Chapter 114: Do Not Leave

“Second Brother, how about we go run a few laps by the lake later?” Yang Mimi smiled gently at Geng Haoshi, two faint dimples gracing her lovely cheeks.

“The lake…” Geng Haoshi repeated softly, memories flooding back to their first meeting—just past three in the morning, by the artificial lake at Tiancheng University of Technology. A girl in white sleepwalking, about to fall into the water, and he had reached out just in time to pull her back.

From that first encounter to running together by the lake at three a.m., to her becoming the basketball team manager, to the times she cooked meals for him and his teammates—Geng Haoshi stood frozen, as if caught in a flashback. Every precious moment with Yang Mimi played through his mind like a film.

“Tomorrow morning, I’m leaving for America.” When the image froze on Yang Mimi saying those words, the past began to shatter into fragments. The shards of memory pulled Geng Haoshi down into an endless abyss—yet he didn’t resist. If the future held no place for Yang Mimi, then he might as well remain in the past they had shared.

“Second Brother…”

A voice as gentle and pure as a celestial melody pulled him from the depths of his reverie.

“Second Brother…”

“Oh… okay.” Geng Haoshi replied absentmindedly. “Then… let’s go.”

They walked in silence. Around them, cheerful university students passed by, their laughter and chatter unable to disturb the quiet rhythm of their steps.

What should have been a five-minute walk from Chen Zhi Gymnasium to the artificial lake stretched to half an hour.

Standing by the lake, they exchanged a smile and began to run laps around the artificial lake of Tiancheng University of Technology, just like that early morning at three.

This time, Geng Haoshi ran slower than ever before. Yang Mimi matched his pace, equally slow.

They didn’t stop after one lap as usual but kept running steadily for six laps. Though slow, by the end Yang Mimi’s cheeks were flushed and sweat glistened on her brow.

“Let’s rest a bit,” Geng Haoshi suggested, not yet tired himself but concerned as Yang Mimi was visibly breathless.

They sat quietly on a wooden bench by the lake, watching the once calm surface ripple gently under the moonlight stirred by the breeze.

Neither spoke. Occasionally, Geng Haoshi would glance sideways at Yang Mimi lost in thought by his side; occasionally, she would do the same, watching him silently.

Yet, despite these stolen glances, their eyes never met directly.

“Second Brother, I’ll head back now… I’ll come by again tomorrow morning…” Yang Mimi’s cheeks still carried a faint smile, tinged with bittersweet sorrow.

Since she needed to return to her dorm to pack, she wouldn’t be staying at Chen Zhi Gymnasium tonight.

“Mm… okay…” Geng Haoshi replied mechanically.

“Alright… bye.” Yang Mimi turned and left, a trace of disappointment in her eyes.

Her figure vanished at the horizon, while Geng Haoshi remained rooted in place.

He looked left, then right, then back again. He spun in circles like a lost child unable to find his way home.

It was 10:52 p.m. when Geng Haoshi finally returned to Chen Zhi Gymnasium.

According to Yu Manman’s rules, during the competition, everyone must be in bed before ten o’clock.

“Xiao Er, look at the time and you’re still not asleep!” Yu Manman sat on the coach’s seat, waiting just for Geng Haoshi.

Hearing her voice, Geng Haoshi turned slowly, nodded weakly, and dragged his heavy feet toward his dorm room.

Yu Manman, clad in a leopard-print bikini pajama, thought to herself: This boy is completely out of character tonight. Usually, if he saw me dressed like this, his eyes might pop out. Looks like Mimi’s going to America has really affected him. The national university basketball finals start tomorrow morning; I have to figure out a way.

—

Early the next morning, just past six, Yang Mimi arrived at Chen Zhi Gymnasium to say goodbye.

Looking at the entire basketball team of Tiancheng University of Technology, she said softly, “I really wish I could watch your games.”

“Mimi, I don’t want you to leave. Please don’t go to America, okay?” Li Shishi held Yang Mimi’s hand tightly, reluctant to let go.

“It’s not like I’m never coming back. We’ll see each other again,” Yang Mimi forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed her sorrow.

Glancing at the time, she scanned the friends she had spent so many months with, bit her lip, and said, “I have to go now… take care, everyone.”

Yang Mimi took a few steps away, then turned back. Looking at Geng Haoshi, she waved quietly, said nothing more, lowered her head, and left.

Geng Haoshi just watched—silent and motionless, just like the night before.

Because Li Shishi and Lin Ling had exams today, they had gone to class early.

After Yang Mimi left, Geng Haoshi sat alone in the stands of Chen Zhi Gymnasium, lost in thought.

Seeing his listless state, Yu Manman approached him. “Xiao Er, Mimi’s flight is at nine. You should go see her off at the airport. Here, this is her flight number.”

Since the national university basketball finals start promptly at ten each morning, Geng Haoshi could leave and return in time for the games.

Yu Manman figured that if he stayed here dazed, he’d be no better by game time. Better to let him say a proper goodbye.

Seeing Geng Haoshi still vacant, she added, “Xiao Er, who knows how many years it’ll be before you see her again? If you don’t go now, you’ll miss your chance…”

Before she finished, Geng Haoshi suddenly sprang to his feet and dashed out.

Yu Manman shook her head, sighing, “Youth is truly wonderful.”

Some things, if not done in youth, lose their original meaning even if the chance arises again.

Geng Haoshi boarded the express bus to the airport and hurried there.

Following the flight number on the sign, he found Yang Mimi waiting to board.

“Second Brother?” Yang Mimi blinked in surprise at his sudden appearance.

“Mimi, don’t go!”