Jinling Art Vocational College is situated by the Qinhuai River, beneath the

    Stone City. Despite being a vocational college, it boasts a history of nearly a century.

    The campus covers an area of over 700 acres, with a total student population exceeding 6,000. It offers more than 20 majors, including painting, sculpture, animation, photography, music, dance, performance, drama, film and television, art education, recording arts, broadcasting, and hosting. Everything here is quite distinct from Clear River High School.

    Upon entering the campus, Liu Yong felt a sense of novelty, much like a little fish swimming into the vast sea, a young foal stepping into an endless pasture, or a small bird soaring into the expansive blue sky.

    It’s not surprising that Liu Yong, who had just graduated from highschool, was at the age of youth and vitality. Although his father, Liu Chengyin, worked at the Provincial Committee’s Agricultural and Industrial Department, he and his mother, Su Hua, didn’t visit Nanjing frequently. In fact, Nanjing was just two words to him— unfamiliar. The feeling of novelty due to unfamiliarity is a common characteristic of young people. For Liu Yong, everything inside the campus of Jinling Art College felt novel,and this was entirely normal.

    In his memory, it was his father who visited Qingjiang more often to see him, his mother, his maternal grandparents, and paternal grandparents. Of course, they would also visit their ancestral home in Xianghe at least twice a year. One occasion was during the annual Qingming Festival when his father would take him and his mother to pay respects to their grandparents and, more importantly, to the ancestral fields in Xianghe to offer sacrifices to their great-grandfather. They would bring offerings, burn incense and paper money, and kowtow a few times, completing the ritual of worship. The other occasion was during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), when his father would again bring him and his mother to their grandparents’ home to celebrate and enjoy a family reunion.

    Because he and his mother usually lived with his maternal grandparents, during the New Year, they had to separate from his paternal grandparents. Therefore, in Liu Yong’s memory, this time of family reunion was never truly a complete reunion. It was a reunion for his paternal grandparents but a separation for his maternal grandparents. His parents seemed to have made efforts to bring all four elderly grandparents together for a real family reunion during the New Year. However, despite their efforts, it always ended in failure.

    When he was younger, Liu Yong couldn’t understand why his dearly loved paternal grandparents couldn’t spend the New Year together with his dearly loved maternal grandparents. After entering middle school, Liu Yong seemed to realize that his maternal grandparents lived in a three-story building, and he was unwilling to spend the New Year in the rural area with his paternal grandparents. On the other hand, his paternal grandparents, who believed in the saying “a thatched cottage of one’s own is better than a golden palace of another’s,” were not willing to leave their hometown and travel over a hundred miles to Qingjiang for any kind of family reunion.

    When he was younger, Liu Yong couldn’t understand why his dearly loved paternal grandparents couldn’t spend the New Year together with his dearly loved maternal grandparents. After entering middle school, Liu Yong seemed to realize that his maternal grandparents lived in a three-story building, and he was unwilling to spend the New Year in the rural area with his paternal grandparents. On the other hand, his paternal grandparents, who believed in the saying “a thatched cottage of one’s own is better than a golden palace of another’s,” were not willing to leave their hometown and travel over a hundred miles to Qingjiang for any kind of family reunion.

    The Liu and Su families were clearly from different backgrounds and social classes. However, due to Liu Chengyin’s outstanding achievements, he to some extent compensated for the gap in family background between him and Su Hua. Nevertheless, for Liu Chunyu and Su Youliang, the heads of theirrespective families, being polite when meeting each other was possible, but finding common ground was difficult. A farmer and a deputy county party secretary, they might share some common interests, but most of the time their interests were likely to be different.

    To put it in absolute terms, “similarity” is a coincidence, while “difference” is a certainty. If we were to express this “similarity” and “difference” in terms of a ratio, it’s highly likely to be 1:99.

    This destined the parents’ hopeful aspirations to fall short and their attempts at efforts to fail. For the grandparents and great-grandparents, their deep affection for their own grandchildren, whether they were from the paternal or maternal side, made perfect sense in the realm of moral principles and human kindness; as in-laws, occasionally sitting down for a meal or meeting each other was fine due to the ties of family affection. However, living together for seven or eight days, spending a holiday together, that became difficult, awkward, and uncomfortable for everyone. So, maintaining theirrespective life habits and living spaces actually facilitated a more harmonious and courteous interaction between the two families, and it spared Liu Chengyin and Su Hua unnecessary troubles and worries.

    No wonder people often say that every family has its own difficult “scripture” to recite.

    The makeup atmosphere by the Qinhuai River seemed to suit Liu Yong well. His tall and handsome appearance, coupled with a good singing voice, quickly made him a prominent figure in the Pop Music Class, attracting a lot of attention. Of course, he also became the coveted “little prince” pursued by many girls.

    The art school itself had an imbalance of Yin and Yang, with Yin prevailing and Yang waning. In a class of thirty to forty students, there were only a dozen or so boys at most, and sometimes only a few. The majority were female students. The Pop Music Class that Liu Yong attended was no exception. This situation made Liu Yong feel like Jia Baoyu entering the “Grand View Garden,” constantly surrounded by flowers.

    As a result, in front of the grand European-style marble archway of the school, there were often girls pulling Liu Yong to take photos together. Speaking of the school’s archway, it had its own distinct features among the major universities in Nanjing. These features primarily came from its architectural design. The upper part took on a tower-like pointed roof structure, forming a two-story arrangement. Between the two stories, there were upper and lower horizontal beams, also made of marble. Carved between the beams was the school’s name: “Jinling Art Vocational College.” These eight characters held significant weight, as they were personally penned by Mr. Liu Haisu. The central part of the archway featured an arched design,crowned by a curved marble arch, which not only added to the aesthetic appeal of the entrance but also increased the height of the archway, serving both beauty and practicality. On either side of the arched stone, there were embedded stone blocks creating the appearance of column-like pillars, exuding a sense of antiquity, though they were not true couplets. The lower part of the archway took on a square column- like design, built from stone blocks. The surface of the columns was uneven, providing a strong three-dimensional sense. At the very bottom were pedestal stones extending from one side of the column, two solid blocks ensuring the stability of the entire archway.

    Overall, the archway resembled a traditional Chinese gatehouse. The upper and middle sections were crafted from bright marble with a pale yellow hue, evoking a sense of warmth. The lower part, in contrast, was gray, providing a stable foundation for the entire archway. Behind the archway, several clusters of pine and cypress trees stood, ancient and robust yet full of vitality. The deep green color unique to pine and cypress trees accentuated the archway’s solidity and grandeur. Anyone passing through this gateway couldn’t help but feel a deep reverence for the world of art.

    For Liu Yong and the group of girls who followed him, it wasn’t just in front of the school’s archway, but also in front of the main building where the five-starred red flag stood tall, in front of the art gallery with its exquisite roof structure, along the tree-lined paths, and amidst the lawns, they would capture snapshots of their youthful vitality in front of various stone-carved artworks.

    However, a freshmen performance changed everything for Liu Yong as he broke free from the crowd of followers. He had set his sights on a new target.

    Tie Yueyue, a petite Suzhou girl.

    It is said that she hails from the renowned Mudu Town in Suzhou. This Mudu  Town is an ancient water town that is roughly the same age as Suzhou City, with  a history of over 2500 years. According to legend, in the late Spring and Autumn  period, King Fuchai of Wu built the Guanwa Palace on the top of Lingyan Mountain  to please the beautiful maiden Xi Shi. He also constructed the Gusu Terrace. “Three  years to gather materials, five years to complete,” with a continuous supply of wood, the riverport below the mountain was blocked, resulting in the name “Mudu” (Wooden Blockade) for the town.

    As a vital transportation hub connecting Suzhou City and the vast Taihu Lake, Mudu is truly the gateway to Taihu Lake. Therefore, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Mudu became the most prosperous commercial port to the west of Suzhou City. Surrounded by famous Wuzhong mountains like Tianping, Lingyan, Shishan, and Qizi, Mudu is also known as the “Treasure Bowl.” Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, famous for his southern tours, visited Mudu Town six times. He not only left behind a personally inscribed imperial dock but also legends of reciting poetry and singing with his teacher Shen Deqian and enjoying tea and chess with his friend Xu Shiyuan.

    Let’s not dwell on those for now. What’s worth mentioning is Mudu Middle  School, where Tian Yueyue studied. In a place like Suzhou, known for its strong  literary culture and advanced education, the fact that Mudu Middle School has been  selected as one of the first batch of national-level model high schools indicates that  it must have unique strengths in education and school management. In the midst of the intense competition in the “thousands of soldiers crossing a single-plank bridge,” it can be said that no school can escape the influence of the “college entrance  examination,” which acts like a “baton.” However, Mudu Middle School advocates  the concept of “cultivating aspirations and valuing practicality” among its students,  making it stand out. It’s as if they’retrying to transform themselves from a chicken  into a crane within the flock.

    It is likely due to the influence of this philosophy that Tian Yueyue excelled not only in her studies but also possessed remarkable skills. She consistently ranked among the top three in the comprehensive exams each semester and even secured the grade-level championship several times. With such outstanding academic achievements, exceptional embroidery skills, and being a key member of the school dance team, isn’t that truly remarkable?

    Speaking of which, when TianYueyue was in middle school, she was petite and delicate, exuding an air of refinement from head to toe. Her features – eyebrows, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth – were distributed and combined on her face in a way that perfectly aligned with the standards of “beauty.” People generally believe that a beautiful woman’s facial proportions should adhere to certain ratios: the distance between the two pupils should be less than half of the face’s width, and the distance between the eyes and the mouth should ideally be about one-third of the length from the hairline to the chin. In these two aspects, Tian Yueyue fully met the criteria. Her facial features were nearly perfect. Additionally, she had longhair, as black as a waterfall, flowing straight down to her waist. Most captivating of all was the little red butterfly bow tied at the end of her braid, which fluttered and danced behind her with her graceful steps, captivating many young men and causing them to pause and forget what they were originally doing.

    Perhaps it was the nourishment from the picturesque landscapes and serene waters of Mudu that cultivated Tian Yueyue’s talent. From a young age, she gained a reputation for her exquisite embroidery skills among her neighbors and the local community. Birds, flowers, fish, insects, as well as the plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, and the willow and pine trees – nothing was beyond the scope of her embroidery creations. With a slender embroidery needle and a few strands of ordinary thread, she could weave various vibrant lifeforms and bring them to life with her dexterous fingers. It was authentic “Su embroidery” at its finest. The news spread like wildfire, and visitors came in a continuous stream. Some sought her embroidery pieces, while others came seeking her hand in marriage.

    Tian Yueyue was a young woman with dreams and aspirations, and there was no way she would allow herself to be married off before her life’s beautiful canvas had a chance to unfurl. Those visitors undoubtedly came with excitement, only to leave disappointed. It was an unavoidable situation; she had a broad heart, but without someone who truly understood her, there could be no other outcome.

    Not only at home, but also at Mu Du Middle School, especially in the school dance team, where boys and girls often rehearsed together. On major holidays, important visitors, or even significant events in the district, the Mu Du Middle School Dance Team would always play a role. As the “leading lady,” Tian Yueyue naturally had an indispensable role. Solo dances, partner dances, group dances, ensemble dances—sometimes she was involved in almost every dance performance. It might be tiring, but the movement of her feet, the rotation of her body, the stretching of her limbs,brought a sense of relaxation to Tian Yueyue’s inner self, a sense of openness to her body, and a release of emotions. Such a wonderful experience could only be provided by dancing. Despite her youth, Tian Yueyue understood this very clearly.

    Therefore, despite Tian Yueyue not having the physical advantages of a professional dancer, what flows from her heart, what seeps from her very bones, her interpretation and portrayal of each dance piece, the presence, rhythm, and spiritshe exudes, captivates you. Your eyes can’t look away. Even though your eyes are fixed, your heart is stolen. Your heart departs from your body, following her leaps and turns, her fluid movements, experiencing ups and downs, joy and sorrow, merging and transcending. In the presence of this young girl’s dance, you transform yourself into her true captive.

    This is how Tian Yueyue, who appeared almost perfect in the eyes of her parents, teachers, and classmates, faced her first setback in the budding stage of life. She did not succeed in the college entrance examination (“gaokao”).

    Being naturally inclined towards the humanities, and with her skills in embroidery and dance, Tian Yueyue shared the same aspiration as her parents and teachers: to get admitted to Nanjing University and become a talented female student (“ 才女 ”) of Nanjing University.

    However, fate played a rather significant joke on her, adding an extra word to her university dream. This extra word seemed inconsequential, typically functioning as a grammatical particle. Yet, for Tian Yueyue, this particle turned out to be anything but helpful; instead, it hindered her. It transformed the “Nanjing University” she had intended to attend into “Nanjing’s University.” Do not underestimate the change from four words to five, nor overlook the presence of this seemingly innocuous “ 的 ” (de). For Tian Yueyue, it was a monumental shift. This “ 的 ” was akin to the embroidery needleshe often used – small in size yet piercingly sharp. It pricked her heart,causing unbearable pain that she couldn’t simply pluck away.

    During the intense final preparation stage leading up to the college entrance examination (“gaokao”), Tian Yueyue was involved in a car accident, being hit by a truck. This incident seemed to embody the saying, “Just as the moon waxes and wanes, people experience alternating fortunes and misfortunes.”

    Extending outward from Tian Yueyue’s home, there was a rural road leading to the ancient town. It took about fifteen minutes by bike to reach the prestigious Mudu Middle School where TianYueyue studied and earned numerous honors and praises.

    Perhaps readers may question why it’s referred to as “Tian Yueyue’s family mountain.” This involves a lengthy family history, which can only be briefly summarized here. Originally, the mountain where Tian Yueyue’s family house stood belonged to her maternal grandfather’s family. Most families in the village worked for her maternal grandfather, hoping to make a living. However, over time, circumstances changed, and her maternal grandfather not only lost ownership of the mountain he had worked hard on all his life but also ended up with an unfavorable status categorized as one of the “Five Black Categories.” Eventually, burdened by depression and sadness, he left the entire extended family and passed away. Tian Yueyue once proudly told Liu Yong that her maternal grandfather’s family had been wealthy in the past, not just moderately wealthy but extremely wealthy, enough to support a majority of villagers. This is a story for another time, so let’s not delve into it further for now.

    For this rural road that connects her home and school, Tian Yueyue is incredibly familiar with it. She could practically walk it with her eyes closed, and that’s not an exaggeration. Tian Yueyue rode her bike on this dirt road to the town for elementary school, on this gravel road to the town for middle school, and now she still rides her bike on this asphalt-paved rural road to the town for highschool. And soon, she will take the “college entrance exam,” departing from this road to venture beyond.

    But at this critical moment, a speeding medium-sized truck collided with the back of Tian Yueyue’s lightweight bicycle, sending her off the road. Fortunately, the driver of the truck had a basic sense of responsibility and didn’t flee the scene. He promptly took the unconscious Tian Yueyue to the town hospital for emergency treatment. After examination and treatment, luckily for Tian Yueyue, her head only suffered a minor abrasion, with no internal injuries or intracranial bleeding. However, her right leg’s ankle bone was fractured and needed to be treated with a cast and splint. She had no choice but to accept it.

    As she lay on the hospital bed, her right leg suspended in a cast and bandages, she calmly flipped through her textbooks. Her emotions were quite composed, and she even mentioned to her parents, teachers, and classmates that she was craving tea eggs from outside the school gate.

    Speaking of the bustling scene outside the main gate of Mudu Middle School after classes, it was a renowned sight far and wide. Due to strict school regulations, students were not allowed to leave the school grounds without permission. Even more so, the campus was off-limits to unauthorized individuals, including small vendors trying to make money off the students. This created a contradiction: those who wanted to sell couldn’t get in, and those who wanted to buy couldn’t get out. Especially after evening self-study sessions, around 9:30 PM, the few spoonfuls of watery rice eaten for dinner had already turned into a few trips to the restroom, leaving stomachs empty. For this group of middle school students, who were in the midst of their growth spurt during adolescence, the desire to eat was stronger than ever, which was completely normal.

    As a result, those small vendors began conducting their business through the gaps in the school gate’s iron fence. At this point, when students caught the aroma of boiling tea eggs, it’s not an exaggeration to say that they salivated uncontrollably, some even salivating a foot and a half long. It was as if their feet were tied to the tea egg sellers, and they were drawn to the edge of the school gate fence. Beyond theiron fence, in addition to tea eggs, there were various offerings: five-spice items like five-spice dried tofu, five-spice broad beans; fried foods like fried peanuts, fried soybeans; smoked and roasted meats like smoked beef, smoked pork, smoked chicken,smoked duck, smoked goose, and so on—a rich variety of food. Inside the iron fence, the students who came to purchase formed an impressive sight: hundreds of them, holding tea containers and utensils, clutching small change, chattering like a flock of sparrows, searching for food. However, there was one thing that demanded admiration. No matter how chatty and excited they were, the students inside the iron fence maintained remarkable orderliness, forming organized queues. After purchasing their food, some young boys who were incredibly hungry and impatient immediately began devouring their treats on the spot. Upon closer inspection, not a single scrap of waste was left on the ground within theiron fence—everything was impeccably clean. This was probably one of the reasons why the school leadership later tacitly approved of the “iron fence market.”

    During such times, Tian Yueyue was also one of the hundreds of students in the crowd. Taking a bite of a piping hot, fragrant tea egg, the satisfaction in her heart was beyond words. Now, she would be unable to join their ranks for a while. However, not being able to join didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy her favorite tea eggs. Case in point, her classmates who came to visit her almost always brought along a few tea eggs, which greatly moved Yueyue.

    This unexpected accident, whether for Tian Yueyue herself, her family, teachers, or classmates, was quite a shock. Especially her mother, who treasured her dearly, couldn’t help but burst into tears at this moment, saying, “Yueyue, my dear, good girl, you really scared your mommy.”

    “Mom, don’t cry. I’ll be fine.” Tian Yueyue, on the other hand, seemed mature beyond her years, suppressing the pain of her fractured bones and comforting her mother not to be upset.

    As the saying goes, it takes a hundred days to recover from injuries to tendons and bones. “Gaokao” waits for no one, and where would there be a hundred days for Tian Yueyue to receive proper treatment and rest? While undergoing treatment and preparing for her studies to face the “Gaokao” examination, Tian Yueyue endured hardships. Yet, no matter how you put it, this “hardship” could only be borne by Tian Yueyue herself. The two tasks at hand, neither of them could be delegated to others; she had to undertake them herself. Fate seems somewhat harsh and unrelenting towards a blossoming young girl, as if it has become somewhat cruel and heartless.

    When Tian Yueyue entered the examination hall with a crutch, limping along, she won numerous approving glances.

    Unlike Liu Yong’s feeling of “being in one’s element,” when Tian Yueyue stepped into the Golden Plum Art School, she transformed herself into a solitary traveler.

    She entered this “Nanjing’s university” by writing the word “obedience” outside her chosen preferences. This “Nanjing’s university” was still quite distant  from her original dream of “Nanjing University.” The impact of this additional “ 的 ” character on her was only known to the young girl herself.

    After becoming a new student in the Dance Department of Jinling Art School, she “fixed” her path within the school. Dormitory - Dining Hall - Classroom (Practice Room) - Library, then the cycle repeats: Dormitory - Dining Hall - Classroom (Practice Room) - Library.

    Liu Yong saw Tian Yueyue for the first time at a freshman performance showcase.

    I can’t forget the feeling of holding you in my arms

    It’s warmer than the burning passion hidden in my heart

    I’ve forgotten the harshness of the cold north wind outside the window

    Once again, tenderness and lingering overlap

    It’s your red lips that capture everything about me

    It’s your consideration that makes me passionate once more

    It’s your countless gentle emotions that melt the ice and snow

    It’s your sweet words that change the season

    The first snow of2002

    Is a lingering sentiment in Urumqi

    You’re like a fluttering butterfly

    Swaying in the season of snowflakes drifting down

    In a song titled “The First Snow of 2002,” Liu Yong transformed himself into a “Daolang” of the Golden Capital Art School. Beneath his handsome appearance, he unexpectedly unleashed a voice that was so sensitive, rugged, desolate, passionate, and unrestrained, expressing a man’s tenderness and worldly experience through his singing. This performance marked Liu Yong’s transition from being seen as a “Jia Baoyu” to becoming a “Liu Daolang,” as viewed from the perspective of his teachers and classmates. This transformation was attributed to Liu Yong’s accurate grasp and splendid rendition of the song “The First Snow of 2002” by Daolang. The auditorium of the art school was stirred, leaving some students who had previously considered him just an ordinary student in awe, astonished, and speechless.

    However, what truly prompted Liu Yong to undergo this “transformation” was another person and her dance. Therefore, sometimes people say that those directly involved are often confused while those on the sidelines have a clearer view. In reality, the situation may not always be as straightforward. Observers, lacking a comprehensive understanding of those directly involved, may find it difficult to gain true clarity.

    When the dancer Tian Yueyue from the dance class took the stage, the teachers and students in the audience didn’t hold high expectations for this petite girl who seemed to lack inherent advantages in studying dance. However, as the melody began, the small-framed Tian Yueyue started moving, her steps becoming faster and faster, almost imperceptible. Then her body leaped continuously, twisted endlessly, as if the vast stage could hardly contain her. Gasps could be heard from the audience below, as if they were afraid she might fly off the stage. The young girl erupted, transforming herself into a rapidly spinning top, captivating the teachers and students in the audience, their hearts suspended in mid-air.

    In the dance performance of The White-Haired Girl, the portrayal of Xi’er anxiously awaiting her father by Tian Yueyue can only be described as breathtaking. Tian Yueyue vividly conveyed the coldness Xi’er experiences amidst the snowstorm and her intense anticipation for her father’s return on New Year’s Eve. All of these emotions were portrayed to the fullest through the graceful movements of Tian Yueyue’s petite body.

    The applause, like thunderous applause, continued unabated. The veteran artists watching from the audience stood up and applauded, and the entire audience stood up, still with thunderous applause. Tian Yueyue bent down to express her gratitude to the densely packed crowd below the stage. The applause drowned out her gentle weeping, and at this moment, the floodgates of her emotions opened. The frustration of her “gaokao” failure that had been pent up inside her, found an outlet through Xi’er’s dance, pouring out and releasing.

    All of this was observed keenly by Liu Yong, who was waiting behind the scenes. This usually carefree and suave “little prince” witnessed the scene, and his heart seemed to be pricked by something – a mixture of sourness, pain, and a complex array of emotions.

    At first, he thought that such exceptional talent in a young woman from the same school deserved to be acknowledged. After all, he was renowned throughout the school as the “little prince.” As he continued to watch, it was as if he began to see the hidden story within her, as if he had entered her inner world. He felt a sense of closeness,accompanied by a growing ache. His inner hands instinctively reached out towards the petite figure that was sobbing.

    The campus trajectory of TianYueyue was broken by Liu Yong.

    Although the dormitory, cafeteria, classrooms (practice rooms), and library are still there, there are now more tree-lined paths, an added track and field, an additional theater, a new swimming pool, and many more ‘spots’ that cannot all be listed. What’s even more important is that on all these ‘spots,’ there is one more person.

    Liu Yong’s appearance caused Tian Yueyue to cast aside her former title as a ‘lone wanderer’ into the distant sky. A smile adorned her face, and her light footsteps transformed her into a playful deer. In front of Liu Yong, Tian Yueyue once again became a dependent little bird.

    On the campus tree-lined path, with Liu Yong, there was now the presence of Tian Yueyue, this ‘little bird,’ and their fellow students didn’t find it particularly strange. The ‘Little Prince’ was always accompanied by new heroines, not to mention the deep impression they left on the faculty and students during the school’s freshman performance. The marks they had etched were equally profound. The ‘Prince of Love Songs’ and the ‘Ballet Fairy’ being together was perfectly normal.

    What puzzled the girls was that Liu Yong had completely changed at this point.  He was no longer their ‘Little Prince.’ Overnight, he transformed into Tian Yueyue’s  personal bodyguard and flower protector, becoming TianYueyue’s ‘private property. ’ How could they tolerate this? As a result, a group of flower butterflies who used  to be around Liu Yong transformed themselves into a flock of chattering magpies,  incessantly chattering and chirping, never letting go of Liu Yong.

    A usually haughty and domineering Little Prince, in order to be with the dependent Tian Yueyue, lowered his head and begged for mercy from a group of girls. He said, ‘This young master has already found his heart’s desire. In this lifetime, I am willing to be Tian Yueyue’s personal attendant. I beseech all the elder sisters to spare me and grant me a way out.

    At a tavern near the campus, Liu Yong obediently “bled” by treating his usual followers to a meal, in order to express his sincerity. At the drinking table, he delivered a piece of opera-style eloquence that the girls were quite skilled at.

    “No, no, we can’t just believe you based on your empty words alone. We’re not that gullible.”

    “Yes, yes, you’re right. Empty words are not enough; there must be witnesses.”

    “Come clean, have you two ever been ‘intimate’?”

    “What ‘this’ and ‘that’? This young master knows nothing about that. What kind of proof do you all want, elder sisters?” Liu Yong lightly embraced Yueyue, afraid that this group of chattering magpies might chirp about her.

    “Alright, alright, whether ‘that’ or ‘not that,’ we won’t pursue it today. Consider yourself let off the hook this time, giving a bit of face to Sister Yueyue.”

    “No, it’s not enough. Since you two have ‘privately decided on a lifelong commitment,’ show it in front of us.”

    “Yes, give each other a kiss, a kiss.”

    With a few beers down, these girls were getting a bit wild. Even the usually popular Liu Yong couldn’t handle the situation. Not to mention Tian Yueyue, who had no intention of getting involved in this chaotic situation in the first place.

    The girls’ collective teasing seemed to trigger something in Liu Yong, awakening certain memories within him. They say alcohol emboldens the spirit, and at this moment, that saying applied to Liu Yong. Before Tian Yueyue could even react, a pair of burning lips pressed against the delicate and small lips of the girl he cherished.

    Tian Yueyue didn’t even have time to react; the words “you scoundrel” were stifled before they could leave her mouth. She felt Liu Yong’s tongue passionately exploring her mouth, a search imbued with a sense of longing. This exploration held a meaning of yearning, causing her blood to rush, her heart to race, and a feeling of recklessness to take over. What had been dormant and sealed away was awakened and unleashed by Liu Yong. Tian Yueyue held onto Liu Yong tightly, tilting her head back to engage in a heated kiss, transforming her tongue into a playful little fish. Sometimes it danced closely with Liu Yong’s tongue, sometimes it flipped and turned, and at times, it playfully chased back and forth. It was a joyful and exhilarating experience, one she didn’t want to end.

    The once chattering and noisy cafeteria had now fallen silent. The chattering magpies were stunned. The deep and passionate embrace and kiss of the couple touched them deeply. This unexpected scene surprised them; the girls had never expected that a playful jest would trigger such a genuine outpouring of affection between the lovers.

    In the eyes of Tian Yueyue and Liu Yong, nothing else existed. Their numerous playmates, the space they occupied, and everything tangible before them vanished. After their tongues touched, their bodies became ethereal, floating. Something seemed to transcend their beings, leaving their bodies and ascending.

    An endless expanse of a brand-new world unfolded before the two lovers. Boundless and serene, tranquil and ethereal; the turquoise waves lay still, soft and enduring. Liu Yong disappeared. Tian Yueyue disappeared. In this fresh new world, they each left behind their hearts. Thus, only heart leaned upon heart, hearts intertwined, free from upheaval and tumult, flowing back to tranquility, returning to serenity.

    As Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue descended from the heavens and returned to the mortal realm, the cafeteria was now completely empty, devoid of any presence.

    The days of love are sweet, and the longing in separation is tantalizing.

    Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue were, after all, not in the same major, so occasional separations were inevitable. Fortunately, the field of telecommunications had made remarkable advances, and the mobile phone penetration rate in the country was among the highest in the world. On the streets, one could often see even ragpickers or beggars pulling out mobile phones, proudly talking loudly, unable to discern exactly what they were saying or who they were talking to. However, one thing was for certain: they were using their phones.

    Phone calls and text messages had once become the emotional bond between the two of them.

    After being apart for ten days or so, a problem arose. Tian Yueyue noticed that Liu Yong’s mobile phone expenses were skyrocketing, shooting up like a satellite. This was becoming unsustainable. Both of them relied on allowances from their parents to get by; they didn’t have any other source of income. Even if their families were relatively lenient about their monthly expenses, money shouldn’t be spent so recklessly.

    Like most  students, Liu Yong had already handed over his  financial responsibilities to Tian Yueyue. Their daily expenses were under her control.

    Therefore, Tian Yueyue laid down three rules for Liu Yong. When they were apart and not together, they could only communicate through text messages under normal circumstances. Breaking this rule meant even calls might go unanswered. In case of exceptional circumstances, a phone call was permissible, but only if necessary. During the periods they were apart, there were limits on the duration and frequency of their calls; these limits were not to be exceeded.

    Now, Liu Yong was left with no choice. As a “personal attendant,” he had no option but to obey Tian Yueyue’s three rules. Thankfully, his beloved Yueyue didn’t impose specific requirements for their text message communication, which gave him some room for flexibility.

    Yueyue: It’s been some time since we’ve been apart. I finally understand the feeling of “one day apart feels like three years.” It’s been over ten years since I last saw you, and I’m really starting to feel anxious. When you come back, that tall and handsome Liu Yong is nowhere to be seen. Instead, there stands a middle-aged man with stubble. I can’t even imagine, do you still recognize him?

    Yueyue, do you still remember how I looked over ten years ago? If you’ve truly forgotten my appearance from over a decade ago, I won’t blame you. After all, neither of us has seen each other for so long! But I can tell you this: I, Liu Yong, will remember your face for the rest of my life. Not just for over ten years apart, even if it’s been twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty years, as long as I have consciousness, thoughts, and a brain, I, Liu Yong, will surely remember you— my beloved Yueyue.

    Yueyue, do you still remember the wonderful times we spent together? In the practice room, we rehearsed; you corrected my pronunciation, and I corrected your posture. In the cafeteria, we shared meals; you always dipped that delicious marinated meat into my bowl, so I had to treat you to a big shrimp. On the tree-lined path, we strolled; you used to be shy and wouldn’t hold my hand for long, so I transformed myself into your ‘attendant’ and followed beside you. Sigh, can you still keep all those little moments in your heart?

    Yueyue, I truly don’t want to think about it. Over these ten plus years, how many admirers must have come into your life? Tall and handsome ones, charming and suave ones, caring and considerate ones, talented and  accomplished ones – you must have had your pick of them all. Were their  advances aggressive? I really worry that you might be overwhelmed. No matter  what, you have to stay strong, persevere! As long as you hold on, I’ll fight  to the death, never giving up! Otherwise, I’ll be in a tough spot. If someone  else manages to breach your ‘fortress,’ I’ll have no choice but to ‘surrender. ’ Please be honest with me, have you wavered? Have you ever felt something for  someone else?

    Yueyue, I really can’t take it anymore. Please come back soon, bring my yearning back with you, don’t let my love for you get lost in the vast sea.

    It’s been over a decade since I last saw you, Liu Yong.

    Faced with Liu Yong’s heartfelt and intricate confession, Tian Yueyue herself first broke their “three rules.” A phone call came in, “Liu Daolang, what nonsense are you talking about? It’s only been a little over 3 days since we last saw each other. Where did you get this ‘ten years of separation’ sentimentality? Also, you’re exaggerating a bit with your self-proclaimed ‘unwavering loyalty.’ Just because you’re ‘faithful and true,’ does that mean I can’t resist ‘temptation’ and left you? I command you to be at the train station to pick me up within half an hour. The consequences will be serious if you’relate.”

    Tian Yueyue had returned from her outing! After receiving a scolding, Liu Yong was delighted and practically skipped his way to the train station. Normally, he would have ridden his bicycle there, but this time, his “princess” had set a time limit, so he had to go ahead and couldn’t afford to be late. Taking a taxi was the safer option.

    Of course, Liu Yong’s text messages weren’t always so “unreliable.” There were times when his messages touched TianYueyue’s heart.

    One time, their school organized a group of top students from various fields like music, dance, and drama to go on a cultural expedition to Xinjiang. They experienced local life and conducted exchanges with local art groups. Actually, during that trip, they didn’t experience a separation; they went together. However, the days spent in Xinjiang were incredibly enriching. It led to some extremely intimate moments between them, beyond words, something they couldn’t share with anyone else.

    Liu Yong still vividly remembers that time. It was the Xinjiang local song and dance troupe that arranged a trip for their art school to visit Kanas Lake. For the girls and boys who had come from the mainland, the excitement was palpable. Kanas Lake’s reputation was widespread, yet very few of them had ever been there.

    Autumn at Kanas Lake is the most beautiful season of the year. However, as Liu Yong and his group approached Jiadengyu, they unexpectedly encountered heavy snowfall. This group of mainland girls and boys found it unbelievable – how could there be such heavy snow in autumn? The vehicle continued its journey on steep and winding mountain roads, and as Liu Yong gazed at the snowflakes dancing outside the window, his mood turned somber.

    Liu Yong was worrying when suddenly, as the vehicle entered Jiadengyu, the previously heavy snowfall abruptly stopped. This also left the group of young people astonished. Everyone cheered, and the once gloomy-faced Liu Yong finally found a glimmer of sunshine amidst the celebration.

    Seated on the tourist shuttle in the Kanas Lake area, the young girls and boys enjoyed the scenery of the forest along the way while listening to the commentary from the tour guide. The tour guide explained that Kanas, in Mongolian, means “beautiful and rich, mysterious and unfathomable.” And indeed, this highland lake nestled deep within the Altai Mountains and dense forests lived up to its name. First, it treated them to a heavy snowfall, then abruptly stopped, and who knew what other conditions might arise later – truly, it was hard to predict.

    On their first visit to Kanas Lake, the sight of the lush spruce and fir trees, along with the lake that resembled a pale jade, left the young girls and boys overwhelmed. Their eyes weren’t enough to take it all in; everything seemed novel, and their cameras snapped away tirelessly. Those who hadn’t brought cameras had to rely on their smartphones, substituting them for their lack of proper equipment. Such a beautiful view deserved to be captured – it would be a shame to miss it.

    Within the lake area, the renowned “Three Bays” were almost a must-see for tourists. In Liu Yong’s opinion, while Wolong Bay and Shenxian Bay each had their own charm, they couldn’t compare to the splendor of Moon Bay. It truly seemed as if God’s hand had drawn a crescent-shaped line in Kanas Lake, like a curved moon nestled within the lush woods of the canyon – it was truly enchanting. And then looking at the lake’s mirror-like surface, there were even two enormous footprints, vivid and lifelike, which was quite remarkable. Some people speculated that the inspiration for the “giant footprint” in the sky during the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony might have come from this. However, it’s unconfirmed. The tales spun from these two “giant footprints” only added to the mystique of Kanas Lake.

    They were also excited about going rafting on Kanas Lake, and this thrilled the young girls and boys even more. However, just as everyone changed into the tight- fitting suits for rafting, the weather took a turn for the worse. The wind picked up significantly, and it started to rain. Liu Yong, whose face had just cleared up, now began to doubt whether this was truly the right time. The unpredictable weather, switching between snow and rain, was quite frustrating for everyone.

    Despite that, guided by two skilled helmsmen, the young girls and boys set off in the rain on their kayaks. Surprisingly, once they were in the kayaks and following the commands of the helmsmen – “one, two, one, two” – paddling their oars ceaselessly, their bodies warmed up, they didn’t feel the cold, and they were full of energy. The kayaks spun and maneuvered through the rapids, and as they paddled vigorously, the group instinctively chanted “one, two, one, two.” At some point, without needing the helmsmen’s commands, everyone started shouting in unison, in rhythm and with strength. As they navigated through challenging rapids, shouts would erupt, followed by hearty laughter.

    However, as the laughter continued, screams erupted again. The kayaks had reached a section with a significant water drop, where swirling eddies made it difficult to control the direction. It was a bit scary – capsizing was a real concern. Faced with the girls’ screams, the boys who had gradually gotten used to the waters of Kanas Lake took the opportunity to play around. They raised their small wooden paddles high and brought them down forcefully, creating splashes of water. In this moment, TianYueyue had already sought refuge in Liu Yong’s embrace.

    As the kayaks swiftly passed under a small wooden bridge, the group fell momentarily silent, only to erupt in excitement once again. They saw a rainbow arch appear before them, leaving everyone in disbelief as they dared not consider whether it was real or not.

    Long time no see, rainbow. I truly can’t recall your appearance, nor can I remember the last time I saw you. It’s unexpected to come all the way to this distant place and encounter you – a genuine surprise. Liu Yong was moved by the sight of the rainbow before him.

    One end suspended over the lake surface, the other spanning across the mountain peak – that curve, those colors, were incredibly magical and beautiful. At that moment, a companion spontaneously sang out, “Without experiencing storms, how can we see rainbows? No one can succeed without effort.” The young girls and boys left a snapshot of exuberant excitement and jubilation from their rafting experience as a memento for Kanas Lake.

    On the way back, unexpectedly, Tian Yueyue exclaimed, “Look, snow-capped peaks!” Outside the car window, the vast mountain peaks were covered in glistening white snow, creating a pure and endless expanse. This sight once again filled the entire car with excitement.

    However, that night, Tian Yueyue developed a headache and fever. Liu Yong had no choice but to fulfill his role as a “companion” and take care of his beloved girl. He bought medicine, fetched water, and prepared food for her. Both he and Tian Yueyue had to temporarily separate from the group.

    To help Tian Yueyue sweat out the cold and dispel the chills, Liu Yong took great care. He preheated the room and bathtub, allowing steam to rise and warmth to fill the air before inviting her to soak in the tub. Under his tender care, Tian Yueyue lay in the warm bath, feeling her body relax as her energy flowed freely. Not only that, Liu Yong also prepared a bowl of specially seasoned braised beef noodles for her – spicy and hot. The noodleshop owner had added a few special herbs, claiming that this bowl of noodles could warm the stomach and dispel cold, with quite miraculous effects.

    As Liu Yong fed the lovingly prepared noodles to Tian Yueyue, she couldn’t contain herself any longer and lunged into the embrace of her beloved young man. Liu Yong felt the presence of that tender being, and it was as if he had been jolted by electricity, causing a momentary void in his mind. The two jade rabbits that existed between them also seemed to awaken from their slumber, hopping about and eagerly trying to nestle into Liu Yong’s arms.

    “Yong, want me. You want me,” Tian Yueyue blushed and whispered with utmost charm, planting kisses on her beloved young man’s earlobe.

    This shy plea was like a magical spell that instantly ensnared Liu Yong, leaving him unable to resist or escape its hold.

    Following the aura released by his beloved, Liu Yong entered another mysterious lake. Unlike the distinctiveness of Kanas Lake, this place felt as warm as spring, with gentle ripples on the water’s surface, immaculate twin peaks, and a hidden paradise of its own.

    Liu Yong couldn’t extricate himself. This unprecedented life experience filled him with youthful vigor, enchantment, and blissful intoxication, as if he was floating in a state of divine ecstasy, merging seamlessly. Within the mystical expanse of this ethereal lake, he transformed himself into a scorching magma, flowing into the tender gorge. From then on, Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue, intertwined inextricably. Their lives became intertwined, unable to be separated. In the fusion of their beings, these two young souls underwent a profound elevation.

    Returning from the unique atmosphere of Xinjiang to the normal campus life, Lao Ying felt a bit out of sorts, as if he had become “separated” from his beloved Yue Yue. So, Lao Ying turned his inner feelings into a text message for Yue Yue.

    Yue Yue, do you still remember the grasslands of July?

    The off-road vehicle carrying you, drawing winding curves on the grassland, as if it wants to transform itself into a master of lines. With the undulating terrain, the master’s lines change, becoming even more unrestrained. Along with the vehicle’s bumps, you exclaimed in wonder—

    “Oh—, oh—,” sound without words, the face filled with excitement, filled with joy, filled with innocence, making people see a mischievous child, a child who has been on a roller coaster.

    “Please be careful,” the friend driving the car reminded in rich Xinjiang dialect, maintaining proper politeness. However, it’s evident that the hands that dance and prance to your songs, perhaps, can’t fully grasp the experience. “So exhilarating, even more than a roller coaster.” Before your words could settle, the speeding off-road vehicle rushed towards the next steep slope, and you “fell” into it, your voice suddenly disappeared. This time, you “fell” into my embrace. How about it, Yueyue, my embrace is still wide, warm, and worth your affection, right?

    Yueyue, do you still remember those nameless flowers covering the mountains and fields?

    “So vibrant, so colorful, I want to take photos.” As you stepped onto the grassland, you were drawn to the sea of flowers that stretched before you. Under the sunlight, the grassland was adorned with shades of red, yellow,purple, and blue, creating a lively and extraordinary scene, much like a vast  starry sky. At times you leaned sideways, at times you sat cross-legged, at times  you lay down, and at times you stood tall. Amidst the sprawling fields of flowers,  you transformed yourself into a cheerful little bird one moment and an elegant  butterfly the next.”Actually, they should have names. Look at this small red  flower.” You mischievously plucked a drop-like crimson flower and held it up  to me. “What’s its name?” I inquired. “I won’t tell you. It has a name, though.” Faced with my questioning, your cheeks grew even rosier.

    Yueyue, do you still remember the night sky of the grassland?

    What kind of brilliance was that, what kind of splendor, what kind of dazzling radiance, what kind of stirring in the heart. How could the sky be so close? It really seemed like the canopy of heaven was hanging low. And those stars, they were so bright, so numerous, so large, as if you could just run up the hill ahead, stretch out your hand, and pluck one down. There’s a song by Emil Chau (Zhou Huajian) with the lyrics “Pick a star to be your toy.” They say it’s for his daughter. Just think about it, how much a father must love his daughter to think of picking stars as toys for her? To be honest, at that moment I had the impulse to do something for you. Your eyes are so much like the bright stars in the sky, they light up a corner of my heart. It’s you who gave me the feeling of “stirring in the heart.”

    The starlight of that night was bustling, lively, and mischievous. The Milky Way turned into a bustling street in the city, adorned with dazzling lights, bustling with traffic, quite lively. You blinked your bright eyes from time to time, as if signaling to me. In fact, the starlight of that night was also peaceful, beautiful, and affectionate. Everything in the mountains was so silent and still. Despite the multitude of stars, there was still silence. Silent mountains, tranquil sky. As far as the eyes could see, apart from the light leaking from the yurts nearby, there really wasn’t a trace of human presence. The ancients used to say, “I do not know which year tonight is.” You said, “I do not know which night tonight is.”

    Standing so close, quietly standing, gazing at the starry sky, a certain emotion was growing within, the breath emanating from our bodies, like freshly made honey by bees, you gently pry it open, sticky, sweet, countless pairs of “affectionate” hands reaching out to you and me. At that moment, the tightly closed door within us swung open. In our hearts, a shared affection was blooming, warm and gentle, giving rise to a beautiful feeling.

    Yueyue, do you remember that night by Lake Kanas?

    It was you who led me into another warm and secluded lake, giving me an unprecedented physical sensation, a life experience I’ve never had before. When that “softness,” like an electric wave, swept through our bodies, the dormant parts within us awakened. And thus, a youthful awakening, a budding of emotions. The strings resonate, it’s the touch of “youthful awakening” brushing against the lovesick beans on the fragrant grass, triggering a reaction. The faint veil, those crimson dots, become alluring and enchanting. Shyness, it’s the budding emotions of “first love.” We both melted into each other’s intense heat.

    Do you still remember how you felt when my scorching magma surged into your moist canyon? It was you who made my youth bloom, intoxicated me, and carried me away in bliss. That night, we fused together as one, you within me, me within you, unable to be separated again. That night elevated our lives, as they intertwined and sublimated in each other.

    Jealousy seeped into the words of the text message, as felt by Yong.

    Yong’s lengthy explanations naturally resonated with Tian Yueyue. Some of his words made her savor the memories, some ignited her longing, and some remained unforgettable. However, as she read to the end, what puzzled her was the phrase “ 对 短信上文字心存嫉妒 ” (Jealousy seeped into the words of the text message, as felt by Yong) in which Yong expressed jealousy towards the words in the text message. What could this possibly mean?

    Now, it’s Yong’s turn to feel proud and joyful. Yueyue, my clever and perceptive Yueyue, you mean to say you didn’t even realize my little thoughts? Ah, it’s truly a waste of my earnest efforts. You see, these words in the text messages, they got to see you before I did. Of course, I felt jealous of them! With a light press of my finger, “send,” and off they happily, gleefully, some even playfully, rushed towards you, not willing to be delayed even for a second. As for me, I can’t compare to them. I have to wait patiently, “wait patiently for your messages.” Without your consent, without your approval, I can’t even see you. You tell me, can I not be jealous of these words in the text messages?

    With Yueyue already in his embrace, there’s no doubt that at this moment, Yong would make a move. Of course, he also wants those words in the text messages to feel a little jealous of him, to admire him.

    “Over the Moon on the Willow Tips” – Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue’s Song  and Dance Special Performance is about to take place at the Moon City Workers’

    Cultural Palace. This is the graduation commemorative gift that Yong has prepared for his beloved girl.

    The three years at Jinling Art College will soon become the past. During these three years, the more than one thousand days and nights where Yong and Yueyue fell in love will soon turn into cherished memories for the two of them. Even though they don’t yet know the path they’ll take after leaving the school gates, their hearts are filled with anticipation for the future, especially for the unknown years they will spend together, living and striving side by side. Thinking about these things, there is a sense of small happiness and sweetness in the hearts of these two young people.

    In fact, both the class teachers of Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue took the initiative  to talk to them. The school hopes that Tian Yueyue, who has talent in dancing, can  stay at the school. To be honest, in terms of performing on stage with a professional  artistic group, Tian Yueyue does not have a lasting advantage. After all, her petite  figure is undoubtedly a disadvantage for a performing art form like dance, where  physical appearance plays an extremely important role. To put it bluntly, it’s a  significant drawback. However, staying at the school and stepping onto the podium,  her solid foundation, talent in performance, unique understanding and grasp of dance, are all exceptional qualities that will become her strengths. These two “stages” are different. The stage undoubtedly has its glamorous side, but also a cruel and  ruthless aspect; the podium undoubtedly has its dull and cold side, but also a warm  and wonderful aspect. The path she will take ultimately depends on Tian Yueyue  herself. The opinions of the teachers can only serve as a reference, at most, an  important one.

    After having a conversation with Tian Yueyue, her class teacher ultimately handed over the decision-making power to her. Teachers understand the concerns of young people as well. Which young person wouldn’t want to make the most of their prime youth and freely express themselves on their preferred stage, like a gust of wind? What teachers worry about is what happens when the vibrant youth is spent, and the breeze no longer blows – how will one’s life path be navigated then? There are very few evergreen trees on the stage. In the past, some could remain at the forefront for decades, but nowadays, leading the scene is a matter of a few years. The post-market economy world is truly different. Those celebrity icons, like a revolving door, as one exits the stage, another steps in, one after another, in a cycle of replacement. It’s indeed a world where new talents emerge continuously.

    Tian Yueyue listened attentively to her class teacher’s guidance. She had previously discussed her post-graduation plans with her parents and had also shared the teacher’s opinions that she had noticed. Tian Yueyue grew up in the ancient town of Mudu in southern Suzhou, a place that values culture and education. When her parents heard that their daughter could stay at the school, they were overjoyed and ecstatic. They kept saying how great it is to stay at the colleg, how wonderful it is to stay at the college.

    With this decision, TianYueyue’s post-graduation plans were essentially settled. Liu Yong, of course, supported his girlfriend’s choice to stay at the school. Firstly, he never forgot his role as a “companion” in front of Tian Yueyue, and he had always prioritized supporting her decisions. Secondly, his own post-graduation plans were entirely different, and Tian Yueyue’s choice to stay at the college created a balance between them, which was exactly what he hoped for.

    Taking advantage of the opportunity presented by his graduation internship, Liu Yong secretly returned to the city of Moon City to plan a special song and dance performance.

    Even though his father, the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, had never been supportive of his chosen path and was especially skeptical about his involvement in popular music, the outside world was unaware of the true situation within the Liu family. The dynamic between father and son remained hidden, and Su Hua, as a wife and mother, was anxious but kept her concerns to herself, occasionally confiding in her own parents about her worries. The Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Liu Chengyin, unknowingly became a powerful “red big umbrella” behind Liu Yong.

    Having been well-connected in the city of Moon City for many years, Wu Mengyue, who was quite socially adept, immediately set her sights on Liu Yong as a potential “bait.”

    As the owner of the Moon City Grand Hotel, Wu Mengyue had a certain level of recognition in Moon City. Although her level of fame was not as high as the general managers of other luxury hotels in Moon City, such as Moon City International, Moon City Crown, and Moon City Jinling, she was still considered a notable figure in Moon City. Being a woman and having a charming demeanor, Wu Mengyue held a certain status in the city.

    Wu Mengyue used to be a singer and performer in the Moon City Song and Dance Troupe. She was capable of performing local folk songs, popular tunes, as well as regional operas like Yue Opera, Xi Opera, and Huangmei Opera, but her abilities were only at the level of being “capable.” Within the troupe, she was neither a prominent figure nor a potential candidate for development. She was simply an ordinary singer and performer. According to experts in the field, her voice lacked distinctiveness. In simpler terms, her voice lacked individuality and wasn’t easily recognizable by the audience. Such a singer, even if made more accessible to the general public, would find it difficult to shine and bring credit to the troupe. Consequently, it’s unlikely that the troupe would be able to rely on someone like her. For her personal career development as an actor, her opportunities were indeed limited.

    Of course, Wu Mengyue was well aware of this  situation and understood it. Therefore, when the song and dance troupe underwent restructuring, with the leadership of the relevant authorities encouraging the actors to actively embrace the wave of reform, enter the market, and face challenges, Wu Mengyue responded positively and without hesitation by choosing to venture out on her own. She made a decisive move, converting her years of service in the song and dance troupe into cash. Subsequently, armed with this sum of money, she cut the metaphorical “umbilical cord” tying her to the troupe, bid a confident farewell with a simple “Bye- bye!” and each went their separate ways.

    Transitioning from a “unit person” to a “member of society,” Wu Mengyue, brimming with entrepreneurial dreams, rented a few shops in Moon City’s Wealth Plaza to run a business selling women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. In theory, as a relatively young and fashionable woman herself, she should have had a good understanding of her target audience’s preferences and been able to grasp market trends. This way, she could have positioned her products to win the favor of similar women, driving her business toward a positive development trajectory. At least, that’s what Wu Mengyue imagined to be achievable.

    Things didn’t turn out to be as simple as Wu Mengyue initially thought. Her business selling women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories in Moon City Wealth Plaza didn’t succeed. The years she had spent in the song and dance troupe were traded for cash, which quickly transformed into stacks of unsold women’s clothing, piles of unsold women’s shoes, and boxes of unsold women’s accessories. In this process, Wu Mengyue had inadvertently pushed herself into a “debt pit.” Faced with creditors, she initially ran around, trying to find new sources of funding through what people colloquially call “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” However, she soon realized that this strategy wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed, and she ended up in a cycle of borrowing to repay previous debts. Eventually, she found that evading creditors wasn’t a sustainable solution either. Feeling trapped and desperate, Wu Mengyue had no choice but to resort to a well-known tactic from the “Thirty-Six Stratagems,” one that is widely recognized: “If all else fails, retreat.”

    As a result, in front of those shops at Wealth Plaza, people came across an open  letter titled “To Our Fading Friendship.” The letter listed a long string of names  and candidly confessed that due to poor management, these friends had turned into  creditors. This role reversal ultimately led to the demise of these friendships. This  transformation caused immense pain for the business owner, who couldn’t forgive  themselves and chose to leave. The open letter was signed by Wu Mengyue. Several  years later, Zhao Wei directed a film titled “To Our Youth That Is Fading Away,” which gained quite a bit of attention. The phrasing of the film’s title was strikingly  similar to that of the open letter, a coincidence that Wu Mengyue could never have  anticipated, even in her dreams.

    After experiencing the challenges of entrepreneurship, Wu Mengyue decided to leave Moon City. Following her departure, she opted for a profession that was popular at the time and suited her circumstances: becoming a hostess. She wasn’t someone who willingly embraced a decadent lifestyle. Upon arriving in a southern city, she intended to use her skills by becoming a karaoke (KTV) singer, which would help her make ends meet. However, after trying a few places, the owners thought that a full-time KTV singer role might not be feasible. Nevertheless, they welcomed her to sing and entertain customers, which was seen as a favorable option.

    The owners were practical and discreetly informed Wu Mengyue that if she excelled at her role as a hostess and was willing to entertain clients, the income potential could be substantial. They told her that earnings could reach four or five digits per month, and that was just a “small kiss” in terms of income.

    The principle of survival of the fittest was something Wu Mengyue naturally  understood. Since she had ventured into this path, she couldn’t easily let go of a  money-making opportunity. Steeling herself, she agreed to work as a hostess at  a KTV establishment. However, before agreeing with the owner, she corrected a  mistake he made. She told him seriously that when he mentioned “ 小 Kiss” (small  kiss), he probably meant “ 小 case” (small case), right? The owner smiled at her and  said, “Whether it’s ‘ 小 Kiss’ or ‘ 小 case,’ just be ready to count money every day.” As he spoke,he placed his hand on Wu Mengyue’s thigh.

    Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue’s first meeting took place in a KTV establishment.

    After parting ways with Tian Yueyue, Liu Yong was feeling a bit lonely and  restless. These young people of their generation were quite progressive and in  tune with the times when it came to matters of relationships and gender dynamics.  Everywhere you look, there’s talk of “globalization” and “international integration,” and the youth really excel in this aspect. Not only in society but even on university  campuses, there are cases of couples who secretly cohabit or openly rent apartments  together off-campus if they’re in love. In fact, Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue eventually  found a place off-campus to live together in secrecy. The wonderful experiences they  shared during their trip to Xinjiang left an indelible mark on them, causing these  passionate lovers to become almost addicted to each other, unable to let go, and  deeply infatuated.

    In Tian Yueyue’s perspective, being with Liu Yong wasn’t a big deal. She had already made up her mind to be with him, and besides, she had given him her precious first night. They were already a couple in her eyes, destined for marriage eventually. So, what was the fuss about being together? To put it bluntly, whenever Liu Yong passionately consumed her, whenever they melded together in a tumultuous embrace, whenever the climax came after moments of intense passion, she seemed to feel her soul departing, her body floating away. That state of intoxication and ecstasy, if you could call it that, didn’t just make her reluctant to leave; it was more like she was addicted to it.

    Liu Yong was at an age when he could be considered quite active in terms of his sexual desires. Having experienced the pleasures and delights that sex could bring, it was unlikely that he would not pursue other opportunities for physical intimacy. Once separated from Tian Yueyue, his hidden “little prince” nature began to emerge naturally.

    Taking advantage of not being a native of Moon City and having parents who hadn’t worked there for many years, as well as grandparents who weren’t familiar with the city’s layout despite living with his parents in Moon City, Liu Yong became somewhat reckless. He developed an unhealthy penchant for seeking companions of ill repute privately.

    And so, in a certain “KTV” establishment in Moon City, Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue crossed paths. Liu Yong arranged for Wu Mengyue to “entertain” him. It’s peculiar – didn’t Wu Mengyue leave Moon City to work as a hostess in the south? How did she end up meeting Liu Yong in Moon City? In truth, the events mentioned earlier are all part of Wu Mengyue’s past. By the time Liu Yong returned to Moon City, Wu Mengyue had become the owner of the Moon City Grand Hotel and had gained a certain level of recognition in the city.

    I have a flower planted in my heart,

    Budding gently, with a serene beauty.

    Day after day, and night after night,I eagerly wait,

    Hoping that someone with a caring heart will enter my dreams.

    The woman’s charm sways in the mortal world,

    The woman’s allure gently sways in the breeze.

    I only hope for a pair of gentle hands

    That can soothe the loneliness in my heart.

    I have a flower with fragrance filling every branch,

    Who will come to seek its true scent?

    The bloom is fleeting, it’s time to pick it,

    Women are like flowers,flowers are like dreams.

    In the hall of a Moon City “KTV,” dim and alluring lights cast shifting shadows, with soothing music playing in the background. Couples of men and women strolled leisurely on the dance floor. Occasionally, groups of two or three women danced while embracing each other. Just as the first part of Anita Mui’s song “Woman Flower” played, Liu Yong hurriedly stepped forward to present a flower.

    The woman’s steady, low-toned, and magnetic voice, coupled with her smoky timbre, echoed Anita Mui’s style perfectly. This immediately captivated the wild heart of Liu Yong. Fondness sprouted within him, accompanied by a desire to console, and the urge to act impulsively, just like the line “ 直 须 折 ” (must pick directly) from the song. Liu Yong, also known as “LiuDaolang”, was well aware that impulsive actions often came with consequences. If you listen to the song “ 冲动的 惩罚 ” (The Consequences of Impulse) by Daolang, everything becomes clear.

    Liu Yong’s flower offering was creative. He folded three smiling “Chairman Mao” portraits into three red flowers. Despite the flowers not being particularly vivid in color, when presented to the singing woman, Liu Yong was quite the gentleman. The singing woman nodded in appreciation, accepted the “flower” from the handsome young man, and continued her performance without interruption.

    I have a flower growing in my heart,

    True feelings and love, no one understands.

    Wild grass has covered the hillsides,

    Self-appreciation is the most painful.

    The woman’s charm sways in the mortal world,

    The woman’s allure gently sways in the breeze.

    I only hope for a pair of gentle hands

    That can soothe the loneliness in my heart.

    The woman’s charm sways in the mortal world,

    The woman’s allure gently sways in the breeze.

    Ifyou’ve smelled the strong fragrance offlowers,

    Don’t ask me for whom the flowers bloom red.

    Loved and knew what’s deep in love,

    Drunken and knew the strength of wine.

    Blossoms and withers, in the end, it’s all empty.

    Destiny doesn’t linger, like the spring breeze it comes and goes.

    Destiny doesn’t linger, like the spring breeze it comes and goes.

    Women are like flowers,flowers are like dreams.

    Destiny doesn’t linger, like the spring breeze it comes and goes.

    Women are like flowers,flowers are like dreams.

    Women are like flowers,flowers are like dreams.

    Slightly deviating from the first verse, the singing woman in this section added more emphasis to the piercing high notes, which earned her enthusiastic applause from the audience. Just as the woman was about to leave the stage, Liu Yong approached, holding a glass of red wine.

    “Hello, handsome! Thank you for the flower you gave earlier,” the singing woman said naturally as she accepted the wineglass, lightly clinking it against the one Liu Yong held, expressing her gratitude.

    “Could I invite you to my private room for a while? I’m still immersed in your singing. You sang wonderfully. To be honest, I’m a singer too, but I’ve never wanted to become a professional singer,” Liu Yong maintained his courtesy and manners.

    “Well then, it seems like we’re destined to meet,” as the singing woman was about to put down her microphone and follow Liu Yong while holding the wine glass, the “KTV” host’s polite inviting gesture halted her. “Someone has paid a hundred yuan for Miss Yueyue to sing another song, ‘Intimate Lover.’ Please welcome her.”

    “I’m sorry, please wait a moment. After I finish singing this song, I’ll come over,” the singing woman apologized to Liu Yong and returned the red wineglass to him.

    In this moment, Liu Yong was dumbfounded. “Yueyue?” His mind buzzed for a moment. How could this be possible? How could his “Yueyue” be here in Moon City? Even if she were in Moon City, how could she be working as a singer in this “KTV”? After a moment of confusion, Liu Yong dismissed the worst possibility he had been fearing. Regaining his senses, he scolded himself in his mind and thought he was being foolish. He realized that the woman before him might sing well, but she couldn’t possibly match the appearance of his beloved Yueyue. His Yueyue was not just shorter than the tall woman in front of him, but her facial features and proportions were all inline with the standards of a “beautiful woman.” Of course, the woman in front of him was beautiful too, but there was a difference in their kinds of beauty. Her beauty had an element of maturity and allure. If he were to compare his beloved Yueyue to a flower bud, despite the fact that she had already blossomed under his care, she was still a blooming bud. However, the woman in front of him was a fully bloomed flower. What made Liu Yong happy was that this flower was in its prime, at the peak of its beauty. He thought that enjoying this fully bloomed flower would surely bring a unique taste and sensation.

    Everything happened quickly and naturally, without any awkwardness or pretense.

    On that same evening, inside Liu Yong’s private room at the “KTV,” Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue shared their first intimate moment.

    Liu Yong expressed his affection and admiration eagerly, sparing no expense to invite Miss “Yueyue” for an appearance. To Liu Yong’s unexpected surprise, the woman referred to as “Yuueyue” by the KTV host locked the private room and made advances towards him, embracing him without warning. She skillfully licked various sensitive parts of Liu Yong’s body, quickly arousing this “lusty rooster,” turning it into a fully prepared “combat cock.” Of course, during such moments, Liu Yong would by no means remain idle, nor standby passively. His hands quickly moved onto the noodle chef’s body, tightly grasping the two clusters of snowy-white and tender “dough,” kneading, rubbing, kneading, and rubbing incessantly. He tirelessly kneaded and rubbed, clearly, the “dough” had a good foundation, and Master Liu’s touch was exceptionally skilled. The sensation in a certain part of the body grew increasingly intense. It wasn’t just a heightened sensation; it was as if it were on fire, burning with desire, and becoming almost unbearable. Consequently, Liu Yong effortlessly and without any resistance, entered the woman’s tender territory.

    The immeasurable power erupted from the fusion of Yin and Yang. The heavens trembled, the earth cracked open. There were mountainous roars and tsunami-like waves. Everything surged and surged again. Liu Yong and the woman beside him seemed to transform into two ethereal clouds in the vast universe. Their bodies felt completely emptied, and they became intangible and ethereal; the experience brought by this union of Yin and Yang was unlike anything they had ever felt before. Liu Yong finally experienced the taste of a ripe peach. The warmth, the smoothness, the natural harmony, the unique adjustment and control—it was exquisite, perfectly fitting, and effortlessly accomplished. He deeply felt a sense of nurturing, realizing that everything that had been done before was a preparation for his “release.” He felt his “supreme supremacy,” he felt his “incomparable glory,” and he felt his “ascension to immortality.”

    He surrendered his heart, willing to worship the pure and gentle woman beside him.

    Liu Yong finally came to know that her name was Wu Mengyue. “Yueyue” was  just a nickname she occasionally used when visiting the KTV. She wasn’t a “hostess” and therefore wouldn’t be providing entertainment. Hence, there was no need for the  young man to spend extravagantly. Even if he did, this young lady wasn’t interested  anyway. It’s quite an encounter for both of them, where a single glance was enough  to stir their hearts. It wasn’t just an emotional response but a physical one too. Their  bodies were entranced, unable to move away, unable to take a step back. What  entering this private room meant, well, that goes without saying.

    Wu Mengyue told Liu Yong that her story could be written into a book, and if he was interested in learning more, he could find her at the Moon City Grand Hotel. She had a private chamber there that was much cozier than this private room. It would be an entirely different experience, you know.