Autumn Thoughts: Fingertips in Flight - Chapter One

 　　Suzhou, August 20, 2017

　　The next morning, a breeze blew, and leaves slowly fell from the trees. The ancient alley's stone slabs were dotted with fallen leaves, making a pleasant sound underfoot—the whisper of autumn. The weather had been sunny at first, but in the blink of an eye, it turned drizzling. People ran in the rain; those with umbrellas were lucky, while those without were instantly soaked. Anqi was no exception. She held her backpack above her head and quickly ran towards the eaves where she could find shelter.
　　In her memory, little Anqi stretched her hands into the rain, looked up at the rain curtain, and smiled happily. Little Yichen beside her looked at her gently, tilting his head and smiling.
　　"It's raining. Are you listening to the rain too, far away?"
　　Anqi looked quietly at the rain, her happy smile gone, replaced by a faint sadness.
　　"I believe you are still here, never having left. My love is like an angel protecting you—"
　　Anqi took out her phone from her bag and pressed the answer button.
　　"Hello..."
　　"Anqi, it's Yuan Hao. Where are you? It's raining so hard, why haven't you come back yet?"
　　"Oh, it's you. The rain is almost stopping, I'll be right back."
　　The rain gradually stopped, and Anqi stepped out from under the eaves and headed towards the bus stop.
　　Cars were coming and going on the road. Anqi saw the green light turn on across the street and slowly crossed the pedestrian crossing. Suddenly, a motorcycle sped past her, almost hitting her. She was so frightened that she took a step back and fell to the ground.
　　Anqi slowly stood up in pain, but before she could stand up properly, a hand caught her. She turned around and saw Gu Yichen. Tears immediately streamed down her face.
　　Gu Yichen helped her across the street and sat her down on a bench under the bus stop. Anqi stared at Gu Yichen intently, as if afraid he would suddenly disappear. "
　　I've been waiting for so long, and finally you're back," Anqi thought, turning her gaze to the approaching bus, which slowly stopped in front of them.
　　"Get on!" A magnetic voice entered her ears, stirring a ripple in her otherwise calm heart.
　　Anqi nodded gently, took his hand, and happily got into the car.

　　August 19, 2007, Shanghai.
　　In a corner of the Xingyi Music Academy campus, fallen leaves carpeted the path. Even after the rain, the air still held the slight chill of late autumn. Anqi held a sheet music sheet, engrossed in it, walking and thinking. Suddenly, a beautiful melody drifted from afar. Curious, she looked in the direction of the sound.
　　"Someone's playing the piano!"
　　Anqi's face lit up with a smile, and she ran towards the practice room. The door to the practice room was half-open. She cautiously peeked inside. A boy in a white shirt and blue jeans sat quietly on the piano bench, his fingers flying across the keys, his eyes closed, lost in the beautiful melody, completely unaware of Anqi's quiet entrance.
　　Anqi was captivated by the music, gently closing her eyes to enjoy it. Suddenly, the music stopped. Anqi opened her eyes in confusion, looking at the boy before her, only to realize he had been watching her the whole time.
　　"Who are you? When did you come in?"
　　"I was drawn here by your piano playing," Anqi explained. "Sorry to bother you."
　　Anqi quickly left, leaving him shaking his head in confusion.

　　"Anqi, where did you go?"
　　As soon as Anqi entered the dormitory, Xiao Qing came up to her, complaining and pushing her to sit down on a chair next to her.
　　"I took my piano exam today, but I didn't do well. My teacher scolded me. Am I not suited to playing the piano?"
　　"How could that be? I think you played the piano pieces quite well. As long as you practice more, you'll definitely pass. Trust me!" Anqi said confidently.
　　"Okay, then I'll try again!" She said, picking up her coat and walking towards the door.
　　"Where are you going?"
　　"To the practice room to practice."
　　The door closed, and Anqi, resting her chin on her hands, thought back to him playing the piano in the practice room, her heart filled with joy.
　　She wondered what his name was, but she had a very familiar feeling, like an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time. Anqi thought to herself, maybe I should go and ask him one of these days? Okay, let's do it that way.