Yu Yuan lowered his head.
He had thought about sending the photo to Mo Yachen as well, letting him see Ji Yu's condition. But after some thought, he dismissed the idea. Putting himself in her shoes, he knew that photo would only bring Ji Yu more unnecessary trouble. So in the end, he chose to send it only to Tang Li. Even if Tang Li decided to do nothing, to continue his Chengyin Festival date with Gu Yu, then so be it.
Still, problems had to be faced sooner or later.
And Yu Yuan wasn't sure—had Ji Yu really let things go, or was she simply feeling wronged? As long as Tang Li's head wasn't completely clouded, he should be able to read the story hidden in that single photo.
The night breeze drifted in gently through the window. On the other side of the city, did that person know? Did he feel it?
The moon shone brilliantly over the long night… while the ones who had stepped aside with "wisdom" had already begun chasing after new roles, new scripts.
Dawn.
Dew slipped from the leaves, falling to the ground like a tiny flower. Each petal reflected the same faint silhouette.
The first rays of sunrise painted the eastern sky a deep orange-red, while the west remained drowned in darkness. A boy, out for an early run, paused at the subway station, tilting his head toward the orange sky. Then he turned, watching as the first train pulled in.
The station was nearly empty, save for a few office workers heading to their jobs and a yawning attendant. The city still lingered in the haze of sleep.
The boy stepped into the carriage. His bronze arm muscles tensed as he pulled out his phone, unlocking it to open his chat with Yu Yuan. His gaze lingered on the photo.
Now, just a friend again, Tang Li stared blankly out the window at the neon-smeared darkness rushing past, then at the four-star hotel looming in the skyline.
The hotel stood tall, one of the first to bask in morning light. And somewhere behind one of those east-facing windows… was she already bathed in the same sunlight?
He watched, and thought.
His eyes showed no great waves of emotion, only quiet reflection. By the next stop, he finally tore his gaze away, turning to leave.
He didn't fully understand his feelings. He had been with Gu Yu for some time, and he did like her. But that sudden photo from Yu Yuan last night—the image of Ji Yu sleeping—had stirred something inside him.
Maybe… he still cared about Ji Yu. Otherwise, why keep chatting with her in cold, impersonal texts? Those words, though stiff, had always carried his longing. And maybe, his fear.
Why not video calls? Why so few phone calls? Because he was afraid. Afraid of hearing her voice, afraid of seeing her face grow ever more beautiful. Afraid of remembering that someone like her would never belong to him. The thought alone made his chest tighten, until the pain forced him to sigh and act indifferent.
It wasn't laziness that kept him distant. Deep down, he knew—it was because he cared. Because he was hiding.
Yes, she had broken up. And what then? Did that mean it was suddenly his turn to hold her?
Never assume the person standing before you is as simple as a character from a fairytale. And never expect life to follow reason.
Even the "perfect" people of the world suffer setbacks and scars.
And when an imperfect person like him grows too arrogant, too self-righteous… fate's sword of Damocles would not hesitate to fall.
So no—Tang Li would not force himself into Ji Yu's life, clinging to the title of boyfriend. That would only make things worse. Even if she did raise him to that role… what then? Would he truly be happy? What about Gu Yu, who had been by his side all this time? And how far could he really go with Ji Yu?
No, that wasn't the right path. He didn't yet know the best solution for both of them, but he knew one thing: he wouldn't make a foolish choice that would hurt them both.
Besides… Yu Yuan had only sent one photo, and nothing else. Why Ji Yu had been crying—that was still unknown. Tang Li could only guess, self-centeredly, that it had been because of him.
But what if it wasn't?
"…Anyway, going to see her can't be wrong."
He stepped off the train, whispering into the quiet station.
No one cared which way this boy was headed. Everyone had their own lives. Tang Li, after deciding to maintain the steady balance of friendship with Ji Yu, slipped in his earbuds and walked toward the hotel.
Shanghai—this country's most dazzling, most prosperous city—had every reason to be beloved.
It was beautiful, vast, and wealthy.
The maglev could reach any corner.
Airports sprawled across each district.
At night, its neon lights formed a glittering nameplate, proof of its golden allure.
Yes… it had everything an international financial center could have.
But even in such a city, there were those who loved their tiny 53-square-meter apartments more than all the glitz and glamour.
Night fell once again.
Dragging her blue suitcase, Ji Yu walked at the back of the group, waving repeatedly to Yu Yuan and Mu Ning as they saw her off.
Their time together hadn't been long. She had even embarrassed herself in front of them. Yet it was in these fleeting encounters that people's truest selves were revealed.
Farewells and thanks should be said once. Repetition only dilutes the meaning.
But Ji Yu knew—they would meet again someday.
With Yu Yuan's help, the family had checked their luggage early and spent their last day in Shanghai properly enjoying themselves.
So both Ji Mama and Ji Yu's sister had warmed to this carefree silver-haired youth. Naturally so, for he had earned it.
"Where did Ji Yu go today?"
Watching her plane rise steadily into the night sky, Yu Yuan finally slipped away from Mu Ning's side to answer Tang Li's resentful call.
"How should I know? I stayed home playing games all day."
"Then why did you send me that photo of Ji Yu last night?"
For some reason, ever since learning that Ji Yu had checked out of her hotel early that morning, Tang Li had felt restless all day.
"Heh… it was just an unflattering photo. No harm in that. Besides, I sent it to Mo Yachen too."
Yu Yuan chuckled, lying with ease. Lies had their uses. Sometimes all it took was a single untruth to set off a butterfly effect, pulling someone into your trap.
Because—
"She already broke up with him. Why would you send it to Mo Yachen?"
"What? What's the big deal? Haven't you ever shared embarrassing photos with your friends? And listen to yourself—that sounded pretty sour."
["Southern Airlines flight MU114 to Hong Kong is now boarding at Gate 5…"]
The bilingual broadcast echoed through the vast airport. Tang Li heard it too.
"…Ji Yu left?! She left, and you didn't tell me?!"
Stepping out into the chill night air, Yu Yuan felt the cold brush his face. Hearing the anger in Tang Li's voice, he shook his head slightly, gazing at the night sky where her plane had already disappeared.
"People can't live with divided hearts. Some are meant to give, others are meant to be protected. Stop overthinking Ji Yu. Live your own life. That's what tomorrow is for."
His calm voice drifted from the airport, carried all the way across the glittering city.
The moonlight, too, seemed colder.
By her window, the girl gazed out at the sleepless city, whispering softly—
"Goodbye, the one I love. Goodbye… to this whole summer."