"Mr. An, are you sure you want to change your name? Once you do, your academic records, certificates, and passport will all need to be updated."
An Yichen nodded. "I'm sure."
The staff member tried to dissuade him. "Changing your name as an adult is actually quite a hassle, and your current name is lovely. Why don't you think it over?"
"There's no need."
An Yichen signed the name-change consent form. "Sorry to trouble you."
"All right. The name you'd like to change it to is... Xiang Yuan, correct?"
"Yes."
Xiang Yuan: flying toward the distance.
That was the plan he had made for his future.
He would leave this place for good.
An Yichen asked, "Can I go change the name on my passport now?"
"Yes. Here's your name-change receipt. Take it to the counter downstairs, and they'll update the name on your passport."
An Yichen changed the name on his passport as quickly as he could.
But he left everything else as it was: his diploma, his household registration book, all of it.
He was leaving with his new passport in a week anyway. Let his old identity remain in the past. He didn't need it anymore.
