Chapter 93: I Will Wait for You
When Lin Yuejiu left, her mind kept replaying the teacher’s words.
“I have a spot for an exchange student. You can go abroad to study under that program. There’s also a music association there, with dedicated training. You’ll see more musicians and rivals, and you’ll have plenty of competitions to enter. It could lead you to a bigger stage, maybe even a chance to perform at a concert.”
“I came this time to choose a student. Back then, I thought you were good, but you hadn’t quite reached the standard.”
She asked, “Then have I reached it now?”
“Yes. You’ve made great progress compared to before. That place is very suitable for you. Whether you go or not is up to you—I won’t force you.”
She fell silent for a moment, then asked, “When are you leaving?”
“Before August 30th.”
Lin Yuejiu let out a heavy breath. Returning to the Xu household, she saw Xu’s mother smiling as she greeted her.
“Auntie, is Xu Nianshen in his room?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Thank you.”
Lin Yuejiu went upstairs and stood outside his door, hand raised, ready to knock, but she couldn’t bring herself to.
The scene felt familiar—last time she stood here like this, she had overheard that he liked someone. And now…
The door suddenly opened, catching her off guard. Xu Nianshen stood before her, and upon seeing her, asked, “What’s wrong?”
Lin Yuejiu pressed her lips together.
Sensing something off, Xu Nianshen let her in and closed the door. Just as he turned around, she threw her arms around him, burying her head against his chest.
He wrapped his arms around her and asked softly, “What’s the matter?”
“Today that teacher came again. He listened to me play.”
“And then?”
“He told me… there’s an exchange student spot.”
Xu Nianshen immediately understood what she meant. His hand gently stroked her hair. “This is your chance. You should take it.”
“But…” her voice was muffled, “I’ll have to leave for a year.”
His body stiffened slightly.
“That means we won’t see each other for a whole year. I won’t be able to study with you, or walk to and from school with you.” Lin Yuejiu clung tighter to him.
He exhaled slowly, forcing down the strong reluctance in his chest. “Even if we can’t see each other, we can still video call, send messages. We’ll still be together.”
But Lin Yuejiu shook her head against his chest, voice soft and stubborn. “It’s not the same.”
“Not the same,” she repeated, “I can see you, but I can’t touch you.”
Xu Nianshen cupped her face, making her meet his gaze. “Jiujiu, this is an incredible opportunity—it’s the path to your dream. You can’t change your decision because of me. This is your dream. Nothing and no one should stop you.”
“But…”
“Don’t think of me. Don’t delay your life because of me. Your life belongs to you.”
Lin Yuejiu lowered her eyes, her lashes trembling, tears welling up at the corners.
Xu Nianshen lifted his hand, his fingertip gently brushing away her tears. His lips curved into a smile. “Didn’t you say you’d step onto the big stage, make lots of money, and take care of me? If you don’t go, you won’t earn all that money, you won’t be able to look after me. Weren’t you going to buy me a big villa?”
Lin Yuejiu raised her watery eyes to him. His expression was the same as always—gentle, a gentleness he only ever showed to her.
Xu Nianshen leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers, his voice steady and sure. “Just like you said—I will wait for you.”
Lin Yuejiu’s tears spilled instantly. She threw herself into his arms again, holding him tightly.
Life is full of unexpected turns. It’s like a box of chocolates—you never know if the next piece will be bitter or sweet.
Some things must be faced—there’s no way to escape them. This was a decision she had to make.
Lin Yuejiu could only pray that this one year would pass quickly, so she could see him again, throw herself into his arms, and hold him just like today.
The air conditioner outside hummed, sending cool air into the room. The breeze was cold, but the hearts of the two who held each other close were burning hot.
—
Lin Yuejiu agreed to the teacher’s offer.
The teacher said, “Good. This is a great opportunity. If you don’t seize it now, it’ll be hard to have another chance like this later. Since you’ve decided, go tell your family and close friends. I’ll handle the rest.”
“Okay.”
Lin Yuejiu asked Chen Qianxi to meet her at a milk tea shop.
When Chen Qianxi hurried in, she was holding two ice creams. She handed one over as she complained, “This weather is unbearable. Quick, eat before it melts.”
Lin Yuejiu took a bite—cold and sweet.
“Jiujiu, what did you want to tell me?” Chen Qianxi asked while licking her own ice cream.
Looking up, Lin Yuejiu said softly, “Xixi, I won’t be able to stay in the same dorm with you for the next year.”
“Why? You’re moving to another dorm? Tell me who’s seducing you, I’ll take care of her!”
“I’m going abroad as an exchange student. I won’t be back for the whole of senior year.”
Drops of melted ice cream slipped onto Chen Qianxi’s hand, chilling her skin.
She froze. “…What did you just say?”
“I won’t be able to stay with you during senior year.”
Chen Qianxi stared in disbelief, letting the ice cream drip onto her hand without caring. “Why do you have to be an exchange student? Why can’t you come back for a year?”
“A teacher from the Music Association gave me a spot. I’ll be trained abroad, with the chance to step onto a bigger stage.”
Though still stunned, Chen Qianxi slowly understood. “So… this is your dream?”
“Yes.”
“Does the class monitor know? Does Du Zhuo know?”
Lin Yuejiu shook her head. “I came to you first.”
Hearing this eased Chen Qianxi’s heart a little. She smiled at her. “That’s good then. You’re chasing your dream, and maybe you’ll become a famous violinist. When you come back, I’ll be able to brag about you to everyone.”
“Xixi…”
Chen Qianxi smiled brightly, though her tone was forced cheerful. “It’s fine. It’s just one year. Even if you can’t come back, we still have our phones, don’t we? We can call and video chat. I can still see you.”
Lin Yuejiu pulled out tissues and gently wiped her friend’s hand, cleaning away the melted ice cream. Her hand was clean now, but Chen Qianxi still felt the coldness lingering—not just on her skin, but in her heart.
The two of them left the milk tea shop together, walking hand in hand down a tree-lined path. Neither spoke.
“Is it really a rule that you can’t return during training?”
“Yes, it’s a rule.”
Chen Qianxi pressed her lips together and fell silent again.
“Xixi…”
“It’s fine. Didn’t I just say it? Even if we can’t meet directly, we can still see each other in other ways.” Her words were optimistic, but her voice trembled, heavy with the sound of tears.
Lin Yuejiu turned to look at her. Chen Qianxi’s eyes were red, tears brimming. She tried to hold them back, but failed. She suddenly hugged Lin Yuejiu and began to sob.
“Jiujiu, don’t forget me when you’re there. Take care of yourself abroad. Don’t go out alone at night. Be good to yourself. I’ll wait for you to come back…”
