Chapter 329: A Confession Gone Wrong

They say youth is precious because you can never go back. At eighteen, the golden year of one’s youth, memories often blur with time. The ups and downs become past events that, when recalled, often seem sweeter than they were.

Zhang Zhiyin disagreed. The day after her National College Entrance Examination, the memory was so vivid it couldn’t be forgotten. It was a sweltering afternoon, and everyone was eager to blow off steam. Even the teachers, usually strict, let loose, allowing the students some freedom. Boxes of beer were placed on tables, a rare treat for the students, and soon enough, everyone was drinking.

Eighteen-year-old Zhang Zhiyin sat quietly, watching her classmates drink and boast. Though she wanted to join, she was too reserved. However, some boys, emboldened by the occasion, finally gathered the courage to ask her to drink with them. She agreed, having just one glass with each.

Zhang Zhiyin’s popularity meant many boys wanted to drink with her, and some even took the chance to confess their feelings. Overwhelmed, she was saved by Fang Zhou and Li Siming, who intercepted the drinks meant for her.

“Hey, Fang Zhou, you’ve blocked so many drinks for Zhang Zhiyin. Shouldn’t she repay you somehow?” one of the boys teased.

Hearing this, Zhang Zhiyin’s face and ears turned red. It was unclear if it was from the alcohol or the comment.

Fang Zhou had already downed several drinks but showed no signs of drunkenness. His handsome face was calm, much to Zhang Zhiyin’s disappointment. She admired his protective gesture, feeling her heart flutter.

Under the warm light, Fang Zhou’s features looked sharp and unforgettable. He laughed, his voice deepened by the alcohol, adding to his charm. “Repay me? Come on, it’s just a few beers. Imagine if I drank liquor for a beauty!”

Li Siming quickly stepped in. “Yeah, you’re all focusing on Fang Zhou. What about me? I’m here too! Drink up!”

Everyone laughed and resumed drinking, leaving Zhang Zhiyin, Fang Zhou, and Li Siming at the table.

Zhang Zhiyin felt disheartened by Fang Zhou’s response. She didn’t know if it was because she was too shy to confess her feelings over the past three years or if Fang Zhou was deliberately avoiding the topic, knowing she liked him.

Seeing Fang Zhou leave to use the restroom, Zhang Zhiyin was left alone with Li Siming. He joked, “Fang Zhou’s tolerance is low. When he gets married, I’ll have to drink on his behalf.”

Hearing about Fang Zhou’s future marriage made Zhang Zhiyin’s eyes well up. Graduation was approaching, and if they ended up in different cities, they might not see each other often, maybe not even during holidays. This could be her last chance to express her feelings.

Bolstered by alcohol, she decided to take action. After a few more drinks for courage, she stood up, determined to find Fang Zhou.

Unfortunately, she overestimated her tolerance and nearly fell, saved by a concerned female classmate. “Zhiyin, you’re drunk. Let me take you home.”

“No, I need to find Fang Zhou,” Zhang Zhiyin insisted, her resolve unwavering.

Meanwhile, Fang Zhou was still in the restroom, feeling the effects of the drinks. Li Siming, realizing Zhang Zhiyin was not in good shape, tried to help her. However, he wore the same outfit as Fang Zhou, a matching set bought by their group of friends. In her drunken state, Zhang Zhiyin mistook him for Fang Zhou.

She grabbed Li Siming’s shirt, pulling him close. “I like you!”

Li Siming stammered, shocked, “I-I don’t like you…”

“Fang Zhou,” she whispered, revealing her real intention.

Realizing her mistake, Li Siming felt relieved and amused but also sad for her. “You need to tell Fang Zhou, not me.”

By then, Zhang Zhiyin had passed out, leaning on another girl for support. Li Siming was left staring in disbelief.

Later, when Li Siming recounted the event to Zhang Zhiyin, she was mortified. Her brave confession had been directed at the wrong person. For a long time, she couldn’t face Fang Zhou, making this one of her most embarrassing memories.