The first day of spring break.
Whether it was fate or not, after meeting Michael at the coffee shop, I started bumping into him all over campus—in the study hall, on the way to and from class, at the library…
And so today unfolded: Xia Yao, Michael, and his friends were sitting in a seven-seater van early in the morning, heading to Universal Studios.
“Ugh.” She sighed, biting down on her coffee straw as she leaned back in her seat, squinting out the window, lost in thought.
Not only had she been dragged out this early by a van full of half-acquainted foreign friends, but earlier she’d also been lectured by her roommate, Pei Xiaoyun.
“Xia Yao, you’re neglecting your friends for romance! What about cooking for me during break? What about tutoring me in programming? XIA YAO!!!!!! I even promised Zhou Ye I’d bring you to his BBQ today! How am I supposed to explain this to him?!”
“Cover my ass?” Xia Yao paused mid-shoe-changing, turning to face her with a skeptical look. She already knew the answer.
“I… well, I promised him I’d bring you along.” Pei Xiaoyun looked mortified, her voice instantly shrinking.
Zhou Ye had been chasing Xia Yao since freshman year, yet he hadn’t managed to get her out on a single date. And now she’d nearly been sold out by her dear roommate?
“Stop worrying about that! Food in sight and you’re already turning your back on me?” She tapped Pei Xiaoyun lightly on the head.
This wasn’t the first time Pei Xiaoyun had “sold her out.”
Though Xia Yao seemed carefree, she was cautious when it mattered. She remained slightly guarded around Pei Xiaoyun. The saying was true: the older you got, the harder it was to find genuine friends. Tang Wan remained her most reliable confidante.
Thinking of Tang Wan… another sigh escaped Xia Yao’s slightly parted red lips.
***
“Xia Yao, you’re hopeless! You’re driving me crazy! Who was the one crying and begging to marry him? Who traveled halfway around the world just to see his concert? Who camped outside in a tent all night during winter to squeeze into the front row of the inner arena?!”
“Did a donkey kick you in the head? Or did you just lose your mind? He’s right here in front of you, Xia Yao! A living, breathing person! A photo! An autograph! Is that too much to ask? Even non-fans can get these things from celebrities!
“What good are you to me?! I worked so hard to raise you, only to see you turn out like this! Get out! I don’t want you as a friend! Don’t talk to me anymore! Don’t ever mention Ouyang Xun in front of me! Every time you do, I’ll curse you! May you never find a husband! Marry Ouyang Xun? Ha! Rot in loneliness! No one wants you!”
That’s right. After Ouyang Xun picked up her phone that day, he left shortly after. As for Xia Yao? After agonizing over it for so long, she naturally did nothing.
Upon learning this, Tang Wan cursed her nonstop for a full day. The content was essentially the same, just delivered in different ways, with new insults popping up every few minutes. Then she followed through on her threats: ignoring every single message Xia Yao sent, remaining steadfastly silent even when Xia Yao tried to bribe her with lipstick.
The resentment from her roommate and best friend paled in comparison to her own bitter regret.
Only after watching Ouyang Xun walk away did a sudden, overwhelming wave of regret and loneliness wash over her. She realized she still loved her idol just as much as she had three years ago—if anything, seeing him up close had only deepened her feelings.
Her mind, previously numbed by end-of-term tasks, was finally free to ponder her own affairs. And Xia Yao’s affair was this: thinking about Ouyang Xun over and over again.
Even if he was most likely married, it didn’t stop her from idolizing him, did it? As long as she was happy.
For a fan and their idol, all that matters is that they are well—the purest, most selfless love.
***
Out of courtesy, Xia Yao maintained a polite smile throughout the journey, engaging in conversation with her enthusiastic foreign companion who chattered nonstop.
She wore a relaxed white shirt today, paired with light-colored jeans and navy sneakers that showcased her long, slender legs. Her ponytail was pulled high, radiating an undeniable youthful vibrancy.
Standing at one meter seventy-two, she appeared even more slender and graceful beside the tall, broad-shouldered, broad-backed Caucasian man. While waiting in line to enter the park, many eyes lingered on Xia Yao for a few extra seconds, but this little fangirl, completely absorbed in thoughts of her idol, didn’t notice.
You never realize how many people aren’t working until you step out to play.
Spring break schedules vary across American universities, and late March isn’t peak tourist season in the US. Yet every attraction at Universal Studios had nearly hour-long lines. The actual ride time? Three to five minutes on average.
After riding Kung Fu Panda, the group decided to wander around before queuing again. They ended up browsing the Minions-themed store.
“Miss?” A soft, sweet voice reached Xia Yao’s ears.
She set down the mug she’d been playing with and looked down. A little girl, about four years old, was smiling up at her. The child wore a pink velvet dress, pink shoes, white knee-high socks, and a mushroom-cut hairstyle. Her hair was so smooth it shimmered, and as she swayed, a wave of light danced atop her head.
“Hello there! What’s your name?” Xia Yao adored children, and encountering a Chinese child in America was such a rare treat—she intended to cherish this moment!
“My name is Tian Tian! Sister, I want that candy.” She stretched out a chubby little finger toward the candy wall behind Xia Yao.
“Sure, Sister will get it for you. Which one do you want, Tian Tian?”
“Tian Tian, no candy.” A cold, clear male voice came from behind.
Xia Yao’s first thought: Why can’t he speak gently to a child? Second thought: That voice sounds familiar?
Turning around, Xia Yao froze—What kind of magical place is Los Angeles?! It really was Ouyang Xun again!
Wait… Could the little girl she was holding hands with be… Ouyang Xun’s daughter?!
Xia Yao’s hand trembled. Suddenly, she couldn’t muster the same wild adoration for this adorable little bundle as before. She paused for a second—wait this was her idol’s precious daughter! Wow, she’d be spoiled rotten in no time! If she couldn’t be the mom, being the godmother would be just as wonderful. Waaah.
Ouyang Xun recognized her too: “What a coincidence.”
He spoke first again, and Xia Yao nodded.
“I’ll just eat a little bit,” Tianyuan exaggeratedly demonstrated “a little bit” with her hands, pouting at Ouyang Xun. That sweet, syrupy baby voice paired with her wiggling little body nearly melted Xia Yao’s heart, though it had zero effect on Ouyang Xun.
Poor dad, ending up with a daughter like this, Xia Yao thought.
Tian Tian and Ouyang Xun both stubbornly refused to back down, their personalities mirroring each other perfectly. Finally—experience wins out—Ouyang Xun changed the subject: “There’s a water-flushing game starting soon. If we buy candy now, we’ll miss it.”
“Ah, water play! Tian Tian wants to play with water!” she exclaimed, dashing toward the exit while clutching Xia Yao’s hand tightly.
“Hey, Tian Tian,” Xia Yao called, assuming the little one had forgotten to let go.
To her surprise, “Sister, come with me,” Tian Tian pleaded, tugging at her hand.
“Sister’s with friends,” Xia Yao replied awkwardly. Refusing a child was the hardest thing for her! Besides, she was tempted to adopt her as her goddaughter right then!
But agreeing meant spending at least an hour with Ouyang Xun. Xia Yao instantly chickened out. Kids? Yeah, they’re everywhere. Not like she needed this one. There’d be other chances. Goddaughters? She’d have those later.
“No, come with me, Sister!” Tianyuan declared. Her big, sparkling eyes instantly filled with tears, and her cherry-red lips pouted, looking utterly aggrieved.
Xia Yao was truly helpless this time. After explaining and apologizing to her friends, she was dragged by Tianyuan to embark on the water adventure with Ouyang Xun.
