Meanwhile, inside Xianyang City, a woman dressed in a white gauze skirt sat alone in a courtyard. She was the very girl Xu Lin held so dearly in his thoughts and with such deep guilt. Sun Yurou sat in the courtyard's pavilion, leaning against a stone pillar, her delicate brows slightly furrowed as she gazed up at the sky with unseeing eyes. Her heart remained constantly tethered to one person—Xu Lin. To find the Elixir of Immortality for the Qin Emperor, he had been gone for over a year, leaving behind no news at all. For more than a year, Sun Yurou had lived like a walking corpse, the yearning in her heart surging in wave after wave, dragging her down so she could find no escape.
Warm sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, gently falling upon Sun Yurou's beautiful face as if draping her in a thin, golden veil. Slowly, she shifted her gaze, her eyes looking somewhat hazy yet revealing an inexpressible fatigue and longing.
Slowly, she stood up and walked with light steps toward the tranquil pond. A gentle breeze swept across the surface, stirring layer upon layer of ripples that reflected her slender, graceful figure. She stood quietly by the edge of the pond, gazing into the distance as if searching for something, silently murmuring in her heart the name that consumed her every thought—Xu Lin.
Immersed in her memories, her thoughts gradually drifted back to the past. Those wonderful days spent together with Xu Lin unfolded and replayed in her mind like a vibrant, colorful scroll. Every detail remained so clear, as if it had all happened just yesterday.
Back then, they would carefree wander along the mountain paths, taking in the beauty of nature; they shared their joys and sorrows with one another, confiding the deepest secrets of their hearts. They had even weathered storms together, yet through it all, they never abandoned or forsook each other, offering mutual support. That period of time was like a brilliant star, illuminating the dark corners of her life.
Yet now, everything had become a bygone dream. Xu Lin had departed from her life, leaving behind only endless yearning and loneliness. Sun Yurou knew she could not lose herself forever in memories from which she could not break free, but whenever she thought of him, an inexplicable sorrow would unfailingly well up in her heart.
"Xu Lin..." she whispered his name softly, her voice tinged with a hint of attachment and helplessness. Tears swirled in her eyes before finally slipping down, dropping onto the surface of the pond and sending out tiny, concentric ripples.
In this moment, she could only pray in silence, hoping that Xu Lin would be safe and happy, while also anticipating the day they might reunite to relive that precious bond.
It had been a bright, sunny spring when the flowers in Xianyang City vied in beauty and filled the air with their fragrance, making the entire city seem immersed in a sea of blossoms. A gentle breeze caressed people's faces, bringing warmth and a breath of fresh air.
During this lovely season, Sun Yurou had gone to the garden to admire the blooming flowers. She strolled leisurely among the floral clusters, feeling happy and relaxed. However, just as she was intoxicated by the beautiful scenery, she accidentally stepped on a stone and lost her balance, about to tumble to the ground. A strong, powerful arm reached out and caught her firmly. Gratefully, Sun Yurou raised her head to look into a handsome, gentle face—Xu Lin. His eyes were filled with care and concern, making Sun Yurou feel an unprecedented warmth.
At that moment, time seemed to freeze. Sun Yurou gazed into Xu Lin's eyes, her heart beating faster of its own accord. She had never imagined that such a man would appear in her life. Under Xu Lin's gaze, she felt like a blossoming flower, radiating a charming fragrance.
Xu Lin gently helped Sun Yurou to her feet and asked with a smile, "Are you alright, miss?" Blushing, Sun Yurou replied, "Thank you, young master, for saving me. I am quite unhurt." Their gazes met, as if an invisible force was binding them closely together. From that moment on, their destinies began to intertwine, and a beautiful love story thus unfolded...
From then on, they came to know each other, understand each other, and gradually, they fell in love. They strolled together through the bustling streets and quiet alleys of Xianyang City, admiring the beautiful scenery and tasting delicious food together. Their love bloomed as resplendently and beautifully as the flowers of spring.
However, happy times are always fleeting. When Xu Lin received the Qin Emperor's command to seek the Elixir of Immortality, Sun Yurou's heart was filled with reluctance and worry. She knew that once he left, no one could tell when he might return—or if he might never come back at all. Yet she also knew that Xu Lin was a responsible man who could not disobey the Qin Emperor's orders.
She remembered clearly that the sky had been overcast that day, as if portending some terrible misfortune to come. Rising very early, Sun Yurou had rushed hastily to the port, solely to catch one last glimpse of Xu Lin. Standing among the crowd with anxious and expectant eyes, she searched for his figure. At last, she saw him—that familiar figure walking toward her. Sun Yurou almost wept with emotion, but she forced back her tears and walked forward to greet him with a smile.
Xu Lin walked up to Sun Yurou, his eyes filled with gentleness and reluctance to part. Stroking her hair softly, he said in a low voice, "Yurou, I must go. This mission is very important, and I do not know when I will be able to return. But please believe me, I will surely return safely and come back to marry you."
Sun Yurou bit her lip, struggling not to cry aloud. She knew he had his own duty and mission. She nodded to show her understanding and agreement, telling Xu Lin not to worry about her. Yet when Xu Lin pulled her into a tight embrace, she could no longer restrain the emotions in her heart, and tears streamed down her face.
Feeling her sorrow, Xu Lin held her tighter and comforted her, "Yurou, do not be sad. We will be together again soon." His voice was deep and steady, bringing a trace of comfort to Sun Yurou's heart.
Sun Yurou raised her head, gazed into Xu Lin's eyes, and pleaded softly, "Brother Lin, you must be careful. No matter what happens, you must stay alive and come back to find me." Her voice was laced with sobs, heartbreaking to hear.
Xu Lin looked deeply into her eyes, which shone with a resolute light. Gently kissing her forehead, he said tenderly, "Rest assured, Yurou. I will definitely come back for you." With those words, he turned and walked away with firm, powerful strides.
Sun Yurou watched Xu Lin's retreating figure until her blurred vision obscured him completely. She knew this might be their final parting, yet she still firmly believed that Xu Lin would return safely. She prayed silently, hoping heaven would protect him, let him successfully complete his mission, and bring him back to her side soon.
After Xu Lin left, Sun Yurou went almost every day to the city gates, gazing into the distance and awaiting his return. Not knowing where he was or whether he was safe, she could only pray silently in her heart that he would come back safely.
As the days passed, Sun Yurou's yearning grew ever deeper. She grew taciturn, losing her former fondness for smiles. Every day she would sit by the window, staring into the distance, holding the token of love Xu Lin had given her—an exquisite jade pendant. Gently stroking the pendant, she felt as though she could still sense Xu Lin's warmth.
At night, lying in bed, Sun Yurou found sleep impossible. Her mind was filled entirely with Xu Lin. She recalled the romantic times they had once shared, wishing so desperately that Xu Lin might suddenly appear before her, hold her tightly in his arms, and tell her he had returned.
Yet reality was so cruel. With no news whatsoever from Xu Lin, Sun Yurou did not know if he was even still alive, and her heart was filled with fear and unease. She began inquiring everywhere for news of Xu Lin, but to no avail. Feeling desperate and helpless, she refused to give up, believing that Xu Lin would surely return.
As time went on, Sun Yurou's longing became ever more intense. She began keeping a diary to record her yearning for Xu Lin. In it she wrote: "Brother Lin, where are you? I miss you so much. Every single day I yearn for you and await your return. I do not know if you are still alive, but I believe you will definitely come back. For the love between us is so steadfast, so profound."
Sun Yurou's diary was filled with yearning and affection for Xu Lin. Her words, like her state of mind, were sincere and moving. Keeping the diary by her pillow, she would take it out every night to read, as if she could feel Xu Lin's presence that way.
Besides writing in her diary, Sun Yurou also visited temples to pray for blessings, hoping the Buddha would protect Xu Lin and bring him safely home. Kneeling before the statue of the Buddha, she prayed devoutly while tears streamed continuously down her face. Her heart was consumed by worry and concern for Xu Lin.
Worn down by the torment of longing, Sun Yurou's body began to grow increasingly weak. Unable to eat or sleep, she lost a noticeable amount of weight day by day. Her parents saw her suffering and felt it in their own hearts; they urged Sun Yurou to stop waiting, suggesting that perhaps Xu Lin was already dead. But Sun Yurou firmly declared, "No, Brother Lin will definitely return. I will keep waiting until he comes back."
Her persistence left her parents feeling helpless. They could only care for her silently, hoping she might soon emerge from the depths of her yearning.
Day after day passed, and Sun Yurou's longing burned like a fire, growing ever fiercer. She began to act somewhat crazily, wandering out of her home alone at night to the city gates, staring into the distance and shouting Xu Lin's name in her heart—silent yet deafening.
One day, Sun Yurou met an old man at the city gates. Looking at her with eyes full of pity, he said, "Child, stop waiting. The person you are waiting for is likely already dead. Life is short; you ought to live your life well." Hearing these words, Sun Yurou was filled with anger. She cried out loudly, "No, Brother Lin is not dead! He will definitely come back!" The old man shook his head, sighed, and turned away.
Watching the old man's retreating figure, Sun Yurou felt a wave of despair. She did not know how much longer she could endure; her yearning was driving her nearly mad. Still, she remained unwilling to give up, believing firmly that Xu Lin would return.
Yet at that very instant, Sun Yurou's heart gave a sudden, agonizing wrench, erupting into a violent pain. She quickly collapsed limply to the ground, drenched in cold sweat. Passersby who saw her condition asked with concern, "Miss, what is wrong with you? Do you need me to find a doctor for you?" By then, the pain had rendered Sun Yurou unable to speak or think; darkness swiftly enveloped her vision, and she lost consciousness, collapsing flat upon the ground.