That Little Look

After moving into their new home, He Xingqiao didn't like the little girl next door one bit.

Zhuang Zexi was three years younger than him. Every day, she'd stick close behind him, calling him "big brother" in her babyish voice. The adults always told him to look after his little sister, so he had no choice but to swallow his impatience.

When he was eighteen, fifteen-year-old Zhuang Zexi made him a crooked friendship bracelet.

He Xingqiao, the school bully at No. 2 Middle School, was forced to wear it to school. His buddies made fun of him while they played ball during break, and he angrily tossed it aside.

On the way home, Zhuang Zexi stared at his bare wrist and asked pitifully where his bracelet had gone.

He Xingqiao replied coldly, "I lost it."

The little girl's eyes turned red. She looked ready to cry, but tried hard to hold it in.

He Xingqiao: "..."

He Xingqiao: "I'll go back and look for it."

Blurb first posted on May 10, 2025

Theme: Love can transcend time.