Changye Is Dying

Thus, one day after another passed.

The two of them truly resembled a couple.

They swung on the mountaintop, rowed little boats out at sea, strolled beneath the willow shade, and climbed mountains to gaze into the distance.

Other than kissing without opening their mouths and not getting too excited when doing that, everything was so perfect.

Yet Lin Xiaosu still keenly noticed that Changye's complexion was growing increasingly wrong.

On the fifth day.

Their third pleasant exchange was completed.

Changye's face was pale as paper in the night.

"What's wrong?" Lin Xiaosu gently stroked her forehead.

"It's nothing. My Genetic Rejection Day is almost here," Changye said.

"You gave me a fright. So this year's Genetic Rejection Day has arrived," Lin Xiaosu said. "Exactly when?"

"Tomorrow!"

"I'll stay with you!"

"No!" Changye said. "My Genetic Rejection Days last especially, especially long. They can easily last several months. You don't need to stay with me. Go home tomorrow."

"All right, then."

Lin Xiaosu fell asleep.

What he did not know was that Changye did not sleep that night.

She lay quietly in his arms, staring unblinkingly at his face. Every so often, her lips pressed against his and touched them lightly, so reluctant to part.

The next morning, Lin Xiaosu had arrived at Unit 101 Base for his sixth day.

When he woke, Changye was no longer in the room.

There was a sheet of paper on the bedside table, bearing a line of graceful handwriting: "I've entered the rejection chamber. Husband, I love you!"

The swing outside stood still in the wind.

In the little garden outside, the wind passed through, carrying the occasional withered yellow petal.

These were the chrysanthemums Dragon Head had mentioned.

Beneath the swing was a bowl—the last breakfast Changye had prepared for him.

After