[Dear Perry

Thanks to your concern, I returned home safely. When I finally lay down in my bedroom where no one disturbs me, I felt like I could live again.

I considered just falling asleep, but couldn’t postpone reading the letter. I have a duty to confirm the consequences of a letter scribbled under the influence of alcohol.

To answer first, your guess was correct. Though it wasn’t a relative but a household servant who sent the letter.

Anyway,

Thank you for your reply.

Not being good with words—you must be tired of this excuse by now—how should I express it properly…… This is already the fourth time I’ve hastily written a line and then taken out a new sheet of paper. Please just know that much.

……I wanted to add a few more lines, but I simply cannot write. If even this straightforward manner can be wrapped as ‘diligence,’ then yes. I am a diligent person. I was an exemplary student who never missed or skipped homework during school days.

I did try something like rebellion—the kind who smoke cigarettes in back alleys or wander outside during class hours—but it failed. I couldn’t even make the attempt.

It wasn’t because I was afraid of the elders’ reactions. I can’t say there was no reason at all, but I came to think that ruining myself in such a way was futile…… Quite by chance. The sunlight was just as intense then as it is now.

Those were good times.

I hope your every day is good. As always.

July 29,

Wishing you luck, Yuan.

P.S. Theater Company Dember is recruiting members through an open audition. They collaborate with various theaters and regularly put on productions. Why not apply? Though it’s on the outskirts, it’s accessible by tram from your home, and I’ve heard their reputation is decent. Related documents enclosed.

P.P.S. I hear they’re looking for new faces for 「The Fairy and Primrose.」 They’re accepting applications regardless of theater company affiliation. They’ve always selected leads from drama school graduates—they only advertised at drama schools after all—but you never know. I hear that shedding tears during the free acting portion increases your chances of being selected, but take that as just a reference. Related documents enclosed.]

[To Yuan

You say you’re cheering for me, but have you taken a job at a theater? Actor? Director? Information desk staff? Whichever it is, please answer honestly.

Do you know how surprised I was to find a large document envelope in my mailbox? Overjoyed, of course!

As you know, in the theater world, actors are often found discreetly behind the scenes. As you pointed out, even official announcements are often only posted at select schools. Actors without connections like me must always keep our antennas up and gather information.

I joked about you working at a theater, but you probably utilized your ‘well-connected’ network?

Thank you for your consideration. I was just stomping my feet in frustration as audition opportunities had suddenly decreased. Sorry to keep you waiting for my stage.

I’ll work a hundred times harder than the care you’ve shown me.

These days, I live for the pleasure of eating summer fruits. Peaches, plums, apricots, figs, and even cherries. Today I plan to go shopping on my way back from going out. The figs I bought three days ago are all gone. I want to look at other fruits while I’m at it. Do you like fruit, Yuan?

August 1,

Sending the scent of summer, Perry.

P.S. The sticky air is clinging to my skin. You said planes deteriorate on days like this—how’s flying these days?]

[Yuan,

If the delivery person had put in some effort, you would have received this letter in less than a day! You might even be wondering which of the two letters to read first. This letter is the second one.

If you’re confused, I send my sincere apologies. But please understand. I’m too excited to wait until the next reply!

Did I pass the audition, you ask? No.

Sadly, I haven’t heard back from any of the places I’ve applied to yet. Instead, I received a very interesting offer.

Have I ever told you about the school I graduated from? The founder was an incredible theater enthusiast and a famous actor-playwright. He dreamed of popularizing theater, so instead of establishing a specialized drama school, he built a regular school hoping students would develop a closer relationship with theater.

That founding philosophy continued until my time, which is how I ended up enrolling there.

Anyway, the school holds an annual theater festival honoring the founder. It runs for four days starting August 28th. The festival brings together not only current students but also alumni to put on performances.

You’ve probably guessed why I’m writing this letter now?

The school reached out asking if I would perform. Though the schedule is tight, it’s not impossible, so I accepted. Truth be told, I would have accepted even if I were busier. I desperately miss the stage and the audience.

Rehearsals are set to begin this weekend. I’d like to start right away, but I do need time to familiarize myself with the script.

Coincidentally, it’s a play I performed once during my student days. I’ll be playing the same role—a substantial supporting character who appears second most frequently after the lead.

So, if you have time, come see it. The afternoon of August 31st, the last day.

The festival is open to the public, so if you arrive early, you might secure front-row seats. I’ll let you know the exact time once it’s decided. Unless, of course, you’re scheduled to work.

It would be such a shame if my fan missed this one-of-a-kind performance, wouldn’t it?

August 1st,

Yuan’s actress, Perry!

P.S. Being the final day, there will be plenty to see besides the play. Traditionally, there’s a masquerade ball, though I’m not sure if they’ll hold one this year.]

SCENE 4. With an Unchanging Heart

“After all your recommendations, I was curious how good it would be.”

The wrinkled lips curled up in satisfaction. The elderly man who came to watch the closing performance of the theater festival had remarkably stayed until the curtain call without yawning once. A welcome sign.

The hands sliding the wheelchair wheels were strong. Wearing elegant gloves, he tapped the young man’s elbow affectionately and praised him.

“You have a good eye. I’m glad I came.”

“Didn’t I tell you, sir?”

“Yes, you did. I see you’ve inherited your mother’s discerning taste.”

“You flatter me.”

“No, no. Your mother was exactly the same. She had an eye for finding pearls in mud piles. That’s why, look, even after breaking up with that Bellium—”

“I am also a Bellium, sir.”

Only then did the old man stop speaking, faced with the young man’s humorless, sunken gaze. There was no need to add that last remark, but the young man swallowed a sigh and pulled at his lips. His neat face displayed a polite smile as if nothing had happened.

“I’ll see you out.”

“That’s fine. My business here is done. I can manage on my own.”

“Still—”

“Go show your face to your mother.”

The old man turned his back after adding that final comment. The wheels moved away cheerfully, as if unhearing the sigh that finally escaped.

The man who had been pressing his temple gently straightened his back as if nothing had happened. The vintage interior was decorated lavishly for the theater festival, but not so much that one couldn’t recognize its original form.

His footsteps were quiet as he walked down the long corridor. People were leaving the building where the play had ended in small groups. Their attire was splendid, as if they were about to attend the ball that would follow.

At regular intervals, the sound of shoe heels scraping and a cane stepping were heard.

The man who had been quietly watching the scene from the window reflexively moved aside. He turned the corner and immediately left the building. No, he tried to leave.

“Ah……”

The regular sound stopped, and the distinctive screech of metal rang coldly. Once again, the man failed to escape and returned the way he had come.

From one end of the corridor to the other. Hair flowing down below her shoulders gleamed like gold coins in the late summer sunlight. The man briefly frowned at the shimmering patches of light.

The white cane was caught on an intricately crafted metal installation. The man deliberately made noise as he approached. Her eyelids, still bearing makeup, had a faint blue tint swirling around them. Beneath dense eyelashes, pitch-black pupils looked directly at the man.

His prominent Adam’s apple moved slowly up and down. The man slowly bent his knee, fixing his gaze on the cane. To avoid meeting the woman’s eyes at such close proximity.

“May I help you?”

“Yes, please.”

Extracting the cane wasn’t difficult. The man turned his head, trying not to stare at her clear, ungloved hand or the cherry and bluebird embroidery on the hem of her sky-blue dress.

“Thank you. Um, are there any other props or things I should be careful of ahead?”