Chapter Five: Accompany ABC to Guard the Snow Mountain

Absolutely unlike the climbing golden trumpet vine

I then returned to my own room after the phone call

It is not just like a spring,

"No! No!" He looked utterly perplexed, as if my thoughts were too strange. He hurriedly began to explain, "I was worried that you might be in a bad mood and not eat breakfast. It’s not good to keep yourself cooped up; you should come out and have some fun. I thought you must not have been here before."

"You are out of your mind, being frozen like this yet still wanting to promote the virtue of helping others!" I scolded, but I began to feel a pang of sympathy.

He saw that I was unhappy, and no longer asked, saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry"

My friends all call me Daniel

A cliff that gazes for a husband, is the place of countless women's tears of longing

Indeed, I remember having worked on this topic before. In the early morning, while the mountain village is still in deep slumber, the snow-capped mountains are the first to greet the dawn. The summit is tinged with the light of the morning, the rosy clouds reflect upon the snow peaks, and the interplay of the snow and the dawn light is particularly beautiful. In the evening, as the sun sets, the afterglow of the sunset filters through the mountain tops, and the snow mountains resemble a young maiden draped in a red veil; when the moon rises, the stars twinkle, and the moonlight resembles a white veil, as the snow mountains retreat into slumber under the moonlight. If given the opportunity, I would truly like to see it all. Unfortunately, staying here for a day would be unbearable.

It is finally time to start anew, in a new place, with a new job, new friends, and a new life

As soon as I returned home, the phone rang; it was ABC

To become a kapok tree, standing together with it in the form of a tree. Such equal love can only be slowly awaited in the mortal world, and then encountered, hand in hand

Daniel saw me lost in thought, and after a click, I remained at a 45-degree angle. He did not call out to me, continuing to take pictures, unsure whether he was capturing the scenery or this incompetent model of mine

My legs have gone numb, he is supporting me, and we are walking down the mountain, bathed in the first rays of morning light

Why not guard the snow-capped mountains from dusk until dawn

I believe that when there are men present, women should not suffer, so... However, because you and I are not very familiar with each other, so..." He explained in a disjointed manner

Do you also know

Suddenly, I recalled a poem: "Countless resentments, the deepest at the ends of the earth. The mountain moon knows not the matters of the heart, the water breeze lightly falls upon the flowers before my eyes. The azure clouds sway at an angle. After grooming, I lean alone against the Jiang Tower. All the sails that have passed are not the ones I seek, the slanting twilight gently reflects upon the flowing water. My heart breaks for Baipingzhou!" This poem "Wang Jiang Nan" by Wen Tingyun is also a line quoted by Xu Zhimo in his inn, perfectly fitting for this moment.

The poet Zhi Sui wrote in "Warm Pen at the Foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, Also for My Beloved Daughter Wenwa": "Yulong, the famous mountain, is perpetually covered in snow, reaching the heavens. The clouds do not linger on the peaks, the ridges appear as if washed; the craggy rocks resemble swords, seemingly cleaved by the wind. Just as I suffer in the lifeless expanse of ten thousand miles, it is unlike the vibrant lands of the south. The cool stream leads me towards the human realm, suddenly awakening me, leaving me astonished—if only there is soil beside me, inadvertently, the fragrant grass flourishes." Yulong Snow Mountain is regarded as a sacred mountain by the Naxi people and various ethnic groups in Lijiang. The Naxi's guardian spirit, "San Duo," is the embodiment of Yulong Snow Mountain, and to this day, Lijiang holds the grand annual "San Duo Festival."

Old Xu, when did you become my father? Why are you worrying so much!

If I love you

He took out the camera to take pictures, and I shouted loudly beside him: "Over there, over there, it's beautiful!"

You sit on one half, and I will sit on the other half. I spread out the scarf, making it a bit longer, and we sat together.

If I love you

He carefully took off the camera and handed it to me

Return to my hometown to take care of my parents

He was surprisingly angry when he heard me say that, and he shouted at me: "Stop always saying you are old. You look like you are only in your twenties, very young! What does age even represent? As long as your mindset is young, you will never grow old! If you continue to regard yourself as an older sister and say you are old, I will no longer pay attention to you!"

"Are you studying geography?" I mocked him. If you want to come, just come; there's no need to act like you're some kind of Baidu Encyclopedia.

For the green shade, a repetitive and monotonous song

On such a night, after experiencing heartbreak and being deceived by a married man, I sat on a snow-capped mountain with a boy two years my junior, waiting for the moonrise and the dawn

It turns out that she has not been bothering me these past few days, not because she was persuaded by me, but because she is contemplating other methods

What is this! I can recite the long ancient poem "Spring River Flower Moon Night"

Not long after I hung up the phone, I went to take a shower. Just as I came out of the bathroom, the phone rang again. I saw it was my mother calling, and I impatiently answered, "Mom, could you please enjoy life a little more and worry less about your daughter's marriage?"

To flaunt oneself by borrowing your high branch

We saw the moon rise, and we were as happy as if we had found one million. I pointed to the horizon and said, "Quick, look, quick!"

Perhaps the model of quick marriages and quick divorces, where love is not as strong as gold, and cohabitation is more suitable for modern people—losing it does not hurt

Never learn from the lovesick bird

My mother teaches Chinese in the United States, so I understand a little

Does it have anything to do with you? I am not feeling well and do not wish to discuss these matters with anyone anymore

Yulong Snow Mountain, a major attraction in Lijiang, has been the filming location for many television dramas. It is said that with the changes of the seasons and the variations in weather, the scenery of the snow mountain is ever-changing—sometimes the clouds rise and the sunset glows, with Yulong appearing and disappearing; at other times, the sky is as clear as water, and the peaks shine brilliantly; sometimes, the clouds form a waist, with the snow peaks appearing pure and bright amidst the clouds, while the hills below are lush and green; and at times, the glow of the sunset reflects on the snow peaks, draping them in a red veil, extraordinarily beautiful.

Click, a beautiful photo took shape. I glanced at it; his profile was quite handsome, with a touch of artistic flair. If I had gone back a few years, perhaps I would have been moved.

Hearing me call his name, he turned around and saw me laughing at him, feeling teased and shyly smiling. Suddenly, I felt that the evening clouds were not only tinting the snow-capped peaks red, but also his cheeks.

He recited once again the poem "To the Oak Tree" that he had taught me to read line by line before

You are in good spirits, sister. I am getting old, staying up all night will surely turn me into a zombie

As the image of a tree stands with you

My mother was stirred by my words, and her vanity was laid bare: "Don't delay Ye Sheng." However, what she said next was enough to leave me utterly astonished: "You can get married in the United States. I've inquired about it; you just need to take a wedding photo, send your ID and household registration book over, and I can ask your cousin and her husband to help you get the marriage certificate, just a stamp is all it takes. Your father and I have never been to the United States, so it would be a good opportunity for us to travel as well."

Even sunlight, even spring rain

I will still call you Daniel, that name is too refined, and the more you are called by it, the more it makes you seem weak

Therefore, it is unwise to act against strangers I laughed at him again

In the evening, the setting sun casts a reddish glow on the snow-capped mountains, while the fiery clouds shift unpredictably, taking on various forms. The white snow mountains, illuminated by the rosy light, resemble a bashful bride draped in a red veil

A hint of hesitation flickered in Daniel's eyes, as if he had more to say: "You... could you leave me your... email address?" I was still guessing that he mostly wanted a way to get in touch, yet I did not expect it to be just an email address, rather than a phone number. Was that such a difficult thing to ask? It was surprising that he furrowed his brow and hesitated for so long before managing to voice such a request

After making my decision, I went downstairs to bid farewell to Xu Zhimo

Unfilial daughter, if I hadn't hung up the phone, my mother wouldn't have been so upset that she wanted to practice Tai Chi sword, and she wouldn't have sprained her ankle. At that moment, I promised my father that I would resign and return to my hometown—though in reality, I had already washed my hands of it.

You are stylish, you have an international flair! What is so impressive? The English letters are all our Pinyin.

"I do not chat on QQ," he said awkwardly

The sky grew darker and the air became colder. To keep warm, he began to teach me how to tap dance, moving his hands and feet energetically. He said the melody of tap dance was like a song, and so he volunteered to sing. It was an English song with a cheerful melody. I clapped my hands and turned the tap dance into a shoe dance

Do not let me fall asleep while singing, if I freeze to death, you must take responsibility!

What is wrong with me? I was just watching the moonrise and sunrise with him on the snowy mountain. Look, there are many photos, see for yourself.

When a girl has cold hands... does it mean that a boy who doesn't warm her hands... is he... is he lacking in romantic sentiment?" He blushed and stammered as he asked me

I continue to say: "Yes, he might get a promotion and a raise in a while! He is the only Asian in their research institute, which adds to his prestige! If you were to mention this, wouldn't the neighbors be envious of you?"

Only Xu the Hero is allowed to be carefree in the world, and I am not permitted to express my poetic sentiments even once? Rest assured, I know my limits! I patted Old Xu on the shoulder, giving him a reassuring expression

I will continue to stay there in the future

May I find a true companion, never to part until we are old and gray

No wonder his Mandarin is so good, although there is a slight awkwardness, perhaps because he has just arrived in China and is still not acclimatized. In recent days, I have noticed that his Chinese has improved significantly, so I no longer dare to casually flaunt my knowledge.

Where is your hometown? Is it far?

Returning to the upper floor, I knocked on ABC's door. He was surprised to see me

"Why do you want to resign? Why did you come to Lijiang? Why did you jump into the river?" He suddenly changed the subject

I said: "Little brother, I am here to tell you that I will be leaving tomorrow"

"You were contemplating coming to the snow mountain yesterday, and because you were bored alone, you deliberately bought breakfast to bribe me, actually wanting me to accompany you for some fun," I expressed my guess.

Where to go

What is your QQ number? I think I should note it down first

As I waited and waited, I finally saw the first ray of dawn. I came back to life, jumping and shouting: "Quick, take a picture! Quick, take a picture!" It felt like being on a train for several days and nights, finally approaching the destination— that excitement was enough to make me feel lively and energetic.

Alright, sister is leaving, you should rest early

No, these are still not enough

"No more. Aren't you cold when the wind blows?" Suddenly, I realized that he was not the little child I had perceived; he still had many mature aspects.

I laughed heartily

He suddenly sneezed, probably because he got cold while guarding the snow mountain. While taking out a tissue from his pocket, he hurriedly apologized: "I 'm so sorry......"

What about afterwards

Thus, he sang one song after another, and the more I listened, the sleepier I became

Bring me the camera I commanded

Zhang Ruoxu

What happened? Is it serious? How is it now? I asked anxiously

He became nervous, even singing off-key, and his voice was not right. It turned out he was much colder than I was. While I was dozing off, he covered me with his coat, but he himself was freezing, his lips turning purple.

"You won't be foolish after a breakup, will you? I tell you, you cannot continue like this; you will ruin yourself!" He said with a serious expression

He was particularly focused while filming, shedding the lively and childish demeanor of his younger days. His high nose, reddened from the cold, appeared quite handsome against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. I pondered whether all those returning from abroad were so kind-hearted, as his concern made me feel warm. I looked at him; the young man wore a blue sweater, topped with a pure black coat, a small black hat on his head, a black scarf around his neck, deep black jeans, and black lace-up boots—his entire figure enveloped in black, yet contrasting beautifully with the white of the snow-capped mountains.

As mentioned last time: "He has been very busy during this period and will return once he finishes. The research institute in New York is not like the small company back home, where one can take leave at will. If he is absent for a day, the research cannot proceed for that day, and the institute will incur significant losses."

At that time, he told me that the word "no" must carry strength; it represents a woman's rebellion from being an accessory to achieving equality with men. This kind of love is not about one party depending on the other, but rather both are each other's sky, as well as their own sky. I understood that he was trying to tell me not to be a man's accessory any longer, not to wait for waiting's sake, nor to love for love's sake. He was also subtly hinting that I should forgo fleeting encounters and that a woman must understand self-respect. I understood that he was trying to tell me not to be a man's accessory any longer, not to wait for waiting's sake, nor to love for love's sake. He was also subtly hinting that I should forgo fleeting encounters and that a woman must understand self-respect

He turned away from the book and fiddled with the camera, taking pictures of the scenery elsewhere, ignoring me. Are you really angry? What a miser.

He asked me to lie on my side in the snow to take a picture, and I, dressed in bright red, complemented the white background perfectly. However, that pose was truly difficult to hold, causing me to end up with my hands covered in snow

It is not just like a perilous peak

Later, even with my hands in my pockets, they were extremely cold. I extended my hands and kept rubbing them, as friction would generate heat and alleviate the cold. I encouraged him to do the same.

From now on, you may only call me Jiaqi! he commanded, adopting a masculine demeanor.

Are you interested in me? You have quite a peculiar taste! I laughed heartily

Look! he shouted

This is the southernmost point of the Northern Hemisphere, the Great Snow Mountain, where the alpine snowy landscape is situated at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. It is renowned for its perilous, peculiar, beautiful, and exquisite features, presenting a magnificent and delicate grandeur

A voice filled with urgency came from over there: "Douzi, it's Dad. Your mother just fell."

I was about to stamp my feet and called out, "Mom!"

I have heard that the scenery of the snow-capped mountains changes throughout the day. He said this while we were resting halfway up the mountain, drenched in sweat.

Finally tired of standing, we found a clean long bench. He took off his scarf, placed it on the bench, and said, "This way it won't be too cold."

"Stand there and don't move, turn your face a little, at a 45-degree angle, raise your chin a bit, and look up at the sky. Note that the angle is 45 degrees." I fiddled with him like a photographer, seeking revenge for the difficult pose we just attempted.

After I finished the call with you, she said she was going to the square to practice Tai Chi sword. She twisted her ankle while going down the stairs and fell. The doctor said it was a fracture and she needs to rest for a few months. You don't need to worry; your mother just misses you very much

Quoting from books, I feel like a small witch compared to a great witch! When I was compiling a travel book, I gathered information about the scenery in Yunnan, and all the knowledge about Yulong Snow Mountain was memorized back then because I found it interesting. Just thinking about memorizing knowledge makes me feel much older. In my childhood, I memorized a whole bag of ancient poems, but now I've forgotten two bags, relying solely on what I once knew.

Wen Jiaqi, miser!

He felt embarrassed, probably thinking he had made a fool of himself, and explained: "I looked it up online last night and specifically memorized it."

Back at the inn, Xu Zhimo was already waiting for me. When he saw Wen Jiaqi carrying my bag, he called me aside and spoke to me like a parent reprimanding a child: "Where have you been with him?"

The moonlight spills over the snow-capped mountains, shimmering brightly. The moon resembles the most luxurious candlelight, illuminating the highest sky, while the people below embrace each other in blissful happiness. Once, I walked on the school playground with Zhu Yesheng, our fingers intertwined. The moon followed our footsteps, casting its light upon the sky above us. Zhu Yesheng said, "I dedicate the most luxurious and beautiful candlelight to you, just as I give you my whole heart, without reservation." At that time, I was completely enchanted by his sweet words, but now, reflecting on it, the most luxurious candlelight is not solely dedicated to one person, and how could his entire heart have truly been given to me? Zhu Yesheng said, "I dedicate the most luxurious and beautiful candlelight to you, just as I give you my whole heart, without reservation." At that time, I was completely enchanted by his sweet words, but now, reflecting on it, the most luxurious candlelight is not solely dedicated to one person, and how could his entire heart have truly been given to me?

Finally, it became too cold. I had not planned to stay up to watch the moonrise and sunrise over the snow-capped mountains, so I was dressed lightly and was shivering from the cold. He noticed and said, "Let's get up and do a tap dance!" I replied, "I'm too tired to move. Just sing to me!"

"Mother, my dear mother, do you want me to get married so badly? I still have things to attend to here, so I will talk to you later." I hung up the phone. I shouldn't have given my new phone number to my family; as soon as they received the news, they rushed to comfort me.

He widened his eyes and looked at me, extending his thumb and saying: "Impressive!"

I will continue:

I recited a string of numbers, and he politely said: "Thank you! Thank you!"

He took out the camera and this time asked me to bend down at a 45-degree angle, posing as a girl deep in thought

Last night, my mother called again, asking how things were going with Zhu Yesheng, whether we had set a wedding date, and when he would be back. Faced with a series of questions from my mother, I didn't know how else to fabricate an answer.

I also wish to convey to him: "May you soon encounter your soulmate."

I booked a flight online and set off early the next morning, and I asked Weiwei to help me pack my luggage in Beijing and send it back home.

Isn't it true that all mothers in the world are the same, feeling uneasy if their daughters do not get married?

Year-round delivery of refreshing solace

I took out my phone and said, "What is your number? I will call you." He recited a string of numbers, and I heard the phone ringing in the room. I waved my phone at him and said, "Feel free to contact me anytime. You can also add me on QQ; it's more convenient on the internet."

Another Xu Zhimo, all disconnected from modern tools. However, upon reflection, it makes sense; abroad they use MSN, while QQ is our domestic product

My mother truly believed it and said, "Is Ye Sheng really that important?"

It is just as well that you are ignoring me; I find you annoying anyway! I pretended to be angry

In the poem, a longing wife awaits her husband's return on the riverside tower. Yet, as another day passes, countless sails have drifted by, and the beloved remains unseen, with only the silent glow of the setting sun illuminating the gently flowing river. Unspoken sorrow and unexpressed yearning linger in the air. When I look down at a 45-degree angle, the afterglow of the sunset sparkles at the corner of my eye. In that moment of clicking the shutter, I think of Zhu Yesheng—my most beloved partner in this life. I wait for winter to pass and spring to arrive, yet he remains so distant.

Do not worry that there are no friends on the road ahead

Xu Zhimo looked at me as if he were interrogating a criminal and said: "Is that all?"

Increase your height to accentuate your majesty

We rubbed our hands together, looked at each other, and laughed heartily

What happened? This is the result of my brainstorming for several nights, isn't it great

"Men do not fear the cold!" He smiled at me, and his smile warmed my heart.

I tightly wrapped the hood of my coat around my head, and he did the same with the hood of his black coat, leaving only our palm-sized faces exposed. Due to the cold wind and the chill of the early morning, we gradually inched closer together. Although the physical distance between us had decreased, I swear I had absolutely no ulterior motives.

"Are you investigating household registration? Why are you asking so many questions?" I laughed at him

I must be a kapok tree beside you