To See the Dawn

When they meet again, all the refined boyishness has left him. He lies on the hospital bed, barely clinging to life.

She suddenly remembers how, back in college, she ignored Qi Huai’s advances because of her own insecurities. She thought he would give up when he realized she wasn’t interested, but she never imagined he loved her to the very core.

Three years ago, the Blue Whale case erupted. Drug enforcement officers suffered heavy casualties, his father died in the line of duty, and his mother was persecuted. They were forced apart.

When they reunited three years later, she thought time could wash everything away. She never expected that the boy who had once seemed so proud and untouchable had never given up on her. His love surged on, growing more intense with every passing day.

At the end of decay, we dig deep for the light. With our flesh and blood, we defend this pure land. Years from now, smoke will curl from its chimneys, and dead trees will bloom again.

Brilliant, dazzling young man, may the years ahead bring you clear skies, peace, and happiness.

“Xianxian, look up. Dawn is breaking.”

“I made a wish beneath the midnight sun of Svalbard: may the people I love and those who love me be safe and happy.”

“I think of you as a flower on a high peak beneath the heavens, cool and aloof, proud and unbowed, its shadow reflected in the moon’s clear radiance. You don’t belong in this gaudy, money-drunk world. May you always remain vibrant and radiant.”

“We never let go of each other. I thought we’d have a happy ending.”