7 ：A idescribable feelig（1 / 1）

theoonhunghighthesky，castgasilverglowovertheopulentgardenofthehanfailyansionnternsswayedntlythebreeze，castgflickergshadownthegroundtheairwasfilledwiththefragrantstofbloogjase，glgwiththedistantstrafapipabegpyedbyaskilledithegrandbahostedbythehanfailywasfullsg，andtheurtyardwasfilledwiththechatterandughteroftheeliteofthecity

sukie，dressedanexisitesilkgownthatshiredtheoonlight，stoodbyacherryblostreeherhearasastorofeotionsshewatchedasguestsilledabout，hereyeasionallydriftgtoherbrother，hanfenglialkgtoagroupofn，hisexpressioncalandposed，buteveryoften，hiseyeswouldseekherout，filledwithanunspokeion

astheevengworeon，sukiefoundherselfcreasglyawareofhanfenglg，spresencesheuldfeelhisgazeonher，evenwhenshewasn，tlookgdirectlyathitheiriions，subtleahang，hadnotgoneunnoticedbytheuestsurursandwhispersfollowedthewherevertheywent，butsukiepaidthenodherhearastoofull，tooflicted

＂isshan，youlookexisitetonight，＂afailiar，icyvoiterruptedherthoughtssukieturofdherselfface－to－facewithxietiahepowerfundalevolentbosftheregionhiseyesweredarkandtense，apredatorysilepygonhislips

sukieforcedapolitesile＂thankyou，lordxieyourpresencegraceurhubleba＂

xietiaeppedcloser，hisgazeneverleavghers＂i，vebeenwatgyoualleveng，isshanyouaretrulytheostbeautifulflowerthisgardeniouldbeashaifsuchaflowerweretowitherawaytheeoneunworthy＂

sukie，sheartpoundedherchestsheuldsehedanrrkgbehdhiswords＂iaftteredbyyourattention，lordxie，butiassureyou，ybrotherandyfailytakeexcellente＂

xietianxie，ssilewidened，buthiseyesreaedld＂ah，yes，yourbrotherheseesiteprotectiveofyoualostpossessive，oneightsay＂

beforesukieuldrespond，hanfenglgappearedatherside，hisexpressioncalbuthiseyesfshgwithanr＂lordxie，ibelieveysisterhaseaedyoulonnoughifyouwouldexce＂

xietianxie，sgazeshiftedtohanfenglg，hissileneverwaverg＂ofurse，youngasterhaniouldnotdotooverstayywele＂hebowedslightly，buthiseyeslredonsukieaontlonrbeforeheturnedandwalkedaway

hanfenglilytooksukie，sar，leadgherawayfrothecrowd＂areyht?＂heasked，hisvoicelowandfilledwith

sukienodded，herheartstillrag＂yes，i，fihankyou＂

theywalkedsilenont，thenightairogasttheirskthegardenwasieternow，theundfthebafadgtothebackground

hanfenglgspedbyasallpond，thewaterreflegtheoonlightheturofacesukie，hiseyessearghers＂yohouldbecarefurouianxiehe，sdanro＂

sukielookeddownatthewater，herrefleripplg＂iknowbutit，snotjthii，worriedabout＂

hanfenglgfrowned＂whatdoyouan?＂

shetookadeepbreath，strugglgtofdtherighords＂fenglg，i，vebeenfeelgstraelyaboutaboutyou＂

hisfrowndeepened，buthedidn，tterrupther

＂iknowwe，resupposedtobesiblgsthisworld，buttisifeellikethere，sthgorebeeen，＂shetued，hervoicetreblg＂idon，tknowifit，sjtorifyoufeelittoo，buti，tiganyore＂

hanfenglg，sexpressionftened，andhereachedouttontlycupherfahishand＂sukie，iifeelittoobutit，splicatedwe，relivgaworldthathasitwnrulesandexpectationsandevenifwe，renottrulyreted，othersbelieveweare＂

tearswelledupsukie，seyes＂buhatabouhaefeel?shouldn，tthatatter?＂

hanfenglgpulledhertoatightebrace，hisvoicebreakg＂itattersto，sukieitattersorethananythgbuehavetobecarefuherearepeoplewhowouldeourfeelgsagast＂

shegtohi，herheartag＂idon，tcareeoplethkijanttobewithyou＂

heheldherforalongont，thenpulledbackslightlytolooktohereyes＂iwantthattoo，sukiebuehavetobesartaboutthiswe，tletoureotionscloudnt＂

beforesheuldrespond，theundoffootstepsapproagadethebothteheyturoseeaservantbogdeeply＂youngasterhan，isshan，lordxiereestsyourpresence＂

hanfenglg，sjawtightened，buthenodded＂we，llberightthere＂

astheywalkedbacktotheba，sukie，sdracedshekheirfeelgsforeachotherwerereal，buttheobstaclestheyfacedseedsurountablexietianxieowerfuleney，andtheirretionshiasboundtoattrawatention

backattheba，xietiaoodattheteroftheurtyard，hiseyesgleagwithalice＂ah，thereyouare，＂hesaidsoothly＂iwasjttellishowfortuheyaretohavesuchabeautifundtalentedhostess＂

sukieforcedasile，butherhearasheavysheuldfeelhanfenglg，sprotectivepresencebesideher，astantreihattheywerethistother

therestoftheevengpassedabrsukieexdpleasahtheguests，herdonlyhalfontheversationssheuldfeelxietianxie，seyenher，hispreseant，ulgreihedaheyfaced

asthebadrewtoaclose，hanfenglgguidedhertoaietererofthegardealk，＂hesaidftly

shenodded，herheartpoundg＂iknow＂

hetookadeepbreath，hiseyesfilledwithdeteration＂sukie，i，tpretendthatourfeelgsdobuehavetobecarefulxietianxieiswatg，andhe，snottheonlyoneweofdarotectourselvesandourfaily＂

shelookedupathi，hereyesfilledwithtears＂whatdowedo?＂

hepulledhertoanotherebrace，hisvoicefir＂westaystroaytotherandwefightforwhaebelieve＂

astheystoodthere，holdachotheruheoonlight，sukiefeasenseofhopeiouldn，tbeeasy，butshekheyuldfacewhateverchallenscatheirway，aslongastheyhadeachother

daysturoweeks，aensioweensukieandhanfenglgonlygrewstroheyspentoretitother，theirbonddeepengwitheachpassgdaytheypracticedtheirartiartstother，traedstrategy，andstudiedthewftheirfailybesseverystolengnce，everybrhoftheirhands，everysharedsilewasasilentproiseoftheiritnttoeachother

oneeveng，asthesuabzeeandpk，theyfoundtheselvesalohegardenonceoresukiesatonastonebench，watgthekoifishswizilythepondhanfenglgapproached，hisfootstepsftonthegravelpath

＂sukie，＂hesaidftly，sittgbesideher＂i，vebeenthkg＂

sheturohi，hereyessearghis＂abouhat?＂

＂aboutaboutourfuture＂hetookherhandhis，histouchwarandreassurg＂we，tkeephidgourfeelgsit，snotfairtoeitherof＂

sukienodded，herheartagwiththeweightoftheirunspokenlove＂buhaedo?ifpeoplefdout＂

＂we，lldealwithit，＂hesaidfirly＂totheri，veadearrastoleavethispcewestartoverwherenew，wherenooneknows＂

hereyeswidenedsurprise＂youanleaveeverythgbehd?＂

henodded＂yesit，stheonlywaywetrulybetotherbuehavetoactfastxietianxieisbegorespicio，andit，nlyaatteroftibeforeheakeshisove＂

tearsfilledsukie，seyesassherealizedtheagnitudeofwhatheroposg＂idon，anttoloseyou，fenglgbutidon，antutourfailydaher＂

heseezedherhand，hiseyesfilledwithdeteration＂ourfailywillbesafei，veadesureofitbutyouandiwedeserveaceathappess＂

shetookadeepbreath，herheartpoundgwithaixoffearandhope＂whendoweleave?＂

＂toorrownight，＂hesaidftly＂i，llhaveeverythgreadyallyouodoistrt＂

sukielookedtohiseyes，seegtheloveaerationthereshekhahateverchallensyahead，theywouldfacethetother＂itrtyou，＂shewhispered

thedaypassedabrofpreparationandsecrecyhanfenglgadearraswithtrtedallies，ensurgthattheirdeparturewouldgounnoticedsuk

iepackedafewpreciobelonggs，herheartheavywiththekhatshewasleavgbehdthelifeshehadknown

asnightfell，theytthegarden，theirheartspoundgwithanticipationhanfenglgtookherhand，hisgripfirandreassurg＂areyouready?＂heaskedftly

shenodded，hereyesfilledwithdeteration＂yeslet，sgo＂

theyovedsilentlythroughtheshadows，slippgpastguardsandservantswhowereunawareoftheirpnsastheyreachedtheedoftheestate，asenseoffreedowashedoverthetheywereleavgbehdaworldofdanraion，steppgtotheunknownwithnothgbuttheirlovetoguidethe

butjtastheywereabouttocrossthethreshold，avoutthedarkness＂gogwhere?＂

sukie，sheartskippedabeatasxietiaeppedtoview，hiseyesgleagwithtriuph＂didyoureallythkyouuldescape?＂hesneered

hanfenglgsteppedprotectivelyfrontofsukie，hisexpressionfierce＂we，releavg，xietianxieandthere，snothgyoudotos＂

xietianxieughed，aenagund＂oh，butthereisyoee，i，vebeenwatgyouoyourlittleloveaffairhasnotgoneunnoticedandnow，youwillpaythepriceforyourbetrayal＂

beforetheyuldreact，xietianxiedrewhissword，thebdeggtheoonlighthanfenglgphedsukiebehdhi，draghiwnon＂run，sukie！＂heshouted＂i，llholdhioff！＂

sukie，sheartracedwithfearaerationsheuldn，tleavehanfenglgtofacexietianxiealoneshehadtofight，tostandbyhissideshedrewherowndagr，herhandssteadydespitetheterrorherheart

xietiahe，hisoventsswiftanddeadlyhanfenglihihead－on，theirsashowerofsparkssukiewatchedhorrorastheonfought，theirskillsevenlyatchedsheknewshehadtodothg，butsheuldn，tseeanopeng

asthebattleradon，sukiesawhercexietianxiewasfocedonhanfenglg，hisbackturohershetookadeepbreath，suongallherdndforward，aigforhisunprotectedside

thedagrstrucktrue，aiaoutaroarofpaiagredback，ctghisside，hiseyesfilledwithfury＂youlittlebitch！＂hesnarled

hanfenglgseizedtheopportunity，delivergapowerfulblowthatseianxiecrashgtothegrouoodoverthefallenan，hischestheavgwithexertion＂thisisforalhepayou，vecaed，＂hesaidldly，beforedrivghisswordtoxietianxie，sheart

sukiewatched，herbreathgshasps，asthelifedraedfroxietianxie，seyesshefeaixofreliefandhorror，knogthattheyhadtakenaliferotecttheirown

hanfenglgturoher，hiseyesfilledwith＂areyht?＂

sheearsstreagdownherface＂yesbuhatnow?＂

hetookherhand，hisgripfirandreassurg＂now，weleavethispcetother＂

theyovedickly，leavgtheseofthebattlebehdastheyslippedtothenight，sukiefeasenseofhopeaerationtheyhadfacedtheirgreatesteneyanderdvictorionow，theyhadacetobuildanewlifetother，freefrotheshadowfthepast

asthefirstlightofdawnbrokeonthehorizon，sukieandhanfenglgstoodonahilloverlookiytheyheldeachotherclose，theirheartsfilledwithasenseofpossibilitytheroadaheadwouldnotbeeasy，buttheykhataslongastheyhadeachother，theyuldfaychallen

and，handhand，theysteppedtothefuture，readytowritethechapteroftheirstory

thedaysfollogtheirescapewereabroftravendsecrecysukieandhanfenglgovedfrotowntotown，aygioolong，alwayswaryofbegdisveredthenightswerespenthuddledtotherforwarth，shargwhisperedversationsandstolefaffeeachpassgday，sukie，sfeelgsforhanfenglgdeepened，andsheuldsensehisfeelgsirroredherown

theyfallysettledaietvilledtheountas，farfrothereachoftheirehevilicturesehaven，withshgreeneryandcrystal－clearstreasthesiplelifeofferedastarktrasttotheopulenddaheyhadleftbehdforthefirsttiwhatfelikeay，theyfoundasebnceofpeace

oneeveng，asthesundippedbelowthehorizon，castgagoldenglowoverthevil，sukiesatbythedowoftheirsalta，herthoughtsawhirldhanfenglgwautside，choppgwoodforthefireshewatchedhithroughthedow，hisstrong，gracefuloventscaptivatihesightofhibroughtawarthtoherheartthatsheuldn，tignoreanylonr

ashefishedandcaside，sukiegreetedhiwithaftsile＂youworktoohard，＂sheteasedntly

hanfenglgchuckled，wipgthesweatfrohisbrow＂it，sgoodtostaybykeepsydoffthgs＂

sukie，ssilefadedasshelookeddownatherhands＂fenglialk＂

hesetthewooddownandjoihetable，hisexpressionserio＂what，nyourd?＂

takgadeepbreath，sukiethisgaze，herheartpoundg＂fenglg，i，tkeeppretendgthateverythgisnoralbeeeniknowyoufeelittoothisewehaveit，sorethanjtsiblgs，orethanjtfriendship＂

hanfenglg，seyesftened，andhereachedouttotakeherhandhis＂iknow，sukiei，vefeittoobuti，vebeentrygrotectyou，tokeepyoafe＂

tearsfilledhereyesassheshookherhead＂idon，tneedprotefroyownfeelgsioknowthae，rethistother，thae，renotalonehowwefeel＂

heseezedherhand，hisvoicefir＂you，renotalone，sukiei，velovedyouforalongti，lohanievenrealizedbutourworldisplicated，andoursituationisdanro＂

＂idon，tcareaboutthedanr，＂shesaid，hervoicebreakg＂icareaboutyoui，tkeeppretendgthati，notihyou＂

hanfenglgpulledhertohisars，holdiightly＂iloveyoutoo，sukieorethananythgbuehavetobesartaboutthiswe，tletoureotionscloudnt＂

shegtohi，feelieadybeatofhisheartagastherown＂iknowbuti，tkeephidghowifeeliobewithyou，trulybewithyou＂

hekissedtheofherhead，hisvoiceawhisper＂thenwewillbewe，llfdawaytoakethiswork，noatterwhatittakes＂

theirversationwasterruptedbyaknothedoorsukiepulledback，wipiears，ashanfenglioastandgoutsidewaslizifeng，sukie，ldfriendandfidantfrotheirpreviolifehehadbeenasteadfastallythroughtheirordeal，andseeghibroughtawaveofrelief

＂zifeng！＂sukieexcid，rhgtoebracehi＂whatareyoudoghere?＂

lizifeurhehug，asileonhisface＂icatoakesureyou，rebothsafenewfxietianxie，sdeathhasspread，andtherearestilhoseloyaohiwhoightseekreven＂

hanfenglgnodded，hisexpressiongri＂wethoughtasuchwe，vebeencareful，bue，tletuarddown＂

theyvitedzifengside，aookaseatatthetable，hisdeanorserio＂i，vebeengathergrationthereareruorsthatxietianxie，salliesareregroupgtheyighteafteryouboth＂

sukie，sheartsank＂we，tkeeprunngforeverweofdawaytoendthisthreatondforall＂

hanfenglglookedthoughtful＂weogatherourownallies，peoplewetrtifwebuildastronnoughwork，weightbeabletofendoffanyattacks＂

lizifengnodded＂iknowpeoplewhoightbeabletohelpweooveickly，thoughtiisnotonourside＂

astheydiscsedtheirpns，sukiefearenewedsenseofdeterationtheyhadfauchalready，andshekheyuldovereanyobstacleiftheystoodtothertheloveshefeforhanfenglgwashergreateststrength，andshewoulddowhateverittookrotecttheirfuture

thefewdayswereafrryofactivitylizifengreachedouttohistacts，andontheyhadasallbutloyalgroupofalliessukieandhanfenglgtraeddilintly，hongtheirskillsandprepargfortheiablefrontatioethetension，theirontstotherwerefilledwithtendernessandlove

oneeveng，afteraparticurlygruelgtragsessiobythefire，exhationglgwithtehanfengldanararoundsukie，pullgherclose

＂youwereaazgtoday，＂hesaid，hisvoicefilledwithadiration＂i，veneverseenanyonefightlikeyou＂

shesiled，leangtohi＂i，vehadagoodteacherandagoodreantofight＂

hekissedherftly，hislipslrgonhers＂iloveyou，sukieorethanwordssay＂

shelookedtohiseyes，herheartswellgwitheotion＂iloveyoutoo，fenglgandi，lnythiween＂

astheyheldeachother，thefirecragftlybesidethe，sukiefeasenseofpeacetheirjourneywasfarfroover，butshekhataslongastheyhadeachother，theyuldfaychallen

thefollog，theyreceivedwordthatxietianxie，sallieswereontheoveiastiuttheirpnstoasukieandhanfenglgstoodsidebyside，readytofacewhatevercatheirway

thebattlewasfierdreleheirsallgroupofalliesfoughtvaliantly，eachperngivgtheirallrotecttheirhoandlovedonessukieandhanfenglgfoughttother，theiroventsperfectlysyheirlovegivirength

asthesu，castgabllowoverthebattlefield，itbecaclearthattheyweregagtheupperhandxietianxie，sforcesweredrivenback，theiroraleshatteredbytheunwaverierationofsukieandherallies

fally，thestoftheireneiesweredefeated，andatriuphantcheerrosefrotheirrankssukieandhanfenglgstoodierofthebattlefield，theirhandscspedtightlytother，theireyesshgwithvictory

＂wedidit，＂sukiesaid，hervoicefilledwithaweandrelief＂wereallydidit＂

hanfenglgsiled，pulliohisars＂yes，wedidandnow，wefallybefree＂

astheyebraced，surrouheirfriendsandallies，sukiefeadeepsenseofgratitudetheyhadfaiagablechallensanderdstrohaheirlovehadbeeedandhadendured，andnowtheyuldlookforwardtoafuturefilledwithhopeandpossibility

thedaysthatfollowed，thevilcelebratedtheirhard－wonpeacesukieandhanfenglgwerehailedasheroes，theirlovestorybegalendthatspiredotherstheyspenttheirdaysrebuildgandhealg，fdgjoythesiplepleasureflife

oneeveng，astheywalkedhandhandthroughthevil，sukielookedupathanfenglg，herheartoverflogwithlove＂thankyouforalwaysbelievg，＂shesaidftly＂fornevergivgup＂

hesiled，hiseyesfilledwithwarth＂iuldnevergiveuponyou，sukieyou，reyeverythg＂

sheleaned，kissghitenderly＂andyou，fenglg，areyforever＂

astheystoodthere，bathedthegoldenlightofthesettgsun，sukiekhatnoatterwhatchallensyahead，theywouldfacethetothertheirlovewasabeaofhope，atestanttothepowerofceaerationandaslongastheyhadeachother，theyulderanythg

theboweensukieandhanfengliroheachpassgdaytheybecaseparable，theirloveastanturcethandfortthevihriveduheirleadership，andthesenseofunityandlidarityalpable

oernoon，astheyworkedtotherthefields，sukielookedoverathanfenglg，herheartswellgwithprideandlove＂fenglg，doyoueverthkaboutthefuture?aboutanttobuildhere?＂

hepaed，wipgthesweatfrohisbrow，andsiledather＂everydayiwanttocreateapcewherewelivepeace，whereourchildrengrowupsafeandhappy＂

hereyessparkledwithtearfjoy＂children?youreallythkaboutthat?＂

hetookherhand，hisexpressiontender＂ofurseiwanttobuildalifewithyou，sukieafailyafuturefilledwithloveandhappess＂

shethrewherarsaroundhi，herughterrggoutlikeabell＂iwantthattoo，fenglgorethananythg＂

astheystoodthere，ebraguheclearbesky，sukiefeasenseofpletenessshe

hadneverknownbeforetheirjourneyhadbeenlongandarduo，butithadledthetothisontofpure，unadueratedjoytheyhadfouheworld，andtother，theywouldcreatealegacyofloveandhope

theirlovestorywasfarfroover，buttheyfacedthefuturewithunwavergfideheyhadeachother，andthaasalheyneededaslongastheystoodtother，theykhattheyuldovereanyobstadachieveanydrea

and，handhand，sukieandhanfenglgwalkedtotheirfuture，theirheartsfilledwithloveandtheirspiritsunbreakabletheirstorywaneofce，resiliendtheendurgpowerofloveandianlyjtbegng

thesereneountavihathadbeesukieandhanfenglg’ssanctuaryceoftranilityandloveyet，despitethepeacetheyhadfound，alrgsenseofunfishedbessgsukiesheoftenfoundherselflostthought，ptiureandherroleitherdreaswerehauntedbyvisionfherforrlife，theodernworldshehadleftbehd，andtheunrelvedthreadsthatstilugdatherheart

onecrisp，sukiesatbythestreathatranthroughthevil，thewater’sntleflowothiroubleddhanfenglgapproachedietly，hispresencealwaysaurceofforthesatbesideher，hishalybrhghers

“whattroublesyou，sukie?”heasked，hisvoiceftandfilledwith

shesighed，turngtoethisgaze“i’vebeenthkgalotaboutthelifeileftbehd，theodernworldtherearethgsileftunfished，peopleicareaboutandthere’sapartofthaondersifiuldhavedoneore，beenore”

hanfenglg’sexpressiohoughtful“doyouissit?thaorld?”

“ways，yes，”sheaditted“butit’snotjtaboutissgitifeellikeihavearesponsibilitytogoback，tofishwhatistartedandaybe，ifido，iakeabetterfuturefor”

henodded，uandgdawnghiseyes“you’retalkgaboutreturngtoyourti”

“yes，”sukiesaid，hervoicefirwithrelve“iogobadfaceypast，akethgsrightandaybe，jtaybe，ifdawaytosecureourfuture”

hanfenglg’sgriptightenedonherhand“iuandandiwillsupportyou，noatterwhatbuthowwillyoureturn?”

shelookeddownattheiriedhands，aixtureoffearaerationhereyes“i’vebeenstudyis，theohatspeakoftitravehere’saritual，awaytoreversetheprocessaurntoyti”

hanfenglg’seyeswidehaixofaweand“itundsdanro”

“itis，”sukieaditted“butit’sariskihavetotake”

withhanfenglg’sunwavergsupport，sukiebeganreparefortherituahevilrs，unawareofthetruenatureoftheirefforts，offeredtheirassistance，providgthenecessaryherbsandaterialsthenightoftherituarrived，theairheavywithanticipationanday

astheoonreacheditszenith，sukiestoodattheterofacirclearkedwithasybolshanfenglgstoodbesideher，hispreseeadygforcethevilrswatchedirevereheirfaithsukie’sabilitiesunshaken

sukietookadeepbreath，herheartpoundgherchestshebegantotthetation，hervoicesteadyandstrongtheairaroundthecrackledwithenergy，thesybolnthegroundglogwithanotherworldlylightthepoweroftheritualsurdthroughher，fillihasenseofpurposeandrelve

hanfenglg’shandtightenedaroundhers“reber，noatterwhereyougo，iwillwaysbewithyou”

tearswelledsukie’seyesasshelookedathi“iloveyou，fenglgiwillebackforyouiproise”

asthefalwordfthetatioherlips，abldglightenvelopedsukieshefeherselfbegpulledaway，theworldaroundherdislvgtoabroflorsandundsthesensationwaverwhelg，butsheheldontohanfenglg’swords，hislovegroundgherasshewasthrtbatotheunknown

whenthelightfaded，sukiefoundherselfstandgthefailiarsurroundgfheroldapartnttheoderedherwithitscaphonyofundsandsightsshetookaonttosteadyherself，herdreelgfrotheabrupttransitiontherealityofhersituationhitherwithfullforce–shewasback

deterioaketheostofherreturn，sukiewastednotisheicklyirsedherselfiudies，re－enrollghighschoolwitharenewedsenseofpurposeherfriendsandteachersweresurprisedbyhersuddentransforation，theonce－ordarygirlnowdrivenbyanunyieldieration

herfirsttaskwastoacetheentranceexassukie’snightswerespentpovertextbooks，herdawhirlwiions，historicaldates，andstifictheoriesherdayswerefilledwithcsses，eachlesnasteppgstoowardshergoahechallenswereishefacedthewitharelvefedthefirefherpastexperiences

sukie’stransforationdidnotgounnoticedherteacherswereipressedbyherdedication，herpeersspiredbyherrelentlessdriveshefordnewfriendships，bondsbuionutualrespedsharedaspiratio，aidstthefrryofacadeicpursuits，herthoughtftendriftedtohanfenglg，hispreseanturcethandotivation

oernoon，afteraparticurlygruelxa，sukiesattheschoolurtyard，herdragwiththoughtfthefutureshewasjoedbyilg，herloyalfriendfroherpreviolife，whohadalcrossedovertothisti

“you’ved，sukie，”ilgsaid，hervoicefilledwithadiration“there’safireyouthaasn’ttherebefore”

sukiesiled，hergazedistant“i’vebeenthroughalot，ilgandi’velearhatifyouwantthg，youhavetofightforiitheverythgyouhave”

ilg’seyesftehuandg“you’rethkgabouthi，aren’tyou?”

“everyday，”sukieaditted，hervoidwithlongg“iproisedhiiwouldebadiwillbutfirst，ioakesurethahenido，igivethelifewedeserve”

astheonthspassed，sukie’shardworkpaidoffshegraduatedwithhonors，segapoheostprestigiouiesherchoseersce，adisciplihthepotentiaoshapethefutureshesawitasawaytoharhepowerofteologytocreateabetterworld，onewheresheandhanfenglguldbetotherwithoutfear

heruyyearswereawhirldofdisveryandnovationsukie’sbrillianceshoneeveryprojectsheuook，herpassionaivitysettgherapartfroherpeersshedevelopedgroundbreakgteologies，earngaodesaionfrotheacadeiunity

yet，despitehersuesses，sukieneverlostsightofheruiategoalsheiedwisely，buygbitandothercryptocurrencies，herfhtandtuitionleadgtosubstantialfancialgassheedhernewfouhtosecureafortablefuture，buygahoandacar，ensurgthaheica，shewouldbereadyrovideforhanfenglg

throughoutitall，sukie’sheartreaedanchoredtotheproiseshehadadeshekepttouchwithilgandlizifeng，theirbondalifelioherpasttother，theydevisedapurntotheaworld，toreuhhanfenglgandfulfilhedestytheyhadfedtother

thedayofthefalrituarrived，andsukiefeaixtureofexcitentandtrepidatiooodthesaspohereshehadperfordtheitialritual，thesybolnthegroundglogwithafailiarlightilgandlizifengstoodbyherside，theirpresenceafreihestrengththeyshared

assukiebegantotthetation，theairaroundthecrackledwithenergythesybolsglowedbrighter，thepoweroftheritualbuildgtoacresdosukie’svoicewassteadyandclear，herheartfilledwithhopeaeration

thelightenvelopedheronceaga，theworldaroundherdislvgtoabroflorsandundsshefeherselfbegpulledback，thesensationbothexhiratgandoverwhelgasthelightfaded，shefoundherselfstandgthefailiarsurroundgftheountavil

thevilrsgreetedherwithjoyandrelief，theirfaithherunwavergsukie’sheartracedasshesearchedforhanfenglg，hereyessgthecrowdwhenshefallysawhi，standgattheedofthevilwithalookofdisbeliefandjoyonhisface，shefeawaveofeotionwashoverher

“fenglg！”shecried，runngtohi

hecaughtherhisars，holdiightly“sukie，youcaback”

“iproisediwould，”shesaid，tearsstreagdownherface“andialwayskeepyproises”

theystoodthere，edeachother’sebrace，theweightoftheirjourneyliftgfrotheirshouldersthelovetheysharedhadbroughtthebacktother，andnow，theyuldfallybegthelifetheyhadalwaysdreadof

asthevilrscelebratedtheirreturn，sukieandhanfenglgstoodtother，theirheartsfilledwithgratitudeandhopetheyhadfaiagablechallens，buttheirlovehadendured，guidihroughthedarkestoftis

thedaysthatfollowed，theyworkedtothertobuildafuture，blendgtheknowledandexperiencefbothworldssukie’snovatihtnewopportuothevil，whilehanfenglg’sstrengthandwisdohattheirunitythrived

theirlovestorybecaalend，spirgotherstobelievethepowerofce，resiliendunwaveriionastheystoodhandhand，watgthesuovertheountas，sukiekhattheyhadtrulyfouheworld

tother，theyhadcreatedalegacyofloveandhope，atestanttotheendurgpowerofthehuanspiritandastheyfacedthefuture，theydidwiththeknowled

that，noatterwhatchallensyahead，theywouldalwayshaveeachother

sukie’sreturntotheodernworldwasithixedeotionsthejoyofreunitgwithfriendsandfailywasteperedbytherealizationofthechallehatyaheadherissionwasclear:tosecureafuturewheresheandhanfenglguldbetotherwithoutfearoruatythisreirednotonlyfancialstabilitybutaladeepuandgofthetricacieftheodernworld

asshesettledbatoherlife，sukiefoundherselfatacrossroadsshehadtochooseacareerpaththaouldprovidethereurdstabilitynecessaryforherandhanfenglg，sfutureafteruption，shedecidedursueacareerfandtrywiththepotentialfnifitfancialgasshekhaithherdeterationandtellect，sheuldexcel

sukieenrollediigiobessschool，dedigherselftoherstudieswiththesafervorshehadshownherprevioacadeicpursuitstherigorourseworkanddeandgschedulewerechallengg，butshereaedfocedoalhercssatesandprofesrswereipressedbyhertellinddrive，oftenseekghersightsdurgdiscsions

duriiatbessschool，sukiefordaclose－knitgroupoffriendswhosharedherpassionforfarepreneurshipaongthewasjan，abrilliantbuttrovertedstudenhoicklybecaherfidanttheyspenttlesshoursstudygtother，discsgarkettrends，andshargtheirdreasforthefuture

oneeveng，astheysatthelibrary，theirtextbooksspreadoutbeforethe，janlookedatsukiewithcuriosity＂youknow，sukie，youalkaboutyourpastwheredidyoutthisdrive，thisunwaverieration?＂

sukiesiled，herthoughtsdriftgtohanfenglgandthelifetheyhadshared＂i，vebeenthroughalot，janorethanostpeopleiagiit，sgivenaclearsenseofwhatiwantandwhati，willgtofightfor＂

jannodded，sensihofherwords＂well，whateveritis，itakesyouoheostrearkablepeopleiknowihavenodoubtyou，lchieveeverythgyoetouttodo＂

hiswordsfilledherwitharenewedsenseofpurposeshekhathertitheodernworldwasnotjtaboutachievgfancialsuess，butalaboutprepargherselfforthelifeshewahhanfenglg

assukieexcellediudies，shealbegantoicryptocurrencies，havglearnedabouttheirpotentialduriitheaworldshespenthoursreseargandanalyzgarkettrends，akgcalcutedintsthatoopayoffherportfoliogreidly，andsheedherprofitstosecureassetsthaouldensureafortablefuture

despiteherbyschedule，sukieneverlostsightofherproisetohanfenglgshefreentlicatedwithilgandlizifeng，whoprovidedupdateuationtheaworldtheirsupportandewerevaable，redihatshewasnotaloneherission

oneweekend，sukiedecidedtotakeabreakfroherstudiesandvisitherparentsthedrivetotheirhoewasfilledwithoriefherchildhood，asiplertibeforeherlifehadbeeplicatedasshepulledtothedriveway，herreetedherwithawarhug，hereyesfilledwithprideandlove

＂sukie，it，sgoodtoseeyou，＂herothersaid，leadgherside＂you，vebeenwhardi，worriedyou，reoverdogit＂

sukiesiled，appreciatiher，s＂i，okay，oijthavealotioaplish＂

herfatherjoihethelivgroo，hisexpressionserio＂we，reproudofyou，sukiebuealwanttoakesureyou，retakgcareofyourselfyoudon，thavetocarrytheweightoftheworldonyourshoulders＂

thewarthandsupportofherparentswereabaosukie’swearyulshespenttheweekendrexgahherfaily，fdgtheirloveanduandgiasareihatshewasnotaloneherjourney，andthattherewerepeoplewhocareddeeplyaboutherwell－beg

afterreturngtoschool，sukiethrewherselfbatoherstudieswithrenewedvigorherdeterationpaidoffasshegraduatedwithhonors，segavetedpositionataleadifirthefast－pacedworldoffancewasexhiratg，andsukieicklyestablishedherselfasarisgstarthedtry

hersuessdidnotgounnoticedshecaughttheattentionofjaswhitore，aweahyandiialbessanknownforhissharpstdaggressivetacticshevitedsukietojohistea，herapositionthatproisedbothweahandfencewhiletheopportunitywasteptg，sukiewaswaryofwhitore，sreputationaentialethicalproisesthatightewithwforhi

oneeveng，asshesatherxurioapartntoverlookiy，sukiereceivedacallfroilgherfriend，svoicewasfilledwithexcitentandurncy＂sukie，we，veadeabreakthroughthere，sawaytostabilizethetiportal，toakeitpera＂

sukie，sheartracedwithhopeandfear＂areyoure?howdoesiork?＂

＂we，vefothatdescribearitualvolvgrarestonesandaspecificaligofthestars，＂ilxped＂butit，sdanro，anditreiresprecisetiiickly＂

sukiekhiswastheontshehadbeenwaitgforhertitheodernworldhadgivehereurdknowledsheneeded，butiastitoreturntohanfenglgandfulfillherproiseshetookadeepbreath，herdragwiththeiplicationftheritual

＂ilg，i，lldowhateverittakesjttellwhatiodo，＂sukiesaid，hervoicefilledwithdeteration

astheydiscsedthedetails，sukiefeaixtureofexcitentandtrepidatioualreiredspecificstohaerebothrareandexpensivefortunately，herintshadprovidedherwiththefancialanstoaciretheshetactedareputabledealerandarraopurchasethenecessarystones

thefollogdays，sukieticulolypreparedfortheritualshereviewedtheaexts，cross－referehodernstifiowledtoensureeverydetailwasrrectherapartntbecaaakeshiftboratory，filledwithcharts，crystals，andaresybols

onthenightoftheritual，sukiestoodontheroofofherapartntbuildg，thecitylightsklgbelowherthestarswereperfectlyaligheircelestialdaestanttotheprecisionreiredfortheritualilgandlizifengstoodbyherside，theirpresenceafreihebondtheyshared

assukiebegantotthetation，thestonesarrandacirclearoundherbegantoglowwithaft，ethereallighttheaircrackledwithenergy，aasurofpowercthroughhervestheritualwasw，butitdeandedallofherfodstrength

ilgandlizifengwatchediheportalbegantofor，ashirgvortexthatseedulsewithlifesukie’svoicegrewlouder，theawordsflogfroherlipswithacrityandpowerthatbeliedtheiratheportalstabilized，itsedslidifygtoagatewaybeeenworlds

withafalsurofenergy，sukiepletedtherituaheportalstoodopenbeforeher，atestanttoherdeterationandsacrificesheturoilgandlizifeng，hereyesfilledwithgratitudeandrelve

＂thankyouboth，foreverythg，＂shesaid，hervoicesteadydespitetheeotionsswirlgwithher

ilghugdhertightly＂besafe，sukieandreber，we，llwaysbehereforyou＂

lizifengnodded，hisexpressionserio＂goodck，sukieyou’vegotthis＂

takgadeepbreath，sukiesteppedthroughtheportahetransitionwasbothexhiratganddirientg，theworldaroundhershiftgandtransfakaleidospeoflorsaionswhenthelightfaded，shefoundherselfstandgthefailiarsurroundgftheountavil

thevilrsgreetedherwithjoyandrelief，theirfaithherunwavergsukie’sheartracedasshesearchedforhanfenglg，hereyessgthecrowdwhenshefallysawhi，standgattheedofthevilwithalookofdisbeliefandjoyonhisface，shefeawaveofeotionwashoverher

“fenglg！”shecried，runngtohi

hecaughtherhisars，holdiightly“sukie，youcaback”

“iproisediwould，”shesaid，tearsstreagdownherface“andialwayskeepyproises”

theystoodthere，edeachother’sebrace，theweightoftheirjourneyliftgfrotheirshouldersthelovetheysharedhadbroughtthebacktother，andnow，theyuldfallybegthelifetheyhadalwaysdreadof

asthevilrscelebratedtheirreturn，sukieandhanfenglgstoodtother，theirheartsfilledwithgratitudeandhopetheyhadfaiagablechallens，buttheirlovehadendured，guidihroughthedarkestoftis

thedaysthatfollowed，theyworkedtothertobuildafuture，blendgtheknowledandexperiencefbothworldssukie’snovatihtnewopportuothevil，whilehanfenglg’sstrengthandwisdohattheirunitythrived

theirlovestorybecaalend，spirgotherstobelievethepowerofce，resiliendunwaveriionastheystoodhandhand，watgthesuovertheountas，sukiekhattheyhadtrulyfouheworld

tother，theyhadcreatedalegacyofloveandhope，atestanttotheendurgpowerofthehuanspiritandastheyfacedthefuture，theydidwiththekhat，noatterwhatchallensyahead，theywouldalwayshaveeachother

sukieandhanfenglg’sreuniontheountavilhadbeennothgshortofiraculotheirlove，testedbytiandtrials，haderdstronrandoreresilientthaneverwiththeportalnowstabilized，theyhadtheunieopportunitytoexplorenewhorizonstothersukie’ssuesstheodernworldprovidedthewiththefancialanstosecureafuture，andtheydecidedtoebarkonanewadventure–buildgalifenortherneurope

thedeovetonortherneuropewasdrivenbysukie’sdesiretobihebestofbothworldstheregion，sbreathtakgndscapes，advaeology，andhighalityoflifeproisedafreshstart，freefrothestratsanddaheyhadfacedbeforesukieandhanfenglnvisionedalifewheretheyuldblendtheirunieexperiendskillstocreatethiraordary

thejourneybeganwithaflighttosto，swedensukieandhanfenglgarveledattheeffidphistiodernairtravel，astarktrasttothesiplerodeftransportationtheirvilastheyarrivedsto，thecity’sblendofhistoricalcharandcuttg－ednovationcaptivatedthe

theirfirstdaysstowerespehecity’svibrantcuureandhistorytheyvisitedthevasaeu，wherehanfenglgwasfasatedbythewell－preserved17th－turywarshipsukieexpihesignificeoftheshipanditsill－fatedaidenvoya，hervoicefilledwithbothrevereent

“thisshipisatestanttotheresilienanendeavors，”sukiesaid，hereyesreflegtheship，sgrandeur“it’sareihatevenfaire，thereisbeautyandlesnstobelearned”

hanfenglgnodded，absherwords“it’scredibletoseehowuchtheworldhasevolvedthere’suchtolearnandexperience”

theirdayswerefilledwithexplorationanddisvery，butthenightsbroughtdeeperversationsandreflestheysatbythedowoftheirhotelroo，watgthecitylightsklebelow，theirheartsfilledwithaixofwonderandtrepidation

“sukie，”hanfenglgsaidonenight，hisvoidwith，“doyoueverworrythae’releavgtoouchbehd?e，thepeoplewhodependedon?”

sukietookhishaoutleandreassurg“ido，fenglgbutibelievethaecreatethvenoreangfulherewehavethereurdthekohelpotherswaysweneveruldbeforeandwe’llwherewecafro”

hanfenglgsiled，hisfearseasg“yhttother，weakeadifference”

astheysettledtotheirnewlife，sukieandhanfenglgfacedthechallenfadaptgtoadifferentcuureandenvirotheyfouifupartntaietneighborhood，itsoderndesignandpanoraicviewsastarktrasttothesiplicityoftheirvilsukie’sknowledofodernteologyprovedvaable，helpgthenavigatetheplexitiefurbanlivg

sukieicklyirsedherselftheworldoffandteology，leveraggherskillsandexperieoestablishasuessfulintfirherreputationasabrilliantandnovativeentrepreneurspreadickly，attragtsandiorsfroaroundtheworldhanfenglg，oherhand，foundhiscallgstaableagricuureheappliedhisknowledoftraditionalfargteiestoodernpractices，creatgaunieandhighlysuessfunicfar

theirrespectivecareersflourished，butiastheirsharedpassionforhelpgothersthattrulydefiheirnewlifetheyestablishedafoundationdedicatedtosuppeducationandstaabledevelopntprojebothnortherneuropeandtheirhovihefoundation’sipactrofound，iprovgtheliveftlesspeopleandstrengthengtheboweentheirpasta

oneeveng，astheystoodoerraceoftheirapartnt，watgthenorthernlightsdanceacrossthesky，sukiefeasenseoffulfillntandpeacesheturohanfenglg，herheartswellgwithloveandgratitude

“fenglg，i’tbelievehowfarwe’vee，”shesaid，hervoicefilledwitheotion“we’vebuialifethat’sbeyondanythgiuldhaveiaged”

hanfenglgsiled，ghisarsaroundher“it’sallbecaeofyou，sukieyourstrengthandvisionhaveadethispossibleandi’gratefuleverydaythae’reonthisjether”

theirretionshipdeepeheachpassgday，theirlovegrogstronrandoreresilienttheyfacedchallensandobstacleswithunwavergsupportforoneaheirboanttothepowerofloveandperseveraheyfoundjoythesipleonts–okgdiother，exphetryside，andshargtheirdreasandaspirations

despitethehappiheyhadfound，therewereontftensionanduatythecuuraldifferendthepressureftheirrespectivecareerstiscreatedfrioneeveng，afteraparticurlystressfuldayaork，sukiefoundherselffeelgoverwheldandfrtratedshesatontheedoftheirbed，herdragwithdoubtsandworries

hanfeheroo，sensgherdistresshesatbesideher，hishalyrestgonhershoulder“what’swrong，sukie?”

shesighed，hershouldersspg“it’sjt…everythgthepressureaork，theresponsibilityofthefoundatitobaalisifeellikei’notdonough，likei’failg”

hanfenglg’seyesftehuandg“you’redogancrediblejob，sukiebutyoudon’thavetocarrythisburdenalonewe’rethistother，reber?”

shelookedathi，hereyesbrigwithtears“iknow，fenglgandi’gratefulforyoubuttisitfeelsliketheweightoftheworldinyshoulders”

hepulledhertohisars，holdiightly“you’renotalone，sukiewe’llfacethesechalleotherandwe’lleoutstronroherside”

theirloveandsupportforeachothersawthethroughthetoughestoftistheylearounicateopenlyandholy，addressgtheirsandfearswithpassionanduandgtheirretionshipbecaaurcethandspiration，abeaofhopeaworldfilledwithuaty

oneweekend，sukieandhanfenglgdecidedtotakeatriptothetryside，seekgnature’sebracetheyrentedazybyapristihetranilsettgaperfectescapefrothedeandftheirbylivesastheyhikedthroughtheforest，theirughtereorees，theboweenthegrogstroheachstep

theyreachedacleargbytheke，thewater’ssurfaceshirgthesunlightsukiesatonarock，hergazefixedonthehorizonhanfenglgjoedher，hispresenceafwarth

“it’sbeautifulhere，”sukiesaid，hervoicefilledwithawe“itredse”

hanfenglgnodded，hiseyesreflegthesase“itdoesitfeelslikeho”

theyspeernoonbytheke，talkgabouttheirdreasandaspirationssukiesharedhervisionforthefoundation，herpassionforakgadifferentheworldhanfenglgspokeofhisdesiretoexpandthefar，tocreateastaableodehatuldbereplicatedotherunities

asthesuoset，castgagoldenglowoverthendscape，sukiefeasenseofpeadtesheturohanfenglg，herheartoverflogwithlove

“fenglg，idon’tknowwhatthefutureholds，butidoknowthataslongaswe’retother，wefaythg”

hesiled，takgherhandhis“ifeehesaway，sukiewe’veealongway，andthere’suchoretolookforwardto”

theirtiirysidestrengtheheirbond，rediheiportanceofbaheyreturostowitharenewedsenseofpurpose，readytofacethechallensandopportuhatyahead

thefollogonths，sukieandhanfenglg’slivestioflourishtheircareersthrived，theirfoundationadeasignifitipadtheirlovegrewdeeperandoreresilienttheyfacedeachchallehceaeration，theirbondunbreakable

oneeveng，astheysatoerrace，watgthecitylightsklebelow，hanfenglgturosukiewithalookofdeeploveandadiration

“sukie，there’sthgi’vebeenangtoaskyou，”hesaid，hisvoicesteadyandscere

shelookedathi，herheartskippi“whatisit，fenglg?”

hetookherhand，hiseyesneverleavghers“willyouarry?”

sukie’seyesfilledwithtearfjoy，herheartswellgwithlove“yes，fenglgyes，iwill”

theirewasacelebrationoftheirjourestanttotheloveandresiliehathadbroughtthetothertheypnnedabeautifulweddg，blendgtraditionsfroboththeircuures，asyboloftheiruniearaordarylovestory

astheystoodtotherontheirweddgday，surroundedbyfriendsandfaily，sukieandhanfenglgkhattheirlovewasaforature，unbreakableandendurgtheyhadfaiagablechallens，buttheirlovehadseehrough，guidioafuturefilledwithhopeandpossibility

andastheydanceduhestars，theirheartsbeatperfectharony，theirloveabeaoflightaworldfilledwithuatytother，theywereunspable，theirboanttothepoweroflove，dresilience

theirstorywasfarfroover，butastheyfacedthefuturetother，theykhattheyuldovereanyobstadachieveaheirlovewasalegacy，abeaofhopeandspirationforallwhokhe

and，handhand，sukieandhanfenglgwalked

tothefuture，theirheartsfilledwithloveandtheirspiritsunbreakabletother，theywouldcreatealifeofpurpose，joy，andendlesspossibilities，theirlovestoryatestanttotheendurgpowerofthehuanspirit