End-of-Month Conversation

She recalled a conversation with Ava one day last year. Ava had said then that there was an enormous gap between how a person actually lived and how she ought to live. If someone gave up the things ordinary people actually needed to do for the sake of what she should do... then she was not preserving herself, but destroying herself.

It was during that same conversation that Ava had solemnly told her that people had to remain vigilant about the things they did in secret and, from beginning to end, strive to be friends of justice.

Friends of justice...

Hesta leaned back in her chair.

Ava, what did your "justice" mean?

Before Hesta could think further, an extremely soft knock came from outside.

"Jane?"

Hesta opened the door and saw Ding Yuqing's concerned eyes.

"Are you all right?"

"Me? I'm fine."

Ding Yuqing looked past Hesta at the lit desk lamp and desk behind her. "Did something happen to you today?"

"Nothing." Hesta glanced back at her desk. "Oh, I went to a club activity tonight and had some materials to look up."

"Was it urgent?"

"Yes," Hesta replied. "But I've finished looking into it."

Ding Yuqing nodded. "That's good, then I won't disturb your rest—"

"Wait." Seeing Ding Yuqing about to leave, Hesta suddenly remembered something else. "Are you free on Monday or Friday nights? Between eight and nine?"

"I should be?" Ding Yuqing thought for a moment. "What is it?"

"This Friday or next Monday night, come to a club activity with me," Hesta said softly. "I think it's a great place to relieve stress. You'll probably like it."

Ding Yuqing was a little surprised. "Sure. What club is it?"

"A poetry club," Hesta said quietly. "Oh, and don't tell Ding Jiali about this."

Ding Yuqing lowered