Volume One: In the Prime of Youth Chapter Eleven: Two Hearts Aligned

With a single book, Shangguan Yudie had been successfully distracted, and Huo Ye finally breathed a sigh of relief. When it came to fighting, he had never been afraid of anyone, but he simply couldn't handle persistent pleading. If Shangguan Yudie really spent her days wearing the mask of a devoted fan, constantly pestering him, life would become unbearable.

She placed the book she had gotten from Huo Ye in the most prominent spot on her bookshelf. Her world felt complete at last; she had finally collected every edition of “Rhapsody on a Rainy Night.” One day, she would have to thank Brother Ye properly.

Sitting cross-legged on her soft mattress, her elbows on her knees and her face cradled absently in her hands, she gazed dreamily at her bookshelf. Many knew she liked Night Rain and Cold Crows, but few realized her feelings went far beyond those of an ordinary reader for an author.

Five years ago, the first edition of “Rhapsody on a Rainy Night” was published, and she fell in love with the book. Four years ago, at Night Rain and Cold Crows’ first book signing, she fell in love with the boy himself.

Back then, though he wore a mask, his build and voice made it clear he was her age. It was a strange sensation—at their first handshake, he felt oddly familiar and warm. The way his eyes narrowed into a smile behind the mask, and his surprisingly gentle voice, still in the midst of changing, gave Shangguan Yudie her first taste of love at first sight.

“Who are you, really?” she wondered silently.

At the same time, Huo Ye sat at his desk, straightening a photo frame. The picture inside showed him with a girl—her features delicate, perhaps not as striking as Alice or Shangguan Yudie, but lovely in her own right. She was Huo Ye’s former fiancée—Qingxue. Former, because they had been parted by death.

“Xue, I’ve arrived at the new academy—Bancroft, just as I said I would. You know, today I met a childhood friend. Her name is Shangguan Yudie. She really likes me—no, actually, she likes Night Rain and Cold Crows. Don’t worry, I’ll never fall for her. You know...” Huo Ye’s voice faltered, tears welling in his eyes. He wiped his face harshly, then forced a cheerful tone, voice hoarse, “I’m fine. It’s just... without you, it’s really... a bit lonely.”

Huo Ye’s story was long. He had met Qingxue in a place called District C11, the outermost edge of the Sola Colony, a slum where only the poorest families and exiled criminals lived. When Eddie and Vivian went on missions, they would often pass through C11 on their way home. Sometimes, Huo Ye and Alice would wait for them there, since the slum school they attended was nearby.

That was how he met Qingxue. They became friends, then confidantes, then fell in love—until two years ago, when a brief but brutal war erupted between humanity and the Calamities. Dozens of colonies were attacked almost simultaneously by massive Calamity armies, each led by at least one Catastrophe-level Calamity.

The war was short—barely two months before the Calamities withdrew, as if they had never intended to conquer any colony at all. Sola Colony, especially, saw the invaders retreat within half a month, after their vanguard was mysteriously wiped out overnight. The Catastrophe who led them was slain in battle—Eddie Halls himself stormed into their ranks, beheaded the Catastrophe, and ended their assault. It was the only Catastrophe lost in that war.

During the conflict, District C11’s weak defenses left it exposed. Huo Ye lost Qingxue there.

War left families shattered, people homeless, and loved ones lost. From then on, Huo Ye resolved to end the struggle between humanity and the Calamities. For that, he would drive out every last one of them.

—

The next morning, Huo Ye got up, washed, and found his stomach growling. He went to the kitchen and opened the fridge, only to be left speechless. The saying that pretty girls always have empty fridges was, apparently, a universal truth.

Eggs, bacon, butter—and nothing else. Couldn’t they at least buy some cooking oil? He could tell at a glance that these were leftovers from some rare breakfast the girls had attempted. The outside of the fridge showed traces of use, but inside, it was still sparkling clean.

Huo Ye gathered the supplies and started cooking breakfast.

For the past five years, Halls family meals had mostly fallen to Huo Ye. Alice was a princess, content to wait for her food. His mother, Vivian, was a menace in the kitchen—her experiments so infamous that she was strictly forbidden from entering. As for his father, Eddie—just the thought of him in an apron was enough to send shivers down Huo Ye’s spine.

He made enough for Alice and Shangguan Yudie as well, but didn’t go to wake them. School hadn’t started, and there were no classes yet. If they wanted to sleep in, it would be rude to knock.

As soon as he set the plates on the dining table, the door to the room across the hall creaked open. Shangguan Yudie emerged, still groggy with sleep.

Her appearance, however, was a little inappropriate for mixed company.

Her dark hair tumbled loosely over her shoulders; instead of pajamas, she wore a small tank top that left her shoulders bare and a pair of loose shorts. The tank top had been tucked into the shorts for warmth, but the look was far from modest.

She yawned, clearly not fully awake, and glanced at the figure by the table. Was that Alice? No, too tall—and Alice would never be up before nine.

Before she could focus, Huo Ye called out, “Yudie, I made breakfast. Want some?”

A man—a man—a man!

In her sleepy confusion, she’d forgotten Huo Ye was living there now. Glancing down at her clothes, her eyes widened in panic and her face flushed bright red. Without a word, she slammed the door shut.

Huo Ye’s greeting hung awkwardly in the air, his smile frozen. “Living with girls really is inconvenient,” he muttered to himself.

Moments later, the door opened again. Shangguan Yudie reappeared, hair tied neatly in a ponytail, dressed in a pure white shirt and jeans. Composed, she walked into the bathroom as if nothing had happened.

Huo Ye stared, dumbfounded. How could she change clothes that fast? Were all girls this terrifyingly swift? When Shangguan Yudie came out, she nodded to Huo Ye in greeting.

He smiled and asked, “Bacon and eggs—I saw the ingredients and made some. Want any?”

She nodded.

Huo Ye handed her the portion he’d intended for himself, then went to get another.

He had just sat down when another door flew open.

“Mmm, I smell breakfast! Did you make it, brother?” Alice emerged in pajamas, unconcerned—he was her brother, after all.

As for why she was up so early, the aroma of Huo Ye’s breakfast was the sole reason.

“In the kitchen. I’ll get it for you.”

“Thanks, brother!”

The three of them sat down to eat. Shangguan Yudie cut into her egg with a knife; the yolk, cooked to a creamy half-done perfection, oozed out. It was done in the Western style—tender eggs, crispy bacon, a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. A simple, delicious meal.

Huo Ye gazed at the bright sunshine outside. The sadness of last night had faded, replaced by a quiet enjoyment of breakfast.

What, then, is strength?

Strength is tears that do not last the night, poise under pressure, and a radiant smile above sorrow.