You Sneaky Bastard

The car steadily drove through the next intersection. Shielded by the trees' shade, Lu Jiatang's figure shrank to a dot until it disappeared from sight.

Si You had not expected Lu Jiatang to actually relent. He had been so intimidating when he gave chase.

Fang Jin lay in the back seat, his gaze calm.

Si You first took Fang Jin to the hospital. His wound had not reopened, but he was somewhat weak. The doctor hoped he could stay for observation, but Fang Jin refused and had Si You take him to the seaside pier instead.

The waves rolled gently, while the ferry's horn sounded bleak and distant.

Si You asked, "Have you thought it through?"

"Mm." Fang Jin half-closed his eyes. A faint glimmer shone from within before falling on the distant mountains and forests. At last, his field of vision had broadened, and he gradually awakened from the nightmares that had accumulated and settled inside him.

Lu Jiatang's final act of letting go gave Fang Jin the strength to spread his wings.

"I'll contact you once I'm settled," Fang Jin said. "Now I know cold and pain. I'll take care of myself. Don't worry."

"Mm. Have a safe trip," Si You said lightly.

Fang Jin got out and bought a nearby ticket. The ferry's final stop would be his final stop. Its horn sounded one last time. Si You stood beside the car and watched Fang Jin board. Their eyes met, and they waved to each other.

The process had truly been painful, but the ending was gratifying.

As Fang Jin gained his freedom, Si You felt as if a nail that had been buried in his heart for years had finally been pulled out. Across the hazy, distant span of time and space, he could finally reconcile