Farewell to Mother Qiao

When Qiao Wei returned home, the sky had already darkened. Her mother sat in the living room, looking somewhat sad as she watched Qiao Wei walk in.

Qiao Wei approached her mother, her gaze apologetic. "Mom, I'm sorry for making you worry," she said softly.

Her mother sighed, reaching out to gently stroke Qiao Wei's hair. "Weiwei, has everything been resolved?"

Qiao Wei lowered her head, guilt weighing on her heart. Only after a long pause did she finally speak, her voice quiet, "I'm sorry, Mom. I want to go to the other world for a while, to settle my own matters."

Her mother looked at the determined expression on Qiao Wei's face and sighed again. "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

Gazing at her mother's loving face, Qiao Wei could no longer hold back her tears. Choking with emotion, she recounted the events as best she could. Even after a long while, her tears would not stop.

Her mother studied Qiao Wei's still-youthful features. Though part of her found it hard to believe, her heart ached for her daughter. "If that person is willing to help you, then go. I'll take care of the paperwork with your school. No matter what, your safety comes first. Be careful in that world, stay vigilant. You're a girl—how can I not worry? Weiwei, are you sure that person can be trusted?"

Qiao Wei nodded, her eyes growing moist once more. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be fine."

Her mother shook her head helplessly.

Qiao Wei returned to her room, lay down on her bed, and soon drifted into sleep. A dark shadow flashed silently in through the window, carrying a faint scent of mint. Under the moonlight, Luo Chen's devilishly handsome face looked even more captivating. His deep crimson eyes gazed at Qiao Wei with gentle affection.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Luo Chen reached out, wanting to touch Qiao Wei's peaceful, white-rose-like face. Just before his fingers brushed her skin, he forced himself to stop. Sighing, he murmured almost to himself, "You're not her. No matter how much you resemble her, you're not."

Luo Chen got up and walked to the desk, picked up a pen, and scribbled a line on a sheet of white paper before quickly slipping out the window.

The next morning, Qiao Wei woke up early. She vaguely remembered a pair of gentle eyes watching her in the night. Tidying her messy hair, she walked over to her desk and found a piece of paper on which a flowing hand had written: I've considered your suggestion. It's not bad, so I've decided to cooperate. I'll wait for you in the rose garden. By the way, you sleep as deeply as a pig. —Luo Chen

Qiao Wei smiled, freshened herself up in the bathroom, and began to pack, getting ready to find Luo Chen.

With a small suitcase in hand, Qiao Wei went to her mother's room. Qiao You was busy trying to put on his tiny shoes. Qiao Wei patted his little head, then turned to her mother, who was making the bed. "Mom, I'm leaving now..."

Her mother turned around, smoothing Qiao Wei's unruly hair as she spoke. "Come back early, and stay safe, alright?"

Qiao Wei nodded. "Don't worry, Mom."

And so, Qiao Wei made her way to the rose garden, leapt into the pit, and disappeared into the light.

May Day has passed, and hasn't it left everyone a little irritable!