Graduation · Departure
Four years have passed in the blink of an eye, like sand slipping through our fingers. As the campus is once again filled with the rich fragrance of gardenias, and as the black hem of the graduation gown flutters in the early summer breeze, the season of graduation arrives as scheduled, carrying with it both the sorrow of parting and the anticipation of the future.
On graduation day, the sun shone brightly, almost blindingly. The auditoriums of Universities A and B were filled with graduates in their academic gowns and their proud parents. Jiang Qi, as a representative of outstanding graduating students from the Physics Department, delivered a speech. He was as concise as ever, but every word was precise and powerful, outlining the vastness of the rational world and the endless pursuit of exploration. Beneath his calm tone lay an undeniable brilliance, drawing rounds of applause from the audience. Su An sat in the Literature Department's contingent, watching the dazzling figure on stage, her heart filled with an indescribable mix of pride and tenderness.
The graduation caps were turned, photos were taken, and they tossed them into the air. Beneath the fluttering caps were young smiling faces and glistening tears. In this way, they bid farewell to an era.
After the ceremony, the two families naturally met at the agreed place. Su An's parents, Jiang Qi's parents, Jiang Zhao who had specially rushed back from D University, and Lin Jun, who had just returned from England a week ago, looking travel-worn but still full of energy.
This was the second formal meeting between the two families, but the atmosphere was completely different from the first. Su's mother and Jiang's mother greeted each other familiarly, exchanging thoughts on their children's graduation. Su's father and Jiang's father, though not very talkative, nodded politely in acknowledgment. When their gazes swept over the outstanding young man beside their son, their expressions were complex, but no longer held sharp objections.
"Hello, Uncle and Aunt." Lin Jun greeted the elders politely. He was wearing a well-fitting casual suit and had a calm and composed demeanor, already looking like a mature young man.
"Good, good, it's good to see you back," Su's mother replied with a smile.
Jiang Zhao stood beside Lin Jun, unusually quiet, but his eyes were surprisingly bright, and he would steal glances at Lin Jun from time to time.
Jiang Qi and Su An stood together in their graduation gowns, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on them. Jiang's father looked at his son, then at Su An, remained silent for a moment, and finally stepped forward, patted Jiang Qi on the shoulder, nodded to Su An, and said, "From now on... take care of each other."
A simple sentence, yet like a formal decree, marked a decisive victory in the long-running "battle." Su An's eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded vigorously. Jiang Qi grasped his hand and replied to her father, "We will."
That evening, a farewell dinner for the four young people was held in a private room at a restaurant they knew well. Without their parents present, the atmosphere became more relaxed, yet also filled with a stronger sense of parting.
"Come on! The first glass is to graduation!" Jiang Zhao was the first to raise his glass, his voice booming as he tried to shake off the sadness. "Congratulations to my brother and Su An, congratulations to Brother Jun for returning from overseas, and congratulations to myself... I finally made it to graduation!"
The four men laughed, clinked glasses, and drank it all in one gulp.
After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation inevitably turned to the future.
Jiang Qi had two offers in front of him. One was a direct PhD admission from a top domestic research institution, with a supervisor who was a leading figure in the field; the other was an invitation to a promising cutting-edge technology entrepreneurship project supported by the state, which recognized his outstanding research ability and calm judgment.
"Brother, what's your choice?" Jiang Zhao asked curiously.
All eyes turned to Jiang Qi.
Jiang Qi didn't answer immediately, but looked at Su An beside him. Su An was also looking at him, his eyes clear and trusting, showing no intention of interfering with his decision.
“I’ve chosen a startup project.” Jiang Qi’s voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination. “The academic path is long, but this opportunity allows me to quickly bring my ideas to fruition. I want to give it a try.”
This choice was somewhat unexpected, yet it aligned with Jiang Qi's personality of daring to take on challenges and not following the usual path.
Upon hearing this, Su An smiled slightly and gently squeezed his hand under the table to show her support.
Su An's own path was much clearer. He successfully gained admission to B University for a master's degree in his undergraduate major, deciding to continue his in-depth research in literature. At the same time, a well-known cultural media company extended an offer to him, inviting him to work part-time as a contributing editor.
“I will continue my graduate studies and also take on some editing work,” Su An said. “I want to combine academics with practical experience.”
"That's great! Does that mean we can see each other more often?" Jiang Zhao said excitedly. He and Lin Jun both chose to return to the city where they were born and raised. Jiang Zhao, with his outstanding event organization and planning skills during his school years, received an offer from a large sports and culture company. Lin Jun, unsurprisingly, joined the family business, starting as a senior management trainee and beginning to get involved in core business operations.
“Xiao Zhao and I will stay here,” Lin Jun said, confirming Jiang Zhao’s words. He looked at Jiang Qi and Su An, “What about you? Which city have you decided to go to?” The headquarters of that startup project is in S City, another first-tier city, which is three hours away from here by high-speed rail.
Jiang Qi and Su An exchanged a glance. They had discussed this issue countless times before.
“We’re going to S City,” Jiang Qi answered on behalf of the two friends, his gaze sweeping over them. “S City offers more development opportunities, and that project is located there. It’s a three-hour high-speed train ride from here,” he paused, “three hours away.”
This decision means that the four of them will be separated again, but unlike the uncertain farewell when they graduated from high school, this time their choice is based on full trust in each other's abilities and future, and is a rational plan after mature thinking.
“Three hours is nothing!” Jiang Zhao immediately shouted, raising his glass. “What’s there to be afraid of! From now on, we’ll be ‘A Tale of Two Cities’! We can get together whenever we want on weekends! Anyone who doesn’t come is a dog!”
Lin Jun also raised his glass, his eyes showing understanding and support: "Keep in touch. If you need anything, just let me know."
The four glasses clinked together again, the crisp sound like a horn heralding a new journey. This time, there were no tears, only respect and blessings for each other's choices. They were no longer children who needed to cling to each other for security, but eagles whose wings had grown strong enough to soar alone, yet whose hearts remained with one another.
After dinner, they strolled along the familiar riverbank. A gentle evening breeze caressed their faces, carrying the scent of the river and the hustle and bustle of the city. Memories of their four years of university life flooded their minds, eventually settling into a relieved yet nostalgic smile on their lips.
"Time flies," Su An murmured, looking at the myriad lights on the opposite bank of the river.
"Mmm," Jiang Qi replied, squeezing his hand even tighter.
Ahead, Jiang Zhao was hooking his arm around Lin Jun's neck, excitedly planning his first trip to S City to visit them, his voice carrying far on the night wind.
Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a broader chapter in life. Armed with the knowledge, skills, courage, and support they've accumulated over the past four years, they are about to embark on their respective journeys. Geographical distance may increase again, but they all know that some bonds are deeply ingrained, ensuring that no matter how far apart they are, they will always be each other's strongest support and warmest refuge.
New coordinates have been set, and the ship of youth sets sail once more, heading towards the vast ocean called "the future".
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