$PI You gently shed tears, choking as you said, “From now on, we will be separated forever by the ends of the earth. We can no longer be together.”

I raised my hand and gently wiped the tears that had slid down your cheeks. In a soft, steady voice, I said, “Don’t worry. No matter where you are in the next life or what form you take, I will travel across a thousand mountains and rivers, and I will surely find you.”

A faint spiritual light lingered faintly on your forehead. With unwavering resolve, you looked at me and spoke solemnly: “Xuanhua Town! The Lu Family! After sixteen years, when I have grown into adulthood, you must go to the Lu Family in Xuanhua Town, Hebei, to find me.”

I gripped your hand tightly and made a vow: “When I set out, I will throw myself wholeheartedly into hard study, striving to achieve a top place in the imperial examinations. After sixteen years, I will come to you in grand fashion, and I will personally go to Hebei. In a mile-long red bridal procession, I will marry you as my wife.”

You held back your tears. Your tone carried a stubborn streak mixed with pleading: “You must come. If in the next life I forget the past and don’t recognize you, you absolutely must not give up on me. Even if I’m muddled and can’t recall the old feelings, you must still find me. Even if you have to forcefully take me as your wife, you must still marry me and bring me into your hands. Do you understand?”

My heart jolted. I nodded heavily, my voice gentle yet firm: “I’ve got it all. On this journey along the Yellow Springs, I will accompany you through to the very last leg. I will keep our promise and wait for those sixteen years—until the time comes to go to meet you.”