PFC Chapter 124 Thoughts on a Park Bench
Chapter 124 Thoughts on a Park Bench
The next afternoon in the park, sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled golden light. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers and grass, mingling with the scent of mist from the nearby lake, a truly refreshing experience. Zhang Chen and Li Shiqing walked side by side along the winding path, occasionally kicking a small pebble or two as they gently kicked it aside, making a soft sound.
"Shi Qing, do you know? I'm going abroad in a few months." Zhang Chen broke the silence first, his voice carrying a hint of melancholy, yet also seemingly hiding a touch of anticipation for the future. He turned his head slightly, looking at Li Shi Qing's profile. The sunlight outlined her soft features, and a few strands of hair fluttered in the wind, brushing against her smooth forehead.
Li Shiqing paused for a moment, then nodded slightly without speaking. She already knew the news, but when Zhang Chen said it aloud, a strange, indescribable feeling stirred within her. She pursed her lips, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes, unsure how to respond.
Seeing her nod, Zhang Chen continued, "I want to go to the UK to study business management and photography. It's always been my dream. The educational resources there are excellent, with many renowned professors and advanced teaching philosophies. I want to explore a wider world and learn more knowledge and skills." His eyes shone with light, as if he could already see himself bustling about on a foreign campus, carrying books as he moved between ancient teaching buildings, or carrying a camera to capture those story-filled moments on the street.
"Yes, it's fine," Li Shiqing said softly, a hint of disappointment in her voice. She looked up at the distant lake, its shimmering water sparkling in the sunlight. Several ducks swam leisurely on the surface, occasionally dipping their heads into the water before quickly emerging again, creating ripples. She thought to herself that Zhang Chen was like a bird about to fly away to find his own sky, while she remained in the same place, guarding this familiar land and an uncertain future.
Zhang Chen seemed to sense Li Shiqing's low spirits. He stopped and placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him. "Shiqing, I know this separation might be long, and our lives will take different paths, but I hope you're doing well. Strive to pursue your dreams while you're in China. You're so smart and talented; you can definitely do it." His gaze was sincere and earnest, looking directly into Li Shiqing's eyes, as if trying to convey all his feelings to her.
Li Shiqing looked into Zhang Chen's eyes, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She didn't understand why Zhang Chen said that. Was it just simple concern between friends, or was there a deeper meaning? She opened her mouth, wanting to ask for clarification, but she was afraid that the answer she would get wouldn't be what she wanted. In the end, she just nodded again and whispered, "I will. Take good care of yourself while you're abroad."
They continued along the path, passing a flowerbed. Colorful flowers bloomed in profusion, butterflies fluttered among them, and bees buzzed busily. Li Shiqing was captivated by the beauty and unconsciously stopped, crouching down to admire a blooming daisy. White petals surrounded yellow stamens, fresh and elegant, emitting a delicate fragrance.
Zhang Chen squatted down as well, looking at Li Shiqing's focused expression. A gentle smile appeared on his lips. "Do you remember when we first entered high school? That school-organized field trip, also in a park, you saw a wildflower and got so excited, insisting that I take a picture of you." His voice was tinged with laughter as he recalled that youthful time, his heart filled with warmth.
Li Shiqing looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "You still remember? I thought you had long forgotten. We were so innocent back then, without so many worries, just thinking about how to have fun every day." Her eyes revealed a trace of nostalgia, as if she had returned to that carefree age, running and playing with Zhang Chen on the grass, sharing each other's little secrets and joys.
“How could I forget? Those days are my most precious memories,” Zhang Chen said softly, a hint of longing in his eyes. He reached out and gently picked the daisy, handing it to Li Shiqing: “This is for you, as a memento of our friendship. Although we will be far apart in the future, I believe our friendship will not change.”
Li Shiqing took the daisy, gently sniffed it, and smiled. "Thank you, Zhang Chen. I will cherish it." She knew in her heart that this daisy was not only a symbol of friendship, but also a testament to their youth. At this moment of impending parting, it carried so many emotions and memories, making her feel both warm and heartbroken.
They walked to a bench by the lake and sat down. The lake water rippled gently in the breeze, lapping against the rocks on the shore and making a pleasant sound.
Zhang Chen gazed at the lake, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "Actually, I'm a little reluctant to leave here, reluctant to leave you and everyone. But I know that if I don't pursue my dreams, I will definitely regret it later." His voice carried a hint of helplessness and struggle. Studying abroad had always been his dream, but it also meant leaving his familiar environment and the people around him to start over in a foreign country.
Li Shiqing turned to look at him and said earnestly, "Zhang Chen, I understand you. Go ahead and don't worry, I'll cheer you on. We both need to strive to become better versions of ourselves, so that one day in the future, when we meet again, we can proudly say to each other, 'I didn't let down those youthful years.'" Her eyes revealed determination and encouragement. Although she felt a deep reluctance, she still chose to support Zhang Chen's decision because she knew it was an opportunity he deserved and an important step towards his future.
Zhang Chen smiled and said, "It's not that easy. Right now, I just want to focus on my studies. As for relationships, I'll leave it to fate." He leaned back in his chair, gazing at the sky. Sunlight shone on his face, outlining his distinct features. He felt both anticipation for his future studies abroad and reluctance to leave this land and the person before him. But he knew that life was like that, full of partings and reunions, and that every parting was for a better reunion.
Li Shiqing looked up at the sky, a deep, jewel-like blue, with a few white clouds drifting by, changing shape occasionally. Her thoughts drifted away, imagining Zhang Chen's life in England. He would stroll through ancient campuses, engage in lively discussions with professors and classmates in class, and spend weekends exploring places steeped in history and culture with his camera. Meanwhile, she herself would be working hard back home, striving to achieve her dreams. Although they would be thousands of miles apart, their youthful dreams were intertwined at this moment, taking flight together towards the future.
Before they knew it, the sun was gradually setting in the west, and the sky was dyed orange-red, like a magnificent painting. Zhang Chen stood up, dusted himself off, and said, "Let's go, it's getting late. We don't know when we'll see each other again, so let's cherish the time we have together now."
Li Shiqing also stood up and nodded: "Okay, let's go."
They walked back along the path they had come from, the setting sun casting long, long shadows of them. Along the way, they reminisced about the past, laughter and conversation echoing in the air. When they reached the park entrance, Zhang Chen turned around, looked at Li Shiqing, and smiled, saying, "Shiqing, goodbye."
A tear glistened in Li Shiqing's eyes, but she held it back and smiled, saying, "Goodbye, Zhang Chen. Have a safe trip."
Zhang Chen turned and left. Li Shiqing stood there, watching his figure gradually disappear into the crowd. She clutched the daisies in her hand tightly, silently wishing Zhang Chen well. At that moment, she knew that their youthful story was about to turn a new page, and they would bravely step into their respective futures, carrying each other's blessings and memories.