, everyone was singing joyfully. Suddenly, a beautiful voice came through the mic, drawing applause and cheers. Looking up, they saw it was Hao Yu.

So he could sing this well, too?

While the others enjoyed the performance, Sheng Han sat quietly, sipping the beer in front of her.

She wasn’t a drinker—always the obedient good girl. But after just two cans, she was already tipsy. Her cheeks turned a soft red, and a faint scent of alcohol lingered in her breath.

After his song, Hao Yu sat down beside her with a bottle of fruit wine. “Want to try something else?” he asked. “This isn’t like beer—it’s smooth and sweet. You’ll like it.”

Just as Sheng Han was about to refuse, Ling Fei leaned over curiously. “Ooh, what kind of wine? I want some too!”

Hao Yu smiled and handed each of them a glass.

As they drank together, the earlier awkwardness and tension seemed to melt away with the alcohol. With every sip, it felt as if all their troubles and suspicions were fading into nothing.

Before they knew it, it was getting very late. Everyone had drunk quite a bit and began wrapping things up. Sheng Han, a first-time drinker, was clearly feeling the effects. Her limbs were numb, her body weak—she could barely stand without swaying.

Hao Yu quickly offered to take care of her and walk her back. Everyone agreed without issue. Ye Lin and Ling Fei headed off first, while Tian Yu and Hui Qian supported each other as they walked ahead. Hao Yu stayed behind, helping Sheng Han along.

It was late summer. The night breeze carried a hint of chill, helping to sober up the wine-heavy air around them. With the cool breeze brushing past, Sheng Han began to feel clearer.

She lifted her head toward the sky. What is Xiu Jie doing right now? she wondered. Is he looking at the same starry sky somewhere far away? She found herself murmuring, “It’s so beautiful.”

“Want to look at the stars a little longer? I’ll keep you company.”

After they passed through the school gates, everyone else headed off toward their dorms, but Hao Yu gently guided Sheng Han in the opposite direction.

Under the basketball hoop on the sports field, the two sat side by side.

For the first time, Sheng Han realized how low and vast the stars looked when viewed from the field.

At night, the empty field lost all its usual noise and became peaceful and still. With the soft breeze and the scattered stars overhead, the world felt suddenly calm. Sheng Han enjoyed the quiet. She tilted her head back, letting the wind brush against her face and lift her hair. A sense of drowsiness crept in. Even with her eyes closed, she felt as though she were floating in a sea of stars.

Whether from the lingering effects of alcohol or the dreamy surroundings, she wasn’t sure—but in that moment, Hao Yu slowly placed an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his embrace.

Sheng Han startled like a frightened bird. Her pupils dilated, her face full of panic. She instinctively tried to pull away—but Hao Yu only held her tighter.

His sudden action left Sheng Han completely shaken. The last trace of intoxication evaporated in an instant. Yet the alcohol still lingered in her limbs. Her entire body felt soft, powerless.

“Let me go!” Sheng Han shouted, struggling against Hao Yu, but he acted as if he hadn’t heard her.

“Hao Yu! Are you out of your mind? Let go of me!”

“Hao Yu, please… don’t do this…” Her voice gradually shifted from resistance to a desperate plea.

Tears streamed down Sheng Han’s face, but Hao Yu showed no intention of releasing her. Instead, he only pulled her closer, his grip tightening.

“Sheng Han, I like you! I really, really like you!”
Sheng Han’s eyes widened in shock as she frantically shook her head. Before she could say anything, Hao Yu forced a kiss on her. Terrified and overwhelmed, Sheng Han burst into tears, yet Hao Yu showed no sign of stopping. His body leaned in closer and closer until it almost pressed fully against hers.

Sheng Han trembled uncontrollably, paralyzed by fear. But with every ounce of strength she had, she finally managed to break free from his grasp.

Slap!
A loud, resounding slap landed hard across Hao Yu’s face. Sheng Han covered her mouth, crying uncontrollably, and ran off without looking back—leaving Hao Yu standing there in a daze.

Then, slowly… a twisted smile crept onto his face.

That night, Sheng Han couldn’t even remember how she’d stumbled back into the dorm. She didn’t remember what Ling Fei, Tian Yu, or Hui Qian had said to her. She had rushed into the bathroom and furiously brushed her teeth over and over again. In the mirror, she saw herself: her face streaked with tears, already too numb to cry aloud anymore.

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The next day after class, just as she walked out of the classroom, she saw Hao Yu waiting at the door.

Pretending not to see him, Sheng Han walked straight ahead, but he grabbed her forcefully by the wrist. His grip was strong—no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t break free.

He dragged her into a secluded corner with no one around, then planted both hands on the wall, trapping her in front of him. His eyes locked onto hers—sharp and intense, as if trying to pierce through her soul.

Sheng Han’s face flushed red. She tried to look away, avoiding his gaze as best she could, until finally she turned her head to the side completely. Standing before Hao Yu, she felt like a helpless lamb caught by a wild beast. His eyes… looked at her like she was prey.

“The thing from last night… I’m sorry. I lost control. I’m here to apologize,” Hao Yu said, each word slow and deliberate.

Sheng Han bit her lip, silent, her head still turned away.

“But Sheng Han!” Hao Yu suddenly burst out, voice rising in desperation. He reached out and grabbed her chin, forcing her to face him. “Can’t you give me a chance? Even just a little? Not even the tiniest bit of feeling?”

“I have a boyfriend!” Sheng Han yelled back.

“A boyfriend?” Hao Yu scoffed. “That guy you can’t see, can’t touch? That guy a thousand miles away who can’t even pour you a glass of water? Who can’t be here to watch the stars with you?”

“Sheng Han! I’m here! I can stay here for you—stay in Migu, stay in school—until you graduate!”

The more he spoke, the more frantic he became, as if terrified the prey before him would escape.

Thinking of how cold and distant Xiu Jie had been lately, Sheng Han felt as if needles were stabbing into her chest. That sharp pain spread through her entire body, dragging her deeper and deeper into confusion and sorrow.

“Hao Yu, you’ll never understand… what we have,” she said quietly. Then, wrenching her hand from his grip, she turned and walked away.

Behind her, Hao Yu leaned against the wall and shouted, “Sheng Han! I’ve never felt this way about any girl before! And no girl has ever been so cold to me—you’re the first!”

Sheng Han stopped in her tracks and said coldly, “Then let me be the last. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation—and let’s never meet again.”