After graduating from university, Yuqin took a lot of photos as memories. Not only to show it to her father, who was in his grave, but to keep it for herself to keep going. She broke up with Han Rong. Her first crush and first love. She was heartbroken but she cannot give up living her life just because they've broken up. Her father would be disappointed in her. She loved his father and she would do anything to make him proud again. Yuqin doesn't have vivid memories about her mother. She was always busy with work. Once in a while, she'll call but most of the time, Yuqin was alone.
Yuqin started to find various part time jobs to support herself. Even though she got plenty of financial support from other friends and her father's coworkers, she still wanted to work hard for herself. She worked as a part-time convenience store cashier and a part-time lifeguard in a community center. During her downtime, she would find some online teaching jobs to keep her busy. Slowly, she gathered enough money to pay back her tuition loans. Eventually, she found a full-time job as a lifeguard at the beach. And of course, she loved her free time at the beach and feel the breeze. Every time, whenever she's feeling down, she goes to the beach and see the sunset. She constantly reminded herself to live on because Han Rong must be somewhere risking his life.
She walked along the beach and listened to one of their favorite songs by Jay Chou, "Nocturne". She sat on the sand and looked at the horizon.
"Han Rong, I didn't know the reason why you broke up with me. But I want to tell you this, I won't give up on myself nor you. I love you. I understand you have your reasons because of your work but I really hope you won't forget about me."
After the song was finished, she went to a nearby Cafe called, "Cozy Corner." and ordered a iced americano. She looked outside the window while waiting for her order. When Han Rong and her first met, it was at this cafe. He was sitting right across from her. He was still a student at a nearby university and she was still a senior at high school. Yuqin remembered his serious expression when he was reading his textbook and she remembered the way he spinned his mechanical pencil. Yuqin hid her face inside her book then she peeked from time to time. She fidgeted nervously whenever Han Rong came near her. But they never talked until a small accident occurred at the cafe.
A young lady carrying her child accidentally spilled a cup of hot latte on Yuqin's new shirt. Yuqin quickly jumped and said it was alright to the young lady.
"I'm so sorry, Miss. I can give you money for dry cleaning or I can get you another shirt." The young lady apologized to Yuqin. Yuqin didn't want to trouble the young lady and replied, "It's alright. Really, it's fine." Just as she was about to go to the rest room, she felt someone tapped on her shoulder. Yuqin completely froze and looked at the handsome young man in front of her. His hair was neatly combed, his outfit was properly ironed and neatly taken care of.
"You might need this." He smiled gently and handed her a handkerchief. It was at that time that Yuqin fell in love with him. His voice that gave her the assurance and comfort. Yuqin thanked him and quickly wiped her wet hands.
"I'll return this tomorrow if you're here." Yuqin looked at him and hoping he'll come again. He smiled at her and replied, "No need. You keep it. I have plenty back home. I have my exams tomorrow so I won't be able to come back." Yuqin gathered up her courage and asked, "What's your name?"
He replied in a soothing voice, "Han Rong. What about yours?"
"Yuqin. Zhou Yuqin."
Just then, Han Rong's friend came and asked him to go. Han Rong smiled at Yuqin and said, "Take care."
Just when he exited the cafe, Yuqin noticed his student ID dropped on to the floor. She was about to chase after him but then she decided not to. She didn't want to be desperate. Once she picked up his ID, she looked at his photo and smiled.
"Handsome." She thought to herself then kept the ID until the next day since his school was near her high school.
The very next morning, she waited at the university entrance hoping to see Han Rong again. When she finally saw him, he was talking to another girl. Yuqin felt the pain inside of her. She didn't want to stay any longer. She took out the ID and gave it to the school security guard outside the school.
"Miss! Your notebook!" The security guard called out but Yuqin ran away as fast as possible.
Han Rong ran to him and asked, "What's the matter?"
"The young lady dropped off your ID and she dropped her notebook by accident while she ran away." The security guard gave Han Rong's ID and the notebook.
Han Rong thanked him and took the notebook as well. He flipped a page and saw Yuqin's name and phone number on there.
"Yuqin." He smiled again and recorded her phone number on his phone. Little did he know that Yuqin already occupied his heart.
Yuqin sipped on her iced americano while scrolling down her phone for the latest news. Recently, there were a lot of news about war and terrorist overseas. She worried about Han Rong but it was no use. Danger was part of his job. He could lose his life in any given moment.
Every night before she sleeps, she would think about Han Rong. They lost contact for a long time and she didn't even know if he was alive or not. She never given up hope and that one day, they would be together again.
***