Chapter 07

On that day, the sunlight was just right, enveloping the ancient town of Dali, where small bridges and flowing water intertwine, bathing the bustling streets and tranquil alleys in a golden hue, filling every corner with a warm essence

Two years have passed, and the girl, who was once still innocent, has grown even more beautiful and graceful. Feng Jinxiao is momentarily uncertain whether he should start a relationship with her

The Dongba auspicious bell is distinct from ordinary wind chimes, as it represents an extension of the primitive religious beliefs of the Naxi people. The body of the bell appears similar to that of a regular bell, but upon closer inspection, one can find patterns that symbolize Naxi culture cast upon it. Beneath the clapper hangs a Dongba wooden tablet, which is known as the oldest form of primitive painting art, referred to in the Naxi language as "kebiao"

The next morning, Xiao Yuhang appeared in the city where Feng Jinxiao worked. Holding the address she obtained from Xiao Yi, she found his residence. However, Feng Jinxiao was not home as he was on a mission. Afraid of affecting his work and not daring to go to the police station, she patiently waited at the door. Two days later, when Feng Jinxiao returned, she was sent to the hospital

At that time, Feng Jinxiao was still a criminal police officer, and his workplace was not in City G. Due to the execution of an important task, he did not return on Xiao Yuhang's birthday. As for whether he deliberately forgot about it, that is hard to say. After all, he was very resistant to dating minors at that time; otherwise, he would not have even made a phone call to offer his blessings.

She still cares about him. Her eyes brimmed with tenderness as Feng Jinxiao directly made the call.

Feng Jinxiao slowly curled the corners of his lips. He was unaware that, in that moment, his smile was incredibly charming; otherwise, the girl's face would not have instantly flushed red.

Her soft lips pressed against his, awkwardly at a loss. Feng Jinxiao was momentarily taken aback by her sudden action, but he quickly embraced her, lowering his head to capture her lips in a kiss

Xiao Yuhang looked up at his face and said, "Then your marriage partner must be me"

At that time, Feng Jinxiao believed that Xiao Yuhang's admiration for him, as a police officer, was blind and unrelated to love. It was not until that summer when she came to find him again, solemnly and seriously stating: "Now I can finally be your girlfriend, right? There are many boys in school who are more handsome than you, yet I don't like any of them; I only think of you. Besides, I have no commitment, it's just a pretense." He then realized that the problem girl he once saw had blossomed into a graceful beauty, delicate as spring flowers.

Unable to utter a single word of refusal, Feng Jinxiao smiled faintly and then extended his right index finger, affectionately brushing her cheek, as if to say: Alright, I accept your suggestion

Feng Jinxiao later recalled that scene and could never understand why he had the patience to listen to her speak incessantly for nearly ten minutes without interrupting

I originally thought that after she entered university and interacted with other males, she would truly understand her feelings and lose interest in herself. To my surprise, a year later, she still speaks so confidently about it.

Feng Jinxiao, who was temporarily assigned to the provincial special task force, made his appearance in the ancient city under such weather. He paused at a specialty shop, listening to the shopkeeper introduce the Dongba auspicious bell to the customers

It was then that Feng Jinxiao truly witnessed Xiao Yuhang's stubbornness. Looking at her frail appearance and the spoiled cake she had brought, he could not feel angry at all, only a sense of dread. He could hardly imagine what the outcome would be if he did not return for a week

Feng Jinxiao was usually taciturn, concealing his emotions deeply. When he smiled so unguardedly, with a face that bore an aristocratic elegance and indifference, it further highlighted the masculine aura he possessed. Xiao Yuhang felt a sudden stir in her heart, stepped forward to grasp his hand, and bravely called out: "Feng Jinxiao"

"You flatter me, it is what I ought to do." What he referred to as 'ought to' meant that, given the relationship between the two families, he should take care of Xiao Yuhang. However, to Xiao Yuhang, it might carry a different connotation.

This is a message from Xiao Yuhang, in which she says: "You have enough medals on you, take care of the one on your hand."

Considering Xiao Su's presence, Feng Jinxiao interrupted her before she could finish, saying, "Let's talk about it later"

Xiao Yuhang replied with a smile, "I am not afraid; I do not mind him."

That is why she wanted to see what the differences were He raised his hand and took down the auspicious bell, handing it to her The girl tilted her head and glanced at him, and under the encouragement of his gaze, she focused on the auspicious bell in his hand

Repeatedly looking at the text messages from Xiao Yuhang filled with concern, Feng Jinxiao reminded himself not to overthink. He believed that since they had already gotten back together, even if there were occasional quarrels and awkwardness, they had forgiven each other for what happened that year

The female doctor's expression changed instantly, and she hurriedly left the ward, deciding to keep her distance from the strange "siblings".

The girl turned her head, and within Feng Jinxiao's line of sight appeared a delicate and beautiful little face, with large eyes and bright black pupils that exuded a hint of mischievous spirit. In that moment, the man forgot to let go.

On the day of Xiao Yuhang's eighteenth birthday, Feng Jinxiao missed his first appointment. To say it was a missed appointment is not entirely accurate, as Feng Jinxiao had not made any prior arrangements with her; he was the one who was forcibly informed that he had to accompany her for her birthday celebration.

Feng Jinxiao furrowed his brows in confusion, doubting whether he had heard incorrectly

In fact, the two of them once shared a period of romantic bliss. They engaged in every possible activity that lovers typically do, leaving no detail overlooked, including making love. However, they have not expressed their love for a long time.

At that time, Xiao Yuhang was still in university. Since it was not a holiday, the next day she was sent back to City G by Feng Jinxiao on a plane. Subsequently, Feng Jinxiao took a vacation, intending to give her a surprise, but the little girl actually learned from the Feng family about his return time and waited at the airport early.

The shopkeeper said this is the treasure of the store, and awkwardly elaborated further

Perhaps too focused on the string of auspicious bells, the girl was startled by the sudden voice from behind her, causing her to lose her balance and nearly fall. Feng Jinxiao seemed to be prepared for this, extending his long arm to support her.

The girl turned her head to glance at the busy shopkeeper, leaned closer to him, and whispered, "I am planning to steal it."

What is that

Later, Feng Jinxiao personally took Xiao Yuhang home. In front of Xiao Su, he could only apologize and say: "She has never been to City A. I took her out to have fun for two days as a birthday gift. I did not discuss it with you in advance; it was my oversight."

Such tenderness is met with. Apart from saying good, Feng Jinxiao has no other response to give

The girl whispered that she had lost her wallet, then tugged at his sleeve, "Do you think I would be found out if I hid it in my hat? How about you help me cover it up?"

No one would be happy about a daughter going missing, but Xiao Su did not show it on her face. Instead, she politely said: "Hang Hang is still young and doesn't understand, I apologize for the trouble caused to you, Jin Xiao"

At that time, they clearly got along very well. Later, she became less inclined to smile and no longer mentioned words like "like" and "love." Her aloofness and her readiness to turn and leave at any moment made Feng Jinxiao uncomfortable, but he could not deny that all these changes were brought about by him

She declared to him that from now on she would no longer call him Brother Jin Xiao, but would address him by his name as a lover

The meaning symbolizes the proliferation of all things ... ... How could you not even know this? Don't you do any research before traveling?

This was the first time Feng Jinxiao encountered such a situation in his life. As a police officer, he found himself facing a would-be thief who was attempting to solicit his protection, and she was a slender, pretty girl who had not yet reached adulthood. The sincerity of the expectation in her eyes made it difficult to refuse. However, this truly put him in a bit of a dilemma

Indeed, this time they no longer called him by his full name in a tense and indifferent manner, but instead greeted him first.

The girl adjusted her tilted straw hat and scratched her cheek, saying, "I just looked because I didn't know."

With a hint of youthful innocence, it was as warm and soft as he had imagined. Feng Jinxiao could not help but wrap her in his trench coat, pulling her body tightly against his chest, kissing her more deeply

Seventeen-year-old Xiao Yuhang almost always has her affection for Feng Jinxiao on her lips, mentioning it to everyone she meets. Even Feng's elder brother, Feng Jinting, jokingly said: "Yuhang, you need to work harder to grow up quickly; otherwise, by the time you mature, Jinxiao will be old."

Feng Jinxiao sat down gracefully by her bedside and calmly and generously said: "Alright, choose one that you like."

It seems that she really likes the Dongba auspicious bell, and Feng Jinxiao asked her after she finished speaking: "So are you planning to buy this string?"

A gentle breeze wafted in, accompanied by the auspicious sound of bells. Feng Jinxiao's attention was drawn to a particularly unique female voice. Following the sound, he looked over and saw, in the innermost corner of the shop, a girl wearing flat sandals, denim shorts, and a T-shirt, with a sunhat made of straw, gazing up at a string of auspicious bells hanging above.

One of the Naxi Eight Treasures. The sound of the bell is truly unique, no wonder it symbolizes the Dongba Frog God

Xiao Yuhang waited an entire day, from dawn to dawn, yet Feng Jinxiao did not appear. On the surface, Xiao Yuhang did not show any signs of distress, cheerfully celebrating her birthday with her family, and even prepared a gift for her mother, which she bought with her first earnings from a summer promotional job, moving Xiao Su to tears

Frog God? What does it mean?

Feng Jinxiao retracted his hand and nodded: "You have been looking at it for quite a while."

Hearing her ask, "Is something wrong?" Feng Jinxiao felt that the deepest emotions within him were suddenly awakened. He called out, "Xiao." He paused until Xiao Yuheng responded with a sound, and then he said, "Is your wound taken care of? Remember to have the doctor prescribe some topical medication. After dinner, go home and rest. I will try to—" He raised his wrist to check the time, "be back before 8 o'clock."

Feng Jinxiao decided to change the subject: "I heard that this auspicious bell has many meanings—"

This should be a white conch

Feng Jinxiao originally did not accept her as his girlfriend, but mistakenly defaulted to that status. Xiao Yuhang believed that this was a private matter between her and Feng Jinxiao, and there was no need to explain it to outsiders, nor did she say much. However, when a female doctor subtly inquired whether Feng Jinxiao had a girlfriend, she spoke mysteriously and deliberately hesitated as she quietly said: "My brother, he doesn't like girls. Please don't tell anyone, or he will be unhappy."

Xiao Yuhang immediately got up to grab some yogurt, slurping through the straw as she said: "Brother, introduce me to your boyfriend, I need to practice dating."

A string of Dongba auspicious bells thus changed the fates of Feng Jinxiao and Xiao Yuhang

The girl's attention was indeed diverted. "Messages sent to friends represent the hope that the other party will think of you when they hear the clear sound of the wind chimes. The blowing of the wind and the chime's connection signify a mutual telepathic bond. Messages exchanged between couples symbolize love and longing..."

Suddenly, I recalled the first meeting between the two of them

The girl's face resembled a white magnolia in spring, blooming with a heart-stirring smile under the gentle sunlight. Xiao Yuhang found herself in the embrace of a man, overwhelmed with joy and tears. That smile, reminiscent of pear blossoms in the rain, became the most beautiful scenery in Feng Jinxiao's eyes

A man suddenly appeared at a distance of just a few inches. The girl was momentarily taken aback, then blushed slightly and pulled her hand away from his: "Are you asking me?" It was evident that she had heard Feng Jinxiao's words just now.

That was their first kiss, and it has been four years since then.

It's fine if you're a bit late. He Riao and I are just wandering outside. If you have time, come pick us up then

Xiao Yuhang's voice is not like that of an ordinary girl, delicate and tender; rather, it possesses a deep, ocean-like quality that sounds steady and comforting

The certainty in her tone was highly incongruous with her tender age. Of course, from a man's perspective, that was not certainty but rather a display of stubbornness. After all, she was just a little girl; let her be. At that moment, Feng Jinxiao comforted himself with these thoughts.

That was a string of auspicious bells hanging at the highest point, and the girl had to stand on her tiptoes to reach the clapper. She stood there swaying unsteadily, one hand resting on the glass counter while the other reached out to gently shake the clapper, again and again

Feng Jinxiao was standing at the door of the ward at that time. If it were someone else, they would surely feel hurt upon hearing those words, but he merely nonchalantly walked in with a bag, using his usual indifferent tone to say: "The yogurt is inside, help yourself if you want to drink it." He chose to ignore her malicious sense of humor

Seeing him silent, Xiao Yuhang's expression rarely revealed shyness, her unblinking eyes filled with anticipation. With a hint of caution and a determined tone, she said: "With me around, you won't be able to get a girlfriend at all. If you refuse me again, you won't be able to marry by the age of thirty, and then others will think there's something wrong with you. So I suggest you agree."

Xiao Yuhang stayed in the hospital for two days, and it was only natural for Feng Jinxiao to take care of her. The twenty-five-year-old man was tall and handsome, and every time he entered or exited the ward, he would attract the attention of female doctors and nurses. In contrast, although Xiao Yuhang was already eighteen years old, she developed like a fifteen-year-old girl, and when she referred to Feng Jinxiao as 'brother,' those around them mistakenly assumed they were siblings

When Feng Jinxiao was leaving, Xiao Yuhang was still feeling down and unhappy. After hesitating while holding his hand, he finally said: "Then when will I be able to ---"

When she excitedly and lightly jumped into his arms like a child, Feng Jinxiao felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. Later, in the parking lot, catching him off guard, Xiao Yuhang stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips.

Such a special and lovely girl. The man who was confessed to finally couldn't help but laugh

Feng Jinxiao walked up behind her and slightly tilted his head to look at her: "What is so special?"

I truly regret having struck up a conversation with her in the ancient city, Feng Jinxiao lamented: "At that time, I was already married"