bullyxtreme Chapter 23 Forgetting
Chapter 23 Forgetting
After this incident, neither of the girls felt like going to work and had to take sick leave.
Zhong Xiaoqin was in a worse situation. She had just been reprimanded by her boss yesterday, and now she had to ask for leave again today. It was hard not to worry, especially since she was a student who had only graduated for two years. Her department manager almost refused to approve it. Fortunately, Wang Wenwen answered the phone and lied, saying that the two of them had fallen off their bikes and needed to see a doctor together today.
The three sat around the dining table in an unusually quiet atmosphere. Each person had their head down, focused on the noodles in their bowl, occasionally picking up a small piece of pickled vegetable with their chopsticks and putting it in their mouth, but chewing it unusually slowly, as if the food had lost its usual deliciousness.
Finally, Chen Yu couldn't help but break the silence: "Today, let's take you to the aquarium for a day to change your mood."
Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Wenwen exchanged a glance but remained silent. At this point, not saying no was tantamount to acquiescence.
After dinner, Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Wenwen returned to their room and didn't emerge for over thirty minutes. Both had changed their clothes; Zhong Xiaoqin wore a loose-fitting light green long-sleeved T-shirt and light-colored jeans, while Wang Wenwen wore a white sweater and light blue trousers. Although their feelings were complicated, they still dressed up nicely before heading out.
After driving to the parking lot and finally parking the car, the three of them walked to the entrance of the Underwater World. The Underwater World wasn't actually built underwater, but on land, just like shredded pork with garlic sauce without fish or sliced beef and tripe in chili sauce without a husband and wife.
Walking to the glass wall and looking at the huge pool that resembled a deep-sea environment, Chen Yu felt as if a switch had been flipped in his body, and his desire to raise fish was amplified infinitely. He pressed his hand against the glass, closed his eyes, and listened to the surrounding sounds simulating underwater noises. He could feel a sense of connection to the water, and here he even experienced a feeling of spiritual cleansing.
"Xiaoqin, Wenwen, come here! Place your hands on this glass and see if you can feel the tranquility."
Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Wenwen followed Chen Yu's example, closed their eyes to feel it, and both shook their heads.
"Come, close your eyes. Try to imagine yourself as a fish, swimming freely in the vast ocean. There are no constraints or shackles, only endless freedom and joy. You can feel the seawater gently enveloping your body, and each flick of your tail brings a light and pleasant sensation. You can freely swim among the coral reefs, exploring those mysterious and beautiful underwater caves; you can also leap out of the water, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and enjoy that moment of tranquility and joy. In this imagined world, you are that unrestrained fish, fully enjoying the gifts the ocean gives you, and experiencing the beauty and dynamism of life."
"How was it? Did you feel a longing for freedom? A yearning for the sea?"
“Brother Xiaoyu, your name is Yu as in island, not Yu as in small fish!” Zhong Xiaoqin sensed Chen Yu’s longing for the sea. In Chen Yu’s description, the sea was like a collection of beautiful things. Although Zhong Xiaoqin wasn’t as exaggerated as Chen Yu, she understood his feelings a little better after hearing his explanation.
Chen Yu now understands why the character "Chen the Fish Keeper" in the original drama loved raising fish so much. It was truly addictive. He found tranquility in the fish and water, much like the serene atmosphere of a temple. A hectic day like in the drama, coupled with office politics and backstabbing, makes work too stressful. Even the most resilient person can become depressed. Having a place to soothe the soul is a good thing.
But why is it that only Chen Yu likes water and fish? Chen Yu probably has something to do with his genes, like some kind of innate talent. Chen's fish-keeping skills are very high, unlike some people who buy a large fish tank, keep a few guppies, and have a batch die every week, until only a few are left, which they then give away!
Without lingering any longer, the three continued on their way. Rounding a bend, they saw two dolphins playing and chasing each other. Against the backdrop of colorful fish and strangely shaped corals, the scene was breathtakingly beautiful, like mythical creatures from a legendary fairyland.
Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Wenwen stood before this breathtaking scene, admiring this rare and beautiful sight. But as Zhong Xiaoqin looked on, tears welled up in her eyes again. Her previous calmness had been a forced act of strength, and now, the sight of the two dolphins playing like a divine couple stirred up Zhong Xiaoqin's worries and anxieties once more.
Sadness is contagious. When Wang Wenwen saw Zhong Xiaoqin crying, she was also overcome with grief and gently hugged her, as if she were hugging a poor, helpless kitten.
A kind woman passing by asked with concern, "Is something wrong with you? Do you need any help?"
Zhong Xiaoqin lifted her tear-streaked face, climbed out of Wang Wenwen's arms, and said somewhat shyly, "I... I just saw that dolphin couple playing and I was a little envious! It's nothing, thank you, sister!"
"Hahaha, you've got it all wrong! These are both female dolphins, no dolphin couples! Hahaha..." The woman quietly left, leaving behind only a string of booming laughter.
Upon hearing this, Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Wenwen exchanged a glance, both showing an embarrassed expression.
"So that's how it is..." Zhong Xiaoqin murmured to herself, her sorrow lessening somewhat.
Wang Wenwen gently patted Zhong Xiaoqin's shoulder and comforted her, "Okay, don't cry. Let's go ahead and take a look. Maybe we'll see two male dolphins together!"
Zhong Xiaoqin stopped crying and smiled, then nodded.
Chen Yu then spoke up, "Xiaoqin, Wenwen, I just saw a vending machine. I'm going to buy two bottles of water. You two go ahead and take a look. I'll catch up soon."
Wang Wenwen replied, "Go ahead, if you can't find it, we'll call you."
Wang Wenwen led Zhong Xiaoqin deeper into the area. They didn't move very fast, stopping to observe any pretty little fish or strange creatures they encountered. Soon, the two came to a downward slope, which wasn't long but had more than ten steps, roughly the height of half a floor.
The two boys didn't notice that three eight- or nine-year-old boys were chasing and playing behind them. Such young children would never notice the "Watch out for the steps" warning sign while chasing each other. What's even more terrifying is that the boy in front was running and looking back, winking and showing off to his two friends behind him.
As expected, the little boy at the front bumped into Zhong Xiaoqin's back, just as Zhong Xiaoqin had taken her first step down the slope!
Wang Wenwen reacted quickly, reaching out to catch Zhong Xiaoqin. However, she hadn't anticipated the force of the impact, and both of them lost their balance, falling forward. To Zhong Xiaoqin's surprise, Wang Wenwen shielded her in front of her, while Wang Wenwen's back slammed heavily onto the downhill steps, sliding down several steps before coming to a stop!