7 Symbol

While the car silently drove through the busy streets, Zhi Ruo kept unconsciously tapping the steering wheel. Her mind kept running as she imagined the different scenarios that might play out in her head.

Will he remember? Will he come? Or perhaps he had indeed forgotten with time? But in the first place, why had she been imagining it with 'him' in the picture? Was she that desperate?

Zhi Ruo did not stop until she reached the grove where it lead to the school. Rows and rows of trees swaying together with the wind added a sense of forlorn.

The wind carried the sweet scent of fruits as Zhi Ruo rolled down her windows and enjoyed the fresh breeze. The sheer difference in the air of the city and the outskirts made Zhi Ruo laugh.

The young version of herself had always loved the take walks underneath the trees, much to the displeasure of her grandparents. They claimed it was too dangerous to walk home alone.

The only reason she had been allowed was because of… 'him' again.

All the pleasant memories from highschool was filled with his presence that it made it impossible for Zhi Ruo not to feel a little sad.

It was not until a little while later when a majestic wrought iron gate came into view. An intricate 'Q' embedded on the gates.

It was a good thing that today was a Saturday. There were neither students nor staff hanging around the building. But she wasn't headed there. Further to the left of the building lie the oldest tree in the area.

It was a grand oak tree where countless marks ran across the trunk. Engraved with countless initials. And like every other myths, it was believed that engraving their initials on the trunk granted their wish.

Although it was a little stupid in Zhi Ruo's opinion, the fact was that it gave others a sense of comfort. It was a way of giving hope to others. Zhi Ruo herself had went along with it and engraved her initials.

Parking her car to the side of the road, it took a five-minute walk to the tree where it stood on a little hill. She remembered engraving her initials on the very roots that ran across the dirt.

As she felt it was very unique and made hers stand out. There were only ever two initials engraved into the roots.

Zhi Ruo's.

And Mo Chou's.

She remembered the day when she caught him engraving his initials next to hers.

…

Mo Chou had his back turned and so he didn't notice that it was Zhi Ruo who stood behind him.

She remembered approaching him until she stood directly behind him. She bent over and caught a glimpse of him engraving his initials right next to hers.

"How sweet of you," Zhi Ruo softly said in his ear.

This made Mo Chou flustered and scamper away, dropping the dagger.

"Woah. No need to overreact. I was just teasing you," Zhi Ruo laughed and picked up the dagger. "So… Why next to mine?"

Mo Chou stood up and rubbed his behind. He looked upset but his red face said otherwise.

"It's a symbol," Mo Chou said as he grabbed the dagger from her hands and resumed carving.

"Symbol of what?" Zhi Ruo asked, sitting down next to him.

Mo Chou remained silent for a moment, busy thinking about something. "That we'll always be together!"

Zhi Ruo stared at him. Then she bursted out laughing.

"Ahahahaha! I never thought that you'd be so cliché," Zhi Ruo spoke as she clutched her stomach.

"Don't laugh!" Mo Chou frowned as he finished carving.

Although she was laughing outside, she was secretly filled with happiness and warmth. This childish guy, who never thought of anything except his future, actually thought of the two of them. Such a moment was hard to come by.

Unfortunately, who knew that it would be the last time…

…

"Hahaha… Who would've thought that we'd end up like this?" Zhi Ruo whispered softly as she squatted down next to the roots.

Such a large tree still remained standing even after enduring the four seasons of a hundred years. If only their relationship was the same…

Zhi Ruo pulled back the tears that threatened to spill out. There was no use crying. Such a guy did not deserve to be cried over.

And yet…

Her heart ached. However, if God allowed her a second chance, she would not change a thing. These experiences had allowed her to realize a lot of things. The incident that happened between them… Perhaps they were not fated.

Meanwhile, not far from the old tree, a man stood quietly beside a tree. His face hid beneath a cap and sunglasses. Though his covered face attracted the attention of several passerbys, he was left alone. Such a big park beside the school, his peculiar figure did not attract the attention of Zhi Ruo.

"It's time to get rid of this then…" Zhi Ruo dug out a small, ornate box. The box, shaped like a pentagon, contained pictures and a memento.

This old, wooden box was supposed to have been a time capsule set to be open today. This promise was something held secret between the two of them. Zhi Ruo held the box tightly as if afraid of letting go and shivered.

She stood up and looked down on the initials carved into the root. "This is goodbye."

Zhi Ruo gritted her teeth and turned around, walking towards the car. In the end, she did not look back. Because she knew that if she did, she would not be able to hold back.

After getting inside the car, Zhi Ruo sighed and let herself relax on the leather seat. She glanced at the box sitting on her lap.

Tsk!

This box should be removed. Far away from her sight. Such a painful memory would only let her get dredged in pain.

But for some reason, she could not let go of it. With quivering hands, Zhi Ruo opened the box.

What?

She was in disbelief.

How could he have this?

Zhi Ruo carefully picked up a silver bracelet. It was delicately designed to resemble vines. A tear fell. She could not help but tremble.

Vines. Of course it was vines! ¹

How ironic! She did not need such a reminder!

Frustration overcame her. She threw the bracelet in the back seat. Her lips were quivering.

'Mo Chou! I hate you!'

After throwing aside the bracelet, Zhi Ruo took a look inside the box and found a polaroid picture of the two of them.

They were donned in Qing He's school uniform. The young girl was smiling widely and delight sparkled in her eyes as she grabbed the arm of a slightly plump young boy who looked unwilling to take a picture.

Such a happy memory made Zhi Ruo smile. An empty smile accompanied by a feeling of loneliness.

She shook her head and cleared the sad thoughts that threatened to overcome her head. She needed a distraction.

Glancing at the time, Zhi Ruo suddenly remembered being invited to their high school reunion by Xiao Tong. Although she had initially refused, maybe it would turn into a good distraction.

Yes. I really do need to wind down and relax myself. These coming days will be much better since I won't have anything to do anymore

With that thought in mind, Zhi Ruo placed the box in the backseat and drove off.