Ji Tong would be leaving her job at the beginning of next month, so she still had to work for a few more days. When she wasn’t around, Zhou Hui sometimes stayed home, sometimes went out for walks, played ball, or went running. Recently he’d made some new friends—students from a nearby university whom he’d met through basketball.

Before Ji Tong got off work, Zhou Hui came to pick her up, holding a basketball in one hand and carrying hot milk in the other.

The weather had turned cool again recently. After drinking half a cup of milk, her body gradually warmed up.

Ji Tong was wearing a light yellow shirt with brown long pants and a white casual blazer over it. Seeing him in his thin basketball uniform, she said, “Didn’t you bring a jacket? Don’t catch cold.”

“I’m not cold—I worked up a full sweat playing.”

Ji Tong linked arms with his sturdy forearm. “Let me come watch you play basketball.”

“You want to play with me?”

“I don’t know how. I just want to watch you play.”

“Then I’ll get some people together.”

“Let’s go home and change clothes first.” Ji Tong took a sip of milk and leaned against him. “I want to change into something more youthful.”

“You look great as you are now.” Zhou Hui held her with his hand on her shoulder. “You’re very young and very beautiful. You don’t need to dress up to cater to others’ opinions—just stay in your most comfortable state.”

“I haven’t worn that dress I bought the other day yet.”

Zhou Hui remembered that white bubble-sleeve dress and couldn’t help laughing. He planted a kiss on her temple. “It’s too beautiful. With so many boys at the school, I’d get jealous.”

Ji Tong laughed and tied her hair up in a high ponytail. “Forget it, I’ll just wear this then.”

The basketball court was lively and bustling. As soon as Zhou Hui entered, a tall, big male student came up to greet him, covered in sweat. “This must be your girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

The male student smiled and greeted her. “Hello.”

Ji Tong: “Hello.”

Zhou Hui brought Ji Tong over to a bench on the side to sit down. “You sit here for a while. If you get bored, just call me and we’ll go home.”

“Okay.”

Zhou Hui walked toward a group of boys. They were all tall, but Zhou Hui was still strikingly conspicuous among them. Ji Tong’s gaze followed him constantly, watching his agile and nimble figure running around the court, scoring goal after goal. She remembered the times they used to ride horses and shoot arrows together, remembered that night at the mountain stronghold when a group of bandits formed a circle to compete in wrestling.

He had become that carefree, happy young man again.

How wonderful.

Someone was selling bottled water in the distance. Ji Tong bought a case and brought it over for him and his friends. There was an interesting piece of graffiti painted on the wall, so she walked closer to examine it carefully.

Suddenly she heard cheers from behind and to the side. Ji Tong turned to look and saw Zhou Hui being embraced by two male students, laughing with wild abandon. Though she didn’t know what had happened, seeing his smile like that, she couldn’t help but curve her lips into a smile too.

On the way back, two male students resting on the sidelines were stealing glances at her while whispering to each other. Ji Tong really didn’t look like someone in her thirties—more like a mature upperclassman. She wasn’t stunningly beautiful, but was undoubtedly outstanding. Especially after college, she had no shortage of suitors, all of whom were firmly rejected without being given half a chance.

She quickened her pace toward the court where Zhou Hui was playing, not wanting to cause unnecessary trouble. Before she could reach him, she saw Zhou Hui blocked by a girl in a short skirt. She raised her hand, offering him a cutely packaged drink.

“Hello.”

Zhou Hui only gave a symbolic nod.

“You play basketball so well. I’ve been watching you the whole time. Could I get your number?” The girl was very pretty and confident, without any coyness. “I’m Li Xinman. This is for you to drink.”

Zhou Hui didn’t accept it. “Thank you, but my girlfriend is waiting for me. Excuse me.”

“…”

He walked past the girl straight toward Ji Tong. “Where did you go?”

“Just looking around.”

“Am I not good to look at?”

“Of course you are. Look how many girls are watching you.”

Zhou Hui’s lips curved slightly upward. “Are you jealous?”

“No.”

“Then let’s go home.”

“Aren’t you still playing?”

“It’s fine. They can find someone to substitute. I’ll keep you company.”

“You go play.” Ji Tong picked up a bottle of water for him. “This time I’ll watch you properly.”

“Okay.” Zhou Hui took it and twisted it open, drinking half the bottle in one go.

Ji Tong sat properly, constantly feeling several gazes occasionally falling on her—some well-intentioned, others not so much.

Zhou Hui made another beautiful shot, and his teammates cheered. He ran toward Ji Tong in front of everyone and picked her up, spinning her around.

Ji Tong pounded his shoulder. “So many people are watching. Put me down quickly.”

“Kiss me.” He was breathing heavily, beaming with joy. “Just one kiss and I’ll put you down.”

“…I won’t kiss you.”

Zhou Hui suddenly let go. Ji Tong fell down, but he quickly caught her in the right position and planted a quick peck on her lips, saying smugly, “I still got to kiss you anyway.”

Ji Tong’s cheeks reddened slightly as she struggled to stand on the ground.

Zhou Hui swept his hair back with his hand. “I’m done playing. Let’s go eat.”

“What do you want to eat?”

He leaned close to her ear as if no one else was around. “Eat you.”

Ji Tong pushed him away. “Be proper.”

Zhou Hui straightened up. “I want to see what Chinese university cafeterias are like.”

This school’s cafeteria management wasn’t strict and accepted mobile payments. Zhou Hui bought a bunch of food and sat with Ji Tong in a corner to eat.

Even so, many people still looked their way.

He was indeed very eye-catching—his height, temperament, and looks.

Ji Tong said to him, “Your head-turning rate is so high.”

“They’re looking at you.”

“Why would girls look at me?”

“To see how beautiful such a handsome boy’s girlfriend is.” Zhou Hui suddenly clamped Ji Tong’s calf with his foot. “Wow, so beautiful.”

Ji Tong laughed helplessly. “You’re so improper now.”

“Was I proper before? I remember you calling me a rogue, more than once.”

Ji Tong stuffed a pan-fried dumpling into his mouth. “Eat your food.”

Taking advantage of the evening breeze, the two strolled around the campus, passing by a secluded outdoor court.

The court was empty—not a soul in sight. Zhou Hui wanted to teach her to play basketball. After Ji Tong threw a few balls, she was too tired to lift her arms. “I have no strength. My body is inferior to both my previous life and my past.”

Zhou Hui grasped her hand and gently threw. “It went in.”

Ji Tong remembered when he used to teach her archery and suddenly became energetic. She picked up the ball, ran forward two steps, and leaped with all her might. The ball went in. She ran back happily and jumped onto Zhou Hui. “Wasn’t that amazing?”

Zhou Hui held her up. “Simply a basketball goddess.”

Ji Tong planted a kiss on his forehead.

It wasn’t enough—Zhou Hui held her and was reluctant to let go.

After a long while, Ji Tong pushed him away and took a deep breath. “You’re so sweet.”

“It’s from the drink I just had.”

“We drank the same drink, so why is your mouth so sweet?”

“My whole body is sweet too. Want to taste?”

“No, it’s all sweat.”

“Then let’s go home and shower.”

Ji Tong laughed as she got down. “Okay.”

…

Near midnight, Zhou Hui came out of the bathroom, poured a full glass of water, and sat on the sofa. His phone was on the coffee table. He picked it up and opened it to see a text message Yu Na had sent half an hour ago.

[Baby, what are you doing?]

He typed back with one hand.

[Drinking water]

The reply came almost instantly.

[Is it convenient to video call?]

Ji Tong came out of the bathroom with a face mask on. Zhou Hui said, “My mom wants to video call.”

“Now?”

“Mm.”

“Do I need to be on camera?” Without waiting for his answer, Ji Tong quickly added, “No, I’m not wearing makeup.”

“You look dewy and even more beautiful.”

“For a first meeting, I should still be more formal.”

Zhou Hui didn’t want to force her. “Then I’ll just say you’re not here.”

“Okay.”

Ji Tong sat cross-legged on the carpet across from him. Zhou Hui made the video call, smiling as he looked at her. It connected instantly, followed by a woman’s coquettish voice: “Baby, your father is bullying me.”

Zhou Hui shifted his gaze away from Ji Tong and propped his phone against the tissue box on the coffee table, leaning back against the sofa to look at his mother comfortably. “What happened?”

“He drank the wine I’d been hiding for five years!”

“I’ll buy you more.”

“No matter how much you buy, it won’t be my bottle that I treasured for so long! Your father is just an old bastard! I never want to talk to him again.” Yu Na sighed deeply. “How are you? Where’s your girlfriend?”

“She went to shower.”

Ji Tong looked up at him. Hearing this, she pursed her lips and smiled. Zhou Hui glanced at her and smiled too.

Yu Na looked her son over and noticed the background definitely wasn’t a hotel room. “You’re at her place.”

“Mm.”

“Make sure to protect the girl.”

Zhou Hui understood her meaning. “I will.”

Yu Na lay down facing a different direction. “You look good—the nourishment of love really makes a difference. When will you introduce her to us?”

“In a few months. I’ll accompany her in the country for a while first.”

“Want to show mom a photo?”

“I’ll take one when I have time.”

Zhou Zhengrong suddenly entered the frame, holding a stack of papers with his glasses nearly sliding off his nose. “Zhou Hui, don’t listen to your mother exaggerate. I only took two sips.”

Yu Na threw her phone and shooed him away. “Go away, go away. I’m chatting with my son—why are you butting in? Go compose your music.”

“Isn’t he my son too? Let me see him.”

“I gave birth to him!”

“…”

The camera was fixed on the ceiling as the old couple left him hanging there. Zhou Hui was too lazy to listen to their flirting and bickering, so he casually hung up.

Ji Tong had been listening with great interest. “You just hung up?”

“They’re having their couple time.” Zhou Hui reached out to her. “We’re having our couple time. Come here.”

Ji Tong got up, walked around the coffee table, and lay in his arms. “Your parents are so cheerful.”

“Mm, they have a great relationship. I was an accident.”

“Such a nice atmosphere.”

Zhou Hui heard envy and regret in those simple four words. His arm wrapped around her back, grasping and rubbing her shoulder. “It’ll be even better when you go there.”

The room fell unusually quiet.

Zhou Hui picked up his phone from the table and opened the camera.

Ji Tong dodged. “I’m wearing a face mask and my hair is still wet.”

“I won’t post it—I’ll keep it to look at myself.” Zhou Hui pulled her back, both of them facing the camera. He tickled her waist. “Smile.”

Ji Tong laughed while dodging, and her face mask fell off. “It tickles.”

The image froze—both of them smiling foolishly and sweetly.

…

Zhou Xin’s studio was thriving. This time she brought her little assistant to Shanghai to discuss a project. What should have been a two-day trip was extended when Ji Tong’s aunt called her over. The aunt was divorced and had conflicts with her daughter-in-law, so she lived alone. She kept Zhou Xin for several days before reluctantly letting her go.

Zhou Xin didn’t go home immediately but first went to Ji Tong’s apartment to deliver some handmade sweets her aunt had made. As soon as she entered, she saw a stranger approaching her.

Zhou Xin stepped back warily, looking at this tall man. “Who are you?”

Zhou Hui recognized her—she had appeared in those unrealistic memories of his involving Ji Tong’s family. He nodded calmly. “Hello, auntie. I’m Zhou Hui, Ji… Ji Tong’s boyfriend.”

…

Finally having some free time, Ji Tong checked her phone and saw that Zhou Hui had sent her a text an hour ago.

[Your mother came back]

She immediately called back, but no one answered, so she sent a message instead.

[I’m coming home now]

There was no reply. Ji Tong left work twenty minutes early. It was rush hour with heavy traffic and crowded subways, so she rented a bike and rode home. Opening the door, she smelled a delicious aroma.

The kitchen door was closed. Zhou Xin and Zhou Hui were cooking together, so familiar they didn’t seem like people who had just met. “Drinking it this way will make it more fresh. Simmer for two more minutes and it’ll be ready. Try a taste later—I guarantee it’ll be different.”

“Okay.”

Ji Tong opened the door. “Mom.”

Zhou Xin looked at her from behind Zhou Hui, beaming with joy. “Perfect timing. Wash your hands and get ready to eat.”

This wasn’t quite the situation she had imagined. Although Zhou Xin was open-minded, there was still quite an age gap, so she had expected a rather serious conversation, not this scene. Ji Tong put aside her unnecessary worries and walked in two steps. “What are you making? It smells so good.”

Zhou Hui’s arm naturally wrapped around her waist. “Winter melon with shrimp… mushroom soup.”

Zhou Xin caught this little gesture and suppressed her joy as she shooed them out. “You two go out. I’ll just finish up here. Tong Tong, go clear the table.”

“Oh.” Ji Tong pulled Zhou Hui out and into the bathroom. “When did she come?”

“Almost ten o’clock.”

“What did you two talk about? Why is she so happy?”

Before he could answer, Zhou Xin came out carrying a bowl. “Stop whispering and come eat. The food is getting cold.”

Zhou Hui turned on the tap and held her hand under the water, rubbing it. “Let’s eat first.”

Zhou Hui learned many new dishes from Zhou Xin. Zhou Xin chattered while eating. “Our Tong Tong is lazy as hell. The kitchen is just for decoration—she basically never cooks when I’m not here, eating unhealthy food every day. Look at this young man—so excellent at such a young age and can do everything.”

Zhou Hui said, “Everyone has their strengths. She saves lives and heals people—very impressive.”

Zhou Xin pushed the dishes toward Zhou Hui. “Eat more. At your age, you’re still growing.”

Ji Tong said offhandedly, “He’s already so tall—he can’t grow any taller.”

Zhou Xin kicked her. “What do you mean he can’t grow taller? Serve him some food.”

“…Oh.”

In the afternoon, Zhou Hui took Ji Tong to work.

On the way, Ji Tong played with his fingers. “How did you win over my mom? This is the first time I’ve heard her praise someone so much in front of me. She seems to really like you.”

“Very few people don’t like me.”

Ji Tong laughed. “What did you two talk about?”

“The past, present, and future.”

“How did you fool her?”

“How can you call it fooling?” Zhou Hui raised an eyebrow and looked down at her. “I won’t tell you.”

“What’s so secret about this?”

“Guess for yourself.”

“Was it too mushy to tell me directly?”

Zhou Hui laughed. “What counts as mushy? Say a few lines so I can hear.”

“Stop trying to trick me.”

“Tonight we’ll visit grandma. I’ll go to the supermarket this afternoon—make me a list of things she likes to eat and drink.”

“Let’s go together after I get off work.”

“That works too.”

…

With ordinary gifts and a simple visit.

The old house had been torn down to build high-rises, so they had moved. Grandma had already heard from Zhou Xin about Zhou Hui’s basic situation and had been looking forward to it all afternoon, finally waiting for them to arrive. As soon as she saw him, she couldn’t let go, constantly praising how handsome and upright he looked.

Ji Tong helped Zhou Xin prepare a whole table of dishes.

At the dinner table, grandma kept serving Zhou Hui food until his small bowl was piled up like a mountain.

Elderly people always seemed to have endless things to say. She pulled Zhou Hui into family conversations and suddenly asked, “When are you getting married?”

Zhou Hui looked at Ji Tong. Ji Tong was slightly stunned, then asked him, “Next year?”

Zhou Hui turned to grandma and answered, “Next year.”

Zhou Xin watched them exchange glances and was overjoyed, unable to hide her happiness—her mouth nearly stretched to her ears.

Grandma kept saying how wonderful it was, then covered Zhou Hui’s forearm again. “Maybe next year I’ll get to hold a great-grandchild. Tong Tong isn’t young anymore—you need to hurry.”

Zhou Xin cheerfully interrupted grandma. “Mom—”

…

They didn’t stay overnight. After dinner, they sat and chatted, watched some TV, and then went home.

It was a beautiful day.

Late at night, however, Zhou Hui had some unpleasant dreams.

Ji Tong was sound asleep. Zhou Hui tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Afraid of waking her, he quietly went to the balcony for some fresh air.

There was a hidden compartment at the top of the bookshelf with some alcohol inside—he had discovered it once when he was bored and looking for books to read. When he asked Ji Tong about it, she only said she was afraid Zhou Xin would worry about her drinking problem, so she hid it up high where it had never been discovered.

Zhou Hui carefully took out a bottle and sat in the darkness, lost in thought. He couldn’t bear to imagine how Ji Tong had lived all these years carrying these memories—the pain she had experienced was no less than his own. Thinking of this made his heart ache even more intensely.

Fujito Kiyono. Zhou Hui had searched for him countless times online and in libraries, turning everything upside down, but found no trace. The only article that mentioned this name only showed him as the son of Fujita Yasuo—beyond those few sparse words, there was no other information.

Zhou Hui had been in an extremely bad mood recently, especially when Ji Tong wasn’t around or was asleep. He had asked a friend studying in Japan to help investigate materials related to Fujito Kiyono. After waiting a week, his friend still hadn’t given him the results.

Tomorrow was Ji Tong’s last day at work. That evening, Zhou Hui was holding her and watching a movie on the sofa when his friend sent a message. Zhou Hui kissed Ji Tong and took his phone to the bathroom to look.

His friend had sent photos, videos, documents, and scanned pages from books. Zhou Hui sat on the toilet and looked through them one by one—most were introductions about theater, directing, screenwriting, and such.

Zhou Hui skimmed through them roughly and asked his friend: Is this all? Nothing about the war? He was a soldier.

His friend replied: Document 3 seems to have some, I can’t remember clearly. Some were organized by history department classmates—look for it.

Zhou Hui opened the document and read carefully. It described Fujito Kiyono’s time at the Army Officers’ School. Including this document, all the files made no mention of his activities during his time in China—the materials showed he had been active in Europe the entire time, as if he had never come to China, never been involved in war. Instead, the war records of his brother and father were particularly detailed.

This shouldn’t be right—perhaps the relevant information had been erased.

He replied to his friend: Thanks, sorry for the trouble.

His friend sent a cool emoji, then asked: Why are you looking this up?

Zhou Hui: Recently got interested in WWII.

Friend: Contact me anytime if you need anything.

Zhou Hui: Okay.

After chatting with his friend for a bit, he leaned back against the toilet tank, staring up at the ceiling in a daze.

After a long while, he rubbed his temples, went to wash his hands, and smiled at himself in the mirror. Feeling the smile looked fake, he showed his teeth in a bigger smile. Looking at the person in the mirror, he suddenly felt this face was so strange. He splashed cold water on his face, pressed against the sink to calm down for a while before going out to hold Ji Tong and continue watching the movie.

Ji Tong peeled a lychee and held it to his mouth. Zhou Hui bit down and then pushed it into her mouth. Ji Tong made an “mm” sound, used her tongue to push it back to Zhou Hui. The small lychee went back and forth between their lips and teeth, covered with sweet saliva, finally splitting in half with each piece falling into their respective mouths.

Ji Tong spat out the lychee pit and picked up another to peel. Zhou Hui really wanted to ask if she had any memories of after death, but the words reached his lips and he swallowed them back down, not wanting to ruin her good mood.

In fact, Ji Tong had long since noticed his abnormality. Zhou Hui had been having nightmares almost every night recently—sometimes he would suddenly kick, sometimes he would grip her clothes tightly and not let go, even letting out painful muffled groans.

Tonight, he had nightmares again. His hands gripped the blanket tightly, his brow was furrowed, and his body convulsed intermittently.

Ji Tong saw his pained sleeping expression and shook his arm.

Zhou Hui was pulled out of the seaside in his dream, looking at her in confusion, struck speechless.

He had never imagined he had died that way.

His lips were trembling slightly, his eyes were moist, and his gaze flickered slightly under the weak night light. Ji Tong didn’t ask anything—she just held him. “If you want to cry, go ahead and cry.”

Zhou Hui clenched his teeth, buried his face deeply in her embrace, silent and soundless.

Before long, a large patch of her sleepwear was wet.

…