In mid-December, it finally snowed in C City—the first snow of 2012. I remember that several years ago, a song called *The First Snow of 2002* could be heard in every street and alley. See, time is such a fragile thing when you look too closely.
The snow that had fallen overnight had already accumulated on the ground, and it looked as though it would only get heavier. In a southern city like C City, this was a rare sight. Liang Juejun was delighted; she hadn't seen snow in C City for many years, and she had loved snowy days as a child.
As long as it wasn't the weekend, Liang Juejun continued to bring breakfast to Xia Yinuo every day. That morning, in high spirits, Liang Juejun made breakfast herself, even if it was just simple toasted bread and boiled eggs. When she arrived at Xia Yinuo’s home, she couldn't hide her joy, and the two of them happily chatted about the fun of snowy days.
As they were about to head out, while changing shoes at the entryway, Liang Juejun noticed Xia Yinuo’s footwear and frowned. "You're wearing light flats even though it's snowing?"
Xia Yinuo explained, "Shoes without laces are easier to put on. Besides, I have to change my shoes once I get to the lab anyway."
But Liang Juejun was uncharacteristically insistent. "The ground is hard to walk on today because of the snow. Change into another pair."
Xia Yinuo gave an "oh" of compliance and pulled a pair of boots from the shoe cabinet, looking ruefully at the complicated laces. Lately, she had specifically chosen shoes that either had no laces or didn't require tying.
To her surprise, as soon as Xia Yinuo slid her feet into the boots, Liang Juejun naturally knelt down, intending to tie the laces for her. Xia Yinuo instinctively flinched back, but Liang Juejun smiled. "What is it? Don't you trust me?"
Xia Yinuo’s face felt a bit hot. "I’m just a little embarrassed. I'm a grown adult, yet I'm letting someone else tie my shoes."
Liang Juejun simply smiled without a word. The way she lowered her head and focused so seriously on tying the laces gave Xia Yinuo the fleeting illusion that she was a child again. Accepting a parent's care with a clear conscience is a child's happiness, but accepting a lover's pampering with a clear conscience is something not everyone can achieve. Xia Yinuo found it hard to imagine what kind of lover Liang Juejun would be—and how much her heart would ache if the person Liang Juejun loved wasn't her. If her injury could buy such tender treatment from Liang Juejun—whether it was making breakfast or tying her shoelaces—Xia Yinuo would rather her hand stay injured forever, even if Liang Juejun was only doing it out of concern for a friend. The magic of love lies in how it can make you brave, yet also make you willing to be humble.
"Isn't it almost time to remove the cast? The doctor said it would take four weeks last time," Liang Juejun asked.
"Huh? Oh, next week should be fine. I’ll go for a follow-up in a few days," Xia Yinuo snapped back to reality.
"There, all done." Liang Juejun finished tying the laces and stood up. "By the way, the international students' classes are suspended for two weeks for the Christmas break, and I've already arranged things at the lab. I’ll be heading back to the States next week for Christmas, so I won't be able to go with you to get the cast removed."
Xia Yinuo moved her foot; the fit was perfect, neither too loose nor too tight. Hearing Liang Juejun’s words, she didn't think much of it. "Oh, that’s fine. Is there anything you need me to do? I mean, regarding the TA duties."
"Wait until the end of the term. I don't need anything right now."
"Okay."
As usual, the two walked from the faculty housing area toward the Medical School. The most common trees planted along the campus roads were camphor trees. Camphors are evergreen, keeping their leaves even in winter. When the weather warms up, they undergo a leaf-shedding process where old leaves fall as bright green new shoots constantly emerge, so the trees appear lush and green all year round. Xia Yinuo liked the quiet, unassuming nature of the camphors. Having lived at C University for over twenty years, she felt a deep affection for every plant and tree here. At this moment, amidst the white snow, the dancing shadows of the trees seemed enveloped in the breath of spring.
They parted ways at the entrance of the Medical School to return to their respective labs. As soon as Xia Yinuo walked in, Ke Dinghao scurried over. "Senior, it’s been a long time since we had a heart-to-heart!"
"Spit it out, what is it?" With that sneaky look on his face, it was bound to be trouble.
Ke Dinghao clenched his fists, his eyes shining. "It’s like this... Chen Diandian. I want to pursue her!"
"I thought you had already started," Xia Yinuo said calmly.
"It’s not that easy. You can't just act on a crush immediately."
"Oh." So everyone was the same.
"My dear Senior! I’m asking you to help me come up with some ideas!"
"Dinner, shopping, a movie."
"That’s it?"
"Of course not!"
"Then what should I do?"
"Start with dinner, shopping, and a movie."
"That’s the same as saying nothing!"
"Then why did you ask!"
"..."
"Young man, good luck!" Xia Yinuo patted Ke Dinghao on the shoulder and prepared to walk away.
Ke Dinghao quickly grabbed her. "Wait, wait! Actually, I really do have two movie tickets..."
"And?"
"I want to ask her to a movie. Think about it—the legendary 'End of the World' is in two days. Before the apocalypse arrives, staying together with the person you love... how romantic is that!"
"First, you have to actually be together."
"Oh..."
In 2012, solar activity was abnormal, the Earth's internal energy balance was facing collapse, and the Mayan prophecy was about to be fulfilled—humanity was facing total destruction. Did she believe it? Xia Yinuo didn't. All things in the world, the entire universe, were part of a cycle; things reach their extremes only to reverse, and elements generate or overcome one another. We will all eventually return to dust. But it certainly wouldn't be in 2012. In 2012, she had only just met the person she liked. She hadn't had time to confess, hadn't had time to be together, hadn't had time to grow old together—how could it be the end of the world?
"Sen~ior~!"
"Hmm?" Xia Yinuo snapped out of it. "Yes, it's a good idea. Good luck."
"Then I'll go plan it out. If I need help, you have to assist me!"
"I know, I know!"
On the night of December 20th, Mai Shining called Xia Yinuo to invite her to a "Doomsday Photography Exhibition" the next day.
"I'm not going." Xia Yinuo was listless and lacked energy.
How could Mai Shining let her off so easily? She urged her incessantly. "This is really interesting! It's organized by the City Photography Association—the final visions of the end of the world through the eyes of photographers. Oh, just come with me."
"Ask Ji Kang to go."
"He doesn't understand photography."
"I don't understand it either..."
"You are my personal disciple!"
"You only taught me how to take pictures."
"You even attended classes at our college!"
"I was just dragged there by you to audit."
"..."
The next morning, Xia Yinuo and Mai Shining both appeared at the exhibition. The theme was "A Different Perception." Mai Shining looked at the works intently; many were to her taste. She admired and praised them as she went. "Humanity's speculation and anticipation of the end of the world have never ceased. The doomsday in religious prophecies and myths is the end of Earth's civilization. But the so-called scientific doomsday refers to the collapse of the cosmic system or the extinction of human society. No one knows what the real end of the world looks like. These works centered on doomsday truly bring a different visual perception. Well? It was worth coming, wasn't it?"
"The expert looks for the craft, while the amateur just looks at the spectacle. I'm just here for the spectacle." Xia Yinuo wore a dark green down jacket, her right arm still resting in the sling. Her long hair cascaded freely over her shoulders. Standing straight with an air of refined elegance, she actually looked like someone involved in the arts. However, looking at the photos on the wall, aside from finding them very "stream of consciousness," she really couldn't see much else.
"That won't do. Let your master explain the aesthetic composition to you."
While Mai Shining was talking non-stop, Ke Dinghao called. "Senior! I asked Diandian to a movie tonight!"
Xia Yinuo had almost forgotten about that. She could only offer encouragement. "That's great. Perform well."
"Where do you think is a good place to eat before the movie?"
"There will be so many people out today. Just find a restaurant near the cinema."
"How about you come too? I'm afraid it'll be awkward with just the two of us!"
"Are you out of your mind? Who brings a third wheel to something like this? I'm busy, hanging up now."
Mai Shining asked, "Who was that?"
"My junior. He's pursuing a girl and asking me for advice on the details."
"Hahaha, is he stupid?" Mai Shining unceremoniously draped her arm over Xia Yinuo’s left shoulder, leaning her weight down maliciously. "Doesn't he know his senior is an idiot with zero experience in romance?!"
"Just because I haven't eaten pork doesn't mean I haven't seen a pig run," Xia Yinuo retorted stubbornly.
"Hey, tell me quickly, how is it going with that person you like lately?" The fire of gossip burned brightly within Mai Shining.
"It's not going anywhere."
"You don't plan to pursue them?"
"No experience."
"Who was it that just said, 'Just because I haven't eaten pork doesn't mean I haven't seen a pig run'?"
Xia Yinuo was momentarily speechless.
"I meant... I have no experience pursuing people, but I have experience being pursued. Is that not allowed?!"
"Hey, how about I teach you? I guarantee you'll cut through the mess quickly, see immediate results, and have two kids in three years!"
"No need," Xia Yinuo looked at Mai Shining with disdain. "That kind of 'thunder-striking-the-earth' drama isn't going to happen to me. Even if I like her, I want to simmer it slowly over a low flame. I like the feeling of subtle infiltration and natural progression."
"Aren't you just being sentimental?!"
"I'm serious. I'm trying to slowly permeate her life."
"Fine, fine, I was just teasing. If you really gave me 'two kids in three years,' I'd have to deal with you myself."
"You! You should worry about your own situation with Ji Kang first."
Mai Shining pursed her lips. Indeed, everyone had their own Achilles' heel.
No one loved holidays and anniversaries more than businesses, who did everything possible to seize the commercial opportunity. So today, without exception, was likely a big day for couples and prospective couples. After dinner, Xia Yinuo was huddled at home with nothing to do, staring at LoVo for half an hour without any activity. Around nine o'clock, thinking that Liang Juejun probably wasn't asleep yet, she sent a text: *Senior, do you believe in the end of the world?*
The other party replied quickly; she likely had her phone right beside her and had no other plans: *I believe there will be a doomsday one day, but not in 2012.*
*I think so too. What are you doing?*
"What are you doing" was another way of saying "I miss you."
Liang Juejun was in a good mood that day. Her experiments during the day had gone smoothly, and after returning home in the evening, she had packed her luggage and cleaned the house. Everything was spotless and comfortable to look at. It was just that a birthday spent alone was, after all, a bit lonely. *Watching TV at home. Today is my birthday, say happy birthday to me.*
Today was her birthday?! Xia Yinuo was startled. After a moment's thought, she dialed Liang Juejun’s number.
"Senior, why didn't you say it was your birthday earlier? we could have celebrated together."
"I'm a grown adult; I don't care much about birthdays anymore. Besides, my flight is tomorrow."
"Your flight is tomorrow?"
"Yes, back to the States."
"Oh right, you're going back for Christmas."
"Yes, and a good friend of mine is getting engaged."
Hearing Liang Juejun’s casual tone, Xia Yinuo couldn't help but ask jokingly, "It's not someone you like, is it?"
"It's someone I used to like."
Liang Juejun spoke quite frankly. Upon hearing this, Xia Yinuo wished she could bite her own tongue off!
"Oh."
Only that one word escaped her lips. For a few seconds, there was no sound on the phone, and the atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward.
"When are you going to get your cast off?"
"Happy birthday!"
They both spoke at the same time and then laughed. However, Liang Juejun, on the other end of the line, could not see the bitterness in Xia Yinuo’s smile.
"I'm going the day after tomorrow," Xia Yinuo answered.
"Then take care of yourself."
"Don't worry, my mom is here."
"That's true."
"Well... get some rest early. Have a safe flight."
"You too. Good night."
"Good night."
Xia Yinuo’s temperament was indeed suited for simmering over a low flame until the day the water formed a channel. She just hadn't considered whether Liang Juejun might have someone she liked. Now it seemed she *had* someone she liked in the past; since it was in the past, she presumably didn't like them anymore. For the first time, Xia Yinuo tasted the flavor of being tossed about by her feelings for another—the pondering, the trepidation, experiencing the powerful force of the undercurrents within, waiting for a miracle to quietly bloom.
In the dead of night, Xia Yinuo walked to her study, picked up a pen, and began to write a letter.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
陈甸甸 | Chen Diandian | A girl Ke Dinghao is interested in.
LoVo | LoVo | A messaging app used by the characters.
不一样的观感 | A Different Perception | The title of the photography exhibition.
2002年的第一场雪 | The First Snow of 2002 | A famous song by Chinese singer Dao Lang.
文火慢慢地熬 | Simmering over a low flame | A metaphor for a slow-burn romance or taking things slow.
水到渠成 | Where water flows, a channel is formed | A Chinese idiom meaning when conditions are ripe, success will come naturally.
