Opening his eyes to unending darkness, Xie Luochen stood there motionlessly.
"A dream ?" he thought.
Pondering silently for a moment, he took a step forward, walking towards endless darkness.
In here, there's no sound, no people, no light. Just silence to accompany him.
In the distance, a sudden small glow appeared in his sights. It swings slowly to the left, then to the right in a mesmerizing rhythm. Gradually, becoming larger as it nears his location.
Steadily, the figure of a woman holding a glowing red lantern appears. Black mist encircles her body and no matter how bright the lantern seems to shine. The light is unable to penetrate the mist that surrounds her face.
"Who?" Xie Luochen asked, feeling an indescribable need to be closer.
"Your guide." a clear voice rang out. Like the sound of two jade pieces knocking against each other, a crisp clink that pervades the soul.
Without waiting for his reaction, the figure in black turned to lead in front. The tassels of her lantern swaying back and forth as she walks in a leisure gait.
Xie Luochen followed behind in silence. Although there are many unanswered questions, he decided not to ask. Why? There's a feeling, the answer he's seeking is at the end of the path.
"Not asking any questions?" The voice asked without any hint of emotions.
"Will you answer?"
The figure chuckled lightly. "You haven't changed. It's still the same answer as last time."
A glint of light flashes in Xie Luochen's eyes. Judging from what she said just now, this shouldn't be the first time they met. "Were you hoping for a different answer?" He probed.
"No." She laughed gently. "On the contrary, this is the answer I've been expecting from you." Tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear, the woman continued, "this is my way of knowing how much you changed. That's all."
Hearing her heartfelt answer, Xie Luochen sunk in silence. This woman seems very familiar with him. Close enough to use such a gentle and sweet tone of voice. But, he doesn't know her. Does he?
His chest throbbed in pain for a moment.
"?????" Putting a hand over his heart, Xie Luochen plunged deeper in contemplation.
The area descended into silence once again. But this time, the warmth of the lantern lit his way.
A few minutes had passed, when the figure in front of him suddenly sang in a bright voice.
"The Bridge of Forgetfulness is a path full of regret.
But you still cross nonetheless.
There is no right or wrong in front of the Three Lifes Stone.
There, you'll meet Meng Po at the station stop."
The woman in front of him came to a stop. Turning to face him with that misty face, she asked him, "can you guess where we are heading?"
Xie Luochen stood there stunned, his eyes slightly widened in disbelief. Did he die somehow without him realizing? Or is this a dream? A very realistic dream? Feeling a little confused, he took a step forward, hand reaching out to the woman in front of him.
But the woman moved back a step, nimbly avoiding his touch. "That's all for today. Till next time."
"Wait!"
Xie Luochen awoken with a gasp. Breathing heavily, he raked wet strands of hair away from his forehead with shaky hands. A strange dream, he thought as his emotions became calm again.
But as to what he dreamt about, he already forgot.
-------------------------------------
Arriving at the dining area. Xie Luochen's eyes swept around the area multiple times before landing on the unused tea set on the table.
Coincidently, Hong Wen entered with a drowsy Lei Lin. Noticing his actions, he explained, "Envoy Chu left early this morning for a task."
Xie Luochen nodded casually, as he sat down with the two of them for breakfast.
Today is the day they return to school after a series of absences. Although college started two months ago, Lei Lin and Xie Luochen did not have the opportunity to attend frequently. As there were a few cases Hong Wen needed their help with. But their involvement with the cases can be considered assisting the police, therefore, they had a valid reason to be exempt from classes.
Truthfully, it would've been fine for them to quit. But as their Master said, "You should mingle with people more. So as to not be left out of society." Had them continuing to attend.
LanLing University is a private school well known for their excellent teachers and programs. There are only a few ways you can attend, one, you have wonderful grades. Or two, you either have money or connections, perhaps both.
For both Lei Lin and Xie Luochen, the main reason they attended this school is because their Master has connections with the school board. Though their grades aren't bad either.
————————————
Exiting the car with Lei Lin, Xie Luochen nodded his goodbye to Hong Wen before proceeding towards the school building. Failing to notice the fervent stares and occasional gasps of students fainting on the ground.
Xie Luochen doesn't know, with his Adonis- like face and golden balanced body. The occasional glint in his eyes coupled with a deep set voice. His icy personality that rejects people from miles away, has successfully landed him the image of an ice lotus sitting loftily on top of a mountain.
Nicknamed, "The Snow Lotus That Looks Down On You Pesky Humans."
While Lei Lin, with his large round eyes and bright grin, shining on people like the glowing sun. Winning the hearts of those ladies with overflowing affections. Like a huge sunflower that brightens people's days. He became the only medicine for those that got frostbite from the Snow Lotus.
Nicknamed, "The Sun That Cures Frostbite."
For those that hover between this heat and cold, this fire and ice. It's like the boundary between "S" and "M."
The cold torments you while the heat covers you. Mixing these two, to establish a warm enticing effect.
This uncontrollable dividing line between these two people is what makes every student work hard to stay in this school (of course the programs here are very good)!
Together, they are the flowers of LanLing University!