Change

He Zifeng was about to confess that the reason for the girls' behavior might be related to him.

However, Chen Kaori beat him in explaining.

"Dad, it was just a misunderstanding. I know them from summer camp. They were just playing a prank. They did not know I can't swim."

"Their prank almost killed you. Let the restraining order stand." Chen Zhiyi had a gloomy expression.

The youngsters kept silent. They dare not take another bite or sip at their food.

Chen Kaori was discharged from the hospital a couple of days later.

He Zifeng will leave for the city the next day. The Chen family invited the He family over for barbecue.

That day, Chen Kaori was all over He Zifeng, feeling grateful and much more. However, as if the night changed him, he became gloomy who gave short replies.

Chen Kaori was confused. He saved her a few days ago. She wanted to show him her feelings, but he suddenly became aloof.

He was still polite, but his smile became not only subtle but forced. It was a total opposite of the boy who arrived few weeks ago, the boy who excelled in camp, and the boy who went swimming with her that day.

Chen Kaori was bothered by the change, but she tried to understand. She convinced herself that he might just be sad to go back to the city.

"Zifeng-ge, have some chicken!" Chen Kaori held up a grilled chicken leg almost to his face as she smiled gleefully.

He Zifeng frowned. "Stop calling me like that. We are not related." he scoffed. "I don't like oily food."

Chen Kaori lowered the skewered meat and moved her hand towards herself. "Okay." She took a bite from the chicken and walked back near the grill, masking her feelings with a smile towards Mrs. He.

Mr. He and Chen Zhiyi saw the interaction between the youngsters as they were drinking beer.

"Sorry about that. I don't know what's gotten into him. It's like he changed after midnight." Mr. He apologized.

"Aiyoo. It's okay. Don't think too much. Maybe he was still affected by what happened to Kaori. We don't blame him...so don't be too hard on him, alright?" Chen Zhiyi continued to drink from the beer bottle.

"Yeah, maybe. Just hope he isn't kicking himself too hard. And even if he does, he should not take it out on Kaori."

"Aiyoo, Zilou...you're thinking too much. They're kids. Their mood can change every moment."

.

When He Zifeng and his parents are about to leave, the Chen family bid them goodbye at their gate.

"Zifeng-ge...uh, He Zifeng!" Chen Kaori corrected herself as she called out.

He Zifeng faced her with a cold expression, not saying anything.

"Uh...here!" Chen Kaori held out a box sealed by a red ribbon.

"Uh..."

"You can open it when you arrive home. It's a farewell gift." Chen Kaori tried her best to smile as she said those words, but she was tear-jerky.

He Zifeng received the box. "Thanks."

...

The present He Zifeng sighed as he held up the acrylic soap dish which was sitting near his bathroom sink. It was embedded with real lavender flowers, preserved in the resin as the dish was molded.

It was Chen Kaori's farewell gift. He could still remember his feeling at that time. He wanted to reach out to her and hug her, but his stubborn self chose to look indifferent.

At that time, he regretted holding her hand, because it caused her to drown. He regretted asking her out, because it made people hate her. He loves her too much, so he wanted to protect her. Now he realized how much he had hurt her.