051 Summer Willow Locks Autumn's Calm (Three in the Morning) 051 Summer Willow Locks Autumn's Calm When one is unlucky, even drinking cold water becomes a struggle. Lu Yun didn't want Lu Xiao Ying to see how distressed she looked—yet there she was, standing among the students who were all buzzing with chatter. At first, Lu Xiao Ying had been dragged along by her classmates to watch the spectacle, only to find that instead of being impressed by what unfolded, she watched Lu Yun being escorted away by two police officers and then stood dumbfounded. The murmur of voices around her grew louder, and before long, her eyes filled with tears as she ran back to the dormitory. "Xiao Ying, what's wrong? Why are you crying so suddenly?" The girl who had originally brought Lu Xiao Ying there watched in growing concern as the young woman broke into tears and hurried off—so much so that she couldn't help but follow. They hadn’t even reached the dormitory when a boy caught up to them. Tall, handsome, with an air of confident charm, yet his gaze carried an unmistakable hint of flirtatiousness that made him seem rather awkward and even slightly offensive. "Xiao Ying, what’s wrong?" he asked, hurrying over with genuine concern. "It has nothing to do with you," Lu Xiao Ying replied, glancing at him before turning to her companion. "Sannan, let's go back to the dorm." The girl known as Sannan—now visibly flushed and gazing at the boy with wide-eyed admiration—stared after him in sheer adoration, a perfect example of a devoted admirer. "Sannan…" Lu Xiao Ying sighed, tugging her firmly along. "Gao Yang," said the boy, tossing her a graceful smile as he leaned forward to give her a flirtatious glance. "Xiao Ying is feeling down today. I’d like to accompany her back—just for now." "Really?" Sannan’s enthusiasm instantly cooled. The moment she saw Lu Xiao Ying's expression, it became clear that the scene had shifted from a simple conversation into something more intimate. "Sannan," said Lu Xiao Ying, her voice tinged with warmth and perhaps a touch of frustration. "I really appreciate your efforts—just let me go see Gao Yang now." "No need," Sannan replied, still glowing with pride in the moment. "Just stay with me a little longer—it’s going to be lovely." "Xiao Ying," came the warm voice from outside the dormitory. It was Gao Yang, speaking with a smooth, magnetic tone. Sannan instantly recognized it as his voice and felt her heart flutter—perhaps he had taken notice of her after all? "I’ll just step out for a moment," she said to Lu Xiao Ying, offering gentle encouragement. "I’ll be right back." With that, she hurried toward Gao Yang, who was standing a little way off, looking eager and attentive. "Sannan! You’re here!" "Ah, Gao Yang—how lovely of you to find me," Sannan said with bright enthusiasm. "What can I do for you?" "I’d like you to help me with something," Gao Yang replied with quiet elegance. Sannan’s eyes sparkled as she nodded vigorously. "Of course! Please go ahead." "Would you be able to ask Xiao Ying to come out? I have a matter that requires her presence." "You want to see Xiao Ying?" Sannan’s enthusiasm suddenly dimmed, a quiet sense of disappointment washing over her. "Not at all," Gao Yang said with sincere warmth. "I understand—she must be feeling quite emotional right now. She’s been crying since we arrived. Perhaps she’ll only come out when she's ready." "Then I'll try!" Sannan brightened again, then glanced at Gao Yang’s handsome face before turning and rushing back into the dormitory with renewed determination. Lu Xiao Ying remained seated in her bed, still crying softly—her tears unbroken, her breaths shallow. What could possibly be so distressing that even a brief moment of disruption from her classmates would cause such a reaction? Just seeing Lu Yun being taken away by police officers—that was enough to send her into a state of disarray. "Xiao Ying," said Sannan as she returned, "Gao Yang has something important he wants to talk to you about. Would you like to go see him?" Lu Xiao Ying's mind still revolved around the image of Lu Yun being led away on a police vehicle. How could she possibly find the strength to meet Gao Yang now? With tears streaming down her cheeks, she whispered, "Tell him… I don’t want to see him." "But he seems so urgent," Sannan urged. "Perhaps he can help you with something?" With the promise of a shared snack and casual conversation, Sannan had imagined this would be a gift beyond measure—yet now it felt more like an unfulfilled expectation. And then it struck her: Gao Yang lived in the town, which meant he could possibly use his connections to help Lu Yun get out of trouble. At that very moment, when Lu Yun was taken into custody, Lu Xiao Ying had thought of reaching out to her father—but she knew how stubbornly rigid her father could be. To ask him for help would likely only result in disappointment. Wiping away her tears, Lu Xiao Ying rose and turned to Sannan with a determined gaze. "Where is he now?" "He's waiting outside," Sannan answered gently. "You go on—just let me stay here so as not to disturb you." Her words carried a subtle warmth that made Lu Xiao Ying feel slightly flustered. "Oh, stop! I’ll go right now—you just keep your hands off!" "Alright, alright," Sannan responded with a smile, her own cheeks warming up. "I’ve already apologized enough—go on now, before Gao Yang starts waiting." Lu Xiao Ying sighed and shook her head, then stepped out of the dormitory. "Xiao Ying, I’m right here!" Gao Yang called as she walked toward him. Lu Xiao Ying looked around, hurried over, and when she reached him, her voice still carried a faint tremor. "What is it you need?" Gao Yang watched her red-rimmed eyes with deep admiration, then sighed softly. "Xiao Ying, isn’t it worth it for you to cry like this just for me?" "It’s my own matter," she replied, slightly stiffened at his words. "It has nothing to do with you." "I know that," he said. "But you’ve seen how he was treated—how the very things he borrowed from the school were stolen and taken directly to the police station. Such a person… is it not worthy of your admiration?" "Then what about me, Gao Yang?" Lu Xiao Ying asked, her tone rising slightly with frustration. "What do I care for? Why does it matter to you who I like or who I choose?" "If there’s nothing else," she said, turning toward the door, "I’ll go back to my room now." Gao Yang watched as she moved toward the door and reached out—his hand gently brushing against hers—and stopped her. "But I love you!" he urged with growing urgency. "Do you not know that? What about me makes you hesitate? Why aren’t you willing to see me?" "Let go," Lu Xiao Ying replied, her face now flushed bright red. She reached up and lifted her hand to give him a sharp tap on the shoulder—just a touch too forceful—and then stepped back with a clear intent to move away. Gao Yang watched as she turned and then, sensing her growing agitation, gently released his hold. "I understand," he said, still slightly disappointed. "Lu Yun has been charged with theft—though not yet at the point of criminal liability—he’s guaranteed to be held in the police station for days or even weeks. You’ve seen how it affects him now. What will he say when he returns to campus? How can he face you again after all this?" He paused, then added: "Such a person—someone who steals small items and moves on—is not someone who brings lasting happiness. I’ll be going now. Just take some time to think about it." Lu Xiao Ying stood motionless, her eyes glistening with tears that streamed steadily down her face. Lu Yun—she had promised herself she would endure even the simplest sacrifices—to eat coarse rice and drink plain water for him. Yet here he was, accused of stealing from his own school! How could such a moment happen? Why now? Summer willow trees stand tall in this season—their leaves gently drifting down like whispers through time. And just as each leaf falls slowly to the ground, Lu Xiao Ying’s heart seemed to sink deeper and deeper into silence. ... Rural Village Beauty – 051, 051 Summer Willow Locks Autumn's Calm (Three in the Morning) — Updated!