San'er's real name is Meng Ziming. He studied at Jiangcheng City Experimental High School, was in the same class as him and Wang Xing, and they lived in the same dorm room.

The two of them even shared a bunk bed, being as close as Wang Xing, that cheerful fool.

As for why he was called 'San'er', it was because when this guy first fell in love, it took him two months to realize that his girlfriend already had a boyfriend, forcing him to be the third party, hence the nickname, unrelated to his age.

However, it must be mentioned that San'er was a school celebrity. Not only was he a good student, but he was also extraordinarily handsome. Even Su Qing had to admit that this guy's excellence was somewhat infuriating.

Not just in school; even in their class, several girls liked him, and those who had a secret crush on him were countless.

After graduation, he was admitted to a top university in the capital city with grades among the top in the class, unlike him and Lao A, who barely got into a second-tier local university after intense studying in the last half-year.

During their school years, they couldn't understand how, despite attending classes with them during the day, playing, going to internet cafes, and even skipping classes without missing any fun, he could perform so well academically.

The most crucial part was that they never saw him secretly studying at night in the dorm. Yet, whenever exams came, he'd claim he messed up, and then his results would be among the top in the class. Who could handle such a blow?

But just such a person fell ill at the start of his sophomore year in college. He suffered severe nosebleeds that couldn't be stopped, eventually being diagnosed with leukemia.

The hospital suggested giving up treatment at that time, but his parents refused. After a year of chemotherapy, he couldn't make it through the summer break at the end of his second year.

People have a premonition before their death. He didn't believe it before, but he did now.

Because just a few days before San'er passed away, he called him, Wang Xing, and the other two roommates.

That's right, their dorm room accommodated five people. It was supposed to be six, but in the second half of the first year, one transferred away, and they lost contact afterward.

He and Lao A were fine as they were in the same city, but the other two rushed back from elsewhere.

The four of them returned on a day when San'er was on a drip at a small clinic in a rural town. At that point, the big hospitals wouldn't take him anymore, and his parents were already preparing for the worst.

For two days straight, the five of them stayed together, chatting, just like during their high school days, enjoying the happiness until the last day of their time together. He remembers clearly; it was like San'er had one last burst of energy and could walk by himself. He said he wanted to go out, take a look at their former school, the places where they played basketball and ate.

Naturally, no one objected. They hailed a taxi and toured the city. In the afternoon, San'er said he wanted to eat beef noodles from the stall behind the school and have some barbecue. That day, he astonishingly ate a whole bowl of noodles, whereas before, he could only manage a bit of congee.

That night, upon parting, this guy opened his little drawer and started handing out small gifts to everyone — keychains, phone cases, mini speakers. He received a pair of headphones, not cheap, costing several hundred yuan, saying he should use them when watching little movies in the future.

By eleven at night, everyone headed home. By the time he got home, it was almost midnight, and San'er sent him a file — a video.

No phone call, no video chat, just a video file. Perhaps that was the best farewell he could think of.

And just the next day, he was gone, silently. By the time they knew, it had already been three days.

At that time, he, Wang Xing, and the other two discussed it, deciding to respect San'er's wish and not attend his farewell, deciding to visit three years later instead.

This is why Wang Xing mentioned that the 'Sect's Secret Order' indicated the three-year period had ended, and the cheap suit he was wearing was something they bought together back then.

It was unexpected how quickly three years flew by, and those university students had graduated a year ago.

Among them, the most handsome, the best student, the one most liked by girls, had already been gone for three years.

The last farewells between people lie beneath the ordinary days, beneath the careless days, amidst the bustling night streets filled with noise and dazzling lights.

But they didn't know it back then, amid the noisy roads, someone had stayed behind silently, watching their backs, with expectation, satisfaction, regret, and envy in their eyes.

To say he was sad for three years would be a lie, but he was indeed sad for a while at first, then went about his life. However, when San'er's name occasionally came up in casual chat, they all fell silent.

This was one reason Wang Xing couldn't bring it up several times. Of course, external factors also played a part, leading him to devise this mischievous trick.

Watching the video, listening to Su Qing's whispers, Shen Yi couldn't help but sigh. From his narrative, she saw the brief and unfinished life of a boy named Meng Ziming, nicknamed 'San'er.'

She couldn't help but lament how everything is at the mercy of fate, with life being both strong and fragile.

Just like if it weren't for Su Qing dragging her out of the car that day, there might not have been any trace of her in this world either.

What does the company or money matter in the end?

Even in that mere three-minute video, she could sense that although the boy had accepted his fate, he still didn't want to die. He wanted to live, because once dead, everything is truly over, but he had no choice.

"Are you... okay? Maybe you shouldn't go to work tomorrow. I'll give you a day off... the kind that doesn't deduct your wages," Shen Yi cautiously said.

Although Su Qing looked calm, even with a slight smile on his lips, she knew it might be because he saw an old friend's face, even though it was just a video from the past.

Su Qing shook his head, "No, it's the day after tomorrow, it doesn't matter!"

Despite saying that, he couldn't deny that his emotions were affected, but living people must carry on.

"Then let me give you a shoulder massage."

"No need."

"So, what do you want to eat? Big sis will treat you!"

"Uh, not very hungry."

"Then..."

"I'm a bit sleepy, why don't you stay over?" Su Qing leaned in, aiming straight for her ear.

Shen Yi quickly backed away several steps, protecting her chest with her hands: "Don't even think about it! Just because you're in a bad mood doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!"

Ever since the last time she was overwhelmed, Auntie Shen has been on guard. She can't handle such a shock right now; she truly can't withstand it.

If he does it again, she might really embarrass herself, especially since she's just in her pajamas now.

Knowing he wasn't in a good mood, Auntie Shen didn't stay long and let him be alone to gather himself.

The next day, Su Qing headed to work with a big smile, acting as if nothing had happened. His colleagues in the department still called him big brother as usual.

No one noticed anything amiss about him.

Truly, it's been three years. What's there to be hung up on? If he still acts all dramatic, wouldn't that be just for show?

Director Huang continued filming methodically. The actress changed into two more pairs of stockings. Though Director Huang's fetish is a bit peculiar, his sense for the camera is impeccable, and the shoot was going smoothly.

The day passed quickly. After work, Su Qing rarely drove out to the suburbs for a spin and, by the way, gave old A a call, scolding him harshly.

He also told him that he already knew and that he should wash his neck and prepare to meet his end tomorrow.

In the evening, Auntie Shen paid her usual visit to his home, and seeing him act normally, she stayed until midnight before leaving.

The next morning, Wang Xing knocked at his door, clad in a similar black suit, holding a black umbrella, looking even more awkward than him.

One can't help but say, seeing Wang Xing in that get-up made him feel better instantly—at least he wasn't the only one looking silly.

"Have the two of them arrived?" Su Qing asked.

"Don't worry, one at nine sharp, the other at nine twenty, train station. I've already made arrangements," Wang Xing smiled.

"The weather's nice today!" Su Qing turned to look outside the window and remarked.

A rare overcast day with a light drizzle, relieving the sweltering heat.

"Yeah, rare good weather," Wang Xing agreed with a smile.

They exchanged a glance, changed into fresh clothes, and headed out.

Driving Old Su's little car, they went straight to the train station, spotting from afar two people in black suits holding black umbrellas, standing side by side.

The car parked by the roadside, and Su Qing and his companion got out.

The two people across looked over as well. One was tall, the other short; one fat, the other thin. The tall and fat one was called Ding Qiang, nicknamed "Da Qiang," and the short and thin one was Qin Wei, nicknamed "Skinny Dog."

"Back already?" Su Qing greeted them with a punch to Da Qiang's chest, causing his belly fat to jiggle.

Meanwhile, old A also hit Skinny Dog's chest with a punch, followed by a yelp of pain.

"Qingzi, old A!"

Da Qiang gave him a hug, while nearby, Qin Wei leapt up to give Wang Xing a punch, though Wang Xing didn't even react while Qin Wei stumbled back several steps.

"You can't hit gently, can you? Are you trying to kill me to accompany San'er?"

Upon hearing this, the four exchanged a glance, particularly when they saw their matching black suits, and burst into laughter.

After a while, Da Qiang sighed and said, "One less person, but it's still alright!"

The group fell silent. After all, life is destined to have a full moon that can't be perfect.

...

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