I opened the trunk of the car under the bright sunlight, took the suitcase from Yang Sisi, and put it in the car. At this moment, the others also came out of the inn, their faces showing a hint of reluctance.

Bai Lu first hugged Yang Sisi, then said in her ear with a choked voice, "Sisi, we won't take you to the airport later. When you go back to Shanghai, you should get along well with your parents. Although they have wronged you in some ways, they are the people who love you the most. Try to understand them more... Also, don't forget about us. Come to Dali again when you have the chance."

"Yes, I won't forget."

Yang Sisi left Bai Lu's embrace, then looked at the other silent people before opening the car door and sitting in the back seat.

After gesturing to the others, I got into the car.

To prevent this sadness from lingering, I didn't even glance in the rearview mirror, stepped on the gas, and drove away from the inn. But the next instant, my mood subtly shifted. I had come with Yang Sisi, and now I was the only one seeing her off—it felt like a script with a beginning and an end echoing each other; like the end of a destiny.

I believe that once Yang Sisi returns to Shanghai, Lao Huang will no longer worry about our relationship. And time, being such a powerful force, might just allow Yang Sisi to fall in love with Xiao Bao one day.

The car had already driven from Longkan to Dali Road. Only then did I look at Yang Sisi sitting in the back through the rearview mirror. She was staring blankly out the window, with tear stains on her face, but she had stopped crying now.

I find it hard to put myself in her shoes and understand how she feels right now, because I always feel that going back to Shanghai or studying abroad would be her best choice.

...

While waiting at the traffic light, Yang Sisi finally spoke, asking me, "What are your plans for the future?"

Subconsciously, it seemed like many people had asked me this question before, but when Yang Sisi asked it, my heart suddenly tightened, and then I felt a sudden urge to smoke.

While waiting at a red light, I lit a cigarette, took a drag, and replied, "I'm fine with going anywhere except Shanghai."