The tail end of summer is slowly fading away, and the city's heat is gradually receding, replaced by a hint of autumn's coolness. As the summer vacation comes to an end, Gu Pan and Zhou Ziheng are both preparing for the arrival of the new semester.
On this morning, Gu Pan hums a tune while organizing her backpack. Her face is filled with anticipation for her sophomore year, and her bright eyes sparkle with the light of youth. She is wearing a loose T-shirt and sweatpants, simple yet youthful in style. Looking out the window, Gu Pan watches the busy pedestrians outside, filled with beautiful fantasies.
"Bro, have you finished organizing your stuff? We're going to buy new school supplies today!" Gu Pan she called out, turning to the lazy figure sitting on the sofa, Zhou Ziheng. Her voice was full of energy and anticipation.
Zhou Ziheng looked up at Gu Pan with his lazy gaze, his stylish black short hair slightly messy, but a hint of a rebellious smile on his lips. "Hmm, almost done. You're still so excited even in your second year of high school, Xiao Tauzi. Your energy is really something else," he said, his voice tinged with teasing.
Gu Pan pouted, rebutting unhappily, "Bro, how can you be so lazy? The new semester is about to start, aren't you excited?"
Zhou Ziheng stretched lazily, slowly stood up, looking nonchalant. "Excited? Well, of course I am. New semester, new beginning, right? But this is a mature performance, you know." He deliberately put on a mature look, clearly teasing Gu Pan.
Gu Pan rolled her eyes, obviously accustomed to Zhou Ziheng's behavior. She picked up her own backpack, walked to the door, and shouted, "Alright, let's go, bro. Don't keep me waiting."
When Gu Pan and Zhou Ziheng stepped out of the house, the bustling city life immediately surrounded them. On the streets of this metropolis, the crowd flowed like a tide, vehicles constantly shuttled back and forth, neon lights flashed incessantly, creating a vivid urban scene. Gu Pan's eyes sparkled with excitement as she walked, turning her head to look around, as if trying to record everything in her mind. Her steps were light, each one stepping in the bright sunshine.
"Brother, look at that street performer, so cool!" Gu Pan she exclaimed excitedly, pointing at a street artist performing on the corner.
Zhou Ziheng lazily followed behind her, a barely noticeable smile playing at the corners of his mouth. " Xiao Tauzi, you're always so easily amused, it's really cute," he said in a low, lazy voice, as if even his words carried a nonchalant rhythm.
They arrived at a stationery store. Gu Pan's eyes immediately lit up as if by magic, and her pace quickened, almost running into the store. The store was filled with all kinds of learning supplies, from colorful notebooks to uniquely shaped erasers, each item beckoning to her.
"Brother, look at this notebook, it's super cute!" Gu Pan excitedly picked up a pink notebook with a cartoon fox printed on it.
Zhou Ziheng Leaning lazily against the bookshelf, with a slight upward tilt at the corner of his eyes, "Panpan, every time you see something pink, it's like finding treasure for you. But, this book is indeed quite suitable for you—so pink and tender, just like you."
Gu Pan Glaring at him, pouting in retort, "Bro, stop teasing me. Don't you also like these little things?"
Zhou Ziheng's smile deepened at the corner of his mouth. "Silly, I just like watching you choose things."
They lingered in the stationery store for a while, bantering with Zhou Ziheng as they picked out items. Their interaction was not only intimate but also filled with a kind of understanding that was unique to them. Each of Zhou Ziheng's words seemed to create a light ripple in Gu Pan's heart, while each of Gu Pan's comebacks brought an even deeper smile to Zhou Ziheng's face.
After making their purchases, Gu Pan and Zhou Ziheng found a seat by the window in the coffee shop. The sunlight outside filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the table. Zhou Ziheng lazily leaned back in his chair, casually glancing at the street scene outside, his eyes revealing a hint of inadvertent tranquility. He lightly tapped the table with his fingers, waiting for the server to take their order. His demeanor always exuded a sense of ease and composure.
Gu Pan, on the other hand, was like a lively bird, her eyes darting around, curious about every detail in the coffee shop. Her eyes lit up when she saw the milk tea on the menu. As she placed their order, she couldn't help but say to Zhou Ziheng, "Brother, look at the decor of this place, it's so charming, just like what I've seen in a comic book."
Zhou Ziheng listened and just made a soft "Hmm" sound, with a hint of a smile on his face. He said slowly, "Sister, your imagination is always so rich."
Gu Pan stuck out her tongue and muttered, "Brother, are you praising me or making fun of me?" There was a mischievous look in her eyes.
Zhou Ziheng pretended to respond seriously, "Of course, it's just a joke, silly." The corners of his eyes lifted slightly, revealing a hint of playful smile.
Gu Pan grumbled discontentedly, then changed the subject, "Bro, you're a sophomore now, any plans?" She sipped her milk tea and looked at Zhou Ziheng with a curious gaze.
Zhou Ziheng A faint glimmer of contemplation flashed in his eyes as he sighed lightly and said, "Hmm, I think I will focus more on my visual arts major. You know, I've always been interested in photography. This semester, I plan to join the photography club and participate in more practical activities."
Gu Pan After listening, a shimmer of admiration sparkled in her eyes. She exclaimed excitedly, "Brother, you're amazing. I believe you will definitely be able to take many beautiful photos."
Zhou Ziheng listened, and a smile spread across his face. He raised his eyebrows provocatively and said, "Oh, what if I don't take good pictures? Will you laugh at me?"
Gu Pan immediately shook his head and replied seriously, "No, brother, you will definitely do a great job."
Zhou Ziheng smiled and then asked, "And what about you, Xiao Tauzi? What are your plans for your second year of high school?"
Gu Pan's eyes immediately lit up, and she excitedly said, "I plan to join the comic club. You know I've always been interested in anime. I want to turn my hobby into creation, maybe I can draw my own comics!"
Zhou Ziheng listened and couldn't help but burst into laughter. His laughter echoed in the cafe: "Haha, then I look forward to seeing your first work. Xiao Tauzi, I fully support your dream!"
As they chatted, the afternoon sunlight streamed through the window onto their table, adding a nostalgic touch to this heartwarming sibling time. As the conversation in the cafe came to an end, the sun had slowly set, and the street lights gradually lit up. Gu Pan and Zhou Ziheng walked home together, with Zhou Ziheng strolling leisurely and occasionally looking back at Gu Pan who was walking faster, teasing softly, " Xiao Tauzi, walk slower, don't let your light dream blow you away."
Gu Pan Turning back with a playful smile, she replied, "Bro, I'm not afraid at all. With you here, I feel confident." The two of them chatted and teased each other as they slowly walked home, their laughter intertwining in the twilight, adding warmth to this ordinary evening.
As night falls, the city's neon lights begin to flicker, and the crowds on the streets gradually thin out. Gu Pan and Zhou Ziheng walk home, chatting and laughing, enjoying this rare cool evening.
"Bro, I want to eat ice cream," Gu Pan suddenly said, with a sparkle of anticipation in his eyes.
Zhou Ziheng smiled and replied, "Sure, Xiao Tauzi, I'll go buy it for you. Wait for me here and don't wander off." With that, he walked towards a nearby small shop.
Gu Pan sat on a bench by the roadside, leisurely observing the surroundings, waiting for Zhou Ziheng to return. The gentle evening breeze brushed against her cheeks, bringing a hint of coolness.
Suddenly, a few rough-looking young men emerged from the nearby alley and walked towards Gu Pan. Their words and actions were vulgar, tinged with a hint of provocation.
"Hey, little girl, sitting here alone, are you waiting for someone?" one of the ruffian-like young men said, with a lewd smile on his face.
Gu Pan's face changed, and she instinctively felt uneasy. She bit her lip, trying to stay calm: "I'm waiting for my brother, he'll be back soon. You better stay away from me."
But the thugs had no intention of letting Gu Pan go. One of them moved closer, grinning and said, "Brother? He's not here now. Do you need us to keep you company?"
Gu Pan's heart raced as she tried to stand up, but another thug blocked her path. A flash of panic crossed her eyes, but quickly turned into anger.
"You better stay away from me! My brother will be back soon, and he won't let you off easy!" Gu Pan said loudly, with defiance and courage in her voice.
At that moment, Zhou Ziheng returned with an ice cream. He immediately noticed the predicament of Gu Pan and his face darkened. He walked over quickly, grabbed Gu Pan with one hand and held the ice cream with the other, staring coldly at the few ruffians.
"What's going on?" Zhou Ziheng's voice was low and authoritative, his eyes revealing a seriousness that brooked no challenge.
Those few ruffians looked somewhat fearful when they saw Zhou Ziheng return. They exchanged glances and then said stubbornly, "Hmph, consider yourselves lucky." With that, they quickly left.
Zhou Ziheng turned around and looked at Gu Pan with concern, "Are you okay, Xiao Tauzi?"
Gu Pan nodded, although a little scared, but also appeared strong: "I'm fine, thank you, brother."
Zhou Ziheng flashed a hint of anger in his eyes, but soon he regained his composure and comforted Gu Pan in a gentle voice: "Don't be afraid, I'm here. Come, let's have some ice cream, don't let it melt."
Gu Pan Taking the ice cream, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. No matter what happens, Zhou Ziheng will always be by her side, protecting her and accompanying her.
On the night streets, a pair of siblings walked hand in hand, their figures blending into the splendid city lights. This is their unique emotional bond, no matter what difficulties they encounter, they will always face them together and walk through them together.
Comment 0 Comment Count