The sunset’s afterglow slanted through the window, spreading orange-yellow across the floor. Jiang Xingyao cried for a long time before falling into a deep sleep, her nightmare-like experience causing her to furrow her brow even in dreams. Jiang Xiangyang sighed and pulled the blanket up to cover her.
Jiang Xingyao had been etched in his memory for years. He had never carefully examined whether he loved her; in his heart, she was as important as family. During dark days at the Gao family, he bore the label of illegitimate child.
For her, he participated in competitions he despised and climbed trees to catch cicadas. When she enjoyed online games, he created them for her.
Later, she was sent abroad to study, disappearing for several years. During that time, Jing Xin, a gentle woman, quietly entered his life, like a warm ray of sunshine piercing the darkest corner of his heart. He often thought about their time together during those three years apart.
Although he never explicitly told Jing Xin, he still loved her.
In the silent night, her voice echoed in his mind: “I’ll accompany you through the pain.”
Scanning the pale face on the bed, he realized that he and Jing Xin had no hope. She, who always wore a gentle smile and provided warmth during his darkest days, deserved better.
His heart felt empty, like withered flowers falling. Life is mixed with helplessness. Sometimes, even if it hurts, one must still make a choice. He could only choose Jiang Xingyao.
“Jing Xin, what are your plans for tomorrow’s holiday? Why don’t we go to Qiandao Lake for a barbecue?”
“Forget it. I can’t always be the third wheel. Your boyfriend probably hates me. Besides, I have to go to the cemetery.”
Ya Ru nodded, understanding that Jing Xin had been visiting the cemetery almost every weekend for the past two years. There must be someone very important to her there.
Angel Mountain Cemetery
Jing Xin first visited her mother’s grave, offering the chrysanthemums she had grown, then walked a short distance downhill to Jiang’s mother’s grave.
Jiang’s mother was buried next to Jiang’s father, near Tian Ya’s grave.
