Nine: The Wild Night of New Year’s Celebration

The last evening of 2002.

Urged by Lele, we skipped the class-organized party and quietly slipped out the back door of the classroom, climbing up to the rooftop terrace of the administrative building. The winter wind was biting; after only a short while, we couldn’t help but shiver. In defeat, we ran back inside, choosing a spot sheltered from the wind to sit together. Lele sniffled, her nose red from the cold, and nestled against me. Bathed in the glow of fireworks splashing across the sky, she began to sing F4’s “The Season of Fireworks,” utterly enchanted.

“Your smiling eyes show me endless sunny days,
The day I kissed your face,
I possessed the whole world.
The future is a circle between our ring fingers,
To crown our promises, a perfect ending.
I want to hold you inside my coat, shelter you from wind and snow,
Let you lean on my shoulder, share every tomorrow.
Holding your hand, feeling the most enchanting season of fireworks,
Illuminating moments of happiness, so we can see further.
Holding your hand, feeling the most enchanting season of fireworks,
Lighting up all of life, letting our joy blossom,
In every day I love you...”

“Let’s go to the seaside to watch the stars during the holidays. The night sky there is truly beautiful…” As Lele hummed softly, I couldn’t help but close my eyes, lost in thought, imagining the scene.

“You said it! No backing out!” Lele suddenly stopped singing, turned her head, and stuck out her pinky finger mischievously. “Piglet Bei, let’s make a pin