All his thoughts and emotions—in the end, they felt like nothing more than illusions,never truly real.
Hao stared blankly at his textbook, lost in thought.
Riiiing—The bell rang,and time seemed to slip away.It was already lunch break.
The campus came alive at once.Students rushed toward the cafeteria in noisy waves,while many parents were still around,holding their children's hands,guiding them to buy lunch.
Hao looked down at the coinshis mother had given him that morning.Just enough for a bowl of noodles.
He bought his meal,then carried it carefully to a quieter spot.From there, he watched the cafeteria—the chatter, the laughter,the warmth and comfort that filled the air.
A pang struck his chest.In my previous life…how many years had it been since I last felt this?
He finished his food quickly,then wandered toward the pavilion.Sitting down,he forced himself to gather his thoughts.
If I remember correctly,nothing major happens this year.All I need to do is study hard.Next year, around mid-year…that's when I have to be ready.
The breeze passed gently through the open space.Everything around him felt calm, almost serene.
And yet, in the depths of his heart,a faint, uncertain whisper lingered:
"Can I really change my fate?"
The question echoed in his chest.And yet, in the very next heartbeat,a strange shiver ran through him—as if an invisible hand was already there,quietly pushing himtoward a road completely differentfrom the one he had walked before.