So many details clearly indicated that Jiang Yuan was attracted to him.
Chi Xu couldn't understand why Jiang Yuan had rejected him.
Was it because he had done something wrong? Wasn't she moved by the elaborate confession he had planned? Or was it true that... all those signs of attraction were just an act?
Was even the most natural physical reaction an act?
If so, she was truly amazing. She deserved an Oscar for Best Actress.
The cold north wind howled, tossing his black overcoat into disarray.
Jia Fang had never seen Chi Xu so dejected. His heart tightened, and he averted his gaze, unable to bear looking.
"Brother Chi, it's cold and windy on the rooftop. Let's go down first," he said.
The boy didn't respond. He lowered his head slightly, crouched down, and picked up the roses that had scattered under their own weight. His fingertips were pricked, and blood trickled from his long, fair fingers.
But he didn't seem to care. His eyes were dead, as if his soul had left his body.
Chi Xu forced a bitter smile. His face was pale as he stared intently at the roses in his hand.
They were covered in thorns but bloomed in the most vivid colors.
"Chi Xu, let's go down first," Jiang Kuo said, also unable to bear looking. He lowered his head and noticed the blood on Chi Xu's fingers.
The bright red color stood out against the gray sky.
"Why doesn't Yuan Yuan want to accept me?" Chi Xu murmured. It was said that those involved in a situation were often blind to the truth, while onlookers saw more clearly. Jia Fang and the others could tell that Jiang Yuan liked him, and their judgment was more reliable than his own.
But why didn't she admit it?
Why had she said those cruel words?
Chi Xu couldn't figure it out. His mind was in a whirl, but he couldn't find an answer.
Was it because she still resented him for leaving three years ago? But he had left a note back then, hadn't he?
Right, Lin Suye had told him that Jiang Yuan didn't want any connection with him, not even the slightest bit.
Was she still resentful because he had left without keeping their promise?
"Let's just carry Chi Xu down. It's not good for him to stay on the rooftop. He'll easily catch a cold," He Suyan decided. Jiang Kuo and Jia Fang each grabbed one of Chi Xu's arms and tried to pull him down.
The roses in his hand fell to the ground.
Chi Xu broke free from their hold and stood on the other side.
He lowered his head, his eyes filled with silence. His voice was hoarse as he said slowly, "You guys go back first. Don't worry about me."
"That's not possible. What if you have a breakdown up here?" Jia Fang was the first to strongly oppose. He scolded Chi Xu for his unreasonable behavior. "It's so high up on the rooftop. We have to take you back!"
As he finished speaking, he lunged at Chi Xu.
Chi Xu sidestepped easily, avoiding Jia Fang. He gave him a lifeless look and continued, "No, I'm not the kind of person who would do something stupid because of this."
If he were that weak, he would have killed himself three years ago when he went through all that. There would be no Chi Xu in this world.
The lights were dim, and the fragrance of the flowers was strong. He stood in the shadows, looking dull and colorless.
"Jia Fang is right. We're worried about you. If you want to drink because you're heartbroken, we brothers will accompany you. We definitely won't let you be alone tonight," He Suyan said, frowning. He believed that Chi Xu would feel better after tonight.
"After tonight, you can do whatever you want."
"Okay, it's settled. I'll place an order for Tsingtao beer," Jiang Kuo said, taking out his phone. After the payment was successful, he showed them the order details.
Looking at his caring roommates, Chi Xu's cold heart finally felt a little warmer.
He gave a faint smile, sat down on the ground, placed his hands on his knees, and lowered his head. His pale, cold fingers gently stroked the surrounding decorations.
It was a pity for such a beautiful setting, he thought.
After the Tsingtao beer was delivered, Jia Fang stayed by Chi Xu's side while the other two strong guys went to get the drinks.
Jiang Kuo had bought two large cartons of beer and some snacks. He Suyan even brought up a cake and placed them all on the rooftop.
He declared boldly, "Eat and drink! We won't stop until we're drunk tonight!"
One bottle of beer after another was opened and drunk. Chi Xu drank bottle after bottle. The spicy and bitter beer slid down his throat, gradually burning a hole in his chest.
It seemed that his heart was no longer so empty and cold.
After finishing another bottle, he casually threw it on the ground, opened a new one, and took a big gulp. He choked and tears welled up in his eyes.
Chi Xu coughed softly for a long time. Then he continued to drink and cough, as if his heart was about to be coughed out.
It was hard to tell whether the tears in his eyes were caused by coughing or by his sadness.
The night was thick. The boy's eyes were black, and his eyebrows were tinged with a hint of drunkenness.
Jia Fang and the others didn't dare to drink too much. They drank slowly while persuading Chi Xu to eat something.
Chi Xu's face was slightly red. After drinking quietly for a while, he suddenly stood up unsteadily. Everyone was shocked and nervously surrounded him, afraid that he would do something stupid.
Chi Xu turned around, and the beer bottle in his hand slipped. He Suyan quickly caught it, let out a sigh of relief, and carefully placed it on the ground.
Chi Xu looked up at the moon, as if he wanted to chase it. He walked unsteadily in the direction of the moon.
Everyone was startled and quickly surrounded him.
Fortunately, Chi Xu was still somewhat conscious. He walked a few steps to the edge of the rooftop and didn't go any further. He leaned on the railing with both hands, looking into the distance, lost in thought.
"Should we pull him back?" Jiang Kuo whispered. This position was too dangerous. He might accidentally fall.
Even three big guys might not be able to react in time to catch Chi Xu.
He Suyan said, "Pull him back."
Just as they were about to act, Chi Xu cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted into the distance, "Jiang Yuan, I like you!"
The other three people: "..."
It was confirmed that he was a love - struck fool.
Jia Fang had an idea. He quickly took out his phone and started recording. He wanted to record Chi Xu's current state so that he could see his embarrassing self when he woke up.
"Jiang Yuan, can you like me?"
"Jiang Yuan, have you ever liked me? Even just a little bit. Dare you admit it?"
"Jiang Yuan, please like me. I really like you so much. Don't leave me, okay?"
"..."
His shouting gradually became choked with sobs. Only then did everyone notice that Chi Xu... was crying?
Jia Fang silently stopped recording. Chi Xu definitely wouldn't want his crying face to be recorded.
Actually, it wasn't really crying. Chi Xu's eyes were moist, filled with a mist of tears. The teardrop that was about to fall stubbornly refused to drop.
After the silent sobs, Chi Xu slumped down along the edge of the rooftop. A hot tear quietly rolled down his cheek.