Chapter 16

Senior year's class schedule became sparse, replaced by long periods of internships and self-directed time. The days seemed to stretch longer, and for Zhao Jinglu, every moment of free time morphed into a doubling of longing for her city in the south. She had experienced both the bitterness and sweetness of long-distance relationships. As her savings slowly grew and the holiday approached, one thought grew clearer and more resolute: she would go find him.

This plan had been brewing secretly in her mind for a long time. She lived frugally, distributing flyers in supermarkets and taking on odd choreography jobs, slowly saving up the money for her flight and accommodation. She was cautious and calm, waiting for the perfect opportunity.

Finally, she chose an ordinary weekday. She woke up early, her heart beating fast with anticipation and nervousness.

In the morning, she texted Ling Peng as usual, trying to keep her tone normal.

"There's a surprise performance at the department tonight, and I have to go to make up the numbers, so I might not be able to video chat~ (sticks out tongue)"

She lied a little, her palms slightly sweaty.

Ling Peng replied quickly, his tone carrying a subtle hint of disappointment, but more of an understanding: "Okay, got it. Good luck with the performance. Don't get too tired."

A while later, Zhao Jinglu sent another message, a crucial step in her plan: "To make up for not being able to video chat, I'm going to order you a delicious midnight snack to make amends! Please send me your address~ (cute emoji)"

She held her breath and waited. Ling Peng on the other end of the line seemed to smile, finding her childish way of "apologizing" amusing. Without a trace of suspicion, he quickly sent her the specific address and house number of the apartment.

"[Room XX, Building X, XX Community, XX Road, Longhua New District, Shenzhen]. Thanks for the food, boss. But don't order too much, it's a waste."

Success! Zhao Jinglu looked at the address, as if holding the key to his world, and almost jumped up with excitement.

She suppressed her excitement and replied with an "I know!" emoticon.

The next few minutes seemed to stretch endlessly. She carefully checked her plane ticket and ID card, carefully packed the Beijing snacks she'd brought him and a slightly clumsy necklace she'd made herself into her backpack. In the afternoon, she left for the airport early.

Before the plane took off, she sent Ling Peng one last text message: "The show is about to start, and my phone is running low! I'll call you when I get home and charge it!"

After sending this message, she took a deep breath and turned off her phone. Severing the last trace of connection with the old world, she boarded the flight south alone with a pounding heart.

This was her first time flying alone, her first time traveling to a completely unfamiliar southern city. The sea of ​​clouds rolled outside the window, and her emotions, like it, surged. Anticipation, sweetness, fear, anxiety... all sorts of emotions mingled. She didn't know where she found such courage, but simply, driven by a surge of longing and love, she dared to go on this journey alone.

As the plane landed at Bao'an Airport, Shenzhen's moist, warm night breeze blew across her face, a stark contrast to the chilly, dry spring weather in Beijing. She followed the crowd and, somewhat clumsily, hailed a taxi. She handed the driver the address on her phone, "Hey, go to this place."

The car drove into Shenzhen at night, where tall buildings stood in rows, neon lights flashed, bustling yet unfamiliar. She looked out the window at the street scenes that passed by quickly, imagining that he was under a light in this city.

The complex was larger than expected, with modern layout and multiple entrances and exits. The taxi driver wasn't sure of the exact building's location, so he dropped her off at a general entrance.

Standing in an unfamiliar environment, looking at the almost identical high-rise buildings around her, Zhao Jinglu was suddenly a little confused. She had to muster up the courage to ask the security guard, then asked a few passers-by, compared the address on her phone, and took a detour before finally finding the apartment building where he was.

She walked into the bright yet empty lobby. The elevator slowly ascended, the numbers ticking. 20th floor. Her heartbeat quickened as the elevator climbed.

"bite--"

The elevator doors opened, and she was alone in the silent hallway. She double-checked the address and slowly made her way down the tiled corridor. The closer she got, the more hesitant her steps became, and the more anxious she felt.

She began to think wildly: What if he's taking a shower? What if he's had an appointment tonight and hasn't come back yet? What if... What if there's someone else in his room?! This thought flashed through her mind, like a tiny ice spike piercing her, making her hands and feet instantly cold.

She stopped and took several deep breaths, trying to suppress these disturbing speculations. Now that she was here, she couldn't just turn around and leave.

She finally stood in front of the dark security door with the house number on it. It was quiet inside, and she couldn't hear any movement.

Her heart was pounding like a drum in her chest, threatening to burst out of her throat. She clutched the strap of her backpack, her palms sweating. Finally, she mustered all her courage, raised her slightly trembling hand, and rang the doorbell.

“Ding Dong——”

The crisp ringing of the bell rang in the silent corridor, and it seemed to strike at her tense nerves.

She held her breath, all her senses focused on the door, waiting for its fateful opening.