Chapter 12

A long, long time ago, I was coaxed into a small room by the former director of the orphanage with a piece of candy.

It was he who climbed over the wall and brought the police.

During that period, I was always dazed, staring blankly at the sky with no expression on my face.

He Zhou stayed with me, singing softly, ever so softly, into my ear.

The doctor said I had been traumatized, and that it would be best to try something to rekindle my interest in this world.

My first set of painting tools was earned by He Zhou running out to shine shoes for people.

My first painting was of He Zhou and me under the big banyan tree at the orphanage.

He is a part of my life, an inseparable existence.

“These seven years, I have thought of you every single moment.”

My face rested on his shoulder, tears streaming down like rain.

“Don’t leave me again.”

“I thought after you married that man, you would live a good life.”

He Zhou said, “It’s my fault, Jingjing. I shouldn’t have made you worry like this.”

“But… we cannot be together.”

I suddenly lifted my head, staring at him in a daze.

“All these years, I have only ever seen you as a little sister.”

Just like many years ago, he gently stroked my hair.

But the words he spoke were unbearably cruel,

“Although I am prejudiced against that man, you have been married to him for seven years. If he treats you well-”

“Don’t lie to me.”

I interrupted him, “I know you better than you think, He Zhou. When you lie, your ears turn red with nerves, and you can’t look me in the eye.”

He Zhou suddenly stopped.

He looked at me quietly, those eyes that should have been sharp and dazzling now as tranquil and gentle as a lake, brimming with sorrow.

In my eyes, he was always the brave and righteous one.

He said, “Those medicines didn’t just destroy my vocal cords.”

“Jingjing, I touched radium without any protection.”