5☆ Date with Jesse - Unforgettable Time (念念时光) | Light and Night Event Reward Card 光与夜之恋

Feel free to check the recording of this card here!

Feel free to check event prologue here!

As Guang Qi Secondary School welcomes its 100-year anniversary, Jesse and I have both received invitations as the school alumni.

Right now, we are walking in between stalls set up by various school clubs. There are many alumni wearing cultural attire as they walk and stop before each and every stall to have a look.

Sounds of chattering could be continuously heard among the crowd, weaving into noisy cicada-like sounds.

Jesse: The propagandas now are so vast, it's a completely different era compared to our time!

In the plaza, some of the club members have purposely printed QR codes, and you can redeem the school 100 year anniversary artbook by just scanning and registering there.

There are even more capable ones that releases club set meal, or receiving a free listening lesson from the guitar club if you register for the choir.

Each and every scene have made me recall the scene of me dragging Tangyuan as I dragged Tangyuan and signed our names on the theater club's registration forms.

As I'm deeply immersed in my memories, someone bumped into my shoulder lightly. I raised my head to meet Jesse's excited expressions.

He slightly lifted his chin, gesturing the spot where students are filling their names for registration.

Jesse: Do you still remember? When I just enrolled here, I've hesitated for a very long time on whether I should choose the music or theaters club. In the end, I relied on a coin flip to finally decide on joining the newly established theaters club!

You: That's not right, it was me who went to the theaters club first, then you kept pestering and acting all coyly to me, and even bribed me with delicious food-- Only then I helped you to get an additional chance of interview for the sake of our years of friendship-

Jesse: Huh? Was it? Back then... I was acting coyly to you?

Probably seeing me acting all serious, Jesse muttered quietly as if I've coaxed him.

He scratches his head, and his gaze averted elsewhere unnaturally, with a layer of pink exuding from his cheeks.

I can't help but to burst in laughter instead, and only then he immediately understood what happened.

Jesse: Great, you were actually fooling me!

You: Alright, I'll admit that you were a hot cake during middle school. Music club, guitar club, foodie club... all of these clubs are tempting you to join them. However, I think you were only the icing to the club if you joined the rest-- and you might be able to be a soulful somebody if you join the theaters club! Now the reality has proved that I'm truly a foreteller! 

Jesse smiled in complete satisfaction.

Jesse: Now that's what I'm talking about, whichever club that recruited me will never have to worry about performances! Speaking of it, other clubs aren't that attractive to me either.

You: Why is that?

Jesse: Because... You aren't at anywhere else, of course.

Slightly surprised, I gazed into his clear aquamarine eyes, and my thoughts stopped at that moment too. 

But before I can think of the sudden heartthrob in my chest that disappeared in a flash, I have already subconsciously poked onto the face that have leaned towards me with those puppy eyes.

You: Didn't someone say he doesn't know how to act coyly? 

You: I wonder how did the theaters club become now, it wouldn't be desolated just like that, right?

Jesse: Of course it wouldn't, look at the wall, it's probably the performance poster of the theater club right?

You: They are actually going to act this, has the theater club became this experimental now? Oh right, why haven't we seen our theater club's stall?

I looked around the bustling stalls, trying my best to search for the remaining information in my mind, and an idea suddenly flashed before my mind.

You: Did you remember that you've said the centermost spot has the best fengshui* in the past? Hence during every school open day, we have always placed our stall at the centermost spot.

*T/N: A Chinese belief in fortune, based on various sorts of calculations, positioning and placement, etc.

Hearing me saying so, the curve on Jesse's lips have expanded greatly.

Jesse: Let's go, we'll know if we have a look!

He held my hand, and headed straight towards the center of the club activity area.

Just when we were about to arrive, I could almost immediately confirm that this "tradition" has been continued.

Completely different from the surrounding rule-abiding students, the members of the theater club are all dressed up in clothing of different occupations, there are lawyers, bankers, doctors, and more.

They ignored the bustling surroundings, reading out their scripts loudly, as if they are immersed in a performance.

You: As expected of our theater club, completely immersing themselves in their characters even if it's just a rehearsal!

As if he's afraid of disrupting them, Jesse leaned down slightly towards my ear, and lowered his voice.

Jesse: Look at them, the ones acting as doctor and lawyer, they are my juniors from a batch after mine, they came back to help the club out. I think, rehearsing isn't the main objective, but to attract newbies to join the club is their main objective. Speaking of this, I acted this play when I was in the university too...

Old Club Member A: Jesse!? You're finally here!

Just when I was carefully differentiating Jesse's whispers from the surrounding noises, somebody among the crowd has exclaimed.

This voice seemed to have pushed off a piece of domino, the students of the theater club have all went out of character, and became fans in a blink of an eye, surrounding us completely.

Old Club Member B: No way, it's really Jesse?!

Old Club Member C: Wow! So handsome in person!

Old Club Member D: Idol! Can I have a signature please!!!

Xiao Kai: Give way, give way, all of you give way!

A boy squeezed himself through the crowd towards us with all his might, with excitement written all over his face.

Xiao Kai: Jesse, you're finally here! I told everyone that you're my special guest, they were saying that I'm boasting!

Jesse familiarly patted the student's shoulder, his tone sounding a little teasing.

Jesse: You've worked hard, Xiao Kai. The performance earlier was completely beyond of my expectations! 

Xiao Kai waved his arms unnaturally, and humbly denied it.

Jesse: However, since we're in school, there's no need to call me Jesse, just call me senior would do!

Everyone: Hello, senior!

Jesse: Also this--

He followed by winking towards me, pushing me before him and gestured to everyone.

Jesse: This is your senior's senior, so you can call her senior too. 

Senior's senior... Although this introduction isn't problematic at all, but why does it feel weird?

You: Ah... Hello everyone.

Everyone: Oh~ Hello, senior's senior~

The emphasis fell on the "'s" part. I was late, but I've finally understood the underlying meaning of his wording.

With the commotion from everyone in tacit, I still can't help but to feel a little flustered. Thankfully everyone's main focus is still on Jesse.

Old Club Member A: Senior, you've been our club's living mascot for all these years! Our theaters club has been super popular!

Old Club Member B: Can I ask for a signature please! 

Xiao Kai: In our god-like figure's eye, what's great about a signature, the most important thing is to request for guidance!

Jesse: Of course it wouldn't be a problem. Coincidentally I'm quite interested in the amnesiac female protagonist in your performance too, we can give that a try.

This play is a model for the recent small theater plays, I was fortunate enough to watch the first show when I had a study tour in London.

If I didn't remember wrongly, the amnesiac female protagonist has a great change in emotions, so it requires a strong, explosive energy from the actor.

The club members have all exuded expressions of joy and surprise, retreating consciously, and leaving a space for the god-like figure in their hearts for his performance.

Jesse bowed towards the surrounding spectators, then followed with ruffling his hair, lowering his head as he slowly walked up to the stage from the right side.

Jesse: Why didn't any of you recognize me anymore?

Jesse's voice trembled a little, he stood right at the center of the stage. By the time he raised his head again, his eyes reddened, with a layer of blurry glow in them.

This scene is the climax of the entire play. The amnesiac woman realized that the other sic person are probably her personality that has been split out.

Jesse: Why is there only argument left for us? Why do we hate among ourselves? Why has everything changed--

Acting according to the script, Jesse's hands brushed past his cheeks as if he dare not to touch them, as if he's thinking about who exactly owns this face.

Despite his exterior and costume had no changes, but everyone in the scene have immediately got themselves drawn into the story from his naturally expressed script.

You: !

After getting so used to seeing Jesse's cool performances on the stage, it's actually my first time seeing him acting a character with such a great contradiction in personality.

No matter if it's the micro expressions of a woman, or the hysterical condition that the character originally had, he has performed them vividly.

Even the crowd has exclaimed continuously.

Student D: The last time our vice club president acted the amnesiac woman, although the script and movements are very well-practiced, but it feels like there's a lack of influence. Senior Jesse's performance have finally allowed me to understood, there are times where a reserved performance would bring a better effect than an open performance.

There are more crowd gathering. Under the loud applauses, Jesse has completed a tiny part of his performance, then bowed for a curtain call.

There are quite a few students yelled for encores because it didn't feel enough for them. Thanks to Xiao Kai's cover, he managed to escape smoothly.

Jesse held my hand, and we quietly snuck into the theater club's lounge.

Jesse: Miss, how was my performance just now?

Recalling the amnesiac woman that spoke gibberish so incoherently, then looking at Jesse who's shrouded by sunlight in front of my eyes, they are just two complete different individuals.

I showed him my thumbs up, and gently pressed it between his brows.

You: Senior is just too great! I'll give you a thumbs up!

Jesse unexpectedly gazed away in a flash, and two tiny patches of redness suddenly surfaced from his cheeks.

Jesse: Why are you imitating too...

You: Huh? Didn't you make everyone to call you senior just now?

Just when I was about to continue teasing him, Xiao Kai ran towards us in a hurry, and gave a blue bag to Jesse.

Xiao Kai: Senior, this is the thing you mentioned before, I almost forgot to give you. Hehe, I'll not disturb you with senior anymore, bye bye~

Before I can even return to my senses, that Xiao Kai have already disappeared in a hurry.

And Jesse have securely hid the bag behind him as soon as he took the bag, so this has piqued my interest.

You: What did he give you?

Jesse hesitated for a moment, and made a zipping gesture over his lips with his right hand.

Jesse: It's a secret for now, I'll reveal it later. The most important thing now is, where should we go next?

He lowered his head as he asked for my opinion, his sparkly eyes completely filled with anticipation.

I looked towards the memory-filled campus, and I can't decide all of a sudden.

[Choice: Where should we go first?]

Intimacy: The little garden behind the classroom buildings

Listening: To the bulletin board

Heartthrob: To the classroom building

[Do Nothing]

My gaze fell on the concession stand beside the gym. The classroom building has already renovated thrice, yet it's still maintaining its appearance of a little wooden hut.

To the little me when I was still a student, the concession stand is just like a treasure vault, there are so much of unforgettable taste hidden there.

Jesse and I looked at each other in tacit, and showed an understanding smile to each other.

You: Let's go, to your holy land.

Jesse: What do you mean my holy land? Was there even a time you never bought snacks?

You: I was only accompanying you back then--

Jesse: Right right right, accompanying me there and ending up buying more than I did...

Jesse and I pushed each other as we arrived the concession stand, the pop rocks on the rack have immediately taken my attention away.

You: It's been so many years, but the packaging is surprisingly unchanged!

Jesse: Not only it's unchanged, I saw the news a couple of days ago, this company is even went public*.

*T/N: Going public refers to a private company's initial public offering (IPO), thus becoming a publicly-traded and owned entity. 

You: Not bad not bad, as expected from the brand that I've been eating since I was a child! There's also this one, this dried crispy noodles* is also delicious!

*T/N: It's like instant noodles but flavored. A typical SEA favorite is probably Mamee.

Jesse: Seeing this noodle reminds me of some exceptionally boring competitions in the class-- For example, eating something that is exceptionally easy to make a sound during class, and those who are found out by the teacher has to treat the class soda after that.

You: Right, hahaha! Sometimes it's not because of the sound that made one got caught--

Jesse and I: -- It's because dried crispy noodles is too fragrant!

Jesse and I continued the last half of the sentence in tacit. These little bits of happenings that have been wandering in our youths are now slowly picked up by our memory.

We pushed the cart as we walk between the long rows of racks, it feels just like we're traveling in the long rivers of time.

In the end, we carried bags of goods as the owner sees us off from the concession stand entrance.

Jesse: Uh, soda is really heavy, how about we drink two cans first?

You: Just say it if you wanted to drink, what's with the excuses? Here, catch it~

Jesse impatiently opens the bottle cap, with an arm over my shoulder, and lightly bumped onto the soda can in my hand.

Jesse: Cheers~

You: Cheers~

As the refreshing bubbles spreads from the mouth to the throat, Jesse closes his eyes in satisfaction, even the tone of his speech is perked up.

Jesse: This, is the taste of school!

You: Well, after we've lessened the burden, can we go now? The little friends in the theater club are all waiting for their senior Jesse to feed them.

Jesse: Right, waiting for senior Jesse to feed them, but they're also waiting for senior's senior to feed them too~

Jesse leaned close to my ear, his smile hazed into the warm autumn sun in the breeze.

We drink our soda as we walked towards the bustling field.

As the sun sets, the stalls in the plaza is gradually lessening. The entire school is dyed with the colors of the gentle sunset.

[Intimacy: The little garden behind the classroom buildings]

I slowly looked across this familiar campus, a little garden hidden behind the classroom building entered my view.

You: Do you still remember the time we skipped class to play in the little garden, and encountered a heavy rain?

Jesse: What heavy rain, it's an outright rainstorm! I still remember we sheltered from the rain under the fake stone bridge, but the hole of the bridge was too narrow, and both of us were completely drenched.

You: There should be a BGM sounding right now, if only if--*

*T/N: Jesse's song from Chapter 8-23 Night End.

Jesse: The rainstorms didn't block my vision on that day--

Accompanied by the familiar song, Jesse and I laughed together.

You: Then let's see if that stone bridge is still there?

Jesse: Let's go!

Jesse and I followed the clues in our memories, walking south along the black and white cobblestone path, and got welcomed with the sight of a pond.

Several hibiscus plants are planted loosely around the pond. Despite the flowering season is ending soon, but the blooms are particularly beautiful. Looking from afar, the red flowers under the white walls looked dazzling like the clouds under a setting sun.

Covered by the flowers, that tiny stone bridge is quietly sitting at the corner of a garden.

Just when I was about to tell Jesse about it in excitement, a couple of petals fluttered as soon as I turned around.

You: Don't move.

I extended an arm, wanting to pat the petal away from his shoulder.

[Try patting off the petal over his left shoulder!]

[Outcome (1): Touching anywhere but the shoulder with a petal]

Tap below his belt: Jiejie, give me a break!

Tap on his abdomen: Aiya, a sneak attack?

Tap on his chest: What are you doing under the broad daylight?

Tap on his hair: Huhuhu I'm no longer a kid.

Tap on the shoulder without petal: Hm? What's wrong?

Jesse: You-- We're still in school, senior, you're bullying your junior.

Seeing Jesse's puffy cheeks, I feel internally dumbfounded, I just happened to miss the spot, how could it be considered as "bullying"?

You: Since you've said so...

I walked closer as I forced Jesse to the corner, tiptoed, with an arm over his ear, pressing my hand on the wall.

You: Then I'll make this bullying something real, how's that?

I imitated the male protagonists in the idol dramas, and tilted my head chicly.

The sudden kabedon startled Jesse for a moment, followed with him suppressing the smile over his lips, and cooperatively shrunk his body a little.

Jesse: Senior, I'm really scared, what are you going to do?

Although Jesse begged for mercy from his lips, but his voice did not sound like there was any fear at all.

I can only place an arm over my waist, with a leg stepped onto the stone staircase, trying my best to act with an aura of a delinquent high school girl.

You: Are you still clueless on what I wanted to do? Junior, you're so good-looking, of course you're going to be my lackey!

Seeing him not budging at all, I can only poke him, gesturing him to display his professionalism as a theater actor and cooperate with me quickly.

Hence Jesse's brows immediately drooped, his watery, round puppy eyes widened as he placed his hands together.

Jesse: Senior, I just wanted to study properly, I'm still young, I beg of you, please let me go.

He gently shook my arm, but the pitiful look have immediately lightened up my interest to tease him even further.

I braced myself as I leaned even closer to him, and whispered lightly as I leaned closer to his ear.

You: I'll look after you in the school from now on, but it's conditional, understood?

Jesse: Okay.

You: First of all, you can't call anyone else as senior.

Jesse: Okay.

You: Number two, you can't keep your own secrets.

Jesse: Okay.

You: Number three, no matter where I go, you will have to follow me everywhere.

Jesse didn't reply me as quickly as his pervious answers, but have instead tilted his head, showing a pure smile.

Jesse: Then if senior is going home, will I be following senior home too?

You: Huh?

I didn't expect for him to return me with a question, so I can only force myself to answer him.

You: Of... Of course! If you're tired from playing, then live in your senior's home!

Jesse treated a few steps backwards, and declined as he shook his head.

Jesse: Boys can't simply live in stranger's homes, family members will be worried...

You: It's okay, your senior isn't considered as a stranger.

Just when I was anticipating to see how Jesse would continue the lines, I didn't expect for him to stay quiet for a moment, and followed with a sincere nod.

Jesse: If senior says so, it's not that I can't do that either.

I choked. Jesse now stares at me with all smiles, and changed from his originally bashful look.

You: That's not right, it isn't written that way in the script...

Jesse ignored my confusion, suddenly got closer to me, and the pair of beautiful aquamarine eyes are still harmless.

Jesse: What script? So senior has been lying to me all these while? But I've already believed in your words, senior. You can't back off from your words now.

Jesse's face is leaning even closer. I dare not to look at him, so I can only stare at the tip of my nose, but in the end, my cheeks still can't help but to start heating up.

The actions I made earlier have turned out to set me into a fall into a pit, I bit my lower lip feeling a little troubled.

You: Alright, I- I'll admit defeat, okay...?

[Outcome (2): Touch on the petal]

Jesse: Is there something here?

The hibiscus petal flutters from Jesse's shoulder. As the cool breeze brushes past, there are even more petals brought up by the winds, fluttering past us.

I patted off the petals from his sleeves, then reached towards his hair.

Jesse: Wait, there are some on your hair too.

Jesse turned his body sideways, lowering his body and looked towards me.

The afternoon sunlight pours through the moving leaves above us, leaving specks of light over his fringe.

He gently puts the hair over my temples away with his fingertip, then slowly gliding don to the neck, and brushed off a light pink petal from it.

Jesse: Here too.

You: I- I'll do it myself--

I raised an arm to grab it, but he took the opportunity to hold it instead.

Jesse: You won't be able to see it.

He leaned downwards as he blew gently, the warm breath pours behind my ears, and the sense of tingling numbness began to spread. 

"Click". A shutter sound could be heard from the other side of the fake stone bridge. Jesse and I looked towards the source of the sound in tacit.

Xiao Kai is holding a camera, with index finger and middle fingers placed together before his forehead as a gesture of salute.

Xiao Kai: I'm sorry, hehe. I find the scene wonderful... so I can't help it.

What kind of photos has this fella taken... I can feel my heart constricted for a moment, and my cheeks are slightly hot.

Jesse: Let me have a look.

Jesse took the film of the instant film camera, gently fanned it a few times, and the image is slowly appearing.

Jesse: Hm... Not bad huh, Xiao Kai. Looks like your photography of thousands of theater photographs aren't in vain.

Xiao Kai scratched his head bashfully, and I can't help but to take a glance too.

The dazzling sun is all over the photograph, Jesse's gently tidying my hair, and a faint smile is unknowingly blooming from the corner of my eyes as I looked towards him.

Xiao Kai: Senior, I'll lend you guys the camera for now!

As soon as Xiao Kai finished speaking, he smiled cheekily, shoving the instant film camera into Jesse's hand, and vanished quickly.

You: This junior fan of yours is quite interesting.

Jesse: Well of course, aren't everyone from the theater club elites? But no matter how much more elite they are, the photo will never be half as good looking as you.

You: Oh you~

You: Oh right, since you've taken the camera, then what kind of pictures should we take?

Jesse: How about we take pictures of our "memory"? Starting from right here.

Jesse pointed towards the little stone bridge. It was also an autumn afternoon, where we hid in the hole under the bridge, listening to the studying sounds from the classroom next door as we whispered nonsensically. 

We allowed the dripping rainwaters to splash by our feet as it brings out the scent of soil and grass.

Jesse: Huh? Why didn't I find that the hole in the bridge is this tiny back then?

You: Because we're now grownups, it's probably difficult for you alone to even fit into it.

I looked at the tiny stone bridge and Jesse that is half a head taller than I do, only to realize that tie time has passed by so quietly.

You: It feels like there are just so much that have changed.

Jesse: But there are also a lot that never changed, look over there.

You: Is this... Peruvian lily? I didn't expect it to be still here!

Under the bridge, a small patch of orange flowers are blooming beautifully, spreading its way to the lakeside.

Jesse: Do you know about the flower language of Peruvian lilies?

I shook my head. Jesse then pluck a tiny Peruvian lily and placed it in my palm.

Jesse: It's the joy of reunion. Although batches and batches of student studied here, and the white walls are painted over again and again, although there are so many things that are different now, but you see-- Peruvian lilies will bloom every year. Time is just like a cycle, so I will definitely return to your side.

Jesse's voice is exceptionally gentle, an unexplainable emotion spreads from my chest, it's sentimental.

I gently blew on my palm, the Peruvian lily fluttered in the winds, as if it's going to bring the leisure time away with it too.

[Listening: To the bulletin wall]

Not far away from us, there's a wall with our school logo printed on it, there are many people staying around there to take pictures with it.

This is a bulletin wall prepared for the alumnus to leave comments there, and everyone can write anything they like on the wall.

I tugged onto Jesse's sleeve, gesturing him to look towards that colorful doodling area.

You: How about we sign our names over there?

Jesse: Sure!

However, by the time Jesse and I have ran towards the wall in excitement, we noticed that the wall is already filled with various signatures and messages.

You: What should I do? There are plenty of feelings I wanted to express!

Jesse became silent for a moment, knelt down on a knee, then patted on his shoulder.

Jesse: The blank space on the top is still empty, you can still continue publishing your long essay. Let's do this, Missy.

In an instant, it seems like there are many similar scenes overlapping each other.

During early spring, I sat on Jesse's shoulders, putting plums into the small bamboo basket again and again...

During late autumn, borrowing his height once again, I managed to see my favorite singer's live performance...

But right now, we are both grownups, it's no longer an age for us to mess around anymore.

I scratched the tip of my nose, and subconsciously spoke in a demure voice, beginning to sprout nonsense.

You: Uh, I... am afraid of heights.

Jesse: Is that so? Who was the one that insisted me to play roller coaster with her again*?

*T/N: Most likely referring to this particular theme park date.

I suddenly felt at loss of words, allowing Jesse to deliberately cover the back of my hand, and held my hand tightly into his.

He slowly leaned down, and lowered his voice by my ear.

Jesse: In the school, good students aren't allowed to tell lies.

I can only take a tiny step backwards, and circled his neck shyly.

Jesse quietly waited until I've sat properly, then slowly stood up, and stably held me up.

A big patch of white wall entered my eyes, and my shyness and nervousness is immediately replaced with joy.

You: Hehe, the air up here is so fresh, and there are so much room to express!

Jesse: Done thinking of what to write? 

You: Of course!

I lowered my head slightly, and took the opportunity to ruffle Jesse's hair. The orange hair blocked his line of vision, then is slightly blown away by the winds.

Jesse: Hey hey hey, don't even think about using me as your flesh cushion if you fall down from fooling around!

You: Okay~

I quickly made an internal draft, then started scribbling it down on the wall with a marker pen.

But I've only written a few sentences, and Jesse have already began muttering down there--

[A voice clip will be played here]

This student right here, what are you writing?

Do you want to read it out as you write?

You won't tell me first?

But I'm really curious, and it's quite boring staying down here.

I can only face these scribbles of messages before me.

The first time we hugged and kissed on the rooftop...

Ahem ahem, uh, I'll read another one out.

During that year of graduation, because I wanted to gift you flowers, so I gifted everyone else...

I think this bulletin wall can be used in a midnight confession TV show already!

For the sake of me making such a great sacrifice for you, tell me yours!

You're still giving me the cliffhanger? Are you going to let me read myself later?

Could it be... You've also written something that you can't show the others too?

Let me think, it can't be a confession could it? Then I'd be even more interested!

Hey, why are you suddenly covering my eyes? Weren't you the one letting me to see it?

Don't shake around? That won't do.

*grunts coyly* I'm a little tired, I think I can't hold any longer.

Unless... Call me 'Senior' a few more times, then I'll get some strength.

T/N: (how much?)

I can hold on until you're done writing without moving an inch.

Your voice is so soft, I can't hear anything~

*sounding shy* Ahem, why are you suddenly... talking to me this close...

Who said I was shy, I was just... my ear was just feeling a little ticklish...

There are no more space left to write? Then I'll walk towards the right side.

Don't move around, I'm holding onto your ankles, it won't be dangerous--

Just write slowly, don't rush, I actually can't quite bear to put you down too.

Are you still planning to seek revenge after I put you down?

Then in order to avoid being taken revenge of, then the more I shouldn't put you down!

I'll carry you just like this, and run a lap in the field.

When that happens, I'll definitely make you being surrounded by everyone, and be the focus of the day!

I'm not afraid of embarrassing myself, since there's a certain someone that is never as thick-skinned as I am.

... Hey hey, don't squeeze my cheeks! I'm sorry I'm sorry!

Hm? Done writing? Then can you help me to write a bit too?

Let me think... How about drawing a little man, surrounded by many stars.

Just like me, always surrounding you.

*scribbling sounds*

Can you add a heart shape or something?

Okay okay okay, I'll not interrupt the great master's creating process, I'll see it properly later!

[Heartthrob: To the classroom building]

I glanced towards the tall buildings standing upright over there as countless images of my youth rewind in my mind.

You: How about we take a trip to the classroom buildings?

Jesse: Of course that'd be great! There are just too much memories hiding in the classroom buildings.

The class arrangement of Guang Qi Secondary school has never changed. Upon entering the campus from the entrance, WenLan building on the left is for the high school department, and the WenTan building is for the middle school department.

What lies between the two buildings is a connecting corridor. The lower the floor, the lower the year grade is.

Jesse and I chased after each other as we arrived WenLan building, this is the place I last studied before I left the county.

Jesse: When I was in WenTan, I was exceptionally jealous of the seniors on the opposite for not needing to attend morning exercises. In the eyes of mid-schoolers, "WenLan" is the synonym for "adults".

Jesse and I walked up the stairs one behind another, he's still the same as usual, liking to turn around and talk to me as he walked up while skipping some steps.

You: Well since you have no chance to study in WenLan, does that mean you're a child forever?

Jesse: Then since you left without graduating from WenLan, then you're only a half adult!

Jesse refuted as he mocked me. It seems like he has taken an exceptional liking to talk back to me.

You: Shh--

We stopped at the 5th floor, the mirror-like glass reflects the serious side profiles of the students.

You: Looks like the 3rd years aren't on a holiday.

The breeze lifts up the curtains on the side, and a countdown calendar hangs beside the densely packed bulletin board, making one to subconsciously feel nervous too.

Jesse: It's really tough, even having to take exams during school anniversary.

You: Well of course, this is the third year of high school, eyes open and it's the battlefield of pens! 

Jesse: Yeah! That's right! A point higher, a thousand men are goner!

Our glances met. Seeing the other looking so enthusiastic, I can't help but to let out a chuckle.

As I laughed, there are some unexplainable feeling of sourness slowly growing in my heart. It feels like something has been missing.

If the time didn't allow us to part back then, perhaps we'll still be how we were in the past--

Going to school and going home together just like always, then listen to seminars for high school exam, and discuss about which university we'd be studying in.

You: Tangyuan...

In order not to affect the 3rd years, I tugged Jesse's sleeve. He immediately understood my intents and followed me back to the corridor.

The sky is as blue as always, the sunlight pours brilliantly on the corridors. We languidly leaned against the balcony as we looked across the entire school campus.

You: The days where I buried myself among the exam papers felt so distant to me. Tangyuan, do you have a moment where you really really wanted to go back to the secondary school?

He nodded, then shook his head right after.

Jesse: In the past I've always dreamed, and I dreamed about myself entering the high school department successfully. I happily grabbed onto the textbook you lent me, and walked circles and circles in the campus. But after I asked everyone around me, they said they didn't know you. The surroundings are still the same as usual, but I suddenly felt that the school feels very unfamiliar.

Jesse faintly tells his story, and on the field not far away, the youthful sounds could be heard.

Jesse: So, only the Guang Qi Secondary School with you is the place I would want to go back.

His voice is very gentle, like the sunny rays that passed through the lush mountain valleys, just like a gentle breeze.

Actually, the Guang Qi Secondary School where Tangyuan is in, is also my favorite place too.

I opened my mouth, but I wasn't able to tell it. The times lost that aren't retrievable are all carved into the rings of memories, blooming in unexpected places.

The familiar school bell rings across the corridor, pulled me back from drifting away in my own train of thoughts.

You: It has been so long since I studied in a classroom, I miss it quite a bit.

Jesse: Then don't we have a good chance today? Look over there!

Raising my head as my gaze followed where Jesse has pointed towards, a few empty, old classrooms entered my view.

You: Is that... our 703?

In order to encourage development of school clubs, Guang Qi Secondary School has set the entire row of classrooms on the top of WenTan building to student activity center, and it has been used until this date.

And the theater classroom 703 has also carried the brightest memories that Jesse and I had.

Jesse: Wanna revisit the old place?

Jesse raised a brow. Just right after his sentence ends, I held his hand and ran towards WenTan building.

The scenery before my eyes are gradually becoming more familiar. Footsteps stopped at the end of the corridor on the 7th floor, the second classroom to my left. 

The colorful wall shows the traces of time over it, with a coupe of extra prop boxes placed at the classroom entrance.

The old boxes are filled with familiar head gears and ribbons, with a thin layer of dust on it.

Jesse: It has really never changed at all... how are these stuff still here?

Looking at the messy entrance, while being dumbfounded, it's also unspeakably touching.

I turned the door knob, only to realize 703 is locked.

You: ... It can't be opened.

I looked towards Jesse helplessly, feeling a little dejected as my finger flicked on the falling patch of paint on the door.

You: Could our wish to revisit our youth be shattered here?

Jesse: Don't worry.

Jesse consoled me quietly, and quickly walked towards the window to open one of them, then turned around and showed me a bright smile.

Jesse: When God closes a door, he opens a window.

Right after, he nimbly supported himself and easily jumped into the classroom.

You: !!! 

You: Impressive, Tangyuan, looks like your sword isn't blunt yet...

Jesse: What blunt?!

You: You're wrong, I'm praising that you're still using that skill of yours easily and skillfully!

Jesse: Now that's much better.

During middle school, I've always been leaving things behind, and left my homework in the clubroom after rehearsals.

Whenever that happens, I'll buy a soda to please him, and beg him to climb into the window to retrieve my homework for me.

Jesse lifted his chin up, as if he's still that naughty teenager when he was still a young adolescent. 

Jesse: It's your turn.

It feels like I'm back to the joyful time of youth, my mood suddenly lightened up, and climbed up the window after stepping onto the apple crate.

The old box dusted, and I covered my mouth as I coughed lightly. Suddenly, I slipped, and I almost lost my balance.

Jesse: Be careful!

You: Ahem ahem ahem, I'm fine I'm fine.

I quickly grabbed onto the window frame. The glass window vibrated a few times, letting out dangerous banging sounds.

What lies beneath my feet is the thin and long windowsill. I tried my best to maintain balance, and my palms are already slightly sweating.

It's easy to climb up to this height, but to jump down is just...

Jesse: Afraid now?

You (flustered): Never!

My mouth was stubborn all of a sudden, so I can only awkwardly stand right there.

Jesse looked at my awkward posture as he suppressed himself from smiling, then walked a few steps forward as he spreads his arms at me.

Jesse: Jump onto me then, Missy.

My cheeks slightly heated up, then I glared at him.

He smiled cheekily, clenched up a fest and pounded on his chest. 

Jesse: Trust me, I'll catch you!

This time, I let go of my hand clinging onto the windowsill, and allowed my body to fall onto his back.

I originally thought Jesse would be yelling upon being smashed, but I didn't expect for him to only slightly lowering his body to catch onto my weight so stably.

His back is really warm. It turns out that the little brother that has always been following behind me has already grown into someone sturdy and firm before I noticed it. 

After catching me, Jesse paused a little and didn't put me down, but instead have tightened his arms, and jolted a little.

My line of vision suddenly moved, and my heartbeat suddenly got all messed up.

Jesse: Hmm... Seems like someone got a little heavier recently?

You: What are you saying, you're the one gaining weight! Hurry and put me down!

I flustered as I pretended to punch him a few times, but he still didn't let go of his arms, only to place me on the desk after he walked to the desks.

Jesse: Hehe, safe landing!

I sat on the desk as I quietly looked around the unfamiliar yet familiar 703. The desks are still lined up neatly, the blackboard before the podium has lines and lines of scripts written in chalks of different colors.

A few rays of sunlight pours into the classroom through the tall sandalwood trees, some tiny specks of dust fluttered, and it's just the same as the past.

I can't help but to let out a sigh.

You: If we can rewind time, I will definitely bid farewell properly, and never let myself to have any regrets!

Jesse: If we can rewind time, I will definitely want to study with you in the same classroom!

Jesse has sat behind me before I knew it, and exclaimed something "great".

I smiled as I turned around to ruffle his hair.

You: Looks like a certain mister has forgotten that he is two batches later than I do, even if there's a redo there won't be a chance to study together.

Jesse shook his head mysteriously.

Jesse: Actually, it's not difficult to realize this wish, it's just that there isn't a chance for me to do so afterwards... So, today has make up my regrets too!

He supports his chin with both hands as he continued to dreamily tell his imaginations during his youth.

Jesse: See, you're sitting on the second last row, and I'm sitting at the last row, occupying the best seats of the classroom with the best view. If I can't see well in class, you can copy the notes for me. If you can't understand anything in math, I can even guide you...

You: Wait a second, who knows if I might be the one to guide you. But, if you're studying with me, the teacher will definitely change your seats because of all the whispers.

Jesse: Speaking of that, after I've left, have you encountered anything interesting? Was the turtledove nest on the osmanthus tree still there? Have you tried the grapefruit tree's fruits afterwards? Oh right-- When I'm not by your side, there must've been many boys secretly looking at you by the windows, right?

When he asked this question, Jesse pouted a little, and his tone has obviously sounding more dejected, yet I suddenly feel a little tempted to be a little bad.

You: How did you know? There was indeed quite a a lot of them-- Let me think, there's the sports community member in the same class, a senior from a higher grade, also...

I bent my fingers as I counted in detail, seeing Jesse's head drooping lower and lower, I quickly pulled my brakes.

You: But it's a pity that the dean was too strict, making me to miss my wonderful youth!

Jesse's face immediately brightened up like the skies free from dark clouds, and smiled happily.

Jesse: Although she's my nightmare during my student era, but I should really thank her on this one. What happens if someone troubles you and I wasn't by your side, who would be there to protect you?

You: A nightmare of your student era? Was it that exaggerating? I only remember she was only seemingly having tendencies to suddenly appear at the back door of the classroom...

Jesse: It's THAT exaggerating.

Jesse puffed up his cheeks, and his tone sounded like he's really wronged.

Jesse: It's just that she has more mercy to girls, so you haven't experienced it. All of the boys feared her so much. I've been caught by her from things like being late from buying snacks, or wearing earphones during class. She also likes to tell them to my parents, each time I was criticized, there was no room for me to even explain. Her lung capacity is comparable to theater actors, her voice trembles in my ears so much that my eardrums hurt.

*T/N: They are probably talking about Madam Kill-All in the school lol.

He spoke as he softly rubbed his cheeks, looking completely worn out, as if he just got scolded.

Jesse: Sigh... I was really... It's till the extents where I'd get nightmares if I remember it! I'd be so grateful each time I wake up from my dreams, thank goodness I've already graduated.

You: Hahaha how old are you already? You're still afraid of your dean? This is PTSD from the dean. I think, it is better for the doer to undo what she has done, you'll realize this when you see her again--

Just when we were in a heated conversation, a sudden click is heard from the entrance, sounds like the sounds of key turning.

Unsure of what he saw, Jesse's originally relaxed expressions suddenly froze, and his eyes widened so much it became round.

Seeing his changed expressions from fear, I could feel chills down my spine too.

??: Ahem ahem--

I followed Jesse's line of gaze, and it's a fierce face.

I swallowed my saliva as I tried to identify, realized that this person with a hairpin, wearing thick glasses, with a look of her carrying exam papers in her hands, the image has overlapped with the dean in my memories...

You: Are you Miss Xu?

However, my demure sound of question is very quickly drowned in her loud voice.

Dean: The two of you, follow me to the office!

How weird... Although we are no longer students, but hearing her command, we still somewhat stood up.

Jesse: Teacher...

Dean: Do you still know that I'm a teacher?! Do you still know that this is a school!?

Jesse: We aren't...

Dean: You aren't a couple, only ordinary classmates, are you going to say this?

Jesse: Actually...

Dean: Actually you are just discussing homework, not dating, aren't you at least changing your excuse?

The dean's critiques are just like a continuous machine gun, there's just no way for us to explain ourselves.

I secretly peeked at Jesse, right now he's just like a trained giant puppy, hair drooping softly, and his usual cheerfulness is gone.

Looks like we can only obediently follow behind the dean and explain our identities until she's not angry.

I didn't expect to only walk a few steps to see a pair of young boy and young girl lowering their heads as they stood pitifully at the entrance of staircase.

The two student's ID cards are in the teacher's hand. Under the reflections, the H2 (3)* words could be seen.

*T/N: High school, 2nd year, class 3.

Jesse and I quickly exchanged glances of understanding, and immediately lowered our voices.

You: Looks like we got right into the muzzle.

Jesse: No wonder she's so angry...

Dean: What are you whispering?! The two of you are worse! Not even wearing school uniform, are you trying to say that you aren't eye-catching enough?!

The dean has probably first caught the two youngsters, then met Jesse and I, so that's why she was so sure that we are students secretly dating.

Dean: Each and one of you are getting braver and braver! You are all first class students, how can you still play around in the activity area?!

The dean slapped onto the exam sheets so loudly, the followed with a sigh, looking towards the left side in disappointment, then to the right side.

Dean: Count yourself, just how much time is there left for you to waste?! Each time I patrol it's always the theater club that is the most problematic!

Hearing the words of "theater club", the ponytailed girl stubbornly raised her head, opening her reddened eyes wanting to defend a little.

The boy wearing a shirt have instead shielded her behind him, and spoke before her.

Boy in Shirt: We're just rehearsing.

Dean: Rehearsing? Just the two of you?

The boy's plea have made the dean angrily speechless, only to feel that there's no way for her to teach these children.

In the gaze where nobody sees, they wanted to console each other but they have taken their hands back from each other, but it has allowed this blurry relationship to seem so lively and wonderful.

Seems like the two of them are juniors from the theaters club. If that's the case...

You: Madam! He has something to say!

I pointed towards Jesse, and the Dean's brows immediately turned into a frown.

Dean: You again, what else do you want to say?

I quietly hooked onto Jesse's pinky, and circled it in his palm.

Jesse's suddenly gasped a little, and tightened his hold on my hand.

I tried my best to hold back from smiling. Go on, Tangyuan, you're the hope to rescue the theater club's future!

Only to see Jesse taking a few deep breaths, his body stiffened as he stood upright, as if he's seen death as home.

Jesse: You're right! The most important mission to do in school is to study well, trying our best to improve our scores, and not to do things that are against the rules.

Dean: Mm...

The two sentences to admit to mistakes have made the dean's expressions to soothe out a little, and her anger earlier have also calmed down.

Seeing so, Jesse sighed in relief. His gaze looked past the dean, and fell onto the two students.

Jesse: But some growth of certain feelings, are probably things that even they haven't realized themselves too. The one in your hand is the script for "One Day" right?

The ponytailed girl is suddenly called, and subconsciously hid the script behind her.

Jesse smiled upon understanding it. Perhaps it's because the conversation topic is his forte, so he spoke about it in detail.

Jesse: It's a play that is talking about a one-sided love. The story depicts a girl that has been loving an artist since she was about 15 or 16 years old, until her death. And this love has never been spoken from the beginning till the end. In the girl's dying times, she wrote a long letter and mailed it to the artist, describing her feelings of her one-sided love. It probably only requires one day to fall in love with someone, but it has taken her an entire lifetime to express love. Isn't this also representing your feelings?

The ponytailed girl's cheeks immediately got tinted into pink, and the youth seemingly looking unhinged, but the corner of his lips have subconsciously curved upwards a little.

I secretly showed Jesse a thumbs up, yet the dean mercilessly interrupted his description.

Dean: I'm asking you to repent, not to analyze some sort of script! In the end of they day, it still states that their heart isn't placed on studies at all!

Jesse: That's not it.

Jesse slowed down his tone, as if he's trying to recall something important.

Jesse: It's exactly because there's no way to express their true feelings, that's why there's a feeling of wanting to work hard to chase after the other's footsteps. It feels like if it's done so, the feelings of love will be more fulfilling. Sometimes, before even realizing that it's the feeling of love, the body have already done so--

Jesse looked at me, his clear eyes exudes a smile and gentleness.

I held my breath, and quickly averted my gaze, but my ears have heated up uncontrollably.

Jesse: There was a girl that's two years older than I do. Although we're in the same school, but we were never able to study together. In the past, each time I pass by her classroom, seeing her chit chatting with her classmates with joy, I can't help but to feel jealous. I've always been thinking, it'd be great if I can grow up a little more. Thankfully, our school has a grade-skipping system. You know too, if our results are excellent enough, and if we can prove our study capabilities through exams, then we can go another grade higher. This has been the greatest hidden motivation that I had back then.

As he spoke, he touched his nose shyly.

Jesse: Back then, after finishing my curriculum, I will study the contents for higher grades. But it's a pity that I'm not a genius straight A student, so I can only shamelessly ask her for guidance.

My throat suddenly felt a little dry, so is that the way he mentioned about realizing his wishes?

No wonder... he has always been asking me questions that are out of his study scope, and always requesting for my exam papers to make notes, and would even secretly entering teacher's offices of higher grades. 

Jesse: But I wasn't able to wait until then, bid farewell to Guang Qi, and went overseas. Although she isn't by my side, but she has always been my motivation.

Jesse's voice sounded refreshing like the past, and my heart has already crumpled into a tiny corner.

The dean seemed to have grasped some keywords from his words, examining us suspiciously, and only to speak after being quiet for some time.

Dean: You are... Jesse?

Ponytail Girl: Jesse--!

Hearing Jesse's name, the ponytailed girl can't hold back from exclaiming, then kept her excited gaze obediently after noticing the dean's gaze.

Jesse have secretly waved to them, then seriously nodded.

Jesse: I'm really sorry, Dean Xu. I saw my juniors from the theater club, so I can't help but to plea for them. After graduating, it's actually my first time coming back.

Dean: You child-- Why didn't you tell me earlier? Look at this mess...

The dean fake coughed a few times, then waved to her back.

Dean: Since there's still a performance at night, I'll let you two off for rehearsal, but your student IDs are confiscated. Go back and write a 800-word review, then hand in to my office next Monday.

The two gratefully looked at Jesse, and quickly escaped as if they were bailed out.

I tugged onto Jesse's sleeve, and he immediately pulled out an old student ID, and even placed mine in his palm.

You: Dean Xu, we're still keeping our student IDs, we can't bear to even throw it. The weather is getting cold, is your pharyngitis getting any better?

The dean picks up the yellowing student IDs, soothes her frown, looking a little touched.

Dean: This is just an occupational disease, I'm already used to it. Eh? In my memories you left when you're in your second year, correct?

You: Your memory is still as good as ever, Dean.

Dean: What's good about it? If it's really that good, I should have recognized the both of you as soon as I saw you earlier. I was in charge of your grade back then, this little Jesse has always been running to your classroom.

The dean seemed to be reminiscing something interesting, and her gaze have became much more gentle.

Dean: He ended up saying he wanted to take his middle school exam in advance to go to the high school department. But I didn't expect for him to go overseas in the end, it's quite a pity. I've heard from your homeroom teacher that you're now a theater actor, not bad at all.

Jesse: Dean, you've always remembered the good things about us...

The breeze blows into the windows as it lifts the teacher's hair, only then I noticed that the capable dean is already having white hair by her temples that can't be hidden any longer.

An unspeakable, touching feeling surged within Jesse and I, and just when we were about to say something, the dean has changed the topic, and changed into a familiar smile like the elders in a dinner*.

*T/N: This is a very Asian thing, and by this it generally means the elder will always be asking some overly personal questions like your love life, career, education, future plans, etc.

Dean: I didn't expect that so many years have passed, and the two of you have been through so much but still ending up together, it's such a precious sight... Oh right, are the two in plans of marrying soon? When do you plan to hold the wedding ceremony?

You: Huh?!

The change of topic happened so quickly, I stunned right there unknowing what to say.

Jesse took the opportunity to hold my hand, and squeezed my palm.

Jesse: We're still young, we still wanted to play around a few more years. But I'm quite excited for it too, if we happen to marry in the future, how about I invite you as our witness?

Dean: Haha, I can't shoulder the responsibility to be the witness of your marriage. But there's coincidentally a pair of mugs for the school's anniversary in my office, I'll give them to the two of you as a token of memory.

Before I can even explain a thing, Jesse have already thanked her repetitively.

Dean: What's there to thank about, I'd be very happy if the two of you invited me when you are getting married. 

Jesse: We'll definitely send you the invitation in advance!

There was no chance for me to speak at all. Jesse and Dean kept talking so much, that I'm still in a trance even if I got out of the school building.

It's finally only the two of us left. After giving it a good thought, I still had no idea on what to ask.

You: The skipping grade thing you mentioned just now...

Jesse: Yeah, it's all true.

Jesse looked at me straightforwardly, eyes smiled into crescents.

Jesse: How's that, aren't you feeling super touched right now?

You: No- Not at all, what was that again- You didn't succeed!

Jesse: I have succeeded didn't I? Although I didn't enter high school together with you, but you are now by my side. No matter how fast or how slow your pace of footsteps are, I'll be holding your hand, and walk down the path together with you.

The hand held by Jesse is slightly heating up, I turned away unnaturally, and hastened my footsteps.

You: Uh, I'm not done strolling, let's look around somewhere else!

Jesse: Roger!

Jesse hold onto the present with one hand, and held my hand with another as we walked into the bustling crowd.

The scattering sunlight pours around him, and neither of us spoke about that topic again.

But he's holding my hand tightly, and the warm gaze have comfortably shrouded over, and has chased off the hazes lingering in the past.

[Common Ending]

Just when we plan to stroll around the field, Jesse's expressions suddenly changed.

Jesse: Oh no, I left the present from Xiao Kai on the chair.

You: Huh? Then let's hurry and get it over there! If it's placed in a bag, it'd be easy for it to be treated as rubbish!

Jesse: Yeah!

Jesse held my hand and started running under the shaded path of trees.

His palm is warm and powerful, we sprinted so fast, yet everything around us seemed to be super duper slow.

The uniformed school buildings, the bustling crowd, the sandalwood trees rooting on the sides have been moving backwards, just like a time-lapse film, leaving only blurry streaks before my eyes.

You: Look!

Jesse: Phew-- Thank goodness, that bag is still waiting for us at the same spot.

After reobtaining the gift, we panted as we lay on the lawn. There's only the sounds of our heartbeat could be heard in this quiet little forest.

I calmed my breath down, and pointed towards the bag by my hand.

You: So what exactly is it? Hiding it so secretly. Senior Jesse, can you reveal the answer now?

Jesse: Hm... Then you have to first close your eyes.

You: It can't be some sort of prank right?

Jesse turned away, corners of his lips slowly curved upwards, and suddenly came closer to me.

Jesse: What kind of pranks can I even do?

You: Hey hey--

He extends an arm, and covered my eyes.

Jesse: Trust me, this will be a surprise.

You: Okay.

So I closed my eyes as he instructed. In the darkness, I can feel him holding my hand, covering it on a soft item.

Jesse: You can open your eyes now.

In my line of vision, what appears is Jesse's face that is right within an arm's reach, and the pair of Gogo bear in our embrace.

The sunlight misted his long lashes, and the sunset pours its orange light into his eyes, showing a sliver of gentleness in his straightforward gaze.

In the quiet atmosphere, the throbbing sounds in my chest is increasingly loud. I subconsciously moved my gaze away to the Gogo Bears.

You: Huh?

Just then, I suddenly realized something odd, so I kept examining this pair of Gogo bear.

On the hem of the bear's clothing has a tidy row of time printed on it, it's the year I left school.

My nose became sour, and just when I was about to ask something, my throat felt a little dry.

You: This version of Gogo bear... Where did you buy it?

Jesse: I actually asked for my junior's help to find it. I left without accompany you until your graduation, so I've been feeling regretful about it, so I wanted to make it up with this gift.

He lowered his head slightly, and he lowered his voice significantly too.

Jesse: I was even a little hesitant back then, and I wondered, if Jiejie would like this outdated cartoon celebrity...

You: Of course I'd like it.

I turned Jesse's face to face mine, then placed my index fingers by the sides of his lips as I stretched out an exaggerating smile on his face.

You: Tangyuan, there's no need for you to make up anything for me. The moment you reappear before me, you've already make up to everything that I've missed.

Jesse startled for a moment, his tensed brows soothes out, and returned with vitality.

He picked up a bear paw, then waved it towards me.

Jesse: Then can I invite this pair of Gogo bear to the witnesses of us returning to school?

You: Sure, of course!

I spoke in Gogo bear's tone of speech, and agreed to Jesse's request.

Jesse: Here, let's high-five and seal the deal.

We each picked up the little bear's paw, slightly touched the other paw to complete this high-five ceremony.

The breeze brushes past as the scent of grass wafted towards us. Jesse and I closed our eyes in tacit for once again, enjoying this moment of peace and serenity.

The Gogo bear in my arms are so soft, and I can only hear the playful laughter from the students not far away from us.

Everything happening right now seemed to have rewind the clock back to 7 years ago, but what's different is that, the tiny little dent in the depths of my heart is now completely filled.

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