Chapter 57
The morning of departure finally arrived. In the room, the air was filled with the faint fragrance of clothes and a lingering melancholy.
Su Rui woke early, or rather, barely slept. Lying on his side, his eyes carefully traced the silhouette of Ling Yao, who slept beside him. Without the elaborate stage makeup and hairdo, and the usual tense guard, Ling Yao's brows were relaxed, his breathing even, revealing a rare softness, even childishness. Su Rui's gaze fell on the light shadow cast by his eyelashes, the straight bridge of his nose, and finally on his slightly pursed lips. Remembering that breathless kiss yesterday, high in the sky, a subtle warmth crept into her ears.
He was so focused that Ling Yao didn't even know when he opened his eyes. When their eyes met, Su Rui blushed instantly like a child caught doing something bad, and subconsciously tried to avoid his gaze.
Ling Yao chuckled softly, his voice lazily hoarse from just waking up. He stretched out his arms, pulled him tighter into his embrace, and rubbed his chin against the top of his soft head: "What are you looking at? You're sneaking around like that."
"No... I didn't see anything." Su Rui buried her hot face in his shoulder and muttered softly, but her fingers unconsciously clenched the fabric on his chest.
Neither of them spoke again, simply snuggling quietly, listening to each other's heartbeats and the sounds of the city gradually awakening outside the window. This peace was especially precious, because they both knew that if the sun got any brighter, the time of separation would come.
"After we go back," Ling Yao suddenly said, his fingers occasionally twisting Su Rui's hair, "don't miss me too much."
Su Rui nodded gently in his arms: "Yeah. You too... don't be too tired." He knew that these words were pale and powerless, but he didn't know what else to say.
"I'm definitely tired." Ling Yao's tone was calm, "But having come this far, there's no reason to retreat." He paused, his voice lowered, as if speaking to Su Rui, or perhaps to himself, "Sometimes I feel like I'm dreaming, and I'm afraid that when I wake up, everything will be gone."
Su Rui raised her head and looked into his eyes seriously: "No. Ling Yao, you are the best. Everyone will see your good side." His eyes were pure and firm, with an unquestionable trust.
Ling Yao looked at him, and a cold corner of his heart seemed to be softened by his gaze. He pulled the corner of his mouth, said nothing more, and just tightened his arms.
After getting up, the two of them huddled together at the sink to wash. Shoulders touching, the mirror reflected two youthful faces, both covered in water droplets. Ling Yao moved quickly, finishing his teeth and watching Su Rui, still wiping her face slowly, suddenly playfully flicked some water droplets onto his face, causing Su Rui to let out a small gasp and dodge with a smile. For a moment, it was as if they were back in their carefree youth.
While packing, Ling Yao silently watched Su Rui carefully stuff the ugly doll into the side pocket of her backpack. He suddenly turned around, pulled out a brand new, unopened reflex camera from the depths of his backpack, and stuffed it into Su Rui's hand.
"I saw it while passing by an equipment store. It's good for portraits." He said casually, but his eyes glanced away. "Isn't your old one a little scratched?"
Su Rui recognized the brand and knew it was expensive. He felt a warm, yet also a little bitter, feeling, "You don't have to always buy these things for me..." "Just take it if it's given to you," Ling Yao interrupted him, frowning habitually but without much intimidation, "...take a good picture."
Finally, it was time to say goodbye. We didn't go back to the small park, but settled down in a quiet street corner downstairs from the hotel. The streets were deserted in the early morning, the air crisp and cool.
"I'm leaving," Su Rui said softly, carrying her simple luggage. "Yeah." Ling Yao put his hands in his pockets and nodded. He was wearing a mask, so his expression couldn't be seen, but his exposed eyes were always looking at Su Rui.
After a moment's silence, Ling Yao suddenly stepped forward and extended his hand, not to hug her, but to carefully help Su Rui straighten the slightly rolled-up collar of her shirt. His movements were a little clumsy, but surprisingly gentle. "Let me know when you're there," he whispered. "Okay." Su Rui felt her eyes warm up and quickly lowered her head.
Without another word, Su Rui turned and headed for the intersection to hail a car. He took a few steps and couldn't help but look back. Ling Yao was still standing there, his figure stretched long and lonely in the morning light. Seeing him turn around, Ling Yao raised his hand and waved.
The taxi drove away from the corner of the street. Su Rui looked out the rear window, watching the figure getting smaller and smaller until it finally disappeared from his sight. He leaned back in his chair, tightly holding the new camera in his hand. His heart was empty, but also filled with a warm and resolute emotion.
He knew a new, uncharted journey had begun before him and Ling Yao. They would head in different directions, facing different landscapes and challenges. But last night's whispers, the warmth of the morning light, and the cool touch of the camera casing in his palm all clearly told him that some connections never change.
And his journey is about to enter a new chapter.
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