Chapter 25 - 25

  In the second year of junior high school, Han Xing returned to China. Si Ping and Xiang Yu saw her in the hotel lobby. She looked so beautiful, bright and generous, but her temperament was still the same as when she was a child, cheerful and sincere. When she saw Xiang Yu and Si Ping, she ran over directly, completely ignoring the pretty little skirt she was wearing, her skirt fluttering as she ran, leaving Si Ping dumbfounded. He declared, "Han Xing, originally, in my heart, Xiang Yu was prettier, but now, you are the most beautiful." Xiang Yu and Han Xing were both amused by him. They sat together like they did when they were kids, hand in hand, with endless things to talk about. Han Xing said that she returned to the country this time because her grandmother's health was not very good and it might be the last time to see her. Thinking of that old lady, strong and resolute, who had supported Han Xing's decision to study abroad, it had only been a few years, and now they might be separated forever. Xiang Yu also thought of her own grandmother, not knowing how long she could accompany her, feeling very sad. On the other hand, Han Xing, with a mature demeanor, advised Xiang Yu, saying, "Life, always involves saying goodbye. Even if we are sad and upset, it won't help. It's better to do our best while we still can." Xiang Yu looked at Han Xing, feeling moved and admiring this little girl who had grown up in a foreign country, it was not easy at all. As for herself, even though she had lived two lifetimes, she still didn't understand as much as this little girl. Xiang Yu nodded to Han Xing and said, "We will both be fine, we will both try our best."

 Since Han Xing left Hu City, there had been many changes. Xiang Yu and Si Ping took Han Xing around on weekends, and they even went back to the alley where they used to live when they were kids, but it had been rebuilt into a hotel, and their old primary school had been demolished. Han Xing couldn't help but sigh, "Ah, they didn't leave any nostalgia for us!" Later, they walked to the street they used to frequent when they were kids, sat on the curb, and watched the crowd come and go. Xiang Yu said, "Remember when we used to sit like this and watch the parade when we were kids? On National Day, we even climbed onto the roof to watch the fireworks... it feels like it was in another lifetime, but we're still just kids now!" Si Ping and Han Xing both nodded, "It's really strange, we're still just kids, why do we feel like time has passed by in an instant?" The few good friends felt a little lonely.

 Han Xing had taken a leave of absence from school to return to China, so she only stayed for a little over a week before leaving again. Han Xing's grandmother saw her current state and felt relieved, and her spirit improved. But when Han Xing left, she was still reluctant to leave and very worried. Xiang Yu and Si Ping promised her that they would visit her when they had time and would write to her to keep her updated on their lives.

 Han Xing and Si Ping were a bit quiet on their way home until they ran into Xiao Zhanyuan, who seemed to be waiting for them on purpose. Xiang Yu thought he had something important to discuss, but Xiao Zhanyuan awkwardly rubbed his head and said, "It's nothing, I just really miss you guys." Seeing their close friends, everyone was very happy, which alleviated the sadness of parting with Han Xing. Xiao Zhanyuan asked Xiang Yu and Si Ping if they had read any martial arts novels recently. He was addicted to them and wanted to be a chivalrous hero. Xiang Yu and Si Ping shook their heads, so Xiao Zhanyuan insisted on taking them back to get a few books and promised that they would love them. Xiang Yu had read almost all of them, but to not disappoint Xiao Zhanyuan's kindness, she borrowed a set of "Clouds and Sea, Jade Bow Fate" from him. Xiang Yu sighed, saying, "Xiao Zhanyuan, you have such a wide range of interests!" "Of course," Xiao Zhanyuan proudly said, "Gu Long, Jin Yong, Liang Yusheng write the best." Xiang Yu and Si Ping each carried a set of martial arts novels home, and Xiao Zhanyuan reminded them to return them quickly after reading, as these were the most popular sets at the book stall. Yes, Xiao Zhanyuan was now helping the owner of the book stall borrow and return books after school to earn some extra money. When Xiang Yu found out, she gave Xiao Zhanyuan a thumbs up, seeing his lively appearance, it was really good.