Chapter 3, Duanran appeared troubled

It turns out that the situation for Earthlings is quite dire. I laughed, "In fact, I first learned about Montmartre because of Qiu Miaojin."

As I cried, I went to the kitchen to check on the corn. The small ears of white corn were exceptionally fragrant and sweet. My mother, normally very alert, said: "You’re back? Quickly, husk the corn for your father to eat."

Hello, we have set off

"It's alright, I am in the best of health." She turned a page of the document and switched to French, "I really didn't expect to go to France, thank you."

Since the Year of Chinese Culture was held in France in 2003, cultural exchanges between the two countries have been quite frequent. Therefore, although the scale of this artistic exchange is relatively small, we have still received warm hospitality from the hosts

exclamation

How?

She turned her head and said to me in French: "Like a dream. It is a gift arranged by heaven." Listening to her pronunciation and expression, I couldn't help but smile; she amazed me.

"Ming!" she called me

A phone call suddenly came in the early morning, and it was actually Lu Qingye.

I wanted to know more. After my mother fell ill, I quickly grew up.

No, regardless of the circumstances, I will not lose hope. I said loudly, "Even if the sentence is lighter, it is still better. Dad, pull yourself together. Isn't it still in the investigation stage? You need to cooperate, do not evade, it might just be a temporary suspension."

Returning to Beijing, it was the most intense weather. My mother informed me that she had suffered from heatstroke and called to say she was staying at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital

Ah, how fortunate, I guessed your 'unforgettable quotes' correctly. I am harsh, 'How could I possibly know her'

"Hidden feelings." He smiled, "Even if it wasn't voluntary at first, over time, one gets used to it. I thought nothing would happen, but— I myself didn't know it would turn out this way"

"Shut up." My father suddenly roared, and a slap came out of nowhere, causing my left cheek to instantly go numb and swell. My head buzzed with noise

Well

"Your mouth!" He exclaimed, "You must have a boyfriend! You'll drive him to his grave sooner or later."

Over there, Gui Xin was extremely surprised: "Fortunately, I did everything as you instructed, and your mother slept very well. How about it, Paris hasn't disappointed you, has it?"

Every year in mid-August, many Parisians go out for summer vacations. That summer in Paris, I was astonished to find that the bustling and drunken city was surprisingly clear and quiet enough to resonate with sound. My friends laughed at me for choosing the wrong time to visit, but I still enjoyed the rare tranquility of Paris. Now, as August approaches, the museums are unlikely to be lively. However, the advertisement for "Chinese Embroidery" displayed outside can still attract visitors.

You are still young and think too naively about many things. I have another apartment that I have not told you about, which I bought for 200,000, but it is actually worth 700,000

The phone card features the pattern of the Five-Star Red Flag, with "中国卡" and "china card" written vertically on the right side

"Just in time—I was about to go to the agency to find a translator," I said. "The embroidery delegation is in Shanghai. I will come over next Monday. Before 8:00 AM next Monday, you can go directly to Pudong Airport, and I will take care of all the procedures for you."

Indeed, bribes have been received... but most of the investments have gone elsewhere, making it impossible to recover the submitted amounts

I went to pick him up, straining to see him from the sparse crowd, his clothes were dull and gray, his hair had not been tended to for a long time, such a disheveled and dazed appearance caught me off guard

Song Ximing asked me where I would like to go. I scratched my head, as it seemed there was much to see everywhere. I studied the map he tossed to me for quite a while: "How about Montmartre?" My eyes lit up, "Let's go to Montmartre, I want to visit the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur"

Do not be afraid," he comforted, "In recent years, the economic recession and rising unemployment have left many people idle

I am well. The summer in Beijing is very hot, so you must take extra care

However, this is also familiar—back then, Jiu Xun told me with the same smile, "My parents are divorced, my father has disappeared to evade debts, and my mother has also remarried and vanished without a trace. I have no house in the country, only three old rooms overgrown with weeds, inhabited by bats and wild birds"

Most of the original residents of Luqiao Town have migrated to the city, leaving behind the elderly and their chickens and dogs, along with newly settled outsiders. There is a sense of indifference among them, and the warm, joyful summer nights of childhood, when the entire town's young and old would gather outside to enjoy the cool breeze, are no more. This situation does have its advantages; otherwise, the changes in my family would have long been the talk of the town.

She looked at me and said, "In any case, since we are just passing acquaintances, it doesn't matter if I tell you. My grandparents have passed away. My father has been convicted, and he will likely be imprisoned once the case is clarified. My mother is mentally unstable and cannot sleep without sleeping pills"

We traversed twelve hours in the clouds, arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport at five thirty in the afternoon Paris time. France is currently observing daylight saving time, resulting in a seven-hour difference from Beijing time. Lu Qingye is in good spirits, having finished both airplane meals completely and even taken a nap. Seeing her radiant and full of life, one can only feel that being young is truly wonderful

He remained silent for a long time, but finally looked me in the eye and said: "I am indeed in love with her. However, love is a very abstract term, and there is a long distance between love and marriage. She once cried out, asking me what to do. Teacher Nishikawa is twelve years older than her and is very strict in his teaching, yet he is helpless when it comes to her. Her parents are also divorced, and neither of them takes care of her. At that time, it seemed to me that my family would definitely not accept her... Yes, she is very intelligent and hardworking, having completed her doctoral coursework at the age of twenty-seven and obtained a Doctor's degree in Linguistics from Tsukuba University. Teacher Nishikawa is twelve years older than her and is very strict in his teaching, yet he is helpless when it comes to her. Her parents are also divorced, and neither of them takes care of her. At that time, it seemed to me that my family would definitely not accept her... Yes, she is very intelligent and hardworking, having completed her doctoral coursework at the age of twenty-seven and obtained a Doctor's degree in Linguistics from Tsukuba University. Then, very soon, she married Nishikawa and stayed at the research institute at the school. This was the conclusion we both tacitly accepted.

Well

"This is already considered coarse." She guided everyone to look at several pieces of Gu embroidery, "For example, these few here—please look at the leaves, which are embroidered using a single silk thread split into sixty-four strands."

Return to Tokyo with me

She sprang up like a deer

The corners of her lips slightly lifted: "When embroidering, each strand of thread can be divided into halves, quarters, eighths, and even twelfths, depending on the situation"

That afternoon, work ended early. The rain had not yet stopped, and upon returning to the hotel, I found that the embroiderers had already come back from shopping. Although they had only purchased a few small gifts, they were all very satisfied and joyful

Most of the accompanying embroiderers were exhausted, and one lady suddenly turned pale and felt nauseous. Lu Qingye reacted swiftly, quickly jumping out to hand over a paper bag. That aunt was remarkably resilient, managing to suppress her discomfort. The flight attendant hurriedly brought water and medicine, while Lu Qingye took out a small box of cooling oil from his pocket and applied a bit to the aunt's temples and the tip of her nose.

This statement sounds like a consolation, filled with a sense of forgiveness. She smiled, saying, "It feels much more difficult to translate than last time"

I understand. You are very happy. But I must remain in Beijing. I cannot provide you with a stable life

The short-sleeved shirt was indeed too cold, and as I stepped outside, I shivered. He asked me to wait for a moment, and shortly after, he brought me a coat

I am speechless

"Not very good..." he said, "I didn't expect it to be like this. Aoyano, I truly did not expect it to be like this"

There will be many candies. He withdrew his gaze from the distance, and said, "It's also quite strange, it seems you have given me a handful of candies as well"

"Do not worry about us anymore." As we reached the front door, he gently patted my shoulder and said, "It is better for your mother to stay in the hospital. As for you, hurry up and graduate, strive to go abroad, and do not come back."

She is also from Jiangnan

I suppose I should say something, but comfort seems inappropriate. At that time, my attempts at consolation were met with her ridicule, which only made her cry even more. I chose my words carefully: "Everything will be alright."

We climbed the long stone steps, passing by the sprawling grapevines and ancient street lamps. The dusk sky was damp and translucent. Upward, always upward, only then could one behold the white spire and the white domed church at the summit of the high hill

"Let it be appropriate." I told her, "I will come to see you again tonight."

You strange girl. He rarely spoke kindly, and surprisingly took my hand, "You work hard and strive, everything you gain is not unexpected. Come, come up here."

An elderly woman was sitting at the door of a household. I remember that when I was in elementary school, she was still in good health, running a small shop. Every time after school, we would take a handful of coins to buy snacks like sour plum powder and orange balls from her. She clearly no longer recognized us, father and daughter.

Song Ximing smiled and said, "The many people in Paris drinking coffee are not tasting the flavor, but rather enjoying the romance"

How do you know? I was taken aback

I understand. Just a glance is enough to make me willingly surrender. I lowered my head and said in a very soft voice, "This July, I have suddenly received so much, I am very satisfied, yet also anxious. If I were to desire more, I fear I might incur divine retribution"

I asked him: "Has a lawyer been hired?"

Good child. I sincerely said, "You resemble someone too much. That person is as full of energy as you are."

The old Paris metro rattled as it took me all the way to Abbesses station. Upon exiting, I was greeted by the beautiful green cast-iron arched gate of the metro station, adorned with delicate swirling patterns, exuding an artistic vibe. Immediately, I encountered Indian vendors selling belts and cigarettes, along with Black individuals selling tobacco. The chaos was astonishing. Crumpled flyers, bird droppings, free magazines, and cigarette butts were scattered everywhere. The crowd was bustling, even louder than in the center of Paris. The Black women wore flamboyant and vibrant clothing, with a sheer skirt hugging their hips, almost falling off. Crumpled flyers, bird droppings, free magazines, and cigarette butts were scattered everywhere. The crowd was bustling, even louder than in the center of Paris. The Black women wore flamboyant and vibrant clothing, with a sheer skirt hugging their hips, almost falling off. They had intricate tattoos on their lower backs, and their earlobes and navels were adorned with silver rings. A Gypsy woman shuffled by in sequined slippers, picking up cigarette butts from the ground and bringing them to her lips. An Arab girl, barefoot and wrapped in black veils, approached with deep-set eyes.

There were several sentences in the intermediate process that were difficult to translate, so I completed them for her. She appeared quite nervous, far less composed than a professional translator.

Because there is a deep-rooted cultural connection between China and Japan, it is easier for them to understand each other. I also laughed, "You are really putting in too much effort; your materials did not mention how to divide a single thread into many strands. Even if you explained the essence of embroidery to me in Chinese, I might not fully comprehend it."

The restaurant waiter brought over a baguette and coffee, beaming with a smile. This is what the French love to say before a meal: "Bon appétit".

On the flight back from Paris, Lu Qingye Mei Mei took a nap. She was covered with a blanket, her body curled up, and her eyelashes cast shadows, creating a serene atmosphere

He lowered his eyes and scrutinized me again: "Lu Qingye, do you really know Jiu Xun? Why do you both speak the same way?"

I candidly admit

"It is really nice that you can come to see me," she said with a smile, lowering her head. "It is truly strange how I have come to like you."

"Ciba rice ball?" I took a bite, the glutinous rice is very sweet, wrapped inside is a piece of fried dough stick

"Heavens." She pressed her hand against her chest, "Did Teacher Gu Xiu follow along?"

She smiled softly and said, "I guessed it. Well, eat this."

This is the second day of the exchange visit. The embroidery teachers only need one day for their live demonstration, so they have the next two days to freely explore Paris. The embroiderers are all visiting Paris for the first time, although their works have long been exhibited and sold both domestically and internationally

She continued, "If it were to remain this way, I might quietly accept my fate. But such a situation did not last long. Previously, my family lived together across four generations, and during festivals, my grandfather would lead us in ancestral worship and bowing. My father is a civil servant, my mother is a full-time housewife, and even though our family was poor, we were stable and happy, which was enviable."

"Jiangnan." I mocked him, "You people—Jiangnan has long become a complete object of fantasy. Where is there any real Jiangnan? It is nothing but dead poetry, filthy river water, and collapsed gardens. My heavens! It turns out to be a Jiangnan that resembles a pile of brocade and ash."

All the formalities completed, I caught a glimpse of her engrossed in reviewing the materials beside me, and even after calling out to her twice, she did not respond

The Suzhou embroidery teacher pulled out a fine thread for demonstration. The French guests took a long time to finally notice the thread, which was as thin as a hair, in the air.

I flipped through the newspaper and saw that the small notebook on her lap was about to slip off. I took it and found it filled with French words. She suddenly woke up, her gaze extremely clear. We spoke softly, as if we were long-time friends. It is unimaginable that two months ago we were in our own unrelated worlds. Now, I am willing to share many things with her. She is also eager to play matchmaker: "I have a sister named Qian Siren, and I stay with her in Beijing. Hmm, she is a graduate student in plant archaeology, waiting in her boudoir, and she is a very interesting person..."

Then I laughed at her: "I can see that you must be very favored by the elders"

Dad, I said calmly, I just cooked a pot of corn, it should be ready by the time I get home

After half a day, she sighed in front of me and said, "I am sorry, I have only passed the intermediate interpretation."

Such a coincidence

"None of that concerns you. My family is very open-minded." She insisted, "It's not the traditional family you might imagine. I have three older brothers, one older sister, and one younger sister. We rarely go to shrines; we are all baptized Christians. My father has a company in Tokyo, and my siblings are all very kind."

Her face turned pale: "Alas, unfortunately, there is not a single one now"

If you do not like Tokyo, then we can go to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka... wherever you prefer. We can lead a quiet life without the need for hard work. Ah, this is also good; we can spend six months in China and six months in Japan, taking care of each other. Or perhaps...

Therefore, a finished piece requires at least one year of embroidery

I was taken aback. She squinted at me and said, "Always lost in memories, you probably won't find happiness, will you? Are you trying to escape from something?" Her words pressed on: "Does Song Jun still need sleeping pills to aid his sleep? I apologize for saying this, it is truly rude, but I would rather you hate me than not say it. Song Jun used to be a very strong person, didn't he? I often saw you share a knowing smile with Jiu Xun in the past, and I truly envied that. Song Jun is so different from others. But now, it seems that Song Jun rarely smiles anymore, and even when he does, it feels like he is wearing a mask. I really miss the time when you were so spirited. I am sorry."

I heard her laughter, which was both gentle and charming, and felt a sense of shock. She should be crying her heart out right now

In the summer just before I turned nineteen, an unexpected journey brought me here, opening a window for me. The void and fullness struck me simultaneously, and I could not find any suitable expression, thus I fell silent. At this moment, whether time is real or not, I need not investigate. I simply wipe away the tears that have escaped from the corners of my eyes: "Song Ximing, it is strange that you suddenly gave me so much hope, which I hold in my arms like a child seeing so many candies for the first time"

She nodded and pointed to the silk thread in the hands of the Su embroidery teacher, saying, "All these exquisite works are embroidered from this."

The interview is scheduled for tomorrow. I will send the materials to your email, please take a look.

Is Dr. Wu available?

"So ugly." I teased

The next day, she rose with a radiant complexion, surprisingly unaffected by jet lag. She changed into a gray shirt, her ponytail let down, revealing a shoulder-length cascade of fine hair

Song Ximing asked me: "Are you going back tomorrow night? Is there anything you want to buy?"

Song Ximing

He laughed heartily: "Your analogy is simply a curse upon me. Unfortunately, I have never believed in pure and noble love. Of course, I will marry and have children."

I expressed my gratitude, slowly walked to the side of the hotel stairs, and dialed the phone at home

It is quite strange. That night I slept very well, and the medicine bottle remained untouched in my bag

Due to the long flight and the time difference, most people in the group felt drowsy and exhausted. On the way to the hotel, I heard Lu Qingye murmuring: "la Seine, la Seine!"

The doctor said you need to rest, you are overthinking

"I bought it from a store near my house, which opens at 4 o'clock." She looked at the sky, "It's still raining—I'm worried I won't make it in time. But I still arrived earlier than you. By the way, did you taste any saltiness or sweetness?"

The moon hangs in the sky, the night is calm and serene, and even the croaking of frogs in the rice fields of the neighboring village is distinctly clear. I asked my father: "How is it now?"

This girl

Romance is simply synonymous with the sin of luxury

This is the group translator, Xiao Lu

The weather in Paris is somewhat unusual. Today it suddenly dropped to around 16 or 17 degrees, accompanied by light rain

"You must obey." I turned back.

No, Teacher Gu Xiu is already quite rare. I said, "Let's go over there and get to know everyone."

She nodded slightly, took a fork to poke at the fruit salad and said: "Thank you"

Could it be that the love long sought is also not pure and noble

She smiled, revealing her teeth: "If my French were as good as yours, I would definitely also talk about the history of Gu embroidery, about Song embroidery..."

Hello. She has her hair in a ponytail, wearing a shirt and long pants, exuding youthful vigor. "Haven't you had breakfast?"

The sweet is sesame mixed with white sugar, and the savory is fried dough sticks. She raised her head and suddenly asked in a low voice, "The materials say that this visiting group is to bring Gu Xiu's works for the exhibition?"

I am simply furious: "There is still hope now, have you already thought about going to prison? The crime of bribery—nothing more than the crime of bribery..."

Walking under the shade of the trees, I felt the medicine bottle in my pocket, nearly empty. I drove straight to Wu Wei's hospital.

Hello, teacher. She greeted respectfully, and the entire group consisted of embroidery masters, all middle-aged women, who were very fond of her upon seeing her

I finally met my father. He returned by boat, and the dock in Luqiao Town had long been desolate and neglected. The passenger boats carried nothing but village women and farmers, and the boat tickets were half the price of train tickets. They set sail early in the morning and returned at dusk

The middle-aged woman's gaze was as precise and cold as a medical instrument: "Her partner is in the emergency room"

It is the variegated Seine River. She leans against the car window like a child. The night in Paris rises, extremely blue and deep, with the lights completely overshadowing the moonlight

"Do you want to make a call back?" He looked at me as I took out my phone, and I nodded. He handed me the phone card, saying, "This is much cheaper."

"Someone is always thinking of her, she is truly happy." I said, "Could it be that you want to learn from Jin Yuelin regarding Lin Huiyin?"

More often than not, I would rather stand aside and let Lu Qingye explain

"Gui Xin, this is Qing Ye." I said hurriedly, "I apologize for only contacting you today. How is everything at home?"

"Who?" "She is extremely intelligent, is it Chen Jiuxun?"

I do not like Japan. Although I am aware of Murasaki Shikibu, Sei Shonagon, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and Tokugawa Ieyasu

I said: "There are some."

Gui Xincui said: "You actually still say thank you to me. This call is too expensive, no need to be verbose, just enjoy yourself to the fullest!" She hung up the phone

The coffee in Paris is truly terrible. I stick out my tongue and say, "It's bitter enough, but it’s also sour."

Early in the morning, Lu Qingye came to greet me and immediately noticed the medicine bottle on my bedside: "Why are you taking this too?" After saying that, she quickly added, "I take it sometimes as well. However, it's best to exercise and work out until you are extremely tired; it will be hard to stay awake even if you want to." She chuckled and said, "You need to exercise more, or else your figure will quickly become bloated and unattractive."

Later, when I saw her at Pudong Airport, I suddenly realized that she possessed a kind of strength I was all too familiar with. That reckless courage was strikingly similar to what I had long sought after.

Is it better now? She spoke softly, gentle as a little rabbit. I felt distinctly superfluous standing by.

I can hardly be bothered to be angry with him. I laughed and said, "For those who are innocent and kind-hearted, I have great compassion. At the same time, I take great pleasure in striking down those like you who are gifted yet unaware of the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth"

Law, lawyer

Song Ximing

"Don't freeze to death!" He said with a stern face. I suddenly found him endearing, a feeling I had never experienced with anyone else before.

When is your delegation leaving, do I still qualify to be the translator

I heard you went to Paris," she said, "It must have been quite exhausting

The French are evidently very interested in the displayed embroidery, with some even raising magnifying glasses to examine it: "It's not paint, it's silk thread?"

Sounds of a television can be heard from the neighboring courtyard, accompanied by the cries of a baby and the soft cooing of pigeons returning to their coop

"The Montmartre Testament," huh? I have long sought to read it as you recommended to me." He smiled, "You indeed have too many similarities.

At that moment, my heart swelled with excitement, all the patience, discomfort, fear, and panic vanished completely, and I could only hear the sound of the wind by my ear, along with my own joyful screams. I had never been able to run so freely under someone's guidance; I had always stumbled forward alone. Then we finally stopped, looking up to see the dome above, which seemed like paradise, and the figures of Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Louis, majestically perched on bronze horses flanking the entrance of the church

I brought a bouquet and some fruit to visit her. She was reading by the bedside and, upon seeing me, did not seem particularly surprised. She simply took the bouquet, held it close, and took a deep sniff. The doctor said that Miss Fujisawa is fine now and just needs to rest.

The flight time is a bit long, so get a good sleep. I said to her, who was still reviewing the materials, before takeoff

The old family home is located deep within the town, where the alleys stretch far and wide, and the evening mist is filled with the rich fragrance of summer flowers

"Aren't you going in?" He was surprised, "The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is solemn and beautiful. Everyone who comes to Montmartre hopes to enter the church"

The office is empty, the phone is turned off, and no one is answering the new home phone. Could it be that they are on their honeymoon? I distinctly remember that they were supposed to go to Italy in September

Lu Qingye

Lu Qingye

They were utterly astonished

Gasping in shock, "So it is true." Still unwilling to give up, "Dad, is there something more to this? I simply cannot believe you would do this yourself."

"Father." Even though I endure without crying, at this moment my voice still sounds like tearing silk

"When I get excited, I forget that I am speaking French, and my mind is filled with the desire to express myself and tell others more." She lowered her head and said, "But it is such a pity that my level is too low. I hope I haven't embarrassed you."

I really don't understand how a non-professional student could pass the French oral exam so quickly. I said, It is already very good.

The items have been packed up, and what needs to be done now is to dismiss the translator hired yesterday. I find it strange myself why I have treated her so kindly. As a non-professional who has only been learning French for two years, how high can her French proficiency really be

However, such matters are never clearly articulated by anyone. She looked up and smiled, "Are you happy?"

"How could I dare to be disappointed with Paris?" I felt relieved, "Thank you." — That day, when I casually mentioned to Gui Xin about translating for the group, she immediately exclaimed, "Why not go? I'll take care of everything at your home! Such opportunities don't come by every day! If you don't cherish it, even the gods will be angry!"

The head of the China Cultural Center came to receive the guests. This exchange is an unofficial event, primarily featuring the exhibition of hundreds of exquisite embroidery pieces in the Chinese exhibition hall at the Paris Exhibition Center, with embroidery teachers from the group providing on-site explanations of the techniques of Chinese embroidery

You may leave now. I clasp my hands together, open my eyes, and take a deep breath