Chapter 48: Untitled (End of Volume One)

[Warning: Readers of this chapter are strongly advised to read Volume 1 first and avoid skipping ahead, as it will affect the reading experience.]
[Warning: Readers of this chapter are strongly advised to read Volume 1 first and avoid skipping ahead, as it will affect the reading experience.]
[Warning: Readers of this chapter are strongly advised to read Volume 1 first and avoid skipping ahead, as it will affect the reading experience.]

In the park near the school, He Tianran had been running for who knows how long. Along the way, many people cast curious and lingering glances at the two of them. Holding a full-grown young woman tightly in his arms like this—were they eloping right after snatching a bride?

Today's youngsters certainly knew how to have fun.

It wasn't until the boy reached a secluded corner of the park that he finally slowed his pace slightly.

"How long are you planning to hold me?"

In his arms, Wen Liang blinked her eyes and asked him with playful curiosity.

"How long are you planning to deceive me?"

He Tianran retorted with a feigned annoyance. Panting heavily, he carefully set Wen Liang down on her feet, deliberately avoiding her gaze.

"Who told you to trick me first? This is your punishment! Hehe—were you scared out of your wits by me tonight?"

The girl put her hands behind her back and skipped lightly in circles around He Tianran. Wherever he turned his head, Wen Liang followed, mirroring his movements.

With no escape from Wen Liang's circling, He Tianran had no choice but to face her squarely: "Scared out of my wits? You didn't say a single word to me the entire evening gala, I was practically suffocating!"

She was no angel at all; she was clearly a little demon.

Wen Liang gave a soft "hmph" and asked a question whose answer she already knew: "That may be what you say, but deep down inside, you're actually thrilled, blooming like a flower right now, aren't you?"

"..."

At that moment, He Tianran just wanted to find a crack in the ground and crawl into it. With a guilty conscience, he lowered his head and walked forward a short distance, with Wen Liang trailing right behind him, deliberately teasing him:

"Well? Answer me, you're thrilled, aren't you? Don't bottle it up inside~ just laugh it out~ be a good boy!"

He came to a sudden halt, turned his head, and locked his eyes on the girl. Meeting his gaze, the two glared at each other for a few seconds in a mutual contest of stubbornness before He Tianran finally lost the battle. The corners of his mouth twitched upward uncontrollably, and he bent over, bursting into a hearty, uninhibited laugh.

In the night, the affectionate, bright moon cast a layer of silver frost. Their reflections slipped into the park's artificial lake, winking and blinking alongside the mischievous stars as they shared their joyous laughter.

A late-night breeze ruffled the surface of the lake, sending ripples shimmering across the water.

"Why did you believe me?"

Wen Liang sat on a stone bench by the lakeside, her face reflecting a shimmering layer of water light.

He Tianran, seated beside her, shook his head. The truth was, he had spent the entire gala in a state of nervous anxiety, terrified that he might be the victim of the prank. Yet, despite his fear, he had still spoken those words on stage—

"I didn't believe you because of logic. After all, talk of rebirth and second chances simply doesn't hold up to even the slightest scrutiny in real life."

"Then why did you still..."

"Because I like you."

He Tianran cut off Wen Liang's question, his expression overwhelmingly candid and utterly sincere. He had never faced his own heart with such absolute frankness:

"I like you, so I will unconditionally trust you. That's the truth. I told you I wouldn't lie to you anymore."

"..."

"I said I like you."

"..."

"Hey, did you hear me this time? I said I like you~ I li—"

"I know! I know! Oh, please don't keep saying it, it's so embarrassing..."

Wen Liang's face flushed a brilliant, translucent red. Once the paper window between them had been pierced, the momentum shifted entirely in He Tianran's favor as he kept repeating those three words. Having completely shed his pride, the boy seemed to have unlocked some hidden potential, thoroughly enjoying the act of saying it over and over.

"Are you... are you still mad?"

Wen Liang asked abruptly, her gaze rippling with tender, watery affection.

Given her carefree personality and the fact that she had lived twice, he would have thought that even if she felt shy, she would at least put on a composed front in such a situation. But He Tianran still couldn't fully comprehend the complex creature that was a woman. Faced with a hard-won confession from the person she had deeply loved for years, even the boldest of girls was utterly incapable of maintaining calm composure.

Faced with Wen Liang in this delicate, girlish posture, all of He Tianran's anger vanished into thin air. A wave of elation washed over him, but refusing to admit defeat, he deliberately put on a stubborn face and teased:

"You mean you and Zhang Zifan? Even though I knew you wanted to give me a surprise, and you certainly succeeded, seeing you chatting and laughing with him all evening still made me just a tiny bit mad. If you—"

He was about to nag her a bit more, but his lips were suddenly brushed by a soft, warm object, cutting his words off mid-sentence. His earlobes burned with a feverish heat, and all his thoughts were instantly yanked away by that fleeting touch!

After a brief second, that soft entity withdrew as swiftly as a dragonfly skimming the water, leaving He Tianran standing there frozen in a daze.

"T-there, now you shouldn't be mad anymore, right?"

Wen Liang kept her head lowered, not daring to meet his eyes, speaking in a timid, mumble.

What does a kiss taste like?

Before He Tianran could even savor the flavor, fireworks were already exploding wildly in his heart and mind, a bustling scene of gongs and drums playing a triumphant march. A long, buzzing sound rang in his ears, and after a long moment of lingering wonder, he managed to squeeze out two words:

"Still mad—"

"Ah? You... mmph..."

Looking at Wen Liang's moist, alluring lips, a surge of hot blood rushed to He Tianran's head. Finally losing all restraint, he leaned in and kissed her once more.

This time, the girl herself hadn't expected He Tianran to be so bold. She struggled slightly in his arms for a moment before slowly closing her eyes.

Warm, soft, and utterly intoxicating.

After a long while, Wen Liang pushed He Tianran away. Her body felt weak all over, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. With a soft, whimpering moan, she shyly and accusingly scolded:

"You... who taught you that? You, you, you—you're way too practiced at this!"

"I-I just..."

Saliva filled He Tianran's mouth. He swallowed hard, his tongue instinctively wanting to lick his lips, but how could Wen Liang bear to look at a gesture like that right now?

Covering her face with her hands, she stamped her feet twice and cried out, "He Tianran, you're so annoying, stop licking your lips!"

The boy froze in place, equally embarrassed. He let his gaze wander randomly in a chaotic attempt to cover up his shyness, speaking in a stuttering mess:

"W-well, just last night, after you agreed to go to Yunnan with me, I couldn't sleep so I was browsing Bilibili late at night, and I stumbled upon a kissing tutorial. Good grief, it had twelve different methods, and before I knew it, I had watched the whole thing... I-I promise, this was my very first time putting it into practice!"

Upon hearing this, Wen Liang found it even harder to bear. She shouted, "You couldn't learn any of the things I tried to teach you for your own good, but you pick this up so damn fast!! Are you sick in the head, studying something like that?!"

Could he really be the only guy in the world who had never been in a relationship and yet secretly hunted down kissing tutorials online just to avoid making a fool of himself?

He Tianran scratched his head. At this point, he had completely thrown away his pride in front of Wen Liang, daring to respond to anything she said:

"I-I'm just someone who likes to plan ahead, you see! Look, it came in handy right away, didn't it..."

Ignoring him entirely, Wen Liang turned around on her own accord.

Sensing he should do something to break the ice, He Tianran took down his guitar, twisted the tuning pegs, and after trying out a special tuning, he said:

"Zhang Zifan might be a sickening guy, but the tune itself is a good one. It's just that he doesn't play it as well as I do."

With that, the girl turned her head back to look at him. A cascade of crystal-clear, water-droplet-like harmonics rang out, and a fingerstyle arrangement of *Flower Dance* flowed effortlessly from his fingertips.

In the quiet night, love bloomed silently amidst the sound of the guitar, sending gentle ripples across the lakes of the young couple's hearts.

The language of the sunflower is silent love, a love that cannot be put into words—an answer He Tianran hadn't dared to give last time.

From *Sunflower* to *Flower Dance*, from silent love to blooming love, from hesitation to courage, looking back at the step they had just taken, the young boy was still overwhelmed with excitement.

Wen Liang had given He Tianran a love story fit only for the hazy dreams of youth—an unreplicable experience that made him the happiest person in the world on the very last day of September.

Deep in the quiet night, the two once more nestled close together, savoring the peace and sweetness they brought to each other.

"Tianran..."

"Hmm?"

"Falling in love with you will drag me down to hell..."

He Tianran was startled, briefly wondering if Wen Liang was actually a yandere.

"What on earth are you talking about! Hell and heaven, what are those?"

Wen Liang simply smiled. Stroking He Tianran's cheek, she smiled with profound happiness.

"I mean, even if it leads to hell, I will still love you, forever and ever..."

In his arms, Wen Liang murmured softly like someone talking in her sleep. Overwhelmed by a sweetness beyond measure, He Tianran pressed a kiss to her forehead.

The "forever" spoken by youths is true forever. He Tianran firmly believed that no matter what trials and storms the future might hold, it would be impossible for him and Wen Liang to ever part ways again.

They would walk hand in hand through the rest of their lives.

...
...

October 1st, a new day, early morning.

Carrying his suitcase, He Tianran arrived early at the North Railway Station of Harbor City. His heart was surging with emotions; having failed to sleep a wink all night, he sported two dark circles under his eyes, yet his spirit remained exceptionally high.

He should arrive in Kunming by the afternoon. He could take a walk around the city center, stay at a youth hostel for the night, and then catch a train to Dali, followed by Lijiang. Along the way, they could even take a hike to Yubeng—he had heard the scenery there was lovely and the snow-capped mountains were visible. Wen Liang would surely love it.

He Tianran calculated the itinerary in his mind, beaming happily. He even let a wayward thought cross his mind: could he possibly graduate from virginity on this trip...?

However, he quickly brushed the thought aside, muttering a few scoldings to himself for having impure thoughts—one had to take things step by step, or else he'd pull a muscle.

Time ticked by second by second. People bustled back and forth inside the station. He Tianran sat on a chair, shaking his leg, his eyes darting occasionally to his phone and occasionally to the crowds emerging from the ticket gates.

Old and young, male and female.

Yet, there was no sign of her.

"You need to hurry over, the train leaves in fifteen minutes. Is there traffic on the way? There's still time for us to change our tickets if we do it now."

He sent a message to Wen Liang, but it met the same fate as every other message sent that day, sinking into a bottomless ocean.

A creeping sense of unease slowly spread through He Tianran's heart.

He dialed her number repeatedly, but was met only with a steady tone of dead silence.

Soon, the announcement for boarding echoed through the platform. The waiting passengers formed a long queue that gradually shortened until only a few scattered stragglers remained outside the gates.

"Young man, the train is pulling in. Are you heading to Kunming? The train won't wait for anyone, you know."

Noticing He Tianran's anxiety and agitation, a railway station staff member walked over to ask.

"I... my girlfriend hasn't arrived yet. I think I'll wait for her."

You young people... Why don't you hurry to the ticket office and change your ticket? There are trains running at all hours, no need to be in such a rush."

"Right... Thank you. I'll... confirm with her."

After brushing off the staff member, various wild guesses flashed through He Tianran's mind.

Had Zhang Zifan started his revenge?

Impossible. Among the group of disciples under Wen Liang's father, who would dare exact revenge on her? Besides, he had personally seen her home safely just yesterday.

Did some accident happen on her way out this morning?

He Tianran hurriedly dialed Wen Liang's father, and the familiar, bold voice boomed through the receiver:

"Hello, Tianran? It's a rare holiday today, how come you're suddenly calling?"

"Master... um, is Wen Liang there?"

"A-Liang? After she came back yesterday, she grabbed some things and went right back out. She probably went back to her training center. They seem to have classes during the National Day holiday."

"Training center? T-then... do you happen to know which training center it is?"

After getting the address and phone number of the training center from Wen Liang's father, He Tianran dialed the number of Wen Liang's acting teacher. A woman picked up.

"Hello..."

"Hello, who are you looking for?"

"Uh, I wanted to ask, did Wen Liang come to class today?"

"No, she asked for leave yesterday, saying she had something very important at school and might not be able to make it back during the holiday. Are you her..."

"Ah, I see. Thank you."

He Tianran hung up the phone, his heart filled with burning anxiety. If an accident had happened on her way here, her father would certainly have known. So where on earth had Wen Liang gone last night?

The boy waited as time dragged into the afternoon. Despite the surging crowds at the station, he still failed to see the person he was waiting for.

His hopes collapsed, piece by piece.

Finally, he left the station.

He Tianran went to the boxing gym, but its doors were tightly shut.

He went to the training center, and amidst the questioning gazes of the students, he walked away dejectedly, dragging his suitcase behind him.

He even went to Boss Pu's place, hoping to hear Wen Liang's singing voice, but he was disappointed once again.

After that, he returned to the school, used his suitcase as a stepping stone, and climbed over the school's tall perimeter wall for the very first time. The place he usually longed to escape had now become his last refuge of hope.

The school was completely deserted during the holiday.

He went to the sports field, hoping against hope that he might spot her at a single glance.

He went to the auditorium, wishing this time it would turn out to be just another prank.

He went to the classroom, hoping to run into her once more so they could hold hands, eat Chongqing noodles near the school one more time, and tell her that he wasn't mad at all—if she didn't want to go, then they wouldn't go, as Harbor City had plenty of fun places they hadn't visited together yet, and since he was great at planning, they would surely have a fulfilling holiday anyway.

Autumn sunlight mixed with dancing maple leaves streamed through the windows into the classroom. Looking at the blackboard, carved into sections by the sunlight, He Tianran could no longer hold back his emotions. He squatted down, and tears burst from his eyes.

Scrawled upon the board was a single sentence—

"If I disappear, don't look for me. You must bravely march toward the future and learn to let go."

He Tianran wiped away his tears with his palms, but the more he wiped, the more they fell...

He remembered now. That night when Wen Liang taught him how to dance, she had spoken those exact words.

"If I disappear, don't look for me. Let go..."

At the time, the only part he had truly registered was "let go," and so, he really had let go.

He also remembered that after letting go, the girl had performed a bow, as if bidding farewell and expressing gratitude at the same time.

Alas, that scene had already become a memory.

She never spoke of their future—was it because she knew they didn't have one?

If he had confessed a little earlier, would the outcome have been different?

If he had known she was leaving a little earlier, he wouldn't have wasted so much time agonizing over whether she actually liked him or not...

"Where did you go... Aren't you a time traveler? Don't time travelers possess supernatural powers... Please come back..."

Large, heavy tears dropped onto the floor. Through his blurred vision, He Tianran fancied he truly saw a familiar figure walk into the classroom, stepping closer and closer toward him.

That infinitely familiar person, that infinitely familiar face, the one he loved...

The boy grabbed her hand, stood up, and pulled her tightly into a fierce embrace, as if doing so would keep her from ever leaving again.

"A-Liang, this is another prank, isn't it??"

The excitement of loss and recovery made He Tianran's voice tremble.

"H-He... classmate... she... she's gone..."

The woman in his arms gave him a push, but He Tianran remained unmoving, locked in place.

"How could that be? You must be tricking me again... Aren't you right here, safe and sound?"

He Tianran knew the person in his arms was Wen Liang—it could only be Wen Liang, no one else.

"He Tianran!"

The girl exerted her strength and gave him a hard shove. Stunned, He Tianran stared at the "Wen Liang" before him. Forcing a smile, he reached out his hand, wanting to stroke her cheek.

"I know it's you, stop acting, will you? I'm not mad..."

"Slap!"

The outstretched hand froze mid-air. A stinging, burning pain bloomed across his cheek. The girl pulled back her hand, looking somewhat panicked, yet she pronounced each word with absolute clarity:

"Listen to me, she's gone. The other soul inside my body... or rather, the future me—she's gone! Vanished! Disappeared! She's never coming back! Do you understand?! He Tianran!"

He Tianran stood rooted to the spot as if struck by lightning. The look the "Wen Liang" before him gave him was so utterly unfamiliar, carrying even a trace of fear and panic.

Even though they looked identical, but...

In just an instant, He Tianran knew she was not "her"...

He had locked gazes with Wen Liang countless times. Whether he was evading her eyes or meeting them head-on, he had always been able to feel the deep emotion hidden within them.

Later on, he realized that emotion was "love."

Yet right now, the "love" in Wen Liang's eyes had vanished.

Seeing the boy gradually calm down, "Wen Liang" muttered softly to herself:

"I never would've thought you could turn out like this..."

"What did you say?"

The girl resignedly corrected herself, "I said, I woke up in the classroom at noon and went to the station to look for you. When I couldn't find you, I figured that since 'she' left a message for you in the classroom, you'd likely come looking, and sure enough, here you are."

He Tianran grabbed "Wen Liang" by the shoulders, desperately clutching at straws as he asked, "Do you still have 'her' memories? Then you..."

"Impossible!"

"Wen Liang" raised both hands, breaking free from He Tianran's grip, and said with a huff:

"It feels just like a dream. Everything that happened between you two... ahem, I know all of it. When 'she' left, she was very sad, but at the same time... very happy. It's just that 'she' won't be coming back. That's a gut feeling I have, and I know it's not wrong. Do you understand that feeling?"

Hearing the words of this unfamiliar girl, He Tianran felt a pain so sharp it felt like his heart was being torn apart. He opened his mouth, his voice hoarse and raspy, sounding as though he were talking to himself:

"Then... where did A-Liang go? To the... future?"

"Of course not. Just think about it—I've never played pranks on you, so the future has already changed. I... I could never fall in love with you, which means I can never become the future me."

A sudden, fierce spark ignited in He Tianran's eyes, causing "Wen Liang" to recoil in fright, but just as quickly, that tiny flame sputtered out and died.

"You're not her... you're not..."

"Y-yeah..."

"Then where... did she go...?"

For a moment, the two who had been so deeply in love just last night now stood as total strangers to one another.

After a long silence, the girl reached into her desk box and pulled out a pink notebook:

"This is a diary she specifically wrote. After reading it, you should find your answers..."

He Tianran's pupils trembled. It was as if reading that notebook would allow him to retrieve his own "Wen Liang."

He took the notebook and found a seat. Suddenly, the girl asked with a worried expression:

"Promise me, no matter what, you won't do anything to hurt yourself after reading this!"

The boy neither nodded nor gave any response; he simply opened the notebook with a hollow, lifeless expression.

...
...

"I am cast into an endless abyss, forever living through the most agonizing days of my memory. The tragedy repeats itself over and over, torturing my heart endlessly. At first, I thought this was hell, but gradually I realized that wherever he is, that is my heaven."

September 1st, Tuesday:
My head feels dizzy, and all sorts of inexplicable images keep flashing through my mind. What's wrong with me? Why am I suddenly thinking about this homebody He Tianran? Could agreeing to that prank have given me a guilty conscience? Strange...

September 2nd, Wednesday:
I've lost count of how many times this has happened. Watching Tianran get toyed with by me over and over again leaves me completely helpless. Bodhisattva, I have long since repented for my sins; I don't ask you to spare me, but... can't you spare him? Even if it's just... letting him be happy once...

September 3rd, Thursday:
I feel like... I'm gradually regaining control of my body. I can't wait to see him and tell him everything I know...

September 4th, Friday:
Today I finally saw him. He was adorably stiff and adorably foolish. Why did he believe my words so easily? I've changed my mind; I want to turn this farce into a wonderful memory for him, and I also want to use this opportunity to properly fix his bad habits!
I made him guess what our relationship would be in the future, and he actually said we wouldn't be a couple!!!
I know he said that on purpose so he wouldn't get his hopes up and thus wouldn't be disappointed, right?
I forgive you. Since you won't make the first move, I'll just make it myself!
That was the first time I held his hand, wanting to declare to the whole world that He Tianran is my boyfriend. He actually started sweating, hahaha! Why is he so cute?
Still, after eating this young lady's noodles, you belong to this young lady! From now on, I won't let anyone bully you ever again!
I texted him at night, and he actually fell asleep!! No way! He usually stays up until two or three in the morning!
And maybe I really was too impatient and scared him off?
Well, they say guys don't really like girls who are too forward—just look at how much he likes Cao Aiqing to prove it. I should play hard to get. Besides, there's still... plenty of time!

September 5th, Saturday:
Today I dressed up early and went to his house. In his past life—er, no, I mean in his future, he doesn't live here. Since I couldn't control my body before and could only act as a bystander, I'd never been here either. I hope I can come here often from now on!
Why did he bring up Zhang Zifan? Why are you copying that jerk?!
My carefully thought-out reform plan was completely ruined, leaving me with zero mood left, but today I discovered he can actually play the guitar! What a pleasant surprise! Why would you ever give up on that?
Since you can play *Sunflower*, why don't you know the language of the sunflowers? It makes me so mad, idiot idiot idiot!
Still, having artistic talent alone isn't enough! You're all sickly in the future. Starting today, you have to go practice at my dad's boxing gym so your health improves, hehe~

September 6th, Sunday:
Received a call from the training center yesterday, and spent the entire day dealing with art school matters. Kidding aside, I'm a Best Actress award winner, you know!!
Suddenly returning to the days of having others teach me feels a bit strange...
And I can't even see him. I miss him...

September 7th, Monday:
Seat assignments today. In the morning, Zhang Zifan called me outside and asked if I wanted to sit with him. After all, the initial three-day window of that prank was over. I was utterly disgusted by his fake, skin-deep smile. Go ahead and laugh all you want, you'll have plenty of reasons to cry later!
Tianran is the same as before, sitting next to Cao Aiqing. Seeing him put on that calm facade is just—
Ahhhhh, I'm so mad! He even deliberately texted me, idiot! Blockhead!
During the lunch break, I finally figured out why he brought up Zhang Zifan. He must have scrolled through my WeChat moments after adding me!
Ah, those posts were truly... ah... dark history. If my classmates hadn't brought it up today, I would've forgotten to delete them.
I deleted them right in front of him and even took our very first selfie together. Hehehe, wonderful wonderful wonderful! Tonight, I'm posting it on WeChat Moments too, so everyone can assist you in your pursuit!! Let's see how you reply, hehehe!

September 8th, Tuesday:
I deleted the post, and I'm so angry. This guy actually used my absence to go get Cao Aiqing's phone number. Then what was the point of all my painstaking efforts to change you? What am I to you?

September 9th, Wednesday:
I couldn't bring myself to delete the photo. I don't want to go to school anymore; I don't want to see him sitting at the same desk as Cao Aiqing, nor do I want to sit with Zhang Zifan.

September 10th, Thursday:
He sent me a few texts yesterday and then stopped replying. Am I really that unimportant to you?

September 11th, Friday:
I thought I wouldn't get to see him today, but he actually came to the boxing gym. When others egged him on to text Cao Aiqing, I couldn't help but help him out again. He wanted to use the chance to make up with me, and I agreed. I just didn't want him getting close to Cao Aiqing so soon. Can't you spare some of your attention for me... I don't want to just be the moon in your room...

September 12th, Saturday:
The more involved I get in his life, the weaker I become. That familiar sense of powerlessness washed over me entirely again, but I'm so happy today...
He told me his house passcode... It was the first time in any true sense that I met his dad... I even cooked for them...
If only... he hadn't lied to me...

September 13th, Sunday:
If I stop seeing him... would it be a bit better? Can I make it past September?

September 14th, Monday:
Tonight, I asked to meet him at the boxing gym and danced a dance I've always wanted to dance with him. This was one of my tiny wishes, and now it's fulfilled.
I wanted to ask him: if one day I disappeared, would he remember me? How would he view me?
Actually, what I wanted to ask most was, would he love me...
But when the words reached my lips, I still hoped he wouldn't look for me. As long as he lives his life earnestly, I will be very happy.
I can no longer waste energy on myself. I want to use the remaining days to desperately steer his fate toward a good direction.
Yet, I still haven't figured out how to say goodbye...
I don't want to leave you, Tianran...

September 15th, Tuesday:
He texted me asking if he could skip the stage performance. How could that work? It was specially prepared for you!

September 16th, Wednesday:
If he really wants to be with Cao Aiqing, then he needs to become better... because the current him is still lacking just a little bit, just a tiny bit...

September 17th, Thursday:
Couldn't help sending him a few texts. Exercise restraint!

September 18th, Friday:
He came to the boxing gym to practice, and I slipped back from the training center just to catch a glimpse of him. He seems a bit stronger. Awesome! Keep it up! You can do it!

September 19th, Saturday:
I decided to only see him on weekends. Today I took him to get a haircut, and I realized he must have learned his future long-haired look from his rock-and-roll dad. After getting it cut, he asked me how I'd rate his current look. What a fool, someone who loves you won't grade you—I love you however you look.

September 20th, Sunday:
Today I taught him how to dress well and match color styles. He's changed so much lately, smiling more and more, becoming more and more cheerful. It's so wonderful, you're bound to become better, keep it up!

September 21st, Monday:
I found out about some of Cao Aiqing's hobbies. I want to subtly teach them to him later. Tianran, don't get together with Cao Aiqing too soon, you're not ready yet... Please wait for me...

September 22nd, Tuesday:
I miss him so much. Did he live his day well today?

September 23rd, Wednesday:
I feel like my time is running out. I still have so many things I want to tell him... But I'm afraid if I speak them, I'll vanish completely...

September 24th, Thursday:
I'll get to see him the day after tomorrow...

September 25th, Friday:
I'll get to see him tomorrow...

September 26th, Saturday:
He told me the school has makeup classes for the National Day holiday, so neither of the weekend days are free.

September 27th, Sunday:
I am permanently trapped in September. Even though this time I could act according to my own will, I still couldn't escape the punishment heaven dealt me. But no matter how many times I had to repeat it, I would still make sure you spent your days happily.

September 28th, Monday:
There are only three days left. I want to ask him out to meet. He said we can try tomorrow; all afternoon classes are math, and math is what he fears the least, so he can skip. I feel a bit sorry for him... I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

September 29th, Tuesday:
He suddenly asked me if there was anywhere I wanted to go...
I said I wanted to see the snow-capped mountains. I lied to him like that in my past life, but this time, I really wanted to go with him—not because of the mountains, but because I wanted to be with him, to walk further, to walk longer.
He called me at night, saying he bought tickets for the National Day holiday. I suppose he also figured out that I found out about him and Cao Aiqing eating together that day... Actually, I wasn't mad; even if I was, it was only for a moment. But I'm so greedy... I still couldn't help agreeing to go with him. I knew full well I couldn't go, I knew full well that I was the very last person who should hold any expectations...
Tianran, if any other girl makes such an excessive hint in the future, you must never agree...
Even if you do agree, don't break the bank doing it; learn to act within your means.
And don't go look at snow mountains with anyone else either, I really will get mad...
Before I leave, I so badly wanted to hear you say you love me...

September 30th, Wednesday:
You were so happy today.
As long as you're happy, I'm happy.
You are now someone who can face the future on your own.
Cao Aiqing likes sweet things. If you're with her in the future, you must never say you don't like sweets.
She answered when I called you. I apologized to her and let her misunderstand—we aren't that kind of relationship, just very ordinary friends.
I asked her to buy a bouquet of sunflowers for you, hoping she'd give it to you after the show ended, because you had never received flowers before, and she readily agreed.
I'm sorry, because of me, the ending was botched again...
However...
However, this has been the happiest September of my life...
You pulled me from hell into heaven, and I don't want to give you up to anyone else...
I love you, Tianran.
I hope your future is surrounded and embraced by crowds,
I hope the path you walk is blooming with flowers and echoing with the clamor of voices,
You must be like the sun,
And I am willing to forever remain a sunflower, watching you rise every September.
Farewell, my love.
Goodnight, Tianran.
I really, really, really, love you so much...
...
...

By the time he finished reading the entire notebook, the boy was crying so hard he was barely human. Slumped weakly over the desk, his tears soaked through every single page of the diary.

He never knew there was someone in this world who had always loved him so silently and deeply.

"Even if it leads to hell, I will still love you, forever and ever..."

Now he understood why she had uttered those words.

He understood why she was a time traveler yet deliberately avoided explaining too much to him.

He understood why she loved him so dearly, yet could only wait for him to speak first.

The girl who no longer belonged to him also had reddened eyes. He Tianran stood up and gazed at her in a daze...

After a long while, the two brushed past each other...

"Where are you going? Don't do anything foolish!"

He suddenly turned around, his voice hoarse and drained of all strength, as he uttered a single plea:

"Can I... hold you one last time... Please don't push me away..."

Before she could answer, He Tianran had already pulled her into his embrace, holding her as tightly as if he wanted to melt this girl—who shared his beloved's name—directly into his own body.

Yet this time, it was far, far shorter than the last.

"Do you... still think I am her?"

He Tianran loosened his embrace. He looked into her eyes, finally shook his head, and turned away with a grief-stricken expression.

"My moon... is gone..."

That ray of moonlight that had watched over him from afar,

truly, had vanished.

She disappeared yesterday, forever remaining in September.

(End of Volume 1)