Zhuang Zi'ang held his phone, editing a message to the contact labeled "Little Butterfly." He typed, deleted, retyped, and tweaked. Finally, he settled on a sentence: "What do you want for breakfast tomorrow? I'll bring it."

After another moment of deliberation, ensuring it didn't sound too forward, he finally mustered the courage to press send.

He waited and waited, but no reply came. Zhuang Zi'ang decided to wash a basin and started mopping the floor. The apartment had been thoroughly cleaned just yesterday, but the waiting was agonizing. If he didn't find something to distract himself, he’d go crazy.

Ten minutes later, Zhuang Zi'ang eagerly grabbed his phone, but still no reply from Su Yudiel. What could she be so busy with, even at night?

He stared at the screen for a dozen seconds, then finally bit the bullet and made a call.

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is out of service. Please try again later."

Normally, when Zhuang Zi'ang heard this automated message, he would hang up immediately. This time, however, he listened to the English part as well.

What is this, the Stone Age? Are there still places with no signal? Was she a cavewoman living in the mountains or something?

Zhuang Zi'ang pushed open the window, and a cool night breeze greeted him. A crescent moon hung high in the sky.

He had finally done what he had wanted to do ten years ago: run away from home for good. He no longer had to walk on eggshells, no longer had to be on edge. He could do whatever he wanted, see whomever he wanted.

He was about to die, yet it felt as if he had just started to live. Even if it was only for three months, he could still live life to the fullest.

Looking at the bright moon, Zhuang Zi'ang suddenly got a craving for a "drink" and poured himself a glass of cola. His reflection in the window was clean-cut and dashing.

"Congratulations, Zhuang Zi'ang. Cheers!"

Zhuang Zi'ang clinked his glass against his reflection and downed the cola in one gulp.

That night, in this humble little home, he slept soundly. He dreamed of becoming a butterfly, flitting his wings joyfully, flying over famous mountains and rivers, drinking in all the beauty life had to offer.

Early the next morning, the first rays of sunlight slanted through the window. With a ding, Zhuang Zi'ang was jolted awake. He reached for his phone under his pillow and saw Su Yudiel's reply. He instantly became wide awake.

"I made qingtuan myself. Want some?" (Qingtuan - traditional Chinese sweet dumplings made with glutinous rice and plant juice.)

Zhuang Zi'ang immediately typed back: "Sure! Then I'll buy drinks. Milk or soy milk?"

"Soy milk. Wait for me at the bus stop," Su Yudiel replied instantly this time.

Zhuang Zi'ang jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom for a hot shower. He liked to shower in the morning because he could wash his hair at the same time, saving time.

He never wore that gaudy floral shirt again. Yesterday, at the supermarket, he had bought a few discounted spring outfits. He picked out a light blue jacket and paired it with black casual pants. This was more in line with his usual good-student image.

Stolen story; please report.

As he left the apartment, he tore off a page from the calendar. It felt as if his life had become tangible, each sheet being torn away by his own hand.

Coming downstairs, Zhuang Zi'ang saw his neighbor doing her morning exercises and greeted her, "Good morning, sister."

The neighbor smiled. "Off to school, Xiao Zhuang? Didn't that girl stay over last night?"

"Please don't tease, sister. She's just a friend."

"Alright, young people should date. Bring her over to visit more often."

Su Yudiel was beautiful, well-behaved, and so cheerful. The neighbor had taken a liking to her after seeing her just once. Seeing Zhuang Zi'ang and Su Yudiel together reminded her of her own youthful school days.

She didn't know that this young man was now facing the end of his life.

At the breakfast shop, Zhuang Zi'ang ordered two cups of soy milk - one red date and one black sesame. He didn't know which flavor Su Yudiel preferred, so he'd let her choose, and he'd drink the other.

He arrived at the bus stop and waited for about ten minutes before the No. 19 bus finally pulled up. The doors opened, and students brimming with youthful smiles streamed out.

Walking at the very back was an exceptionally beautiful girl. She was still in the same outfit: white blouse, blue skirt, white canvas shoes, and a sprig of peach blossom tucked behind her ear.

Zhuang Zi'ang found it a bit strange. It had been three days, and she was always in the same clothes. White clothes should get dirty easily. But her blouse and shoes were always spotless.

"Little Butterfly!" Zhuang Zi'ang called out.

"Zhuang Zi'ang, I'm sorry. Have you been waiting long?" Su Yudiel asked, blinking her big, watery eyes.

"No, I just got here. See, the soy milk is still warm," Zhuang Zi'ang smiled. Actually, it had been a bit hot from the shop, but after ten minutes, it was now just right.

The two walked into school together and went to the same flower bed from yesterday. The hyacinths and wisteria were still covered in morning dew, glistening in the sunlight.

Su Yudiel was carrying a black shoulder bag today. She took out a greaseproof paper bag, and a delicious aroma wafted out. Inside were green-colored snacks - qingtuan.

Zhuang Zi'ang picked one up and took a bite. Red bean paste filling, sweet but not too much.

"Wow, these are beautiful and delicious. Did you really make these yourself?"

Su Yudiel nodded. "Of course, I learned from my grandma."

"You're so skilled. These qingtuan are so pretty," Zhuang Zi'ang praised sincerely.

"Mugwort can reduce internal heat and dampness. Eat more, and you definitely won't have nosebleeds," Su Yudiel said, sipping her red date soy milk. (Mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris, is used in traditional Chinese medicine and believed to help with heat and dampness, though not scientifically proven for nosebleeds.)

"What? You made these specifically for me?" Zhuang Zi'ang was surprised.

"Of course. These are such a pain to make. You have to pick fresh, tender mugwort, mash it, mix it with the dough, steam it, then add the filling. I woke up so early today," Su Yudiel said, covering her mouth as she yawned.

Zhuang Zi'ang's heart warmed. He never expected someone to go to so much trouble for him. It was a pity these qingtuan wouldn't cure his nosebleeds.

"Little Butterfly, I'm fine. Don't go to so much trouble for me in the future."

Su Yudiel shook her head stubbornly. "No way. We're friends. Friends should care about each other."

Zhuang Zi'ang silently chewed on the qingtuan, a jumble of emotions welled up in his heart.

God, are you playing a joke on me? Why send someone like her into my life when I'm about to die?

"Oh, right, Zhuang Zi'ang, I'm sorry. I can't use my phone at night, so I only saw your message this morning," Su Yudiel suddenly remembered and apologized.

"It's okay. I knew you'd reply when you saw it," Zhuang Zi'ang said softly.

"Class is starting soon. Thanks for the soy milk, see you!"

Su Yudiel waved the cup in her hand and walked briskly up the stairs, disappearing around the corner in two or three steps.

Zhuang Zi'ang remained standing by the flower bed, silently watching the direction she’d gone. He'd been standing in the shadow of the building, but now the sun was rising, and the shadow receded. Warm sunlight spilled down, illuminating him completely.