Dawn pierced through the thin mist, gently scattering light on the fast-food restaurant by the station.
I pushed open the creaking glass door and stepped inside, my gaze quickly sweeping the room until it landed on two familiar figures by the window—Chen Chang and Annie.
My heart tightened, as if a warm current surged through me, or as if long-suppressed emotions had found an outlet.
I quickened my pace, walking to their table, and before I could speak, my arms involuntarily opened wide.
“Allen!” Annie’s clear voice rang in my ears; she sprang to her feet and unhesitatingly threw herself into my embrace.
A big hug, carrying a girl's unique fragrance, wrapped tightly around me.
Chen Chang also stood up; he didn't hug me but chose to pat my shoulder firmly.
The force was just right, neither too light nor too heavy, conveying the unspoken understanding between brothers.
A reunion after a long separation? No, for me, this was like a reunion across lifetimes.
Everything from my previous life, like a bursting dam, flooded into my mind.
Those regrets, those remorse, those irreparable mistakes… But, at this moment, what I felt more was relief.
Relief that Heaven had given me a chance to start over.
I held Annie tightly, feeling this rediscovered friendship, my fingertips trembling, and ultimately, I couldn't completely hold back, pressing my palm lightly against my eyes, trying to hide the tears that shamelessly welled up.
“Alright, old pal, you look great today! It seems you’ve truly cut ties with those vampires, huh?” Chen Chang said first after sitting down, his tone carrying a hint of teasing, which I knew was an attempt to lighten the mood, but more so, it was concern.
Annie also nodded and smiled in agreement; I could feel that they both keenly sensed that today, I seemed a bit different from usual.
My eyes were more resolute, and there was a sharper edge to my brows; my whole being seemed to have been reborn.
I released my hand and sat opposite them, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, as if to clear all the pent-up emotions in my chest.
When I spoke, my voice was a little hoarse: “I’m sorry, before… I made you worry.”
I paused, then looked up, my gaze sincerely sweeping over both of them: “Truly… thank you. Thank you for your support all this time. For not abandoning me when I was at my lowest.”
In the Land of the Setting Sun, I deeply understood the loneliness of being a stranger in a strange land, living under someone else’s roof.
When I was nine, I met Annie and Chen Chang. At that time, we were three naive children, yet in a foreign land, we forged a friendship deeper than blood.
In my previous life, I self-destructed and betrayed this friendship. Now that I have a second chance, I will never repeat the same mistakes.
I briefly told them what happened at my uncle’s house that morning.
No exaggeration, no concealment, just calmly stating the facts. After listening to my narration, Annie and Chen Chang both showed relieved smiles.
I knew they had tried to persuade me before, but I stubbornly clung to that ridiculous “family affection.” Now, I finally understood, and that was more important than anything.
“Come! To celebrate Allen’s ‘new life,’ cheers!” Annie raised her paper cup of coffee, her smile brighter than the morning sun outside the window.
The three of us clinked cups, the paper cups making a crisp sound as they collided. This sound echoed in the fast-food restaurant, and for me, it felt like announcing a brand new beginning.
“Allen, the exchange student program…” Chen Chang put down his cup, looking at me with concern in his voice.
I nodded, a gleam in my eyes: “The exchange student program will proceed as planned. I’ve already contacted Nancy, and she will arrange everything.”
I paused, then added: “The high schools and universities in Clayton are very interested in us. With our grades, direct admission to Clayton University should be no problem.” Annie and Chen Chang’s grades had always been at the top of their class, which was precisely why I chose them as my partners.
The three of us were fully qualified to represent the school and go to Clayton City for exchange studies.
“That’s great! Finally, we can get rid of those scoundrels!” Annie excitedly waved her small fists. “Yes, Allen, you should have done this a long time ago.” Chen Chang also sighed with emotion.
We then discussed the specific details of the exchange student program. Under my previous arrangements, Annie had already kept in touch with Nancy, and Chen Chang’s accommodation had also been arranged through a friend Nancy introduced. Everything was proceeding in an orderly manner, which put my mind at ease.
“Allen, what are you planning to do next? Where will you live?” Chen Chang suddenly asked. Before I could answer, he continued: “Why don’t you move into my place? My brother got married and moved out, so there’s a spare room at home.”
Annie also quickly chimed in: “Yes! Allen, you can stay at my place too! My garage has been converted into a small studio apartment. Although it’s not big, it’s enough for you alone. And…” She winked mischievously, her eyes sparkling with bright light, and I knew what she wanted to say, “Staying at my place means you’ll be closer to Gwen, and it’ll be convenient for racing at night!”
I hesitated a little. Chen Chang’s home was certainly good, but Annie’s suggestion was indeed more aligned with my current plans. Annie seemed to have read my mind and added: “If you’re willing, you can rent the small studio apartment at my place. I can ask my dad to lower the rent to 110 pounds a week.”
This was indeed a good suggestion. Staying at Annie’s place would not only be convenient for racing but also save me some expenses.
I calculated in my mind: Even the closest relationships need clear boundaries, so paying rent was appropriate, and this would also lighten the burden on Annie’s parents.
The 1000 pounds I got back from Wang Dali was enough to cover a period of rent and living expenses.
As long as the racing income was guaranteed, then the expenses for these two months would be secured. If I saved a bit more, the budget for going to Clayton could also be resolved.
Thinking of the two times in my previous life when my prize money was embezzled by drug-addict friends, I couldn't help but clench my fists.
This time, I could ask Gwen for help in advance, or… a hint of ruthlessness flashed in my eyes, if worst came to worst, I would use my own fists to make those people understand what it meant to be the Nottingham Flying Leg War God.
“Okay, it’s settled then.” I said with a smile, finally making a decision. “Yay! That’s great!” Annie cheered, as if she had won the whole world.
After solving the accommodation problem, we talked about other things.
Annie enthusiastically shared her experiences in the eternal world. Listening to her vivid descriptions of the strange and fantastical scenes, and the various eccentric players she encountered, I also found it very interesting.
Chen Chang talked about recently released movies and some amusing anecdotes from his parents’ business. Time quietly slipped away amidst our laughter, until Chen Chang pointed at the clock on the wall and exclaimed: “Oh no! We’re going to be late!”
Only then did I realize that we had talked so much we forgot the time. I smiled and shook my head, standing up and saying: “Let’s go, time for school.”
The three of us walked out of the fast-food restaurant side by side, the sunlight warm on our bodies, everything filled with hope.
However, at that moment, I didn’t notice that Annie, walking behind me, kept her gaze on my profile.
In her eyes, there was a complex emotion, like relief, and also… anticipation.
After quickly walking to school, we parted ways at the school gate, each heading to different classes. A new day had begun.