On the way back, Lin Zhexia slept the entire journey.

They were on the last bus of the day, with few passengers, and the entire coach was pitch black.

She had a very long dream.

In the dream, there were she and Chi Yao.

This dream began with her getting off the bus with Lin He. She looked up at the Nanxiang Street sign, then sat at the entrance of the building across the street with unfamiliarity and irritation, under the blazing sun.

She heard the “click” sound behind her.

Then, years rewound in sequence.

Finally turning to Chi Yao, he stood looking at her in a summer night full of fireflies—

Lin Zhexia opened her eyes, and after they each returned home from the bus, she discovered a delicate silver bracelet on her wrist that hadn’t been there before.

She didn’t know when Chi Yao had put it on her.

Probably on the bus, while she was asleep.

Lin Zhexia thought about that scene and somewhat regretted why she had fallen asleep.

Finally, she sighed and thought, never mind.

Happy eighteenth birthday.

Lin Zhexia said to herself in her heart.

Although the troubles of growing up came too quickly, that happiness seemed insignificant in the face of troubles—

Chi Yao’s school transfer and move happened faster than she had imagined.

In less than half a month, all the procedures were almost completed.

The house was urgently sold at a reduced price, speeding up the process.

Plus, this house was in a good location in the Cheng’an District, so many people came to view it during this period.

The day after the house was sold, a large truck stopped at the entrance of the residential area to transport some furniture and appliances that needed to be moved.

This house had basically only been inhabited by Chi Yao all these years, so there wasn’t much to move.

On the weekend, Lin Zhexia watched this truck parked at the entrance of Nanxiang Street for a long time.

Chi Yao’s home was soon emptied.

He Yang only found out about Chi Yao’s family situation later, but when chatting with Lin Zhexia, he could only offer a useless consolation: “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

There were some rumors at school.

After all, Chi Yao was someone who had been the talk of the whole school from the first day, and suddenly transferring at such a crucial point as entering senior year, quite a few people were secretly discussing it.

“Chi Yao is transferring? So suddenly.”

“Huh? Then, when I pass by Class 1, I won’t be able to see him anymore.”

“Didn’t you think his personality was bad?”

“Bad is bad, but his face is undeniable, pleasing to the eye.”

“…”

The last time that “bad personality” but much-noticed young man appeared at school, he wasn’t wearing the school uniform but a T-shirt that looked extremely conspicuous compared to others, standing in the director of studies’ office, waiting for him to stamp his documents.

Old Liu had taught him for two years, and now he had to stamp his transfer documents; his feelings were very complicated.

Before handing over the transfer documents to him, he couldn’t help but advise: “After you go there, if you have any problems, you can always find me. At the beginning, you might not be able to adapt to the environment… Don’t let the environment affect your studies. The teacher believes you can get good results on the college entrance exam. Also, you have a talent for physics, don’t give up on your dreams.”

Chi Yao took the documents and very seriously said: “Thank you, teacher.”

He got the stamp and went out. Xu Ting was leaning against the wall opposite the office, waiting for him.

Xu Ting lightly patted his shoulder: “Remember to come back and visit.”

Then, he deliberately pretended to be relaxed and smiled, saying: “It’s good that Lin persuaded you onto the stage during the school anniversary.”

“In high school,” Xu Ting said, “being able to perform on stage with you… I’m quite happy about that.”

Chi Yao didn’t speak, but when Xu Ting wanted to hug him, he unusually didn’t push him away: “I’m leaving.”

Soon, that window-side seat at the back of Class 1 also became empty, just like that house.

When Chi Yao went to get his documents stamped, Class 7 was in the middle of a lesson.

Lin Zhexia stared at the blackboard, unable to help her mind from wandering.

She realized with absolute clarity that Chi Yao was leaving.

Chen Lin secretly observed her reaction and couldn’t help worrying: “Desk mate, are you okay?”

Lin Zhexia said distractedly: “I’m fine.”

Chen Lin: “You don’t look fine at all.”

Lin Zhexia didn’t speak.

Afraid she wasn’t happy, Chen Lin and Tang Shuxuan bought her some snacks from the school shop during lunch break, including a lollipop.

Lin Zhexia took it and found, coincidentally, that this candy was lemon-flavored.

She thought she had prepared herself mentally, and also thought she could face it strongly.

But when everything related to Chi Yao was gradually withdrawn from her life, she found it still very hard to bear, as if an invisible hand had suddenly pulled away the most important thing in her life.

She was like a fish suddenly taken out of water.

The whole world suddenly lacked oxygen—

Perhaps it was her subconscious avoiding the scene of farewell.

On the day Chi Yao packed everything and left, she had originally agreed to see him off. But the day before, she developed a high fever, and after getting an IV drip at the hospital, she continued to sleep heavily at home.

“Mom,” before falling asleep, she reminded Lin He, “call me when Chi Yao leaves.”

Lin He casually agreed.

Lin Zhexia emphasized: “You must call me, even if I’m sleeping deeply, you must wake me up.”

Lin He said, “I know. Go back to sleep now, your fever hasn’t gone down yet.”

That day Lin He didn’t wake her up in the end, because Chi Yao came to her house before the agreed time.

“Auntie He, Uncle Wei,” perhaps because he was about to leave, the young man seemed a bit rushed, saying after entering, “I’ve come to say goodbye to you.”

After saying that, his tone paused slightly, and he added, “And also to… bid farewell to her.”

Having spent so many years together, Chi Yao could be said to have grown up alongside Lin Zhexia under their very eyes.

Lin He also felt somewhat reluctant to part and gave him many instructions along with Wei Ping.

“When you get there, can you keep up with the studies? Auntie doesn’t know much about Jing City. Is the college entrance exam content the same as here?”

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” Wei Ping also interjected, “you’re still a child, with family matters, don’t force yourself to shoulder things beyond your capacity.”

As Wei Ping spoke, he took out a card from his wallet: “Uncle here…”

Chi Yao interrupted: “Uncle Wei.”

Chi Yao’s next words came with some difficulty, “…how could I use your money?”

Wei Ping also realized that his gesture was too hasty.

He put the card back, but still couldn’t help saying: “Although Uncle’s ability is limited, if you need help later, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Chi Yao lowered his eyes, knowing it was well-intentioned, and didn’t say more.

After a while, he asked: “How’s her fever?”

Lin He realized and hurriedly said: “It hasn’t gone down yet. Wait, I’ll go call her.”

“No need,” Chi Yao rose from the sofa, “can I go in and see her?”

Lin He knew the children had things they wanted to say to each other, and compared to saying goodbye to her and Wei Ping, the person he most wanted to bid farewell to was Lin Zhexia: “Of course, go ahead. Your Uncle Wei and I won’t disturb you. Say a proper goodbye to Xiaxia, she knows you’re leaving and has been reminding me to remember to wake her up.”

Chi Yao pushed open the familiar door.

In his memory, the first time he entered Lin Zhexia’s room was in primary school.

On one occasion, he had fallen ill and returned from the hospital.

He had just finished his IV drip, still with tape on his hand, habitually taking a taxi alone from the hospital back to that empty “home,” only to find Lin Zhexia squatting at his doorstep waiting for him.

“You’re back,” the girl smiled with curved eyes upon seeing him, not knowing how long she had been waiting. “Do you want to come to my house?”

The girl also said, “I can play with you, and at night, you can also sleep with me.”

…

Thinking of this, Chi Yao became a bit lost in thought. After entering the bedroom, he glanced at the furnishings in the girl’s room. Not much different from when she was little, the entire room was simple yet cozy. That pile of pink stuffed toys she didn’t dare refuse was neatly arranged on the shelf in the corner, with a bookshelf beside it.

Lin Zhexia would occasionally buy many classics on impulse, but in the end, these books were all flipped through no more than ten pages before being thrown on the bookshelf and never touched again.

The only ones she had finished reading were probably just those few fairy tale books on the shelf.

His gaze shifted, and he looked at the open but unfinished snack bag she had thrown on her desk.

Finally, he rested his gaze on the bed.

The girl was sleeping quietly, her hair in a mess, her breathing shallow.

Only, she wasn’t sleeping very soundly, her brow furrowed, occasionally making light murmurs in her sleep.

In the living room.

After Lin He saw Chi Yao go in, she was about to enter the kitchen when the door was knocked again.

This time, standing at the door was He Yang: “Auntie He.”

After greeting, He Yang peeked in and asked: “Are they together? I wanted to see Chi Yao off, but when I went to his place, no one was home.”

Lin He said: “Yes, they are. I’ll call them for you.”

He Yang quietly went “Shh”: “No, Auntie He, let me sneak in. I want to hear what they’re saying behind my back. It’s fine that they form their little group usually.” The more he spoke, the more indignant he became: “Even at a time like this, they’re still leaving me out.”

He Yang deliberately lightened his footsteps, walked to the door, and slowly pushed it open a crack.

But despite what he said, he hadn’t intended to eavesdrop on their conversation. He was about to cough as a warning, but before he could clear his throat, he unexpectedly caught a glimpse of the scene inside through the door crack—

The midsummer sunlight shone through the window gauze.

The girl was lying deeply asleep on the bed, while the young man stood by the bedside. He bent down, one hand propped beside her pillow, the distance between them suddenly very close, so close that their lips were separated by an extremely short distance, looking from afar as if he was about to kiss her.

When the young man looked down at her, his pupils became very deep. In an almost submissive posture, he lowered his neck, his fingers tense with restraint. Finally, he maintained this distance, paused for a while, and did not continue to lower his head closer.

After an unknown amount of time, his throat moved slightly, and he backed away a bit. When he bent down again, his kiss fell restrained and gently on the girl’s forehead.

He Yang said “fuck” in his heart.

Acting purely on instinct, he gently closed the door, restoring it to its original state as if it had never been pushed open.

Then his brain belatedly began to function.

Chi Yao just now almost kissed Lin Zhexia.

That was intended to kiss her, right?

He had almost leaned in.

…

In all the years He Yang had lived, no moment had left him as dumbfounded as now.

Chi Yao, his good brother. Lin Zhexia, also his good brother. Chi Yao and Lin Zhexia, they were the most inseparable brothers.

If possible, he would rather believe he was dreaming.

But after the extreme shock, He Yang belatedly recalled many subtle details that were hard to notice.

—”Why did you suddenly start exercising? Those abs, how long have you been secretly training?! Being handsome is one thing, but secretly training your abs, you’re too much.”

That was middle school. He Yang’s outraged cry when he caught Chi Yao exercising.

But he forgot that before this, Lin Zhexia had almost been bullied by that group of wandering vocational high school students near the residential area.

They were cornered by that group of vocational high school students, without any ability to resist.

—”…I’m not crazy. There are so many women in the world, if I were to like anyone, it couldn’t be my Brother Xia. Don’t you think so?”

His casually spoken words back then, Chi Yao hadn’t responded to.

According to this person’s habit, he should have mocked “who would like Lin Zhexia.” But he didn’t, he just told him to get lost.

And.

Thinking carefully, he only liked to reply to Lin Zhexia’s messages.

Only showed special favoritism to her.

A person who generally couldn’t be bothered to care about others’ feelings was particularly sensitive to “Lin Zhexia seems a bit off.”

There were many similar details like this.

—”You can borrow my hand.”

—”You can Photoshop it.”

…

How much water had gotten into his brain back then to think that Chi Yao might have ulterior motives toward him?

But after the shock, he also understood why this person could hide it for so many years.

Because of all the people he could have liked, he liked Lin Zhexia.

The Lin Zhexia they had grown up with since childhood.

Just as he had said before, with so many women in the world, the one person he couldn’t like was Lin Zhexia.

He Yang stood at the door, still unsure how to go in, when he heard Lin He ask behind him: “Aren’t you going in?”

He Yang deliberately stepped back a few steps, then said loudly: “Auntie He, I’ll wash my hands in the bathroom before going in. Just now, I don’t know what I touched; my hands are sticky.”

By the time he pretended to have finished washing his hands and came out, Chi Yao had just exited Lin Zhexia’s bedroom.

He Yang continued to pretend he didn’t know: “Finished talking?”

Chi Yao: “She’s sleeping, we didn’t talk.”

He Yang’s reaction was so natural that he almost fooled himself, believing that he truly hadn’t seen anything just now.

He Yang: “Oh. I thought you two were secretly whispering some little secrets behind my back. I rushed over specially, but it turns out you didn’t say anything.”

Finally, He Yang accompanied Chi Yao outside to wait for the car.

At the moment of parting, everyone thought there would be many things to say.

But, more often than not, farewells seemed to happen silently rather than with many words.

Like Lin Zhexia, who wasn’t woken up.

Like the few words between him and Chi Yao.

He Yang patted his shoulder: “Take care, brother.”

“…” Chi Yao said coldly, “Anyone would think I’m going to my death.”

He Yang laughed a bit: “Not at all.”

After saying that, standing under the Nanxiang Street sign, he sighed: “It’s hard to imagine that when I first met you as a child, it was actually in primary school.”

Although in primary school, he and Chi Yao were like water and fire.

Back then, he thought he was the big boss of this residential area and wanted to make Chi Yao his underling, but unexpectedly, this sickly person had quite a temper.

Later, Lin Zhexia emerged as a “tigress” protecting Chi Yao.

“Remember to come back when you can…”

He Yang paused here, remembering that the house had been sold. The word “come back” felt somewhat awkward.

He finally said, “Come back and see us.”—

Lin Zhexia had something on her mind and didn’t sleep for long, but by the time she forced herself awake, Chi Yao had already left.

She hurriedly ran out, only to hear Lin He say: “Chi Yao, he came to our house once, and also went into your room to see you. I thought you two had already talked.”

She stood downstairs, the over-exposed sunlight making the air scorching hot.

The cicadas chirped incessantly—

You left?—

Why didn’t anyone call me?

You even… came in, why didn’t you wake me up?

I wanted to see you off.

She squatted downstairs, sending messages to Chi Yao. After a while, Chi Yao replied:—

Not that smart to begin with—

Not resting with a fever will affect your IQ.

Lin Zhexia: …

How could this person still attack her personally even after leaving?

But this familiar comment made her feel less sad all of a sudden.

Lin Zhexia: Are you on the train yet

Chi: Yes

Lin Zhexia: Have you eaten then

Chi: I have

After a meaningless chat, Chi Yao urged her to go back to sleep.

Lin Zhexia went back and slept heavily for a whole day.

When she opened her eyes again, she realized she was about to begin a brand new life without Chi Yao by her side.

She appeared to be completely unaffected, still joking and laughing with Lin He, and even telling Wei Ping that she actually felt a bit devastated when she received his birthday gift. Every day after breakfast she would go to school, He Yang would wait for her at the station, but after He Yang got off at his stop, for the two stops between Experimental Affiliated Middle School and Cheng’an No. 2 High School, she was alone.

The bus was crowded, the scenery outside was vibrant, and everything was lively.

At first, Chen Lin and Tang Shuxuan didn’t dare talk to her about Chi Yao, afraid she would be sad.

But Lin Zhexia would bring up Chi Yao on her own: “Chi Yao has arrived in Jing City! His new school is a key school there, but they are very strict, not allowing phones during school.”

“He’s been selected to participate in the Jing City physics competition.”

“…”

Although these things related to Chi Yao began to have nothing to do with her.

She looked no different from before.

Only she suddenly began to study like crazy.

Previously, although Lin Zhexia had a serious attitude toward studying, she wasn’t very fond of using her brain, was a bit perfunctory, and would easily give up on problems she couldn’t solve.

After Chi Yao left, studying seemed to be the only thing left in her world.

Every day, without other entertainment, occasionally, when Chen Lin and Tang Shuxuan invited her to go out on weekends, she would politely decline: “You all go ahead, I want to do some exercises at home.”

That summer passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, the final exams of the second year of high school ended, followed by the passing of the summer vacation. They moved up to senior year, and amid the busy studies of the first semester of senior year, the season had also flashed to the end of summer.

At first, Lin Zhexia and Chi Yao would chat every day.

But due to the strict management of the school in Jing City, plus Chi Yao needing to run between school and hospital, gradually, the frequency of contact changed from once a day to once every few days.

Although Lin Zhexia had said on her birthday that she hoped he would send fifty messages a day, she knew he was busy and usually didn’t want to disturb him too much.

She would only chat with him a bit on weekends.

This weekend, the temperature started to drop. After finishing several test papers wearing her autumn jacket, carefully checking the answers, and clarifying the mistakes, she finally opened her phone and clicked on that cat head avatar—

Chi Yao—

I’m so awesome today—

I completed three sets of papers, and all estimated scores are above 120—

Giving you half an hour, I want to hear praise from you, my good brother.

Before the half hour was up, she continued: By the way, there’s a new milk tea shop across from the good residential area, I’ll treat…

She instinctively wanted to type “treat you.”

But before typing it out, she realized she couldn’t treat him like before.

Many times, she would do this kind of thing where she knew he wasn’t by her side, yet still couldn’t control her conditioned reflex that “we can do this together.”

She deleted these few words and re-entered: I can give you a chance, you can treat me.

After a while, Chi Yao sent her a transfer payment.

Lin Zhexia clicked “return.” I was just joking

Lin Zhexia then asked: What are you doing

Chi: At the hospital

Chi: Going back to school later

Lin Zhexia rarely found herself unable to continue the conversation, so she replied with an “Oh.”

In autumn, across the building, a new family moved into the apartment she had once been most familiar with.

The day this family moved in, Lin Zhexia, not knowing what she was thinking, ran over to take a look.

The female owner stood at the door with her child, looking at her strangely: “Little girl, do you need something? Who are you looking for?”

Lin Zhexia held a certain key hidden in her palm, standing at the door of someone else’s home, dazed for a moment, then said: “I’m sorry.”

The door lock in front of her had already been changed to a brand-new electronic lock.

The key in her hand was obsolete, and she no longer had any reason to enter.

She stepped back: “I… got the wrong floor. Nothing else, sorry to disturb you.”

The moment she reached downstairs, the autumn wind came.

She discovered that the intense cicada sounds of summer had disappeared at some point.

Lin Zhexia thought in that instant that the summer she believed would always be passionate was coming to an end.

Summer seemed to be over.