For the first time, everyone saw stars in the sky above Mocun Village at night. A blanket of twinkling starlight adorned the deep night sky, providing a perfect finale for this journey.
Axu, his eyes rimmed with red, walked toward the others to say his goodbyes one by one. This was the first group of friends he had made in twenty years. They were also his only ones. He thought he could finally use the word "friends" to describe them.
Jiang Younian looked sadly at Axu, who was caught in a cycle of hugs and farewells; the corners of his eyes turned red, too. Xie Nanzhou whispered to Jiang Younian, "Every departure is also a beginning."
Chapter 24