The lush green tea hills gradually emerged from behind the ethereal white mist as the sun peeked out, its first rays spreading through the air, bringing life and warmth to all things on earth.
Fang Xia Yu took a deep breath, feeling the pure freshness of the air, then continued her walk to school.
Two years ago, Fang Xia Yu came to this high mountain region to escape her past. At that time, her mood was always somber; she couldn't focus on anything with the despair in her heart. Then, the innocent, pure smiles of the children here seemed to save her life.
Fang Xia Yu became a teacher at the school, teaching elementary-aged children. She grew to love her profession more and more, and raising these young children to be good people became her purpose in life, the motivation that helped her continue on her journey.
This morning, Fang Xia Yu entered her classroom and cheerfully said to the nation's future generation: "Hello, children. I wish you all a very happy new day and hope you gather new knowledge in today's lesson."
The children obediently replied: "Thank you, teacher."
Fang Xia Yu smiled cheerfully and said: "Alright, children, quickly take out your notebooks and books. Let's begin our lesson."
The little ones again obediently said in unison: "Yes, teacher."
Fang Xia Yu wrote the lesson title on the board and began her teaching session. Every day, coming to school to teach the children made her happier and feel that her life had more meaning.
At dismissal time, just as Fang Xia Yu stepped out of the classroom, she met the vice principal approaching. He smiled and called out: "Teacher Xia Yu."
Fang Xia Yu immediately smiled and replied: "Hello, sir. Are you looking for me for something?"
The vice principal glanced at the young man standing beside him, then said to Fang Xia Yu: "Ah, we have a new teacher at our school. I'm showing him around, so I thought I'd introduce him to everyone while I'm at it."
The vice principal said to the young man, who was standing behind him, looking down at the ground: "This is Teacher Fang Xia Yu, who teaches elementary school. Go on, say hello and get to know her."
The young man immediately spoke up, replying to the vice principal: "Yes, sir."
After that, the young man stepped forward, approaching Fang Xia Yu. He then looked up and stared at her with an intense, meaningful gaze, as if they had known each other for ages.
When she fully saw the face of the person the vice principal introduced as the new teacher, Fang Xia Yu felt a slight tremor of fear. Her face darkened, and she unconsciously took a few steps back.
The young man's voice rang out: "Hello, my name is Mo Hao Yan. It's a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to your guidance."
Fang Xia Yu felt flustered, unsure how to deal with the sudden situation unfolding, so she didn't know what to say and just stood frozen for a long moment.
The vice principal's voice rang out: "Teacher Xia Yu, are you alright? You don't look well."
Fang Xia Yu forced a smile and said to the vice principal: "Yes, sir, I'm fine, just a slight headache."
"Then you should go home and rest early. The weather has been changing these past few days, so it's easy to get sick. Remember to keep warm."
"Yes, sir, I'll keep your advice in mind."
Mo Hao Yan's voice rang out: "Are you really alright? Or perhaps I should take you home? It's dangerous for you to go alone when you're sick."
Hearing that, Fang Xia Yu's hand trembled slightly, then she politely refused: "Oh, no, that's not necessary. My home is quite close to the school. I'll take my leave now." Saying this, she quickly brushed past Mo Hao Yan, as if fleeing from something.
The Vice Principal said to Mạc Hạo Ngôn, "Let's keep going."
Mạc Hạo Ngôn tried to force a faint smile and replied, "Yes, sir."
Even though his feet moved forward, Mạc Hạo Ngôn kept turning his head back until Phương Hạ Vũ's figure disappeared from his sight.
Mạc Hạo Ngôn thought to himself, "Phương Hạ Vũ, are you really going to be a stranger to me?! Right now, my heart feels a sharp pang. The greatest distance between two people is standing face to face, yet unable to hold each other's hands like we once did."
In contrast to Mạc Hạo Ngôn's regretful expression, Phương Hạ Vũ only saw that the sky today was truly gloomy. The things she had tried to tuck away into a dark corner of her heart suddenly shifted, causing her heart to ache sharply.
The things she wanted to forget suddenly reappeared in her mind, clear in every detail. Tears streamed down Phương Hạ Vũ's cheeks. She felt a sudden sharp pain in her left chest as the unhappy memories she had tried to forget suddenly flooded back, making her throat tighten with a bitter choke, unable to sob aloud.
Phương Hạ Vũ returned to her room and sat lost in thought. She was once again besieged by painful memories of the past, causing her tears to fall unconsciously.