Chapter 1, Encounters Are Not Coincidences

Yes. She poured a glass of water and said, "Send the young handsome man home"

Mo Jingyan did not think much and lowered the car window: "Auntie, where are you going? Let me give you a ride back. It's snowing now, and it will probably be difficult to hail a taxi."

When did you learn to be so polite?" Huang Jun laughed, "Don't bother, you two are delaying my communication with the models.

It was rare to encounter no traffic on the road, and she arrived more than ten minutes early. She bought a vanilla cream puff at the food street on the top floor, eating as she walked, while casually researching the discount information from various specialty stores. It was not until she reached the end of the road that she saw the giant poster of the cinema, depicting the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro tilting and falling amidst a deluge.

"Oh, the one I mentioned, your son." Huang Jun raised an eyebrow, "Is he handsome?"

The two entangled for a while, their breathing becoming rapid, moving from the living room to the bedroom in a passionate kiss. They did not turn on the lights, and the door was half ajar, with the light from the living room illuminating a corner of the room. They were familiar and in sync, without a single superfluous word.

I still have to work, Chuan Chuan, don't you have to go to school?

Mo Jingyan was speechless and smiled, saying: "What a clever little rascal, small in stature but great in cunning"

"In order to catch a glimpse of the statue before its collapse? Do you believe in Catholicism?"

The child asked curiously: "So you don't like it?"

Mo Jingyan crossed her arms, feeling utterly bored as she looked around. She discovered that behind her, a man-made rock wall had been erected at some point, and the photographer and lighting technician were taking pictures of three or four climbing children.

Then how can we be so bold? Let's bring some takeout to visit the set later

Is it Huang Jun who ... ... ? '' Xia Xiaoju cautiously weighed her words

"Let's see if the road is passable tomorrow," Grandma said, pointing out the window. "Aren't you the one who loves building snowmen the most?"

Xiao Ding laughed and said, "Mr. Huang, this is a case of cherishing one's own broom." As soon as the words left his mouth, he hurriedly waved his hand, "No, no, that's not the right phrase, it's the one... the golden house to hide a beauty... sigh, that's not it either. In short, it means to keep one's treasures well hidden.

Mo Jingyan thought for a moment: "I have learned a little."

Upon exiting the cinema, Xia Xiaoju exclaimed, "Fortunately, it is all fictional. If 2012 were to truly occur, what would you plan to do?"

No, no, I mean... Aunt Zhao hesitated and said, "Let's talk about it later. Did you just go to teach?"

"Speaking of all this food, I am already feeling hungry." Xia Xiaoju glanced at the clock, "Can your boss Huang spare some time to have a meal with us? It seems business is good; we should treat him to a feast."

The photographer's eyes lit up: "This beautiful woman has a good figure and excellent posture. Should we give it a try?"

The one wearing the blue hoodie

Mo Jingyan shook her head with a smile: "I want to go to Latin America to search for the ruins of the Maya, to see if I can save the Earth." She glanced back at the large poster, "If 2012 really comes, perhaps it would be good. Then I could disregard everything and fear nothing." She paused, "I mean, I wouldn't have to control my figure anymore, I could eat whatever I want, exchange all my savings for Ferrero Rocher, and also fried chicken."

Oh..." Mo Jingyan suddenly realized, "I see, you want to shake me off and find a handsome guy to watch with instead.

My surname is Mo, so you can just call me Mo Mo

Well, it's not that I gossip about others behind their backs, but since you and Huang Jun got to know each other through me and Lin You, I tend to be a bit nosy about your matters. You probably know a bit about his past, " At this point, Xia Xiaoju quickly waved her hand, " I mean the past, I'm talking about the past, not the last two years. He hasn't been in a relationship with any girlfriend for this long."

Have these children all been taught?

He kissed her cheek and said, "Is there anyone in this world more handsome than me?"

Indeed, it is not at all relaxed in the frame. The photographer pushes up his seasonless baseball cap and sighs, "Ah, they all look like frogs lying against the wall"

Mo Jingyan felt a bit dazed as she stared at the poster in silence for a moment. She had already turned to leave but couldn't help but turn back, taking out her phone to call Xia Xiaoju: "How about I invite you to watch a movie? '2012'"

Mo Jingyan smiled and said, "It's quite similar to dancing; once you understand one, you can understand them all"

She placed her hand on Huang Jun's hand, and he felt it in his sleep, tightening his arm and bringing the two of them closer together. Mo Jingyan felt the warmth of his breath on her neck, involuntarily curling her body even tighter.

"Sister Momo, why don't you give it a try?" Xiao Ding suggested, "You are studying dance, so your posture must look very good."

No, my boyfriend is working overtime, so I will stop by to see him

Mo Jingyan looked up; there was a brown, owl-shaped rock formation not far from the ground. However, the surrounding rock formations were too distant, and the little boy did not know how he could reach it

Huang Jun's assistant, Xiao Ding, saw her and walked over to greet her: "The shopping mall is preparing the promotional brochure for next year, and we have helped to contact a photographer to take a set of photos of the new facilities"

Mo Jingyan dialed the phone, spoke a few words, and then handed it to Xiao Ju. Huang Jun on the other end repeatedly apologized, saying he was unable to get away: "Let Mo Mo treat you to a meal, and I will reimburse her later"

He played by himself for a while, then leaned over and asked: "Big sister, can you climb walls too?"

Ah, you cannot climb straight like this. Mo Jingyan grasped a rock hold, half-squatting with his knees bent, "Your right hand should hold the large blue hold, your left foot should step on the red star, and if you extend your arms like I do and tilt your body sideways, you should be able to reach it."

Grandmother helped the little boy put on his down jacket and said to him, "Chuan Chuan, say thank you to the auntie, we are going home now"

Hmm, it's quite impressive.

Aunt Zhao let out a long "oh" with a tone of slight disappointment, saying, "Is that so..."

Mo Jingyan shook her head: "Forget it, I have a fear of cameras. Besides, it's snowing, you all should take a few quick shots and wrap it up, otherwise it will be difficult to walk on the road." She pointed to the little boy in the dark blue hoodie, "Just take pictures of him. This little friend is quite good, his movements are agile, and his sense of balance is excellent." There were other parents of small children nearby, so she didn't finish her sentence, as he was also the most handsome one.

"How could I possibly accept?" The grandmother glanced at her little grandson, exchanged polite words, and did not decline any further. The community they lived in was not far from the shopping mall, but it was in the opposite direction from Huang Jun's home.

Hey, I really want to see it. I originally planned to go to the cinema in the next couple of days, but then you asked me to go shopping. Have you seen the movies "Independence Day" and "The Day After Tomorrow" directed by this director?" Xia Xiaoju became excited, "I love watching those iconic buildings fall, like the Capitol Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge..."

I ... ... also like climbing walls. " The little boy leaned behind Mo Jingyan, patted her shoulder, and said, "Big sister, you should join us too.

Resigning and going home to accompany my parents What about you

Going to Japan to enjoy hot springs. The little boy is very happy, and he can also buy new toys

Indeed, look at that group of children over there. Huang Jun pointed with his lips, saying, You could easily play their mother.

There is a third-class hospital just two stops away from your community. Mo Jingyan took out her phone, "Let me give you a phone number; it is for a student of mine from dance class who works in the pediatric clinic there. May I ask your surname? I will send her a message.

Well

Huang Jun let out a sound of exasperation: "What era are we in? There are still washboards? My family uses keyboards."

"Hello, Momo is still listening here, be careful not to make you kneel on the washboard when you go back"

"May I touch that owl before I leave?" the little boy asked pitifully. He appeared to be around five or six years old, with slightly curly hair, thick eyelashes, and bright, moist black eyes resembling those of a small animal

Aunt Zhao asked Mo Jingyan for her phone number again: "I won't trouble you if I have nothing going on, but there might actually be something I need your help with. You just mentioned that you teach dance classes?"

"You should rest your voice," Grandma said, patting his back. "Look at you coughing; I just told you to dress warmly, and you ran out to play in the snow, saying it was hot." She then turned to Mo Jingyan, "We just moved to Beijing, and he might not be used to this climate. He starts coughing as soon as the temperature drops, and I am genuinely worried that he might have respiratory issues. Chuan Chuan's father is busy again, and I really don't know which hospital to take him to for a check-up."

Ah, didn't you say that winter is too long, so you need more winter clothes? Summer Xiaojun is not particularly obsessed with shopping, "I don't mind, but aren't you watching with Huang Jun?"

detour

"My surname is Zhao," I said. The grandmother expressed her gratitude repeatedly, saying, "Thanks to meeting you, how should I address you?"

My arms and fingers lack strength, and I cannot hold on to the rock face

After retrieving the car from the underground parking lot, a layer of snow had accumulated on the roadside, while the center of the road, trampled by vehicles, had turned into black muddy water. As I drove around the corner, I saw the elderly couple from earlier hailing a taxi in the wind and snow. Several taxis passed by in succession, and it was not until a vacant one finally appeared that it was intercepted by a middle-aged couple ahead. The child seemed a bit cold, and the grandmother bent down to help him tighten his scarf

The little boy climbed up as instructed, without waiting for her to give further guidance, and easily grabbed the brown owl's perch. He laughed joyfully, patted the owl's head twice, and then climbed back down while retreating. Mo Jingyan stood behind him with outstretched arms, providing protection and continuously indicating the positions of his footholds. The little boy pressed his lips together, clearly a bit nervous, yet his expression was resolute, serious like a little adult.

No, the mall didn't think that much; they just asked today's customers for help and will later give them a 5% discount membership card. Xiao Ding shrugged, "I also looked for a few passing adults, but they all looked bad when they got up."

No, I took a bit of a detour, and on the way back, there was a car accident ahead

"I don't." Huang Jun held her on his lap, burying his head in the nook of her shoulder, gently pecking at her neck and collarbone. Mo Jingyan lowered her head, her long hair falling between them. He reached out to push it aside, lifting his head to engage in a passionate kiss with her.

Aunt, do you also want to come? We have folk dance over there

Huang Jun heard that it was snowing, so he said there was no need to wait for him and asked Mo Jingyan to go home first. The photographer looked at the photos taken earlier and also said there were enough pictures, so they could head back today. The parents were eager to leave, dispersing in groups with their children. Only that little boy was reluctant to leave, clinging to the rock wall. His grandmother, holding a down jacket beside him, repeatedly urged, "Chuan Chuan, let's go. Grandma will bring you back another day, okay?"

The film truly did not disappoint Xia Xiaoju, as skyscrapers crumbled into dust and the White House was captured in the air by the aircraft carrier USS Kennedy, engulfed by massive waves. She was moved to tears by the American heroism and the sentimental moments typical of Hollywood, sobbing so much that her nasal passages were blocked. A bit embarrassed, she turned to Mo Jingyan and asked, "Do you have any tissues?"

"The child who asks questions is clever," Mo Jingyan smiled, "Is that so, Chuan Chuan"

I am in kindergarten, and my grandmother said I don't need to go anymore. In a couple of days, my parents will take me out to play

He is just next door at the mall, busy helping others plan store anniversaries and New Year events, and he has to work overtime these days. Moreover, why must we watch a movie with him?" Mo Jingyan retorted

Xiao Ding has already turned around and called out to Huang Jun: "Mr. Huang, how about letting your sister Momo appear on camera?"

Beijing experienced its first snowfall at the end of October, marking the earliest winter in Mo Jingyan's memory, thus making it feel particularly prolonged. Before the harsh winter officially made its grand entrance, a few winter garments already appeared insufficient. Mo Jingyan wished to acquire new clothes, so she arranged to go shopping with her friend Xia Xiaoju on the weekend

He lifted his head and said cheerfully, "Thank you, big sister." As he walked away, he turned back to wave at Mo Jingyan. She looked at his round little face and sparkling big eyes, and in that moment, a gentle feeling surged within her.

"Then why don't you continue?" the child asked. "If you can dance when you're hurt, why can't you climb the wall?"

Mo Jingyan returned after sending Aunt Zhao and her grandchildren home. The snow had intensified, making the roads slippery. An accident had occurred on the elevated highway ahead, and the line of cars, invisible at both ends, moved slowly. By the time she got home, it was already past 10 o'clock. Huang Jun was at his desk, engrossed in organizing materials: "You must have gone shopping; I thought you would be back earlier."

Mo Jingyan quickly waved his hand: "No, thank you. I have a fear of heights"

"Do you take me for a magic mirror?" Mo Jingyan said with a smile as she pushed him, "Stop fooling around, let me go wash my face"

I like it," she said gently, "but later I injured my foot, so you must pay attention to safety and not climb too high without protection

The photographer waved and said, "It's alright, just take a couple of steps, I'll give you an upward angle."

Should I go to the southern seaside or to the northern area where it snows heavily

Well, it's the same... I still want to visit some places I haven't been to, and I want to see some old friends I haven't seen in a long time

Xiao Ding exclaimed from the side: "Sister Mo Mo, do you understand this as well?"

"It is not that he is avoiding this topic," Mo Jingyan understood her friend's hesitation, "We all think that things are quite good as they are now"

"Well, I can speak the languages of several countries. Would you like to hear?" The little boy became excited, speaking too quickly and coughing a little.

"You matchmaker, do you also provide after-sales service?" Mo Jingyan laughed, "But are you really worried about his unpredictability, or are you just speaking well of him?"

Oh, which handsome young man

The adjacent shopping mall features a hollow design, with the stage for the store celebration set in the central square of the basement level. When Mo Jingyan arrived, Huang Jun was discussing the arrangement of various stage props with the person in charge of the mall. She waved her hand beside the stage, pointed to the takeout box in her hand, and placed it on the front row seats; then she gestured to herself, using her right index and middle fingers to indicate "I am leaving." Huang Jun raised his hand to her, signaling her to wait a moment, and turned back to continue discussing the stage planning with the staff.

Huang Jun walked over with a smile and said: "Forget it, let's not take a picture of her. She, well, is a bit..."

It is said that such apocalyptic panic will make lovers cherish each other and the present even more. Xia Xiaoju stated emphatically, "Especially Classmate Huang, who is in great need of education"

Perhaps buy a plane ticket to Rio de Janeiro. Mo Jingyan pointed to the poster, The Christ the Redeemer statue hardly appeared in the film, it was only shown for a few seconds in the television news segment before it fell.

"Grandma, shall we come again tomorrow?" the little boy in the back seat asked inquisitively

The photographer clapped his hands and said, "This idea is also quite good"

A thin small package was quickly handed over, leaving only one or two sheets. Xia Xiaoju casually turned her head and, in the flickering glow of the large screen, saw Mo Jingyan's face drenched, his expression desolate, a stark contrast to his usual indifference and languor. She realized that Xia Xiaoju was looking at her in surprise and wiped the corner of her eye: "What’s wrong, is my mascara smudged?" Raising an eyebrow, she returned to the calm and relaxed demeanor that her friends were accustomed to.

"Too old." Mo Jingyan interjected, "You said the same thing last time."

"Do you have any plans to get married?" Xia Xiaoju asked during dinner

Mo Jingyan nodded: "This is indeed the case; climbing is originally a very instinctive activity. However, for many people, this instinct becomes dormant as they grow up, which inevitably leads to stiffness in their movements"

I apologize, he asks so many questions every day that it really gives me a headache. Grandmother shook her head, just like when my son was young; I never expected that after thirty years, I would have to take care of another mischievous little monkey.

In the end, we will forget each other in our respective lives

"Little friend, listen to your grandmother and go home," Mo Jingyan said as he patted the top of his head. "It will be difficult to take a car once the snow gets heavy."

Afterward, Mo Jingyan felt a bit thirsty. She hadn't drunk much water while stuck on the road, so she went to the kitchen and poured herself a full glass. After drinking half of it, Huang Jun took it from her and drank two big gulps. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and kissed her shoulder, saying, "Let's have a boy next time; he will definitely be very handsome." Soon, he fell into a deep sleep. Mo Jingyan kept her eyes open, looking out through the gap in the curtains, watching the snowflakes fluttering down under the heavily clouded night sky. She couldn't help but think of the movie "The Day After Tomorrow," and then recalled what Xiaojun said about it being directed by the same person as "2012." This led her to remember the fleeting scene—amidst the towering waves, the enormous statue of Christ being toppled.

It should not be the case... We have never discussed this topic.

The photographer proudly stated: "Great minds think alike; I took many pictures."

Huang Jun pulled her into his arms: "Am I more handsome than you?"

After dinner, Xia Xiaoju was originally going to visit the set with Mo Jingyan, but suddenly received a call from a colleague, saying that the first draft of the year-end summary needed to be submitted to the leadership on Monday, and asked her to provide a set of important data. She hurriedly said goodbye and rushed to the subway station. Mo Jingyan packed some hand-grabbed pancakes and cold dishes, and walked through the underground corridor to visit the neighboring shopping mall. On the way, she received a call from Xia Xiaoju, who mentioned that it had started to snow lightly again and reminded her to drive back early. Mo Jingyan packed some hand-grabbed pancakes and cold dishes, and walked through the underground corridor to visit the neighboring shopping mall. On the way, she received a call from Xia Xiaoju, who mentioned that it had started to snow lightly again and reminded her to drive back early.

Mo Jingyan chuckled: "Xiao Ju, our conversation has already been monitored by the security department, and someone will soon come to investigate your connection to the 911 incident"