Chapter 2, Nightly Clarity

Xi Yan coughed lightly, feeling somewhat awkward, and on the other end of the phone, Wen Xingyuan slowly interjected: "Go ahead, as long as Liang is at the bar, when will you be back?"

That... it's nothing, let's leave it at that. Qi Yan gritted her teeth and ultimately decided to give up

"It's nothing, it's just that Ruoning is getting married. She called and wants me to go back as a bridesmaid." Xi Yan smiled wryly, realizing that some people, no matter how much she tried to avoid them, perhaps could not escape meeting them in the end. Ruoning is getting married, and she should return, even though she had secretly vowed never to set foot on that land again when she left. Yet, there are still her relatives there, and how long could she continue to evade them

The person chuckled softly, their magnetic voice barely concealing their delight. The two engaged in some aimless small talk for a while, and then Wen Xingyuan, in a routine manner, inquired about some business matters, followed by questions regarding her work. Just as she was about to hang up the phone, she suddenly remembered that she needed to return home, and hurriedly said into the phone: "By the way, I will be going back to my hometown next week"

Looking at the bustling bar street before her, hearing the rising and falling sounds of songs and cheers, she gradually became infected by the atmosphere, ultimately curling her lips and breaking into a smile

Out of battery again? Is it out of battery every time? What kind of broken phone do you have? Making ten calls and it runs out of battery eleven times? Wen Xingyuan had long forgotten how many times he had heard the same words, and he was so angry that his teeth itched

There is nothing much, I just wanted to tell you not to overwork yourself. I heard from Ziliang that you are always busy until late. Capable people do not work overtime, as it is not good for your health. That's all, goodbye.

You are more like a boss than I am, aren't you? The boss lady? Wen Xingyuan laughed on the other end of the phone; he just enjoyed bantering with her. When tired, it could relieve fatigue, and when sleepy, it could instantly awaken him, even more effective than drinking strong coffee

Xi and Tu Shuyan sat by the window, their hands propped under their chin in contemplation. The slender and frail silhouette evoked a sense of loneliness and sadness in those who beheld it. Indeed, sadness—a woman whose mere profile could elicit feelings of sorrow.

"It is not about going far." Zhang Ziliang shook his head and smiled helplessly

Alright, boss, I need to attend to the guests now, so I will hang up the phone Xi Yan, understanding the situation, decided not to continue the banter and prepared to end the call

When determining the renovation plan at that time, we aimed to make good use of the space by the window on the second floor. With the approval of Wenxingyuan, the materials for the renovation were all selected to be of the highest quality. The design is luxurious yet not ostentatious, preserving the unique rustic charm of the ancient town while appropriately incorporating elements of modern urbanity, providing guests with a long-lost visual delight

"What’s wrong? Do you have something to say to me?" Wen Xingyuan softened his tone, coaxing her.

With the absence of murky pollution and the obstruction of tall buildings, the town of Dali under the night sky becomes even more enchanting. It seems like just a moment of daze, when the silence is suddenly broken, and a joyful atmosphere spreads. It feels as if everyone, even a grain of sand drifting in the wind, is laughing, dancing, and singing, causing the ancient town to come alive in an instant

A wave of bewildering pain surged from my heart and mouth, as fragmented memories pieced together, along with that name deeply etched in my heart, and that radiant, bright smile, all swirling together in my mind

"Yanyan, Brother Zhang is calling you to answer the phone." The music in the bar was loud, and the bartender glanced over at Qi Yan, shouting at her at the top of her lungs.

Wen Xingyuan, I am just going back to take a look

Although she was used to exchanging harsh words with him, she still felt it necessary to inform him of her decision. When she expressed her intention to return, she could imagine the look of astonishment on his face. Perhaps, just perhaps, he did not want her to go back, despite his efforts to conceal it. Xi Yan did not miss the momentary pause in his tone when he heard her say she was going home.

"Returning to the hometown? Why the sudden decision to go back? Is there something going on with Xi He?" His voice rose slightly as he hurriedly asked her

Subsequently, there was a brief and inexplicable silence

"Wait a moment..." Xi Yan suddenly called to a halt before hanging up, while Wen Xingyuan on the other end held the phone with a sense of anticipation.

"Of course I don't have the high-end phone that President Wen has. I'm just a wage earner, so I can't be too extravagant," she pouted, suppressing a smile as she retorted.

The night has already fallen, and the bright moon slowly rises, like a lantern hanging high in the night sky. Countless stars fill the Milky Way, as if winking down at the bustling ancient town. Looking up, the boundless horizon brings a sense of clarity to the mind, yet one cannot help but wonder what lies at the end of that horizon

After the renovation was completed, the place felt refreshingly familiar. Zhang Ziliang gazed at the bar, which resembled a work of art, and repeatedly praised her design, even taking a few photos to email to Wen Xingyuan. Although he did not directly call her to say anything, Zhang Ziliang conveyed that the man smiled, nodded, and said two words: very good

The boss lady has issued a decree, the boss can honorably step down now. Qi Yan's tone was noticeably much more cheerful, temporarily casting aside the annoying emotions.

I am Qi Yan, who is this

Indeed, she has finally married herself off. With a light sigh, Xi Yan chuckled softly again

"Which day will you leave?" he pressed, a hint of concern evident in his tone

She shook her head vigorously, commanding herself not to think about it any further, forbidding any thoughts.

"The 10th, next Tuesday," she replied mechanically

"Is there a working-class person as arrogant as you?" The person's voice was clearly laced with sarcasm, and Qi Yan smiled dismissively.

Return home early to rest, do not stay out too late

"Who is it? If it's him, just say that I am busy with the - picture - book." Holding the receiver, Xu Yan suddenly thought of something and quietly asked Zhang Ziliang, who was turning to leave.

I am done

"No, my phone just happened to run out of battery." Qi Yan lied without changing her expression

As another wave of guests surged in through the door, Qi Yan stood up and gracefully welcomed them. A hint of a smile appeared on her plain face, a smile that was neither perfunctory nor superficial, but rather sincere and bright. It was only at this moment that Qi Yan would smile from the heart, for she loved this job and enjoyed the joyful and busy feeling in such an atmosphere. Therefore, she never hesitated to bestow her most charming smile upon the guests who had come from afar.

If one were to speak of arrogance, there is indeed a hint of it; after all, I am fortunate to have a boss who is easy to communicate with

There were two tables of exuberant guests who even sat on the eaves of the second floor, singing to the patrons of the bar across the street. Listening to their slightly tipsy, somewhat slurred 'shouts' of love songs that had been distorted beyond recognition, Xi Yan couldn't help but chuckle softly. It was only at this moment that she realized, when the quiet night became extraordinarily noisy, life no longer felt bleak; those seemingly ordinary actions began to pulse with romance. It turned out that as long as one truly feels, romance and emotion can occur at any time, and one's mood can soar with complete relaxation. It was only at this moment that she discovered, when the quiet night became extraordinarily noisy, life no longer felt bleak; those seemingly ordinary actions began to pulse with romance. It turned out that as long as one truly feels, romance and emotion can occur at any time, and one's mood can soar with complete relaxation. Xi Yan was certain that she had truly fallen in love with this kind of life: carefree, spontaneous, and unpretentious.

Let him pretend; is it really that difficult to compliment her a few times if she does well? Although she is not particularly knowledgeable about interior design, at least she has put in her best effort. Does he not know that a gentleman with grace should not be stingy with his praise for others? Thinking of this, Xi Yan reluctantly pouted her lips and silently complained.

Thank you. Upon hearing that it was not him, Qi Yan immediately perked up and readily picked up the phone

"Business is good tonight?" Qi Yan's insincere compliment seemed to please the person, and their tone clearly changed. It appears that this tactic is indeed effective every time, which made her feel a little proud.

When she raised her head again, Qi Yan had already concealed the sorrow on her face. After three years, it seemed she had learned to control her sadness

"I? Let's consider it before I get unlucky." Xi Yan was momentarily taken aback, feeling a sense of melancholy, and did not notice the subtle change in his emotions

Not bad, it is the peak tourist season now, so? Are you also taking an interest in this small business?

"This is not a request for your opinion; it is a notification. Have you forgotten that I, Miss, have this authority?" Xi Yan smiled mischievously and winked at Du Ling, who had come over to fetch the wine

Time passes so quickly; in the blink of an eye, Ruo Ning is about to get married

The gears of time will not pause for anyone; people can never hold back the seasons, even though those seasons are filled with unforgettable emotions and memories that are hard to forget. Yet, people will still quietly flow away, taking with them the summer, the late autumn, and even the cold winter, and then welcoming spring once again, ushering in a new year

"What are you saying?" The person, visibly angry, was clearly very dissatisfied with being ignored.

Starting this month, the bar will select the most diligent employee, and it can only be me. You should prepare a red envelope. Xu Yan was a bit tired standing, chatting with him while moving her legs.

"Alright, let Ziliang take you home, be careful on the way." Wen Xingyuan was taken aback for a moment, quickly regaining his composure, and kindly reminded her, "Call me when you get home, and don't turn off your phone." He hesitated, wanting to ask if she needed him to accompany her back, but ultimately held back; perhaps she needed to face it alone.

"Coming right away," Xi Yan replied casually, still unhurriedly noting down the order for the guest before delivering it to the bar, and then proceeded to the next room.

Resting my head on the bar, a sense of confusion and desolation flickers in my eyes. That distant past resembles a mournful song, silently narrating the entanglements and pulls of reality

Ji Ruoning? https://m.hetushu.com She is getting married?" Wen Xingyuan appeared somewhat surprised

Why has the true self become blurred

"At most one month, General Geng only agreed to give me a month off." She decided to go back, but ultimately she would still return

"I know, chatterbox," she muttered impatiently

I understand

"Equal size is business, I am afraid someone will be lazy and not work." Wen Xingyuan's voice relaxed considerably, and Qi Yan could not help but imagine that at this moment he must be stretching his long legs, carelessly leaning back in a comfortable armchair, enjoying himself.

"What about you? When do you plan to wear the wedding dress?" Wen Xingyuan's voice suddenly became very gentle, and his tone turned serious. She was the same age as Ji Ruoning, and indeed it was the right age for her to get married

Staring at the phone, she was lost in thought, a faint pain rising in her heart, as if reminding her that she had never truly forgotten that chapter of the past

"You did not apply, I do not agree." The person rejected it outright without leaving any room for negotiation

The past, what a heavy word it is, also represents a painful yet distant memory

Forget it, just forget it, let the tranquility of the ancient town take away all the pain, let the clamor of the night drive away all the suffering, what can be forgotten must be forgotten, because that memory is mixed with the tears of loved ones and ... blood

Everything has passed, even though it still hurts now, it has all gone by, and no one can bring it back.

Because it hurts too much, I dare not recall it any longer

"What is not me? Do you dare to hang up on me? And turn off your phone?" Qi Yan heard the familiar voice of Wen Xingyuan, turned around, and shot a fierce glare at Zhang Ziliang, only to see him shrugging nonchalantly.

To outsiders, she indeed appears to be a crazy girl, bustling about energetically when she is full of vigor, yet can also be lazily idle to an endless extent. She can smile like a spring breeze in front of others, but can also feel despondent when alone. In short, she has somewhat blurred the lines of what her true self is like.