She saw that he looked really good and was pleasantly surprised. "Xiaojue, are you all better now?"

He waved an arm with a smile and said, "No harm done. I’ll be discharged from the hospital tomorrow."

This was great news. She wrung her hands, unable to find the words. After a moment, she remembered something and said quietly, "Xiaojue, I made your favorite ice jelly dessert. Come have a bowl."

The ice cubes in the special cooler had nearly melted, but this didn’t affect the chilly delight of the ice jelly. The dessert’s texture was silky smooth. It was topped with sparkling brown sugar syrup, minced red dates, raisins, and a layer of fragrant crushed sesame seeds. Huang Xiaojue was thrilled. He immediately took the bowl, scooped a large spoonful into his mouth, and said, "I’ve been craving this for days, thinking about it for so long..."

What surprised him even more were the tiny pieces of watermelon in it, which were sweet and refreshing. He couldn’t stop praising it. "It’s really delicious."

She chuckled. "I knew you would want some."

During their relationship, she would make it for him multiple times every summer. She would buy the ice jelly powder from the supermarket and prepare the brown sugar syrup herself. After an hour in the fridge, covered with cling film, it would be fresh, clean, and extremely delicious. It was his favorite taste of summer.

The bowl of ice jelly was quickly finished, and she immediately tidied up everything.

He stared at her. "Xixi, when are you going to Harvard?"

"Soon."

He understood. She was waiting for him to be discharged from the hospital. She was too worried to just leave him like this.

"Xiaojue, I won’t come to see you off tomorrow when you get discharged."

He nodded. "My mom and Zhou Ting will come."

After a pause, she asked softly, "Are you going to marry Zhou Ting?"

He, too, was silent for a long time before shaking his head. "I really don’t know."

Her heart jolted. Suddenly, she realized Huang Xiaojue was on a dangerous path. No matter what, the people around him had firmly linked him to Zhou Ting. He had been labeled the "Zhou Family’s son-in-law"—even by Zhou Ting herself. In other words, it was what Zhou Ting wanted, and she was the catalyst for it all. This recent injury of Huang Xiaojue’s was a prime example: Zhou Ting had bustled about, meticulously caring for him, arranging everything, and handling all the details. She had completely assumed the role of Huang Xiaojue’s girlfriend. No matter if Huang Xiaojue loved her or not, he had to be with her. How terrifying. Only a few people ever reach the top; before you get there, you’re always just a pawn.

A chill spread through her. But she was powerless.

Her voice was very weak. "Xiaojue, please take care of yourself."

He was gentle. "You too, take care."

The two parted ways like ordinary old friends.

But, when Yan Xixi reached the door, she heard his trembling voice, "Xixi..."

Pain, sharp as a knife, pierced her heart. She understood his feelings, understood them completely. But Xiaojue, it’s impossible now. There’s no way I can love you again. Love is like the most fragile soap bubble; once it bursts, its past shimmering glory can never truly be restored. Like a flower, so beautiful and vibrant, yet its bloom is always fleeting. That’s why she felt so heartbroken. Xiaojue, I’m the one who has let you down, time and time again. And even now, I still can’t bring myself to love you again.

"Things are different abroad than at home, and you’ve never traveled far by yourself, so you need to be careful about everything," he said. "Make sure to take good care of yourself. Whatever happens, don’t push yourself too hard, and you can always reach out to me."

She didn’t dare to reply and quickly headed out the door.