In dreams and out of dreams

　　I met you in the most beautiful time of my life. The past is a beautiful woman; you can leave at any time, and no one has ever let anyone down in their youth. Meeting is fate, knowing each other is a blessing; thank you for passing through my world.
　　                                             -- Prologue
       The first bloom of the ephemera, my first glimpse of you in my dreams. The silhouette outlined in my dreams fills me with reverie. Perhaps every girl has a princess dream, waiting for her prince charming; every boy has his own princess, secretly picking up her lost glass slipper. Fate is so subtle; we've never met, yet we've already felt each other's presence.
　    That spring, a gentle breeze caressed your hair, and a warm sun warmed the tenderness of spring. At that time, you didn't know me, and I didn't know you; we were strangers who were "acquaintances." In the vast sea of people, I glanced at you—flowing bangs, fair skin, soft, wave-like eyes. I curiously observed you, yet dared not approach.
　     Perhaps getting to know someone only requires a glance, a greeting, a smile, a chance encounter.
       A warm breeze blew by, and you turned your head, looking at me with a slight smile. Your smiling lips captivated me. The peach blossoms bloomed unnoticed. We strolled quietly through the breezy campus. I thought I would forever wander alone, but then I met you.
        I wanted to say, "Hi! Hello!"
    Friendship is sometimes strange. Two people who would otherwise never have crossed paths become loyal friends because of the blooming peach blossoms, the warm breeze rustling the willows, a specific season, a perfect encounter, and a shared interest.
　     It was a drizzly spring day. The spring rain awakened all sleeping souls. You arrived quietly in the refreshing breeze and drizzle, carrying books. Your black-rimmed glasses and high-bridged nose accentuated your thin face. I, on the other hand, carried a book, arms outstretched, face upturned, quietly feeling the coolness of the raindrops.
　     "Hi! Hello, you must be Xia Weiwei!" You slowly walked towards me, holding an umbrella. I was like a fool, quietly watching you approach.
　     "Hi! Hello, I am. And you are???" I was surprised by your sudden appearance, but also flustered. My heart pounded, and I couldn't utter a word.
      "I know you. You're the girl who sang during the last military training, right?" he asked with a smile.
　     "Yes." I just nodded slightly in response.
      Actually, I wanted to say that I had noticed you long ago, but I didn't have the courage to approach you. Later, we often met in the library. You greeted me, and I nodded, but we both understood each other without saying a word.
　      It was another pleasant spring evening. You were still wearing a white shirt, carrying one or two books, and pushing a brand-new bicycle. You said, "What a coincidence, I'm going home too. Let's walk together!" I didn't refuse or reply. You just quietly walked with me, pushing your bicycle, but I was so happy.
　    I was still a quiet girl. When I liked someone, I just wanted to quietly watch him. As long as I saw his smile, I was satisfied.
         That day, the summer flowers were still in full bloom, and the scorching heat made me dizzy. I endured the heat and quietly leaned on my desk, my eyes half-closed, feeling the summer breeze blowing across my eyes.
      "Xia Weiwei, a handsome guy left you a note!" A chorus of groans erupted in the classroom. Puzzled, I took the note, equally confused. That night, roses bloomed profusely, their fragrance intoxicating passersby.
       The note read, "Xia Weiwei, I like you. Do you like me?" Looking at the rose-petal-decorated note, I asked myself, "Xia Weiwei, do you like him?" Perhaps I had! But I didn't dare answer.
       Later, you would pretend we bumped into each other, and we'd walk home together. The road was long, but the scenery was beautiful. You said, "Um… did you read that note?" I suddenly didn't know how to answer.
　　   "Yes, I did," I replied slowly.
　      "Then we…" Seeing the instant joy in your eyes, my mood inexplicably improved. Actually, I wanted to say I liked you too, but I was afraid to face it.
　    "We're best friends," I said, looking at you, offering only this answer.
       I like you, but I don't dare get close to you because you're too beautiful, almost unreal. I saw disappointment in your eyes, but you smiled and said, "Okay! We'll be best friends."
        Later, we really did become best friends. Sometimes you'd say, "Weiwei, let's not just be friends, let's add 'boy' to the title, okay?" Your deliberately coquettish manner made me want to laugh.
    I said, "It's better to be friends, because friendship lasts!" Actually, you don't know, I really like you. It's just that I've seen so many couples break up and get back together, so many lovers who are hurt and scarred, that I don't dare to hope to love you.
　　 I want to say that there are countless choices when it comes to liking someone, and I choose not to hurt you. Just teasing and joking with you, quietly watching you laugh heartily, that's my way of showing my love for you.
　     Later, we faced the college entrance exam. In the sweltering June heat, we were full of passion. You said, "Weiwei, let's work hard together and get into the same university!" I didn't answer. I just gave you a big smile. Later, you said it was the most beautiful smile you'd ever seen.
　   Perhaps, life isn't just about meeting, but also about parting.
　    The college entrance exam was over, but I no longer had the courage to see you. That night, I cried all night long. On the other end of the phone, you said, "Weiwei, how did you do on the exam? I'm planning to apply to… university, let's apply together!" I still only replied with one word, "Okay."
　    I wanted to say, please forgive my abrupt departure. Actually, I didn't tell you that I bombed the college entrance exam…
       Later, you got into a top university, while I only got into an ordinary one. But I wanted to say, "If you are well, then it's a sunny day." You know? Now that I'm in university, I finally have the courage to fall in love, but I sincerely send you my greetings. In the time without you, I am still a quiet girl. I am still me. And you? I think many years later, I will still be me, and we will still be best friends.
　   Life always brings us together and separates us at a crossroads. Meeting you is the time I cherish most. If two people hadn't reached the end of their destiny, would there have been a moment of beauty and emotion like the blooming of gardenias?