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"Suìsuì, I don't want you to go, waaaah!" Zhu Zhitao broke down.

Shen Baili wrapped her in an affectionate hug. "We can talk all the time. And whenever you're stuck for inspiration, come visit me. We'll travel everywhere together."

Zhu Zhitao had been writing novels since high school and had kept it up through university. In her second year, one of her novels became a huge hit, followed by several more. By graduation, she had saved enough money to write full-time.

Qiao Yi hugged them both tightly. "You can't forget me either!"

"Even if I can't go abroad."

Qiao Yi had passed the selection to become an outstanding fighter pilot and was now a key talent the military was training. The resolve in her face had grown sharper, like a sword drawn from its sheath.

But around her friends, she put that sharp edge away and acted as affectionate as she had in their school days.

The girls had all become the people they wanted to be, and they kept moving toward their goals.

Shen Baili stretched out her arms, and the three of them huddled together. "I wish I could tuck you both into my pockets and take you with me!"

Ji Qi protested, "Why did you push me out? Aren't I one of your best friends?"

Meng Jiu'an grabbed him by the back of his collar. "Stop causing trouble."

Ji Qi turned to Lu Mingqian. "Do something about Jiu'an!"

Lu Mingqian waved a hand and smiled. "I can't."

"The plane's about to take off," he reminded them.

Lu Mingqian and Meng Jiu'an pushed the luggage while Zhu Zhitao and Qiao Yi stayed close to Shen Baili, one on either side.

The walk to the gate had never felt so short to Meng Jiu'an.

"This is far enough." Shen