The next day, after I woke up, I looked at the bracelet on my wrist. I gently patted it and held up my hand toward the sunlight. The bracelet shimmered in the light — it felt like a source of energy for me.
At school, after class, Liang and I were having lunch together in our office. She noticed the bracelet and asked, "Qin, what's that on your hand? I didn't see it last time." She raised a brow with a teasing smirk. "Don't tell me Dr. Lu gave it to you?"
I stared at her. "How did you know, Liang?"
She scoffed. "Even my parents know you're wearing a bracelet. You posted it on your Moments, remember?"
My eyes widened. Liang grabbed my hand and leaned in. "Are you pretending to be clueless or are you really that innocent?"
I chuckled and showed her my wrist. "Yes, Dr. Lu gave it to me. It fits perfectly. Isn't it beautiful?"
She looked at me like I'd said something embarrassing. "Qin, be honest — did you fall in love with him?"
I hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Mm… I think I did. But I'm a little nervous, Liang."
She gently patted my hand. "It's your first time falling in love, and look at how much you've grown. You're overcoming your phobia, smiling again… and it's all thanks to him, right? That means it's real. He loves you too. Try it, Qin. Love will let you see beauty in even the tiniest flower petal."
Liang was talking like she was some love guru. I looked at her pitifully and said, "How do you sound so experienced in love? You didn't like anyone during college."
She slapped my hand and huffed. "College was different! There were plenty of guys, but none of them sparked anything. I'll find my man when the time comes."
I laughed. "Mm~ we'll see."
After school, we were walking along the road, enjoying the soft evening breeze. Just then, a tall man bumped into Liang. He was towering — like a coconut tree.
Liang looked annoyed and snapped, "Can't you walk straight?"
But the man stepped slightly to the left, and the red hue of the setting sun fell over him. His skin blended with the warm light. When Liang saw his face clearly, her tone dropped — I could barely hear her now.
The man politely said, "Sorry," and walked away.
Liang turned around immediately, staring at his back.
I peeked at her expression. "Don't be mad, Liang. He apologized, right? Let's just go."
But I was wrong.
She wasn't angry — she was in love.
When she turned to me, her face was redder than the sunset. Her blush outshone the golden hour.
Liang whispered, "Qin, you were teasing me earlier, but look! Fate sent my man so fast!"
I blinked at her. "You're kidding. How can you fall in love with a total stranger? You don't know his name, where he works — he's even taller than both of us!"
Liang smirked confidently. "If it's fate, I'll see him again."