Ever since attending the Zheng Family's engagement banquet, Ning Shile had felt that something was off.
Dressed in ski gear with a snowboard under his feet, he stood on a snow-covered slope, surrounded by pristine white.
"What are you thinking about?" The instructor carved a beautiful turn in front of Ning Shile, kicking up a spray of powder. He lifted his chin. "Want to race to the bottom?"
"Sure." Ning Shile pulled down his goggles and flashed the instructor a smile. "Loser treats."
"Then you're definitely paying." Without another word, the instructor pushed off with his poles and sped down the slope.
"We'll see about that." Ning Shile followed close behind.
His board hissed across the snow, the cold wind howled past his ears, and the scenery raced backward like a film on rewind.
Ning Shile leaned forward, concentrating on adjusting his speed and direction, trying to keep his descent fast and steady.
This was his life, all right.
Ning Shile accelerated, turning his snowboard and leaving tracks across the slope. He dodged the people around him, then continued hurtling downhill.
But... something seemed wrong.
Ning Shile's mind began to wander.
He felt empty inside, weighed down, as though nothing he did held much appeal.
It was as if he had forgotten something, but he had no idea what it was.
"Watch out!" the instructor suddenly shouted, snapping Ning Shile out of his thoughts.
As soon as Ning Shile came back to himself, he saw a beginner sitting on the ground ahead after a fall. He was moving fast; the consequences would be disastrous if they collided.
Without time to think, he pressed down on his board and turned.
The snowboard carved a track through the snow. As he turned, he pushed hard with his back leg, launching himself and