Chapter 6, all suffering leaves no trace of tears

He was clumsy with words and did not know how to express himself in a way that would make Lu Mingmei understand his feelings

The teacher of "The carved railings and jade steps should still be there, only the rosy faces have changed"

Such a person would naturally not be disheartened or discouraged by a woman, right? It is better to lay everything out clearly early on, to avoid wasting his time and to alleviate her guilt, which would lead to a mutually satisfactory outcome

Lu Mingmei felt as if struck by lightning; before she could discern the content of the article, the three striking characters "Shijingwei" beneath the title had already struck her heart with a heavy blow

According to the surrender agreement, both the father and he are to be placed under house arrest in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar.

Beauty, intelligence, and wealth; no matter which one, Cheng Bing is a standout, enough to make countless women in this city envious. For Lu Mingmei, she can admire Cheng Bing's radiant smile and lament the inheritance left by her parents that spared her thirty years of hard work. However, the one thing she truly envies from the bottom of her heart, yet cannot attain, is the uncontainable brilliance that shines from the corners of Cheng Bing's eyes and brows

Is this really the result?

How beautiful is it, really? He asked his father, is it more beautiful than the poppies piled high with stars?

Oh?

At that time, he felt that this was the most unprofitable deal in the world; now he finally understands that his father was willing to exchange all his income for a type of tea called Mingmei, while he was willing to exchange his entire life for the person named Mingmei

Despite his bitter regret afterwards, he surprisingly expressed gratitude for the fate that his father had bestowed upon him, which led him down the path of destruction

Stand at attention and then relax, carry heavy loads while running long distances, engage in close combat, and shoot at long range... If one does not perform well in a single instance, the whip will come down.

If time could be reversed, Cheng Songpo thought, if time could be reversed, then let Teacher Mao be executed by firing squad, it would not be unjust to execute her.

His stubborn father, after fifteen years, finally accepted the reality that his son was not suited to become a general. Prior to this, all the paternal love that Cheng Songpo felt was merely the anger, insults, and punishments expressed by his father regarding his sole interest in painting.

All the red men and green women I once knew have turned to dust

Cheng Songpo felt increasingly guilty, as he realized that he had frightened Lu Mingmei to such an extent. Had the original Lu Mingmei ever been this cautious before?

Lu Mingmei was unwilling to believe it no matter what; she would rather believe that there was some mistake in what Jingwei had said. There are always some things in this world that are so bizarre that what you see with your eyes and hear with your ears may not necessarily serve as evidence

After entering the house, Lu Mingmei pulled Cheng Songpo to sit down on the sofa and said solemnly: "In fact... they are friends of Shi Jingwei."

Lu Mingmei leaned closer, her face full of self-admiration, "Am I particularly adorable and endearing in your eyes? Shouldn't everyone like me?"

Hearing the voice, it was indeed Mr. Ma, who was anxiously in a hurry. Lu Mingmei was surprised in her heart and walked out of the office, asking: "Mr. Ma, I heard you were looking for me? I apologize for not being available a few days ago as I was on leave."

The carved railings and jade steps should still be there, yet only the rosy faces have changed

At that moment, he felt as if he were a solitary spirit, exiled to the ends of the earth, drifting aimlessly, coming and going, ultimately unaware of where his soul would return.

Knowing the feelings of Shi Jingwei, it is not in Lu Mingmei's character to pretend to be oblivious and enjoy his various attentions. Indeed, Shi Jingwei treats friends in the same manner, but that is a goodwill among friends, devoid of any emotional intentions. If Shi Jingwei were to let go of this sentiment and still wish to regard her as a friend, treating her as a friend should, that would be most agreeable; if Shi Jingwei is unwilling, then there is nothing to criticize.

That battlefield rose who achieved success and fame by betraying his father

Cheng Songpo let out a gentle sigh, "I hope you are happy, I hope... I hope I can make you happy"

The afternoon flight

Fate always enjoys playing tricks on people, and he encountered a girl named Mingmei

The three years spent with Lu Mingmei felt like the only faint glimmer of light in the discourse of life

So what do you hope for me to do

His life seems to have truly been severed from the past.

In the very beginning, he naively believed that his separation from his father was merely a brief farewell. Later, he read an article by a Chinese female writer traveling in Europe, which stated, "All temporary farewells in this world, if encountered during chaotic times, become eternal goodbyes," and he was deeply moved by it

Later on, the beautiful female teacher disappeared, and a classmate asked him with a mysterious expression: "Don't you know? Teacher Ming is a spy, General Cheng sent someone to capture her, and it is said that she is to be executed!"

Before this, and from then on, what is called life is merely a form of living death

Lu Mingmei read the magazine from cover to cover once again, and although the article did not use real names, the information was so detailed that anyone with even a slight interest in Cheng Songpo could easily see that it was alluding to him. Furthermore, by analyzing the other background information about Cheng Songpo in the text, it would likely only take a simple click of the mouse on a search engine to deduce Ming Aihua.

Hmm?

Cheng Songpo believes that his father is at least a good person. He lives in a tin house just like the Shan people of Manxingdie. There are hardly any decent pieces of furniture in the house; the only luxury is a desk in the study, which, like the bed, is made of bamboo

Cheng Songpo had never seen the vast fields of rapeseed flowers; he had only witnessed the dazzling blossoms of the silkworm flower, as brilliant as the clouds at sunset.

Lu Mingmei felt as if the world was spinning around her, as if she were being devoured by a gigantic monster

In countless days and nights, Cheng Songpo secretly vowed to bring the betrayer to ruin and disgrace.

In fact, the meaning could not be clearer; Cheng Songpo regretted it, he finally regretted it, he regretted leaving her, regretted the time spent in confusion, regretted... Yet she could not bring herself to believe it. During the years after he went abroad when there was no news of him, Lu Mingmei had indulged in countless fantasies, various dreams, bizarre and fantastical, all of which depicted him kneeling at her feet, lamenting the separation that had occurred.

Lu Mingmei returned to work at the bank after her leave. A colleague mentioned that a client had been looking for her urgently, possibly due to some pressing matter. The business card left behind belonged to Mr. Ma, who deals in steel and had previously discussed with Lu Mingmei his interest in making some cultural investments, having attended the Songpo Art Exhibition with her a few days ago. The bank colleague noted that Mr. Ma had come to the bank several times on Sunday because he could not reach her by phone and wanted to inquire about her residence. The colleague found this quite inappropriate and claimed ignorance. Lu Mingmei usually kept two mobile phones on hand, as clients often called her at all hours for inquiries, mistakenly believing she was a 24-hour information service. The bank colleague reiterated that Mr. Ma had come to the bank several times on Sunday due to his inability to contact her by phone and wanted to know where she lived. The colleague felt this was rather inappropriate and said they did not know. Lu Mingmei typically kept two mobile phones because clients frequently called her day and night, thinking she was a 24-hour inquiry service, calling at any time with various questions. Initially, Lu Mingmei would respond earnestly, but she eventually grew weary, as most of the inquiries were quite trivial. For instance, there was a client who called her at 2 AM after purchasing a fund during the day, simply because they had spent a large sum of money and felt uneasy, hoping the financial manager could reassure them. As such occurrences increased, Lu Mingmei naturally became more cautious, separating her work and personal phones, and turning off the phone she provided to clients at a set time each day. Lu Mingmei was unaware of what urgent matter Mr. Ma had, and just as she was about to make a call, she overheard someone outside asking, "Is Xiao Lu here today?"

Cheng Songpo tugged at the corners of his mouth and smiled helplessly. The one who asked him to paint was a secretary from an unknown department, who, noticing the traces of Shanghai in his resume, wanted to use this as an excuse to include him among the cultural figures of Shanghai. The reason for his refusal was quite simple; it was not that he intended to put on airs or deliberately offend anyone, but rather that he was genuinely unable to do so. Although he had lived here for several years, he had never felt a sense of having put down roots in this place. The reason for his refusal was quite simple; it was not that he intended to put on airs or deliberately offend anyone, but rather that he was genuinely unable to do so. Although he had lived here for several years, he had never felt a sense of having put down roots in this place

This is entirely the story she told him that night

Cheng Songpo remained silent, quietly gazing at her. He let out a soft sigh and slowly pulled her into his embrace. He rested his forehead against hers, his warm breath enveloping her face. After a long while, he finally spoke softly: "Acha, the one who should say sorry is me"

Cheng Songpo inexplicably agreed to all the conditions, signing the contract in a flash and preparing to return to his country

Shi Jingwei smiled again, not offering any explanation, simply stating that they would talk more in the evening.

Why

She scanned through it quickly, then read it carefully from the beginning again. Indeed, this is the story of Cheng Songpo, albeit with the surname and name concealed. The story begins in 1949 when the remnants of the Kuomintang army crossed the border and fled into the jungles of the Golden Triangle, and concludes with the grandson of an officer who fled that year returning home years later as a celebrated painter

Although Shi Jingwei later explained that it was a sampling survey for emotional testing conducted for other magazines in the newspaper, such an explanation—while it may deceive her for a moment—would be too pretentious and innocent to make her truly believe it

Indeed, he undoubtedly hates Ming Ai Hua, and even now, he has not considered the possibility of forgiving her. However, he understands even more that traversing every bridge in Florence and painting every flower in the Golden Triangle, what ultimately lingers in his dreams is still the shimmering reflections on the shores of Cui Ming Island

In conclusion, do as you wish

Lu Mingmei nodded. Cheng Songpo spoke softly, wanting to soothe Lu Mingmei's heart that had been hanging in the air. "I am not the male chauvinist you described, opposing your work. I just feel... we have already wasted ten years and I do not want to waste any more... time that we could spend together"

He wandered through the Apennine Peninsula, beneath the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, amidst the songs of the gondoliers, and encountered a Chinese couple on their honeymoon. Upon learning that he was a painter, they invited him to create a portrait of them. The couple assumed he was merely a student from an art academy, a craftsman performing on the streets for a living; he, too, was inexplicably compelled to agree, having encountered familiar yellow faces in a foreign land.

Cheng Songpo harbored a deep-seated aversion to it all, detesting the nighttime assaults by the Myanmar government forces, loathing the forced relocations of refugees, resenting the bombs that could fall on the school playground at any moment, and disliking his father's relentless ambition to train him to become a general

On the other side of the Weigong River, accompanying his father through the subsequent years of hardship was his brother, with whom he shared a bond as close as that of siblings.

Last night, the east wind blew again at the small building; my homeland is unbearable to recall under the bright moon.

Then she is also my mother

Indeed, it is as the saying goes, "The carved railings and jade steps should still be there, yet only the rosy cheeks have changed." The person remains the same, yet she has changed her identity; she is no longer his teacher, but a renowned battlefield rose.

It is far from sufficient

Cheng Songpo suddenly realized that he had never forgotten Lu Mingmei

Mr. Ma was quite pleased, yet lowered his voice, "Since purchasing this painting, I have been paying close attention to this cultural market, and I have a few friends in this circle. Yesterday, they all told me that with this painting in my possession, it is likely to continue appreciating, so I am feeling quite hesitant."

But where does the conversation go back to

Occasionally, during a few dusks, my father would lean alone against the rattan chair in his study, squinting slightly, savoring the tea leaves that his subordinates had purchased for him from the black market with an extremely earnest attitude

A city, whether it can retain you, is largely unrelated to the city itself; what matters are the people within that city

When the dust settles, he feels a sense of trepidation returning home, but where does he return to

The tea gardens of my hometown, lush and verdant, spread their oil-green hues across the mountains, extending from the peaks to the sky

Cheng Songpo remembers that the most frequently spoken words by his father were: You were born here, grew up here, and the only thing you need to do in the future is to defend this land with your life

Seeing Cheng Songpo silent, she reached out to wrap her arms around his neck, leaning on his shoulder and softly said: "I am very happy to be with you"

Stella also posed for him as a model, yet even Stella herself could see that those paintings were either indistinct or resembled another person entirely. Stella further remarked, "You know, Monet painted many works featuring his wife Camille as the model, each one radiating with the light of love... After Camille's death, all of Monet's portraits became dull and lackluster."

In the stillness of midnight dreams, I occasionally recall the wooden suspension bridge on the solitary island of the East China Sea, and the solitary figure of migratory birds beneath the shimmering waves.

The hometown that cannot be returned to is called the native place

Lu Mingmei remained perplexed, while Cheng Songpo let out a soft sigh. After pondering for a long time with pursed lips, he said: "Acha, your mother is your mother, and you are you. I am very clear about that."

It is better to inform Shi Jingwei earlier, so that he can completely sever that thought.

After hearing the details, the father agreed to conduct the investigation himself

Afternoon

All calamities began from this point

At that age, she was engaging in delinquent activities at school to vent her dissatisfaction with her parents

Looking back now, Cheng Songpo believed that those ten years were gradually filled with deep longing, but in reality, they were not, truly not. Humans are generally forgetful creatures; when faced with the vast sea again, the rivers and streams experienced in between can hardly be called water.

However, before explaining to Cheng Bing, it is also advisable to be frank about another matter.

Are you still unwell

The new Chinese teacher is very beautiful, different from the local women of Shan State. The teacher praised his painting skills, and Cheng Songpo was very happy because his father respected the teacher. If the new teacher thinks he paints well, perhaps his father would no longer oppose him so strongly. He painted the tin houses of Shan State, the fishing boats on the Meikong River, and the poppy flowers that blanket the mountains. He asked the teacher if she had seen the kind of poppy called "poppy of the beautiful lady," the most beautiful poppy in the world. The teacher did not answer but taught him to recite a poem, the author of which was a deposed king, the deposed king of "hometown." He painted the tin houses of Shan State, the fishing boats on the Meikong River, and the poppy flowers that blanket the mountains. He asked the teacher if she had seen the kind of poppy called "poppy of the beautiful lady," the most beautiful poppy in the world. The teacher did not answer but taught him to recite a poem, the author of which was a deposed king, the deposed king of "hometown."

Lu Mingmei was taken aback, almost startled out of his embrace. She stared at him blankly, fearing that he would utter something like "I am sorry for you" and then leave without a word. Cheng Songpo gazed at her in a daze, and after a long while, he pulled her head into his arms and said with a bitter smile: "Acha, let us not be so estranged."

He does not know, he has no home; many years ago he became homeless. He also has no country, which was lost the moment his grandfather crossed the border

Lu Mingmei's mind was blank, and her thoughts could not function. Could this really have been written by Shi Jingwei?

In the face of the risk of losing him, all hopes and expectations become so humble. Cheng Songpo suddenly reached out and held her hand, and fine beads of sweat immediately appeared in her palm. Cheng Songpo gently said: "Acha, you don't need to be so cautious with me"

When I dialed Shijinwei's phone number, it quickly connected. She asked as soon as she answered, "Shijinwei, where are you?"

I did not expect to encounter Lu Mingmei at the Uffizi

Now he should see that all of his emotional columns can be sold by the pound

With it came the news of my father's death. The Burmese government announced it very quietly. Any movement in the Shan State region made the government extremely nervous.

Mr. Ma's face lit up with pride upon hearing the compliment. He smiled and looked around outside the glass door before lowering his voice and asking, "Xiaolu, I came here to ask you about something. You must tell me everything in detail and not be careless!"

When will the spring flowers and autumn moon come to an end, how much do we know of the past

Again and again, firmly telling Cheng Songpo that as long as she is with him, nothing else can compare to the happiness of being with him.

At first, he thought it was merely a coincidence, yet he loved this enchanting name, and eventually fell in love with the person who bore it

Xi Siyong gave a detailed introduction. Cheng Songpo chose another villa by the river. Xi Siyong is quite thoughtful and revealed many insights to them. In the evening, Cheng Songpo invited Xi Siyong to have dinner. On the way home, Cheng Songpo also praised Xi Siyong to Lu Mingmei, feeling that he is quite sincere, although he is a businessman, he has not been tainted by those flashy and profit-seeking habits.

Over time, how dare he, how could he dare, how could he dare?

Lu Mingmei pouted and said, "Cheng Bing finds life bothersome, and Xi Siyong immediately rushed back from Africa to accompany her! I heard Cheng Bing say that her mother-in-law doesn't like her, and Xi Siyong is caught in the middle, never complaining! Cheng Bing's mother dislikes Xi Siyong and constantly finds ways to make things difficult for him. He, a grown man, endures all of this without a word." She spoke with enthusiasm, suddenly stopping mid-sentence, awkwardly laughing and saying, "I'm sorry, I am not... Songpo, I am not..." It was surprisingly easy for her to reveal her thoughts like this.

Lu Mingmei exclaimed, "Can you still board a plane with pneumonia?"

Mr. Ma was very polite, repeatedly saying it was no trouble, and gestured for Lu Mingmei to come in and talk with him. Lu Mingmei had no choice but to find a meeting room for Mr. Ma and hurriedly looked for a cup to make him tea. However, it seemed that Mr. Ma had something urgent today, as he repeatedly said there was no need for tea. Just as Lu Mingmei sat down, Mr. Ma leaned in closer and whispered, "Xiao Lu, you see, I have taken care of quite a few targets here with you. Over the past two years, you have had some savings tasks, and I have never turned down any help that I could provide, right?"

After hesitating and considering, she asked: "So... when will you return to Shanghai?"

Halfway through the painting, he suddenly realized that he had depicted the newlywed girl as someone else, so he had no choice but to start over.

She felt as if she had been thrown into an ice cave, chilled from head to toe, penetrating deep into her heart, liver, spleen, and lungs

The source of the Meigong River is in this picturesque country, but here it is not called the Meigong River; it is called the Lancang River

A few years later, he obtained an Italian passport, and his life there became increasingly stable. He traveled across Europe, where there were countless temples of art, an endless array of architecture that captivated him, and paintings and sculptures that evoked nostalgia.

Lu Mingmei stood in a daze, wondering why she should go to pick up Shi Jingwei. She felt there was no need for her to pick him up upon his return to Shanghai; after all, wasn't his profession one that involved traveling all year round? However, she also considered that Shi Jingwei was currently seriously ill. After confirming that his arrival time was 8 PM, which was not too late, she agreed, thinking she could ask him more questions when they met. Before hanging up, she casually muttered, "Aren't you just caught in the rain for a while? How did it turn into pneumonia?" Yet, she still thought about how Shi Jingwei was now a seriously ill patient. After confirming that his arrival time was 8 PM, which was not too late, she agreed, thinking she could ask him more questions when they met. Before hanging up, she casually muttered, "Aren't you just caught in the rain for a while? How did it turn into pneumonia?" It must be that he had done too many bad things in the past and deserved divine retribution.

Lu Mingmei thought that the first person who should sound the gongs and drums, and set off firecrackers to announce the news, was Shi Jingwei—after all, he was the one who criticized her and Cheng Songpo every day

Lu Mingmei was taken aback, "I ... ..." In her impression, no one in the bank knew about her relationship with Cheng Songpo. Even that day when she took Mr. Ma to the art exhibition, it was under the pretense of sharing insights from her recent investigation into the cultural investment market. How could Mr. Ma have known that she had a good relationship with Cheng Songpo?

Being the daughter of a traitor is not Lu Mingmei's fault, in the day and night of longing that gnaws at his heart like a venomous snake, Cheng Songpo convinces himself in this way

Moreover, Shi Jingwei is not the kind of person who drags his feet, and naturally, he would not be disheartened or depressed due to setbacks in love—at least, Lu Mingmei finds it completely unimaginable. From her observations, Shi Jingwei possesses both a passion for engaging with the world and a transcendence that allows him to rise above it; in simple terms, he maintains a safe distance from both people and matters. The most evident example is that some clients she got to know through Shi Jingwei often casually mention, "If something happens, just look for Ah Shi"

Father said that the most beautiful poppy is called the poppy of Yu Mei Ren, blooming beside the vast and lush river valley of my hometown

He is restless day and night, his conscience troubled

Emergency call? Who would believe that

The three words that the person softly uttered were—Lu Mingmei

She was unaware of when such thoughts had arisen, yet the duration of their acquaintance was not short. If a man has feelings for a woman but is able to make her never perceive them, then it is either that the man is too unsuccessful or that the woman is too foolish

How much sorrow can one have, just like a river of spring water flowing eastward

Fifty years later, Cheng Songpo may still love her, but Lu Mingmei does not know. However, fifty years later, Xi Siyong will certainly still love Cheng Bing just as he does now

How could he ... Yes, she did not specifically remind Shi Jingwei, but any person with a brain, any person with normal morals, would not write such an article based on information obtained in this situation

Jiangcheng is the city where Shi Jingwei University is located. Lu Mingmei was slightly taken aback. A few days ago, when she called Shi Jingwei, he seemed to mention that he was ill. Could it be that he has been on sick leave all this time? ... Speaking of which ... ? ... She calculated the time; if Shi Jingwei has been sick, then the time available for him to write the article would only be during the few days she took leave to go to Cuiming Island. Did he comfort her and then immediately start researching and writing this article?

At that time, it seemed as if there were tears in my father's eyes

Domestic art dealers and media have begun to contact him, hoping that he will return to the country to hold an art exhibition. However, he has no desire to come back. What would returning accomplish? With the vast mountains and rivers, he has long lost his place to stand.

Lu Mingmei echoed him a few words, but felt quite hesitant in her heart. Cheng Bing clearly wanted to say something to her today, yet ultimately hesitated. Perhaps it was indeed as Shi Jingwei said, she was just overly curious? Lu Mingmei secretly thought that she should find a good opportunity to explain things clearly to Cheng Bing, after all, Cheng Bing valued friendship greatly, and it would not be good if she misunderstood that Lu Mingmei was straddling two boats.

Cheng Songpo looked bewildered, and Lu Mingmei thought of how Cheng Songpo was unaware of the story about the 2006 World Cup that had become a legend. She secretly felt amused and said, "Is there anything else? Please tell me more nice things to listen to."

After a moment of silence, Shi Jingwei's labored breathing reached Lu Mingmei's ears, and his laughter sounded weak. "I caught a cold. I thought taking some medicine would be enough, but..."

In Cheng Songpo's heart, his father is a stern symbol, whom Cheng Songpo both respects and fears

Mr. Ma was still rambling, complaining that Lu Mingmei only provided him with minor insider information, yet when it came to important matters, she only cared about herself. In fact, Lu Mingmei never had any insider information; her mother had intentionally introduced clients to her, but she refused to accept her mother's favors. Now, all the clients were brought in through her own hard work. However, the current clients only recognized insider information, as they were reluctant to fully trust Lu Mingmei. In order to help her expand her business, the bank president exaggerated her background to make those clients believe she had substantial connections. Consequently, all the diligent work she had done in her spare time was undermined. If she performed well, clients would praise her for having connections; if she did poorly, clients would suspect that she was hiding something.

Because..." Cheng Songpo's gentle voice brushed lightly past her ear, "I suddenly feel that it resembles my own place a little now

The only remaining belief is that he will return, as for the reason, she cannot find any supporting point, and can only persuade herself time and again that it is their fate

The article published in the magazine is titled "South of the Border," which, at first glance, seems unrelated to Cheng Songpo. According to Mr. Ma, when this magazine was released on Saturday, it caused a seismic reaction in the cultural community, and insiders quickly uncovered the various protagonists of the story based on numerous clues. Since purchasing the painting, Mr. Ma has been closely following news related to Cheng Songpo. Therefore, when this explosive article was published, it wasn't long before friends came to congratulate him, saying that Cheng Songpo had made big news, and it was likely that some cultural institution was planning to jointly promote him, which would undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in the value of his artworks in the short term. Upon hearing these rumors, Mr. Ma, who had originally verbally agreed to sell the painting to a friend, naturally began to hesitate.

Many years later, he received an invitation from the embassy in Italy to attend a performance by a Chinese drama troupe that was visiting Italy for cultural exchange. The title of the performance was "The Orphan of Zhao"

Does Cheng Songpo love her? Perhaps he does, as they seem to be constantly trying to draw closer to each other, yet cannot escape suspicion. Thus, this love begins to tear them apart, leaving them bloodied and bruised, too painful to touch. That love, as thin as paper, cannot withstand the towering mountains between Meigong River and Cuiming Island.

However, such thoughts are fleeting; after a moment of heated excitement, she calmed down within three minutes. While it is absolutely unacceptable to set off firecrackers, it is indeed very necessary to notify with a sound from the bell.

He almost wrote down everyone's real names and surnames

There are so many taboos that she does not dare to mention, and he cannot forget

He originally harbored a hatred for this fate, resenting how it allowed Ming Aihua to meet her father, a connection he himself had facilitated; he loathed how this fate led him to encounter Lu Mingmei, only to realize after being completely captivated that she was the daughter of Ming Aihua

A spy is a person sent by the enemy to steal intelligence, and is as heinous as a traitor. Cheng Songpo thought that someone must have made a mistake. He went to find his father and said, "You have arrested the wrong person. Teacher Ming is a good person. How could he be a spy?"

Cheng Songpo, with a complex expression, gazed at Lu Mingmei for a long time. He then reached out to pinch her cheek and shook his head, saying softly: "The Great Wall is still this thick, not at all worn by wind and rain"

Cheng Songpo explained, "Since I returned, Ding, you have been by my side, constantly considering my emotions and feelings. Acha, I do not wish for you to be this way"

A warm greeting: "Lu Mingmei, what is the matter?"

Lu Mingmei nodded with a smile, and Mr. Ma extended four fingers, saying, "He offered this number"

In the gentle breeze of the evening, my father once held a fragrant green tea leaf and said with a sense of loss: "Look, this is the Mingmei from Boyuan."

Lu Mingmei is not inexperienced, nor is it that she does not understand the strategies of love taught by the passage of time. She simply cannot bear to endure another separation.

Did she think that her merit in raising him could offset the sins she committed against her own siblings in the Manxingdie family

Yet in that fleeting moment, when the visage entwined with dreams was within reach, he felt an unprecedented gratitude for this destiny

I apologize, as soon as he spoke, Lu Mingmei's eyes widened. He knew that Lu Mingmei might have misunderstood again, so he thought for a moment and explained in a different way, "Do you remember the matter of my resignation that I mentioned to you a few days ago?"

To meet him is the teacher Ming, who said, "The carved railings and jade steps should still be there, only the rosy faces have changed"

Her urging left Cheng Songpo at a loss for words. Those sweet nothings he had accumulated in his heart over many years, spoken countless times in dreams, now rendered him speechless when it came to expressing them in person.

A loyal servant uses his own child to replace his master's child, preserving a trace of the master's bloodline

Perhaps she has long since married another man, and might even be holding a child, brushing past him.

Cheng Songpo is not difficult to communicate with, but he is just too unwilling to compromise. Lu Mingmei stood up and walked to the window, wrapping her arms around Cheng Songpo from behind, and looked up to ask: "What are you looking at?"

When I just returned, someone asked me to paint an oil painting of New Shanghai, Cheng Songpo reached out to embrace her, then shrugged and smiled, saying, "I did not agree"

In his father's study, there always hung a map, much more exquisite than the rough and inferior maps found in school textbooks. His father taught him repeatedly that this land called "Manxingdie" was where he was born and raised

Lu Mingmei pressed her lips together and raised her head to ask tentatively: "I truly do not mean to blame you; I can distinguish right from wrong and will not impose anything on you"

Not having a party for three days is insufficient to express her current excitement, yet she has no one to share it with, which is truly suffocating

During a video conference, the conversation became rather dull, and I was on the verge of falling asleep when suddenly a phone rang from the Shanghai side. It is generally considered extremely impolite to answer a phone call in the middle of a meeting, and the person felt quite embarrassed and apologized, stating that it was an emergency number and there might be something important.

When Shi Jingwei said he would come back, Lu Mingmei fell silent instead, unsure of how to speak. Just a few minutes ago, she felt that Shi Jingwei had betrayed her trust, disregarding her faith in him, and even stepping on the hand that had supported him, Minghua. Now, with Shi Jingwei on the other end of the phone, she lost the courage to question him. After a moment of silence, she suddenly heard Shi Jingwei ask: "Do you have time to pick me up?"

The rapeseed flower fields in my hometown are resplendent in golden yellow, and the vast clouds at the horizon are tinged with a clear golden edge.

Lu Mingmei looked at Cheng Songpo in confusion, "Songpo, what is wrong with you?"

He spoke with great difficulty, and Lu Mingmei became increasingly hesitant, doubting even more that the magazine in her hand represented the whole truth. She was eager to hear Shijinglei's explanation, but seeing how difficult it was for him to speak, she felt it inappropriate to press him. She suppressed all her surprise and suspicion and asked about his health. Shijinglei maintained his usual demeanor, insisting that he was fine despite the circumstances. Lu Mingmei then inquired if anyone was taking care of him in Jiangcheng. After a moment of silence, Shijinglei smiled and said, "Yes, I have plenty of friends here." She suppressed all her surprise and suspicion and asked about his health. Shijinglei maintained his usual demeanor, insisting that he was fine despite the circumstances. Lu Mingmei then inquired if anyone was taking care of him in Jiangcheng. After a moment of silence, Shijinglei smiled and said, "Yes, I have plenty of friends here."

She has truly ... . ... already regarded him as a trustworthy person

Then the father wiped away his tears and, with an unprecedented gentle tone, smiled and said: "Songpo, you are a man, how can you cry?"

Lu Mingmei felt suspicious. She was aware that Cheng Songpo had recently become quite popular in the country, but it was surprising that within just a month, someone was willing to offer a price exceeding the original by 1 million. Such an appreciation could be considered quite remarkable. Moreover, the painting purchased by Mr. Ma was an old work by Cheng Songpo, which was not particularly representative, so the initial transaction price was not high. For such a painting to be quickly sold for a net profit of 1 million seemed like a very profitable deal. Where did Mr. Ma get this insider information to believe that Cheng Songpo's works would have rapid appreciation in the short term?

During those years in Shanghai, and later in the days spent far away on the Apennine Peninsula, Cheng Songpo never understood why his father, who was regarded as a savior by the people of Manxingdie, was called a demon king in the outside world. Compared to this outside world, his father and his compatriots in Manxingdie lived the simplest and most difficult lives. Why did people outside say they were messengers of hell? The people of Manxingdie in Shan State took up arms only to protect their homeland, and when they laid down their weapons, they returned to the fields to work; dying amidst the withered grass and trees, those who survived were still unwelcome in the world. Compared to this outside world, his father and his compatriots in Manxingdie lived the simplest and most difficult lives. Why did people outside say they were messengers of hell? The people of Manxingdie in Shan State took up arms only to protect their homeland, and when they laid down their weapons, they returned to the fields to work; dying amidst the withered grass and trees, those who survived were still unwelcome in the world

For several years, Stella was very persistent in her pursuit of him, filled with curiosity about everything related to him. What is even more remarkable is that she knew nothing of his past; she had not betrayed his father or mother, and the name Stella had no connection to tea.

However, the narrative is rendered even more rich and captivating by Jingwei, who has meticulously verified numerous historical materials to vividly restore the details of "The Spring of the Yuan River." He recounts stories that even many Lu Mingmei are unaware of, such as how Cheng Songpo's grandfather died in the bombing by the United Nations drug enforcement forces in the 1980s; how Cheng Songpo's father faced death and then reborn, establishing his own new power in the Golden Triangle; and what transpired between Ming Aihua and Cheng Songpo's father during his period of concealment, leaving ample room for the reader's imagination. For instance, Cheng Songpo's grandfather died in the bombing by the United Nations drug enforcement forces in the 1980s; Cheng Songpo's father faced death and then reborn, establishing his own new power in the Golden Triangle; and what transpired between Ming Aihua and Cheng Songpo's father during his period of concealment, leaving ample room for the reader's imagination.

Such things that are calculated step by step do not deserve to be called emotions

Cheng Songpo knew that his father often spent an entire year's income to buy that pitifully small amount of withered tea leaves from the black market

Cheng Songpo slightly turned to the side, and outside the window was nothing but a uniform expanse of high-rise residential buildings, adorned with neatly arranged greenery and flower beds; the night scene of Shanghai, illuminated by vibrant lights, also cast graceful shadows amidst the haze, yet it seemed as if there was always something separating them, making it difficult to discern clearly

If such a person is a demon, then what kind of person can be called an angel

Cannot be drawn

Lu Mingmei had no interest in listening to this. She was annoyed by Mr. Ma's words. Normally, she could hold her temper, but today she could no longer endure it. Suppressing her anger, she replied coldly, "Mr. Ma, I have never had any insider information, not in the past, not now, and I will not in the future! The bank's door is clearly posted: Investment carries risks, and financial management requires caution! I am merely a consultant, responsible for providing you with advice. If you find anything inappropriate, you can take responsibility for your own plans!" The bank's door is clearly posted: Investment carries risks, and financial management requires caution! I am merely a consultant, responsible for providing you with advice. If you find anything inappropriate, you can take responsibility for your own plans!

He caught sight of a newspaper group from Shanghai, the same one where Ming Ai Hua originally worked, and for some reason, he felt compelled to agree to sit down and negotiate

Later, she came to understand that someone who, at the age of high school, was already aware of how to care for their father's emotions and made efforts to prevent their father from noticing even the slightest curiosity about their biological parents must possess remarkable insight and self-control

Lu Mingmei was so angry that her eyebrows shot up, and after a long while, she muttered, "Did you see that? That Xi Siyong is so considerate towards Cheng Bing. You should learn from him! I heard they were in a relationship back in school, and when they were about to break up at graduation, Xi Siyong chased the train all the way to Shanghai! Learn from him, learn from him!"

Upon seeing the words he had silently recited, his father remained silent for a long time. In the evenings that followed, he seemed to have heard his father softly reciting those words

The father is a very strange person; before leaving him, Cheng Songpo had never understood him. ... The father's subordinates, the school teachers, the parents of classmates ... . Everyone says that General Cheng is the most magnanimous person in the world, that General Cheng is devoted to the public good, and that General Cheng is the savior of Shan State

The news of his father's death filled him with dread, while on the other side of the Meigong River, his brothers continued their lives under his name. Did he think he could transcend the mundane in this earthly paradise?

Moreover, at that time, she truly regarded time and space as a reliable and confiding friend

She looked at the intertwined hands of Xi Siyong and Cheng Bing, as if she could penetrate time and see them holding hands in their twilight years, cherishing each other in old age

Stella also said that Camille is Monet's rib, but what about her? She is not Cheng Songpo's rib. Her role in Cheng Songpo's life is akin to an anesthetic during surgery, the effect is brief, yet it allows one to escape momentary pain

Mr. Ma, seeing that she remained silent, assumed that she was withholding information and immediately frowned. "Xiao Lu, this is where you are in the wrong. You have such a good relationship with Mr. Cheng; if there is any insider information, just let me know. It would give me some peace of mind, and it wouldn't hinder Mr. Cheng, would it?"

the dependency, yet I have never heard of Shi Jingwei seeking help from them for anything outside of work. Even friends like Cheng Bing and Xi Si Yong, who have clearly been categorized as "insiders" by Shi Jingwei, have not done so

"It's not very serious," said Ji Jingwei with a smile, perhaps due to speaking too hastily, he coughed a few times and added, "The doctor said it's fine."

Father always wore a stern expression, serious and meticulous, regularly checking his homework, especially in Chinese. A new female Chinese teacher arrived at the school, coming from Yunnan. Cheng Songpo knew that Yunnan was not the "hometown" his father spoke of, but at times, it seemed to be a part of that "hometown".

Lu Mingmei comforted, "If you can't draw it, then don't draw it at all. Why did this suddenly come to mind?"

As Lu Mingmei hung up the phone, a trace of doubt arose in her heart. Shi Jingwei's voice revealed signs of fatigue, quite unlike the Mr. Know All she had always known, who was notoriously arrogant regardless of time, place, or occasion.

Only in such a sunset twilight did Cheng Songpo realize that his father, who was raising the riding whip and sternly scolding him, could actually awaken from his drunkenness amidst the gentle fragrance of tea.

On the back mountain lies my grandfather's cemetery, where my father never allows outsiders to set foot, with the exception of Teacher Ming.

The monster wore a mask of hypocrisy, its demeanor gentle, its smile courteous, yet in the moment it lunged at her, it removed the mask, revealing a green face with narrow teeth, and unleashed the true fire of Samadhi.

After she finished speaking, she pushed the door open and asked the security to escort the guest out. Mr. Ma, seeing her turn hostile, was also indignant and stated that he wanted to file a complaint against her. Whether it was due to his unwillingness to give up or his concern for her "background," he repeated this verbally several times but did not take any concrete action, and quickly left.

Last night, the east wind blew again at the small building; the homeland is unbearable to recall under the bright moon.

Among them, her grandmother and his grandfather, her mother and his father are in control, and now it is her and his turn to face their destiny

Occasionally, she marvels at the way Time and Space maintain a distance from others, allowing everyone to believe in him and even rely on him, while he himself has never genuinely depended on anyone, has he

He simply cannot allow himself to sink into despair, living a soulless existence in this foreign land, under the halo of a young painter.

His father, her mother, is the chasm that lies between them

At that moment, he truly believed that within the realm of existence, there was a mysterious force known as fate that was controlling them.

History is always astonishingly similar; some are loyal, while others betray. The loyal meet a gruesome end, while the betrayers reap both fame and fortune

He knew that his father, like him, had never been to that hometown where the rapeseed flowers bloom

Mr. Ma opened his briefcase and took out a magazine, laying it in front of her. "Although this article does not explicitly name Mr. Cheng, it mentions that the painter has just returned from Italy. Furthermore, here, this war correspondent has written a book about the Golden Triangle. I originally heard your bank president mention that your mother..."

Happiness is naturally happiness, that sentence is worth more than a thousand words. It turns out that Cheng Songpo is the most principled person, he speaks decisively and does not waver. It is extremely difficult to make him compromise even half a step, as if it were as difficult as reaching the sky. Now he says, "Do whatever you want," and it feels like he has entrusted his life and death to her alone.

The condition is acceptable, but it is not necessarily very attractive.

Lu Ming lowered her eyebrows and said, "This price is not bad!"

The father asked in surprise: "Teacher, what kind of teacher?"

Upon entering the "homeland" that his father was never able to set foot in throughout his life, Cheng Songpo became a complete stranger.

This is really beyond her understanding of time and space.

He didn't know what was so important, he only knew that the first sentence the person on the other end of the phone said made his soul tremble.

At such times, the father would point to the uncharted land in the northeast direction on the map and tell him that it was their hometown

What do you think?

A few coughs came from the other end of the phone, followed by a mumble of something, and then a very weak voice said, "I am on vacation, Jiangcheng"

So you do not need to speak to me so cautiously all the time

My hometown is the most beautiful Peach Blossom Land

On the last night before the surrender, Cheng Songpo was in tears, uncertain of what future awaited him and what fate awaited his father. His father smiled unusually, but his voice was choked with emotion as he said: "Songpo, this is the only selfish thing I have done in my life. From now on, Deputy Officer Zhang will be your father."

His icy fingertips gently glided over Lu Mingmei's contours, as if the tip of a charcoal pencil were tracing the surface of paper. He could not help but delve deeply into his regrets; if his father's spirit in heaven could forgive his letting go, then what right did he have to torment Lu Mingmei with this hatred for so many years

It seems that he has been living quite happily for a while; he admits that communicating with Stella is very enjoyable, whether it is the local customs and culture of Italy or the architectural churches of Spain, anything is fine as long as it has no connection to his past

Cheng Songpo was not particularly surprised, nodding slightly with a smile, "This is more like it. Just now, I... if it weren't for seeing that they got married, I would have thought..."

Lu Mingmei thought to herself that Mr. Ma's opening remarks today were about past favors, and she feared that there was something he wanted her to help with, which would surely put her in a difficult position. Her mind was racing, considering what he might need her assistance with, which would likely be related to banking matters, perhaps he was in financial trouble and wanted to obtain a loan from her? This was something she could not decide on her own. With this thought, she quickly smiled and said, "Mr. Ma, how can you say that? It's not just me. There are so many people here relying on you for their livelihoods. If you could spare just a little from your fingers, I could get by for a whole year!"

Lu Mingmei understood clearly. Shi Jingwei said he had many friends, which must mean that he did not have a special friend available to take care of him. It makes sense; someone like Shi Jingwei likely does not want others to see him in a less than favorable light. Even in the face of unavoidable human experiences such as aging, illness, and death, he would prefer to hide away in a corner and emerge only when he is radiant and ready to show off.

All the twists and turns in Cheng Songpo's heart ultimately condensed into such a simple and clear sentence. After her initial joy, Lu Mingmei felt unsatisfied—how could such a simple sentence dismiss her?

Cheng Songpo let out a sound, "Did I not come back as well?"

Who can guarantee that Lu Mingmei will definitely stand in place waiting for him to return

As for the father, he can console himself, for the father also hopes that he lives well

After coming to terms with these thoughts, Lu Mingmei felt a sense of relief. Shi Jingwei is an easy person to communicate with, while the one who is truly troublesome is currently gazing at the scenery by the window

"Acha," Cheng Songpo pinched her cheek, trying to pull her out of her daze. It was only then that Lu Mingmei came to her senses and stared at him with a silly smile. After a long while, Lu Mingmei suddenly reached out to touch his forehead, pursed her lips and smiled, "Cheng Songpo, you must have stayed in Italy too long, so you have been possessed by the spirit of the great Italian left-back, right?"

The father, in a state of rapture, said, the most beautiful poppy is not found in the starry fields, nor in Shan State

That is the radiant happiness of a woman who is simultaneously loved by the one she loves

Cheng Songpo turned around and embraced her. She was wearing a thin T-shirt, and a sensation of coolness and heat simultaneously washed over her. The coolness was the gentle breeze of summer, while the heat was his hand, gently gliding across her back

If time could flow backward, Cheng Songpo thought, if time could flow backward, he would never learn to paint, preferring to train day after day in a monotonous and tedious manner. At the very least, when the Burmese military government invaded Manxingdie, he would not have to watch helplessly as his father laid down his weapons and signed the surrender documents

In the end, it was merely a dream; having thought about it too much, he did not return, and gradually, she let go of this unrealistic fantasy.

He was somewhat incredulous that he had actually said such words, his face slightly flushed. Lu Ming stared blankly at him for a long time, dazed, and could hardly believe the clear and obvious meaning behind those words.

The newspaper clearly states that the book "Infiltrating the Golden Triangle" by Ming Ai Hua has opened the door for the outside world to understand the Golden Triangle; without this detailed report, the standoff between the international anti-drug forces and General Cheng, the second drug lord of the Golden Triangle, would have continued for at least five more years

In the song of the old singer, it sings, better to return, better to return. Cheng Songpo secretly made up his mind, I want to go back, I want to go back

Father said that the most fragrant tea is called Zhengyuan Mingmei, which is grown on the terraced fields of my hometown.

People are inherently selfish; he is immersed in this almost unreal warmth, wanting to shed the grievances that have settled in his heart for many years

However, time and space do not fail, and Lu Mingmei is not foolish

More beautiful than the poppy flower

Deputy Zhang used his own son to replace him, and took advantage of the laxity of the Burmese garrison to escort him out of Yangon. Deputy Zhang died on the border, and before he died, he told him to go north, go north, and that someone would come to pick him up.

The tone is gentle, as if that of a lover

Lu Mingmei envied Cheng Bing's air of authority in front of Xi Siyong, an authority that stemmed from a certain confidence and assurance. What truly saddened her was that she had never possessed such confidence and assurance.

Seeing that he did not appear to be affected by the economic crisis, Lu Mingmei first felt a sense of relief. Listening to him say that he wanted to inquire about matters, she speculated that it might be related to some recently introduced financial policies. She smiled and nodded, but then heard Mr. Ma ask, "Earlier, when you took me to that art exhibition, I bought a piece for this amount," Mr. Ma held up three fingers to show her, "Last week, while entertaining friends, someone happened to take a liking to it and wanted me to sell it. Initially, I was only in it for investment; as long as the price is right and the returns are reasonable, securing the money is also a good thing, right?" She smiled and nodded, but then heard Mr. Ma ask, "Earlier, when you took me to that art exhibition, I bought a piece for this amount," Mr. Ma held up three fingers to show her, "Last week, while entertaining friends, someone happened to take a liking to it and wanted me to sell it. Initially, I was only in it for investment; as long as the price is right and the returns are reasonable, securing the money is also a good thing, right?"

It is not about showing off or proving anything, but rather...