APCF – Chapter 137 The End

After the Huajing Awards, Qi Xingchen and Bo Ye turned off their phones, computers, and all other communication tools. They cut off work and social interactions completely, spending their days snuggled up together, watching movies and singing songs. When they were hungry, they cooked together; when tired, they curled up against each other and slept. With their lover by their side, even dreams were sweet.

They stayed wrapped up in this bliss until the night before Chinese New Year. Then, they parted briefly to return to their respective homes. For Qi Xingchen, aside from Bo Ye, the Qi family was his greatest emotional tie in this world. And for Bo Ye, even though there was no real distinction between inside and outside the book, after nearly two years of living with his “book family,” he couldn’t bear to let his parents spend the New Year alone either.

On New Year’s Eve morning, just like the year before, Qi Xingchen dashed around the courtyard pasting Spring Festival couplets. Afterward, he took out the tea Bo Ye had bought for his father a few days ago, carried a tea set, and entered the study.

Dad Qi had five large red envelopes laid out in front of him, writing inscriptions on each one. He liked to write a message on every child’s envelope—a bit of encouragement along with the money.

Seeing his youngest son walk in, Dad Qi put down his brush. “Finished putting up the couplets?”

“All done,” Qi Xingchen arranged the tea set. “Dad, have some tea.”

Due to the Qi Corporation’s busy affairs and his own career, father and son seldom had time alone like this. Dad Qi sipped his tea slowly, while Qi Xingchen massaged his shoulders and chatted about interesting things that had happened recently. Dad Qi laughed heartily—this was the joy of family life.

“By the way,” Dad Qi asked, “Have you arranged your schedule after the New Year? When will you start?”

Qi Xingchen paused for a moment and lied, “I’m going to visit Brother Ye on the second day of the New Year, then I’ll get busy. While I’m not home, please take good care of your health.”

“Don’t worry, I will,” Dad Qi patted his youngest son’s hand, which rested on his shoulder. “I’m still waiting to see you get married… Not sure when Yunxiao or Yujie will settle down, but you might be the fastest. When that day comes, I’ll make sure your wedding is grand—won’t let Xiao Bo regret marrying into the Qi family.”

Even after all this time, Dad still thought Bo Ye was the “weaker” one in the relationship. Qi Xingchen wanted to laugh but also felt like crying a little. In the end, he just answered sweetly, “Mm.”

Before he realized it, it was noon. Not wanting his sister to handle all the New Year’s Eve dinner preparations alone, Qi Xingchen quickly went to the kitchen to help.

Since the fire on the fourth day of the previous New Year, the Qi family had gone through so much. Thankfully, everything had passed.

To celebrate surviving all of it and to welcome a smoother new year, Qi Yujie had drafted a long menu the night before. When Qi Xingchen changed clothes and entered the kitchen, he saw his sister rolling up her sleeves and sharpening knives with great momentum.

How could he let a girl do such things? Qi Xingchen grabbed the knife from her. “Let me.”

“Be careful, don’t cut your hand,” Qi Yujie reminded him while muttering as she went off to handle other things.

After a while, the meat was all sliced. Qi Xingchen picked up a fish, washed it briefly, then tossed it into the boiling broth.

Qi Yujie panicked. “Quick! Take it out! You didn’t remove the innards or scrape the scales!”

“I remember you said fish scales and innards are nutritious,” Qi Xingchen looked innocent. “So I cooked the whole fish.”

“…I was naive back then. Later, when Dad and Big Bro weren’t around and I had to run the company, I realized how sheltered I was. I never had to do housework, and even my terrible cooking was praised by you guys.” Qi Yujie stuck out her tongue. “From now on, I’ll study properly—I won’t fool you again.”

“It’s okay,” Qi Xingchen tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “Just keep being the eldest daughter—you were always meant to be.”

The final dish went into the clay pot, which needed a long time to stew. While waiting, Qi Xingchen headed to the backyard to find Qi Yunxiao.

Since Qi Xingchen often traveled, the responsibility of caring for the two Akhal-Teke horses fell to Qi Yunxiao.

The Qi family had stablehands, but horses needed regular attention from their owners to stay happy. Qi Yunxiao would visit them every few days. Today was no different—he was grooming one of the horses.

Qi Xingchen picked up a brush and tried to copy him. Unfortunately, his technique was off and he got a faceful of horse slobber for his efforts.

Qi Yunxiao couldn’t help but laugh. He pulled his brother aside, took out a handkerchief, and wiped his face while saying emotionally, “Thanks to you, the Qi family made it through this year.”

“Don’t say that,” Qi Xingchen pouted. “I’m part of this family too.”

Qi Yunxiao paused mid-motion. “Xingxing, I feel like you’re hiding something from me. I won’t press you for it, but remember—I’ll always be your big brother. The Qi family will always have your back. If anything’s bothering you or if someone mistreats you out there, come home. I can take care of you, okay?”

“…Okay.” Qi Xingchen took a deep breath and answered seriously, “I understand. Thanks, Bro.”

Perhaps because spring came early this year, New Year’s Eve wasn’t as cold as usual. After a full day of cooking, all the dishes were finally done. The Qi family changed into festive red clothing and gathered around the table.

Before they could start the meal, Aunt Zhang’s voice rang out: “Young Master, slow down!”

Qi Xingchen: “…”

He knew who had arrived.

Qi Jiaze, dressed in a black motorcycle jacket, dashed into the dining room, slung his backpack onto a chair, and squeezed himself in next to Qi Xingchen as if he owned the place.

He had done well on the college entrance exam and got into the university he’d promised Tao Xuan he would attend. The semester had just ended, and after military training, he was a little tanner and more muscular—already showing signs of manhood.

But he was still a goofball. He hugged Qi Xingchen and shook him back and forth. “Bro, where’s Brother-in-law? Why didn’t he come?”

Qi Xingchen didn’t dodge and let him hug him. “He went home for New Year’s.”

“Pfft, I wanted to drag him into a few games of King of Glory. Oh well,” Qi Jiaze chuckled. “Next time I want to rank up, I’ll call you instead. I’ll carry you.”

“…Okay, I’ll find you when I’m free. Now stop fooling around—let’s eat.”

Reluctantly, Qi Jiaze let go and fulfilled his duties as the youngest—serving soup for his siblings and pouring wine for his uncle. Everyone was happy to see how much he had matured. They all enjoyed a warm and joyful reunion dinner.

Dumplings are a must for the Spring Festival. As a master dumpling maker of the highest level, Qi Xingchen began guiding Qi Yujie and Qi Jiaze in kneading the dough as soon as the Spring Festival Gala began airing.

Halfway through the kneading, the visual smart lock notified them that someone was at the door. He could already guess who it was. After wiping his hands clean, he ran out—sure enough, Liang Jing was standing outside.

Liang Jing handed over a bottle of red wine. “This is from my dad for Uncle Qi. I won’t come in. Just help me pass on my New Year wishes.”

“Mm.” Qi Xingchen took it. After a moment of silence, he said, “Liang Jing, I’m leaving.”

In Peach of the Night, apart from Tao Tao, only Liang Jing knew Qi Xingchen’s true identity. Hearing this, Liang Jing’s body stiffened. He wanted to ask something but swallowed the words.

He didn’t dare ask. He couldn’t be sure what “leaving” meant.

Was Qi Xingchen going back to work again—or was he… leaving this world for good?

Seeing him silent, Qi Xingchen patted his shoulder. “But me leaving is a good thing. You won’t have to keep grieving over missing your childhood friend’s death. Your shining light will always be there. Please help him grow into a better person, alright?”

Liang Jing lowered his gaze. After a long pause, he lifted his head and smiled. “Alright. I wish you peace and smooth sailing from now on.”

At the stroke of midnight, Qi Xingchen received a giant red envelope of his own. Dad Qi had written a message for him: “There will be times when the long winds and waves break through,” expressing, like all fathers, the hope that his child would bravely sail through life.

After putting away the red envelope and exchanging New Year’s wishes with his family, Qi Xingchen returned to his room. He sat at his desk, opened a notebook, and under the warm yellow glow of his desk lamp, began writing the first line:

“Hello, Qi Xingchen. I’m another version of you.

When you receive this letter, you might be surprised or find it ridiculous. But I guess you won’t throw it away, because what I’m about to say concerns your family.

Your sister’s boyfriend, Zhou Yu, is a scumbag. That’s a fact we both know. But on April 2nd, 2019, please do not get into a conflict with him. Fighting won’t solve anything. Instead, record a video of him bullying you and show it to your sister. Rather than teaching him a lesson, what’s more important is helping her get rid of the scumbag sooner, right?

You like Liang Jing. When you read this letter, you’re still heartbroken over his sudden disappearance. But heartbreak doesn’t help either. What you need to do is figure out whether what you feel for him is truly love, or just long-standing dependence built over the years. If you’re sure it’s love, then use this time apart to better yourself—become someone who shines. When he returns, show him a radiant version of you.

Maybe you always thought your little brother, Qi Jiaze, is good-for-nothing. But he’s not! He’s smart, kind, and loyal—just like you. As the older brother he trusts most, it’s your responsibility to guide him toward a better future. He has a classmate named Tao Xuan who suffers from a serious illness. Please tell Jiaze to treat Tao Xuan kindly, and try to become friends with him. Trust me, it won’t be long before they surprise you in a big way, haha~

Lastly, why am I sure you’ll read this letter to the end? Because I know that while your family loves you deeply, you also love them just as much. Don’t feel like you’re undeserving of their love. You share the same blood—no one sees your worth better than they do. Remember, the things you have are what many people can never obtain. So let go of your burdens, open your heart, and embrace your family. Maybe you’ll discover a whole new world.

I’ve said so much—you must think I’m nagging by now. So I’ll stop here. I’ll be in another world sending you my blessings—wishing you eternal happiness and love.

From your other self.

February 7, 2021.”

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, Qi Xingchen went to the prison to see Tao Tao one last time. After Peach of the Night restarted, she was the only one who retained her memories. Only by giving her the letter could he ensure it would reach the original version of himself.

After leaving the prison, he didn’t go home. Instead, he had the driver take him to a tattoo shop. The feeling of the needle piercing skin was painful, but the entire time, a smile lingered on his lips.

After winning the Best Actor award, Qi Xingchen’s phone had been ringing non-stop. But he didn’t pay it any attention and devoted the whole day to spending time with his family.

At dawn on February 8, as if prearranged, he and Bo Ye landed in City G at the same time—that coastal city that had once been their home.

They had celebrated Bo Ye’s eighth debut anniversary here, their first anniversary of knowing each other, and Bo Ye’s birthday. For them, this city held the most beautiful memories.

If they had to choose a place to say goodbye, the sweetness here should be enough to drive away the bitterness in their hearts.

Tao Tao’s execution was scheduled for 5 AM on February 9. Bo Ye checked the time. “It’s seven o’clock now. We’ve got twenty-two hours left until we return to reality. What do you want to do?”

“Let’s get breakfast first.” Qi Xingchen took his hand. “Flying the red-eye was exhausting. I’m starving.”

Bo Ye touched his stomach—it really was flat—and told Allen to find a breakfast spot.

Breakfast places were everywhere, but finding one that could accommodate both a top-tier star and a film emperor wasn’t easy. Not wanting to waste time, Qi Xingchen simply pointed to one.

Since he had just gotten a tattoo, he couldn’t eat anything spicy—and unexpectedly, Bo Ye didn’t order anything spicy either. Under the surprised gazes of passersby, the two celebrities devoured an entire table of breakfast.

With a full belly, Qi Xingchen’s thoughts became more lively. He tugged on Bo Ye’s arm. “We’ve been together so long, but every time we’ve gone to the movies, it was for events or promotions. We’ve never just watched a movie together. Let’s go see one now.”

“Let me check…” Bo Ye opened a ticketing app. “The next show is in forty minutes—a romance.”

“That’s the one,” Qi Xingchen decided. He didn’t really want to watch the movie—he just wanted to experience all the things they hadn’t done before.

Bo Ye understood his intention, bought seats in the very back row, and told Allen to drive to the cinema.

Snacks were a must for watching a movie. Bo Ye had never been in a relationship before, but he knew the basics. After exchanging the tickets at the counter, he said, “Wait here. Don’t wander off.”

Qi Xingchen didn’t know what he was up to, but he nodded and leaned on the railing, playing a matching game with Allen on his phone.

Wearing a mask and a cap with his head down, he was hard to recognize. Before long, Bo Ye returned—carrying a giant bucket of popcorn, two ice creams, and two cups of milk tea.

Allen first mentally calculated the calories, then realized something. “Boss, where’s mine?”

Qi Xingchen picked out the topmost popcorn piece and stuffed it into Bo Ye’s mouth. “Eat up.”

“We can eat it inside,” Bo Ye chewed. “It’s easier to get photographed out here.”

“No way, this one has the darkest color—it must have the most butter and sugar on it. It’s the tastiest. If it falls into the dark, we won’t find it.” Having been together for so long, his little boyfriend always insisted on giving him the best. Bo Ye’s heart trembled slightly. He pulled down his mask and gave Qi Xingchen a kiss that tasted like popcorn.

“……” Allen was anxious. “Hey, boss, can you guys spare a thought for me? I don’t have any snacks!”

Unfortunately, Allen’s protest was in vain. The cinema’s announcement signaled that ticket checking had started. The two of them, each holding an armful of snacks, walked off laughing and chatting.

On the morning of the second day of the Lunar New Year, the cinema wasn’t crowded. In the last row, besides them, there were two other young couples. At emotional moments in the film, Bo Ye noticed the girlfriends leaning on their boyfriends’ shoulders, sobbing. He reached out and tried to press Qi Xingchen’s head down gently.

But he missed—and got bitten instead.

Under the seats though, their hands were clasped even tighter.

After the movie, Allen finally got his wish—Bo Ye tossed him the half-finished bucket of popcorn and dragged his little boyfriend straight to the claw machines.

Next to the cinema was an arcade. Facing a whole row of claw machines, the starry-eyed Xingchen asked eagerly, “Brother Ye, do you think you can do it?”

Bo Ye raised an eyebrow. “A man must never say he can’t. Watch—I’ll grab one of each for you.”

“…And how do you plan to do that?”

“With this.” Bo Ye pulled out two large bags of coins from behind and snapped his fingers smugly.

He perfectly demonstrated the saying: “When skill is lacking, money makes up for it.” After pouring in two whole bags of game tokens, just like he said, he managed to get one of each kind of plush toy.

With so many plushies and no place to put them, Qi Xingchen stuffed a few into his pockets, clipped some to his waist, and held a huge bundle in his arms. Girls passing by couldn’t help stopping to take photos.

One girl was particularly pretty, and Allen clicked his tongue. “Xingxing, you can’t possibly keep them all—why not give her one?”

Qi Xingchen’s head was buried under an oversized plush, making it hard to speak: “No!”

Bo Ye added, “If he wants to give one, he has to catch it himself.”

Allen: “…….Waaahhh.”

But even after crying, Allen still had to follow his boss’s orders to the next stop. They ran around to countless places all day, and Allen grew increasingly puzzled—

Why was the boss acting like the end of the world was coming, trying to cram in every possible kind of fun?

Unfortunately, he got no answers. After finishing skewers at a beachside food stall, the two mercilessly ditched him, hand in hand, and returned to their little private villa.

Once inside, they didn’t rush to shower. Instead, they lay side by side on the bed, so comfortable that even their pores seemed to be sighing in relief.

Qi Xingchen patted his own round belly. “Brother Ye, what all did we do today?”

“We watched a movie, played claw machines, arcade games, rode the carousel, visited the haunted house, rode a roller coaster, had a barbecue by the sea… Oh, and we skipped stones for twenty minutes.”

“We did so much…” Qi Xingchen started counting on his fingers. “Brother Ye, what time is it now?”

Bo Ye glanced at his watch. “Almost midnight.”

Hearing the time, both of them fell silent for a few seconds. Then Qi Xingchen tugged at Bo Ye’s sleeve and said, “Brother Ye, let’s go take a shower together. There’s only one couple’s activity we haven’t done yet.”

Bo Ye knew exactly what he meant. He got up, scooped Qi Xingchen into his arms, and carried him to the bathroom.

The entire day, neither of them mentioned the memory reset, as if the sun would surely rise as usual, and as if when they opened their eyes tomorrow, they’d still see each other’s faces.

But deep down, they both knew how heavy the word “tomorrow” was.

It represented rebirth.

And also—forgetting.

Bo Ye pinned Qi Xingchen against the wall, and they kissed madly—kissing until they drained the last breath of air from each other, kissing like they wanted to imprint their lover into their very flesh.

The air grew steamy. Bo Ye’s hand slipped under Qi Xingchen’s T-shirt, sliding upward—until his fingers touched something that felt completely different from smooth skin.

“What’s this…” he frowned and lifted the shirt.

Then, on the left side of his little boyfriend’s chest, he saw a tattoo in the shape of a crescent moon.

Qi Xingchen knew Bo Ye would see it and blushed as he explained, “Tattoos break through the skin and permanently leave the design on your body. Brother Ye, I… I wanted to remember you this way.”

Bo Ye’s fingertips brushed over the design, and suddenly he smiled.

“What a coincidence. I wanted to remember you this way too.”

He took off his shirt—and in the same spot, over his heart,

There was a dazzling star tattooed.

.

Their passionate night lasted a long time. By the time they came out of the bathroom, the sky was already light with dawn.

Qi Xingchen leaned on Bo Ye’s shoulder, listening to his heartbeat. Bo Ye gently stroked his soft hair and asked in a low voice, “You finally won the Best Actor award, and now you have to leave—don’t you think it’s a pity?”

“Not at all,” Qi Xingchen replied softly. “If I hadn’t transmigrated into the book, I probably never would have experienced what it’s like to be loved by family, adored by fans, or honored with the highest accolades. I’m already more than content. I’m not greedy.”

“Then when you go back, will you try to find your birth parents?”

“No,” Qi Xingchen answered simply. “If they come looking for me, I’ll do my duty as their child. But if they don’t… I won’t disturb their lives. I’ve gotten used to being alone.”

Bo Ye’s heart ached, each word tugging at his chest.

He didn’t want to talk about sad things anymore, so he pinched the back of Qi Xingchen’s neck. “Be honest. That first time we met, when I hit you with the script—were you scared?”

“Not really. I was kind of dazed, and all I could think was ‘How is my idol here?!’ I didn’t have the headspace to be scared.”

“At the airport, why didn’t you get me coffee?”

“…You actually still remember that? I think I miscounted and forgot to include you in the number.”

“For that bike race during our budget trip—I actually arrived five minutes before you. Bet you didn’t know that.”

“!!! I already biked as fast as I could! You were even faster? Are you a monster?!”

Qi Xingchen paused. “Do you know… after you traded your ring for ice cream, I ordered another ring in your size.”

He took a deep breath: “We weren’t that close back then, and I was afraid you’d think it was ugly, so I never dared to take it out. Later, when we got together, I wanted to wait until my mine produced the best diamond and have it set, and then…”

“So much talk,” Bo Ye interrupted him, “Where’s the ring?”

Qi Xingchen looked slightly embarrassed. “It’s at home. I didn’t bring it.”

Bo Ye flicked him hard on the forehead and said shamelessly, “Then you owe me. Once we get back to the real world, you have to make it up to me with a ring.”

“…Okay,” Qi Xingchen covered his forehead, teary-eyed.

Then he let out a yawn. “Did you flick too hard? I suddenly feel so sleepy…”

It wasn’t because of the flick.

It was because…

It was almost five o’clock.

No one wants to face a farewell while fully conscious.

Just like all those past nights, Bo Ye pulled him into his arms. “If you’re sleepy, go to sleep, baby.”

Qi Xingchen sensed something too. He struggled to keep his eyes open, but his eyelids grew heavier and heavier…

Just before he fell asleep, he murmured, “Good night, hubby.”

“Calling nurse from Surgical Ward Two, calling nurse from Surgical Ward Two. A patient needs a dressing change, a patient needs a dressing change.”

“Aiya, you little kid! Don’t you watch where you’re going? My left leg just got put in a cast! If you break it again, you think I won’t go find your parents?”

“Sir, I’m just putting you on an IV drip, not giving you an injection. No need to howl!”

Beep—beep—beep—

…Who’s talking?

All kinds of noisy sounds rushed into his ears. Qi Xingchen frowned and unwillingly opened his eyes.

Sitting up and looking around, he saw men and women, young and old, all dressed in blue-and-white striped clothes. At the farthest bed, a man in a white lab coat was checking the IV drip and writing something in a notebook.

Oh. He’s in the hospital.

…But why is he in the hospital?

He was supposed to be on his way to Bo Ye’s concert!

His mind was a blur. Qi Xingchen shook his head hard, again and again, until a scene gradually emerged— a car driving toward him…

Right! He remembered!

He had received a call from a fan site admin on the way to the concert, saying that Bo Ye had fallen off the stage. He panicked for a second—

—And got hit by a car!

God, am I still in one piece? Qi Xingchen quickly lifted the blanket and checked himself.

Arms and legs were intact.

What about his face? Could it be disfigured?

He pulled out the IV from his hand, rolled out of bed, and stumbled to the public restroom while supporting his stiff neck.

Standing in front of the mirror, he carefully inspected himself. The result was somewhat pleasing—his face and brain were still there. Only his neck had a heavy collar on it.

Good. Aside from a neck injury, he was fine.

…Wait, not right.

The happiness didn’t last three seconds before a strange feeling crept into Qi Xingchen’s heart.

He wasn’t whole. He felt like… something was missing.

He instinctively unbuttoned his hospital gown and examined his chest. The skin there was smooth and uninjured by the accident.

But he was sure—it wasn’t supposed to be like this!

He was missing something!

A massive panic surged from deep within. He had a vague premonition—

If he didn’t figure out what was missing, he would live like the walking dead for the rest of his life, numb and full of regret!

Ignoring how crazy he looked, he dashed out and grabbed a nurse. Pointing to his chest, he asked, “Do you know what’s missing here?”

“Ah—!” The nurse screamed with her eyes shut.

Qi Xingchen shook her off and ran a few steps before grabbing an older woman. “Auntie, do you know what I’m missing here?”

“Peh!” the woman spat angrily. “Young man, you look decent enough, how could you do something so shameless? Someone come quick, there’s a pervert here!”

The old lady’s shout attracted a crowd. A few girls peeked at him through their fingers with blushing faces, while others clicked their tongues in astonishment.

Maybe because he didn’t look like a pervert, someone in the crowd muttered, “Could he have gone mad?”

“Gone mad? Yeah, maybe. He keeps asking what he’s missing—I think it might be his heart! Hahaha!”

His heart was missing…

His heart was missing…

Qi Xingchen froze in place, his mind full of those words. He reached up and touched his chest.

Beneath the skin, it felt like… there was the mark of a crescent moon.

“Moon… moon…”

He muttered to himself in a daze. And in the next moment, countless shards of memories came rushing back—

The practice room, the airport, the bustling streets of Denmark…

Ocean World, the studio, the noisy backstage of the variety show.

The dressing room, hotel, and the two-story villa by the sea.

The stage, the recording studio, and… the crescent moon tattoo on his chest.

He didn’t lose his heart—he nearly lost something even more important than that.

His boyfriend. His lover. His… Bo Ye!

Like a drowning man grasping a life-saving straw, he gasped for air and stumbled toward a girl. “Where’s Bo Ye?”

The girl was so frightened she took a step back.

He turned to a nurse again and asked, “Bo Ye? He’s injured too—where is he?”

“Y-You mean… the singer Bo Ye?” The nurse stammered and pointed upward. “He’s in the VIP ward.”

He’s here too…

He’s here too!!

Qi Xingchen shoved his way through the crowd. Not even waiting for the elevator, he dashed into the stairwell!

Meanwhile, in the top-floor VIP suite—

Bo Ye rushed out the door and slapped the napping Allen awake. “Quick! Find a college student named Qi Xingchen. He’s in the biology department here, he’s my fan. He got hit by a car on the way to my concert!”

Allen clutched his burning cheek, grimacing. “Boss, why are you looking for him? And there must be a bunch of guys named Qi Xingchen—where am I supposed to find him?”

“Cut the nonsense,” Bo Ye opened his palm, “This earpiece was a gift from him. Ask the fan club if you have to.”

“Boss…” At that moment, Xiao Man—who had been taking care of him at the hospital—timidly said, “I think I know the Qi Xingchen you’re talking about. He’s really good-looking, so I used to sneak up to the general ward on the fifth floor to peek at him.”

Fifth floor…

Bo Ye glanced at his current floor—twenty-eight.

“Boss, your arm is still injured. Why don’t I go check for you—”

Before Xiao Man could finish her sentence, Bo Ye—his arm still in a cast—had already vanished.

Skipping the elevator, Bo Ye charged into the stairwell, counting under his breath, “Twenty-seven, twenty-six, twenty-five…”

His neck injury made it hard to exert force while running. Gritting his teeth, Qi Xingchen pushed himself upward, “Seven, eight, nine…”

The ceilings in this hospital were higher than usual, making the stairs steeper. Bo Ye continued, “Nineteen, eighteen, seventeen…”

Just a little further—just a little further and he could see Bo Ye. Qi Xingchen wiped away his sweat, “Eleven, twelve, thirteen…”

The distance between them shrank with every step.

The stairwell echoed with hurried footsteps and heavy breathing.

“Huff… Huff… Huff…”

On the fifteenth landing, Qi Xingchen rubbed the sweat out of his eyes and prepared to climb further—

He looked up and saw another figure in blue-and-white striped patient clothing, arm in a cast.

That man’s features were just as he remembered—sharp, angular, with a face carved like a statue. His jawline was narrow and defined, his shoulders broad, waist slim, legs long—he radiated an imposing presence.

It was him. The light he had looked up to for eight whole years.

Time stood still at that moment.

This was their second reunion after a long separation.

After a pause, Bo Ye reached out his hand. “The ring you owe me—ready to return it?”

“…Yeah,” Qi Xingchen turned his head, tears falling uncontrollably. “I’ll return it.”

A love branded into the soul could change the trajectory of everything—even memory.

The star that had once fallen into the abyss… had finally returned to his night sky.

_{This story is completed with the return of Xingxing and Brother Ye. I loved their journey. I still don’t like Tao Tao even if she confessed and helped them return. Somethings, no matter how you regret, can never be returned or forgiven. I hope you loved this as much as I did. Please share your views and support us on Ko-fi.}