The Departure
Xu Yuan's disappearance was like a sudden fracture in the river of time, leaving an unhealed wound in Lin Xiaoxia's heart. The silence of the laboratory was an eternal tombstone, coldly announcing the passing of her beloved. She clutched the icy silver ring tightly, the chill in her fingertips carrying the last trace of Xu Yuan's warmth, making her heart ache so fiercely she could barely breathe.
Xiao Ya stayed quietly by Lin Xiaoxia's side, knowing no words could soothe the pain she felt now. Only time could slowly dilute this heart-wrenching loss.
The days stretched forward like a faded scroll, slow and heavy. Lin Xiaoxia carefully placed Xu Yuan's silver ring on her own finger, as if it were an eternal vow, a reminder of the profound love she had once known.
She began sorting through Xu Yuan's belongings—objects still imprinted with his presence, each one carrying shared memories. The unfinished code on his computer, the open notebook on his desk, the clothes in the closet that still held his scent—each one pierced her heart like a sharp blade.
In Xu Yuan's computer, she discovered a folder he had secretly created before his passing. Inside were his latest research notes on temporal algorithms and his visions for future technological advancements. As she read through his words, so full of wisdom, it was as if she had returned to those days when they would debate technical problems with passionate intensity.
Deep within the folder, she found something else—a recorded message from Xu Yuan. In the video, he wore the same gentle smile she remembered, his eyes filled with love and reluctance.
"Xiaoxia, if you're seeing this, I may no longer be by your side. Don’t grieve for me too long. Promise me you’ll live well. Time is endless, and so is our love. Perhaps at some point in the future... we’ll meet again."
His voice was tender and hopeful, yet it felt like an invisible blade, reopening the unhealed wound in her heart. Tears streamed down her face as she watched his image on the screen, whispering his name over and over.
Though Xu Yuan was gone, the research he left behind ignited a new flame within her. She resolved to carry on his work, to continue unraveling the mysteries of time and exploring its future possibilities.
Together with Xiao Ya, she established a small research studio dedicated to temporal technology. Using Xu Yuan’s notes and their own expertise, they pressed forward into this uncharted and challenging field.
Lin Xiaoxia knew she was now an orphan of time, yet she also bore a solemn responsibility. For Xu Yuan, for the dreams they had once shared, she would continue to safeguard the order of time and explore its infinite secrets. Perhaps, at some point in the future, she would truly find a way to see him again.
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