Chapter 1

Please tell me why we have become like strangers, please tell me, what could be more unbearable than silence

Perhaps it was an exaggeration, as Ruan Su Mo thought, just as Li Xia later looked down upon it

You are exhibiting typical symptoms of a young girl in love, having watched too many Korean dramas and novels. In real life, when you encounter someone who is merely passable, you impose those illusory glamorous halos onto that unfortunate child, and you feel particularly excited about it. In reality, Gu Ansheng is not much different; she is just slightly more attractive, has slightly better grades, and is slightly more intelligent.

A moderate snowfall occurred in this southern city, and a certain television station was broadcasting a gala, seemingly at its climax, with Eason Chan singing loudly on stage

The scenery in my memory is frozen, and then amidst the dust-laden past, I recall the face of Gu Ansheng and the books.

Gu An Sheng had always been unaware that at the age of 13, Ruan Su Mo had already heard of his great name. How should one recount that period which cannot even be called the past? Is it the boy riding a bamboo horse, circling the bed while playing with green plums, or is it the longing and gazing at each other without being close?

I fear that my narration may not be sufficiently precise, and others may not understand. She once liked him so cautiously and timidly.

Suddenly, I recall that person, at the age of 17 during the summer, walking towards me with a handsome face, saying: "Do not be afraid, I am still here"

The entire city was illuminated in an instant by the flickering neon lights, accompanied by the sound of fireworks.

Indeed, it is just as simple as that; it cannot be described as exceptionally outstanding, and perhaps among the crowd, one could easily find many like him. However, I believe that every girl has had such a boy in her life. He may only be a delicate secret in your heart for a lifetime, or perhaps a blessing from the god of love, as you hold hands and grow old together. He may not be particularly good-looking, his personality may not be the best, or he may be arrogant and indifferent to others, but because of a feeling called affection, everything becomes different. You yearn for his gaze upon you, and you are willing to change the flaws he dislikes, even if he has many little habits you do not appreciate; that does not hinder you. You are willing to become stronger for him, all for that softly spoken and shy phrase, 'I like you'.

The phone kept notifying her of new messages. Ruan Su Mo opened the inbox and found numerous greetings for the New Year from unfamiliar numbers and the system. She read through them one by one, but was momentarily distracted by the phrase "I am here" that was interspersed among them.

2009, the lunar year

He is the boy I have liked for so many years, like many wonderful youths, he plays basketball exceptionally well, strums the guitar beautifully, has bright eyes and white teeth, wears white clothes that are as pure as snow, and his eyes sparkle with a fleeting charm, like flowers blooming in an instant