For a minor to take a leave of absence, he needed his guardian's permission and had to submit an application to the Academy, clearly stating the duration and reason for his leave.
Yingxing only signed his name in the space reserved for the guardian's signature.
When to take leave, and for how long, were decisions he left entirely to Dan Heng.
Yingxing tightened his grip on his wineglass, looking a little awkward.
"Dan Heng, I think... Xianyu made a very good point."
"You still have plenty of time."
"Look, other academies have students who've studied until they're two hundred and still haven't graduated."
"You're only fifteen, and you've already completed more than half of your required courses. Dan Heng, you've done very well."
"Now, take some time to relax."
When Dan Heng stayed up late, Yingxing would ask his teachers to excuse him from class.
When Dan Heng didn't want to attend class, Yingxing would invite him on vacation.
Now, he had even signed an application for a leave of absence.
Who else would do all this? Dan Heng thought.
He lowered his head and gently brushed his fingertips over the application.
Amid everyone's urging, Dan Heng slowly tucked the application into his wide sleeve.
It was a happy fifteenth birthday.
And a happy fifteenth year.
With a solemn expression, Dan Heng closed his eyes and made his birthday wish, facing the candlelight and the love that burned a thousand times hotter.
Jing Yuan asked, "What did you wish for?"
"If I tell you, it won't come true," Dan Heng replied.
That was what he said, but inwardly he thought, You've already done so much. From now on... I'll make my wishes come true myself.
After the party, Dan Heng and Yingxing returned home.
He had someone bring him a