As Xin settled into his seat on the bus, he glanced out the window and observed the changes in Zone A.
The once-familiar city had transformed over the course of four years, leaving him with a sense of unease. Buildings had risen, landscapes had shifted, and everything seemed somewhat unfamiliar.
Trying to push these unsettling thoughts aside, Xin redirected his focus to his upcoming meeting with Meilyn. Mixed emotions of unease and excitement swirled within him, causing a tumultuous whirlwind in his mind.
Though it had only been days since he last saw her, it would surely feel like an eternity for her.
Resting his elbow against the window frame, Xin leaned his face on his hand, gazing out at the passing scenery.
However, he couldn't help but be plagued by the lingering doubts planted by Xiaxia's words. They gnawed at his thoughts, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his anticipation.
'She hasn't visited you in three years.'
'She doesn't care about you anymore!'
Xin fought against the consuming power of Xiaxia's words, determined to hold onto the promise he and Meilyn had made and the connection they had shared since childhood.
Xin was hopeful that he could mend his relationship with Meilyn, even if she had moved on and forgotten about him.
He decided to take the opportunity to court her properly this time, as there hadn't been any formal courting before since it was Meilyn who had confessed her feelings first.
Eventually, when Xin stood in front of Meilyn's house, his courage wavered with each passing second. He found himself hesitating, repeatedly approaching the doorbell only to retreat before pressing it. The echoes of Xiaxia's words reverberated in his mind, adding to his uncertainty.
After what felt like an hour, Xin mustered the final shreds of his courage and took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell.
Time seemed to stretch and crawl, feeling every passing second of it. Finally, the door swung open, revealing Meilyn's startled mother.
Her eyes widened in shock as if she had seen a ghost rise from the grave. "Xin? You're alive?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
Xin's heart stung at her words, but he chose to ignore the pain and responded politely, "Hello, Auntie. Yes, I'm alive."
Aunt Mei squinted her eyes in confusion. "But . . . I thought you were in a coma, never to wake up. I remember my dear Meilyn crying for months, mourning your death."
Xin felt another blow to his gut, but he maintained a composed expression, though he was bleeding inside.
'Please don't kill me just yet.' Xin mused to himself.
"I am very much alive, Auntie," Xin replied, keeping his voice steady.
"By the way, where is Meilyn? I need to talk to her." Xin cut to the chase, before Aunt Mei decided to bury him in her next words.
He needed to find Meilyn as soon as possible.
Aunt Mei's tense demeanor eased as she realized that it was indeed Xin standing before her.
"Meilyn isn't here. She's at school," Aunt Mei informed him.
Xin's heart sank as the realization hit him.
It was Friday, a school day, and he had momentarily forgotten. Even Xiaxia had gone to school in the morning. How could he have overlooked such a basic detail?
The desperation to see Meilyn had clouded his mind, blinding him to the fact that she would be at school at this hour.
Xin's face showed a glimmer of hope as he asked, "Can I ask which school?"
Aunt Mei's face immediately lit up, and her voice brimmed with pride as she spoke, "Oh, you know, that prestigious school everyone is talking about. Fate Academy, where only the rich and intelligent people go. Our Meilyn passed their entrance exam with flying colors! And she's going to be a doctor! A doctor! You know that very hard profession that only a few gifted people could pass!"
As Aunt Mei went on and on, Xin couldn't help but notice her growing excitement and the evident satisfaction she took in discussing her daughter's achievements.
It was like she had been eagerly waiting for someone to engage in conversation about Meilyn.
Realizing that he couldn't meet Meilyn at her school today, Xin handed the container of Udon noodles to Aunt Mei and said, "Please give this to her and let her know that I'll come again tomorrow."
He hoped that there wouldn't be any classes on the weekend, at least, giving him a chance to see Meilyn.
Aunt Mei's eyes sparkled with delight as she spotted the brand on the container. "Of course, of course. Thank you so much for this."
The twinkle in her eyes told Xin that she was going to eat it herself, but he didn't mind. It was a rule that when you court a girl, you court her whole family.
With their goodbyes exchanged, Xin decided to go shopping for a new helmet. If he couldn't see Meilyn today, he might as well make good use of his time.
Xin resolved to come back tomorrow, hopeful that he would be able to see Meilyn by then.