OVL 10 Love and Hate

Luo Yao finished a whole cup, even chewing on the ginger slices for a while, before asking him: "Do you want more? I can go make some more."

Bai Luoyao can be considered her last disciple. As she is about to retire, this female professor has, according to convention, not taken on any students in recent years. Perhaps it was fate; during the re-examination interview, she was originally just an examiner but ended up accepting her youngest student. The teacher-student relationship is excellent, with the professor guiding Luoyao as if she were a senior teaching a younger member of the family, devoted and meticulous.

The teacher's eyes were still bright, but her tone was filled with melancholy: "I just want to give it another try... Luo Yao, in many matters, effort is not the key." Her tone carried a sense of desolation and foreboding. She smiled faintly and continued speaking about Zhan Zecheng: "He came to see me this afternoon... In fact, it's not something he alone can decide, Luo Yao..."

Between the two of them stood a tea table, and at the moment when Zhan Zecheng stood up, he accidentally bumped into the table leg, causing the tea set on the table to clatter and fall. He held her tightly, his lips almost pressed against her ear, and softly said: "I didn't know it would be like this..."

The Japanese professor was interrupted and, feeling somewhat displeased, asked, "What is so funny?"

They exchanged a glance, and it was an unprecedented understanding. It was as if a memory of that time was recalled

After my father passed away, my mother has been managing the affairs of the group. I have always hoped to take over as soon as possible so that she can have a break. She has worked very hard

When Luo Yao went downstairs, unexpectedly, she encountered Zhan Zecheng's mother for the first time at the dining table. In fact, she was in a hurry to go to the hospital and didn't even want to eat breakfast. However, Zhan Zecheng remained calm, led her to the living room, and took her hand to introduce her to Fang Liuyi: "Mom, this is my friend, Bai Luoyao"

His voice was deep, carrying an unintentional authority, and the hand resting lightly on her shoulder exerted a slight pressure: "Let us go."

Luo Yao nodded silently, holding the bead tightly in her hand. She knew it was precious, not only because it was a gem that could ward off evil, but also because it had accompanied the master throughout his life, imbued with a subtle and tranquil essence

It is actually the most ordinary glass, purchased from the supermarket, and the red tea is also the bagged Lipton variety; everything is quite unremarkable. However, that cup of ginger red tea is exceptionally beautiful, its deep red hue, akin to that of agate, flows elegantly through the transparent glass, and when held in hand, it feels as warm as a hand warmer

Luo Yao felt somewhat embarrassed and did not dare to look at Zhan Zecheng. Fortunately, Fang Liuyi gently patted her shoulder and left immediately.

The kung fu tea ceremony was only halfway through when the tea master stepped out. Under the light, the tea set exuded warmth, gradually dispersing and melting into the air

It is not just life, but more like the desolate spirit of each individual

Zhan Zecheng encountered Luo Yao at Yiqin, which was entirely unexpected for him. They had been together for nearly six months, and she had only known that he worked at Yiqin. In fact, he had not intended to keep it from her for too long; he estimated that within the next few days, he would publicly announce that he was taking over the management of Yiqin from his father, and at that time, it would be impossible to keep it a secret. He clarified the purpose of their visit with Gao Chifei, hesitated for a moment, and finally decided to call her.

Luo Yao seemed not to have heard what he said, and simply asked again: "What are you going to the hospital for?"

What can she do at this moment? In fact, when she bid farewell to Zhan Zecheng, she already knew that what she was about to do would, if not harm him, at least embarrass him. She understood the unspoken words he had for her, the embrace he offered. He would stand in her shoes and give her the greatest understanding possible. Yet deep down, that understanding felt utterly pale and ridiculous. Because ultimately, there was still a sense of loss in her heart. She had trusted him because she loved him, believing he was capable of anything. He would stand in her shoes and give her the greatest understanding possible. Yet deep down, that understanding felt utterly pale and ridiculous. Because ultimately, there was still a sense of loss in her heart. She had trusted him because she loved him, believing he was capable of anything.

At the moment the performance began, Luo Yao miraculously awakened

At that time, Bai Luoyao still possessed a trace of innocence and persistence, unaware that in comparison to certain things, she was truly insignificant and minuscule.

The voice on the other end of the phone was deep, seemingly filled with a bitter laugh: "We were unable to secure the application."

The road was clear and unobstructed, yet she felt that Zhan Zecheng was driving too slowly, her heart burning with impatience. The warmth of the car's heater enveloped her, but her hands and feet remained icy cold. He glanced at her and said in a low voice, "Nothing will happen."

The private room in the tea house is spacious, and the sound insulation is excellent. However, no one is speaking; only the faint sounds of the tea master handling the tea utensils can be heard. Zhan Zecheng glanced at the tea master and quietly said, "You step out for a moment."

The house was too large, and she did not know where Zhan Zecheng was, so she took out her phone and called him

He did not rush to drive, but gradually leaned towards her and quietly embraced her: "I just found out too"

Yu Huiru smiled faintly while mentioning this to the students: "Senior brother... he is somewhat like Master Hongyi."

Luo Yao bit her lip, her gaze sweeping over the blueprints, and she quietly asked, "Are you... also under a lot of pressure?"

Luo Yao gently cleared her throat, not interrupting him, nor did she intend to refute him. She quietly gazed at him, her pitch-black eyes unmoving, like black gems shimmering in the dark night

Luo Yao followed along, recording and taking photos, but discovered that the teacher was gazing up at the ceiling, standing in a corner of the hall, as if witnessing something incredible. The master walked over, smiling, and said: "The coffered ceiling, the dougong brackets, the column bases, I have examined them all carefully; they seem to be from the late Tang dynasty"

Bai Luoyao opened her eyes and, at first glance, saw that she was resting her head on Zhan Zecheng's arm. She quickly closed her eyes again, silently telling herself: "Why am I not awake yet?"

Luo Yao asked him in the kitchen: "Do you want to add shredded ginger?"

With a sound of a bell, as the door opened, I saw a few people whispering not far from the service desk. The nurse walked over impatiently and said, "This is a hospital; patients need to rest in peace. Please take your conversation outside."

The cold wind rises, blowing down large swathes of autumn leaves; everything, in a moment, experiences decay and renewal

He smiled and said, "The little girl is very good, and her heart is also very pure"

In the blink of an eye, it has been twenty years, a new set of faces has emerged, and a middle-aged woman has taken their place, yet the essence of life remains strikingly similar

That small building, according to the quoted price, is 8,700,000, not including the additional costs

He has just finished taking a shower, his hair is still wet, and he is wearing a loose T-shirt. For some reason, he appears even taller, his shadow completely enveloping her

Luo Yao's voice slowly emerged from his embrace, soft yet somewhat stubborn: "I hate him very much, not because he demolished Yun Chusi. He could demolish it, and there was nothing I could do; I had already done my utmost... But he took the teacher to Xishan, to show her the construction site... to let her see how that temple was being torn down..."

Li Zhijin took a sip, choking and turning red in the face, as the spicy flavor surged up into his nose. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, but after savoring it, a very faint fragrance lingered between his teeth.

It is still drinking, and the water in the faucet is still dripping, as if it were a precise timer

Zhan Zecheng curled his lips slightly and smiled gently: "Yes. You will like her very much."

The senior brother briefly explained some circumstances to her

As she spoke these words, she took his hand, turned it over, and then placed her own hand on top.

Zhan Zecheng turned his head slightly and glanced at her: "I have made a reservation at the restaurant." After seeing her silent, with her pair of bright eyes looking at him, he sighed again and automatically compromised: "What time is the play?"

They whispered to each other, resembling a young couple unable to make up their minds

Bai Luoyao watched as the teacher sat by the window, her expression reminiscent of women from a bygone era, her slender eyes possessing an indescribable beauty. Time flowed around her, and she carried many stories within her, yet she remained silent, lost in her thoughts.

Luo Yao said earnestly: "This is the gift I am giving you"

On Christmas Day, it was their only date in nearly a month. As soon as Zhang Zecheng saw her, he frowned and then asked her: "Who has been mistreating you? How have you lost so much weight?"

Luo Yao helped to organize the materials, naturally knowing that these materials are very precious. Teacher Yu mentioned that a long time ago, she had traveled to many places, and aside from those couplets, the descriptions of temple architecture in the book are also precise and accurate. Sometimes, when she noticed the students' confusion, she would smile and say: "When I was young, I was very interested in architectural aesthetics. Although it is not my major, I made some good friends and benefited a lot."

It is not a traditional play in the conventional sense

In fact, Kunqu is but a dream. The Peony Pavilion, The West Chamber, and The Lanke Mountain are all dreams that have been dreamt. When it is time to awaken, one should awaken; when it is time to disperse, one should disperse. You... what exactly happened in the past? Why are you still unwilling to wake up?

The stage lights were almost simultaneously illuminated

A certain fine string deep within Luo Yao was suddenly touched. She wanted to turn her head casually, but the ginger juice was too spicy, as if a drop had splashed into her eyes, rendering her unable to see anything clearly for a moment

A wisp of willow fluff blew over and landed on her bangs, and he finally smiled, pulling her close and saying: "Don't move"

In fact, he realized it; she was very happy, but not because of this. Sure enough, the next moment, she said: "I am going to the field for research with the teacher tomorrow." Every time she goes to conduct field surveys, in the words of Zhan Zecheng: "You look like you've been locked up for years and are about to be released"

The moonlight is bright and clear, as if it were the soft light refracted from a luminous pearl, tenderly falling upon Luoyao's face. Her eyelashes shimmer slightly under the moonlight, as if invisible fairies have scattered silver fragments, creating a breathtaking beauty.

At that time, they had been dating for only a short while. Zhang Zecheng noticed her lost in thought and assumed she was a bit upset, so he lowered his head and patiently asked, "Are you angry?"

Luo Yao hung up the phone while still organizing her things. Wang Minchen leaned over and said, "Hey, hasn't your teacher's project been completed yet?"

He did not smile: "Luoyao, if it is just like that... you should not hate him so much, he has his own responsibilities, and it is impossible for him to act according to his own wishes..."

Luo Yao had no time to engage in idle chatter with him and silently led the way

It is still the season of spring, and the world is draped in a light green veil, with tender green happiness visible everywhere. Walking down the street, the willow catkins occasionally stick to my hair, resembling lingering thoughts and the softness of first love

Li Zhijin stood up, saying nothing, and slowly embraced her in a way that left no room for her resistance. Luo Yao remained seated, motionless, as his hand rested on her back, bringing warmth and strength. His voice was gentle and soothing, as if he understood what she was thinking: "Do not think about it anymore, it is all in the past. Whether you hate or do not hate, it is all in the past."

Fang Liuyi's silhouette remains slender, and the pearl-colored outfit makes her appear even younger. As she walks forward, she places her hand on Luo Yao's shoulder, and when she leans down, a faint fragrance wafts through: "Luo Yao, I am very glad that Zecheng brought you back for me to meet."

She used a filter to strain the finely shredded ginger, pouring half a cup of ginger juice into a transparent glass. Then, she slowly added black tea into the ginger juice. In her own cup, she added half a spoonful of ginger slices, and finally brought it out to hand it to him

Min Chen had heard of Luo Yao's "lottery theory," and thus smiled as he said: "There is no need to buy lottery tickets anymore, really no need. Buying one hundred or eighty small villas would be enough... this probability, tsk tsk..."

He quickly picked up the phone, sounding energetic, as if he hadn't slept. Luo Yao suddenly didn't know how to start the conversation, but Zhan Zecheng, being very understanding, said: "I came to see you; you haven't slept yet, have you?"

As soon as they exited the hall, Luo Yao slightly raised her face and said, "I am hungry." Her tone was pitiful, as if he had starved her. Zhan Zecheng glanced at the time and asked, "What do you want to eat?"

A few sparse audience members began to applaud, finally rousing her completely. Luo Yao looked at the simple props on stage and the mere three actors, suddenly feeling that this performance, lasting only an hour, was so brief. Amidst the monotonous and repetitive ticking sounds, it seemed that in an instant, a person's entire life had passed by

She learned for the first time that they were actually senior and junior siblings. She also finally understood that this seemingly tranquil life of an old monk in the mountains was once that of a scholar studying abroad, who had experienced the world and its wonders. It was only at a certain moment that he suddenly realized and chose a different path in life

Upon arriving at the hospital, Luo Yao was uncertain if he had absorbed any of the information, and without a word, he jumped down. The lobby was bustling with people coming and going, and as the elevator descended, it happened that other patients were waiting in front, moving slowly and hesitantly. Just as it seemed that the door was about to close, he realized he would have to wait for the next batch, leaving Luo Yao at a loss for words in his anxiety

The voice still carried a hint of daze... Luo Yao even detected a trace of weakness. She looked up in confusion, but he turned his face away, unwilling to let her see his expression

She sat on the bed with her knees hugged to her chest, the snow-white blanket half piled on her, resembling a snow doll freshly made on the ground. He propped himself up slightly, wrapping her in his arms along with the blanket, as if he were still somewhat reluctant: "Hmm, I will get up right away."

The protagonist is a puppet. It drinks in a bar, listening to various drunken obscenities, watching a fading starlet seduce the bartender

The store is very small, with even the fitting room being merely a simple space separated by a piece of military green canvas. After wearing out his lips from talking, he was only willing to gesture in front of himself. Luo Yao's voice was filled with endless frustration: "How can you know if it looks good if you don't try it on?"

Just like a promise made to each other, at that moment, Luo Yao suddenly felt no fear at all, as if she could see a beautiful tomorrow. Teacher Yu's illness will get better, and their efforts will certainly not be in vain

The bead in Zhe Cheng's hand still radiated a slight warmth, though it was unclear how long it had been clutched in her grasp

On the second day, the master passed away, yet Teacher Yu did not grieve as deeply as Luo Yao had imagined. He simply said: "I study religion, while he was studying architecture at that time, but regardless of the matter, he had a more open-minded perspective than I did."

It was the first time he called her by her name; previously, he had always called her randomly with "Hey" and "Hey". This time, everything was different

Luo Yao walked to the outside of the ward and glanced at the door, thinking she had taken a wrong turn. Just then, a nurse came in carrying a medication and was abruptly stopped by her: "Where has the patient in this bed gone?"

It was also at that time that she met Shi Xuecheng. At that time, he, along with Zhan Jingrong, was one of the two exceptionally talented Chinese students who attracted everyone's attention.

He picked up the phone and smiled slightly: "Is that so?"

He embraced Luo Yao like a child and whispered, "Then I'll buy it. I'll try it at home for you, okay?"

Luo Yao nodded busily: "I originally intended to finish the first part before bringing it to you for review"

She seemed to have become a different person; just moments ago, she was struggling in Zhan Zecheng's embrace, her sobs so feeble, yet at this moment, she treated him as a guest, calm and unhurried

Luo Yao saw that the mentor's eyes were slightly red. Anyone could tell that such a frail old man could no longer hold on.

Across the road stands the frost-white hospital building. They bid farewell at the entrance of the tea room, and he watched her walk away, the scene so vivid it was almost unbelievable, even capturing the sight of her long hair being lifted by the wind. He still remembered the feel of her long hair, soft and light, yet the sky was overcast, and looking out, all he could see was a bleak expanse of black.

She stood up, wanting to release his hand, but his movements were quicker—he had already acted before her, gripping her hand and pulling her into his embrace

The nurse looked at them helplessly several times, but ultimately chose to ignore them and leaned against the table for a brief nap. After much persuasion from her senior, he finally managed to drag her downstairs. It was early morning, and the hospital felt desolate, with only the emergency lights blazing, their red hue resembling fresh blood and quite blinding. After a struggle, they managed to hail a taxi, and as she settled into the back seat, her phone, which she had been holding tightly, began to vibrate.

Luo Yao sensed that the teacher seemed somewhat melancholic, with a faint sigh of the passage of time reflected in the corners of her eyes and brows. Beside the teacher was a cup of frozen top oolong tea; she picked it up to take a glance but did not drink from it, setting it down again.

She smiled and patted the student's shoulder, no longer speaking

I still do not understand why he can be so cold-blooded. He is so capable and could have chosen from hundreds of ways to make us stop, yet he deliberately chose that method... I will never forgive him for this

There is nothing shameful about such a life, emptiness, loneliness, decadence

Zhan Zecheng returned to Luo Yao's side after a moment: "Your mentor is fine. It's too late today, so I will take you back first. You can come again tomorrow." This was the first time he spoke to her in such a manner, seemingly unwilling to hear her refusal, as if everything was under his control, and she only needed to follow his lead without any concerns.

He gently pressed his lips together, glanced once more at the quiet hospital corridor, said nothing, and nodded.

He wanted to say something, but was interrupted by the sudden ringing of the phone. Wang Minchen's voice was anxious: "Luo Yao, do you know that your mentor is hospitalized?"

Luo Yao asked softly, "What are you going to the hospital for?"

The male student said in a deep voice: "I am laughing at the frog at the bottom of the well. China is vast and rich in resources; as long as it hasn't been bombed to pieces by some foreign robbers, there will always be one or two places left with buildings."

Luo Yao felt quite frustrated herself; it was clearly winter, yet her appetite was increasing day by day, and she was still losing weight. She quietly reached out to link her arm with Zhan Zecheng's and said, "Shall we go watch a play? It seems to be the last performance today."

This was her first time visiting his home. The aunt rushed to open the door and asked with concern, "Why are you back so late? Your mother has asked several times." However, her gaze ultimately fell on Luo Yao, looking quite surprised: "This young lady..."

She had not yet had the chance to express her feelings, but she clearly heard a scoff. Turning her head to take a glance, she saw two Chinese individuals, one of whom was sitting by the window, handsome in appearance, with a slight curve at the corners of his mouth, openly displaying disdain and reluctance.

Luo Yao became anxious and called the teacher. However, the sound of the vibration came from the hospital bed, and she quietly walked over to find the teacher's phone by the pillow

Zhan Zecheng shifted slightly on the sofa, gently closed his eyes, seemingly trying to conceal his worries: "Go see your mentor. By the way, inform her of the group's decision"

Luo Yao turned back to take a glance; her mentor's face was pale, and she finally called out, "Senior Brother."

Luo Yao's reaction truly surprised him; he had thought that she would at least feel a bit displeased, but she did not. It was evident that she was in a good mood, and in the end, she even joked with him: "Why should I be unhappy? Zhe Cheng, I feel like I've won the lottery!"

She smiled and said, "I went home and organized some materials, and I am fine."

The night was already very deep, and in Luo Yao's memory, this was the last time she spoke to her teacher in this manner. It was gentle like flowing water, as if an elder was softly reminding her for the final time.

Her long, slightly curved eyes softened as she smiled gently: "I hope so."

After Zhe Cheng left, those people gradually departed as well, leaving only Luo Yao and his senior brother sitting on the chairs. The expression on his senior brother's face was also not pleasant: "What a coincidence, you came up with their boss."

She no longer forced the students, suddenly as if recalling something: "Have you completed your proposal? Is your thesis still in progress?" She shook her head again, "It is my fault, there have been too many things lately, I almost forgot about this matter."

Cool droplets of water fell from his hair, continuously landing on her cheek, yet they could not awaken her further; she was truly exhausted. Clinging to his shoulder, she quietly fell asleep.

We took the materials and approached many organizations, government agencies, and newspapers; we did everything we could think of and everything we could accomplish. One senior even took the materials to the province. Some classmates posted online... but back then it was not like now; every post was deleted as soon as it was made... it was all in vain, everything was intercepted. I knew our time was limited... yet even at that time, I did not hate him; perhaps he was also making an effort and feeling guilty... but back then it was not like now; every post was deleted as soon as it was made... it was all in vain, everything was intercepted. I knew our time was limited... yet even at that time, I did not hate him; perhaps he was also making an effort and feeling guilty..." Her voice slightly rose, having always been a calm narrative, now infused with emotion, "Do you think I hated him for this? No, at that time I really did not want to hate him..."

The morning light fell upon the young man behind Luo Yao, his deep and handsome features strikingly familiar. Unconsciously, she tilted the spoon in her hand, and the thick porridge spilled onto the table, pure white and glutinous, resembling a flower

She recognized one of her senior brothers inside, while the others were all unfamiliar to her. In that moment, she did not have time to think about much else and grabbed the nurse to ask for the ward number

Without any warning, perhaps out of concern for the teacher, or perhaps due to his comfort, Luo Yao found himself unable to hold back his tears. His presence brought a sense of security, yet the more he felt this way, the more heart-wrenching it became

In the afternoon, there was a significant breakthrough in the certification work. Teacher Yu, climbing the rudimentary handrail, discovered the inscription "Year 14 of the Tang Tianbao Era" at the base of a beam. There were not many people present, but each one was overjoyed. Once it is definitively proven that this is an ancient building from the Tang Dynasty, the subsequent project application will naturally follow.

He walked straight over and turned on the desk lamp, placing a thick stack of documents on the table. Luo Yao stood beside him and noticed some watermarks clearly displaying the words "Company Confidential." Zhan Zecheng opened one of the pages and quietly said, "I have reviewed this. Originally, this area was to be developed into a golf course, which means all the buildings would need to be demolished." He glanced at Luo Yao and continued at a leisurely pace, "Don't worry for now; this is not the final plan. If your project at A University is officially approved, we will still need to liaise with the cultural heritage protection unit, and the plan can still be adjusted." Zhan Zecheng opened one of the pages and quietly said, "I have reviewed this. Originally, this area was to be developed into a golf course, which means all the buildings would need to be demolished." He glanced at Luo Yao and continued at a leisurely pace, "Don't worry for now; this is not the final plan. If your project at A University is officially approved, we will still need to liaise with the cultural heritage protection unit, and the plan can still be adjusted."

Just then, someone came up carrying something and asked the nurse: "Is there a Miss Bai? It's a delivery, the customer said it should be delivered to the 11th floor."

The Japanese professor fell silent for a moment, as if she had not heard, and continued with the lecture. She also remembered that senior student, Zhang Jingrong

Wang Minchen was unwilling to let Luo Yao go, forcing her to recount the circumstances surrounding her acquaintance with Zhan Zecheng. After listening, Wang Minchen stared at her roommate in silence for a long time before sighing and saying: "How could you be so low-key? It's one thing to be low-key, but you even kept it from me... If it weren't for this matter, were you planning to keep it from me forever?"

Regarding this, Wang Minchen once remarked: "Your teacher is truly impressive; how is it that I feel she is proficient in everything?"

It is now past eleven o'clock in the evening

A very soft and gentle sound, his smile is calm and warm, very handsome, almost making it impossible to look away.

Luo Yao hurriedly avoided the teacher's gaze and nodded: "I understand"

Yu Huiru said nothing, yet her hands trembled slightly: "How did you find out?"

He gently patted her back, comforting her: "I know."

The nurse, with a blank expression, pointed to the clock and said, "Visiting hours have ended for today"

The car arrived downstairs, and Li Zhijin insisted on escorting her upstairs, arguing, "Anyway, when I go back, I will be all alone, which is meaningless. It is better to go to your house for a cup of tea."

He casually said no, but in fact, he had no idea what she was talking about

Her words were spoken slowly, truly filled with hatred, cold and piercing to the bone

She walked over, and he reached out his hand to place a smooth bead in her palm. It was about half the size of a pigeon egg, slightly larger than an ordinary pearl, resembling a cat's eye, deep and beautiful. This was the only one she had seen, adorned at the end of the prayer beads he held.

She stepped out from the well-heated hall, shivering from the cold, and spent the time waiting for him to retrieve the car contemplating what to eat

In fact, the housing prices on this road are quite high, and it is not unjustified at all. What a picturesque scene of a city with such character; any building here is a historical preservation unit.

Luo Yao suddenly thought: If she doesn't come down tonight, will he just wait here without telling her, simply waiting for her all the time

Three years later, on a similar deep night, Bai Luoyao found that she could still recall everything from that evening. Her teacher had clear eyes, neither surprised nor angry, neither pleased nor fearful, as if this was her last attempt, and regardless of success or failure, she was merely doing her best.

Zhan Zecheng suddenly felt a slight weight on his shoulder. In just two or three minutes, she leaned against the back of the chair and slowly fell asleep, her head resting on his shoulder, her breath sweet. He carefully adjusted her body to make her more comfortable and draped his coat over her.

What happened later

She nodded blankly, wanting to say something, but her mind was in a state of confusion

She did not truly believe this news in her heart, so she asked again: "What they are doing is illegal, isn't it?"

In fact, he had already woken up long ago, so he simply shook her, forcing her to open her eyes. Half of his face was still buried in the soft pillow, and with a somewhat languid expression, he said: "I haven't done anything, why are you feeling embarrassed?" His tone seemed to convey a sense of regret.

Bai Luoyao encountered Zhan Zecheng downstairs at the hospital, as he emerged alone through the main entrance. She had never seen him with such an expression, walking with his head slightly lowered, seemingly very fatigued, until she called out to him

She couldn't help but advise her, yet the mentor always smiled: "I am fine, if I don't do it now, when I am old and unable to do it, I will only regret it"

In the end, Zhan Zecheng softly called out to her: "It's over, why are you still in a daze?"

Upon turning her head, she saw him walking to the other side, quietly conversing with those unfamiliar individuals. She stood there in a daze, feeling utterly bewildered

In fact, that cannot be considered a project; it is merely that the publishing house approached her to publish a book that collects couplets from temples. Teacher Yu thought it was a good idea, as it could preserve a lot of valuable materials, and thus agreed. In reality, the funding is quite limited and insufficient for any substantial purpose; rather, producing the book requires a great deal of material, and just the collection process is very labor-intensive.

A staff member came out and smiled, asking: "Sir or madam, do you have a preferred house?"

Zhan Zecheng merely smiled, casually holding her on his lap, and gently said: "No."

She had been rinsing under the hot water for a long time, her long hair cascading down her back, smooth as silk. Warm currents flowed down her skin, pooling at her feet into a gentle stream of warmth, and her body finally radiated heat. After drying her hair, Luo Yao wanted to find Zhan Zecheng, so she quietly opened the door. Just then, the aunt walked by the door; she hesitated for a long time, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and ultimately did not dare to speak up.

She quickly glanced at Zhe Cheng and said, "You should go back; I want to stay a little longer." She pointed to her senior brother and added, "I will return to school with my senior brother."

But this time it is not for that project

Luo Yao quickly introduced the situation, and Teacher Yu appeared calm, inviting him to sit down, smiling as he said: "So that development project belongs to your group"

Luo Yao's attention was immediately drawn to the ash-gray sweater worn by the model. It was a very understated color, and it felt great to the touch. She handed it to Zhan Zecheng and said, "Could you try it on?"

The car was ready to go, but Luo Yao changed her mind and stubbornly refused to get in, insisting that she wanted to go shopping with him

In fact, there is no need for the senior brother to nod, as she had heard from Zhan Zecheng that their company's development project is located in Xishan. She leaned back against the wall in a daze, not even asking what would come next. The senior brother only thought she was tired and patted her shoulder, saying, "Don't worry too much. Such an important discovery can be preserved as long as we coordinate well with the developers. National laws do not allow them to arbitrarily demolish ancient buildings. As for the teacher, the doctor has said that a period of rest is needed, and there is no need to overexert oneself."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she couldn't help but let out a bitter smile. Zhe Cheng forced her to look at him: "It's too late today, how about going to my house? We can discuss everything tomorrow." He cautiously moved closer to her and slowly said, "I can show you the development plan, really, we are still in the surveying phase, so don't rush."

The mentor, no longer considered young, seems to possess boundless energy during this certification process, working tirelessly without rest. She has conducted numerous field investigations, repeatedly reviewing the photographs taken, studying the murals blackened by incense smoke on the walls, and engaging in discussions with professors from the architecture and art departments. Luo Yao sometimes worries about her health, as she has a heart condition and always carries nitroglycerin with her. Recently, this concern has intensified; she often sees her teacher squatting by a certain column base at Yunchu Temple, clutching her chest, her face pale, yet her cheeks exhibit a morbid flush, and her expression reveals extreme agitation. Luo Yao sometimes worries about her health, as she has a heart condition and always carries nitroglycerin with her. Recently, this concern has intensified; she often sees her teacher squatting by a certain column base at Yunchu Temple, clutching her chest, her face pale, yet her cheeks exhibit a morbid flush, and her expression reveals extreme agitation

His fingers were long as he gently turned her face towards him, gazing into her strikingly clear black-and-white eyes: "Luoyao, do you trust me"

Senior brother works at the Cultural Relics Bureau. He remained silent for a long time and finally said: "Yunchu Temple has not yet applied to become a protected cultural relic site. If it is not a protected cultural relic site, once demolition occurs, it cannot apply for protection at the original site. There is no need to ensure the implementation of preliminary work such as surveying, written records, and photography or videography before demolition, let alone the preservation of components of ancient buildings"

The nurse frowned and said, "The patient has left, claiming that they will take responsibility for anything that happens. We tried to persuade them for a long time, but it was of no use"

The curtains were not drawn properly, and the snow outside had become quite heavy, resembling thin, torn white paper, carelessly scattered from the clouds, falling silently to the ground. The air conditioner was blowing warm air, gently roasting the skin

Ningshou Road is a uniquely characteristic street in Wendaoshi. The road is not wide, and both sides are lined with tall sycamore trees. Most of the small villas are only two stories high; if they are three stories, the small dormer window must be included in the count. The walls are covered with plants, and since it is not yet summer, the brown, withered vines have not yet shown any signs of vitality

Zhang Zecheng allowed her to cry for a while, seemingly a bit troubled: "Yunchu Temple cannot simply be demolished at will... Alright, stop crying. There are many types of development projects; who says it must be demolished?"

However, just after one day, the situation took a sudden turn for the worse

However, the mentor said nothing, and the master also remained silent, ultimately just waving at Luo Yao.

As soon as this was mentioned, a villager who was guiding us chimed in, saying: "This temple has been under construction for a very long time; our village has come here to worship the Bodhisattva for generations."

Luo Yao did not know whether his current mood was truly one of distress, as if disappointment had reached its peak, allowing a car to crash recklessly into a cliff. He told himself that it was merely a confirmation of his senior brother's words once again. Meanwhile, Zhan Zecheng, sitting opposite him, had also lost his former sharpness, resembling a proud swordsman who had lost his edge

What a beautiful reverie. Luo Yao suddenly shook off his hand, took a few quick steps, and at the roadside was a retail outlet for the welfare lottery, where she cheerfully bought two tickets. When she turned around, Zhan Zecheng had his hands in his pockets, his tall figure extending down to her feet, gazing at her with a gentle look, as if silently acquiescing to a child's mischief.

Perhaps the situation truly exceeded his control, and she did not want to blame him. Luo Yao gently clenched her fist; if even her severely ill teacher did not give up, how could she easily concede defeat?

This statement caused a slight heaviness in Luo Yao's heart, as her senior brother did not mention anything else, and it seemed that the demolition had already become a foregone conclusion. She almost blurted out the name "Zhan Zecheng," but ultimately swallowed it down: "Then let's apply for it!"

She looked seriously into his eyes, while he merely gazed at her deeply, as if from the depths of a vast ocean, with undercurrents swirling.

The room finally warmed up. Luo Yao turned around and saw Li Zhijin wrapping his arms around himself, his tall figure leaning against the kitchen door, silently watching her. His voice was pleasant and gentle, like warm tea in a cup: "Luo Yao, do you know why I like Kunqu?"

Zhang Zecheng casually remarked, "My friend"

Luo Yao walked back to his side, holding the lottery ticket and said, "If both tickets win five million, after deducting taxes, there would only be eight million left, which is still not enough"

The water in the faucet drips incessantly

Nowadays, most of the villas have been transformed into uniquely designed coffee shops, or distinctive clothing stores, or even bookstores. Occasionally, when entering one, a young girl with short hair sits quietly reading behind the cash register in the warm light of the setting sun, wearing a pink cardigan, with a cup of clear green tea beside her

He smiled gently, his brows and eyes relaxing in a most contented manner. As if granted permission, or perhaps knowing that she would no longer be angry, he simply wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her tenderly

He gently brushed away the white fluff from her, as the golden rays of the setting sun fell upon the girl's fair skin and her glossy eyes. She remained obediently still... Such a tender feeling made Zhan Zecheng unable to resist; he quickly leaned down and lightly touched her lips before casually pulling away.

In the end, it can be summed up in four words: a mixture of sorrow and joy. While feeling comforted by the liberation of the deceased, one cannot help but feel sadness due to their departure

"Huiru, you still have that old temper," the teacher said. The father smiled as he looked at her, "I only discovered it a couple of days ago, so I hurried to find you to take a look."

Luo Yao was unwilling to leave

Li Zhijin had been listening intently until this moment, when he gently interrupted her contemplation and prolonged silence.

The strange smell of the disinfectant in the corridor was considerably diluted by the aroma of breakfast. As the meal cart passed by Luo Yao, she looked through the glass and saw the nurse placing breakfast on the small table beside Teacher Yu's bed

She did not mention how fortuitous the opportunity was to obtain this prayer bead, nor did she say how precious it was, but she knew that as long as it was a gift from her, he would surely cherish it

She does not remember which book once wrote: Love and hate are always the two poles of life. Now she cannot help but hate him, just as back then, she could not stop loving him.

The car stopped at the entrance of the hospital, and Luo Yao unbuckled her seatbelt, turning to ask him: "Would you like to come with me to meet Teacher Yu?"

Luo Yao's heart gradually sank: "Did you have a dispute?"

He remained silent for a long time before finally lifting his head and staring motionlessly into her eyes: "The initial investment is too substantial, and the board of directors does not agree to abandon the construction of the golf course. Moreover, the golf course is also part of the development project; if it cannot be completed, the entire plan will have to be redone."

He sat opposite her, wanting to say something, but hesitated for a moment. Perhaps it was just the heat, so he loosened his tie and slightly furrowed his brow

Luo Yao counted on his fingers and said, "My dreams have been shattered. With so much money, when will I be able to earn it?" He then seriously reminded him, "You need to work hard to make money! It seems that I have no hope in this profession."

Their fingers were tightly intertwined, resembling an ordinary young couple. Zhan Zecheng turned back to take a glance, as if to remember the place she mentioned, and then said: "When we grow old, we can move a chair outside and bask in the sun by the roadside"

The air conditioner has been turned on, and it will take some time to heat up. Li Zhijin sat on the sofa, gazing at this incredibly clean little home, and watching her busy figure in the kitchen, he felt a moment of daze, as if he had truly stepped into her world for the first time

There aren't many clothes inside, she saw them outside and tugged at his hand: "Let's go in and take a look"

Luo Yao had completely forgotten how he later made excuses to his senior brother. He randomly said he was going to the convenience store to buy something, regardless of whether the other party believed him, and got out of the car. His car was on the opposite side of the road, and it just happened to be separated by the duration of a red light, causing Luo Yao to freeze to the point where even his fingers became stiff and powerless.

She stood up without hearing his response. The large piece of ginger was not yet finished. She carefully washed it clean, then held the knife and began to slice it with undivided attention. One, two, three, four... She silently counted in her mind, feeling calm and peaceful.

The air conditioner has warmed the room considerably, yet the black tea in the cup has still inevitably cooled down. Luo Yao gently placed the cup back on the table, only to realize that she had maintained one position for too long, causing her body to feel somewhat stiff

She was about to burst into laughter upon hearing this, when her senior brother called. His voice was very solemn: "We have received a response from Yi Qin. Their development plan is proceeding as usual. The village has already begun to be demolished, and if all goes well, the demolition of Yun Chu Temple will start next week"

Zhan Zecheng slightly raised his eyebrows but did not urge her any further, until Luo Yao's senior brother called her over

Her Zhan Zecheng, merely Zhan Zecheng. Those splendid outer garments, whether wealth or status, he quietly concealed from her, solely because she is Bai Luoyao, his Luoyao

She realized that this was her first kiss

She blushed and shook her head, saying, "No, no." Even her language was clumsily adorable

Luo Yao was reviewing the "Cultural Relics Protection Law" and the "Regulations on the Protection of Cultural Relics in Wendaoshi" when she suddenly heard her teacher calling her name. With an intravenous drip still attached to her hand, her voice was somewhat weak: "You can go back first. I will sort these out tonight, and let your senior brother come to pick them up tomorrow."

A waiter came over to lead someone to a seat, the beam of the flashlight cutting through the darkness like a ray of sunlight. In that faint light, he could only catch a glimpse of her delicate nose, right beside him, just a slight lowering of his head would allow him to kiss it. His lips were almost touching hers, but he ultimately stopped, for she was sleeping so peacefully, and he was merely afraid of waking her.

Luo Yao pulled Zhan Zecheng out from inside, her expression filled with longing: "Did you see that? The girl just now had such an elegant demeanor."

Luo Yao sat down and said with a hint of politeness: "Auntie, you can just call me Luo Yao."

He was still sitting in his room, gently moving the prayer beads in his hand, then subtly and almost imperceptibly lifting his eyes to glance at the person who entered, smiling.

Luo Yao was taken aback for a moment and foolishly asked, "Senior Brother, did you make a mistake?"

Luo Yao glanced at him, unable to help herself, lightly raising an eyebrow, and simply said: "Your expression... don't be like that, it's really nothing. It was a long time ago, if you don't ask me, I would have forgotten it all."

Luo Yao shook her head to correct him: "Teacher Yu said that if I have a boyfriend, I must bring him to show her." She blinked her eyes, "Let's go together... it has nothing to do with Yun Chusi."

She nodded slightly and buried herself back in his embrace: "Mm, I know"

Suddenly, a hand reached out from the side, timely inserting itself between the narrow gaps of the two doors. The door seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally opening slowly again. Zhan Zecheng pulled her in together, silently placing his hand on her shoulder. Luo Yao noticed a red mark on the back of his hand. Although the elevator would not crush anyone, it was likely that he had been too hasty just now and had bumped it a bit too hard.

Luo Yao counted the raindrops, one, two, three, four... Suddenly, a sense of dread washed over her, as if those numbers held a magical power, compelling her to continue counting. Indeed, in twenty years, if one does not count the numbers, what else can one do? In twenty years, if everything is lost and one merely continues as a living corpse, is it not chilling to contemplate?

The old monk on the mountain has gradually come less often. When this is mentioned, the master appears calm, yet there is a hint of concern in his demeanor: "His health is not good, and I advised him not to come down the mountain and move around."

Fang Liuyi's attitude was very friendly, and she inquired about some of her circumstances. She only paused for a moment when Luo Yao mentioned her major, then turned to Zhan Zecheng and said, "I will go to the company first"

The girl in his arms was soft and light; he clearly remembered what he had said to her. Thus, he only frowned when she could not see him, his eyes reflecting hesitation and the deep, unfathomable shadows.

Zhang Zecheng smiled and asked, "Which building have you set your sights on? How much is it?"

Luo Yao said innocently, "I never knew either... Later, when I found out who he was, there wasn't really much to say."

However, Luo Yao did not move, stubbornly standing there, and asked the nurse: "How is the patient doing now?"

He did not appear flustered, nodding as he said: "Yes, regarding yesterday's matter, I am truly sorry. I hope you recover soon, and if there are any changes to the development plan, I believe we can still collaborate on both sides"

Her nose was slightly wrinkled, resembling that of a kitten, soft and adorable. Zhan Zecheng then asked her: "Do you want to open a shop?"

In the end, I still did not make a purchase. The boss was very kind, sending them off with a cheerful smile, saying: "Come again next time, Merry Christmas"

At that time, they were also young; who would have thought that several years later, they would truly discover the wooden architecture of the Tang Dynasty? One of them had already converted to Buddhism, appearing peaceful and composed. As for the other two, despite having once made solemn vows to each other, they would never meet again in their remaining lives

Luo Yao is very optimistic. While peeling an apple, she said: "Teacher, you need not worry. Successful development cases are not nonexistent, aren't they? The Great Buddha Light Temple from back in the day is one such example."

Wooden architecture is difficult to preserve for long periods, as the history of the Chinese nation is too long. This land of Huaxia has endured too many disasters and sufferings. Natural disasters and foreign invasions have gradually eroded the various glories accumulated over five thousand years.

There was a faint smell of tobacco in the car, and Zhan Zecheng reached out to touch her cheek, smiling apologetically: "I just smoked a cigarette"

Teacher Yu is no longer young, but perhaps due to a naturally tranquil disposition, he does not appear old, always looking to be in his early fifties. He is usually very modest and dignified, even in his academic pursuits, always remaining calm and unhurried, and he teaches his students in the same manner

She did not respond, as her attention was drawn to a real estate agency by the roadside

When it came to this, Yu Huiru no longer felt the excitement she had yesterday. She silently gazed at Zhan Zecheng for a long time, her eyes flowing like a gentle stream, traversing the depths of her memories. The morning light fell on the side of his face, casting a faint shadow on his straight nose. It was just like that person; she had not seen him for far too long, leaving only a faint sense of melancholy.

As Luo Yao stepped out of the small shop, she smiled and said, "When girls go shopping, they always pick clothes for their boyfriends, you really are not cooperating"

She looked at him for a while, then suddenly leaned forward to reach for the cup on the tea table. The tea master had just replaced it with black tea, which had now cooled significantly. Luo Yao casually took a sip, set the cup down, and reached across the table to hold his hand, smiling brightly: "I understand now. In fact, Senior Brother has already told me." She slowly tightened her grip on his hand, "I don't blame you; you have already done your best."

The weather forecast has long indicated that there will be cold air in the coming days. In fact, it is already quite cold; what difference would it make if it gets even colder

The glass window was covered with advertisements for houses for rent or sale. Accompanied by photographs, there was a standalone small building, not very large. She stared at it for a while, silently calculating the price by multiplying the cost per unit area, and was then startled by the resulting figure.

Luo Yao wriggled out of his embrace, turning her face away in some embarrassment: "Get up, I need to change my clothes."

In fact, there are times when Luo Yao really wants to open a small shop like this. When she is unhappy, she can curl up in the shop and quietly read for a whole day; when she is happy, she can lock the door and travel the world. If that were the case, it would be a life so joyful that it hardly feels like living. She casually mentioned this and then pondered: "If I could open one, what should I name it? It needs to have personality; otherwise, it would be easily overshadowed by others."

Zhan Zecheng did not know why he did not go to pick up, and his tone was somewhat uneasy: "Where are we going to try?"

Zhan Zecheng did not say much; judging by his expression, it seemed he had completely forgotten who she was talking about

There is half an hour left before the performance, and there are not many people in the small theater, with dim lighting.

She was held in his arms, her voice somewhat panicked: "Did I ever tell you? Yun Chusi is truly a precious building... Teacher Yu has searched her whole life, she said she has searched her whole life... and now she has found it..."

The master was not in good health, or perhaps it was just due to the weather; she watched from the side, always feeling a sense of desolation. However, the two elderly individuals were exceptionally excited, seemingly tireless as they hurried to a small village at the foot of the mountain. After winding their way along some paths, they finally caught sight of a temple.

Although it is cold, the festive atmosphere is hard to conceal. On the roadside, Santa Claus is distributing candies, and he stuffed a large handful into Luoyao's hands. Luoyao, wrapping his coat around him, casually tucked them into his pocket. There is a very small clothing store by the roadside, with a warm light that resembles the color of a hearth, warming the hearts of those nearby.

A piece of obsidian

He led Luoyao to a guest room and asked the maid to bring her a brand new nightgown, smiling gently as he said: "Take a hot shower and then have a good sleep"

After a brief argument, Teacher Yu became anxious... her heart is not in good condition, and she was truly too agitated in the afternoon, sigh...

Yunchu Temple is not abandoned, as the villagers from the nearby settlement often visit to pay their respects during the New Year and festivals. Even the Buddha and Arhat statues have been repainted several times. Teacher Yu glanced at the central statue of Shakyamuni and frowned, saying: "It seems to be painted in the Qing Dynasty style."

That was indeed a long, long time ago, when I was still young, studying in the United States. She often audited courses in the architecture department. One time, she heard a guest Japanese professor proudly say: "Currently, there are no wooden structures from the Tang Dynasty left in China. If you want to see them, aside from finding them in picture books, you can also come to Japan"

Luo Yao could not recall how many times he had been brought to the small temple in Xishan by his teacher. In the past, they often sat together drinking tea, as they were all elderly individuals, casually discussing various topics, such as the shadows of bamboo outside the window or an ancient scroll that had been turned over, as if they were engaging in everyday conversation. As for the sudden enlightenment often mentioned in Zen Buddhism, Luo Yao had never witnessed it. As his teacher said, in the midst of the mundane, the most ordinary people or matters resonate with the essence of Zen. As for the sudden enlightenment often mentioned in Zen Buddhism, Luo Yao had never witnessed it. As his teacher said, in the midst of the mundane, the most ordinary people or matters resonate with the essence of Zen.

At that time, they loved each other and were filled with happiness

Luo Yao found that she really could not continue speaking, her fingers digging heavily into the flesh of her palm, suddenly loathing her own weakness—why, after such a long time, was she still filled with hatred

Luo Yao quickly shook her head: "No, we are just looking around." She turned and dragged Zhan Zecheng away, saying with a hint of disappointment: "It turns out the housing prices along this road are so high!"

Luo Yao chuckled softly, but there was not a trace of warmth in her gaze: "Haven't you been to that stadium? That artificial lake, it could even be considered the ruins of Yun Chusi."

It is so joyful yet so unexpected, as if one is in the clouds, witnessing everything in the world, feeling that it is all beautifully unreal

However, no matter what, it is not the turn of that island nation's people to mock

I just couldn't think of it; when I returned, I encountered a group of people surveying the terrain. Someone nearby informed them that this large area had already been enclosed, stating that it was to be redeveloped, and that the entire village was to be relocated.

She glanced at the car, silently lying in the darkness, its headlights on, illuminating countless falling snowflakes dancing in the air

In fact, he has been busy these days, as a development project that he is personally overseeing has entered the preliminary preparation stage. This is a significant investment by Yi Qin in the near term, and there must be no room for error.

Zhang Zecheng slightly shook his head: "It is not very convenient to see her right now. I will come to see her again after I finish handling this."

Luo Yao did not know what to say, silently taking a sip of porridge, and after a long while finally said: "She looks... very young, and also very kind."

The sound of knocking was faint, and she hurried over barefoot to open the door

The master nodded and said to Yu Huiru, "If only Jingrong were here."

In the distance, the neon lights are picturesque, as if a lonely painter is swiftly sketching in the darkness. Despite the biting cold, many people on the street are still willing to whisper, exchange glances, hold hands, and warm each other in the frigid air

She continued to ask: "Is it Yi Qin?"

Zhang Zecheng's voice seemed very close: "I am right across from you, get out of the car"

Fish fillet congee, a box of heated milk, at this moment Luo Yao remembered that she had not eaten anything all night. She held the milk and slowly sipped it, wanting only to sit there, motionless.

Fang Liuyi was having breakfast, with a cup of milky soy milk beside her. Her fingers rested on the cup's wall, and after a moment of surprise, she returned to her senses, smiling broadly. She turned to Luo Yao and asked, "Miss, have you had breakfast yet?" Then she turned back to the aunt and said, "Please prepare another breakfast."

Luo Yao fell silent, simply reaching out to wrap her arms around his neck, resting against his chest. Perhaps it was the fragrance of the shower gel, but there was a gentle milky scent about her. He tenderly kissed the side of her neck, his soft lips cool against her skin, and she, being somewhat ticklish, turned her head slightly away.

Teacher Yu's fingers were still holding a pulse sensor, and Luo Yao looked at the steady heartbeat on the screen, handed her an apple, and emphasized once again: "It will definitely be fine"

When he lifted his eyes to look at her, his gaze was intricate and complex, yet no matter what, Luo Yao clearly saw a faint hint of apology. In that moment, she almost sensed the outcome.

Teacher Yu did not return until evening, holding a lot of materials in her arms, her face pale to the point of being frightening, looking almost on the verge of collapse. Luo Yao nearly jumped up from the sofa: "Teacher, where have you been?"

He let out a sound of "oh" and said, "Then be careful. Call me when you return"

She was so anxious that she was about to cry, instinctively wanting to seek help from Zhan Zecheng: "I'll just take a look outside, okay?"

His complexion was very pale, and although his tone remained calm, there was a faint circle of dark shadows under his eyes, as if he had not slept well, or as if his energy had been completely exhausted, revealing an undeniable weariness.

That was the last time Luo Yao saw that serene-looking master

A slippery object fell into Zhan Zecheng's palm