The 2014 Spring Festival fell at the end of January. After New Year’s Day, there were only a few days left before school resumed. However, the high school seniors were already studying hard in preparation for the college entrance exams.

Although Mei Fang had already secured a guaranteed admission and preferential treatment from Pengcheng University, all three of them still needed to meet the minimum score requirement for Tier 1 universities. Otherwise, there could be complications later.

When it came to academics, Mei Fang and Lin Youxi had built a solid foundation over the years. Mei Fang might still struggle a bit, but for Lin Youxi, it was effortless. As for Xia Yuan, since switching to the liberal arts track, she could at least guarantee a Tier 1 score in the cultural subjects.

In other words, while they still had to prepare for the exams, they only needed to put in a little effort. But to avoid future complications, they continued reviewing diligently—especially Xia Yuan, who spent every day grinding through math problems.

“Ah Fang, Ah Fang, why do we have to take the derivative here for this inequality proof?”

“What did I do wrong with this conic curve function? I’ve been stuck on it for two hours!”

“Here, you need to…”

Though she had finally escaped the torment of physics, Xia Yuan still found the logic of math and science subjects challenging—something that also showed in her struggles with geography problems involving contour lines and isotherms. But Mei Fang remained as patient as ever in teaching her.

“Got it now?”

Xia Yuan stuck out her tongue playfully. “If I see the exact same type of problem next time, I think I can solve it!”

“Wow, you’re amazing. How about some loving encouragement?”

“Sure, sure—Ow ow ow…”

As Mei Fang lightly rapped Xia Yuan’s head, her phone suddenly lit up.

A message from a long-unseen friend appeared in her notifications.

[Hey, Yuan Yuan]
[I’m back in Jiangcheng.]

Xia Yuan’s face lit up with joy, and she immediately showed Mei Fang. “Ah Fang, look! Xiao Xue is back!”

“Invite her to stay at our place.”

As Mei Fang reminded her, Xia Yuan was already typing a reply to Peng Xue.

[The great Miss Peng is finally back! Want to stay at my place tonight?]

[Nah, I’m staying at a hotel with my cousin. Don’t wanna trouble you.]

[Don’t be so distant! We haven’t talked in ages—I have so much to tell you and ask you!]

[…]

“Xiao Xue’s replies feel so cold,” Xia Yuan muttered to herself. Mei Fang leaned over to look, and she showed him the messages.

“It’s normal to feel a little awkward after not seeing each other for so long.”

Mei Fang thought for a moment. “At least invite her out for a meal. She’ll probably visit her family anyway, so you can ask about her plans and stuff.”

“Mhm, yeah…”

Just as Xia Yuan was about to send another message, Peng Xue replied again.

[My cousin and I are performing at a quiet bar tonight. Wanna come listen?]

[Yes! I was just about to ask you to dinner—we can go to the bar instead!]

[…]

Peng Xue sent a string of ellipses.

[Wait, didn’t you and Mei Fang break up? Why are you still together?]

[Ah, it’s kind of a long story…]

[Never mind.]

Peng Xue’s tone clearly lacked her usual enthusiasm. [I’ll send you the address. You can both come if you want.]

[Okay! I’ll get ready!]

Xia Yuan replied with a flood of stickers, but Peng Xue didn’t respond with the same playful, cute reactions as before.

“…”

After the conversation, Xia Yuan’s smile slowly faded.

“Xiao Xue really has become so distant.”

“Maybe not distant—just tired?” Mei Fang patted her shoulder gently. “Anyway, let’s see how she’s doing first.”

He hesitated. “Do you want me to come with you? You’ve never been to a bar before…”

Then he shook his head. “Actually, I’m coming with you. You’re a celebrity now—you can’t go without a bodyguard.”

“A bodyguard? Please… Xiao Xue’s band doesn’t have any guys, and they’ve been fine.”

Xia Yuan paused, then added softly, “But that means she must’ve gone through a lot.”

“Still, I’ll come. I can stay in the corner and watch from a distance.”

“I’m not that fragile! The show’s at 7 PM—we’ll be back early. Geez, you sound like my dad.”

“How could I not go with you if you’re going to a bar alone?”

“It’s just a quiet bar! There’ll be lots of college students. Hmm… What if I invite Youxi too?”

“Then I’m definitely going! You think I’d let my two precious girls go alone where creeps might hit on them?”

“Who’s your girl?! Don’t call me that so soon! Ugh, fine… I guess I can’t help it if Ah Fang’s this clingy.”

Despite her protests, Xia Yuan was secretly delighted by Mei Fang’s protectiveness.

That afternoon, Xia Yuan told Lin Youxi about the plan. After confirming Mei Fang was going, Lin Youxi decided not to join.

Her reason was simple.

“I’m the ‘culprit’ who stole your Ah Fang. Xiao Xue probably doesn’t want to see me.”

“She doesn’t seem to care about that anymore, though. Why don’t you—”

But remembering Peng Xue’s current attitude, Xia Yuan dropped it. “Then… just me and Ah Fang will go?”

“Mhm. Be careful.”

---

A quiet bar was a more relaxed, low-key place—no disco or dancers, just soft music, drinks, and conversation. It was a popular spot for folk singers to perform and for college students to hang out.

The Lilac Bar, where Peng Xue was performing, was one of the most well-known in the city’s university district. When Xia Yuan and Mei Fang arrived by taxi, the place was already packed.

Outside, groups of stylish young people lounged around, unfazed by the winter chill. Some puffed on cigarettes, laughing loudly.

The sight made the sheltered Xia Yuan shrink back nervously, clutching Mei Fang’s arm.

“What? Now you don’t want me to leave your side?”

“Ah Fang! You wouldn’t let your cute girlfriend get hit on by weirdos, right?”

“What kind of logic is that?”

Mei Fang ruffled her hair teasingly. “Besides, there are way more girls here than guys. Are you sure you’re the one who’ll get hit on—and not me?”

“Ugh, enough joking! Let’s just go in.”

Arm in arm, they pretended to be an adult couple and entered the bar. The best seats—high tables and booths—were already taken, so they settled for a small corner table. Just as they were about to order, a punk-styled red-haired woman approached them.

“I recognize you two… Fang Bao and Yuan Bao, right?”

“Ah—”

Xia Yuan flushed and pressed a finger to her lips. “We’re here to see a friend perform. I can give you an autograph, but please don’t make a scene—”

The woman burst out laughing.

“I know why you’re here. We saved a better booth for you. Come on.”

“…”

Mortified, Xia Yuan buried her face in Mei Fang’s chest and refused to look up for a solid minute.

“Was I being so cringey just now?!”

“Nah, it was cute.”

Mei Fang grinned. “Everything you do is cute.”

“You’d better mean that!”

Xia Yuan stuck out her tongue at him. “Anyway, what do you want to drink? Cocktails?”

“I’m not legal yet. Better stick to non-alcoholic drinks.”

“Non-alcoholic… like orange juice?”

“Not just that. Some cocktails are alcohol-free—see, this one’s labeled.”

“Ah Fang, you’re so knowledgeable!”

“I did some research before coming. Habit.”

Just then, the band took the stage. Xia Yuan immediately scanned for Peng Xue.

“Oh! There she is!”

She wanted to call out but held back, settling for a discreet wave.

Compared to half a year ago, Peng Xue’s style had become simpler—a black-and-white striped shirt with jeans, her bass slung over her shoulder as she tuned up. The lead singer and guitarist, Peng Xue’s cousin, turned out to be the same red-haired woman who had greeted them earlier.

When Peng Xue heard Xia Yuan’s voice, she glanced up and gave a small smile before refocusing on her instrument.

Aside from a silver earring in her newly pierced ear, she hadn’t changed much.

After scattered applause, the band began their first song—a well-known ballad, “Serious Snow.”

But they had rearranged it into a folk-style piece, starting with a bass intro before the guitar gradually joined in.

“The snow falls so deep—so sincere…”
“Reflecting the scars I bear in its gleam…”
“I don’t care how wounded I am…”
“But I care who’ll stay by your side…”

The song transformed from nostalgic sorrow into suppressed anguish, carrying a quiet, unspoken grief.

Peng Xue’s cousin, Yanzi, delivered the emotions flawlessly—her voice was powerful and full of depth.

Listening, Xia Yuan suddenly felt inadequate.

“They’re so good… way better than me.”

“I’ll only agree with the first part. Your styles are different.”

“But…”

As the song ended, the audience applauded softly. Xia Yuan joined in.

Yanzi stepped away from the mic and announced:

“Next, our bassist, Mi Xue, will perform a new song for everyone.”

Peng Xue took the mic, cleared her throat, and met Xia Yuan’s eager gaze before starting to sing—

“If you want to go to the seaside…”
“We can lie on the sand all night…”
“If you want an adventure…”
“I won’t hold back my courage…”
“We promised to reach the edge of the world…”
“To see the densest forests and endless snow…”

Back in Baimei County, Peng Xue’s raspy, smoky voice had been bold and distinctive. Now, it still carried her signature tone, but it was softer, more subdued.

“One day, even our brightest hopes may fade…”
“But may we withstand all of life’s changes…”
“I just want to stand by your side…”
“To complete this journey together…”

Xia Yuan listened with her eyes closed, immersed in the song. Mei Fang sipped his mocktail, watching Peng Xue’s focused expression.

Gone was her former sharpness and defiance. Her music now carried a fragile, almost resigned quality—a quiet lament for life’s unpredictability.

At some point, Mei Fang noticed Xia Yuan quietly crying.

He didn’t ask why. He just handed her a tissue when her tears fell.

---

After the performance, Peng Xue hurried offstage and plopped down beside Xia Yuan.

“Long time no see, Yuan Yuan!”

Suddenly, she was the lively, familiar Peng Xue again. “How’ve you been?”

“Mhm… long time no see… sniff…”

Xia Yuan burst into tears again. Peng Xue hugged her, laughing. “What’s with the waterworks? Did Mei Fang bully you again?”

“No… I just… you were so cold in your texts earlier, and I thought you didn’t like me anymore… but then I heard your song and saw how thin you’ve gotten… and I realized you must’ve been through so much… and here I was worrying about something so selfish…”

“Pfft—since when is that selfish?”

Peng Xue patted her shoulder. “You’re still the same Yuan Yuan. I’m fine—life on the road wasn’t as hard as you’d think, but it wasn’t all fun either. My cousin took good care of me. I had a great time in Rongcheng.”

She then snapped her fingers at Mei Fang across the table. “Hey, Mei Boss, I’m back for once. How about treating me to an Alexander? Singing’s thirsty work.”

“Sure, I’ll order it for you.”

As Mei Fang stood, he caught a glimpse of the small but distinct character “Yuan” (缘) tattooed on Peng Xue’s wrist.

---

On stage, Peng Xue had seemed lonely—as if singing from a desolate ice field, her voice carrying quiet sorrow.

But offstage, she was the same lively, cheeky girl who slung an arm around her friends without hesitation.

It felt like everything was back to normal.

Yet somehow, it also felt like something had been lost.