On the bus back to school, Xiang Yu reflected on her previous life, a short and muddled existence, seemingly unaware of what she wanted, yet somehow she made it through. In this life, given a second chance, everything seemed easier. She had goals, direction, and a determination to move forward. However, she still felt confused and troubled, as if the road ahead was bright, but she was still a blind person groping in the dark. Perhaps no one's life is easy. Maybe everyone is trapped in their own circumstances, imprisoning their hearts in their personal confines. Gaining some things, losing others, people constantly struggle and compromise, gleaning fragments of understanding and experiencing moments of joy and sorrow. She rested her head against the window, the night outside enveloping everything. The lights in the darkness were always seen as symbols of hope, but perhaps some people did not want that light, as the night could allow them to be more honest.
It had been an exhausting day, slightly dulling the joy of realizing her feelings for Lu Heng, but also lessening the guilt towards Xiao Zhanyuan. Because people always have to move forward, once a path is chosen, the scenery on the other path remains unknown—this is inevitable. Regret might be the norm in life, but what good does it do to dwell on it? It's better to cherish the present, cherish the people around you. Make your choices, do what you can, and leave the rest to fate. Regret and disappointment may come, but all the moments of happiness, the moments of being loved and loving others, are real. And that's what matters. Move forward, find your own meaning in life. Whether you shed tears or get hurt, you will still feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Your life experience is unique because it belongs to you alone.
Back in her dorm, Xiang Yu just wanted to collapse into bed. She grabbed her things and went to wash up. Her roommate, Wang Man, told her that someone named Xue Min had called and left a message to call back. Xiang Yu acknowledged and went to wash up. She returned and fell asleep instantly, having a dreamless, sweet sleep. She woke up refreshed in the morning.
As she headed out to the cafeteria for breakfast, she ran into Xue Min. Xiang Yu walked over and asked, "Senior, did you need something from me? I got back to the dorm late last night, so I didn't return your call." Xue Min noticed she seemed to be in a good mood. He thought he might have been too anxious and smiled gently, "I do have a favor to ask." Xiang Yu didn't reply, waiting for him to continue. "Xue Yu had an emergency appendectomy yesterday and won't be able to participate in the final performance next week. You're her understudy, so she asked me to request your help."
"How is she?" Xiang Yu asked.
"She's fine. It's a minor surgery, just needs some time to recover."
Xiang Yu nodded, "Senior, this is my responsibility, I just didn't expect to actually play this role." She considered her words, and Xue Min interjected, "Yes, no one expected an emergency, so we need you to step up and practice more over the next few days. Luckily, you already know the lines, right? We've already arranged for someone else to play Zhou Chong's role. When can you find time to rehearse?"
"Anytime after my classes. I'll follow your schedule," Xiang Yu responded decisively. Having accepted the task, she intended to do her best.