That day, I returned to the classroom with my head hanging low.
The classroom was crowded, and the noise was chaotic; at first glance, it was in total disorder.
But some people always managed to catch everyone's attention right away.
With delicate features and a cool demeanor, the person I had met that morning sat quietly by the window, standing out from the surroundings.
Seemingly sensing something, the youth raised his clear and elegant eyebrows slightly.
Just then, a gust of wind blew past the window, ruffling his jet-black hair across his eyelashes as our gazes met, and time seemed to freeze in that moment.
When he realized it was me, he furrowed his brow and lowered his head again.
He was truly good-looking, and the glimpse of him looking up and then down still lingers vividly in my memory.
Another boy patted him on the shoulder and called out with a laugh, "April, how many tardies did you catch today?"
For a moment, my heart skipped a beat.
So his name was April.
Looking back now, I must have been bewitched at the time, how could I have been so captivated by him?
"My wife, Sylvia."
April posted a wedding photo in the group chat.
In the photo, he wore a black suit with a red bow tie, and the youthful naivety had faded from his face, leaving only maturity and poise.
He had his arm around his wife's waist, looking straight at the camera but with his gaze lingering on her.
His wife was also very beautiful, with gentle almond eyes and sweet dimples, adorable indeed.
Hmph, April really hit the jackpot!
"April and Sylvia are truly a match made in heaven."
"Sylvia is so beautiful, she and April are a perfect match."
"Happy newlyweds, April."
"Happy newlyweds."
"Happy newlyweds."
...
Below were all well-wishes.
"But you wasn't very righteous, not even notifying us about such a big event like your wedding."
"Exactly."
April didn't explain, instead, he transferred money to everyone very generously.
One after another.
My hands moved faster than my mind, and I received the money.
In the end, I managed to get 500 dollar!
This was the most I had ever received.
I've done well for myself!
I never thought April was hiding such wealth, to be so rich.
I happily checked my balance, what a pleasant surprise today!
But before I could enjoy it for long, a bright red drop of blood fell onto the screen of my phone.
My nose felt hot, as if something was about to burst forth; the old man next door looked horrified. "Vivie, you're bleeding from your nose!"
I froze for a few seconds, raising my hand to wipe, but the nosebleed only grew more intense, impossible to stop.
My vision gradually blurred, and just before I passed out, there was only one thought in my mind.
Was I going to die?
But then again, maybe dying would be better.
No more pain if I died.
No more medication, no chemotherapy, no losing my hair, no nosebleeds.
And no need to think about April.
Because I had been disciplined twice at the start of the school year, it became a gossip among everyone.
They said I was an unlucky person, having encountered the cold and unfeeling April, and even tried to bribe him with dinner.
Unfortunately, April wouldn't accept it.
At that time, those around me were secretly gossiping about me.
They thought I did it on purpose, just to get April's attention.
Some even called me "unlucky" and then teased April.
"April, look, unlucky Vivian has come because of you."
"I heard she was disciplined twice by you, and when she tried to invite you to dinner, you refused. Do you think she was trying to attract your attention on purpose?"
"But this unlucky girl is quite pretty, you're rather heartless, not showing any mercy or gentleness."
"If it were me, I definitely wouldn't be as cold and unfeeling as you."
At that time, I stood by the door, hearing every word the boy said, my face pale.
I was unlucky, but being disciplined was because of my own mistakes.
Why did I become an unlucky person because of April?
He was diligent in his duties, doing his job properly—what was wrong with that?
"Talking behind someone's back like this, is this what your teacher taught you?!"
The youth with his cool and elegant eyes flared up for the first time.
He stood up, staring coldly at the boy. "She isn't an unlucky person, she doesn't deserve to be talked about like this."
"I was just doing my job."
"Everyone makes mistakes, but making mistakes is not an excuse for talking about others."
"Sometimes, a careless word can cause great harm to others."
"You only care about your own amusement, completely forgetting about her feelings."
"Have you considered how she feels?"
