After dinner, it was already dark, but still early. Since they were all planning to wait together for the New Year's countdown, they decided to play cards. Looking at Lu Heng, Xiang Yu remembered that he was the one who taught her to play cards back when they were young. He had even taken the blame for her when she lost. She couldn't help but reminisce, "You taught me how to play this. Behind a big tree at our school, there was a raised platform hidden behind it. It was our secret base." Lu Heng looked puzzled, "I taught you?" Xiang Yu realized she had misspoken. It was indeed Lu Heng who taught her, but it was the Lu Heng from her previous life, and he knew nothing about it in this one. To cover up, Xiang Yu deliberately glared at Lu Heng, "You've forgotten? Who else would have taught me?" Lu Heng, chastised, assumed he must have forgotten. He remembered playing cards and games with her, and thought she might have learned it then. Xiao Zhanyuan looked at Xiang Yu with an understanding gaze, even a touch of pity born from that understanding.
Xiang Yu was good at counting cards, as was Xiao Zhanyuan, so they made a perfect team. Si Ping and Lu Heng lost almost without a fight. "Wow, I taught you? You play much better than I do," Lu Heng said, slightly annoyed. "Alright, alright, let's switch teams this round. I'll pair up with Lu Heng, and Si Ping, you team up with Zhanyuan. Otherwise, it's too unbalanced and not fun," Xiang Yu said with a smile. This made the game more balanced. Si Ping was good, but Lu Heng would look at Xiang Yu's cards and help her. The game became competitive and enjoyable for all four.
Before they knew it, it was past ten o'clock. They put away the cards and took the fireworks to the beach. The wind was strong, so Lu Heng unbuttoned his coat to shield Xiang Yu so she could light the fireworks. The four of them ran around with hand-held sparklers, waving them joyfully and forgetting the cold. The fireworks illuminated their faces, creating warm halos around each one, making their faces lively and warm. They also planted several large fireworks in the sand and lit them together. The bright white flowers burst open, leaving a lasting impression on each of them. Years later, they might still remember this night and the people they spent it with.
As the fireworks bloomed, Lu Heng held Xiang Yu's hand tightly. When the fireworks dimmed, Xiang Yu tiptoed to kiss the corner of his lips, "I will never abandon you," she said. The promise was light, like a sigh in the wind, but the warmth of the kiss lingered. The next moment, Lu Heng wrapped Xiang Yu in his arms in the darkness, "May we always be together," he wished upon the fireworks, then lowered his head and deeply kissed the girl he loved. Si Ping stood alone in the distance, watching the fireworks. He thought of Han Xing, hoping she could have her wishes fulfilled. The fireworks lit up his face, which no longer had the innocence of youth but showed sharpness and determination, though the hidden light in his eyes gradually faded, leaving only a trace of longing.
What was wrong with pursuing dreams? But what was wrong with keeping promises? Xiao Zhanyuan's gaze never left Xiang Yu. The cover of night allowed him to watch without concern, so he naturally saw Xiang Yu kiss Lu Heng on tiptoe and saw Lu Heng embrace and kiss her back. Childhood sweethearts, a perfect couple. Xiao Zhanyuan had long known it was impossible for him, but love isn't something one can control. The calmer he appeared on the surface, the more turbulent he felt inside. This jealousy tormented him, almost driving him to separate the two, but he knew he couldn't. His eyes were fixed on the dying fireworks, blending himself into the darkness of the night. He recalled the day he brought chicken soup to Xiang Yu's room. She was deeply asleep, her brows slightly furrowed. He had looked at her, entranced, and absentmindedly touched her lips. Realizing what he had done, he withdrew his hand, feeling the softness of her lips. Seeing no sign of her waking, he had impulsively leaned down to give her a light kiss, like a dragonfly skimming the water, leaving no trace. But his despicable act frightened him, and he fled the room. He remembered this perhaps-not-a-kiss even in his dreams, but now he only felt ridiculous and pathetic. It was just a delusion.