The four of them watched the New Year's countdown on TV, then raised their glasses in a toast, wishing for peace in the new millennium and for everyone to be happy and healthy. A week ago, Xiang Yu had already sent a New Year's card to Han Xing's home, but she wasn't sure if Han Xing still lived there or if she would receive her New Year's wishes. Seeing Si Ping and Han Xing always filled her with regret. They were both such good people, so well-matched, and so in love. Because of this, she had nowhere to vent her frustration, leaving only pain in her heart. Now Si Ping was here, with friends to comfort him, but Han Xing was alone, and Xiang Yu couldn't help but worry about her. However, it was hard to talk to Si Ping about this. She had called Han Xing several times but couldn't reach her, so she wrote her a few letters, hoping she would receive them and know that someone was thinking of her. Then there was Xiao Zhanyuan. Frequent interactions with him lately had filled Xiang Yu with unease, guilt, and sadness. She still didn't know how to interact with him. Seeing him outwardly calm but always attentive to her made her feel truly sorry. She restrained all her actions to avoid giving him any false impressions, but it was really hard. Seeing him less would make it easier for all three of them. As for Lu Heng, Xiang Yu often asked herself about her feelings for him but always avoided the question. Of course, she loved him. Of course, after living another life, she didn't want to repeat past mistakes. But why, even though he was her firm choice, did he still feel insecure?
Each of them had their own thoughts, and before they knew it, they had all had a few drinks. This time, they had bought sweet wine and beer, with low alcohol content, so they weren't drunk but felt a bit dizzy. Both Lu Heng and Xiao Zhanyuan watched Xiang Yu. Slightly tipsy, her face had a peachy color, her eyes sparkled, and her slightly parted lips gave her an alluring look rarely seen. Lu Heng didn't want others to see her like this, so he used the excuse that it was late and they were tipsy, suggesting she go to her room to rest. Xiang Yu obediently stood up, holding onto his arm, bid everyone goodnight, and was about to go to her room when she stumbled over the table leg. Lu Heng quickly caught her and decided to escort her to her room. Xiang Yu hadn't planned to let Lu Heng into her room, feeling embarrassed with Xiao Zhanyuan and Si Ping just outside in the living room. But Lu Heng wouldn't take no for an answer. He pulled her into the room and closed the door behind him. He pressed her against the wall and kissed her passionately, making Xiang Yu feel like she was floating in the sea with nowhere to find solid ground, feeling alternately hot and cold. When Lu Heng finally let her go, he said, "I don't want others to see you like this." His eyes shone brightly. Xiang Yu touched his cheek, "I only have you, and I only want you." Lu Heng held her tightly for a while, calming himself before turning and leaving.
Xiang Yu quickly fell asleep, but she woke up in the middle of the night feeling thirsty, probably from the alcohol. She got up to get some water from the dining table outside. She quietly opened the door and went out without turning on the lights. She poured herself a glass of water, drank it quickly, but still felt thirsty, so she poured another glass and set it aside. She rested her hands on the table, trying to steady herself after drinking the first glass too quickly. Suddenly, someone hugged her from behind. She instinctively tried to scream, but a large hand covered her mouth. One hand covered her mouth while the other held her waist tightly. His breath was hot and heavy in her ear. "Xiao Zhanyuan?" Xiang Yu stopped struggling and murmured his name under his hand. Xiao Zhanyuan removed his hand from her mouth but held her waist tighter, pressing her body against his. He leaned down and whispered in a voice only she could hear, "Xiang Yu, I love you. Choose me, please. Why can't you love me? Xiang Yu, choose me, choose me." His voice was like a fervent plea, filled with a devout longing. At that moment, memories of the past life flooded Xiang Yu's mind. She was frozen, not knowing how to react. Fear, confusion, sorrow, guilt, and a hint of feelings she refused to acknowledge all mixed together, paralyzing her thoughts. Xiao Zhanyuan held her tightly, his lips entangled with hers, his hand deeply entwined in her hair. She clung to him, lost and murmuring. In the dark night, with the aid of alcohol, she momentarily lowered her guard, and he sensed her true feelings. But what would happen when the dawn broke? Xiang Yu trembled all over, feeling something collapse inside her. Her rational mind returned, and she pushed Xiao Zhanyuan away with all her strength. But he didn't give up, as if his past life's spirit had returned. He held her tightly, "Xiang Yu, you're a liar. Don't you have feelings for me?" he laughed softly. Xiang Yu was terrified, standing on tiptoe to cover his mouth with her hands. Xiao Zhanyuan lifted Xiang Yu and carried her back to her room despite her desperate struggles. He laid her on the bed, pressing forward as she retreated. He grabbed her ankle, pulled her back, and pressed her beneath him. He looked at her, smiling, "Xiang Yu, I love you. I know you love me too, even if you won't admit it. In our past life, you loved me too, didn't you? Xiang Yu, if I don't do something, you'll never come to me, not even one step, right?" Xiang Yu looked at Shao Zhanyuan's face, the same face from her past life, but she had calmed down. "If you do anything, it'll only push me further away. You say you love me? So what I want doesn't matter, I have to choose according to your wishes, right? Is this your love, Xiao Zhanyuan?" She called his name, but her tone was filled with contempt and even a bit of provocation.
Shao Zhanyuan had countless words in his heart but couldn't say them. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she was to him, how much he admired her, desired her, wanted to hold her hand and kiss her openly in the sunlight, wanted to embrace her, take care of her, see her smile, stand by her side, and be with her for life. But despite being so close, breathing the same air, they seemed forever separated by an untouchable curse. They loved each other, didn't they? In the end, under Xiang Yu's piercing gaze, Shao Zhanyuan backed down. He had never intended to hurt her. "I'm sorry." He got up awkwardly, turned his head away from her, and sighed, "I promised to respect your decision."
When the door closed, Xiang Yu didn't know if she felt relieved or if she had sunk once again into confusion and regret.