Afterword

Many people have asked me why I chose the title "The Chronicles of Beizi."

In ancient times, the suffix "zi" was an honorific used for men. While I, Li Xiaobei, the protagonist of this story, am but an ordinary person, I believe calling myself "Beizi" is not entirely unmerited. Since "Spring and Autumn" is another name for historical records, this book serves as my own personal chronicle, hence the title, "The Chronicles of Beizi."

This book began in June and has taken exactly half a year to complete. Today, it finally reaches its conclusion. In truth, I had long wanted to write a book about us, but for various reasons, I was never able to realize it. Even when I finally began to write, the process was fraught with twists and turns, marked by fits and starts. I wanted to give up several times, but fortunately, I persevered, and at last, I have been able to provide myself with a sense of closure.

The five years we spent together, excluding the one year we were apart, actually amounted to only four years. Four years—it can be long, yet it can also be short. But how many four-year spans in a lifetime are truly worth engraving into our souls? Time gradually erases everything; every vivid image will eventually blur, until one day, I might even forget who you were. The only things that can be preserved forever are these words.

Recording every little memory allows me to take them out and savor them whenever I miss you, letting that beautiful past leap to life in my heart once more.

There is still so much beauty in this world that you never had the chance to see. Please, allow me to use my own eyes to witness this world on your behalf.

"Live with joy, die without regret." This is my promise to you. I have pledged that in the days to come, I will face everything with a smile. But please, remember to always be happy in heaven.

I dedicate this book to those vanished times.

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