After not seeing each other for three years, we met again in the broadcast room of a foreign ice rink.
The moment Li Ya opened the door, she saw Lu Ran. He was wearing a black coat and holding player data in his hands. He lost weight and his jawline was sharper. Their eyes met, and the air seemed to be sucked out for half a second.
He said nothing and walked past her. As she passed by, she smelled the familiar smell - cedar, tonka beans, and the tobacco he couldn't quit.
He didn't look back, and she didn't call him.
Three years ago, she said, "Lu Ran, you are taking too much care." He turned around and left, and the sound of the door closing was like an ice knife cutting across the ice.
Now she is sitting in the commentary box, talking about other people's games and watching others complete the actions she should have done.
And he is the Chinese figure skating ace who is about to take the stage.
He is also her ex who she broke up with three years ago and is the person she least wants to see.
The red light comes on. Li Ya spoke into the microphone: "Welcome to the men's singles short program of figure skating at this World Championships. Next up is Chinese skater Lu Ran."
On the ice, he slid into the center, and the lights chased him like a lone bird.
She didn't know that he had been waiting for this moment for three years.
Intention: to return to the country and live for myself.