Ao Bing's eyes lit up, clearly inspired by the thought. "You're right, Nezha. I don't have to fully adhere to the old system. I can try to introduce some new ideas and methods, allowing the Dragon Tribe to adapt to modern society while still preserving our traditions and dignity."
Nezha smiled, feeling a great sense of comfort seeing Ao Bing's renewed vitality and hope. "This is the Ao Bing I know, always full of wisdom and courage."
Ao Bing smiled faintly, his worries replaced by determination. "Thank you, Nezha. You always provide me with the right guidance and support when I'm lost."
The two exchanged smiles, their hearts filled with love and gratitude for each other. In that moment, despite the impending separation, they felt closer than ever.
However, fate seemed unwilling to grant them much time together. On the morning of the seventh day, Ao Bing received an urgent message from the Dragon Palace; the situation was more serious than anticipated, and he had to return immediately.
"I'm sorry, Nezha," Ao Bing said apologetically. "I must leave now. The internal conflict within the Dragon Tribe has escalated to an uncontrollable level. If I delay any longer, it could lead to greater chaos."
Nezha felt a pang of heartache but understood the gravity of the situation. He couldn't bear to make things harder for Ao Bing. "It's okay, Ao Bing. Your people need you. Go, and don't have any concerns."
Ao Bing looked at Nezha with gratitude as he quickly packed his last belongings. At the door, he turned to face Nezha, his eyes filled with reluctance and affection. "Nezha, thank you for your companionship these days. I..."
"Don't say goodbye," Nezha interrupted him, fighting back tears. "Because we will definitely meet again, right?"
Ao Bing nodded, tears shimmering in his eyes. "Yes, we will meet again. Wait for me to come back."
With that, he gave Nezha one last embrace before turning to leave, his steps firm and swift as he did not look back, as if fearing that once he turned around, he would never be able to leave.
Nezha stood there watching Ao Bing's figure disappear at the end of the corridor, his heartache nearly overwhelming him. He wanted to chase after him, to say something more, to catch one last glimpse of Ao Bing's face, but reason told him to respect Ao Bing's choice and not make their farewell any harder.
Returning to the empty dormitory, Nezha sat on Ao Bing's bed, his fingers gently brushing over the sheets as if he could still feel his presence. On the desk lay a book that Ao Bing had left behind—"Legend of Sea and Fire," his favorite novel. Tucked within its pages was a note:
"Nezha, this book tells a story of love between the sea and fire. Though they should repel each other, they are drawn together by their differences, ultimately transcending the boundaries of nature to create a miracle. This reminds me of us. No matter what the future holds, remember that the bond we share has already created a miracle of its own. Wait for my return. —Ao Bing"
After reading the note, Nezha could no longer contain his emotions; tears streamed down his face like pearls slipping from a broken string. He clutched the book tightly, as if it were the last warmth Ao Bing had left him.
At that moment, the Crystal Pendant around his neck suddenly warmed slightly, emitting a soft blue glow. Nezha looked down in surprise, watching as the light within the crystal pulsed rhythmically like a heartbeat, as if conveying some message.
"Ao Bing?" Nezha whispered, feeling the energy fluctuations within the crystal.
There was no response, but the light grew stronger, providing Nezha with immense comfort. It was Ao Bing's essence, his energy, his presence. Through this crystal, they remained connected, no matter how far apart they were.
Nezha held the crystal tightly, closing his eyes and imagining that Ao Bing was doing the same at that very moment. The thought brought him a sense of warmth, easing some of the sorrow of their separation.
Comment 0 Comment Count