Chapter 35

*Lei*

My long flight back from the States finally came to an end. My driver drove me back home as soon as I stepped off the plane. Once I arrived home, to my surprise, Jing was waiting for me. "Lei? Where have you been?" she said with great concern. "Are you alright?"

"She's gone…" I whispered with my head down. "I'll never forgive myself, Jing, I'll never forgive myself."

"What are you talking about, Lei?"

"Shan Cai…she's gone…"

*Jing*

I knew what Lei was saying… little did he know that Shan Cai had come to me moments before she boarded the plane for the U.S.

Flashback

"Jing Xue Jie… I'm leaving for a university in the U.S. I must tell you something that I have been holding in for a long time. I am in love with Hua Zhe Lei, but I cannot continue loving him from afar as I watch from the sides of his affection towards you. I wish to be you every time he spends time with you. Yes, he spends time with me, as well, but his feelings for me are not mutual. It pains me every day when I am near him… knowing that he does not love me. Jing Xue Jie, please take care of Hua Zhe Lei and don't ever let him go. Please make him happy."

"Shan Cai, I don't know what to say… I am sorry for this pain you have been feeling. I will take care of Lei. I wish you luck in the States," I pulled Shan Cai to me and hugged her. She stood still but I could feel her tremble. She pulled away and forced a smile.

"I know I'll be okay. I just have to leave and be away from him," she said, shaking.

"I really am sorry, Shan Cai,"

"It's okay, Jing Xue Jie…"

Lei became depressed ever since his return from the States. I invited him to join me to outings. He always came, but was always sad. He then returned to Japan to continue helping his family run their business, and I returned to France to continue my studies.

*Three Months Later*

*Shan Cai*

Ever since I told Hua Zhe Lei to go back to Taiwan, my feelings slowly started to dissolve. I thought less of him since I kept busy as possible. Having Qing He helped a lot. I'm glad I left Taiwan… I won't have to continue feeling this heartache.

"Hey, Shan Cai!" Qing He called out to me. He then came over to me, excited. "I hear someone's got a birthday coming up!" It was true; my birthday was coming up. "Any thoughts on what you'd like to do?" I honestly forgot that my birthday was coming up. I was so busy, I didn't' even know what day it was, let alone what month.

"Not really… maybe just a little cupcake with a candle on it is good enough for me…" I said as I stared off.

"Aww come on, Shan Cai! It's your birthday! You have to do something!" Qing He coaxed at me. "Why don't we grab some people from ASU and we can all get together and celebrate?"

I shrugged, "I guess that would be okay."

"Awesome! I'll setup a Facebook event!" Qing He immediately pulled out his phone and began creating the event.