After the war, Qingming searched through the ruins for seven straight days.
He found the crystal ball left by Anbi, which contained her final message.
Qingming, if you're reading this, I've already left.
Her voice is still so gentle.
I never told you, but I was actually... terrified. Terrified the Eclipseers would find me, destroy this planet, or drag you into it all. But after meeting you, I'm not afraid anymore.
Did you know I wandered the cosmos for an eternity before coming to Earth? Long enough that I forgot who I was and why I lived. But you reminded me: living is about waiting for someone worth loving.
The cinnabar dot I placed on your brow isn't just a mark. It's the last reserve of our civilization's power. It will protect you, keeping you alive for as long as it takes until I return.
Don't look for me. I will return. When the stars of the other shore shine, that is when I come back.
Qingming, wait for me.
The crystal ball dimmed.
Qingming clutched it tightly in his hand, tears blurring his vision.
From that day on, he started waiting.
One year, ten years, a hundred years, a thousand years...
Atlantis sank, new civilizations rose and fell. The tides changed, the sun and moon turned. Only he remained alive, waiting forever.
He learned to hide, to find a place in every era. He has seen countless people and lived through endless events, but one thought remained in his heart: the other side would return.
He will stand atop the highest peak, gazing at the star named "Beyond Star," waiting for it to light up.
Sometimes, he dreams of her. In the dream, she stands in a sea of flowers and smiles at him. He tries to run toward her but can't move. She just looks at him, her eyes full of tenderness and a hint of apology.
"I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long," she would say.
"It's okay," he answered in his dream. "I'll wait as long as it takes."
When I wake up, my pillow is always wet.
But he didn't cry. He knew she would come back.