Yellow Represents Melancholy

"Brother Liangchen, are you okay?"

Gao Quan noticed Ye Liangchen trembling uncontrollably and couldn't help but ask.

He knew this scene was unbearable for Ye Liangchen.

The girl he had loved for ten years, the one he regarded as his "white moonlight" in his heart—

The one he cherished so much he feared she might break if held too tightly, the one he dared not even touch for fear of tarnishing her purity—had just walked into a hotel with someone else. This agony was something no outsider could truly understand.

Ye Liangchen took a deep breath and slowly raised his hand. "Gao Quan, go back first. I need some time alone."

"Brother Liangchen, maybe we should—"

"Quan, don’t say anything else. If you still consider me a brother, just leave me be."

Hearing this, Gao Quan said no more.

He turned and walked away.

Once Gao Quan was gone, Ye Liangchen stepped into the hotel.

He told the receptionist that two of his classmates had checked in and that he was there to deliver something to them.

The receptionist immediately gave him a knowing look and provided the room number of the attractive couple who had just arrived.

With a bitter smile, Ye Liangchen trudged upstairs, his steps heavy.

He stopped outside the door the receptionist had indicated.

Leaning against the wall, he listened to the sounds coming from inside before slowly sliding down to sit on the floor.

Tilting his head back, he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, bit his tongue, and used the blood to write Li Qingxue’s name on it.

"Writing your name on a cigarette and inhaling you into my lungs, listening to your sounds of pleasure—does that mean I’m part of it too?"

"Qingxue, oh Qingxue... the flawless image of you in my heart has been stained with an indelible mark."

Before, no matter what happened, as long as he didn’t see it, he could pretend it didn’t exist.

But today, it unfolded right before his eyes.

Now, pressed against the door, he could hear every unbearable, blush-inducing sound. There was no more room for self-deception.

Staggering down the street in a daze, Ye Liangchen knew it was time to leave once the sounds inside faded.

He didn’t disturb anyone—just silently walked away.

But at this moment, the darkness in his heart had consumed what little color remained in his world.

He looked up at the sky, where tiny snowflakes drifted down, landing on his face and body.

The cold didn’t seem to affect him.

His heart felt dead, devoid of warmth—how could it still register the chill?

After a long silence, Ye Liangchen lit the cigarette.

Tilting his head at a 45-degree angle, his expression resolute, he exhaled a slow stream of smoke.

"It’s not me who’s wrong—it’s this world."

Everything should have been different. But Long Aotian had taken what was rightfully his.

The person he treasured most, the one he never dared to touch—had been defiled by him.

Spotting a barbershop nearby, Ye Liangchen strode in without hesitation.

"Sir, what kind of haircut would you like?"

The stylist eyed Ye Liangchen’s formal attire and asked politely.

"You wouldn’t understand the sorrow in my heart. The hairstyle I want is one only I can design."

Ye Liangchen spoke softly before sitting in the chair and studying his reflection. His face looked haggard, his eyes deeper with melancholy.

"Never mind. Just dye my hair first."

The stylist shot him an annoyed glance. In all his years of cutting hair, no one had ever told him he wasn’t qualified to do his job.

"What color?"

"Yellow."

Ye Liangchen smirked at his reflection. "Because they say yellow represents melancholy."

As Ye Liangchen left, the stylist couldn’t resist muttering under his breath, "Who does he think he is, acting like some tragic poet?"

Walking down the street, Ye Liangchen flicked his hair lightly, a faint smile curling his lips.

The dyeing process had somehow made him feel reborn.

"Li Qingxue, don’t blame me. You were always meant to be mine—I’m just claiming what’s rightfully mine a little earlier."

......

Days passed, and soon it was time for the class reunion.

Li Qingxue woke up early to get ready. It had been nearly a year since she’d seen her high school classmates, and she wanted to look her best.

After checking the group chat for the venue, she put on her hat and headed out.

Though it wasn’t snowing today, the cold was still biting.

As the taxi pulled up and Li Qingxue stepped out, an excited voice called out to her.

"Qingxue!"

Turning toward the sound, she saw Wang Rui waving enthusiastically from outside a milk tea shop.

"Rui Rui!"

Li Qingxue jogged over. It had been so long since they’d met.

Though they’d been close in high school, university kept them busy with their own studies.

They video-called every few weeks, but nothing compared to the joy of seeing each other in person.

"I thought you’d come much later!" Like Ying, Wang Rui wasn’t from this city.

"It’s been too long—I wanted to surprise you!" Wang Rui grinned before turning to order another hot drink.

Then she took Li Qingxue’s hand.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Li Qingxue blushed as Wang Rui leaned in, scrutinizing her face.

"Ahhh—Qingxue, you’ve gotten even prettier! What skincare do you use?" Wang Rui marveled at Li Qingxue’s dewy, flawless complexion.

Li Qingxue instinctively touched her cheek.

She had noticed it too—ever since being with Long Aotian, especially after their intimate moments, her skin had never looked better.

But how could she admit that?

Instead, she just shared her usual skincare routine. "I use this set—it’s great for hydration."

She had tested it thoroughly and even bought sets for Ying and Wan Ning.

"Got it!"

Just then, their drinks were ready.

Wang Rui handed one to Li Qingxue. "Let’s head inside. It’s still cold out here."

"You didn’t even wear a hat—your ears are red from the cold! Come on, let’s go in..."