Xiao Yao is lying on a bed in an isolated cabin, still unconscious. Xiang Liu is beside her, pale and weak. He has been donating blood repeatedly to save her. His face shows signs of extreme exhaustion, yet he never leaves her side.
XL:(whispering as he caresses her hand) Hold on a little longer, Xiaoyao… please.
XL takes care of XY for days without rest, feeding her, tending to her wounds, and watching over her as she sleeps. His health deteriorates as he continues donating blood to keep her alive.
XY slowly opens her eyes, her vision blurry at first. Gradually, she focuses and sees XL asleep in a chair beside her bed, completely exhausted.
XY:(softly) Xiang Liu…
XL wakes at the sound of her voice, his eyes lighting up when he sees her awake.
XL:(with a tired smile) Thank God… you're awake.
XL takes XY's hands, overwhelmed with emotion.
XY: I don't know how to thank you… for everything you've done for me.
XL:(with a sad smile) You don't have to thank me. I just wanted to see you open your eyes again.
XY:(remembering what happened) Jing… he appeared when I was kidnapped. How is he? Is he okay?
XL:(seriously) Jing is unconscious… he was badly injured in the explosion. I'll take you to see him when you're stronger.
The cabin where XL had taken XY was surrounded by dense forests and mountains fading into the horizon. The place was simple yet cozy, with a fireplace that kept the interior warm during the cold nights. The firelight softly illuminated the room, casting dancing shadows on the wooden walls.
XY lay on a large, comfortable bed, her wounds still visible but healing. XL sat in a chair beside her, watching her with a mix of concern and tenderness. He had spent several weeks caring for her, dedicating every moment to her recovery, and his devotion was unmistakable.
Over time, the nights became a ritual. After dinner, they would sit together near the fireplace, wrapped in blankets, enjoying the peace and quiet the place offered. XY had begun to feel stronger, though she still needed time to fully heal.
XY:(dreamily, staring at the fire) I remember when we visited the coast together. It was a perfect day—the sun was shining, and the sea was so blue… like a mirror of the sky. We should go back… I've never seen anything so beautiful.
XL:(nodding with a smile) Yes.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. The connection between them was undeniable—a bond forged through shared moments and hardships overcome together. XL gently took XY's hand. She didn't pull away; instead, she closed her fingers around his, feeling the warmth and safety he offered.
As the days passed, their nightly conversations grew deeper, filled with memories and emotions they had long kept to themselves. They talked about their travels, the people they had met. And each night, they drew a little closer.
XY: XL, if you had the chance, would you change the past?
XL:(looking at her tenderly) Sometimes I think about the past… and I realize that, despite everything, I wouldn't change a thing if it meant you wouldn't be here with me.
They sat in silence, sharing a deep understanding. Their hands remained intertwined, and in that simple connection lay an unspoken promise, a commitment they both felt deep within.
XL:(thinking) I will always be there for you, Xiaoyao… even if that means not being by your side.
One day, XL calls one of his men, who prepares a car to take XY to the hospital where Jing is admitted.
XY:(surprised) Where is XL?
Man: The boss is busy. He asked me to take you.
XY sits in the car, looking out the window. Her thoughts are on Jing, but she can't help thinking about XL and everything he has done for her. Suddenly, she feels a sharp pain in her chest and turns to look back.
XY:(sadly, looking behind her) Xiang Liu…
In the distance, XL watches the car drive away. His face shows sorrow, knowing he did the right thing, yet feeling the loss of his closeness to XY.
A tear runs down XY's face as she looks back, remembering everything she shared with XL and how much she will miss him.
At the hospital, Jing lies unconscious in a bed, his expression calm. Medical monitors emit steady beeps, indicating his vital signs. XY enters the room, her face reflecting concern and exhaustion, but also relief upon seeing him.
XY approaches the bed carefully, as if afraid of waking him. She sits in the chair beside him and gently takes Jing's hand in hers, watching him in silence for a moment, her eyes filled with emotion.
XY:(softly whispering) Jing… can you hear me?
Jing stirs slightly, his eyes fluttering before slowly opening. At first, he seems disoriented, but when he sees XY, his expression shifts to a mix of surprise and relief.
Jing:(weak but emotional) XY… you're okay…
XY:(smiling tenderly) Yes, I am—thanks to you. You saved me, Jing. I don't know how I'll ever thank you enough.
Jing:(trying to sit up but stopping from the pain) You don't need to thank me. All that matters is that you're safe.
XY helps him lie back down, worried about his condition. She sits closer, holding his hand firmly, as if afraid he might disappear if she lets go.
XY:(her eyes shining with gratitude) I can't imagine what we would have done without you, Jing. You're incredible.
Jing:(with a tired smile) I would do it again without hesitation. You are… very important to me, XY.
The room fills with a comforting calm as they look at each other with understanding and gratitude.
Outside, in the hallway, one of XL's men stands on guard. Suddenly, his phone rings. He steps aside to answer.
Man:(firmly) Yes, boss, I'm here.
He pauses, listening carefully.
Man: There were no issues on the way; everything went according to plan. Although… the young lady was crying the entire drive after leaving the cabin.
XL ends the call and slips the phone into his pocket. For a moment, he stands still, his thoughts consumed by what he has just heard. His expression grows serious, yet deep inside, a glimmer of hope remains. His eyes reveal sadness and longing.
XL:(thinking aloud) Xiaoyao…