Chapter 73, the main text concludes...
Yu Kui's leave of absence was limited. After staying in China for two days and seeing that Xie Xingzhi had recovered, she prepared to go back to class.
“I’ll go with you,” Xie Xingzhi said immediately. “It’ll be perfect for spending the holidays with you.”
“No need,” Yu Kui glanced at his arm. “You should rest at home. We can talk about the holiday later.”
“I’ve already handed over all my work,” Xie Xingzhi insisted. “If you don’t take me out, I’ll have nothing to do at home.”
Yu Kui didn't believe what he said, but seeing that he really wanted to go, she took him back to school with her.
While she was in class, Xie Xingzhi would stay in the hotel and wait for her to finish class. Then the two of them would go out to eat and take a walk or go shopping.
After the Christmas Eve holiday, she rented a car and took Xie Xingzhi to a forest hundreds of kilometers away from the school for a picnic. In the snowy winter, after arriving at the treehouse that had been booked in advance, it felt like entering a fairy tale world far away from human habitation.
The two took out a grill from the treehouse, hurriedly lit the charcoal fire in the open space, and began preparing dinner with great enthusiasm. As the sizzling sound rang out, the aroma of steak and various meats filled the air.
Xie Xingzhi was a very good cook, so Yu Kui let him take charge of the cooking. She then took out a cast iron kettle, added fruits such as apples and pears, and put it on the fire to brew tea.
Once the barbecue was cooked, the two sat outdoors, enjoying the snowy scenery while eating.
"It's so quiet here," Yu Kui exclaimed, watching the snowflakes fall gently. "It's even more beautiful than I imagined."
Xie Xingzhi placed the peeled grilled shrimp on her plate, saying, "I haven't relaxed like this in a long time."
"Who told you to be so busy with work?" Yu Kui pouted. "You always call me at night."
Xie Xingzhi curled the corners of his lips, "Then shall I change it to daytime?"
Yu Kui snorted lightly, "Tonight it is then, I'm busy during the day too."
She reached out to warm her hands by the fire, then poured herself and Xie Xingzhi each a cup of tea. "The fruit tea smells so good too."
Xie Xingzhi looked at her with a smile. Just being by her side made him feel incredibly gentle. "Be careful, it's hot."
After eating and drinking for a while, Xie Xingzhi added some more charcoal to the stove and continued to immerse himself in the beauty of nature until Yu Kui fell asleep, at which point they all returned to their treehouses to rest.
The next day, Yu Kui slept until dawn, ate the breakfast brought by the guesthouse owner, and then dragged Xie Xingzhi to wander in the forest.
Although there weren't many green plants to be seen, Yu Kui still found it very cool to explore in the heavy snow.
In the afternoon, they also went to a nearby ski resort and skied for two hours before reluctantly driving back to school.
Xie Xingzhi stayed here for ten days, spending New Year's Day with Yu Kui. However, urged by Sun Chaoyang, he had no choice but to return home.
"Take good care of yourself here," he finally couldn't help but pat Yu Kui's head as he was about to leave, and said with a smile, "Be sure to call me if anything happens, I can come over anytime."
"knew."
"Also," Xie Xingzhi said with great concern, "I made some food for you and put it in the refrigerator. Even if you don't want to eat at the cafeteria, you can't go hungry. No matter how busy you are, you must eat well."
Yu Kui had called him several times to complain about her diet. Whenever Xie Xingzhi came to see her, he would always make some of her favorite dishes and freeze them.
"I know, I know," Yu Kui smiled, her eyes crinkling, as she watched him chatter on and on. "Why are you acting like a butler? I'm a grown man, I can definitely take good care of myself."
"Hmm." Xie Xingzhi gazed at her fair and clean face, as if trying to imprint her image deeply in his mind, and subconsciously said, "Yu Kui, I can..."
"Hmm?" The girl blinked, looking at him with a puzzled expression. "What's wrong?"
Xie Xingzhi looked away, quietly withdrawing his urge to hug her tightly. "I mean, I'm so glad we could come out together this time. Let's travel together again in the future."
“Okay.” Yu Kui seemed oblivious to the emotion in his eyes. “You can arrange the location.”
"Okay." Xie Xingzhi glanced at the time, and finally reached out to hug her. After only a few seconds, he gently and restrainedly let go. "I'm leaving."
The man's pleasant fragrance overwhelmed Yu Kui for a moment, but as he turned and left with his suitcase, the faint, pleasant scent was quickly dispersed by the cold winter wind.
She stood there, watching Xie Xing drive away, a distinct sense of loss rising in her heart.
She wished Xie Xingzhi could stay a few more days, but both of them had their own things to do, and it was already good enough that they met occasionally.
She didn't delve into her reluctance to part with the past, but instead gazed at the snowflakes falling gently overhead, thinking to herself that a good snow promises a bountiful year, and with the cycle of winter and spring, everything is a new beginning.
Now that the novel is nearing its end, she and Xie Xingzhi have both escaped their predetermined fates and can finally truly be themselves again.
After Xie Xingzhi returned to China, Yu Kui entered another busy period.
However, the arrival of the New Year brings not only warmer temperatures, but also the extremely dangerous flu.
A large number of students at the school were infected. At first, no one realized the seriousness of the situation until news came that several students had lung problems and died shortly after being sent to the hospital.
This flu instantly transformed into a deadly scythe, casting a bloody veil over what should have been a vibrant spring.
In just a few days, thousands of people died across the country.
Such numbers send chills down everyone's spine.
In addition, flu outbreaks have occurred around the world, forcing schools to close and implement timely isolation and prevention measures.
Seeing the panic at the school, Yu Kui bought a lot of supplies and stayed quietly in her apartment, hoping that the virus could be overcome as soon as possible.
However, a classmate posted on social media that the death toll was higher than reported, not just a few thousand. In places they didn't know, many more people were suffocating because they couldn't get timely medical attention. They reminded everyone to protect themselves and avoid meeting other people unless absolutely necessary.
Yu Kui scrolled through several posts, most of which were about how terrible this flu was, how hospitals were overcrowded, and how people could lose their lives if they got infected.
Yu Kui felt a chill in her heart. This flu did not appear in the novel, or rather, the novel had already ended, and what happened afterward was beyond its ability to record.
She first disinfected the room, then began checking all the ventilation openings and trying to close them all.
Only then did I start making breakfast.
She bought eggs, vegetables, and various instant foods, which should last her for more than half a month if nothing unexpected happens.
A few days ago, Yu's mother called her and said that the situation in China was also very serious, many flights could not take off normally, and the community was under quarantine. She told her to take good care of herself and not to have contact with other people.
As she finished speaking, her eyes reddened, fearing something might happen to her daughter.
She could find a way to get her medical treatment in China, but abroad, as a mother, she was powerless to help.
“I’m fine,” Yu Kui shook her head and comforted her, “You and Dad should be the ones taking precautions. Once the flu is over, I’ll take you on a trip.”
"Okay." Yu's mother held back her tears. "If anything happens, be sure to call me immediately. Don't try to be strong on your own."
“I know,” Yu Kui said in a relaxed tone, “I’m twenty-five years old, not a child anymore, so don’t worry.”
After that, Yu's mother would call Yu Kui at least three times a day to make sure she was safe before she could truly relax.
During this time, Xie Xingzhi and Sun Shuya also called one after another to inquire about her situation abroad.
“I’m fine now,” Yu Kui said with a smile. “You don’t need to worry. I’m the only one in the entire apartment, so no one will infect me.”
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. That very night, she developed a fever, a dry throat, and general weakness.
These are the initial symptoms of infection. In her dazed state, Yu Kui realized she was sick and immediately picked up her phone to call the hospital, but the line was busy and she couldn't get through.
After some inquiry, it was discovered that all hospitals were overcrowded and operating beyond capacity, unable to admit critically ill patients, and those initially infected were advised to self-monitor at home.
She quickly found a way to help herself after the initial infection, took the appropriate medication from the medicine box, and used purified water to cool down her fever, praying that she would get better tomorrow.
As a result, she developed a high fever during the night. She groggily got up and took her temperature with a thermometer, which showed that it was over 38 degrees Celsius.
She took her medicine again and forced herself to cook despite feeling unwell. The sicker she was, the more she needed to replenish her energy, otherwise it would only prolong her illness.
After eating and drinking her fill, she fell asleep again, this time until the afternoon of the next day. There were dozens of missed calls on her phone, some from her parents and some from her close friends.
Yu Kui's throat was itchy, and coughing felt like being cut with a knife. She took out her phone to call home to let them know she was safe. As soon as the call connected, she heard her mother's anxious voice, "Kui Kui, how are you? Are you sick?"
Yu Kui glanced at the numbers on the thermometer. Seeing no significant change, she replied in a hoarse voice, "I'm fine. I just have a mild infection. I've already taken some medicine, and I'll be better in a few days."
Upon hearing that she was infected, Yu's mother was heartbroken. "You scared your mother to death! Do you know how scared I've been since yesterday?"
“I’m fine,” Yu Kui said, her nose tingling. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’m young and have a strong immune system. I’ll recover quickly.”
"Can we go to the hospital?" Yu's mother asked anxiously. "Medicine is not working, you have to go to the hospital. I'll try to find someone to make an appointment for you right away."
Yu Kui didn't tell her that the hospital was overcrowded, and even if she went there now, she wouldn't be able to get timely treatment. In fact, the crowd might make her infection worse.
“I will go,” she said softly. “I’ve already taken my medication. If it doesn’t help by the afternoon, I’ll go straight to the hospital.”
Nevertheless, Yu's mother was still very worried. "If the flights hadn't been canceled, I would have come to find you right now."
She only has one precious daughter, Yu Kui. If anything were to happen to her, Yu's mother wouldn't know how she would live.
“I will definitely call home if I feel unwell,” Yu Kui reassured her. “Mom, you and Dad should also take precautions. Remember to wear masks and disinfect when you go out to get supplies.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Yu’s mother said. “The community comes to take our temperatures every day. If we get infected, we will receive timely treatment. Your father and I are healthy and will be fine.”
“But you,” Yu’s mother said, her voice choked with emotion, “you mustn’t force yourself to be strong.”
"good."
After hanging up the phone, Yu Kui contacted her friends in China to tell them that she was safe and sound, but she couldn't get through to Xie Xingzhi.
This discovery gave Yu Kui a bad feeling, and he worried that the fate of the novel would be repeated on him. He hurriedly contacted Sun Chaoyang, but to his surprise, Sun Chaoyang also did not know where Xie Xingzhi was.
“There’s no one at the company right now. All the employees are working from home online. I’m isolated in my neighborhood and can’t go out to find my boss. I haven’t heard from him yet.”
"I understand." Yu Kui turned around and contacted the property management of Xie Xingzhi's community. Upon learning that Xie Xingzhi had not returned home, she was at a loss for what to do and could only hope that nothing had happened to him.
She sat on the sofa for a while, then got up and went to the kitchen to cook herself a bowl of egg noodles.
After struggling to finish her meal, she began to anticipate the worst-case scenario: if her temperature rose again and her throat wouldn't get better, she would have to go to the hospital no matter how difficult it was.
After drinking a pot of hot water, she collapsed on the sofa and drifted off to sleep, her head spinning, until a series of urgent knocks on the door woke her up.
Yu Kui blinked, staggered to the door, peered through the peephole to observe the situation outside, and asked warily, "Who is it?"
"It's me." The extremely familiar voice made Yu Kui's heart skip a beat.
"Who?" she asked again, uncertainly.
“Xie Xingzhi,” the person outside replied, “I’ve come to take you back to China.”
Yu Kui slowly inhaled a breath of cool air, but her throat felt even more sore. She opened the door as if in a dream, and when she saw the young man in the black coat standing in the doorway, her pupils contracted sharply. She asked incredulously, "You, how did you get here? Such a long journey, weren't the flights suspended?"
Seeing her pale face, Xie Xing's eyes darkened slightly, and she explained in a low voice, "I borrowed Lu Cheng's private jet."
Lu Cheng was his partner in the company, and he had even dined with them before.
Yu Kui never expected that Xie Xingzhi would actually be able to borrow a private plane and, at such a critical time, pass through so many approvals to come to her side.
This must have involved an unimaginable level of scrutiny.
She stared blankly at him, her usually quick-witted mind at a loss for how to react.
This was completely beyond her imagination.
While everyone around the world is on edge, Xie Xingzhi has traveled tens of thousands of kilometers to quietly appear before her.
He was so close, his presence so strong, that Yu Kui couldn't lie to herself that this was a dream.
Xie Xingzhi really came.
He was truly standing in front of me.
This time, it was even more thrilling than when he drove to find me after the earthquake in City B.
Ten thousand miles is just a short number in books, but if you really want to measure it, it is a long distance that spans mountains and seas.
Before this, Yu Kui could hardly imagine that anyone would appear by her side during such a severe epidemic situation.
But Xie Xingzhi arrived.
As before, it surprised and delighted her, and it felt incredible.
"It's so dangerous, what are you doing here?" She snapped out of her daze and disapproved, "What if you get infected too? I don't even..."
"Don't overthink it," Xie Xingzhi said, taking off his coat at the door and carefully disinfecting himself with alcohol. He then looked up at her. "I came to find you because I was well-prepared."
After saying that, he strode to the bathroom to wash his hands.
Yu Kui sat on the sofa, staring blankly at his back. Her heartbeat quickened, making her breathing rapid. She wasn't sure if it was the onslaught of the virus or the throbbing in her heart that she could no longer deceive herself about.
She clutched her chest, as if something had been silently changing amidst the chaos of war.
Xie Xingzhi quickly returned and naturally touched Yu Kui's forehead. After discovering that she still had a fever, he immediately used a thermometer and a virus test card to test her.
Yu Kui followed his movements and asked in a low voice, "You can't get through to me on the phone, so you suspect I'm sick?"
"Hmm." Xie Xingzhi glanced at the number on the thermometer. The temperature wasn't too high, but it was still worrying.
He then checked the test card and confirmed that there was indeed a viral infection.
He immediately asked her what medications she had taken before.
Yu Kui avoided his concerned gaze and answered in turn, "They are all for reducing fever and treating colds."
Xie Xingzhi then asked her when she had eaten.
Yu Kui gave a time, "I took it according to the instructions."
Seeing her flushed face and listless appearance, Xie Xingzhi stroked her hair tenderly, "You still need to take the special medicine."
He opened his medicine box, took out the appropriate dose, and fed it to her. He then asked, "How much stuff are you taking back? I'll go pack your suitcase."
Hearing his matter-of-fact words, Yu Kui lowered her eyelashes and asked again, "Xie Xingzhi, why did you come to find me? It's so dangerous now, aren't you afraid of getting infected?"
Her fingers clenched slightly, but her eyes didn't avoid his gaze. "We're just friends, why did you come looking for me?"
"Why?" Xie Xingzhi curled his lips and deliberately said, "Of course it's because there is only one Yu Kui in the world. Once she is in danger, even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire in front of her, her good friend Xie Xingzhi will come to find her without hesitation."
He wore a mask, revealing only his long, deep-set eyes, which were fixed intently on her.
He seemed to be joking, but his eyes revealed his sincerity.
Yu Kui's eyelashes trembled, but she did not continue the topic. Instead, she said, "I need to take my computer and books back with me, as well as my clothes and the puppet on the bookshelf."
"What puppet?" Xie Xingzhi poured her a glass of warm water.
Yu Kui: "It's the little prince you gave me... Have you forgotten?"
Xie Xingzhi's gaze shifted slightly, but his expression remained calm. "You've always kept it with you?"
Yu Kui countered, "Is that not allowed?"
Xie Xingzhi snapped out of his daze, his eyes filled with obvious tenderness, "Of course."
After settling Yu Kui in, he strode towards the bedroom and quickly packed her luggage. Only after most of her things were in the boxes did he look at the puppets on the bookshelf.
The Little Prince was placed in a transparent acrylic display case. Although the color of the exterior was somewhat dull, Yu Kui had preserved it in excellent condition.
He picked up the display case and was about to put it in his suitcase when he caught a glimpse of the crack below the puppet's chest. Xie Xingzhi's breath hitched slightly, and his gaze froze instantly.
Without changing his expression, he opened the display box, took out the puppet, and with a slight pressure on his chest, the top piece of wood fell into his palm.
A familiar and exquisite ring box came into view, with obvious dents on its right corner, clearly indicating that it had been opened at some point.
Xie Xingzhi's throat tightened, and he could vaguely guess that one day, the puppet accidentally fell from the bookshelf and cracked on the ground, along with the ring box in front of him.
The moment this thought came to mind, Xie Xingzhi seemed to stop breathing.
He held the puppet tightly, thinking that Yu Kui had never known this deeply hidden secret of his. Perhaps it would be a long time later, on some casual afternoon, when the puppet's body began to show signs of loosening due to the long years, that she would discover her unspoken feelings. Or perhaps, she would never know that the Little Prince harbored his humble and bittersweet unrequited love from his youth.
But now she knows.
Xie Xingzhi opened the ring box, and the diamond ring shone brightly under the light, as if it gathered the most dazzling light in the world.
The note was also neatly placed at the bottom of the box, as if it had never been opened.
But Yu Kui already knew.
He wasn't sure when it was, but she chose to continue keeping it a secret for him.
Xie Xingzhi stood there for a moment, and as time passed, it felt as if he had been frozen in time for an entire century.
Only after hearing Yu Kui's unbearable cough did he put the ring box back into the Little Prince's heart.
Pretend you haven't noticed either.
But when his gaze fell on the note at the bottom, he couldn't help but wonder what Yu Kui felt when she saw that poem. Did she think he was too indecisive, not brave or frank enough?
He had no way of knowing her true thoughts.
Just like how he was unable to confess to her in person, to tell her that he liked her and was willing to do anything for her.
Because he doesn't deserve it.
Years later, he still feels unworthy.
How can a dim and lifeless star hope to have the bright and radiant sun? Even if it shines gently on him, he will still feel ashamed of himself.
—I could have endured the darkness if I had never seen the sun.
But he had already seen it.
The moment the sunlight fell upon him, he could never return to the darkness of the past.
They can only be like rats living in the gutter, desperately trying to get close but unable to be fully exposed to the scorching sun.
Because he doesn't deserve it.
Rats should stay where rats stay.
All delusional fantasies deserve to die.
But what caused the secret joy and anticipation that rose in my heart?
Yu Kui discovered the ring, but did not leave him. Could he hope that she might have a shred of pity for him?
Otherwise, why would she have rushed back to China the moment he was in danger?
Did she ever have feelings for him?
This thought caused Xie Xingzhi's heartbeat to quickly lose its rhythm.
He put the puppet into his suitcase, hurried back to the living room, and when he saw Yu Kui, a thousand words welled up in his heart.
"What's wrong?" Yu Kui looked up.
Xie Xingzhi squatted down, looking at her slightly sickly face, "I've packed all my luggage, do you want to see it?"
Yu Kui glanced at the suitcase he had taken out, and after noticing the puppet in the corner, she subtly pursed her lips, thinking that he probably hadn't realized that she already knew about the ring hidden inside the puppet.
She quickly realized something was wrong; the puppet was placed in a different direction than she remembered.
This means that Xie Xingzhi took the puppet out of the box while packing his luggage. Did he then discover the cracks on the puppet?
Did you notice that the ring box had been opened?
This guess made her heart skip a beat. She suddenly looked into Xie Xingzhi's eyes. Their eyes met, but Xie Xingzhi remained expressionless, showing no unusual expression in his eyes.
Yu Kui pursed her lips, thinking to herself that even if he discovered the cracks in the puppet, he probably wouldn't open it.
Is that really the case?
Her fingertips curled up; if the ring hadn't been placed in the puppet's chest by his own hand, he probably wouldn't have checked it.
But his secret is hidden there.
How could he not open it?
How could he possibly turn a blind eye?
“That’s enough,” she said, lowering her eyelashes and trying to appear calm. “Thank you for your hard work.”
After saying that, she stood up from the sofa and went back to the bedroom to change her clothes without changing her expression. But the moment she closed the door, she took a deep breath and could no longer face Xie Xingzhi naturally.
She knew that this matter could no longer be ignored.
She used to be extremely wary of Xie Xingzhi's ending in the novel and never thought of breaking the ice, but now that they are no longer bound by the plot, it's time to make some things clear.
When Yu Kui came out of the bedroom, Xie Xingzhi handed her a clean mask, then helped her adjust her hat before squatting down in front of her. "Come on, I'll carry you over."
Yu Kui was stunned for a moment, and Xie Xingzhi said, "The private plane can't stay for too long, we must get there as soon as possible."
Yu Kui is currently ill and has no strength, so it would be more convenient to carry her there.
Upon hearing this, Yu Kui did not hesitate any longer. She leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Xie Xingzhi stood up, put one arm around her leg and held the suitcase with the other. "Hold on tight, we're leaving."
Yu Kui gave a low "hmm," her breath carrying a chilling aura, as if she might cough up her lungs at any moment.
Xie Xingzhi glanced back at the apartment, and after finding nothing missing, he closed the door and left with Yu Kui.
The two took the elevator to the first floor. The surroundings were quiet. There were no pedestrians or vehicles in sight. The whole city seemed to be a ghost town with no people around.
Unable to hail a taxi on the roadside, Xie Xingzhi carried her on his back and strode towards the private parking lot.
Even with Yu Kui in tow, he walked very fast over a distance of about three kilometers.
Yu Kui listened to his hurried footsteps and looked around. It was as if the whole world had shrunk to just the two of them.
The only thing she could sense was Xie Xingzhi; his rapid breathing, warm body temperature, and indistinguishable heartbeat all felt clearer to her than ever before.
She looked at his sweat-stained temples; he looked disheveled, but something inside her was quietly melting, making it impossible for her to endure any longer.
“Xie Xingzhi,” she said in a hoarse voice, trying to control her emotions, “I actually discovered it a long time ago.”
"Huh?" The man didn't hear her voice clearly and turned to look at her.
Yu Kui hugged his neck tightly and told him slowly and clearly, "I discovered the ring inside the puppet a long time ago."
The man paused, his arm around her stiffened, and his gaze fixed on Yu Kui's face, his pupils contracting sharply.
Even someone as composed as him couldn't help but look dazed upon hearing those words.
He thought Yu Kui wouldn't bring it up on her own, so they could keep it from each other.
“Do you remember the earthquake five years ago?” Yu Kui said, “The Little Prince fell to the ground and broke. Only then did I realize that it was not an ordinary gift. It contained a secret in his heart that I had never discovered before.”
“I opened the ring box and saw the note inside, but I didn’t tell you.”
Xie Xingzhi could no longer manage a smile. He closed his eyes, a deep bitterness rising in his heart. He hadn't expected Yu Kui to know his feelings so soon.
He lowered his head, not daring to look into her eyes, as if he had become a sinner being judged by fate.
He once lacked the courage to confess his feelings to her face, and could only stay by her side in a despicable manner under the guise of being a "good friend." After she learned the truth, she not only did not expose him, but also did not embarrass him in any way. However, he could no longer look at her as a matter of course.
"I..." Xie Xingzhi's voice was hoarse as he tried his best to control his surging emotions. His neck veins bulged from tension. He wanted to exonerate himself by saying that he didn't give him the ring or write the note, so that they could continue their current relationship.
He wanted to say that no matter how Yu Kui viewed him, he would continue to stay by her side.
But he couldn't bring himself to say it; it was as if a rope was strangling his throat. The endless suffering and the gloom that dared not face the sunlight made it impossible for him to pretend to be a "good friend" anymore.
There has to be a resolution between them, if not today, then tomorrow.
"Yes," he said with all his might after a long silence, "I like you."
The moment he said those words, his eyes reddened and his voice trembled: "I've liked you for a long time, Yu Kui."
"When you tutored me and helped me improve my grades, but I couldn't do anything for you, I thought that one day I must make something of myself and present myself as perfect, so that I would be qualified to stand by your side and tell you that my feelings for you are not friendship. I have never considered you a friend. What I feel for you is love and the determination to spend my life with you."
"But I found that I couldn't really hide my original life. Love and affection didn't make me brave; instead, they made me constantly question myself: should I stay by your side as a friend for a long time, or lose you forever?"
"If I can see the sun by looking up, I'm willing to look up for the rest of my life rather than pursue an answer that even I'm afraid of."
"Because I don't want to lose you."
He said, "I can't lose you."
So even though he knew Yu Kui had discovered the ring, he had to continue to pretend nothing was wrong.
This way, he could continue to deceive himself into believing that they were just friends. No matter where Yu Kui was, he could come to her side as a friend and secretly steal a sliver of light that he longed for.
That would satisfy him.
But love may not come out of his mouth; it will leap from his eyes and his heart. Many times, when he looks into her eyes, he cannot completely suppress his emotions.
He was tormented by the constant cycle of confession and waiting, until all pretense suddenly crumbled at that moment.
He could no longer pretend to be a "good friend" in front of her.
He revealed all his secrets, as if he had ripped open his entire chest, allowing her to see clearly and reveal his ordinary yet bleak true self.
His repeated displays of inferiority and cowardice made him laugh at himself.
But he also knew that the story had come to an end.
Those stolen moments never truly belonged to him.
But looking into Yu Kui's clear, bright eyes, he still couldn't bring himself to say that he would actively distance himself from her.
He gazed at her eyes with almost lingering affection; this was perhaps the closest and last time they would ever be together.
He wanted to remember her firmly, so that even years later, when he looked back, her image would still be easily etched into his memory.
Looking at Xie Xingzhi's reddened eyes, Yu Kui could truly feel the intense emotional turmoil in his heart. "If I hadn't asked you, would you have never told me?"
Xie Xingzhi opened his mouth, "I'm sorry."
Hearing this, Yu Kui felt a tightness in her chest and a great sadness. She felt sorry for his inferiority complex and timidity, and she could understand that he was not brave enough.
Because she also cares about his family background, otherwise the issue of the ring wouldn't have been brought up only now.
But she didn't like him belittling and demeaning her too much.
This is not the kind of relationship she wants.
"Do you know why I'm only asking you now?" Yu Kui said, "Because I'm so glad you came to me, and I'm sure I can start a new relationship now. It's not forced, nor is it about compromising. It's about taking responsibility for my own feelings."
Xie Xingzhi suddenly opened his eyes wide.
Although he guessed that Yu Kui also had feelings for him, it was still not as good as her admitting it herself. Unprecedented joy overwhelmed him in an instant.
“But your answer makes me back down,” Yu Kui changed the subject. “I don’t like this kind of relationship. When two people are together, it’s not about one person needing the other. It’s about holding hands because of attraction, working together to adapt to and accept each other. It’s not about making the other person the whole meaning of your life.”
"If you insist that I am the light in your dark life, then I feel not honor, but regret and sadness, because you don't love yourself enough."
Xie Xingzhi froze on the spot upon hearing this. Countless answers about Yu Kui flashed through his mind, but he never imagined that she would say such a thing to him.
A subtle unease arose in his heart.
Despite her hoarse voice, Yu Kui's tone remained calm, "Xie Xingzhi, you must be yourself first before you can love others. If you don't even love yourself, how far can this kind of relationship last?"
"Even if I am moved by your wholehearted devotion, what if the light fades and we become each other's most hated beings?"
The city was empty and silent, and Xie Xingzhi could only hear her voice.
“I’m sure I like you, and I’m so glad you feel the same way,” Yu Kui didn’t deny being attracted to you, but frankly stated, “I was very surprised when I saw the ring. I couldn’t even believe it was a gift from you. But the timing wasn’t right, and I wasn’t capable of building a healthy relationship, so I chose to remain silent.”
"Later, we went through a lot and our relationship got better and better. I became more and more attracted to you, but we both had our own things to do, so I still didn't say it."
“Until today, you came all the way to find me, and I thought it was the perfect time to truly accept each other, but I now realize that it is still not the right time.”
“We were at the wrong time,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness. “It changed the distance between us without us even realizing it.”
Upon hearing this, Xie Xingzhi immediately realized something, and his heart clenched noticeably.
He desperately wanted Yu Kui to stop talking. He would do his best to resolve their problems, and he was willing to give her anything to make her happy.
But he couldn't say it; it felt as if an invisible hand was forcefully constricting his throat, and the ominous premonition grew stronger and stronger.
“Time, which cannot be turned back, is taking you away from me,” she sobbed, her illness making it difficult for her to control her emotions. “It wants to keep you in the past, and I have no way to stop it.”
"Xie Xingzhi," hot tears fell onto the man's neck, "I'm sorry, I can't convince myself."
Yu Kui had imagined what it would be like to be in a relationship, but after truly opening up to him, she realized that her imagination was shallow and that their relationship would eventually have to be grounded in reality.
Seeing Yu Kui's tearful eyes, Xie Xingzhi felt a sharp pain in his eardrums and heart. "Don't cry..."
His voice was hoarse, "Don't cry."
Yu Kui felt a knife cutting into her throat, and she hugged Xie Xingzhi tightly, crying uncontrollably.
She thought how wonderful it would be if she were still the young Yu Kui. She wouldn't delve into the future of herself and Xie Xingzhi, but would instead immerse herself in mutual affection and revel in the beauty of love.
But as people grow older, they become more clear-headed and realize that love alone is not enough.
Hearing her sobs, Xie Xingzhi felt as if his heart was about to break. His mind was filled with self-pity. He hated himself for making her so sad and regretted realizing so late what she truly cared about.
If he had understood sooner, Yu Kui wouldn't have shed tears.
Why is he so stupid and slow-witted?
"Give me some more time," he said, closing his eyes after a fierce internal struggle, his voice now filled with determination, "Let me catch up with you again, okay?"
Yu Kui didn't answer. She silently leaned on his shoulder, trying not to let him see her tears.
She knew Xie Xingzhi wasn't just making excuses, but she still felt heartbroken for him.
That day, she cried herself to sleep.
When I woke up, I was already on the plane.
Xie Xingzhi stayed by her side, gazing at her calmly for an unknown period of time.
During those long hours, he thought a lot about the past and finally realized that the obstacles between them had nothing to do with whether they loved each other or not, but rather with those problems that should have been properly resolved long ago but which he had ignored, so that they had become entangled in thick cocoons, binding him deeply.
Yu Kui opened her suitcase and returned the Little Prince puppet to him.
"Give it to me next time we meet."
Xie Xingzhi's eyes reddened as he reached out and took it.
They both understood that Xie Xingzhi could only walk this path alone.
They didn't contact each other for a long time afterward. It was as if what happened that day was just a dream.
After the epidemic was effectively controlled, Yu Kui went abroad again and disappeared without a trace.
Xie Xingzhi stopped focusing all his energy on the company and began to balance work and rest, pursuing his true inner thoughts.
For example, his dietary preferences, his favorite outdoor sports, his favorite movies... and all sorts of things he doesn't like to do.
He also visited his parents in the mental hospital. Seeing their fearful and hateful faces, he could no longer maintain his nonchalant expression. Instead, he clearly told them how much he had wanted to leave that suffocating family.
“Many times I’ve wanted to die with you,” he said, his gaze fixed on Xie’s father. “I’ve wanted to chop you into eight pieces with a kitchen knife, so I wouldn’t wake up in the middle of the night and wouldn’t be afraid of being beaten to death. It would be best if we died together, to end it all.”
“And you,” he said expressionlessly, looking at Xie’s trembling mother beside him, “did you think that by pretending to be a loving mother in front of me, I would listen to you and maintain this false happiness with you? You’re not doing this for me to stay married; you’re doing it for yourself. You’re afraid to accept your own stupidity and incompetence, unwilling to make changes, so you push all the problems onto me so you can continue to maintain your image as a good wife and mother. You’re no different from him.”
“But I will not live like you,” Xie Xingzhi smiled, looking at the two men’s expressions of hatred and fear. “You are you, and I am me. You can only stay here and wait to die, while I will only continue to move forward.”
After saying that, he stood up, turned around and left without looking back.
"No--"
Tears streamed down Xie's mother's face as she reached out to grab him, but could only watch helplessly as he walked away, letting out a wild howl.
Mr. Xie was furious and kept pounding his fists on the headboard, but the caregiver forcibly restrained him and tied him tightly to the bed.
This was the last time they saw Xie Xingzhi. After that, no matter how much they cried, made a scene, or cursed, they never saw him again.
Time passed slowly. One day, Xie Xingzhi was working in his study when his gaze fell on the puppet not far away.
He instinctively stood up and took it out of the acrylic box. The colors on the Little Prince were even darker, but it was still exquisite and complete.
He skillfully opened the wooden block on his chest, took out the ring box inside, and slowly traced its shape with his fingertips, finding the small note that had been stored for a long time.
I wondered if the words on the note had faded as well, since even the Little Prince's colors had faded.
He opened the note, expecting to see the scene he anticipated, but instead, after the love poem, he saw another sentence—
"You don't necessarily have to chase the light; you are your own sun."
Xie Xing's fingertips trembled as he stared intently at the sentence, his eyes slightly reddening.
It turns out he had already received a response.
He touched the line of words that bore the marks of time, remaining motionless for a long time.
——
At the end of June, Yu Kui graduated and returned to China, joining a well-known law firm in the city center and beginning her professional career.
I'm constantly busy at the company, frantically absorbing work experience.
Zhang Jing and her friends wanted to take her out for a meal, but she could only go out on weekends.
In order to change the status quo, Yu Kui actively sought to participate in variety shows with her boss, planning to revive her video account, earn extra money, and bring her parents to settle down with her.
That day, she returned to the company from the filming location, exhausted. As she walked downstairs, she was about to buy a cup of coffee to wake herself up when she caught a glimpse of a somewhat familiar black sedan out of the corner of her eye.
A message notification sounded on her phone; the latest case had added a lot of information, and she needed to get back as soon as possible. As she walked to the company entrance with her coffee, Yu Kui suddenly stopped.
She turned around as if sensing something and saw Xie Xingzhi standing by the car. He was wearing a black suit, his hair was neatly combed back, and he was looking at her calmly.
He's lost weight, exuding a mysterious aura that makes him even more handsome.
Yu Kui paused for a moment, then turned and walked towards him.
A gentle breeze was blowing. She stood three steps away from Xie Xingzhi and asked in surprise, "Why did you come here?"
Xie Xingzhi looked at her fair face and explained gently, "I came here to discuss cooperation and happened to see you."
"What a coincidence." Yu Kui glanced at the time and said apologetically, "But I've been quite busy lately and have to go back to work first. We'll have to catch up next time."
"Okay." Xie Xingzhi didn't want to waste her time and asked naturally, "Are you free tonight? I'll pick you up for dinner."
Yu Kui blinked and looked at him again.
Xie Xingzhi smiled and said, "If there's a chance, I'd like to let you get to know me again."
Yu Kui's eyes flickered slightly, and under his slightly nervous gaze, she replied, "Okay, I get off work at seven."
Xie Xingzhi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with a faint smile. They hadn't returned to the beginning of the story, but they had returned to each other's side.
It may not be the best reunion, but it is the most suitable time.
On her way back to the company, Yu Kui walked briskly with a faint smile on her face.
She knew that the future was full of uncertainties, and that giving her heart meant accepting the possibility of being hurt.
But she won't deny that she's attracted to him, and she won't give up trying just because she hesitates.
Being brave for love is not cheap; it means she is paying the price for her choices and feelings.
Even if the future outcome is not as she wishes, she will still remember this moment, remember the ring in the Little Prince's chest, remember Xie Xingzhi's eyes, remember him carrying her through the quiet and empty city...
Those were her precious and beautiful moments.
Yu Kui felt that she had grown up.
Those rainy days that she thought would never disappear now bring her a strange sense of peace when she thinks about them again.
She was no longer afraid of losing, nor did she shy away from the stirrings in her heart.
She walked forward with courage, freedom, and determination.
-----------------------
Author's Note: P.S.: This concludes the main text. Thank you to all the readers who have waited and supported this book. This is the longest story I've ever written, and I'm very sorry to have kept you all waiting.
There are a few more bonus chapters coming up, all of which I will write as "fan service" chapters. To prevent piracy, readers with a subscription rate of 50% or higher can read them for free. According to website rules, updates will only be available after seven days, so please wait a little longer.
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Wishing everyone peace and good fortune, and hoping to meet again someday.
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