At the barbershop entrance hung one of those constantly spinning poles. Posters of the latest hairstyles were taped to the glass.

A tape recorder was playing the song "A Game, A Dream."

Why did we say goodbye

Then speak of being together

Now, though I’m without you

I am still myself

Qin Jiao pursed her lips and pushed the door open to go inside. She was starting to realize that the most popular songs were usually about heartbreak.

’And Shen Yi, who’s already been dealt a blow, would only feel worse hearing a sad song like this.’

Mr. Du didn’t ask them where they had been or why they had taken so long. When the three of them were done with their haircuts, Qin Jiao said her goodbyes and was about to leave when Shen Yi called out to her.

Mr. Du had already slowly turned his wheelchair and was heading into the courtyard by himself.

Shen Yi looked up at Qin Jiao. Beneath his long lashes, his beautiful, jet-black eyes were filled with a sorrow so thick it couldn’t be dispelled.

"Keep this a secret for me. Don’t tell anyone, okay?"

Qin Jiao immediately understood what he was talking about and nodded emphatically.

Words of concern rose to her lips, but she swallowed them back down. In the end, she just said goodbye and turned to leave.

As she closed her front gate, Qin Jiao let out a soft sigh. ’I’d clearly resolved to stay away from Shen Yi, so what’s going on? How am I getting closer and closer to him instead?’

Qin Jiao felt frustrated. This went against her original plan. ’It seems I really do have to keep my distance from Shen Yi from now on.’

’It’s just... he really is pitiful.’

In her past life, Shen Yi had been both pitiful and detestable, which was why Qin Jiao had hated him so much her teeth itched.

But the Shen Yi of this life had a much better temper and was hardworking and driven. The things Qin Jiao had detested about him in her past life hadn’t surfaced yet, but his pitiful side was far more apparent.

Qin Jiao looked up at the vast blue sky and sighed softly.

’Oh well. There’s still a little over half a year left. Once the college entrance exams are over, I should be able to part ways with Shen Yi for good.’

When she got home, Su Yun was knitting, and Xiao Shi was sitting on a small stool, diligently practicing her writing.

Qin Zhonghui was making a large net by hand. He was naturally good with his hands and knew a bit of carpentry and other crafts.

Watching this heartwarming family scene, Qin Jiao temporarily forgot all about Shen Yi’s troubles. She went over to Qin Zhonghui and asked, "Dad, what are you making?"

"I’m making a fishing net. There’s a pool over by West Mountain with a lot of fish in it. Your Uncle Li and I are going to go catch some later."

"Fishing! Dad, can you take me and Xiao Shi with you? We can help you watch the fish!"

Qin Zhonghui looked at his older daughter’s face, lit up with excitement. He recalled how much had happened to their family recently. His older daughter had matured so early, always acting like a little adult.

Only now was she showing a bit of her childish innocence.

He smiled and said, "Alright. But there are a lot of bugs by the river, so you and Xiao Shi should go change into long sleeves and pants. Wear your rubber boots, too."

"Okay!" Qin Jiao spun around happily and pulled her sister away to change their clothes.

Qin Zhonghui finished the net, then placed it by the door along with the rest of the fishing gear. He also got two buckets ready.

There was a section of the courtyard wall between the two houses that wasn’t very high. A row of corn was usually planted at its base, but now that the corn had been harvested, the view to the other side was completely clear.

Shen Yi saw Qin Zhonghui getting all the gear ready and asked curiously, "Uncle Qin, are you going fishing?"

Qin Zhonghui looked up and said with a bright smile, "That’s right. I found a pool with a lot of fish, so I’m planning to go catch some with Old Li. That girl of mine, Xiao Jiao, got really excited when she heard and wants to tag along with Xiao Shi for the fun of it."