Shen Xi Fan returned home to find her father working on a study report in his study. She hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open.
“Dad, I want to talk to you about something.”
Her father put down his pen, removed his glasses, and smiled warmly.
“Go ahead, I’m listening.”
She squinted slightly, the upturned corners of her lips betraying her happiness.
“Dad, I’ve fallen for someone. He’s a wonderful person, and he treats me very well.”
The image of He Su Ye flashed through her mind, deepening her smile.
Her father’s face lit up with joy.
“That’s great, fantastic! I’m happy for you. Come on, tell me about this boyfriend of yours.”
Shen Xi Fan couldn’t help but laugh, a little embarrassed.
“Oh, Dad, you’ve met him before—it’s that very handsome Chinese medicine doctor.”
“Oh?” Her father didn’t seem surprised at all and burst into hearty laughter.
“It’s him, huh? I thought you two looked good together when I saw you back then. I didn’t expect this… not bad, not bad at all! I approve of that young man!”
“But—” Her smile faded as she continued seriously.
“But I’m leaving in a few days, and I’ll be gone for a year. My coursework will be really demanding. Honestly, I’m not very confident.”
“Silly girl,” her father chuckled.
“Are you doubting yourself or doubting him? Is this because of the past? Let bygones be bygones. There’s no point dwelling on it. A year isn’t too long, nor is it too short.”
Shen Xi Fan bit her lip, staying silent. Her father patted her shoulder reassuringly.
“Don’t overthink it. Since you’ve made your decision, you have to take responsibility for your actions. You’ve worked so hard for this. If you give up easily, you’ll regret it. And if this costs you a relationship, then I’d say that man wasn’t worth your love in the first place. This is a test for both of you.”
Her expression turned solemn as she nodded thoughtfully.
“That’s what I think too.”
Her father spoke earnestly.
“Face life with an open heart. Let what’s meant to happen, happen. Don’t force things, and don’t run away from them. Life won’t be too hard on you if you do that.”
After their conversation ended, she went back to her room and lay quietly on her bed, pressing her hand to her chest with a soft sigh.
It wasn’t that she doubted him—it was herself she didn’t have faith in.
A year apart, separated by such a vast distance, what changes would come? How would she bear the longing? Waking from dreams each night, wondering where he was, thinking of him constantly.
She was no longer the reckless girl who would throw everything away for love. As an adult with responsibilities, there was too much to consider. She stood at the edge of her fleeting youth, weighing the few remaining precious years.
Could she truly love again, wholeheartedly? She asked herself.
That man—calm, composed, like a mountain stream surrounded by greenery—always gave her a mysterious sense of peace. His pure, serene gaze, warm palms, and faint herbal scent, paired with his deep dimples when he smiled, made her heart flutter.
Her emotions always surged when she saw him. If she truly liked him, she thought, then she would try to love again.
Outside, the night was dark and heavy, but she no longer felt lonely or afraid. Even if she had to endure long, sleepless nights, she believed, stubbornly, that light always followed darkness.
That was her faith.
0 Comments