She took a few cherry blossom branches and placed them next to a photo, whispering: “Tian Ya, these are the cherry blossoms from A University. Aren’t they beautiful? I picked them this morning; this year’s blossoms are fuller and more vibrant. When the wind blows, they dance like a fragrant petal rain. Tian Ya, do you like them?”
Memories evoke melancholy. Jing Xin stopped talking, hugging her knees at the grave. She liked sitting in contemplation, sometimes thinking of nothing. The warm sunlight felt like golden light slipping through her fingers, casting delicate shadows on her face.
Then the warmth beside her suddenly disappeared.
Jing Xin looked up to see Jiang Xiangyang standing in front of her, his tall and robust frame backlit by sunlight, casting a large shadow over them. His face was blurry, with only a pair of piercing amber eyes visible.
She felt compelled to say hello. Standing up, her legs were numb from sitting too long, and she almost fell. Fortunately, a strong arm caught her. His icy hand gripped her warm wrist, creating a cool sensation that traveled through her pulse.
Seeing her unresponsive, Jiang Xiangyang released her and walked to his father’s grave, taking out a cigarette and lighting it. A sarcastic smile appeared; if his mother knew he paid respects with cigarettes, she would surely nag him. His father had suffered from lung cancer, a painful death exacerbated by years of smoking.
He lit another cigarette for himself, reflecting on how he probably smoked as much as his father did. He wondered how he might die, but thought it wouldn’t matter; he doubted he’d live long enough to be killed by disease.
Jing Xin glanced at the gravestone and saw the name “Jiang Xiangyang,” realizing this was his father’s grave.
“Do you also come to the cemetery every weekend to see your father?” she asked softly.
“No, my mother used to come. Recently, she hasn’t been well, so I’m here now. Actually, a dead person won’t know anything,” he said, feeling it was pointless to share this.
He had always disliked chatting with others and thought today’s interaction was due to her having saved him previously. Her actions at the time had surprised him—she had appeared recklessly brave but was actually terrified, unable to stand steadily.
