The Blossom We Found under the Cherry Tree

Chapter 2: Caffeine and Cola

"I walk this earth like a zombie, finding solace in the mundane routines of everyday life. The winter wind bites at my skin, a constant reminder of my isolation. Questions swirl in my mind, relentless and unforgiving. Does happiness exist? Or is it just a fleeting illusion, slipping through my fingers like the cold, dry snow? Will this emptiness ever end, or am I doomed to wander through this frostbitten world, forever searching for a warmth that eludes me? Each day blends into the next, a monochrome blur of gray skies and cold breaths, leaving me to wonder if there's any meaning in this ceaseless winter."

—Excerpt from Caffeine and Cola by Shan Yinghua

     Early January brought biting winds and frosty mornings to Zhuyun, the winter air crisp and unforgiving. The Knowledge Tower, nestled within Zhuyun University, stood as a beacon of warmth and intellect amidst the cold. Inside, Yinghua sat at her desk, scrolling through her emails during a break from her assistant librarian duties. The library was nearly empty, with most students having left for the winter break.

     Yinghua had no home to return to, nor the money to afford a vacation away from Zhuyun. Her mind wandered back to that day at the airport two years ago, but the memory was hazy. She had more pressing concerns now.

     The eviction notice email stared back at her from the screen, a stark reminder of her financial woes. Three months of unpaid dormitory fees had finally caught up with her. So much for using that money to buy a laptop, she thought bitterly. Now she faces the prospect of being forced to leave by the end of January.

     She sighed and opened another email. Her eyes widened as she read the subject line: "Congratulations! Your novel 'Caffeine and Cola' has been selected for film adaptation."

     Her heart leapt with joy and relief. Two months ago, she had submitted her novel, originally a university project, to a film adaptation bidding competition, hoping to win the prize money to pay off her rent. The email confirmed her success, and the prize money would be enough to cover her remaining bills. Though she longed to visit the Green Terraces of Lufeng, her dream destination, she knew she couldn't enjoy the trip with the weight of her debts pressing down on her.

     Determined to find a solution, she began looking up cheap places to rent in Zhuyun, muttering under her breath about the expensive rates. Despite her part-time job and the prize money, it would barely be enough to cover her expenses. She couldn't afford to take on more shifts, as she needed to maintain her scholarship grades. She felt trapped, caught between her financial struggles and her academic responsibilities.

     That weekend, Yinghua's phone rang, breaking the silence of her small dorm room. She picked up, her heart quickening as she saw an unfamiliar number.

     "Hello, Shan Yinghua speaking," she answered, her voice steady despite her nerves.

     "Good afternoon, Ms. Shan," came a warm and professional voice from the other end. "This is Lian, the director for the film adaptation of Caffeine and Cola. I wanted to personally congratulate you on the success of your novel. We are incredibly excited to bring your story to the screen."

     Yinghua felt a surge of excitement and relief. "Thank you so much, Director Lian. I am honored and thrilled to be part of this project. How can I assist you further?"

     "We would like to discuss the storyboard and your availability for collaboration," Lian continued. "Would you be available to meet in person to go over the details?"

     "Absolutely, Director Lian," Yinghua replied, her excitement bubbling over. "Please let me know when and where would be convenient for you."

     "Monday morning would be ideal," Lian suggested. "Shall we say ten o'clock at the coffee house near the Golden Lotus Grand Hotel? I believe It is only two stations away from Zhuyun University."