A youthful ten-year promise

Chapter 4 The Mark of Names at the Crossroads

The summer sun was intense and dazzling, like a scorching flame, illuminating every corner of the town and reflecting the inseparable bond between Lin Youran and Shen Yichen. Graduation drew near, yet their hearts were drawn together even closer. During this time, they were practically inseparable, hoping to create as many unforgettable memories as possible.

However, fate often plays cruel tricks; the sweeter the beautiful moments, the heavier the parting bells seem. Lin Youran received an acceptance letter from a top European art academy, meaning she was about to embark on a journey of studying abroad; while Shen Yichen decided to stay in China to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball. These two drastically different choices brought them to a crossroads in their lives.

In their final week before parting, they decided to travel around the town, revisiting the places that witnessed their friendship. From the art classroom where they first met, to the secret garden where they often stole moments of leisure, to the basketball court at the cultural festival… every step carried too many memories and a deep sense of reluctance to leave. Especially at night, the two sat under the starry sky, gazing up at the countless stars, talking about the future and their dreams. They had so much to say, yet they didn't know where to begin.

“You Ran, do you know? Every time I see your paintings, I feel incredibly proud. You are my pride.” Shen Yichen broke the silence, his voice trembling with barely perceptible emotion. “Yichen, I’m also very lucky to know you. You taught me perseverance and courage.” Lin Youran replied, her eyes moist, but she forced a smile to keep the tears from falling.

That night, they counted stars together, wishing to meet again in the future and to both achieve their dreams. The next morning, they stood together at the end of this familiar street, their agreed starting point, which would also be their temporary end. "We won't see each other for a long time, but I believe our friendship won't fade," Shen Yichen said, tightly gripping Lin Youran's hand and shaking it vigorously.

Lin Youran nodded and squeezed the hand tightly. "No matter where we go, we must remember each other and our promise." After saying that, the two looked at each other, their reluctance to part evident, but at the same time they turned their backs to each other and walked away in their respective directions.

In the days that followed, they tried to stay in touch, sharing their daily lives online and encouraging each other. Although sometimes they couldn't reply to messages in time due to time differences and busy studies and work, they knew that the other person was always there and had never gone far away.

Lin Youran achieved remarkable results at an art academy abroad, and her work gradually gained recognition, while Shen Yichen also made a name for himself in the domestic professional league. Both of them shone brightly in their respective fields. On this day every year, they would try their best to make time for a video call, reminiscing about the past and looking forward to the future, as if this could bridge the distance of time and space.

Five years have passed in the blink of an eye. Lin Youran has completed her studies and decided to return to China to develop her career, while Shen Yichen has become an outstanding professional player. The two meet again, returning to this small town, to the place where their story began. Although their appearances have matured slightly, their friendship remains as pure as ever.

“We did it, Youran,” Shen Yichen said emotionally, his eyes filled with nostalgia for the past and anticipation for the future. “Yes, we did it,” Lin Youran replied, her smile brimming with gratitude and happiness.

This reunion is not a farewell, but a new beginning. They understand that no matter what the future holds, they will never forget that summer, that crossroads of parting, or the promise they made to each other. Because they know that true friendship and love can never be bound by time and distance.

【Finish】

This chapter focuses on Lin Youran and Shen Yichen facing a major turning point in their lives, telling the story of how they coped with the pain of separation, maintained contact despite their distance, and ultimately achieved their respective dreams. It showcases their deep friendship and unwavering faith in the future, reminding readers that even in the face of difficulties and challenges, as long as there is love in one's heart, there are infinite possibilities.