Nian Nian [Reborn]

[This story has been contracted for publication in simplified Chinese. The print edition is now available on various platforms.] [A story of growing up together and finding salvation through love] Chen Nian first learned of Fang Zhizhu on a televised singing competition. Fang Zhizhu had a beautiful voice and sweet dimples when she smiled. Chen Nian secretly took her mother’s phone and sent in a whole string of votes for her. That year, Chen Nian and Fang Zhizhu were both only fourteen. At twenty-four, Chen Nian was a photographer who had gained some recognition in China. She was invited to shoot a series of birthday photos for Fang Zhizhu and spent the whole month excited about it. On the day of the shoot, she dropped and broke a camera worth 200,000 yuan. Fang Zhizhu smiled and told her it was all right, then invited her into the bedroom to get another one. It was Chen Nian’s first time. She never imagined she would end up in a relationship with her idol. Over the next six years, Fang Zhizhu climbed to the top of the entertainment industry, took her beloved down the red carpet, and came out to the whole world. The flashes turned the night as bright as day. Chen Nian held Fang Zhizhu’s hand tightly, feeling as though all the world’s good fortune had come to her. That night, they won a major award, then took a flight of more than ten hours back home. At dusk, Fang Zhizhu stood on the rooftop balcony in her most beautiful dress and smiled at Chen Nian. “Niannian, I’m sorry.” She repeated “I’m sorry” again and again, gentle as a butterfly just emerged from its cocoon. Then she leaped, blooming into a flower of blood. At thirty, Fang Zhizhu’s life came to a permanent end. She tore Chen Nian’s heart to pieces. For the next ten years, Chen Nian remembered every word Fang Zhizhu had said and every expression she had made, day after day. She thought that perhaps if she had gone back just one second further, just one second, she could have saved her. The best girl in the whole world. Then Chen Nian was reborn. She was only seven years old, and Fang Zhizhu, in the children’s welfare home, was seven as well... P.S. 1. This story is not based on anyone real, not based on anyone real, not based on anyone real. 2. The story is angsty before the rebirth, but sweet afterward. It’s a salvation story, one-on-one, with a happy ending. Read with confidence. 3. Contact me on Weibo: @Jin Ke Ke Ke Ke Theme: Love can overcome anything.