After tidying up, I went to find Nico, who stood admiring his handiwork with a small hammer in hand.As I approached, I noticed the plaque mounted in the designated spot by the professor, inscribed with two striking words—"Chroma Labs." Nico had a knack for selecting elegant and meaningful names, befitting his reputation as a master of aesthetics and creativity.We decided to distribute the responsibilities by drawing lots. Nico was assigned the task of managing all the purchases. We agreed that both he and I would contribute 50 grand each, with him managing the money.Purchases would come from this fund, and if more money was needed, we would add more.True to his efficiency, all the office equipment was delivered by the next afternoon. The shipment included two grand executive desks and chairs, computers, a state-of-the-art multifunctional printer, a set of filing cabinets, a variety of stationery items, and a safe.I understood the purpose of most of the items, but the safe p
I ignored Hannah's complaints and gently pushed her out the door. As for her sore legs, it was her destiny for getting involved with someone like Felix. But I didn't say this out loud, fearing it might hurt her feelings. After all, we might end up as family someday, so it was better to stay united.I often found myself wondering what would have happened if Felix had met someone innocent and carefree like Hannah instead of Lilac. Perhaps his fate would've been different.In addition to attending regular classes and occasionally covering lectures for my department, I spent the rest of my time at Chroma Labs researching paint formulas and production techniques.Nico and I often argued about the formula. He believed that a purely chemical formula would be more stable in terms of color retention, with simpler processes and easier-to-obtain raw materials.Meanwhile, I insisted on using all-natural ingredients, which were environmentally friendly, healthier, and better suited for the futu
In one of the photos, he was sitting at a table with a glass of red wine in hand. He appeared lost in his solitude. In another one, he was standing in the dark, gazing up at the full moon. There was also one where he stood by the sea, with the breeze lifting his clothes as his short hair danced wildly. He looked like a war god returning from conquest.The caption accompanying these photos was a classic phrase well-known to romance enthusiasts, "Love conquers all, surmounting even the mightiest of mountains and vastest of seas."Indeed, when two people in love got together, mountains and valleys no longer seemed daunting. Even the most bitter moments can turn sweet, a testament to the couple's devotion.Although time and distance separated us, our love remained pure and true, only growing stronger and more real in our separation.I saved these photos, gently caressing and lightly kissing each one on quiet, solitary nights before drifting into sweet dreams.The days without Colin
I walked home, surrounded by the city's hustle and bustle, bright lights, and cheerful atmosphere. Time seemed to pass by so quickly, and another year was about to end.People often reflected on past events at certain times and places, recalling both the good and the unfortunate—even those that brought lifelong regrets.Last year, because of Felix's incident, Colin and I spent the entire New Year's Eve at the hospital. Thinking back, having our first New Year's Eve together as a couple destroyed was one of my biggest regrets.This year marked the second year since Colin and I had been together. We should have celebrated it properly. Alas, without Colin by my side, I wondered how I should ring in the new year alone."Colin, when are you coming back? I miss you so much!" I mused.I avoided the festivities that didn't involve me and opened the door to a dark and empty home. Queenie and Andrew didn't come over, leaving the expansive room cold and desolate.Earlier in the afternoon, Q
"I don't know who sent this. What if it's a bomb?" I joked nervously, staring at the small box. I had heard that many fraudsters use parcels to commit crimes, and I wasn't sure if I should open it.After hearing my concern, the woman also hesitated. We stood facing each other, truly at a loss."Let me handle it." Her partner stepped out from the back, took the utility knife, and ripped open the package with a few quick slashes. A small gilded envelope and a soft white package appeared.There were a few lines written on the front of the small envelope, and the handwriting was so familiar that my eyes welled up with tears.My spirits soared. Grabbing the box, I turned to run. The woman shouted after me, "Hey, is it from a scammer? Did you check it properly?"My steps grew lighter and faster. Even the night breeze blowing on my face felt warm and refreshing. As I ran, I happily told her, "It's from my boyfriend!"I heard laughter trailing behind me, but I didn't care. They could lau
Drawn by the music, Colin emerged from his garden and approached the entrance of mine. His tall, elegant figure exuded a sense of purity as his deep, dark eyes gazed at me intently.He silently kept me company for a long time before sitting down beside me and starting a conversation.That day, he asked me, "Luna, what do you want to be when you grow up? A painter? A musician? Do you have any dreams you want to achieve in the future?"I brushed the guitar strings with my fingertips and smiled brightly. "One day, I'll buy a house with a large courtyard and plant a huge tree. I'll hang a swing from it. During the day, I'll paint freely. At night, I'll sit on the swing and strum my guitar, serenading the stars."I craved neither fame nor wealth. Living life on my own terms was enough for me.Many years had passed, and though childhood memories were buried deep within our minds, Colin remembered everything. He was now helping me realize that dream.The house he got me was spacious, an
I recalled the bustling crowds in front of the amusement park last year. The girls with their various headbands, the boys in their vibrant outfits full of youthful energy, and the cheerful music floating in the air.I couldn't help but smile at the memory of the jubilant celebrations that echoed around us.Halfway through the class, it started to snow. The tiny snowflakes gently twirled down from the sky. The lecturer noticed our waning focus and decided to let us work on our own. This decision was met with such enthusiasm that some classmates looked ready to hug and thank the lecturer profusely.By the time the dismissal bell rang, the snow had covered the campus in a blanket of silver, creating a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere.I wandered along the small paths of the campus while holding my books when I stumbled upon the secret hideout I hadn't visited in a long time. It was here that Colin had firmly declared his feelings for me last year.Everything looked the same, except the
Felix stood there with his picturesque features, followed closely by Hannah, who flitted around him like a little bird. Winston, appearing as a protective wolf, looked at me with a seemingly aloof expression. But his attention was actually focused on Zara, whom he had not seen in a long time. Andrew dragged a blushing Queenie along, his face beaming with smug satisfaction.During this beautiful time of family reunions, they came in pairs, flaunting their affection in front of me. I couldn't help but lament their lack of human decency."Stop blocking my path and get out of the way!" I huffed, ready to push through them.I was determined not to let these couples make a fool of me."Do you want to ride a dog sled?""There's a fireworks show at the square!""How about joining us for dinner?"I kept my face stoic and marched past them, leaving a good 50 yards between us before turning on my heel and bellowing, "Sure, why not!"With that, the group burst into laughter. All four o