Chen Xiang and Ruo Xuan

The hum of the city was a soothing backdrop as Chen Xiang sat at his desk, running through the numbers for his renovation project. The process had become almost second nature now—analyzing, calculating, and planning each step meticulously. The satisfaction of seeing his vision come to life was undeniable, but today, his focus was shaky. Something felt different.

His phone buzzed on the desk, the screen lighting up with Ruoxuan's name. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he answered. "Hey, Ruoxuan."

"Hey, Chen Xiang," she said, her voice warm but carrying an unfamiliar edge of nervousness. "Are you free to meet? I need to talk to you about something."

He straightened in his chair, concern creeping into his voice. "Of course. Is everything okay?"

"It's... hard to explain over the phone," she said. "Can you meet me at the café in half an hour?"

"I'll be there," he replied without hesitation.

The café was buzzing with activity when Chen Xiang arrived. He spotted Ruoxuan at their usual table by the window, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. She looked up as he approached, her expression softening into a smile.

"You're early," she teased lightly as he sat down.

"You sounded serious," he said, leaning forward. "What's going on?"

She took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the cup. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you, but I wasn't sure how."

Chen Xiang frowned slightly, his concern deepening. "Just say it, Ruoxuan. Whatever it is, I'm here."

She hesitated for a moment, then reached into her bag and pulled out a small envelope. Sliding it across the table, she met his gaze. "This might explain it better."

He opened the envelope carefully, his brow furrowing as he pulled out the folded sheet inside. His eyes scanned the text, the words slowly sinking in. It was a letter—an acceptance letter from a prestigious medical program overseas.

"You got in," he said, his voice a mix of surprise and admiration. "This is incredible, Ruoxuan."

She nodded, her smile tinged with both pride and apprehension. "It's something I've been working toward for years. But it means I'll have to leave soon."

The weight of her words settled between them, unspoken questions hanging in the air. Chen Xiang set the letter down, his gaze steady. "How soon?"

"A few months," she said quietly. "It's a two-year program."

He leaned back in his chair, his thoughts racing. The idea of her leaving, of not seeing her smile or hearing her voice, was a sharp contrast to the stability he had worked so hard to build. But he pushed the selfishness aside. This was her dream.

"You have to go," he said finally, his voice firm. "This is an amazing opportunity, and you've worked so hard for it."

Her eyes searched his, a hint of relief mingling with sadness. "I was worried you'd be upset."

"I won't lie," he admitted. "I'll miss you. A lot. But I know how much this means to you. And I'll support you, no matter what."

Her smile returned, brighter this time. "Thank you, Chen Xiang. That means more than you know."

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking, the weight of the conversation lifting as they shared laughter and memories. Chen Xiang listened as Ruoxuan spoke about her plans, her excitement shining through despite the bittersweet undertone. He wanted her to succeed, to chase her dreams with the same determination that had driven him.

That night, as he sat on the steps outside his house, the cool breeze brushing against his skin, his thoughts were a mix of pride and melancholy. He looked up at the stars, his chest tightening at the thought of her absence. But he reminded himself of what truly mattered—her happiness, her future.

The faint sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. Turning, he saw his mother approaching, a blanket draped over her arm.

"You've been out here a lot lately," she said, sitting beside him and placing the blanket over his shoulders.

"Just thinking," he replied, his gaze still fixed on the sky.

"About her?" she asked gently.

He glanced at her, surprised but not entirely. His mother had always been perceptive. "Yeah."

"She's special," Xin Di said, a knowing smile on her lips. "And so are you, Xiang. Whatever happens, I know you'll make the right choices."

He nodded, his chest tightening. "Thanks, Mom."

As she patted his hand and left him alone with his thoughts, Chen Xiang felt a quiet resolve settle over him. Ruoxuan's departure wouldn't change what they had shared or the impact she had on his life. If anything, it would strengthen his determination to keep building, keep growing, and keep honoring the connections that mattered most.

The stars above seemed brighter tonight, a silent reminder that some things, no matter how far away, could still guide you.