Die Before I Love You

[Filling in the story, a short novel under 200,000 words. Preorders open at 200]

When Hua Shi got the news that her friend had died, she was completely stunned.

Lan Qiao, once her best friend, was gone.

Hua Shi hurriedly bought a ticket, took the high-speed train, and rushed south.

The hospital told her she needed to collect Lan Qiao's death certificate, and that Hua Shi would have to arrange her funeral.

"Miss Lan Qiao's will clearly states that she leaves her entire estate to Miss Hua Shi," the lawyer said.

Hua Shi's tooth throbbed with pain from the heatiness in her body. The lawyer continued to ask politely:

"However, Miss Lan Qiao hoped you would take care of her funeral arrangements. Would you be willing to?"

Of course Hua Shi agreed. She contacted the crematorium, chose a cemetery and a burial plot, and arranged the funeral.

After running around nonstop for days, Hua Shi brought back a small portion of Lan Qiao's ashes and began sorting through her belongings. That's when she found one of Lan Qiao's notebooks.

"The test results are back. Blood cancer, advanced stage.

I really want to see her.

But the doctor says I have six months left, so I'd better take care of more important things first."

"Chemotherapy made my hair fall out, but I still really want to see her.

I can buy a wig and go see her quietly.

Better be polite and get in touch first."

"I've been in the hospital for five months, and my weight is starting to drop fast.

I lost seventeen pounds in five days.

No wonder the human body is mostly water. Even liposuction can't be this quick."

"This is my fourth emergency resuscitation. I don't know if there'll be a fifth."

The writing here had become crooked, the ink faint and wavering, as if it had no strength left:

"I miss her."

After reading these words, Hua Shi was overcome with sadness.

"I'll pass your feelings on to her, no matter who you had a secret crush on while you were alive."

Lan Qiao smiled softly. The spirit of the dead floated above the living, wistful and at peace.

"Luckily, I never said I loved you."

To die before I could love you, wishing you a life free of worry and regret.

[Hua Shi slowly uncovers the truth]

[Two endings: HE and OE]

Theme: May my beloved live without worry or regret