Duan Lan stood still, watching Ji Xinhe's departing figure. A bitter smile tugged at the corners of his lips: "Let go... How could you easily ask me to let go when you are not me?"
In countless insomnia-stricken nights, Duan Lan had asked himself, if he hadn't impulsively decided to stay one night in Lian'an Town eight years ago, if he hadn't seen her sweet smile at the Lantern Festival, if he hadn't met her from the start, would his life be better? At least in these past eight years, could it be slightly better?
But there is no "if" in this world, and no chance to relive. Once encountered, it's encountered. Once in love, it's in love. Once trapped, the only option is to remain trapped.
Duan Lan shook his head gently, let it be, let it be.
——
Xin He didn't linger, fearing it would cause trouble again, so she left the mountain directly and began the journey back.