岁晚新婚

Song Wei was laid off and returned to her hometown, where her relatives quickly set her up with a blind date. The man, Chen Jubai, was described in glowing terms—handsome, financially stable, and with endless praise to his name.

After meeting a few times, they found each other agreeable enough, and with her relatives urging them on, Song Wei reluctantly agreed to continue seeing him.

However, Chen Jubai didn’t quite align with Song Wei’s ideal partner.

She hoped for someone who could provide companionship and take care of the household, but Chen Jubai, in the midst of starting his own business, seemed constantly under pressure and often worked late.

She dreamed of a partner who was gentle, considerate, and patient, but Chen Jubai appeared inexperienced in relationships—clumsy and not particularly attentive.

One night, when she was bedridden with excruciating menstrual cramps, the man, who was supposed to be away on a business trip, rushed to her side. Flustered and awkward, he asked, “Should you drink more hot water? I’ll go boil some.”

Song Wei was taken aback, then smiled softly. “Chen Jubai, you’re such a fool.”

…

It was much later, on an ordinary day, that Song Wei finally remembered—he had been her senior in high school. It was he who had helped her carry her luggage when she first arrived on campus. Back then, he had even asked for her contact information, though they had never spoken again after that.