A Flutter of the Heart Tonight

1.

In her first year of high school, Jiang Xiyue got new neighbors across the hall.

She often saw their son sitting on the stairwell steps, his eyes filled with menace and bruises standing out on his face.

She thought to herself, This is bad. Could he be some kind of hooligan?

Whenever she passed him, Jiang Xiyue didn't even dare breathe loudly.

She assumed the two of them would keep on peacefully minding their own business.

But when she saw him in the stairwell, covered in blood, she couldn't help speaking up.

"Your injuries look serious. You should get them treated."

Chi Yu stared at her for several minutes, then replied coolly, "That's my business. Stay out of it."

But Jiang Xiyue didn't listen. She looked after him for years.

2.

In their final year of high school, Chi Yu suddenly moved away and vanished without a trace.

He didn't even have time to say goodbye to Jiang Xiyue.

They met again at a high school reunion.

She was laughing and chatting with old friends she hadn't seen in years, while he sat in a corner, drinking alone.

A nosy classmate asked, "Xiyue, tell me honestly. Were you and Chi Yu ever together?"

Jiang Xiyue's delicate brows furrowed slightly, as if confused. "Chi Yu? We were just neighbors."

Hearing that, Chi Yu gave a self-deprecating smile.

Would a neighbor brave a snowstorm to go buy her candied hawthorns just because she said she wanted some?

Would a neighbor seek revenge without a second thought when someone hurt her?

Later, with the alcohol going to his head, Chi Yu coaxed her into his car.

His voice brimmed with vulnerability and pleading.

"Xiyue, will you still look after me?"

Theme: Strive for a better life