Although they were in different cities, it wasn't a long-distance relationship, as Orion dropped out of university in the second year and moved to Kira's city to start a business.
Back then, Orion was studying computer science, and the internet wasn't as prevalent as it is now, yet Orion already sensed the business opportunities. At the time, he enthusiastically described his future plans, talking about the potential and growth prospects, while she listened with her chin resting on her hand, smiling at him.
Under the dim light, he noticed a brighter gleam in Kira's eyes. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he scratched his head and asked Kira awkwardly, "What do you think of this idea?"
Kira smiled, revealing her white, straight teeth, and shook her head at Orion.
Orion became a little anxious and hurriedly asked, "Do you think this project isn't good?"
"Not at all, what I mean is, Orion, dropping out may not be a good thing for most people, and much of what you're saying I don't understand... But if you really, really, really want to do this, then you should give it a try!" Then she solemnly patted him on the shoulder, "Orion, you have to work hard and make money so you can support me!"
Kira's parents were always honest and straightforward, and they both agreed that this boy was too ambitious and full of empty talk, not a suitable match for their daughter.
How much savings could a sophomore possibly have? Orion funded his initial entrepreneurial endeavors with money earned from summer jobs and previous savings, and Kira also supported him by giving him whatever money she had left after covering her basic necessities and expenses.
Her scholarships, earnings from summer jobs, tutoring, and distributing flyers, everything went to Orion to support his venture.
It seems that the older generation can indeed predict misfortune, as Orion's business soon hit a bottleneck. His funds were tied up, and the bank loans were delayed. At his poorest, he had only five dollars left, barely able to cover the rent for his apartment, risking eviction by his landlord at any moment.
Things weren't much better for Kira. Her family had been trying to persuade her to break up with him for a long time. When they heard about Orion's situation, their resolve hardened even more.
Kira remained silent in the face of their criticisms and attempts to convince her otherwise. Her parents, at a loss, coldly said, "Are you no longer listening to me now ? Fine, if you don't want us to meddle, then let that man support you."
Then they stopped giving Kira any money.
Orion found out about Kira's illness from her roommate, who said that Kira had been coughing for days due to a cold but refused to go to the hospital.
The roommate knew about Kira's falling out with her parents over Orion. They had pooled together two hundred yuan to buy Kira some medicine and wanted Orion to persuade her to take care of her health, as it was affecting their dormitory's normal rest.
After hanging up the phone, Orion felt a mix of emotions. He realized he had been a poor boyfriend, completely unaware of Kira's situation. That night, he called Kira and arranged to meet her, pretending to casually discover her illness and suggesting she see a doctor.
They met at a cookshop near the university. Kira ordered three of the cheapest salad, each costing three dollars. She made Orion eat two servings, and when settling the bill, Orion slipped the last one hundred dollars he had into her bag.
Hand in hand, they wandered around Kira's university. He couldn't afford to buy her a cup of tea or coffee, nor could he afford a cheap hotel room to warm up in the cold weather.
He could tell Kira was happy. Her hands were cold, and she first warmed them by placing them on his neck, then in his pockets, and finally held his fingers tightly, delighted.
Her cough was indeed severe, though she tried to suppress it around him. She likely did the same around others.
Orion was concerned about her health and urged her to see a doctor and get some medication. She simply nodded in agreement, checked her watch, and urged him to hurry back because her dormitory was about to lock its doors, and his last bus would be leaving soon.
He walked her to her dormitory and waved goodbye.
Then he walked out of her university, step by step, toward his rented apartment.
He had no money, not even enough for a bus ride.
Eighteen point four kilometers, he walked nearly six hours, arriving at his place around three or four in the morning.
He discovered something in his pocket while searching for his keys. He stomped his foot, and the hallway's motion-sensor light flickered on. In the faint light, he saw two hundred-dollars bills.
When Kira playfully asked him to warm her hands, she had slipped the money intended for her medicine into his pocket.
The high-pressure days hadn't broken him, the long walk hadn't broken him, and begging for help with his dignity trampled underfoot hadn't broken him. Yet, upon seeing those two hundred yuan, he curled up outside his rental unit and wept like a beaten dog.
