On the evening of their university graduation, the night breeze was heavy, and the cicadas' cries were faint.
Ji Qingyan and Chen Jian ended things amicably.
The streetlights cast wavering shadows.
Ji Qingyan stood there, cool and composed, her shadow stretching long beneath her feet. A veil woven from moonlight covered her eyes and brows.
Before they parted, she held out a hand and said calmly, "We probably won't see each other again, right?"
Chen Jian held an unlit cigarette between his lips. His jawline was refined and handsome, and his glance in her direction seemed casual. He reached out carelessly and shook Ji Qingyan's hand, his voice languid and lazy. "Yeah. We won't."
She said, "Let's part on good terms."
Chen Jian said, "I hope you find someone wonderful."
Unexpectedly, years later, they ran into each other at a classmate's wedding banquet.
Ji Qingyan smiled brightly, her arm linked with her boyfriend's. As if greeting an old friend, she said to Chen Jian, "Long time no see."
"Long time no see." Chen Jian nodded, took a cigarette and lighter from his pocket, and gestured with them. A tattoo like a ring of curse shackles coiled around his wrist.
"I won't keep you. I'm going out for a smoke."
Outside, the night wind cut into Chen Jian like a soft knife. He pretended to shield himself from it, hiding his damp eyes.
As he lit his cigarette, an orange flame flared suddenly, driving away a small patch of darkness.
Chen Jian flinched and hid his face in the shadows again. Pale gray smoke drifted from his thin lips, and his hoarse whisper faded into the night breeze along with it.
"It's good..."
Ji Qingyan was much more carefree than he was.
Parting on good terms, finding someone wonderful.
He hadn't managed either one.
#ReunionAfterYears
#MendingASeveredRelationship
Theme: Honesty is the ultimate weapon in love.
