However, as time goes by, our life paths gradually diverged, and contact became less frequent.

In the past three years, interactions were almost limited to likes and comments on social media or holiday greetings. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

The day Tang Song received the system message, he was deeply moved by seeing her share their high school graduation photo on social media. (Chapter One)

Deng Yazi took a few deep breaths, seemingly finally recovering from the shock, "I have to admit, you really impressed me, no wonder you don’t post photos on social media."

"Haha, I’ve always been busy, you know, and I don’t enjoy posting on social media."

"Really, little Song used to be so lively in high school, how did you become so aloof now, haha. By the way, I remember you came back from the Imperial City, are you developing in Yan City now?"

"Yeah, kind of." Tang Song smiled and nodded, then asked in return, "What about you? Why are you here?"

Deng Yazi laughed, pushed up her black-rimmed glasses, and proudly said, "I got into the career position at Quan City TV Station as a reporter! I’m here to report on our school anniversary."

Tang Song exclaimed, "That’s really amazing, you’ve fulfilled your dream."

She had always loved reporting and photography; in high school, she was part of the school radio station, often holding a camera and taking pictures everywhere. It was unexpected how she turned her hobby into a profession.

"Did you come back this time for the school anniversary?" Deng Yazi quickly added, "Oh no, I guess it’s mainly because of Liu Qingning, right?"

Tang Song smiled, which could be considered an acknowledgment.

Deng Yazi pouted and muttered, "I knew it, not even a thought for old classmates like me, sigh~~"

Her relationship with Liu Qingning was actually average, and they hadn’t been in touch for many years.

On one hand, because the other person was exceptionally outstanding, too distant from ordinary people like them.

On another, Liu Qingning’s undisguised "possessiveness" towards Tang Song led to a subtle hostility towards other girls who had good relations with Tang Song.

This hostility wasn’t quite clear, but only those involved could truly feel it.

"By the way." Deng Yazi said wistfully, "This school anniversary is no ordinary event. I was specifically sent to do a special report. I heard not only are high-ranking city officials coming, but several exceptionally prominent alumni, like Zhao Rui from CICC, and the CEO of Maixiangyuan, Li Yunfan. They’re all big shots!"

Just as she was about to continue sharing "insider information," her phone rang urgently.

Deng Yazi glanced at the caller ID, and her relaxed expression instantly vanished.

She quickly answered the call, lowered her voice, "Hello, Director Liu...yes, yes, I just arrived at the hotel...okay, okay, I’ll head up soon, I’m arranging the equipment now..."

After hanging up, she apologized to Tang Song with a smile, her face full of the helplessness of a corporate drone, "I was hoping to have a good chat with you, but I can’t help it, the boss is rushing for the submission, I need to hurry upstairs for ’overtime work.’"

As she spoke, she turned hurriedly, ready to leave.

But just before parting, she suddenly remembered something and stopped abruptly.

"Wait! Don’t move!"

Saying this, she frantically opened her large backpack and pulled out a professional DSLR camera.

In Tang Song’s somewhat bewildered gaze, she raised the camera and adjusted the angle.

With a ’click,’ she pressed the shutter.

Then, she swiftly put the camera away and quickly walked over to him.

Just like in high school, she gave his arm a forceful hit.

"Alright, let’s chat again at tomorrow’s celebration! I’m off! Let’s stay in touch!"

Her words lingered in the air, while she had already disappeared swiftly behind the closing elevator doors.

Watching her departing figure, Tang Song stood there dazed for a while, then turned to leave, filled with inexplicable emotions.

...

Around 10 PM.

Yunjing Platform District.

After exchanging goodnight video messages with his first love and briefly washing up, Tang Song lay in bed.

Just about to sleep.

"Ding-dong——" a WeChat notification sounded.

Tang Song picked up the phone and looked at it, his expression slightly stunned.

[Deng Yazi: image.jpg]

It was a photo that had been meticulously pieced together.

On the left side was him from high school, wearing blue and white school uniforms, smiling brightly, eyes clear, carrying a certain youthful innocence and ignorance.

On the right side was him just photographed in the lobby, wearing a casual jacket, tall and straight, his eyes deep, exuding an elegant and noble aura.

The two photos, of the same person, seemed to be separated by an insurmountable river of time and space.

Tang Song stared at the picture, overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

Just when he was about to respond, Deng Yazi sent a video file.

Tang Song instinctively clicked the play button.

The video’s frame was a bit shaky, and the quality was grainy, filmed with an early-era camera phone that barely had 5-megapixels, capturing the essence of that time.

In the shot was the bustling classroom before high school graduation.

Classmates were laughing and joking in their identical school uniforms.

The overhead fan creaked, there was still the countdown chalkboard with "X days to college entrance exams" left on the blackboard, slogans and graffiti from students plastered on the walls...

It was exclusive to the graduation season of senior year, chaotic yet filled with hope.

The camera shifted, focusing on Tang Song seated, reading, at eighteen years old.

Off-screen, Deng Yazi’s cheerful voice sounded: "Let’s interview Tang Song! We’re all going our own ways soon, do you have any hopes for your future self?"

Then a mop head wrapped with a red cloth was brazenly thrust into the frame as a microphone, nearly poking his face.

In the video, Tang Song instinctively leaned back and raised his hand to block, displaying a teenager’s characteristic shyness and helplessness when teased by friends: "Stop that, Yazi, move it."

"Come on, say something! I’m recording a segment for everyone; years later I’ll send this video, see if everyone has achieved their dreams!"

In the video, Tang Song was unable to resist as she pestered him, accompanied by classmates’ cheers, finally looking up.

His eyes hesitated for a moment, then slowly aimed toward the camera.

He thought seriously for a while.

Sneakily glanced in the direction of his first love, his clear eyes glittered with unhidden hope and brilliance for the future.

"I hope to meet everyone again at the peak; those who chase light are destined to shine brightly."

"(ˉ▽￣～) Hah~~" Deng Yazi’s voice of mockery came through, "Can’t you say something specific? This isn’t about telling motivational quotes, redo!"

Laughs of benevolence sounded nearby.

Tang Song grinned, reigniting that scorching ambition belonging to a youthful spirit.

"Then I hope my future self... can achieve great things, make lots of money! Haha, then give back to my hometown, making First Middle School proud of me!"

Laughter echoed throughout the classroom.

The video ended abruptly here.

Suddenly, a crisp system notification sounded:

"Ding! You’ve triggered the branch mission [The Former You], please check Task Center."

[Mission Content: In the summer’s cicada song, the young you made audacious wishes. Now, they have become a check you can cash. In the meeting with Quan City Mayor Li Jiping, lead the agenda, finalizing a strategic investment that will redefine the local industry landscape, becoming a signature of your influence through this ’hometown tribute.’]

[Mission Reward: Charm +1, Title Gift Pack *1]