However, the night would always pass. Xiang Yu watched the dawn breaking outside the window, signaling good weather. The dream was over, and whether it was good or bad, she wouldn't repeat it. She got up and packed her luggage; the three-day holiday was coming to an end, and it was time to return to everyday life. Xiang Yu went to the bathroom to freshen up. Perhaps because she stayed up late last night, the others were still asleep, and the house was very quiet. After freshening up, she walked to the balcony to gaze at the sea and daydream. But the moment she stepped onto the balcony, she regretted it. Xiao Zhanyuan was sitting there silently, looking as if he hadn't slept all night. When he saw her enter, he smiled at her, his expression calm. "Happy New Year, Xiang Yu," he said, his voice equally calm, as if yesterday had truly been just a dream. Xiang Yu felt a bit at a loss. "Happy New Year," she replied, then turned and went back to her room. She sat by the window, took out a book she had brought along, but couldn't concentrate on a single word. Her mind was unsettled, yet she wouldn't allow herself to express it. Suddenly, she felt a strange sensation, as if life was a form of torture. Even though her previous life had been unsatisfactory, she had never felt this way before. Now, with so much more, with everyone she had wanted to keep close by her side, why was she filled with such melancholy?
The noise from the living room pulled her back to reality. The afternoon ferry would take them home, and everyone was packing their belongings, planning to grab a bite before setting off. This was Xiang Yu's first solo trip, so she bought some dried fish and fresh prawn at the seafood store to bring home for her grandmother. Her return bag was much heavier than when she came. Naturally, Lu Heng helped her carry it, prompting Si Ping to click his tongue several times, which made Xiang Yu playfully pinch his arm. "You're so cheeky, always being sarcastic with me. Are you planning a rebellion?"
The weather on the return trip was very pleasant, with no wind or waves. The boat sailed smoothly, and after a nap, they arrived. Everyone said their goodbyes. "Let's stay in touch. I'll probably be leaving in a week or so too," Si Ping said, hugging a few people. "This trip was really fun. In ten or twenty years, when we drink together again, we'll surely talk about this trip. At that time, Han Xing will cry regretful tears for not joining us." He spoke lightly about Han Xing, but his eyes were filled with loneliness. Twenty years seemed so far away, yet the prospect of drinking and chatting together again was so happy and hopeful. Xiang Yu didn't say anything, just patted Si Ping's back.
Naturally, Lu Heng was going to take Xiang Yu home. He sensed that she was in a low mood but didn't think too much of it. Perhaps it was because of Si Ping, knowing Xiang Yu treated him like a younger brother and was best friends with Han Xing. On the way home, Xiang Yu was almost completely silent. Lu Heng also kept quiet, not wanting to disturb her, just putting his arm around her to let her rest on his shoulder.
Seeing her grandmother upon returning home, Xiang Yu's spirits lifted. She hugged her grandmother tightly, rubbing her head against her, leaving Lu Heng dumbfounded and in disbelief. "Grandma,Grandma," her grandmother was naturally very happy to see her, but seeing her act like this in front of Lu Heng, she couldn't help but say, "No manners, you'll be laughed at. Get up quickly." Yet she couldn't bear to pull her away and said to Lu Heng, "Thank you for taking care of my little girl these past few days. Stay for dinner before you go?" Of course, Lu Heng wouldn't be so insensitive. He quickly declined, saying he hadn't informed his family in advance and that they must have prepared dinner, so he wouldn't impose. He then said goodbye and left. Xiang Yu opened her bag and took out the things she bought for her grandmother, showing them off like treasures.