Gathering Light, Seeking Dust

Can school uniforms really lead to wedding gowns? How can dust and starlight spark a flame? Can a thousand miles truly separate two hearts bound by deep affection?

Everyone has their own answer and their own understanding.

This time, as spectators, let's step into their stories: in the footsteps they leave behind, in the future, and in the lives of those around us.

Each volume tells the story of a friend.

"So, can you really fish knives out of Laodao River?" I set aside my burdens and leaned against a tree. The stone path in the distance gradually turned into concrete, and farther on, I could clearly see asphalt.

"Maybe?" The senior leading the group put down his phone and looked at my youthful face, seeming to give the question serious thought. "Actually, there's no need to dwell on things too much. It only makes you less happy. Look at those people fishing on the bank, that family out on a nearby picnic, and us on the road. Isn't it a pleasure just to enjoy the view in our spare time?"

I looked at the senior in confusion, but he said nothing more.

The water flowed slowly by. I didn't think it was very beautiful, especially compared to the streams in my hometown. The factories standing along its banks made a constant racket.

Could there really be fish in there?

At the time, I had no chance to think about it for long. Once our break ended, we set off on the next leg of the journey. Three years later, I had become a senior too, and I thought again of the road we had once traveled.

Back then, my junior, still innocent and green but full of energy, had asked me with wide-eyed curiosity, "Senior, can you really fish knives out of this river?"

"Maybe?" I replied with a rueful smile, gazing toward the distant hills.

The signal to set out sounded. We got up, gathered our gear, and followed the group. The bells of a nearby temple drifted over, soft and distant.