The sun sets on the horizon, bathing the city in a golden glow. A modern white car is parked in front of the hospital. Leaning against the car door, holding a bouquet of flowers, stands 17, dressed in a light blue suit and an immaculate white shirt. His eyes are fixed on the hospital entrance, waiting anxiously. Nervousness is evident in his gaze.
17 (speaking to himself, looking at the flowers):
I hope she likes them… I can't believe I'm finally going to do this. Today is the day.
At that moment, the sound of a motorcycle approaching is heard. XY exits the hospital, looking carefree and radiant. 17 smiles when he sees her, but his smile quickly fades when he realizes that XY doesn't look at him. XL arrives on his motorcycle, stopping right in front of XY. She hops onto the bike effortlessly, completely ignoring 17.
17 (confused, taking a step forward):
XY, wait!
But XY doesn't respond. XL and XY ride away quickly on the motorcycle. 17 remains standing there, flowers in hand, watching them disappear. His expression is one of disbelief and pain.
17 (in a whisper):
Xiayao…
In the picturesque seaside town, the moon has already risen, and the local fair is in full swing. Colorful lights, cheerful music, and laughter fill the air. XY and XL walk through the fair, enjoying the games and each other's company. XY looks more relaxed and smiling, though still slightly pensive.
XL (smiling as he throws a ball at one of the fair games):
Look at that, I won! Now choose whatever you want, XY.
XY (smiling, choosing a small bracelet):
Thank you, XL. This will be my lucky charm.
They continue walking, trying different games and laughing. After a while, however, XL notices the seriousness in XY's eyes.
XL (concerned, stopping and looking at her directly):
XY, is everything okay? I've noticed you seem a bit distracted… Did something happen with 17?
XY's face hardens for a moment, then relaxes with a sigh. She looks toward the sea, her expression calm but resolute.
XY (firmly):
No, nothing happened. It's just that… I don't like lies. I prefer the truth, even if it hurts.
XL gently takes XY's hand, and they exchange a knowing look. They continue walking through the fair, the previous conversation left behind, but the connection between them has grown deeper. The sound of waves breaking on the shore and the laughter from the fair create an atmosphere of peace and release. XY smiles, finally feeling at peace with herself.
The next day at the hospital, XY smiles for no apparent reason, which is noticed by one of the nurses.
Nurse:
Doctor, you seem very happy today!
XY (smiling):
I had a really nice time last night.
The ticking clock on the wall is the only sound breaking the silence in the small office. XY enters, seemingly exhausted after a long day. Her expression changes immediately when she sees CX sitting on one of the chairs, waiting for her with a serious look. XY stops short, surprised.
XY (in disbelief):
What are you doing here, CX?
CX (firm and direct):
I was waiting for you. I need to know who you really are.
Silence takes over the room. XY lowers her gaze, unable to respond. CX stands up and slowly approaches her, his eyes fixed on hers.
CX (softly, but urgently):
I am Cang Xuan, your cousin. Why do you ignore me? Why do you act as if you don't know me?
His words strike deep within XY, and at that moment, a flood of childhood memories overwhelms her. She sees images of the two of them as children: playing together in the garden, laughing under the sun, hugging each other for comfort after their parents died. Those happy yet painful moments feel as vivid as if they had happened yesterday. A single tear rolls down XY's cheek.
CX (his voice trembling):
You are… Jiu Yao… aren't you? Admit it!
The intensity of the moment becomes too much for XY. Overcome by pain and confusion, she suddenly pushes CX toward the door.
XY (shouting as she pushes him):
Leave! Get out of here!
The office door slams shut, separating CX and XY. XY leans against the closed door, her breathing ragged, tears filling her eyes. Finally, she slides down to the floor, devastated, and the tears flow freely.
XY (whispering through sobs):
It can't be… It can't be…
CX leaves, now convinced that XY truly is his cousin.
A few days later, still affected by her encounter with CX, XY is in her apartment watering the plants by the window. She remembers how 17 used to take care of them and handle things around the apartment. A feeling of nostalgia washes over her when she notices two black cars stopping in front of the building. When she sees who steps out of the vehicles, panic takes hold of her. She recognizes CX.
XY (trembling, to herself):
It's him… it's CX.
Fear overwhelms her, and without thinking twice, she grabs her phone and quickly dials XL's number.
XY (desperately, on the phone):
XL, I need you to come… now!
Outside, XY runs out of the building and faces CX, who stands surrounded by two large men. His gaze is cold and determined. XY stops in front of the door, her hands trembling as she tries to remain calm.
XY (firm, though filled with fear):
CX, please leave. I don't want to see you.
CX (with a dark smile, ignoring her plea):
It won't be that easy, XY.
He gestures to the two men, who move toward XY, intending to force her into one of the cars. XY steps back, but before they can touch her, XL appears running from the corner, completely agitated. He places himself between XY and the men, his expression filled with fury.
XL (authoritatively):
Don't you dare touch her!
The men don't stop, and one of them brutally strikes XL, knocking him to the ground, bleeding. XY screams desperately, trying to reach him, but CX restrains her.
XY (screaming, struggling):
XL, no! Leave him alone!
At that moment, 17 arrives running, not fully understanding the situation, but recognizing CX and realizing the seriousness of the moment. He tries to calm things down, raising his hands.
17 (calmly, trying to mediate):
CX, calm down. There's no need for violence here.
XY sees the blood on XL's face, and her worry becomes unbearable. CX leans toward her, whispering threateningly in her ear.
CX (low and dangerous):
If you don't come with me now, everything will get worse.
Tears fill XY's eyes. She knows she has no choice and, through sobs, begs XL to stop.
XY (crying):
XL, please stop. I'll be fine… trust me.
XL (confused, his voice breaking):
But… what's going on?
17 intervenes again, this time more firmly.
17 (looking at XL seriously):
Don't worry. I'll go with XY. I'll protect her.
With a broken heart, XL nods with great difficulty. XY says goodbye with her eyes, filled with sadness, and gets into the car with CX. 17 follows, watching the scene with concern. The black cars drive away, leaving XL alone—beaten, injured, and heartbroken. After a moment, XL staggers toward his motorcycle and starts it with effort. Before leaving, he casts one last look in the direction the cars disappeared, his face reflecting indescribable pain.
With a heavy soul, Xiang Liu rides away, his motorcycle roaring into the night, carrying with it the echo of his loss.