During summer vacation in fourth grade, Chen Yuxuan moved into the old neighborhood, next door to Lin Xiaoman. She took him to climb the huge parasol tree by the river, gave him eggs from her family's hens, and was eager to show him every corner of the street. He thought she was much too noisy.
Later, when the old neighborhood was slated for demolition, she stood alone in front of the bulldozer to protect the tree. He didn't dare step forward. After that, she took up painting and he took up photography. Though they were only a schoolyard apart, neither of them said a word. Every photo he developed in the darkroom showed her from behind.
His grandfather once told him, “If someone has a light in their eyes, you have to be worthy of them before you dare pursue them.”
Eight years passed. She went from chasing after him to not even bothering to say hello. Only then did he finally speak up.
