Shang Yichen was unwillingly carried downstairs by two security guards and unceremoniously dropped onto a flower bed. The rain had started pouring heavily outside, unnoticed by anyone. Stumbling, he made his way toward his car, the cold air making him shiver. His tears, mingling with the rain, and the blood from his injuries stuck his hair to his face. Disheveled and battered, he caught the attention of several passersby.

Ignoring the curious glances of others, he collapsed into the driver’s seat as soon as he opened the car door.

As he sat there, Shang Yichen thought back to Zhou Yi’s words and regretted everything. He couldn’t help but wish he had treated Zhou Yi better from the beginning. Why had he let him leave so easily that day? Why had he been so blind to his feelings until now?

He had always believed he was the one in control, looking down on Zhou Yi. But now, he saw the other man’s life thriving without him. An overwhelming sense of regret flooded him as he leaned against the steering wheel, tears once again streaming down his face.

It was only now, when Zhou Yi no longer cared for him, that Shang Yichen realized he loved him. But no matter what he did, he could never win Zhou Yi’s heart back. With someone like Liang Xianzhang in the picture, Shang Yichen knew there was no chance of reclaiming him.

Even with the car’s heater blasting, he still felt a chill deep within. He sat there for what felt like hours, unable to cry any longer, before finally starting the car. He had no destination in mind and couldn’t bear to return to the apartment where so many memories with Zhou Yi were tied up. Stepping inside would only flood him with painful recollections.

He drove aimlessly. The rain made the road slippery and foggy, and the radio droned on with a cautionary message: “The roads are slippery in rainy weather, please drive safely.” He was about to turn off the radio when a truck suddenly appeared, barreling toward him. In his panic, he swerved the car, but the slick road made it harder to avoid the impact.

The violent crash echoed in his ears as his body went limp. His vision blurred, and everything around him spun. In that final moment before losing consciousness, Shang Yichen felt an intense pain, realizing how agonizing it must have been for Zhou Yi when he was struck by a car.

Meanwhile, back at home, Zhou Yi sat silently on the sofa, lost in his thoughts. Liang Xianzhang brought him a cup of warm water and sat beside him, sensing his sadness. He draped his arm around Zhou Yi’s shoulders. “Are you okay?”

Zhou Yi nodded, taking a sip of the water before casually setting it down. He leaned against Liang Xianzhang’s shoulder and closed his eyes. His thoughts were conflicted. Shang Yichen’s words had come too late. The person he had once hoped to hear them from was no longer there. Now, he didn’t even know if he should feel pity for Shang Yichen or if it was all just in vain. In the end, it all felt meaningless.

As the events played out in his mind, Zhou Yi eventually fell into a restless sleep.

In his dream, he slowly rose into the air. A flash of white light blinded him for a moment. When his eyes adjusted, he found himself in a hospital room, standing alone by a bed. The only sound was the rhythmic beeping of machines. He stepped closer and saw the figure lying motionless on the bed. It was himself.

Zhou Yi stared at his pale face, his emotions mixed. He was looking at himself, or was it a stranger? Just as he reached out to touch the figure, the scene shifted.

Now, he was standing on a busy street. Among the passing crowd, he immediately spotted himself. He was walking hand in hand with someone, a smile on his face, though his complexion remained pale. The person holding his hand was a familiar face—one of the subordinates who had once taken good care of him.

The light turned green, and they crossed the street, side by side, moving toward the other side.

Zhou Yi watched them, his gaze soft. Their figures, one tall and one short, moved together in perfect harmony. “Goodbye,” Zhou Yi whispered softly, as though bidding farewell to his past, to himself, and to them.

The news flash interrupted his thoughts: “At approximately 18:52, a traffic accident occurred at the intersection of Central Street. A large truck collided with a private car. Both injured have been sent to the hospital for treatment. We remind everyone to drive carefully in rainy conditions.”

Zhou Yi woke up slowly, disoriented, hearing the sound of the TV in the background. As he opened his eyes, he realized his head was resting on Liang Xianzhang’s thigh, and a blanket was draped over him.

Noticing Zhou Yi stir, Liang Xianzhang quickly turned off the TV and brushed a stray lock of hair from Zhou Yi’s face. “You look like you were having a sweet dream,” he said with a soft smile.

Zhou Yi thought of the dream and felt a small sense of relief. He smiled and replied, “It’s a secret.”

Liang Xianzhang’s eyes sparkled as he held Zhou Yi’s hand and kissed his fingers gently.

Outside, the rain had stopped.