They'd become familiar.
Familiar enough that she could casually frown and gawk in his presence, and familiar enough that he could always hand her a cup of hot tea or a slice of honey cake just when she needed it.
But perhaps, because of this, the separation was even more difficult to talk about.
Shen Riqui knew in her heart - her journey was not yet over.
She couldn't stop yet, she still wanted to go to more places, still wanted to see the wider world.
She was afraid that if she stayed, she would never be able to take another step.
"Leaving tomorrow?"Lin Yu's voice broke the gentle web woven by the rain outside the window.
Shen Riqui nodded without looking up.
She was afraid to see the things in his eyes, those softnesses that she didn't dare respond to.
Lin遇 slowly sat down opposite her, his knuckles gently tapping on the desktop, and said in a low voice, "I know you always have to go, Sunflower."
It was the first time he had ever called her by that name.
Not briskly like the people in the town, but lowly, as if holding her in the palm of his hand, gentle and solemn.
Shen Riqui finally raised her head, her eyes reflecting the dim light, and his serious and hard to hide look of reluctance.
"Lin Yu, thank you."She said softly.
Thank you for making me believe in tenderness again in these short days.
Thank you for giving me a place to stop briefly when I'm at my most vulnerable.
But I can't stop.
If I stop, I'm afraid I'll never be able to walk again.
Lin Yu smiled, with a little bit of bitterness under his eyes, "I'll walk you to the station."
Shen Rihui also smiled, like a sunflower that quietly bloomed in the rain.
The next day, the rain stopped.
The sky was flooded with a faint blue light, and the air was so fresh that it seemed to be able to wash away all the fatigue.
Shen Riqui packed up her painting tools and luggage, put on her suitcase and walked through the alleys towards the station.
Lin Yu was already waiting for her.
He hadn't brought anything with him, only carrying a floral umbrella that she had once used on a rainy day.
The station was empty, just as it had been when she first arrived, the writing on the timetable still blurred.
It was as if this place was, by nature, meant for farewells and greetings.
"When you get to the next place," Lin Yu said, "remember to keep drawing."
Shen Riqui smiled and nodded, her eyes burning a little.
She knew that she would remember more than just continuing to paint.
She would also remember the alleys, the osmanthus trees, the coffee scent, and Lin Yu's gaze in the rain.
The car came.
Shen Riqiu carried her luggage to the car and stood at the door of the car, looking back.
Lin Yu stood still, tilting his head, the sunlight hitting his light gray sweater, like a painting so gentle it was heartbreaking.
The car door slowly closed.
The car slowly drove away, through the town.
Shen Rikui looked back, and Lin Yu's figure gradually faded away, eventually blending into the silent gentleness of the entire town.
When Shen Riku met Lin Yu, it was like a painting meeting light, and the wind meeting a cup of hot tea.
Shen Riqui leaned against the car window and watched the unfamiliar scenery slowly pass by.
In the suitcase, there are unfinished scrolls.
In her heart, it was the story that had not yet been told.
She whispered to herself, "Sunflower, keep going."