Peng Xue’s words left Xia Yuan stunned for a long moment. Clutching the envelope of cash, she finally burst out, her voice trembling with frustration:

“Xuexue, what kind of nonsense is this? Why drop out now? If you’re having problems at home, can’t you just talk it out?”

“It’s not just about family… There are lots of reasons. Too complicated to explain.”

Peng Xue sighed. “The main point is, I can support myself now. I don’t want to be controlled anymore.”

“But the college entrance exams are less than a year and a half away! Just tough it out a little longer!”

“It’s not just the exams. Even if I get into college, that’s another four years trapped in one place. I’ve told you before—I hate being stuck. I want freedom.”

Xia Yuan’s face paled as she realized Peng Xue was serious about becoming a street musician. “You’re still so young! What if something happens to you out there? And if you really want to pursue music, shouldn’t you study properly? Take the arts exams, go to a conservatory—”

“Relax, I’ve got plans. My cousin’s guitarist quit to take a civil service exam. She’s switching to guitar and wants me as her bassist. As for the arts exams…”

Peng Xue shook her head with a wry smile. “I can play bass, but my music theory is trash. My grades are terrible too. College was never an option.”

“But—but what about our promise to form a band together? I just convinced Xiaoyu to be our keyboardist this New Year! And now you’re ditching me for someone else?”

“With your online fame, you could recruit anyone. My skills aren’t good enough to share a stage with you anyway, so—”

“That spot was reserved for you! Didn’t you learn bass because of our band?”

Until now, their conversation had remained civil. But as Xia Yuan’s voice rose, Peng Xue’s expression darkened.

“I never said that. I learned bass because I liked it. Don’t flatter yourself.”

She shrugged off Xia Yuan’s grip and hoisted her bass case. When Xia Yuan lunged to stop her, Peng Xue smacked her hand away—hard.

“Let go.”

“No!“

Xia Yuan’s eyes burned. “None of these are real reasons! You’re just running away! We’ve been friends for years—I tell you everything, but you never share what’s really bothering you! Do you even care about me?”

Peng Xue finally wrenched free, rubbing her reddened wrist. For the first time, her voice turned icy.

“Fine. Since we’re being honest—here’s what I’ve wanted to say forever.”

“Not everyone is like you, Yuan. Not everyone grows up with loving parents, endless money, and friends who’d drop everything for them. Most of us face life alone. You three are the exception.”

She took a shaky breath. “I’m grateful for your kindness. But that doesn’t mean I’ll live my life according to your script.”

Xia Yuan flinched as if struck. Burrowing into Mei Fang’s chest, she trembled silently.

Peng Xue kicked the ground, frustration boiling over.

“I should’ve just wired the money. Knew this would happen… It’s not like we’ll never meet again! Now everyone’s upset.”

Finally, Mei Fang spoke, his voice calm but firm.

“I won’t try to change your mind. You’re an adult. Your choices are yours to make—and live with.”

“But I hope you’ve truly thought this through. We’ve talked about music before—you know how rare success is. At 18, every choice matters. If you take the wrong path now, without skills or education to fall back on, fixing it later will be hard.”

“Ah, talking with Boss Mei is always so refreshing.”

Peng Xue grinned. “I’ve planned this since freshman year. I’ve busked in Bai Mei’s streets to test my skills, researched bands’ career paths. I will make mistakes—maybe even regret some. But I’ll never regret trying.”

She planted her hands on her hips, her smile blazing. “If I didn’t chase my dreams at 18, that’s what I’d regret forever.”

Xia Yuan, calmer now, peeked out from Mei Fang’s chest. “Then… when will you come back? When will we meet again?”

“This year’s tough. My cousin’s band is moving to Chengdu—their final push. We’ll be crazy busy, so I might not call often. But…”

Rolling up her sleeve, Peng Xue revealed a small tattoo: 缘 (Yuan).

“You’re my best friend for life. No matter where I go, I’ll carry your name—and wish you happiness with Boss Mei.”

Her eyes glistened. “I’ll never forget you. We’ll meet again. When I’ve made my mark… I’ll beg for a duet.”

Xia Yuan wiped her eyes and pulled Peng Xue into a crushing hug. Watching them, Mei Fang swallowed his emotions and defaulted to teasing:

“Drama queens. It’s not like you’re dying, Xuexue. Stop infecting Yuan with your cringe.”

“Ugh, Boss Mei, shut up!”

After releasing Xia Yuan, Peng Xue punched Mei Fang’s arm—hard.

“Don’t ever let Yuan down. Got it?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Rubbing his sore bicep, Mei Fang opened his mouth—only to be yanked into a sudden group hug. Peng Xue nuzzled his cheek shamelessly.

“Knowing you two was the best.” She winked. “Tell Youxi I’ll miss her cooking.”

---

They didn’t try to stop her. Peng Xue was always meant to fly free.

But Mei Fang would keep tabs on her band. Safety first.

At the taxi stand, Peng Xue rolled down her window for a final goodbye.

“I’ll miss you!”

“Call often!” Xia Yuan begged.

“Oh! One last secret!”

“What?!”

As the cab pulled away, Peng Xue’s shout trailed behind:

“I totally—had a crush—on your—Boss Mei—back then!”

“WHAT?!”

Left gaping on the curb, Mei Fang and Xia Yuan burst out laughing.