Since Siping returned, Xiang Yu has had even less time to meet with Lu Heng, though they often chat on the phone. Xiang Yu frequently thinks about Lu Heng, but it doesn't seem like longing. It's like the comfort of long-term companionship, and sometimes she feels a bit guilty, though she can't quite explain why. One day, Xiang Yu privately asked Siping if she could invite Lu Heng on their New Year trip, like the time they watched fireworks together as children. "It's up to you. If you bring him, the two of us won't be able to send him away. But let me be clear, you two better not play the lovey-dovey couple in front of us and ruin my mood," Siping said. Xiang Yu sighed, "You three are my best friends. This is the man I want to marry, of course, I hope to have your blessing." Siping was silent for a while and then softly asked, "Xiang Yu, do you really love him?" Xiang Yu, looking both puzzled and certain, nodded, "Of course. Why do you ask?" Siping gently shook his head but said nothing. When they were saying goodbye, Siping said, "Alright then, let me see this loving couple and maybe some of their good fortune will rub off on me."
When Xiang Yu went home for the weekend, she arranged to go ice skating with Lu Heng. They talked about the New Year, and Xiang Yu mentioned their plan for a short trip with her friends and asked if Lu Heng would like to join them. Lu Heng knew that Xiang Yu's childhood friend had recently returned to China. He had met him before when they were in school and understood why Xiang Yu had been spending less time with him lately. Though he sometimes felt a bit emotional, he always trusted Xiang Yu. She had always been the leader in their relationship, guiding and supporting him, so he felt happy when she asked. Hugging her and kissing her on the top of her head, he said, "Of course I want to spend New Year with you and your friends."
Siping had Xiang Yu and Zhanyuan choose between climbing a mountain or going to an island to see the sea, and Xiang Yu ultimately chose the sea. Even though they lived in a coastal city, the sea here wasn't really blue, not a true sea. Xiang Yu wanted to watch the sunrise and sunset by the sea, with her closest friends, setting off fireworks to celebrate the New Year. This New Year would also mark the turn of the century, a time of blossoming and prosperity, filling her with genuine happiness.
When Xiang Yu got home, she told her grandmother about it. Her grandmother, seeing her happy, was also delighted. "My little girl, you're still young. You should go out more with your classmates, see what the world is like. Later, you should go abroad and see more places," her grandmother said. "Alright, Grandma, I'll see the whole world," Xiang Yu replied, hugging her grandmother warmly. "When the weather warms up and spring comes, I'll take you out for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. How about that?" Xiang Yu asked her grandmother. Her grandmother cheerfully agreed, "That sounds wonderful. While I'm still able to walk, I want to go out with you and see more places." Xiang Yu started planning, thinking about taking a part-time job for a month to earn the travel expenses. She also considered that her grandmother, being older, might not handle long journeys well and thought about finding a place with beautiful scenery that wouldn't be too exhausting. She was lost in thought until her grandmother patted her, bringing her back to the moment. "How are things with that young man? Is he going with you on this trip?" her grandmother asked. Xiang Yu smiled, "Yes, he's coming with us. We're doing well." But her grandmother said seriously, "Doing well is fine, and it's good to go out and have fun. But a young girl must respect herself. It's not proper to stay together on a trip, you know that, right?" Xiang Yu's face reddened slightly as she gently shook her grandmother's arm. "Grandma, I know what's appropriate. I won't do anything foolish. Don't worry, I understand the importance of self-respect and self-love."