Three months later, in a small town covered by thick snow.
The biting cold wind swept through, and Cheng Min, wearing a heavy coat, hunched his shoulders, constantly exhaling white mist that quickly dissipated in the air. He followed behind his fellow elf, slowly emerging from the edge of the forest, his boots crunching on the snow with a “creak” sound.
As they approached the small town, someone noticed the two of them and ran over.
“The child from the Koni family is injured,” the young man said, panting. “They’re looking everywhere for you, hoping you can take a look.”
“Alright,” Cheng Min agreed without a second thought. “We’ll head over right away.”
Ever since he woke up, Cheng Min had lost all his previous memories, only remembering his name. Every time he tried to recall, it would result in a splitting headache. Cheng Min’s companion, also an elf, seemed to have no knowledge of their past either. So, Cheng Min decided to let go and start anew.
The residents of this small town were ordinary humans. According to them, the two were found by hunters in the forest, on the brink of death. Fortunately, they were saved by a skilled healer. Despite being of a different race and both being elves, Cheng Min found their situation challenging. However, contrary to his expectations, these humans did not treat them with hostility. Instead, they brought them many nutritional supplements during their illness to help them recover.
Since then, the two stayed, learning medicine from the healer and helping the human residents of the town. Regardless of race, young ones are always mischievous, and the Koni family’s child was no exception, with new and old injuries never fully healing.
Cheng Min squatted down, holding the boy’s arm, and treated the scratches on his arm. These magical herbs worked wonders, healing within three days, but they couldn’t come into contact with water, or the effect would be lost. After instructing the boy, Cheng Min let go of his arm and watched him leave.
The elf left first, and when the time seemed right, Cheng Min got up, remembering his repeated reminders, and turned to head to the mayor’s house. The Koni family wasn’t far from the mayor’s house, just a ten-minute walk. As he approached, he noticed a group of residents gathered, seemingly discussing something.
Getting closer, Cheng Min finally heard clearly. A human leader had passed by and kindly helped the town solve a long-standing problem, the monster that had occupied the forest. Originally, the town was near a forest rich in resources, essential for the residents’ survival. But at some point, it was taken over by a failed experiment monster. Since then, fearing the monster, they could only operate on the outskirts. Now, they were finally saved.
Listening to their various descriptions of this human leader, Cheng Min felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if he knew him. Trying to recall, his old headache flared up again. Cheng Min sighed, dismissing the thought, and prepared to borrow some tomato seeds and head back.
“Creak.”
The cold wind blew in, causing the candle on the table to flicker. Cheng Min quickly closed the door.
“Finally, you’re here,” a woman said, coming down the stairs, seemingly displeased. “I’ve been waiting for you for over two hours.”
Cheng Min smiled at her. In the living room, the fire in the fireplace was burning brightly. Two people were sitting on the sofa, one with his back to Cheng Min, making it hard to see his face, but he felt somewhat familiar. From their conversation, Cheng Min knew this was the human leader the residents spoke of.
With just one glance, Cheng Min withdrew his gaze and followed the woman into the kitchen.
“Don’t you need these?” The woman asked, taking a bunch of seeds from the shelf. “You should change your taste, don’t always eat tomatoes.”
The mayor’s wife was kind-hearted and easy to talk to. Seeing the two young, she always treated them like children and was generous with material things. But Cheng Min didn’t want to take too much and planned to refuse.
“A small favor,” a familiar male voice continued, “My lover is missing. If you see him, please let me know. He’s very fragile and can’t survive on his own.”
“Of course, we will.”
Hearing this voice, Cheng Min’s head started to ache uncontrollably. His hand loosened, and the glass jar containing tomato seeds fell to the ground.
With a “bang,” it shattered completely.
Hearing the commotion, the conversation stopped abruptly. The man turned his head, and their eyes met, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes.
“Cheng Min.”
The headache worsened, and after apologizing, Cheng Min dashed out the door, running towards home.
“Wife.”
The footsteps behind him grew closer, and the man spoke again, “I’ve been looking for you for so long.”
Uncontrollably, Cheng Min’s steps paused, and he turned back as if guided by a mysterious force. Meeting Lu Bingxun’s gaze, a strange sourness welled up in his heart.
What was going on?
The closer he got, the stronger this feeling became. Cheng Min couldn’t help but recall where he had seen this man before. Coincidentally, this time the old headache didn’t flare up.
It seemed they really had met before.
Until he stood in front of Cheng Min, pulling him into a hug, the force was so strong it was as if he wanted to embed himself into his skin, merge into his bones and blood.
Finally, Cheng Min couldn’t take it anymore and began to struggle violently. Cold liquid intermittently dripped onto his neck, and all movements stopped.
He stood quietly in place, letting him hold him, crying out loud without any care.
“Cheng Min,” he shouted loudly.
“I’m right here in your arms.” Smelling that familiar scent, Cheng Min slowly returned the embrace to the man a head taller than him, gently patting his back. “Don’t cry.”
“They all said you were dead,” Lu Bingxun’s hoarse voice came, intermittently, “But I… never believed it.”
Cheng Min’s heart warmed inexplicably, and he softly said, “You were right, I’m still alive.”
“Mm.”
Above, snow began to fall slowly, landing on the two of them, quickly turning into water stains.
Cheng Min slowly stepped back two steps, stood on tiptoe, wiped the tears from the corner of Lu Bingxun’s eyes, and gave him a smile.
“Cheng Min,” he called softly.
“Mm,” Cheng Min nodded, responding, “I’ve always been here.”
“Will you come home with me?” Lu Bingxun tentatively asked, “I miss you so much.”
Hearing Lu Bingxun’s words, Cheng Min didn’t immediately agree, even though he already had the answer in his heart. He still pretended to ask him.
He wanted to hear the answer from Lu Bingxun’s mouth.
“Are we very close?” Cheng Min blinked, smiling as he asked, “I’ve lost my memory, can you tell me?”
“Soulmates.”
Author’s Note:
[Cat Head]