Searching for Her

Ming had spent the last few weeks consumed by one thought: finding Hua. His mind was constantly replaying the moments they'd shared, now clearer than ever before. Every memory felt like a wave crashing against him, urging him to find her, to explain everything. But no matter how hard he tried, Hua seemed to have vanished without a trace. He had no idea where she lived now, no clues to her work location—just a growing sense of regret and longing.

For three long weeks, he searched endlessly, visiting old places they used to go, asking around without success. The frustration was unbearable, especially with Xueyao constantly trying to interfere. But Ming was determined. He needed answers, and he needed to make things right with Hua.

One afternoon, tired and defeated, Ming wandered into a familiar street near the old café Hua used to frequent. His thoughts were heavy, and just as he was about to turn away, he heard a familiar voice.

"Ming?!" It was Zihan.

He turned around, surprised to see her standing a few steps away. Zihan's expression was a mixture of shock and disbelief. She quickly closed the distance between them.

"Ming, what are you doing here?" Zihan asked, her eyes scanning his face, as if searching for answers herself.

"I... I'm looking for Hua," Ming admitted, his voice tinged with desperation. "I need to talk to her. I remember everything now. I need to tell her how sorry I am."

Zihan's eyes softened as she listened to his words. She motioned toward a nearby café, and they both walked in, sitting down at a small corner table.

Zihan sighed deeply before speaking. "Ming, do you have any idea what Hua went through after you disappeared?"

Ming looked down, guilt washing over him. "I don't. I've been trying to figure everything out, but it's all still so... broken. I know I hurt her, Zihan. I know that. But I need to find her, to tell her I'm sorry."

Zihan nodded slowly. "Hua was devastated when you left. She waited, Ming. She waited for months, hoping you'd come back. But you never did. And then, she saw you with Xueyao... it broke her."

Ming clenched his fists, the pain in his chest intensifying. "I didn't know what was happening to me. Xueyao... she made me forget everything. But now... now I remember, and I just want to make things right."

Zihan shook her head. "It's not that simple, Ming. You can't just show up and expect everything to be fine. Hua is... she's been through too much because of you."

"I know," Ming whispered, his voice barely audible. "But where is she? I've been trying to find her for weeks, and no one knows where she is."

Zihan hesitated for a moment before answering. "Hua... she went on a business trip. She needed time away, to clear her head."

Ming's heart sank. "A business trip? Where? How long will she be gone?"

Zihan looked away, biting her lip. "I can't tell you where she went, Ming. But I can tell you she'll be gone for a while. Two months, maybe more."

Ming leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "So I have to wait? I have to wait even longer before I can see her?"

Zihan looked at him sympathetically. "Maybe that's for the best. Hua needs space right now. You showing up out of nowhere... it might not be the right time."

Ming sighed heavily, feeling helpless. "I don't want to hurt her anymore. But I can't just let her go. Not again."

Zihan placed a hand on his arm, offering a small smile. "If you really care about her, you'll give her the time she needs. She'll come back when she's ready. But for now... maybe you need to figure out how to make things right without rushing into it."

Ming nodded, though the thought of waiting even longer was unbearable. He stood up from the table, his mind swirling with thoughts. "Thank you, Zihan. I'll wait... but I won't give up."

Zihan watched as he left the café, her heart heavy with the weight of Hua's absence. She knew Hua had gone to Japan for the business trip, but telling Ming wouldn't help anyone. Hua needed time—time to heal and decide what she truly wanted.

As Ming disappeared into the distance, Zihan whispered to herself, "I hope you're ready to fight for her, Ming. Because she deserves nothing less."