Chapter 1: Across the Street

The soft hum of early morning life filled the air in the quiet suburb just outside Shanghai. The streets were lined with blooming cherry blossom trees, their pink petals fluttering in the spring breeze, creating a picturesque scene that had become a familiar backdrop for Li Wei and Mei Ling. The houses stood like guardians of the past, with tiled roofs and traditional courtyards, representing generations of family ties and tradition.

From the large window of his family’s home, Li Wei stood with his arms folded, gazing across the street at the house opposite his own. Mei Ling’s house.

For as long as Li Wei could remember, Mei Ling had been a part of his life. They had lived across from one another for nearly two decades, sharing everything from childhood mischief to adolescent fears. Their families, both steeped in tradition, had long shared meals, celebrations, and milestones together. From an early age, Li Wei had been told that he and Mei Ling were “inseparable,” words echoed by their parents, neighbors, and family friends. Yet, as he watched her now, chatting animatedly with her parents on the porch, he couldn’t help but feel a distance growing between them.

It wasn’t something he could explain easily. In many ways, everything was the same—Mei Ling still smiled as brightly, still laughed with that lightheartedness he had grown so fond of. Yet, with each passing day, especially as they prepared to enter university, Li Wei felt as though a new chapter of their lives was beginning. A chapter where things could change.

He hated change.

The sound of laughter drifted through the open window, light and carefree—so typical of Mei Ling. Even at a distance, her energy was infectious, a bright contrast to Li Wei’s own quieter, more restrained demeanor. Dressed in a flowing white sundress, Mei Ling seemed to dance with the breeze, her long hair catching the sunlight in ways that made Li Wei’s heart race, though he would never admit it to anyone, least of all himself.

She was the same Mei Ling he had always known, yet something within him was different now. And that difference unsettled him.

Turning away from the window, Li Wei moved toward the kitchen where his mother was preparing breakfast. The smell of fresh congee and steamed buns filled the room, and the sight of his mother moving gracefully between tasks brought him a sense of calm.

“Are you excited for your first day of university, Li Wei?” she asked, her voice filled with warmth and pride. She slid a bowl of congee toward him and smiled. “It’s a big day. Mei Ling’s family said they’ll be seeing her off soon too.”

Li Wei gave a small nod, keeping his eyes on his food. “Yes, mother. It’s just… another step.”

His mother’s knowing gaze lingered on him for a moment, but she didn’t press him further. She knew her son well—stoic, reserved, and always careful with his words. He had inherited his father’s quiet nature, which often made his emotions difficult to read. As she moved to pour tea, her voice took on a lighter tone. “Perhaps you and Mei Ling can walk to the university together? I’m sure she’d like that.”

Li Wei’s heart skipped slightly at the suggestion, though he maintained his composed expression. “Maybe. I’ll check with her later.”

In truth, Li Wei had always been comfortable in the routine of their childhood friendship. They spent so much time together—playing in the garden as children, studying at the same desk during school, and even sharing quiet moments when words weren’t necessary. But with the start of university, everything felt like it was about to change. And that terrified him more than he could express.

He picked at the congee absentmindedly, his thoughts swirling around the future. What if things don’t stay the same? The question gnawed at him, an ever-present undercurrent to his days. He had always relied on their bond, unspoken yet strong, but now, with Mei Ling growing into the vibrant, outgoing young woman she had become, he feared others would notice her too.

After finishing breakfast, Li Wei left the house, heading across the street. His steps felt heavier than usual, weighed down by the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Mei Ling was still outside, now waving goodbye to her parents. Her laughter bubbled up as she spotted him approaching.

“Li Wei!” she called, her voice ringing with excitement. “Are you ready for today?”

He gave a small nod, his heart tightening as he saw her smile, so full of life. She was always so effortlessly vibrant, drawing people toward her like a flame in the dark. How long could he stand at the edges of that light before someone else stepped in?

“First day of university!” she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes. “Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday we were running through these streets pretending to be superheroes.”

Li Wei’s lips curved into a small smile. “Yeah… time flies.”

Mei Ling leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’m so excited! New people, new experiences. I’ve heard so many good things about the campus. It’s going to be amazing, don’t you think?”

Li Wei’s chest tightened as her enthusiasm washed over him. She was ready for all the newness that university life would bring, but was he? The idea of seeing her surrounded by new people, new friends—especially guys—made his stomach churn. He forced the thought away, keeping his expression neutral.

“I suppose,” he said quietly, trying not to let his doubts show.

Mei Ling didn’t seem to notice his lack of enthusiasm. She grabbed his arm, pulling him along the path. “Come on! We’ll be late if we don’t hurry. The orientation starts in an hour, and I don’t want to miss a thing.”

As they walked side by side, the familiarity of their shared steps brought Li Wei some comfort. For a moment, it was as if nothing had changed. They had walked these streets together hundreds of times before, back when life felt simple and easy. But this time, as they passed the familiar sights of their neighborhood, Li Wei couldn’t shake the feeling that things wouldn’t be the same after today.

Mei Ling chattered excitedly about the clubs she wanted to join, the people she hoped to meet, and all the new adventures she was eager to experience. Li Wei listened quietly, his thoughts far from the conversation. He couldn’t help but wonder how long he could keep his feelings hidden.

Could their friendship survive the changes ahead? Could his heart withstand the inevitable attention Mei Ling would receive from other boys on campus?

As they approached the university gates, looming large and grand ahead of them, Li Wei knew one thing for certain—he couldn’t keep things the same forever.