Chapter 11(The Unspoken Truth)

The power outage left Tuiwei in darkness, both literally and figuratively. She sat in her room, her heart heavy with unresolved emotions and unanswered questions. The brief conversation with Xiao Nai had stirred feelings she hadn’t fully acknowledged, and the abrupt end left her yearning for more clarity. The power outage lasted through the night, giving her plenty of time to reflect on everything that had happened.

The next morning, campus life resumed as usual. Students hurried to classes, discussed the recent basketball match, and made plans for upcoming events. Tuiwei, however, felt a sense of disconnection. She couldn’t shake off the lingering thoughts about Xiao Nai and their unfinished conversation. Her friends noticed her distraction and suggested a change of scenery to lift her spirits. They proposed a trip to the city’s annual cultural festival, a vibrant event filled with food, performances, and various activities.

Reluctantly, Tuiwei agreed. The festival was known for its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings, and her friends hoped it would be a welcome distraction. As they arrived at the festival, the sights and sounds began to draw Tuiwei out of her melancholy. Colorful stalls lined the streets, offering everything from traditional crafts to modern gadgets. Performers in elaborate costumes entertained the crowds, and the aroma of street food wafted through the air.

Tuiwei and her friends wandered through the festival, trying different foods and watching various performances. For a while, she managed to push her worries to the back of her mind. The festive atmosphere was infectious, and she found herself laughing and enjoying the moment. However, her thoughts inevitably returned to Xiao Nai, and she wondered if he was thinking about her too.

As they explored the festival, Tuiwei’s friends suggested visiting a popular fortune teller’s booth. They thought it would be fun to see what the future might hold. Tuiwei was hesitant, but her friends insisted. The booth was adorned with mystical symbols and the fortune teller, an elderly woman with a kind smile, welcomed them warmly. One by one, her friends had their fortunes read, each receiving a mix of vague predictions and specific advice.

When it was Tuiwei’s turn, she felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The fortune teller took her hand and studied it carefully. “You have a strong spirit and a passionate heart,” the fortune teller said. “But I see confusion and unresolved emotions. There is someone important in your life, someone you care deeply about but are uncertain of their feelings.” Tuiwei’s heart skipped a beat as the fortune teller continued, “You must confront these feelings and seek clarity. Only then will you find the peace you seek.”

The reading left Tuiwei thoughtful. Her friends teased her playfully, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that the fortune teller had touched on something profound. As they continued to explore the festival, Tuiwei’s thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions and memories. She knew she had to confront her feelings for Xiao Nai, but the uncertainty was daunting.

In a twist of fate, Tuiwei spotted a familiar figure in the crowd. Xiao Nai was at the festival, accompanied by his friends. Their eyes met across the bustling street, and for a moment, everything else faded away. Tuiwei’s heart pounded as she saw him make his way towards her, his expression a mix of surprise and determination.

“Tuiwei,” Xiao Nai said, his voice steady but his eyes revealing his concern, “I’m glad I ran into you. We need to talk.” Tuiwei nodded, her heart racing. She told her friends she needed some time alone and walked with Xiao Nai to a quieter part of the festival.

They found a secluded bench away from the crowds, where the noise of the festival was a distant hum. For a moment, they sat in silence, both gathering their thoughts. Xiao Nai was the first to speak. “I’m sorry about the other night,” he began. “The power outage cut us off, and I’ve been wanting to explain everything.”

He told her about the accident, how he had been trying to get to the game on time but circumstances had prevented him. He expressed his regret for not being there when she needed him. Tuiwei listened, her heart softening with each word. She could see the sincerity in his eyes and the genuine remorse he felt.

“I understand,” Tuiwei said softly. “I was hurt and confused, but I never stopped caring about you.” She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “I realize now that I’ve been running away from my feelings, from the possibility of getting hurt again. But I can’t keep doing that.”

Xiao Nai reached out and took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “Tuiwei, I’ve missed you. I don’t want to lose what we have, both in the game and in real life. Can we start over and try to make this work?”

Tuiwei felt a surge of relief and happiness. “Yes,” she said, smiling through her tears. “I’d like that.” They sat together, holding hands, their hearts finally at ease.

The festival continued around them, a backdrop to their moment of reconciliation. For Tuiwei and Xiao Nai, it was the beginning of a new chapter, one where they faced their fears and embraced the possibility of a future together. They knew there would be challenges, but they were ready to face them side by side, stronger and more united than ever before.

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