Chapter 72: Chapter 72: I’ll Miss You Very Much

On the day of Lin JinYan's departure, the pair spent a melancholic morning enjoying each other's company. That morning, Su Ning woke up early to prepare fresh soy milk and pork and preserved egg porridge for her good friend. Noticing it was about time, Su Ning hurriedly went down to pick up her delivery of youtiao and egg tarts.

Author's Note: Youtiao is a deep-fried stick of dough aka chinese churro. It's super yummy with soy milk and porridge. This author-nim loves to eat it during weekends. (●o'∪`o)ノ―♪`*.+

When she returned to their apartment, Su Ning saw Lin JinYan quietly laying on the couch with a rather despondent look on his face.

"JinYan-ge, did you just move from your bed to the couch? You're being lazy today huh," she teased. But her attempt at a light hearted banter was simply met with silence. So with a small sigh she went over where Lin JinYan lay and softly called out to him, "JinYan-ge let's have breakfast first, hmm? You'll be leaving in a few hours."

"NingNing, it seems like you want me to leave," Lin JinYan said somewhat resentfully.

"...." 'This kid….are you throwing me a tantrum now?' Su Ning thought to herself.

'Well, I have to admit. I did raise him well so he's gotten pretty attached to me. Good job, self! Good job, Auntie Ning.' Su Ning internally basked in the glory of her self-praise before reverting back her focus to Lin JinYan.

"JinYan-ge, Come eat first, hmm. I got your favorites," Su Ning said in a conciliatory manner while gently pulling at the young man's wrist.

"Can NingNing feed me?" Lin JinYan asked with a sweet smile as he propped himself up from the sofa.

"…." Su Ning felt the corners of her lips twitch upon hearing Lin JinYan's request.

"Ohh…If NingNing doesn't want, then I guess I'll eat my last meal by myself," he muttered with a sigh.

"…." Su Ning bit her lower lip as her left eyelid twitched. 'That's how all meals should be eaten! By yourself. Aiiii, did I make this kid a mama's boy?' Su Ning began to wonder.

Hearing no response from Su Ning, Lin JinYan's head visibly drooped.

"Fine! Okay! Alright! I'll feed you. Come. The food will get cold," Su Ning responded, tousling the youth's soft dark brown hair before making her way to the dining table.

With Su Ning's back towards him, Lin JinYan gave a captivating and triumphant grin before taking a seat beside the girl.

On the square table, Su Ning scooped 2 bowls of porridge for her and Lin JinYan. When her friend was comfortably seated, she handed him a cup of warm soymilk and a piece of youtiao. Then she alternately began to eat her porridge and feed Lin JinYan his whilst chatting casually.

"NingNing-ah, I really don't want to leave you alone here," Lin JinYan whined.

"Mhmmm." Su Ning simply nodded her cheeks bulging with youtiao.

"Why don't you test out of junior year so you can come stay with me in the UK? I can talk to the headmaster to provide you with the exams early," Lin JinYan said after elegantly chewing his food.

"Uhhh… JinYan-ge, I'm really happy you think so highly of me but I won't be able to pass the junior year exams without any preparation," Su Ning responded with a self-deprecating laugh.

"Plus! I need the year to study for gaokao anyways. I can't just play with you and Gu YuChen over there. You two will probably be so busy with university that you won't have time for me."

"I'll always have time for you," he answered matter of factly before taking a spoon of porridge from Su Ning.

"Sure. Sure," she agreed placatingly.

"JinYan-ge, trust me. Time will pass by so quickly you won't even notice," she added.

"That's impossible..I notice every moment without you," Lin JinYan murmured as Su Ning was grabbing another piece of youtiao for the porridge.

"Hmm? What? I didn't get that." (Su Ning)

"Nothing. I said I would really like it if NingNing came to visit." (Lin JinYan)

"Mmm..I'll see if I can visit during winter break. I may go if I have enough money saved up for a short trip," she answered casually.

"NingNing doesn't have to pay for it. I can book your tickets. Just get your passport," Lin JinYan replied, his hazel eyes brightening at the thought.

"..." Su Ning almost shook her head instinctively at Lin JinYan's suggestion before she caught herself. 'This kid! Come on! You're spoiling me too much! Will you take care of me if I become a lifelong NEET?!' Su Ning lamented internally.

Author's Note: A NEET is someone who is Not in Education, Employment, or Training. (`•ω•´๑)

Since Lin JinYan is leaving, Su Ning didn't want to reject him outright. She knew her friend was already feeling down about leaving C Country and she didn't want to add another sad memory for him. So instead, with a small smile she answered, "Let's just discuss this when the time comes alright?"

"Oh, Okay," Lin JinYan answered, pleasantly surprised at Su Ning's response.

"Make sure you apply for your passport okay." Lin JinYan reminded the girl.

"Mmm. Finish your food." (Su Ning)

"You promise?" (Lin JinYan)

"Yes...I'll apply." (Su Ning)

"No. You have to say that you promise." (Lin JinYan)

"Are you a kid or what?" Su Ning asked with a soft chuckle. But Lin JinYan just stared at her intently waiting for a response.

"..." (Lin JinYan)

"Fine Fine I promise I'll get my passport. Good?" Su Ning finally relented. Su Ning was about to take another spoonful of her porridge when Lin JinYan's long slim fingers wrapped around hers and he drew the spoon into his mouth.

"Good," Lin JinYan said with a cheeky grin.

"Yah! That was my spoon!" Su Ning cried out, swatting the attractive boy's shoulder. However, Lin JinYan showed not an ounce of remorse and simply continued to laugh quietly.

"Hehehe." (Lin JinYan)

"Seriously, you….You go eat the egg tarts yourself," said an exasperated Su Ning as she pushed the dish towards the unrepentantly grinning boy.

.....................…..

After breakfast, the pair spent a bit of time watching some variety shows on TV. When it was finally time for Lin JinYan to get ready, it was nearly 10am. The boy appeared so dejected when stood up to shower that Su Ning had to laugh. "Go Go!! You are so dramatic you can win a Golden Rooster Award for best actor!" she said jokingly.

Author's Note: The Golden Rooster Awards is C Country's version of the Oscars.＼\٩( 'ω' )و //／

After she was finally sure that Lin JinYan was out of earshot, Su Ning quickly went to her room to grab a light pink package with a white bow which she eventually put inside his carry-on. Unlike Gu YuChen, Lin JinYan was adamant that Su Ning not accompany her to the airport. Su Ning was initially perplexed at his request but decided to humor her friend after he persistently refused to change his mind. 'Maybe it's some sort of ritual he has to adhere to like an athlete's pre-game routines. If they don't do it, they'll mess up the game.' Su Ning thought to herself.

But in fact, Su Ning had been completely wrong on the matter. The real reason why Lin JinYan didn't want Su Ning to send him off is because he couldn't bear to part with her. In leaving by himself, he could pretend that this was only a temporary and brief separation much akin to the international trips he often takes for music competitions. Though Gu YuChen had confirmed that everything was already prepared for Su Ning in the UK, the thought of being apart from her for another year was nearly unbearable for Lin JinYan. 'I really wish I could put her in my pocket and take her everywhere with me.' Lin JinYan thought with a sad laugh as he remembered the time when Su Ning had asked him what he liked.

At 11am on the dot, Lin JinYan emerged from his room dressed in black jeans, loafers and a burgundy pullover over a black v-neck tee. At 18 there was still a bit of boyish handsomeness left on his face. However in a few years time, it is certain that this man will come to possess one of the most beautiful faces in C Country. And so, hand in hand, Su Ning walked Lin JinYan down to the apartment lobby where Assistant Mu was waiting.

Just like that, it was finally time for another goodbye. Su Ning turned to face her good friend with open arms silently asking for a hug. To her surprise, Lin JinYan casually dropped his bag on the lobby floor and in a few steps, he enveloped her in a long and deep embrace. Lin JinYan took one last comforting whiff of Su Ning's sweet floral fragrance. "I'll miss you very much, my NingNing," he said in a hoarse voice.

"Mmm. I'll miss you too, JinYan-ge. Very much," Su Ning said and the pair broke apart.

In a matter of a few minutes, Lin JinYan already sat at the back of the white Bentley and was being driven out of the M Compound with Su Ning waving behind at the entrance of M Heights. The youth took a few moments to compose himself before quietly opening the present Su Ning mentioned she left in his bag. He gingerly undid the white bow of the nicely wrapped package to find a pair of white hand knit socks and on the corner near where the ankle would be was an awkwardly sewn maroon colored rose beside a golden star.

"NingNing, I miss you already. So, hurry and come."