Jianyu stood frozen in place as the door creaked open. His breath hitched when he saw her—Xu Xuan, standing there in a bright yellow dress, her hair tied into two neat pigtails. She looked just like he remembered, with the same warm, carefree smile that could light up the darkest room.
"Gege!" Xu Xuan chirped happily, running toward him.
Jianyu couldn't hold back anymore. He dropped all of his stuff, arms outstretched, and pulled her into a tight hug as soon as she reached him. His grip was firm, almost desperate, as if letting go would make her disappear. The familiar scent of her strawberry shampoo filled his senses, and it was so overwhelming he had to squeeze his eyes shut.
"Gege, you're squishing me!" Xu Xuan giggled, wiggling slightly in his embrace.