COMMENT LIKE AND VOTE!!

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When he finally made his exit, Yuan Ming followed him out into the street. "A'Qian, you're really going to go find her?" He pulled him back by the shoulder, seemingly frustrated but unable to fully vent at his best friend.

Li Qian furrowed his brows. "Why are you upset about this? You know I've been looking for her for years, and now that I finally have a lead, I'm going to take it."

Li Qian turned away but was held back by Yuan Ming's grip on his arm. "I hope you find her this time," he rasped forcefully. He took a deep breath. "Then maybe you can let Xue'er go."

"What?" Li Qian was shocked. When had he ever 'kept' Ling Xue? "What are you talking about? Ling Xue and I have never had any close contact with each other, certainly nothing that would intimate what you're referring to."

Yuan Ming's heart was gloomy. In fact, this was the truth. Li Qian had never given Ling Xue any hints he was interested, yet she wouldn't take her eyes off him. Him! Why had they been born in the same year? This was the secret thorn that Yuan Ming could never escape. Every time he moved, it pricked him deeper.

Li Qian - the shining light of their generation - was more successful, talented, and better-looking than the rest of them. Every parent idolized him; why aren't you as bright, quick, and strong? Yuan Ming just had to swallow it all down, paste a smile on his face, and work harder to stay within sight of Li Qian's tall and powerful figure. There was nothing worse than having a best friend who was also your biggest competition.

"Forget it," he dropped his hand. "Sorry, A'Qian, maybe I've had too much to drink."

Li Qian gazed at his friend thoughtfully and offered a rare insight.

"A'Ming, life often presents us with opportunities and challenges, and both add to our growth and understanding. With Ling Xue, eh, perhaps she will never be yours to have. You can't control who she loves any more than I can control who I love."

Li Qian stepped toward the car that was waiting for him. "But to be clear, A'Ming? Even without this person that rests in my heart, I wouldn't choose Ling Xue."

He paused and reiterated, "I won't ever choose Ling Xue, even if this trip doesn't have the desired results. I hope you can finally find the courage to make your move. And if it's not successful, I hope you can move on and see that you have your own power and journey to embrace."

"Just like Junhui did." This was a nail in the coffin.

As Li Qian strode away, Yuan Ming's knees nearly buckled. He'd seen through everything Yuan Ming tried to hide for the last twenty-five years – all the jealousy, guilt, and longing that filled his heart.

Yuan Ming watched heavily in the darkness as Li Qian's car pulled away, a little fire beginning to flicker in the depths of his soul.