Love Me in Another Universe

Chapter 120. Aftershock

October 5, 2013, Saturday. Guan Xuchen was in the international departure hall of Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, talking on the phone. He looked a bit worn out, but his tone was light, "Yes, Mr. Zheng, the NBA stars are already on board. I guess my job is done."

"Good. You've worked hard these days, Tommy," The voice on the other end sounded quite pleased. "Stay a few more days if you want; the company will cover your accommodation and meals. Come back to work next Thursday."

"Great! Thank you, boss!" Guan Xuchen replied cheerfully.

Just as he finished reporting to his boss and was about to put his phone away, another call came in. The caller ID showed "Ling."

Guan Xuchen hesitated for a few seconds, then answered.

"Hi, Ling."

"Hi, Chen. Are you still in Guilin?"

"Yeah. "Is—Is there something you need?"

"Oh, I just booked a flight back to Germany tomorrow night... Can you get back to Guangzhou tomorrow? I want to see you one last time before I leave."

"I—I still have work to finish here... I don't think I can see you off. Take care of yourself. Have a safe trip!"

"Oh... Well—what do you think of my proposal?"

"Ling, you'll always be my dearest friend, but things can't go back to the way they were..."

"But Chen, four years we were together—don't you feel any attachment at all?"

"Some things are just in the past... And—just like I told you, it wouldn't be fair to you if my heart still holds someone else..."

"Oh, I see. Take care of yourself then. I hope we'll meet again someday."

"We will... Ling, thank you!"

After hanging up with Gong Feiling, Guan Xuchen let out a soft sigh, put his phone back into his shoulder bag, then forced a smile and muttered to himself, "Let's go cruise the Li River!"

As he cruised along the Li River, Guan Xuchen saw Father-and-Son Rocks and recalled how, over a decade ago, his family had planned a trip to Guilin but had to cancel because his father fell ill and was hospitalized. His father had passed away without ever realizing his dream of visiting Guilin, and this was Guan Xuchen's first time there as well. Staring at the breathtaking Li River scenery, Guan Xuchen's eyes gradually misted over. He whispered, "Dad, I'm finally in Guilin. I've seen the Li River!"

Later, he heard tourists on the boat shouting excitedly, "Michael Jordan!" Following their pointing fingers, he saw a white patch on the cliff not far away that looked like a basketball player bending forward to dribble. His mind naturally drifted to Gao Xinglang. They hadn't seen each other since their reunion at the class reunion about half a month earlier. Guan Xuchen had sent Gao Xinglang two messages, hoping to meet and catch up properly, but both were politely declined. So he decided not to bother Gao Xinglang anymore.

That night, Guan Xuchen walked alone down the tourist-crowded West Street in Yangshuo, browsing the shops on both sides, yet looking deeply preoccupied. Compared to the familiar Beijing Road and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street back in Guangzhou, he felt Yangshuo West Street was quite different in style, layout, and goods sold. Yet it had the same kind of bustle that could hide loneliness and help people forget their troubles for a while.

He wandered for over an hour and bought only two packs of dried monk fruit and two snuff bottles—the first to ease his chronic pharyngitis from work, the second just because he found them interesting.

Guan Xuchen then walked into a bar called Starry Sky. There are many bars on Yangshuo West Street. He chose Starry Sky for two reasons: first, its blue and violet exterior with pale yellow lights reminded him of Van Gogh's painting The Starry Night; second, it was quiet, free of the noise of other bars or the street, with only a resident singer softly singing blues and guests chatting and laughing quietly.