Chapter 32

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No Plagiarism!2e5dMGkkUbgQdbwXC94Bposted on PＥNAＮＡ Thousands of miles in the sky, Cin Heung opened her arms and dived down at great speed. Air ran across her cheeks, and her hair fluttered. Her clothes flapped and flapped as the sensation of falling paralyzed her in the air. Eyes wide open, tears trickled out one drop after another. Unfazed by the scenery below her, Cin Heung just looked at the horizon. The fall seemed endless, and it seemed as though she would never touch the ground. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUZyjmjG63 維尼

The outline of the ground was very clear now and she readied her frightened heart for the final impact. Out of nowhere, the Earth’s crust suddenly split open. A dazzling light shot out from the crack and penetrated her pupils. The strong white light devoured her whole body and engulfed her senses. The whole space seemed to have paused, and all that remained was sounds of her breathing. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡukAIAqxq3S 維尼

Cin Heung tried to open her eyes, but her tiredness got the better of her. An unclear female voice and male voice were talking, which brought her back to reality.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaBQfsqUCX 維尼

“Her fever has subsided, thank god. It’s all thanks to you guys,” said the girl.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXPpCAdB0p 維尼

“Well, Cin Heung had it the worse. She had to sleep for two days,” said the man.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnIOJeacVF 維尼

“She’s lucky to have met you.” The girl sighed and continued, “Thank you for contacting me! William.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEUdvCBZvj 維尼

“If you didn’t call Cin Heung, we wouldn’t have been able to tell you about this,” William said.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dhGvX0r2m 維尼

“Has it been troublesome for you guys, letting her stay in the theather’s loft? I could bring her somewhere else.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFIj2mT9Sa 維尼

“No! It’s fine to let her stay here. The room is always empty anyway. From what you’ve said, it seems that Cin Heung has no place to settle down. She can stay here until she gets well, then she can decide what to do.” He let out a sigh and continued, “It’s mostly about Stirling… We should help her too… She was so sad that she talked nonsense all night… Calling for Stirling and Yi Po.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB2xNqHEse 維尼

The woman hung her head low and sighed.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlthAhkMZ6 維尼

Suddenly, a person came out from behind them weakly, supporting herself by holding the wall.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡopctDTOFzf 維尼

The woman exclaimed, “Cin Heung, why did you get out of bed?”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxUE72Gtgm 維尼

William immediately gave her a hand. “Go back to bed.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcSpTgV16M 維尼

“William? Manman… What’s going on?” Cin Heung said with a soft voice.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaqpMKLtCK 維尼

They helped Cin Heung back to the bed and gave her a brief description of what happened. After reminding her to rest, William went out of the room. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdQw8OppfZ 維尼

Looking at her pale and haggard face, Manman felt pity for her. She helped her with the quilt and told her, “I’ll buy you something to eat.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYnBbwovxe 維尼

Just as Manman was about to stand up, Cin Heung grabbed her hand.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZM1B19y1O 維尼

“Don’t tell anyone that you’re seeing me,” Cin Heung said.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9HyIYK2Tj 維尼

“Okay, okay, I won’t say it. Just rest up.” After Manman said that, she turned around and walked out of the room, feeling sorry for her. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3ZqtuDma3 維尼

Cin Heung was ill for a whole week. Manman never told Tony, but she would come take care of Cin Heung everyday. Seeing her getting thinner and thinner, Manman advised her to stop worrying about the past and take good care of herself. At the same time, Cin Heung also kept claiming that everything was okay.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBXJmbb8UO 維尼

Seeing Cin Heung’s recovery, William suggested that she stay in the theater loft. At first, Cin Heung politely refused, fearing that she would be reminded of the pain. However, William and the group of theatre staff came and sincerely pleaded for her to stay.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3xHA8dX8u 維尼

Someone said, “There’s no difference between living here and staying somewhere else. You can pay a little rent if you feel awkward about it! Better yet, you can make your cakes, cookies, and other goodies!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcUSmpvgdK 維尼

“Yeah, we’ll be able to enjoy your cooking!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR2s2uANxs 維尼

“You gobblers! Cin Heung, just stay here. We can take care of you so don’t think too much about it. We all talked about it and we all agreed to let you stay.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63TGy9PF6B 維尼

Unable to refuse such kindness, Cin Heung was touched by everyone’s enthusiasm. In the end, she decided to stay. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mnFmIVZsd 維尼

Since then, she only focused on her studies. Every day, she would go between the school and the theater. Visiting her occasionally, Manman gradually noticed that Cin Heung had become more moody and talked less. To Manman, Cin Heung seemed like a stranger now. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk7n46mpD2 維尼

Manman told Cin Heung that after that night, Emma got yelled at by both Uncle Duen and Tony. She was even grounded during the holidays so she could reflect on what she had done. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77ohJbzooG 維尼

“Teenagers go through a rebellious phase. She’ll be fine after a while. There’s no need to be too harsh on her,” Cin Heung said calmly.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEqdtF3zkA 維尼

Cin Heung would always squeeze out an optimistic smile for Manman, but this only caused Manman to worry even more. For many times, Manman noticed her overreacting to trivial matters, such as when things fell down. Manman was worried that she was actually just putting up a front. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5JoDFUYmg 維尼

William also noticed that every time Cin Heung came back to the theatre, she would always avoid the main entrance. Rather, she would sneak up the small ladder at the back like the phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera”. Everyone that worked in the theater knew why she was doing this. William, who was a kind hearted person, wanted to do something to help her out. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJmzp5DX00 維尼

One time, William asked, “Cin Heung, there’s an emergency! The theatre is short of staff. I need a part-time backstage staff to help with the intensive performance schedule next week! Do you know anyone that is willing?” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡVECXXYt3Jf 維尼

“I’ll need to ask around,” Cin Heung answered.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxBhInGPja 維尼

“But… We’ll need the person to come for tonight’s practise.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjEvLncZJb 維尼

“That much of a hurry?” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmhX7d73B0 維尼

“Cin Heung! Why don’t you do it?” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡKamDKmGXUg 維尼

“Me?” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfQvPVYOnb 維尼

“Yes!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS3FzZ7wYW 維尼

Just like that, Cin Heung became one of them. Preparing for a performance was just like preparing for battle, and she needed to stay focused until the performance was over. Since William arranged a variety of complicated work for her, this left her with no time to think about the sad things that had happened in this theater. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN51dMcnom 維尼

William had succeeded. Initially, Cin Heung was reluctant, but she slowly became used to it. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1nWIqBftD 維尼

Cin Heung would always spare a few days every week to work part time at the theater. Sometimes, she would collect tickets at the entrance, and sometimes she would work backstage. As time went by, her mood became better because her mind didn’t have time to wonder. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbOGsQQ1NG 維尼

Manman, William, and her group of theater friends were relieved to see her walk out from isolation after over half a year. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTmjjBSXUL 維尼

However, the group remembered there were two names that could never be mentioned. One time, a new backstage worker mentioned the name Stirling and Cin Heung overheard it. It made her slip up on some technical work and ruined the show that night. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVxh3PfhA4 維尼

The other name was Yi Po.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡIstPCMfmb6 維尼

After the dispute that night, the two no longer contacted each other. As if their story had never happened in the first place, no one mentioned the forbidden name and their past.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0Xoq24etf 維尼

Cin Heung tried her best to forget him.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE66829MpH 維尼

Today, she went to Queens Botanical Garden with several classmates. After the tour, all the students said they wanted to go to Flushing for some Japanese food. Cin Heung immediately hesitated when she heard the name Flushing. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfuz7O1LQX 維尼

“What’s wrong Cin Heung? You don’t want Japanese food?” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8EEcvhTgK 維尼

“Erm…” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0FI6nE08m 維尼

“Let’s try it. It’s a great restaurant!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH4ACXOmWs 維尼

“Well, alright.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5Uugk9aDd 維尼

The group had a good time in the restaurant that night. After bidding their farewells, Cin Heung walked out of the restaurant and saw the sign board with “Flushing” written in large letters. Suddenly, she felt a faint pain in her heart. She sighed and walked down the street filled with lovers alone with her hands in her pockets. Some were looking at the items displayed in front of the window, while others were holding hands, heading somewhere. There were even some that were feeding each other sweetly. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1i6tVAJ35 維尼

Tormented by sadness, Cin Heung walked aimlessly among the stream of people and somehow ended up on the street where Able’s cafe was. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Eyi5Ekrvg 維尼

She used to come here every day, but had not stepped onto this street for half a year. Many of the shops had moved and the people she knew were gone. The café was still there, but the beautiful woman that used to be there had gone.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLltQFdywc 維尼

She stopped at the opposite side and looked at the shop8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX87vgH1sU 維尼

Unfortunately, she couldn’t see the person she was familiar with. The furniture that she was familiar with had also changed. Curious, Cin Heung noticed that there was another female barista working there. She was tall and slim with long hair. Cleaning up the tables, she was preparing to close up the shop.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12NgauaDls 維尼

At that moment, Yi Po suddenly came out of the kitchen. The female barista patted the flour off him intimately, turned off the light, and left with him.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWV1dnDfz3 維尼

Hiding behind the lamppost, Cin Heung didn’t want to attract their attention.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvsZKOUdRg 維尼

Glancing at them, she saw that they were now far away. The female barista walked closely with him and they seemed very intimate. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdxvo7vTUA 維尼

Leaning on the lamppost, Cin Heung stood there, dazed, for a while. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9joo6DpLN 維尼

—Once upon a time, there was hope, a beautiful one,8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfZPAU5SiA 維尼

Holding it and cherishing it,8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡggaO28euQq 維尼

Yet so wilful on that one day,8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7BBtQS7D0 維尼

That hope shattered on the ground,8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnb5sMbXwh 維尼

Falling into the darkest valley. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmx80Oignq 維尼

Hey… It’s time to say goodbye. Look up, climb up.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6FniPbB1P 維尼

You need to fight for your happiness. Remember?—8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc18RFnJtp 維尼

At this time, someone tapped her shoulder and said, “Cin Heung.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4KrGnLOSL 維尼

Flustered, Cin Heung looked over. “Emma!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9lR1y4TJd 維尼

Emma said with a sad smile, “I didn’t think I would see you again.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH2oLhoqDV 維尼

Cin Heung smiled but said nothing.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL89K1jP97 維尼

Emma said shyly, “Haven’t seen you… for a while.” She moistened her lower lip and continued, “I owe you an apology…” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu4xY5NnnT 維尼

Cin Heung was shocked.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVuDmO6iMG 維尼

“What I said that night really hurt you. I’m ashamed and I feel guilty… Please accept my apology. Sorry, please forgive me.” Emma was filled with so much regret that she didn’t dare to face Cin Heung.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQe5aAWrkP 維尼

Shutting her eyes, she turned away from Emma. She looked again at the cafe, but Yi Po was already gone.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBGVEy6jdQ 維尼

With mixed feelings, she sighed. “There’s no one to blame… The person has gone and it doesn’t matter anymore… Just let him go.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ352Z8sFfc 維尼

Cin Heung tapped Emma and said, “It’s alright.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQvTUCgY3J 維尼

Turning around, Cin Heung left quietly. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxrxqqE5fo 維尼

“Cin Heung! I’m going to study in Seattle.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsobPiL9C8 維尼

“Well, take care,” Cin Heung said as she walked away. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ4fva3mi2 維尼

Emma felt guilty and her energetic self was no more.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHUTzkh3Rr 維尼

Emma yelled out, “Take care of yourself, too!”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡChzlddidla 維尼

Young people would grow up eventually.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6mP7ezJTn 維尼

Countless spring went past and countless years went past. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmi8BJkre7 維尼

In a grand celebration, the man on the stage was making a speech. “This year, everyone should also work hard! I hope everyone can put what they’ve learned into practice in the future. After tonight… You all have graduated!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn2tonQgZN 維尼

The hall was immediately filled with cheers.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNMW0YpA31 維尼

There was a long table full of food and drinks in the hall. After listening to the speech, all the guests gathered and chatted. There was a particular noisy group that was laughing and chatting. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡULDT1PisVv 維尼

“It’s all thanks to your words! Wing Tung is really getting married!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRriBvNBEO 維尼

“Turnip must be so happy that he’s jumping up and down.”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡGixytAqlzI 維尼

“Don’t just talk about me and Turnip! Gou Jing and Sum Ting also have new boyfriends! They are even twin brothers!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgSmr2YvC7 維尼

“Really? Will they even notice if they made a switch?” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTKozL007U 維尼

“Shit! Have a little fun swapping husbands?”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4s2jfaP9O 維尼

“We haven’t even talked about marriage yet. Why would we talk about swapping husbands! You little!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡg87Sc1DQAl 維尼

“There’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time!” Wing Tung suddenly said, “I want to touch Manman’s big belly!” Without saying anymore, she reached out her hand and touched Manman’s ninth-month pregnant belly. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡldWMknRCty 維尼

“This is so exciting… She’s moving! She’s moving!” Wing Tung became emotional and said, “Baby! Come out and let your godmother hug you!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlm2FgxP0k 維尼

“Why are you being so motherly all of a sudden? Make your own baby then.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡgysgFNDnhg 維尼

Laughter filled the hall.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3iAXgCkhI 維尼

Sum Ting asked, “Cin Heung! Ready to go back?” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg4vlC0YGK 維尼

“Yeah. Thank you for coming to my graduation ceremony.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9wAwQzApI 維尼

“We all support you and care about you.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSBbh1Wx8u 維尼

Without saying a word, Cin Heung stretched out her long arms around the group and held them in a tight embrace.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nxlSOt47G 維尼

The dean who had just given the speech congratulated and encouraged the students in the hall. She then came to Cin Heung. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4ngI4lXp0 維尼

After going through the polite exchanges, the dean went straight to the point. “Cin Heung, I’ve been paying attention to you this year. You are very talented and always have unique ideas. Would you like to stay in the future to complete a professional level course funded by the college?”8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTc3peFga8 維尼

“Thank you very much. The past year has been a long one for me. Truth be told, I have used up my courage and am looking for something to fill it up. Thank you for your sincere offer, but, I think this opportunity should be reserved for someone more suitable,” Cin Heung replied with gratitude. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwgdvfavTt 維尼

The dean looked at Cin Heung, as if trying to read her mind. After some time, she said, “Don’t worry, you don’t have to decide now. Please contact me after you’ve thought about it.” After saying that, the dean gave her name card to her. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JxNygmCyE 維尼

After the graduation ceremony, Cin Heung said, “I’ll go back to the theater to pack up my things, and then I’m… going home with you girls.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡnScy9JDL1I 維尼

Back at the old theater, which had been accompanying her through the most difficult time this year, she felt a little reluctant to leave. This place contained her tears and her grief. After a few days, all of it would become history.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKSe5S7NkW 維尼

In the attic, she packed up everything. Out of nowhere, she found a rolled up poster near the edge of the bed. She didn’t know when it was placed there. She opened the poster and it was about Stirling’s concert. After looking at the poster for a moment, she was reluctant to put it down. The quiet room concentrated her mind and made her recall every musical note she played.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXrdR4Jduo 維尼

Out of nowhere, wonderful sounds of music rang in her ears. It was a wonderful melody played by a violin. Raising her head, Cin Heung suddenly put down the poster and listened carefully. The faint sounds of a violin reverberated throughout the quiet space. Sure that she was not hallucinating, Cin Heung immediately stood up and followed the source of the music.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ6HpAfHlU 維尼

Cin Heung went to the stage downstairs, but the music vanished. She looked around the backstage and blamed herself for her suspicion. As she walked toward the stage, she stopped and her heart suddenly dropped. She saw a violin case on the stage. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kQdWSk47a 維尼

She stopped in front of the case and knelt down slowly. Looking at it, she experienced varied emotions in her heart. When she opened it, she was shocked. A stream of warm tears flowed from her eyes and down her face. In the case was a violin she knew, a broken one—a violin belonging to Stirling.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJGAbNSKYk 維尼

Cin Heung gently picked up the violin, placed it in her arms, shut her eyes, and felt it with her cheek.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtHNHUD8HC 維尼

Suddenly, music came from the audience seats. Raising her gaze slowly, Cin Heung saw someone playing in a seat. Doubting her vision, Cin Heung said nothing.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6K04uaQCk 維尼

After a long time, the person stopped and looked toward the stage. “Cin Heung.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCZuPUkpeq 維尼

Cin Heung cried out, “Stirling!” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z67QnjYEx 維尼

They rushed forward and hugged each other desperately. Their words could not express their current emotions. They could only use hugs to confirm the existence of each other. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2XuvVED1S 維尼

Cin Heung could smell the familiar smell and buried her head in Stirling’s neck contentedly. At the same time, Stirling rubbed her cheek against Cin Heung’s lush hair. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOrflFT6Vq 維尼

“Don’t leave.” 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR2M21xIH4 維尼

Looking at her without saying anything, Cin Heung answered her with a kiss to her lips. 8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡabiECFao4p 維尼

After tonight, love has reached another level.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡbktIWRnj4J 維尼

After tonight, like a star, you will make a halo.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ2xsLirjC 維尼

After tonight, the halo will light up the darkness.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlVPoMYnJe 維尼

After tonight, shall we cherish each other.8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu5hlDHC2u 維尼

[The End]8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DHRnlYo1e 維尼

To Be Continued—Epilogue8964 copyright protection294ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj6eB5yUUb 維尼

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