052 - The Years of Burning Passion

“I noticed you touched your scarf at least ten times today. Is it uncomfortable, or is it simply too beautiful to let go of?” Ye Lifeng sensed her mood drifting again.

“It’s nothing,” Xia Yuwei replied with a faint smile. How could she possibly share her thoughts with anyone? This was a secret buried in her heart, impossible to confide. Besides, she herself didn’t know how to begin, or where to start.

Ye Lifeng glanced at her, the corners of his lips lifting in a smile. She, too, was someone with secrets...

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Inside the cinema, lights flickered as the enormous screen played “Legends of the Fall.”

As she watched, Xia Yuwei began to cry.

At first, a few tears fell, then they gathered into streams, silent and unchecked, until her shoulders trembled with sobs. Ye Lifeng turned sideways to look at her, feeling something inexplicable stir within him.

He had never seen her cry before—and now, she was so heartbroken. The film was indeed sorrowful, but she was utterly immersed in it. How could such profound emotion resonate with such a young girl?

He gently supported her shoulder, patting it softly, then took out a neatly folded handkerchief and reached over to wipe the tears from her face, whispering by her ear, “Don’t be too sad.”

Hearing his words, Xia Yuwei took the handkerchief from him, wiping her tears herself. She looked up, choking back her sobs as she murmured, “Sorry…”

Her words were accompanied by crystal teardrops clinging to her lashes, and Ye Lifeng was seized by a sudden urge to kiss them.

When the movie ended, the crowd surged around them. To keep from being separated, Ye Lifeng naturally took Xia Yuwei’s hand and led her out. Xia Yuwei instinctively struggled for a moment, but then let him guide her.

The evening breeze was cool, city lights dazzling.

The wind lifted her long black hair and fluttered her skirt. The chill reminded Xia Yuwei that she had returned to the real world. Softly, she tried to slip her hand from Ye Lifeng’s grasp without drawing attention.

“Did that film move you?” Ye Lifeng released her hand naturally, slipping his own into his pocket and speaking just in time to spare her any embarrassment.

“Mm. Maybe,” Xia Yuwei replied, a hint of shyness coloring her face. “Honestly, it’s embarrassing, letting you see me cry like that.”

“If I’d known you’d cry so much, I’d have brought you to a comedy instead. That was my mistake.”

She laughed quietly. “I don’t know why, but watching this film, Tristan seemed so familiar. I truly felt his loneliness and his love. My heart hurt so much,” Xia Yuwei said.

During the movie, a vague figure had seemed to merge with Tristan’s. She sensed a feeling—subtle, secret.

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PS: Fourth update~~~~

Yesterday I got caught in the rain, dizzy from a cold, and chilled to the bone from cramps. By evening I felt much better, at least the pain eased. Your support and encouragement truly moved me. So tomorrow I’ll try for four updates again, to make up for yesterday~~~~ Wishing you all a happy weekend!