Wen Xiaoxiao wrapped her arms around Shi Xinxin. In this world, besides romantic love and family affection, there was another strong bond: friendship between women. Wen Xiaoxiao felt as if her softest spot had been touched. Her eyes slowly closed, preventing tears from falling.
"Okay." Shi Xinxin smiled upon hearing this. She understood Wen Xiaoxiao's way of expressing herself; she wasn't good at direct emotional displays, and this phrase was the best affirmation.
After Wen Xiaoxiao reorganized the files, she looked at Shi Xinxin. It had been a while since she'd done such physical work. Shi Xinxin watched her, looking puzzled. Why wasn't she having her assistant handle this like before?
"I don't want anyone else's help. Let's leave. I don't want too many people to know." The words felt a bit stiff coming from Wen Xiaoxiao, but Shi Xinxin knew she was being thoughtful and said no more.
"We should go." Wen Xiaoxiao felt comfortable in a casual t-shirt. Usually dressed in formal wear, today she looked like she was about to go on vacation. Shi Xinxin looked at her with some delight. She could finally have a relaxing break.
"I'll go change." Wen Xiaoxiao felt uncomfortable in her current outfit, which she had put on while packing. It was better to change before leaving.
"No need to change. Just pretend you're going on vacation." Wen Xiaoxiao lived her life in formal attire, her mind always tense. Shi Xinxin rarely saw her looking so ordinary yet elegant.
"You look beautiful." Shi Xinxin pulled her to the full-length mirror. Suddenly, a fresh-faced woman appeared, her delicate features enhanced by simple clothes. Wen Xiaoxiao was surprised, realizing she could be this relaxed. She smiled at her reflection.
"Alright, let's go!" Dressed like this, Wen Xiaoxiao felt a little shy, a blush rising on her cheeks, but she confidently walked out the door. They were about to embrace a new life.
The afternoon sun had softened considerably, but the summer heat was still intense. After loading their luggage into the car, the two headed directly to the airport. The car sped along the highway, and they exchanged a knowing smile.
Hope seemed to shine into the car like the sunlight, so close, yet so far.
Shi Xinxin looked at the trees lining the highway with a pang of reluctance. Her job, her home, the person she loved, and her memories were all here. Watching the scenery rapidly recede, she tried to imprint everything in her mind. She was about to leave this place that had brought her both happiness and pain.
Wen Xiaoxiao, sensing Shi Xinxin's reluctance, remained silent.
Shi Xinxin's mind replayed Sheng Chenjin's profile. Goodbye, Sheng Chenjin.
She was about to live a life temporarily without Sheng Chenjin. Shi Xinxin didn't know what it would be like, but she was full of confidence. From now on, Sheng Chenjin would be her goal and aspiration. She wanted to become a star like him, to twinkle and shine alongside him.
The car stopped at the airport entrance. Wen Xiaoxiao helped Shi Xinxin with her luggage as they walked forward, their steps moving in perfect, unhurried synchrony.
"Are you really not regretting it?" The reluctance in Wen Xiaoxiao's eyes had overshadowed her usual sharp demeanor. Her gaze, rare in its softness, met Shi Xinxin's. It was still not too late to turn back.
"What is there to regret? Besides, Gao Yuan and everyone else will help us find him." Shi Xinxin concealed the flicker of disappointment in her eyes and smiled.
Seeing her smile, Wen Xiaoxiao understood her feelings. Sheng Chenjin was truly making Shi Xinxin worry.
Going to America was better; she could relax. Wen Xiaoxiao walked with Shi Xinxin, their suitcases trailing behind.
"Adjust your time difference once you get there. I've sent you an email; the contents might be useful."
Wen Xiaoxiao's tone was a little stiff. She didn't often express concern so directly, but over these past two days, she had said quite a bit. After all, Shi Xinxin was going to America, so far away, and Wen Xiaoxiao was genuinely worried.
"If you're not used to the food or accommodation, that email contains the contact information for a Chinese chef I used to employ and an address for lodging. You can call them."
Wen Xiaoxiao mentally reviewed if there was anything else she needed to say. Shi Xinxin smiled, a smile of happiness and deep gratitude.
"When did you become so motherly? This isn't like you at all." Her eyes were already misty. Shi Xinxin placed a hand on Wen Xiaoxiao's shoulder.
Wen Xiaoxiao's cheeks actually flushed when Shi Xinxin said that. Her rosy face looked gentle and endearing. Shi Xinxin admired this rare side of Wen Xiaoxiao.
"If you encounter any difficulties there, call me. Don't let foreigners bully you, understand?" Wen Xiaoxiao's eyes were moistening. Watching Shi Xinxin's suitcase follow them, she felt an indescribable ache.
"Okay." Wen Xiaoxiao had been taking care of her like an older sister. Now that Shi Xinxin wouldn't be around to cause trouble, perhaps Wen Xiaoxiao would be bored. Shi Xinxin glanced away, holding back her tears.
"I..." Wen Xiaoxiao suddenly faltered, unable to utter the next word. Seeing Wen Xiaoxiao's expression, Shi Xinxin understood her unspoken feelings.
"I'll miss you." Shi Xinxin finally said it. Wen Xiaoxiao's tears were unstoppable. With just one word from Shi Xinxin, she had articulated everything Wen Xiaoxiao felt. Wen Xiaoxiao gave Shi Xinxin a big hug.
"Goodbye." They both said the word in unison. Shi Xinxin held back her tears. She didn't want to leave on such a sad note. Wen Xiaoxiao also wiped away her tears and smiled at Shi Xinxin.
The announcement for the flight number echoed through the terminal. Shi Xinxin released Wen Xiaoxiao, waved goodbye, and turned towards the boarding gate. Pulling her suitcase, Shi Xinxin began her journey to a foreign land.
After eleven hours, the plane finally landed in America.
Shi Xinxin had just disembarked, the sky still a bit gray. Commuters were already on the roads. After talking for hours on the plane, Shi Xinxin felt no sleepiness. She took a taxi to the address Wen Xiaoxiao had given her and put away her luggage.
The clean room and comfortable bed looked as if they had been meticulously prepared. Looking at the new, still-tagged pajamas, Shi Xinxin felt a warmth in her heart. Wen Xiaoxiao had specifically prepared these for her.
Lying on the large bed, Shi Xinxin gazed at the ceiling. She remembered the email and opened her inbox. The restaurant, accommodation, addresses, and phone numbers were all clearly listed. Shi Xinxin took a shower, changed into a fitted trench coat, grabbed her bag, and went out.
She took a car to a Chinese restaurant and ordered a glass of soy milk, sitting by the window. She watched the owner fluently converse with customers in English.