Chapter 5, all joy is devoid of smiles

Indeed

During a break at work, Lu Mingmei sent a text message to Shi Jingwei asking: Aren't you curious about what happened yesterday

Cheng Songpo was still wearing a hospital gown, probably because he got caught in the rain last night, and the hospital had provided a temporary change. His shirt and trousers were draped over the windowsill, and there was a small puddle of water left on the floor. He surprisingly picked up those clothes and tried to put them on, sensing that something was amiss, yet unable to comprehend exactly what was wrong, feeling at a loss.

Cheng Bing shrugged, "I don't know the specific situation; perhaps he thinks others are more suitable."

Hmm?

Cheng Songpo was momentarily taken aback, and after a brief contemplation, he replied nonchalantly: "My schedule is quite flexible, so why not discuss it directly with her and have her inform me of the time."

Who has told you anything

Perhaps the gathering of migratory birds is merely for the sake of their eventual separation

Cheng Songpo moved to sit at the head of the bed, his left hand still holding her, while his right hand brushed past her ear, tucking her silky hair behind it. Gentle kisses fell on her earlobe and neck, stirring waves of tingling sensations. He softly murmured, holding half of her earlobe in his mouth, "Whatever you say goes"

A tea, the migration of migratory birds, is solely to fulfill a promise

Qian Zhongshu once made a remark about Yang Yi, which later generations regarded as a model of an ideal marriage: First, before meeting her, he had never thought about marriage..." Xi Siyong paused here, and the mention of this piqued Ji Jingwei's curiosity. While waiting for him to continue, he calculated in his mind: "I have never thought about marriage in the past, present, or future, and it has nothing to do with Lu Mingmei!"

Lu Mingmei cried until her entire heart and lungs felt as though they would burst from her body, for she knew that the days of indulgence were few. She was not the migratory bird that travels south in winter and returns north in spring; she could only endure the painful wait here, as spring passed into autumn, and years withered and flourished.

His grip was bone-crushing, yet Lu Mingmei felt no pain; the warmth flowed continuously from his palm, as if infusing her with new vitality

Cheng Songpo said that the migration of migratory birds is also a story of commitment

Oh?

It was found online that there are real estate developers on Suiming Island developing standalone seaside villas. Cheng Songpo was once again tempted, and Lu Mingmei, seeing that he was willing to set aside his desire for a solitary existence, thought that being able to settle for a second-best option was also good

If her mother truly loves her, she should understand that she has the right to decide with whom to spend her life, whether for better or for worse, as that is her own choice, and no one can make that decision for her

You have not changed your clothes yet

Time has often looked down upon the behavior of those who wear a blank expression in public but become henpecked at home, asking, "What plans do you have?"

Cheng Bing laughed heartily, "I have known him for about a few months, and he is about to graduate. However, we have had a few meals together before. I asked him why he chose such a strange English name, just like how everyone calls for an encore at the end of a concert. He is quite narcissistic and told me: 'Because I sing well, as soon as I step on stage, the audience will shout Encore, Encore!' Back then, I was young and naive, and I almost believed him. Later, I asked Si Yong and found out that he originally had a terrible voice and only became the lead singer in our band because he played the guitar well. He is very narcissistic and told me: 'Because I sing well, as soon as I step on stage, the audience will shout Encore, Encore!' Back then, I was young and naive, and I almost believed him. Later, I asked Si Yong and found out that he originally had a terrible voice and only became the lead singer in our band because he played the guitar well. However, he really wanted to be the lead singer, so he named himself Encore to motivate himself, hoping that one day, under his stage, there would be a sea of people shouting Encore."

Hmm?

This is fundamentally two different matters. Can you deny that you requested the Myanmar government to retrieve your father's ashes? I felt something was off when you exhibited "The Spring of the Mekong". I asked you why you wanted to showcase it, and you said it was no problem, but in reality, you were doing it intentionally, weren't you? Songpo, you are no longer a person from Shan State, nor do you belong to that place anymore. Have you ever considered what consequences you would face if these matters were uncovered? I remember you said—your father hoped very much for you to return to China. Why can't you peacefully fulfill your father's wishes and let those matters... Songpo, you are no longer a person from Shan State, nor do you belong to that place anymore. Have you ever considered what consequences you would face if these matters were uncovered? I remember you said—your father hoped very much for you to return to China. Why can't you peacefully fulfill your father's wishes and let those matters... just let them pass?

She knew that female students from the Fine Arts Department often came to seek out Cheng Songpo, but she was unaware of the current situation

Last time I lost my temper and spoke without thinking

After I returned, I called him back, "Lu Mingmei recalled the heavy nasal tone of Jingwei, and couldn't help but feel a sense of schadenfreude, "I suddenly felt that his image in my heart had completely shattered."

Lu Mingmei nodded vigorously like a chick pecking at rice, while Cheng Songpo coolly remarked: "By the time I finish painting one hundred pieces, you will have become an old maid"

Lu Mingmei did not know, she only knew that her mother's words were not false

"Who says what is not important; what matters is how you think in your heart"

To explain why I feel averse to Jiang Wei, perhaps it is partly due to jealousy. I envy him for having a variety of friends, I envy him for having friends like Cheng Bing and Xi Si Yong who care about him, and I envy that there are people who take his joys and sorrows to heart

You only give me one day out of two weeks, are you even serious about that

This is the last matter; I wish to bury my father back in Jiangxi

Lu Mingmei sat alone on the wooden bridge, with a vast expanse of lush grassland in the distance. Once, during the warm spring when flowers bloomed, flocks of migratory birds returned from the south. They flew in orderly formations, almost brushing against the grassland, as if they were merging with the earth here.

"Acha," he seemed to suddenly realize something, anxiously reaching for her face, fearing that if he hesitated for even a second, he would miss something. "I am not leaving you."

I only remember that line, the sky should not shed tears for me

Despite her confusion, Cheng Bing quickly composed herself and introduced to Lu Mingmei, "This is my husband, Xi Siyong. Are you here to look at the house?"

I never even considered getting married! Shi Jingwei is even more pleased, as I simply do not need marriage!

Cheng Songpo did not respond, half-squatting in front of her bed, holding her hand and smiling, "Then you do it."

She is merely pretending not to know, repeatedly telling Shi Jingwei that she likes Cheng Songpo, perhaps just to shirk the responsibility on her own shoulders. Thus, in the future, even if someone says that Shi Jingwei likes her, she can confidently assert that she has told him she loves Cheng Songpo

Ten years ago, Lu Mingmei was at a loss for words. To be honest, she did not understand painting. For her, Cheng Songpo's paintings were good simply because they were painted by Cheng Songpo. She had also seen the works of Cheng Songpo's classmates, and if she were to comment on the differences among them, perhaps Cheng Songpo painted a little better, but just how much is that "little"?

How about... Suiming Island? I heard from Bing that it's quite fun, and it seems there are migratory birds. Are you interested

Before she could speak, Cheng Songpo had already interrupted her: "You need not respond, for the initial assumption is invalid. I have decided to return, not because of you"

He... he told me he was on vacation. Lu Mingmei pondered how to explain it clearly and simply to Cheng Bing, "In fact... all along, Ji Jingwei has been helping me cover for him. He didn't intend to keep it from you."

His feelings inexplicably accumulated. How could someone as intelligent as Lu Mingmei not realize that the migratory birds were merely resting on Cuiming Island, rather than settling there permanently? He shook his head and sighed, saying to Xi Siyong: "Well, it seems that observing migratory birds, such a literary and romantic endeavor, is not suited for me. Moreover, this is not the best time for birdwatching; April and November are the most suitable months."

Birds fly away and return, grass withers and flourishes year after year, who knows the suffering of this lonely island

On the surface of the Cheng Songpo, the still water is undisturbed, yet the glimmer in the eyes reveals a flicker of uncertainty between light and shadow, "What about now?"

Shi Jingwei let out a sound and mentioned that he encountered a heavy rain while going out for an interview. Lu Mingmei advised him to take care of his health, to which he replied that he was already on sick leave. He sounded quite listless, like a sick tiger that is not as lively as a cat, and today he was unusually quiet. Lu Mingmei shook her head and smiled, and after ending the call, she sent a text message to Ming Aihua, informing her that she was still alive and that there was no need to worry.

Lu Mingmei turned her head, staring at Cheng Bing in disbelief. She found it hard to believe that after three years of hard training, Jingwei had finally become the lead singer. It was simply inconceivable to her that at such a critical moment, Jingwei would willingly step aside for someone else.

I will no longer trouble your mother, I promise

Time and space are not outsiders

What?

The vows once carved on the wooden bridge have long since rotted away under the磨砾 of wind and rain

Xi Siyong was also unconcerned, quite shamelessly taking pride in it, "You are jealous."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Lu Mingmei knew she should not have said them, but it was already too late. Cheng Songpo flicked his hand, and another heavy layer of oil paint splattered onto the canvas, the bizarre colors resembling a clawing demon. Cheng Songpo wore a cold expression, his eyes slowly narrowing, anger becoming apparent. "It's not an outsider—why are you dragging me into this meaningless discussion? Isn't it because you already believe in him? Now you come to ask me, isn't it just to condemn me, to make your choice seem justified?"

Soaked to the skin, she felt nothing but exhilaration; it turned out that being completely consumed and stripped by this irresistible fate was such a pleasurable experience

We are here to have a look, he wants to see the houses in this area, which one are you interested in

Cheng Songpo took care of Lu Mingmei without leaving her side for three days, until Lu Mingmei insisted that her health had recovered and she wanted to return to work. Cheng Songpo then seriously and solemnly suggested to her: "You do not have to go to work."

Just like the phrase that Shi Jingwei often has on his lips: "You deserve it," he once said that language is a vast and profound discipline, applicable across time and space. The phrase "You deserve it" can be used in various contexts. For instance, when he writes an emotional column for a friend's magazine, there are often some foolish women who, despite being caught in the tumult of desire, refuse to step back or withdraw. When they write to express their feelings of being deceived or betrayed, Shi Jingwei often responds with "You deserve it," meaning "You brought this upon yourselves!" There are exceptions, though; for the very few couples who have weathered storms and finally found happiness, Shi Jingwei also tells them, "You deserve it," meaning "You are worthy of this." For instance, when he writes an emotional column for a friend's magazine, there are often some foolish women who, despite being caught in the tumult of desire, refuse to step back or withdraw. When they write to express their feelings of being deceived or betrayed, Shi Jingwei often responds with "You deserve it," meaning "You brought this upon yourselves!" There are exceptions, though; for the very few couples who have weathered storms and finally found happiness, Shi Jingwei also tells them, "You deserve it," meaning "You are worthy of this."

Alright, I will go now

Ten years later, Cheng Songpo has become renowned both domestically and internationally, and no one can shake his position in the art world. She thought she could finally escape her mother's sphere of influence. However, her mother, who once crossed the blockade line amidst the sound of gunfire, capturing one precious piece of material after another as a battlefield rose, remains just as harsh in her role as a mother.

Porridge

Moreover, Cheng Songpo also mentioned that he "had a long period of decadent and chaotic life." Reflecting on this, she further asked: "Emotions should be reciprocal. If I only allow you to be with me, forbidding you to speak to other women, forbidding you to meet other women, not even allowing you to glance at them, can you do it?"

In the end, she was unable to be so carefree as to betray her parents and leave her hometown.

Cheng Songpo lowered his head again to kiss her. His lips were cracked, and there was a slight pain when they brushed against hers, but it felt wonderful. Lu Mingmei leaned crookedly in his embrace, and he hesitated, unsure of how to begin speaking. After a long while, he suddenly asked, "Are you hungry?"

Acha, no matter where I go, I will eventually return to your side

In a fleeting moment, Shi Jingwei felt an impulse to silence Xi Siyong forever, shrugging off Xi Siyong's hand with a dismissive gesture, "Congratulations my foot! I have never compared myself to anyone!"

Lu Mingmei also felt a sense of sorrow, realizing that all these years, she had been like a moth, foolishly and obsessively flying towards the light. Clearly aware that the flame would burn, she still sought to excuse the fire. It was always like this; it was inherently scorching and harmful. One cannot blame the light; who compelled the moth to desire it?

Gathering is merely a prelude to parting

Cheng Bing still appeared hesitant and asked gently, "I haven't seen you around for the past few days; I went to the bank but couldn't find you."

This is not your home

Are you going to support me?

Shaking his head, Cheng Bing forced a smile after a long while and said, "No, a couple of days ago I called Ah Shi. We had originally planned for the three of us to come to Cuiming Island together, but he said he was ill."

Xi Siyong tilted his head and smiled, "I hope I'm not interrupting your date"

He secretly felt a bit fortunate, yet he could not bring himself to be happy—Cheng Songpo did not know the whereabouts of Lu Mingmei, could it be that Shi Jingwei was aware of it?

Lu Mingmei leaned against the railing of the wooden bridge, in this season there were no tourists, and no one would see her crying

Everyone speaks with confidence and conviction

This point is strikingly similar to her mother, Ming Aihua. So what possibility would there be for Shi Jingwei to let go of the easily attainable results?

They are no longer the youths of ten years ago, who believed that there truly exists a place in this world, as described in martial arts novels, where "we can go to a place with no one else." There is no such place in the world; the resources in reality are dwindling, while the number of people is at most unchanged.

Shi Jingwei thought that he should know where Lu Mingmei had gone

Songpa

She said she wanted to drink milk tea, and Cheng Songpo immediately began to clatter around in the kitchen

Cheng Songpo was skeptical, and then he followed Xi Siyong inside. Cheng Bing deliberately lagged two steps behind and quietly asked Lu Mingmei: "You... hasn't Ah Shi been with you these days?"

Lu Mingmei had long been accustomed to life in Shanghai. Although her private interactions with colleagues were not frequent, they had accumulated a bond over the years. She was not the type of person like Cheng Songpo, who could live in isolation and found even resigning from her job tedious, let alone going to the countryside in Jiangxi. Cheng Songpo had brought it up several times, but upon seeing Lu Mingmei's evasions, he understood her intentions and had no choice but to consider settling in Shanghai instead.

Cheng Songpo set her down, took two steps forward, then turned back and asked, "What kind of porridge?"

"Just have a nurse go outside to buy some, it will be fine," Lu Mingmei laughed at his foolishness, unable to help but add, "You fool."

She believed that for someone like Yu Chengsongpo, who only allowed the officials to set fires while forbidding the common people from lighting lamps, such a demand was absolutely impossible

Where is it simple? There are a lot of troublesome matters, such as the house, the car, the auspicious date for the wedding, the wedding dress, and the banquet

Therefore, Lu Mingmei at least did not elope with Cheng Songpo

Lu Mingmei felt that if this sentence were applied to Shi Jingwei, it would probably have two meanings at once. She found it quite amusing and asked, "So what happened later? Did he become the lead singer?"

Cheng Songpo's villa, which he favored, is situated by the mountains and the sea, with vegetable fields visible right outside the window, simple and unadorned yet full of rustic charm. The viewpoint is also excellent, making it a perfect spot for observing the crows. Lu Mingmei is quite fond of it as well, praising it endlessly. Although it was Cheng Songpo who first took a liking to it, she later became even more eager, contemplating the purpose of each room on their way out. Just as they were happily discussing, two people approached, waving at Lu Mingmei. When she focused her gaze, she realized it was Cheng Bing.

Cheng Songpo repeatedly expressed his hints and also had reasons for his impatience in dealing with various trivial matters. After the art exhibition concluded, a multitude of trivialities came rushing in, such as interview requests, article commissions, painting invitations, and requests for inscriptions. The mobile phone number, which was originally only shared with a few people, somehow got circulated, leading to frequent calls inviting him to give lectures and cut ribbons. There were also some inexplicable wealthy merchants and celebrities, who wore a face that seemed to say, "Inviting you to paint is a sign of respect for you." Moreover, his email inbox often filled with messages containing photos, with all sorts of strange anecdotes and stories. Cheng Songpo was originally a person who enjoyed tranquility, and with a somewhat proud temperament, he grew increasingly impatient with these matters. Thus, he discussed with Lu Mingmei the idea of purchasing a property. His intention was to find a location with beautiful mountains and clear waters, serene and elegant, suitable for self-cultivation, free from disturbances, allowing him to focus on his painting. Based on such criteria, the further away from Shanghai, the better. Cheng Songpo even suggested going to the countryside of Wuyuan in Jiangxi to seek a secluded village for long-term residence.

Lu Mingmei shook her head, and he immediately sat down, wrapping his entire body around her like a gibbon.

If... ..." Lu Mingmei smiled slyly, "What if I don't want you to draw?"

The food I made is not very tasty

Lu Mingmei grasped the doorknob, contemplating slamming the door and leaving without a word. Ultimately, she was unwilling to do so, biting her lip and turning back with a smile, saying: "How clearly do you want me to explain it?"

After comforting Ming Ai Hua, Shi Jingwei immediately contacted Cheng Songpo, but to his surprise, the phone was unreachable. He was momentarily taken aback and, after verifying Cheng Songpo's schedule, discovered that he was attending an art seminar. Driving to the venue, he found Cheng Songpo absentmindedly doodling with a pencil, which relieved Shi Jingwei. After the seminar concluded, Cheng Songpo came out and, seeing that Shi Jingwei was waiting for him, nodded with a smile and asked, "Is there something you need?"

What did Shi Jingwei say to you

Cheng Songpo said, the journey of ten thousand miles is solely for the purpose of reuniting with you

Well

Cheng Songpo said lightly: "I do not believe in feng shui"

After finishing the banter, Shi Jingwei felt quite pleased and turned to report his achievements to his wife. Suddenly, Shi Jingwei jumped up from the sofa and said, "You all take your time, I have something urgent to attend to"

Ah Cha, the migration of migratory birds is merely to return home

It is said that there is a type of bird that migrates only twice in its lifetime, once from south to north and once from north to south

Do not do anything foolish

Xi Siyong waved to him, leaned on his shoulder and whispered softly: "When I tell you the first three criteria, and you reflexively compare them with someone in your mind to see if she is suitable, " he patted Shi Jingwei's shoulder and laughed heartily, "Brother, congratulations, you have already fallen for it!"

Lu Mingmei shook her head after a moment of distraction, "No problem"

Cheng Songpo's facial muscles twitched slightly, and she pressed her lips tightly together, seemingly making a great effort to restrain herself. After a long while, she spoke slowly and deliberately: "You must not tell me that you are unaware of the fact that Shi Jingwei likes you."

That day, Lu Mingmei spoke her mind after drinking, clearly under pressure from either Cheng Songpo or Ming Aihua; judging by Cheng Songpo's reaction today, it is possible that the two had some sort of dispute again. If Cheng Songpo knew Lu Mingmei's whereabouts, he would not have passed the responsibility back to Shi Jingwei, asking him to negotiate the timing with Lu Mingmei on his own.

She swayed slightly

Cheng Bingshan chuckled twice and said, "What kind of person do you think Ah Shi is?"

Acha, Acha, I know you are here

"I know, I know," Lu Mingmei said cheerfully as she leaned in. "I heard that Xu Beihong originally eloped with Jiang Biwei, and after their marriage, he found a new love. Jiang Biwei could no longer tolerate it and argued for a divorce, but she demanded one hundred paintings as a breakup fee! One hundred of Xu Beihong's paintings, worth a fortune!"

When I woke up, I found myself in a hospital, with a head buried beside the snow-white mattress. Lu Mingmei reached out to touch the stiff hair that stood up like sharp spikes. Cheng Songpo suddenly raised his head, "You are awake?"

In fact, it was Shi Jingwei who deliberately came to pour cold water on her when he learned that she was with Cheng Songpo, peddling a basketful of romantic escapades of the masters of the art world as if it were a clearance sale. How Xu Beihong failed to reconcile with Jiang Biwei and married someone new within half a month, how Zhang Daqian abandoned the three benefactors who saved his life, and as for Rodin and Camille, there is no need to mention them. In summary, it all boils down to the eight characters of being fond of the new and tired of the old, and being ungrateful. However, this cannot be told to him as coming from Shi Jingwei.

If my answer to the previous question is yes, can you promise me one thing

Jealous of what! I truly do not understand one thing: how could you have been so oblivious back then, to suddenly elope with the Empress Dowager?

Even in the presence of her mother, he remained on edge, showing not the slightest hint of fear. Now, he appeared as if he were facing a formidable enemy, trembling with anxiety, as if he were holding the most fragile porcelain treasure in the world.

Cheng Songpo seemed not to have heard, so Lu Mingmei did not repeat herself. After a moment, Cheng Songpo pressed his hand down harder, and the oil paint ground out an unusual color on the canvas. He turned around in a daze, his face showing confusion, "Why bring this up?"

As Shi Jingwei nodded slightly, the smile on his face appeared somewhat forced—after learning about the grievances between Cheng Songpo and Ming Aihua, engaging in conversation with these few eminent individuals truly tested one's intelligence. In front of Ming Aihua, he could only play the role of a close friend coerced by Lu Mingmei, while in front of Cheng Songpo, he had to maintain a distance from Lu Mingmei. He really did not know what sins he had committed in his past life!

Where did you hear all these wild historical anecdotes?

Shi Jingwei is absolutely right; one should treat oneself with more kindness.

Lu Mingmei turned her face and asked, "Agree to everything?"

Cheng Songpo said, no matter where I go, I will eventually return to your side

His roots are deeply embedded in Shan State, the land that gave him life and sustenance, the land where the moldy vegetable flowers bloom

She suddenly felt a sense of enlightenment

Lu Mingmei was taken aback, not expecting him to make such a request. She suddenly realized that Cheng Songpo was asking this question very seriously, so she countered, "What about you?"

He had just turned around when Lu Mingmei called out to him: "Songpo."

It thought it was merely flapping its wings in the sky, yet it never realized that a single glance down would cast a reflection in the heart of the lake for eternity

The doctor came in for a follow-up consultation, confirming that there is only a high fever and no other complications. After receiving an intravenous drip, the patient can be discharged.

It indeed seems to align with Shi Jingwei's character; once he is determined to accomplish something, he will undoubtedly forge ahead with unwavering resolve, regardless of the risks involved. However... Lu Mingmei, at some point, has changed her perspective on him. Previously, she believed that although Shi Jingwei was successful, he employed unscrupulous means; now, she surprisingly thinks that Shi Jingwei deserves his success, even if it comes with some unscrupulous methods.

After work, he went to Cheng Songpo, where he was meditating in front of the canvas. Upon seeing her enter, he merely smiled and said, "Wait for me a moment, I will eat later."

It turned out that Cheng Songpo also had such gentle moments, and Lu Mingmei felt as if she were in a dream. He held her close, and she felt completely lightheaded, as if she were walking on cotton, with each step feeling unsteady.

Lu Mingmei suddenly felt that she had had enough, enough of her mother and Cheng Songpo's endless quarrels

I didn't know him for long before he graduated," Cheng Bing smiled, and Lu Ming felt that there was something deeper in her smile, which she couldn't quite grasp for a moment. Cheng Bing continued, "He has known Siyong for a longer time. Um... do you know that his English name is Encore?

Cheng Songpo raised his hand to his forehead and asked, "So what do you want to do?"

Do not meet again at the coordinates of time and space

Ming Aihua's voice was filled with unmistakable disappointment, leaving Shi Jingwei momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond. He did not understand why Ming Aihua was so insistent on bringing him and Lu Mingmei together. After a couple of awkward laughs, he said, "Teacher, I think... I should first contact Cheng Songpo to see if he has any news about Mingmei."

How fortunate it is that even the heavens are aware of her day of sorrow

In a conversation with Ming Ai Hua, she did not blame Shi Jing Wei for consistently teaming up with Lu Ming Mei to deceive her; rather, she was worried about what might happen to Lu Ming Mei and wished she could immediately buy a plane ticket to return. It was Shi Jing Wei who first calmed down and reassured Ming Ai Hua, saying, "Teacher, let me handle this matter. I don't think Ming Mei is intentionally opposing you; she is just a bit stubborn. Besides, I don't think Ming Mei is someone who would leave without informing anyone; she remembered to ask for leave from the bank, which indicates she just went out to relax." Suddenly, Ming Ai Hua interrupted and asked, "Jing Wei, am I a very unsuccessful mother?"

A journey of ten thousand miles, solely for the purpose of reuniting with you

Last night, certain events indeed took place. Ming Ai Hua, who is far away in Australia, has always been quite influential. The secret connection between her and Cheng Song Po cannot be concealed merely by the cover provided by Shi Jing Wei.

After two days, Shi Jingwei finally found the time to go to the community where Lu Mingmei lived to pick up the car. He also called her to ask if she was free to go out for a late-night snack. To his surprise, the call could not be connected, and after several attempts, he was informed that the phone was turned off. He had no choice but to send a text message saying that he had already taken the car. The next day, while contemplating what excuse to use to contact Lu Mingmei again, he received a call from Ming Aihua, who was anxious and asked if he had been in touch with Lu Mingmei recently. Shi Jingwei sensed something was wrong and hurried to the bank to inquire, only to find out that Lu Mingmei had taken a long leave of absence. Her colleagues were also surprised, saying, "Didn’t Xiao Lu inform you about her leave? We thought... you two..." Lu Mingmei's colleagues assumed she was on vacation with her boyfriend. When Shi Jingwei pressed for any other contact information Lu Mingmei might have left, he learned that she only got along well with everyone at work and did not have much private contact.

I will eventually return to your side

In July, the island of Suiming does not exhibit the spectacular sight of migratory birds flying in flocks.

Apart from this, I will not concern myself with anything else

She was disheartened; this time it was a complete and utter defeat. Yesterday, Ming Aihua's words had only inflicted serious wounds, but now it was fatal. She stood up, took two steps forward, then turned back, took out the key to Cheng Songpo's place from her bag, placed it on the sofa, and took two more steps before she heard Cheng Songpo's cold voice: "Clarify your words."

Lu Mingmei nodded, "What about you?"

A sound of a splash echoed in her ears, reminiscent of the sound made when skipping stones on the pond's surface during childhood, as the tiles jumped twice on the water before ultimately sinking. Lu Mingmei was not unfamiliar with Cheng Songpo; she certainly understood what his reaction signified. Yet, she persisted in asking, "I once asked you, if I had not encountered you in Florence, would you have returned? You answered that you would, and I thought..."

Ten years ago, Ming Aihua wanted to send Cheng Songpo abroad for studies, but Lu Mingmei became hysterical, threatening to sever their mother-daughter relationship. At that time, Ming Aihua sneered and said: "Do you think you can threaten me? Fine, do you believe I can ensure he achieves nothing in the art world for all eternity? This era has never lacked geniuses; there are many who are talented yet unappreciated. Do you think that without my paving the way for him, he could have smoothly reached where he is today?"

Before Cheng Bing could react, he had already rushed out of the bar. Fortunately, he had only consumed half a bottle of Carlsberg, so he was still able to drive.

Lu Mingmei suddenly remembered a song, which seemed to be called "The Sky Should Not Shed Tears for Me". She could not recall the lyrics, nor could she remember the melody.

She has none of these

This island extending into the East China Sea is merely his brief resting place

Lu Mingmei suddenly realized that she was unable to answer. While she was certainly sure that she did not have feelings for Shi Jingwei, why should one irrationally sever ties with someone? In fact, her life over the years had been extremely closed off. Her father did not invest much thought in her, and her mother naturally did not share any heartfelt connection. As for other friends... It was only after getting to know Shi Jingwei that she discovered she actually had no friends. Her life had indeed been very isolated over the years. Her father did not invest much thought in her, and her mother naturally did not share any heartfelt connection. As for other friends... It was only after getting to know Shi Jingwei that she discovered she actually had no friends. She had many classmates and colleagues, and certainly more clients, numerous acquaintances, yet not a single one could truly be called a friend. She placed a leaf in front of her eyes, and from that moment on, she could no longer see the world.

This has nothing to do with the matter

Xi Siyong smiled and said, "I came to inspect this place when construction just began. I suspect that the paint on the walls may easily peel off. Why don't you come in with me to take a look?"

Lu Mingmei, without any suspicion, smiled and said: "Oh, I took a few days off to go out and have fun, and I left my phone at home. Do you have any urgent matters to attend to?"

Cheng Songpo endured her two days of dry tongue and surprisingly became accustomed to her commanding demeanor, knowing that she wanted to unleash all the affection she had accumulated over the years in one go, and he felt helpless. Lu Mingmei, seeing that he was ignoring her, found it somewhat uninteresting and then added a twist, "What will you do in the future if you become fickle?"

Lu Mingmei tilted her head and pondered for a long time, yet could not find a suitable word to describe him. She shook her head and sighed, "It's hard to say, but I really admire him. His psychological resilience is truly remarkable; it seems that nothing can faze him. It appears that since you have known him for a longer time, you haven't encountered anything that he couldn't handle, have you?"

Is the sky shedding tears for her today

Her mother has always been this tough, just as she was ten years ago, requiring no explanation and needing no reason

It turns out that Lu Mingmei was extremely annoyed with her job at the bank, dealing with various clients from morning till night, while also having to keep a close eye on the economic situation. Each day felt like rolling on a chopping board, and what she longed for the most was to win a 5 million prize one day so she wouldn't have to be a lackey at the bank anymore. Now that an opportunity was truly in front of her, Lu Mingmei hesitated. It wasn't that she particularly liked the job of a financial advisor, nor was it that she was worried about Cheng Songpo; it was just that she was so accustomed to the nine-to-five routine that even during these few days when Cheng Songpo was accompanying her while recuperating, she felt too idle and had to find something to do.

I will eat it no matter how it is made

"I cannot be a housewife," Lu Mingmei said, her physical recovery accompanied by a resurgence of her spirit. Aware that Cheng Songpo was anxious about her, she immediately took advantage of the situation, grinning playfully as she added, "Apart from using the washing machine to do laundry, I can't do anything else."

Cheng Bing walked over eagerly, but hesitated when she saw the person next to Lu Mingmei. She looked at Lu Mingmei with confusion. Lu Mingmei knew that she had been misunderstanding her relationship with Shi Jingwei, and now that they had encountered each other, it was not easy to explain. She simply introduced, "Cheng Songpo, my boyfriend; Cheng Bing, she visited your art exhibition a few days ago."

Is there a problem

Yet I cannot help but wonder, when the migratory birds return south, will they still remember the lake on the solitary island that once reflected their wings?

Lu Mingmei could not help but wonder, if my mother loved me, how could she remain indifferent to me for over ten years

Cheng Songpo said that the migration of migratory birds is merely a story of returning home

Lu Mingmei felt a sense of relief in her heart; this was indeed a response in line with the situation. He had made every effort to calm her emotions, and as for what had actually happened, that was her private matter. If she was unwilling to speak, Shi Jingwei would not press her.

Countless migratory birds, coming from different continents, briefly meet here, yet this gathering is destined for separation

Lu Mingmei steadied her mind, not wanting to steer the conversation towards Shi Jingwei. "You asked the Myanmar government for your father's ashes; I don't need Shi Jingwei to tell me that. As for when you decide to return to the country and when to discuss the art exhibition with them, that is for me to ask him," Lu Mingmei said with a self-deprecating smile. "In fact, before I met you at the Uffizi, you had already signed a contract with them to return home for the exhibition, right? Songpo, I don't have high demands. You told me that your childhood was filled with anxiety, not knowing which day you could go to school safely and which day you would have to move because of war... Now that you have left that place, why can't we live our lives in peace?"

Cheng Songpo also smiled along with her, a man in his thirties, laughing like a child

Xi Siyong had two glasses of wine and felt a bit more spirited, planning to tease Shi Jingwei, "You wouldn't understand."

For example, Ming Ai Hua, who is determined to strive for fame and position, is willing to forsake her husband and daughter, and even betray the benefactor at the moment of life and death; Lu Ming Mei shakes her head with a bitter smile, perhaps they are not benefactors, but it would be more accurate to call them lovers

Good

I thought you said you would, meaning you would come back for me.

At a time of great distress, I unexpectedly received a call from Cheng Bing. It turned out that Cheng Bing's husband, Xi Siyong, who was a close friend of Shi Jingwei from university, had returned from Africa and invited him out for drinks. The three of them were originally university alumni, with Shi Jingwei being the oldest. He had played in a band with Xi Siyong, while Cheng Bing's mother held a rather low opinion of Xi Siyong, leading to many breakups and reconciliations between the two. Fortunately, Xi Siyong has now made a name for himself, working in real estate in Africa with friends. As his career is just starting, he has few opportunities to return to Shanghai. Therefore, upon hearing of his return, Shi Jingwei quickly gathered his spirits and rushed to the Shashi Bar to meet them.

A look of deep sorrow appeared in Cheng Songpo's eyes, and Lu Ming felt a pang of regret. She understood that this was a pain that Cheng Songpo would never be able to escape from for all eternity. She regretted asking him such questions, and even more so, she regretted things that were entirely beyond her control, as if something had drifted away with the current, never to return.

The migration of migratory birds is a magnificent flight

After she repeated it several times, Cheng Songpo seemed to wake up, abruptly releasing her to fetch water. Fearing that he might exert too much strength, he hurriedly reached out to support her. He was flustered and at a loss, first pouring hot water and scalding himself, then discarding it to replace it with cold water. When he brought it over, he felt it was still inappropriate, so he poured out half and added hot water again. After several such repetitions, he finally brought over a cup of warm water to hand to her. He held the cup as if it contained some divine nectar, trembling intensely, cherishing it to an unparalleled degree.

He felt a great sense of relief in his heart, but there was a hint of disappointment that he couldn't express, as if he had let out a sigh of relief.

What do you think?

Cheng Songpo bent his body, his entire being resembling a taut string, staring unblinkingly at her as she finished the entire glass of water. Lu Mingmei handed the cup to him, and he held the cup, asking: "Do you want more?"

An island and its reunion occur only twice in a lifetime

I know, he said he sings exceptionally well, and as soon as he gets on stage, everyone starts shouting "Encore!"

Cheng Songpo, if you love me, how could you treat me like a discarded shoe and disappear for ten years?

Acha, Acha, someone is calling her like this again in her ear, the sound of the wind is continuous, the sound of the rain is dripping, even people are having illusions.

The translation of the content is: "Songpo," she tried to persuade him, at the time, they were just friends, nothing more.

drowsy and lethargic, alternating between cold and hot, with a splitting headache

If Cheng Songpo truly loves her, he should also understand how his father died and what her mother has done. It has all been settled and cannot be changed. This is not a reason for him to hurt her.

Once asked about the passage of time, will a man become fearful and hesitant towards love? To ask such a question is merely because one has discovered that time has left deep marks on one's heart; because one has realized that the courage to throw oneself into the fire like a moth is no longer within oneself.

Shi Jingwei disdainfully said: "Can you stop treating everything that person from your family says as if it were a decree? You used to be quite understanding, so how did you change like this after getting married? I think Lao Cao's words are not wrong; it's not just women who turn from pearls into fish eyes after marriage, men do too"

What do I not understand

Lu Mingmei shook her head, still unable to believe it. Shi Jingwei knew that even if there was only a one percent chance, she would be willing to make a three hundred percent effort to fight for it.

Three, and never thought of marrying another woman.

Cheng Bing suddenly laughed and said, "I really disliked him when I first met him. He had a somewhat cynical attitude. But later on, I realized... ... that Shi Jingwei is truly honest and selfless in his heart. He despises those pseudo-gentlemen who stand on a moral high ground, preaching righteousness and morality while secretly engaging in wicked deeds. That's why he deliberately tries to appear different from them. Perhaps everyone is accustomed to the idea that being a good person and doing good deeds should be done quietly, so it's difficult for them to accept a bold and righteous person."

I promise you, when Dad's ashes return, I will not concern myself with the past, I will not concern myself with it at all

At the moment, he turned his head and glanced back, only to see her as cold as ice. Without thinking, he knew that this woman had once again influenced him with her words. He waved his hand to call the bartender for a drink and asked Xisiyong, "How long will you be back this time?"

Marriage to a woman is actually very simple.

Two, after being together for so many years, I have never regretted marrying her as my wife. When it comes to Shi Jingwei, who is so stubborn and unable to distinguish right from wrong, how broad and powerful must one's heart be in order to not regret marrying her!

程松坡 narrowed his eyes and spoke sharply, "You'd rather believe a stranger?"

Things are often so ridiculous. Cheng Songpo's grandfather is obsessed with returning to his homeland, but Cheng Songpo's homeland is no longer the home his grandfather yearns for.

Cheng Songpo had bloodshot eyes, and a faint stubble was just beginning to show on his chin, reflecting a night of poor sleep. Upon seeing her awake, he opened his mouth but could not utter a single word. After a long moment of hesitation, he suddenly stretched out his arms and tightly embraced her head, as if fearing she might vanish into thin air at any moment. Lu Mingmei opened her mouth to speak, but her throat was hoarse, dry, and painful, so she could only shiver and say in the briefest of words: "Water"

When they returned to the bar, Xisiyong and Chengbingji arrived first. They waved to him from the corner of the bar reserved for them. Jingwei patted Xisiyong and said, "You rascal, you've gotten even darker."

I... ... Lumingmei wanted to deny, but suddenly blushed. In front of Cheng Songpo, she seemed to never be able to be as confident as when facing Shi Jingwei. She could force Shi Jingwei to say that honeycomb coal is white, but she couldn't confidently say in front of Cheng Songpo that she didn't know.

At that moment, I believe in you

Oh... Xisiyong squinted his eyes again, laughing even more sinisterly, "Through a series of random sampling surveys, I have come to the conclusion of the fourth point."

The sky is low and the stars are faintly visible in the night sky, accompanied by the chirping of insects and the croaking of frogs, like a beautiful serenade.

Acha, Acha, someone once called her here in this way, that voice so familiar, so close, as if it were still ringing in her ears

Shi Jingwei really wants to strangle this poisonous tongue, which hasn't diminished its true colors since the old days.

Shí jīngwěi's response was very brief: If you need anything, feel free to ask.

Acha, I...I'm also afraid.

So this is what he's like. He forbids her from mentioning her mother or asking about his father. As for himself, he has no taboos and freely uses words that chill to the bone, recklessly hurting her.

I promise to forget everything.

Really?

Now there is the evening breeze of summer, but there is no longer the promise of the past.

Cheng Songpo's face was calm, but the color of pain in his eyes became even more intense, "If I could, what about you?"

Go away, she shouted weakly. Since you have to leave sooner or later, it is better to leave early.

A single sentence from Ming Ai Hua on the phone shattered all her defenses: "Do you think he is going back for you? You are mistaken; he is going back for his father. If you don't believe it, you can check when his father died and when he decided to return to the country. He has already submitted an application to the Myanmar government requesting his father's ashes—yet she dares to come out now and admit that he is that man's son! Tell me, what do you really mean to him?" He has already submitted an application to the Myanmar government requesting his father's ashes—yet she dares to come out now and admit that he is that man's son! Tell me, what do you really mean to him?

How about two weeks? I'll give you one day, invite a few friends, and go out for some fun

The sound of the summer night's torrential rain cascades down like the grand tones of a yellow bell, accompanied by the rumbling thunder, as the rainwater pours down in a refreshing and exuberant manner

In the years he has been absent, I still go to see him every year; perhaps it is a childish fantasy of a girl. I always feel that one day, like a migratory bird, he will return to my side when spring arrives and flowers bloom

Ah?

The milk tea ratio prepared by Cheng Songpo is quite poor, and it has a strange astringent taste. Lu Mingmei reproachfully asked, "How do you manage to survive outside with something so unpalatable?"

Perhaps those that shine are indeed mostly pearls, yet there are also quite a few that are covered in dust

Luming Mei sat aside and waited, while Cheng Songpo seemed to be in a trance, not turning around for a long time. On the canvas were two or three old and common iron-roofed houses in Shan State. Luming Mei knew that they were ancient and common houses in Shan State. Unconsciously, she asked, "Songpo, why did you come back?"

Lu Mingmei pressed her lips together; having said this much, what more was there to say? She knew Cheng Songpo well. When he said he would not deceive her, he truly would not deceive her. Therefore, when he said he would return, that was also true. As for who he was really doing it for—he would not deceive her about that either, so he would not answer.

It is simply a case of bringing up the wrong topic, without even a moment's grace. The words of Lu Mingmei echoed in my ears from that night when she was half-asleep: "Migratory birds pass by Suiming Island twice a year, stopping to rest; once when flying south and once when returning north"

She reached out her hand, preparing to turn the doorknob, but unexpectedly, Cheng Songpo gently said at the moment she turned around: "You may."

Cheng Songpo mentioned returning to his place, and Lu Mingmei merely expressed her discontent with a few words. He immediately complied and took her back to her residential community.

Don't you think he used to be like Superman?

What would you like to eat? I will buy it for you

Upon taking a deep breath, Shi Jingwei calmly replied, "No, none of them are suitable."

Those who are accustomed to eating Huanglian do not know the taste of bitterness; only those who have tasted sweetness understand it

He was momentarily taken aback, but soon smiled, sealing her slightly pale lips with a soft, moist touch, lingering and repeating, "Then let's not paint, after all, this is enough for you to eat for a lifetime."

The promise has been fulfilled, you can leave.

I heard there was an opportunity, but when the time came, he gave it to someone else

Lu Mingmei pointed out to Cheng Bing, and Xi Siyong immediately remarked: "The feng shui is not good"

Lu Mingmei chuckled, "It seems like he knows everything and can even fix computers! I heard from that little Zhao in his company that one time he stayed up all night for a meeting and suddenly discovered that a Latin American black jazz singer had arrived in Shanghai. While making contacts, he was also doing his homework, managing to finish the exclusive interview and even accompanied someone for a stroll along Nanjing Road!"

His eyes are warm and gentle, yet they conceal a storm that seems to surge and probe the depths of the sea "Hmm."

Ming Ai Hua remained silent for a long time, then suddenly asked: "Jing Wei, do you... have no plans to start a family for the time being?"

Silence can sometimes be the answer

Isn't that enough?

Lu Mingmei suddenly burst into laughter; in her memory, she had never seen Cheng Songpo in such a flustered state.

Hmm?

Whether it is appropriate to place the time and space at the end, pretending not to know the many words that Lu Mingmei had said to him that night, he simply smiled lightly and said: "Teacher, in fact, Mingmei cares about you very much; I think she just doesn't know how to express it."

He has also traveled thousands of miles, from the Golden Triangle to Shanghai, from Shanghai to Florence, and now he has returned here to rest. Ultimately, the hometown he wishes to return to is not his place of origin

So, does this mean I have to first create one hundred paintings as a betrothal gift for you

One says, I am your mother, I love you, therefore I must protect you from any harm; another also says I love you, because I love you, you should not use my love as a means of coercion.

I yesterday ... ... I yesterday ... ..." He still spoke incoherently, not yet having recovered from the heart palpitations of last night, anxiously wanting to pour out everything he had to say all at once

Xisiyong smiled meaningfully, "According to this criterion, do you have any candidates?"

Seafood shrimp

Xi Siyong gazed at him with a hint of curiosity, and after a moment, he chuckled slyly, "Cheng Bing said you might be experiencing emotional setbacks. I didn't believe it at first, but now it seems to be true... Come on, tell me, who has such great power?"

How could someone like Shijing Wei let a cooked duck fly away

She fished her phone out from the bedside table, turned it on, and indeed found countless missed calls, along with a few text messages, all from Shi Jingwei, stating that he had already taken the car away. The last message asked her to call back. Lu Mingmei returned the call, and on the other end, Shi Jingwei spoke with a heavy nasal tone, prompting Lu Mingmei to chuckle, "Oh, even Superman is sick?"

I went to find you and saw Jingwei's car parked downstairs. By midnight, he still hadn't come out. I— I was so angry that I lost my mind, which is why I said those nonsensical things to you.

I... I am diligent in my studies and eager to ask questions!

Time Jingwei shook his head and smiled, "It's nothing serious. I remember there are a few more special interviews scheduled later. Well... I think we are all quite familiar with each other, so there's no need to be too formal. A few days ago, a friend introduced me to a Gan cuisine restaurant. How about I treat you and Lu Mingmei to a meal? What time would be convenient for you?"

Acha

They skimmed over the clear blue lake, passing through golden wheat fields. Before them lay the water's surface, occasionally stirred into waves, while in the distance, the sea's lament could be heard, along with the sound cleaved by their wings in the sky. They proudly traversed high mountains and crossed oceans, shaking off the worldly disturbances beneath them with a flap of their wings

Xi Siyong answered with utmost sincerity, "Just as I believe your English name is Encore because you sing well."

In fact, Lu Mingmei does not understand birds. The first time she was brought here was by Cheng Songpo, and they lay on this wooden suspension bridge, watching the dark mass of migratory birds fly overhead.