Upon hearing the name Huo Jingtang, Qin Yucen's heart turned sour, as it had been many days since she thought about their affair. Now, with someone mentioning him, it seemed as if she couldn't help thinking of him, imagining him in his sharply tailored suit, standing there with such a commanding presence that everyone around submitted to him.
"I'm here just to keep you company," Qin Yucen said, setting down the fishing rod and giving up on fishing altogether.
She stood up and walked along the beach, leaving behind a trail of her footprints, which were washed away as the tide came in and out, smoothing over the sandy impressions she had made. Watching the sand return to its smooth, flat state, she wished her troubles could be erased just as easily.
After Qin Yucen went home, Huo Jingtang didn't try to disturb her, although he often couldn't resist picking up his phone, wanting to call her. Yet he lacked the courage, perhaps fearing the coldness in her voice.