Chapter 32 Borrowing Money Never Extinguish the Light…

Chapter 32: When He Asked for Money

Never Let Your Light Be Dimmed

Hearing her voice, there was a brief pause on the other end, and Yu Kui could only discern a cacophony of background noise.

She asked softly, "You called... are you in some kind of trouble?"

Aside from this, Yu Kui couldn't conceive of any other reason.

She didn't know when it had begun, but she had long ceased to hope that Qin You would ever truly return to her. Still, their years of friendship endured, and she couldn't simply ignore his call.

"Yu Kui, could you lend me some money?" Qin You stood outside a phone store, his voice barely a whisper. "I want to buy something, but I don't have enough."

As he spoke, he felt a complex mix of emotions, yet he saw no other recourse.

He had assumed buying a phone for Tao Jiang would be straightforward, but Tao Jiang desired the latest premium model, and he simply didn't have sufficient funds.

However, he had already given his word. He couldn't disappoint Tao Jiang, nor could he ask his mother for money. After much deliberation, the only person he could think of was Yu Kui.

She received a considerable amount of lucky money each year, all of which she meticulously saved. She had even once promised that when they entered university, she would buy him a computer.

Qin You knew she was financially secure. After a brief internal struggle, he decided to call her.

She wouldn’t refuse him.

He was acutely aware that Yu Kui valued relationships deeply. She would, as she had countless times before, resolve any problem he faced.

Including this one.

Yu Kui froze. "You're asking to borrow money from me?"

Qin You clenched his fists. "If you don’t have it, then forget it."

"What do you intend to buy?" Yu Kui had no intention of shaming or ridiculing him. "How much do you need?"

"My phone is broken," Qin You blurted out without thinking. "I need five thousand more to buy a new one."

Yu Kui’s heart sank as she recalled Tao Jiang's earlier remark about her "phone being broken" and her plan to "go buy one this weekend." How could it be such a coincidence?

What kind of phone required an additional five thousand? Qin You had never been one to indulge in luxury...

"Do you have it?" Seeing her silence, Qin You grew anxious. "If you don’t, could you—"

"Qin You, are you buying it for yourself?" Yu Kui asked instinctively.

"Yes," the boy immediately replied. "I want to get a better phone, one that will last me through college."

"Okay," Yu Kui said. "I have the money. Give me your card number, and I’ll transfer it."

Qin You quickly recited his bank card number, adding in an even softer voice, "Thank you, Yu Kui."

"You're welcome." The moment Yu Kui transferred the money via online banking, she didn't feel the usual relief of helping a good friend. Instead, it felt as though a certain idealization of Qin You had vanished.

Was it because he had humbly asked her for money, or because he had become different from the person in her memories?

Yu Kui couldn't quite articulate it, but what had been lost was a part of her feelings for Qin You.

She had once read somewhere that when someone you once admired asks to borrow money, the last glimmer of their halo in your heart is extinguished.

At the time, Yu Kui had scoffed, deeming the author's statement too absolute.

Back then, she had thought that no matter what Qin You wished to pursue in the future, she would willingly spend all her lucky money on him.

But when she learned that Qin You was borrowing money to buy a luxury phone, she felt an indescribable sadness.

She didn’t seize the opportunity to engage Qin You further but silently ended the call.

Yu Kui gazed out the window at the clear blue sky, vaguely sensing something, but she dared not easily confirm it.

If things were truly as she suspected, then she had long become a laughingstock.

She didn’t want to perceive people as so malicious, nor did she wish to erase all the beautiful memories.

She stood by the window for a long time until Yu's mom entered with some fruit. "What’s wrong, sweetie? Are you feeling down?"

Yu Kui shook her head. "Mom, I want Coca-Cola chicken wings for lunch."

"Of course," Yu's mom said, walking over to hug her. "Don’t just say chicken wings—even if you wanted dragon meat right now, I’d find a way to get it for you."

Yu Kui felt a warmth in her heart. "I’d never make such an outrageous request."

"What else would you like to eat?" Yu's mom asked, pulling her to sit down. "I’ll arrange it."

"Braised fish."

"Sure," Yu's mom glanced at the time. "We have chicken wings at home. I just need to buy a fish downstairs."

"Thanks, Mom." Yu Kui leaned against her back, sounding a bit subdued. "Mom, do you think I’m a bit foolish? I always think too little before acting."

"How are you foolish?" Yu's mom immediately countered. "You’re top of your class—the smartest in the world. Who dares call you foolish? I’ll be the first to confront them."

"That’s not what I meant," Yu Kui said, slightly embarrassed. "I mean, when it comes to problems, am I not using my brain enough?"

Whether facing Tao Jiang or Qin You, she had been rather naive.

Yu's mom fell silent for a moment, then cupped her daughter’s face and looked into her eyes. "You’re not foolish—you’re simply too kind. This kindness makes you shine brightly among others, becoming a reliable and trustworthy presence."

"But this kindness can also make you easily hurt. That’s what worries me the most. Still, it’s not your fault. If others perceive kindness as foolishness, that’s their lack of discernment. You are the best in my heart, and I’m proud of you."

Yu Kui blinked. "Mom, I’ve been doubting the decisions I’ve made in the past. I don’t know if I’ve been right."

"People are always reflecting on themselves," Yu's mom said, ruffling her hair. "Especially someone as intelligent as you."

"You only say that because I’m your daughter," Yu Kui puffed out her cheeks. "If it were anyone else, you wouldn’t say that."

"Of course," Yu's mom said. "You’ve been my favorite since the day you were born. No matter how old you get, you’ll always be my little princess to me. I hope your kindness never fades, that you act with principles, and that you prioritize loving yourself before doing what you believe is right. Don’t let others dim your light."

"Do you understand?"

Yu Kui nodded, her mood gradually lifting. "Mom, thank you for always loving me."

Yu's mom chuckled softly. "If you know I love you, then don’t mope around so much. It breaks my heart."

Yu Kui’s face flushed slightly. "...I know."

As soon as Tao Jiang had the phone, she pulled Qin You into a selfie. "This phone takes such great pictures! I really love it!"

"I'm glad you like it," Qin You stood behind her, watching her delighted expression. The shame of borrowing money from Yu Kui dissipated considerably. "Why didn’t you tell me earlier that you liked this model?" If he had known, he would have tried to save more money.

"I don't know either," Tao Jiang shot him a glance. "You're not going to think I'm a spendthrift, are you? It's just a phone."

"We're still students," Qin You looked down. "I can't earn money right now, and sometimes I can't afford things that are too expensive."

Tao Jiang was stunned. "You think this phone is expensive?"

Qin You couldn't tell her that he had borrowed money from Yu Kui—it was something he found deeply humiliating.

Having known Yu Kui for so many years, he had never humbled himself before her, but this time, he had asked her for money like some pathetic wretch. It was a huge blow to his pride.

"You're such a buzzkill," Tao Jiang traced her finger over the phone screen. "You promised, and now you're lecturing me."

Qin You explained, "When I start working in the future, I’ll provide you with a truly comfortable life."

"But right now, all I need is a phone."

Qin You sighed to himself. "So, are we still going for hotpot?"

"No," Tao Jiang pulled her hand away. "If you're this grudging about buying a phone, what about when I want other things in the future? Will you be even more dissatisfied with me?"

"That's not what I meant," Qin You grabbed her hand, conceding. "I just think if you want something, you could give me a heads-up about the price so I can prepare."

"Fine," Tao Jiang gave his arm a shake. "Since you bought me the phone, I’ll reluctantly tag along for hotpot."

Qin You let out a quiet sigh of relief, planning to confess his feelings during the meal.

After the food was served, Qin You took a small bouquet of flowers from his backpack and handed it to Tao Jiang. "Tao Jiang, I... like you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Tao Jiang was stunned for a moment, then started giggling. "Couldn't wait, could you?"

"Be with me," Qin You said stubbornly but earnestly. "I don’t want to wait any longer."

"Alright," Tao Jiang accepted the bouquet and noticed it was her favorite red roses. Her smile became more genuine. "You’ll have to be even better to me from now on, or I won’t hesitate to break up with you."

Qin You held her hand tightly. "I’ll only treat you better and better."

Seeing his sincerity, Tao Jiang felt something stir inside her. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Don’t make promises too soon."

Qin You turned bright red, looking intently at her. "I mean what I say."

After the meal, the two held hands and went to see a movie, not heading home until after dark.

Yu Kui stood by the window, watching Qin You enter through the gate. She opened the door and hurried downstairs to meet him.

"Qin You, you're back." She looked at the boy, who was practically bouncing with energy. "Where’s the new phone you bought? Can I see it?"

The smile on Qin You’s face froze, and his gaze slowly fell on Yu Kui. He hadn’t expected her to come find him.

"Where’s the phone?" Yu Kui asked again. "Can I see it?"

Hearing this, Qin You’s good mood vanished completely.

"I haven’t bought the phone yet," he said, his face falling. "I’ll pay you back the money as soon as possible."

"Really?" Yu Kui looked into his eyes. He couldn't meet her gaze—clearly, he was lying.

"I thought you’d already bought it," she said softly. "I’ve never used such an expensive phone in my life."

"Thank you for lending me the money." Qin You couldn’t tell her he had spent it on Tao Jiang. He was afraid Yu Kui would tell his mother, and the consequences would be more than he could bear.

"No rush," Yu Kui averted her eyes. "It’s fine."

After that, the two stood in silence. Instead of bringing them closer, the "borrowing money" incident had made them feel more distant.

"I’ll head upstairs now."

"Okay."

Yu Kui turned around, her suspicions growing.

But she didn’t press for answers. She was afraid of what Qin You might say.

Let it be. No matter why he had humbled himself to call her.

No matter where he had spent the money.

She had to learn to let go.