Song Zhengye sat across from him. He didn't interrupt, just ate quietly. halfway through the meal, he set down his chopsticks.
"When are you leaving?"
"This afternoon."
"So soon?" Li Xiuying exclaimed.
After that, the table fell silent again.
After a long while, Song Zhengye nodded. "Do you have enough money?"
"Enough."
He didn't ask anything else and continued eating.
When they finished and were clearing the dishes, Song Zhengye came over to him and said quietly, "Send me a message when you get there."
Song Chen nodded.
"Got it."
That afternoon, Song Chen packed his things and headed out.
He checked the map and realized there was one more thing he needed to take care of.
He pulled out his phone and messaged Lin Qingxue: "Are you home?"
The reply came quickly: "I am."
"I'm coming over."
"Okay, I'll wait for you."
Lin Qingxue lived in a two-story detached house in the north of the Inner City, with an osmanthus tree growing by the entrance.
When Song Chen arrived, she was already waiting outside. She wore a white T-shirt and jeans, her hair tied back casually. She wasn't wearing makeup, but she looked fresh and clean.
She saw the box in his hand and froze for a moment. "What's that?"
"It's for you."
She didn't take it, only looked at him. "Why are you giving me something?"
Song Chen fell silent for a moment. "I'm leaving."
Lin Qingxue's fingers tightened slightly around the hem of her shirt. "Where are you going?"
"Tianhai."
"I know. I mean... when?"
"Now."
She lowered her head and stared at her toes.
They were silent for a long time, so long that Song Chen thought she wouldn't say anything.
Then she looked up and smiled. "Come on, let's go inside."
The living room wasn't