Su Li's realization hit him like a ton of bricks.
If he went to the capital for school, it meant he would have to part ways with Gao Ming, and that thought made his chest tighten with unease. But if he stayed behind, it meant leaving his mother alone—how could he do that?
He couldn't bear the thought of her being lonely, so he forced a smile and patted Gao Ming on the back, trying to reassure him.
"It's only a few years, Gao Ming. Time will fly by. Once Mom graduates, I'll come back to find you, I promise. We're both growing up now, becoming mature men. There's no reason to be sad about this."
Despite Su Li's words, Gao Ming couldn't help but feel the sting of impending separation. He wanted to cry, but seeing Su Li so composed made him feel like it would be a shameful thing to do. So, instead of bursting into tears, he nodded, ran home, and locked himself in his room, where he silently sobbed into his pillow.
