South of the Clouds

At twenty-two, Zhu Jin'an met Ji Yun Zhao, who had nothing to her name.

In the bars of the old city, on the streets, and in rented rooms, Ji Yun Zhao sang songs of her own. Half bright and half shadowed, they were just like Ji Yun Zhao herself.

The research program was only two months long.

Yet all Zhu Jin'an remembered was the warmth pressed against her when she rode behind Ji Yun Zhao on her electric scooter, Ji Yun Zhao's cheeks that flushed so easily, and their silhouettes overlapping beneath the moon as they tentatively and obscurely explored their feelings.

Zhu Jin'an thought it was just a chance to experience an adult's carefree revelry, a fleeting romance, especially since she would only be in Yuncheng for two months.

But Ji Yun Zhao took it seriously.

She emptied her pockets and fished out two crumpled hundred-yuan bills to buy Zhu Jin'an a delicate silver chain.

On a dewy lawn beneath a deep blue sky, they proudly made their wishes:

"I want to become an outstanding singer."

"Then I'll become a highly accomplished researcher."

Later, their wishes really did come true.

Ji Yun Zhao's songs spread through the streets and alleys. Even the speakers outside convenience stores played them on repeat.

Zhu Jin'an made a name for herself in academia.

Everything moved forward, except the two of them, left behind where they were.

For eight whole years, there was no contact and no meeting.

Until the final concert came to an end.

Ji Yun Zhao didn't even pick up her luggage. She rushed straight out from backstage, hailed a car, and sped to the airport. She bought just one ticket, to the city where Zhu Jin'an lived.

At dawn, the first light of day was faint.

Zhu Jin'an opened the door. The thin silver chain, yellowed with age, on her wrist grew faintly warm in the chill of early autumn.

Ji Yun Zhao stood before her, eyes red-rimmed and brimming with tears as she looked at her. Her lips trembled as she asked softly:

"Sis... do you still want me?"

*Reader's Guide

Switch, both virgins, three-year age gap, first met in 2012.

Bad ending.

I'm writing what I want, just for fun. The professional knowledge is made up.

Theme: Follow this arduous journey, and reach the stars.