When I Look Back, There You Are Amid the Lights

Synopsis

Amid the fading lights, he finally understood what true tenderness was.

Three years ago, Lin Zhou's whole world revolved around Su Wan. She was the brightest star at the design institute, the moon he chased after, stretching on tiptoe and exhausting himself in the effort. He thought that giving her everything he had would eventually earn him a glance, but all he got were repeated rejections and the words, “Sorry to trouble you. You don't have to do this anymore.” On a night of torrential rain, he turned and walked away, leaving behind the humble version of himself he'd once been, along with that city.

Far from home, the sea breeze and night markets eased his weariness. Then, on New Year's Eve by the river, he accidentally knocked Chen Xi's paintbrushes out of place. With her clear smile and eyes that seemed to hold starlight, she became an unexpected ray of light in his ordinary life. She didn't mind the dust on his clothes. She understood how hard he worked, and would leave a light on for him late at night and cook him a bowl of warm porridge. By her side, Lin Zhou experienced for the first time that true love meant standing shoulder to shoulder, not gazing up at someone and chasing after them.

Another year passed, and at the Lantern Festival, he and Chen Xi walked hand in hand through the colorful lights of the old street. Amid the hubbub of the crowd, he ran into Su Wan again. She was still radiant, but now a trace of sadness lingered between her brows. Looking at his hands clasped with Chen Xi's, she said softly, “Back then... I was wrong.” Lin Zhou only smiled calmly. “That's all in the past.”

Once, he thought love meant giving everything to reach some distant place. Only when he finally looked back did he understand that the best destination was right there amid the fading lights: a pair of gentle eyes shining just for him, and the certainty and peace of sharing the ordinary warmth of life, year after year.