The night is deep and still

Duban did not respond. Outside, a night wind had begun to rise, causing the windows to rattle with a "flap flap" sound. The wind blew in through the cracks of the window, and he felt cold, hunching his shoulders and sighing: "Look at this cold day with such strong winds! I wonder when the spring breeze will finally arrive?"

There are a total of five oceans. "Xiao Yan, I have been looking for you for a long time." Xiao Yan slowly leaned into the sofa, as if her doubts had finally been confirmed, and her heart settled. She held Gui Yun's hand and gently called out, "Xiao Yun." Gui Yun turned her hand and held tightly. After parting, there were a thousand words to say, but at the moment of reunion, they were speechless and choked with emotion. She did not know where to begin. Doubts lingered in her heart. Looking at this person, this room, this situation, it was too easy to draw the worst conclusions. Unintentionally, she asked, "Are you the goddaughter of Boss Wang?" Immediately regretting the question, she felt cruel for asking. But Xiao Yan did not evade. "My current name is Xie Yanfei, and Boss Wang is my godfather." After the introduction, she smiled briefly, shook the hem of her qipao, crossed her slender legs, and took out a shiny silver cigarette case, retrieving a gold-tipped "San Ge Wu" cigarette. Then, with practiced ease, she reached for a matchbox on the bedside table, striking a match with just one hand. The flame illuminated her fair cheeks as she lit the cigarette held between her lips. A wisp of blue smoke separated them. Gui Yun stared blankly at her exhaling smoke, trying to find the old shadow of Xiao Yan in the haze. The one now called "Xie Yanfei" said, "In the past, the swallows at the Wang family’s hall flew into the homes of ordinary people. I was never a swallow from the Wang family’s hall; being in a place like this now is already quite good." Her childhood northeastern accent had almost completely disappeared; the one now called "Xie Yanfei" continued, "In the past, the swallows at the Wang family’s hall flew into the homes of ordinary people. I was never a swallow from the Wang family’s hall; being in a place like this now is already quite good." Her childhood northeastern accent had almost completely disappeared, replaced by the soft Wu dialect of Shanghai. Slightly tilting her head, her slender neck adorned with ear pendants about an inch long swayed gently, the lotus root-like design moving slightly. Yet, this was the most lively part of her entire outfit.

A man should venture out and explore; otherwise, how would one know the dangers of the world? As for women, they should maintain a sense of dignity and avoid worldly troubles. Boss Wang relaxed under Yan Fei's massage, closing his eyes. I truly did not expect you to have such thoughts! A woman should understand the importance of dignity. He felt sleepy and, just before falling asleep, added, "A'nan, the property deed for the small villa is in your name. Over the past two years, whether in public or behind the scenes, you have supported me quite a bit."

At last, the figure of Guiyun disappeared into the night, the guests dispersed, and the parlor became quiet. She quietly lay on the sofa, playing with the two coins, her hands clasped together, producing a "jingle" sound.

"Please sit!" The woman in the white cloak gestured towards Guiyun. Guiyun settled into the single sofa by the window, her body sinking into the soft red Xiang embroidery cushion, her waist relaxed. The woman in the white cloak retrieved a light blue cotton dress from the floor-to-ceiling coat rack behind the door. "What a coincidence, I brought an extra dress today in case it rains," she said, holding the dress and glancing at the coat Guiyun was wearing. "It should match your coat quite well." Guiyun took the dress and examined her closely. The room was brightly lit by the fluorescent light, allowing a clear view of both people and objects. She also noticed the small tear mole beneath the woman's left eye, resembling a tear that could never be wiped away, floating with a hint of melancholy.

Guiyun said, "I am fine." Zhanfeng's eyes flickered, wanting to avoid the situation: "It's about time; I will go call for a rickshaw." After saying this, he went out to call for a vehicle

She secretly observed her, watching as Gui Feng and Zhan Feng gathered around her, and also saw Zhuo Yang and Andrei walking over to bid her farewell. Noticing that Gui Yun had been looking for opportunities to glance at her, she decided not to look at Gui Yun anymore, gathered her spirits, accompanied Boss Wang to see off the guests, and politely bid farewell to Gui Yun as well

Gui Yun saw his anxious and serious demeanor, which made her laugh: "You, the young master, should take care of yourself first before talking about anything else! I'm fine; we can discuss future matters later." Zhan Feng felt pleased: "Actually, you are the one who understands me the most." Zhan Feng thought that marrying Gui Yun might not be a bad idea, as she always considered herself first. Gui Yun thought that life was just like this; living the current days was a blessing, and there was no need to dwell on it too much.

Ah? Guiyun exclaimed, unable to believe that so many incidents had occurred during this festive season. Master Du furrowed his brows tightly: "In silence, one can hear the thunder. I suspect that the situation will change, and the Qingxi troupe must prepare early.

"You should not always be so burdened with worries; being so mature at a young age will make your father think I have deprived you of your youth!" the elder said.

Guiyun silently asked: "Will there really be a war? Hasn't the government been insisting on non-resistance all along? Do the Japanese still want to go to war?"

Zhuo Yang felt a chill in his heart and asked, "Where is my book?" Mrs. Zhuo replied, "Don't be so startled. Your father and I consider ourselves to be democratic individuals and do not engage in infringing upon our son's personal belongings."

In Boss Wang's Lantern Festival banquet, the most at a loss among the guests were likely the sister duo, Guiyun and Guifeng.

Gui Yun felt awkward and said, "I am truly sorry to disturb you." As she spoke, she intended to pull Gui Feng away. The young man from China felt anxious and did not want her to leave, so he blocked her path. He was tall enough to easily obstruct her, but he also felt it was presumptuous, so he extended his right hand and said, "My surname is Zhuo, Zhuo Yang, it's a pleasure to meet you!" He was indeed very eager. His eyes were excessively bright, as if he could see through a person's heart. She had no choice but to extend her hand as well and politely shook his hand, saying, "My surname is Zhuo, Zhuo Yang, it's a pleasure to meet you!" He was indeed very eager. His eyes were excessively bright, as if he could see through a person's heart. She had no choice but to extend her hand as well and politely shook his hand.

Boss Wang chuckled, "So you brought Du Zhanfeng in as well? Ah Nan, you’ve been messing around again, haven’t you?" He continued, "Young people like Zhanfeng are naturally full of vigor, but they lack understanding of the ways of the world. It’s obvious he was raised with too much pampering at home, and his approach to work is not very steady.

When the night veil is invisible, she can indulge in her descent, and the more she falls, the happier she becomes! It is only fortunate that, thankfully, Xiao Yun remains that pure white cloud. Among those who think of returning clouds is the Chinese youth Zhuo Yang. The night breeze carries a chill, and his heart quietly ripples. He feels inexplicably stirred. The rickshaw he is sitting in bumps along the way, and he is jostled along with it, experiencing an unbearable urge akin to a call for images and books. He understands a bit, yet not enough; his thoughts are numerous, and soon, his heart becomes chaotic. The rickshaw he is sitting in bumps along the way, and he is jostled along with it, experiencing an unbearable urge akin to a call for images and books. He understands a bit, yet not enough; his thoughts are numerous, and soon, his heart becomes chaotic.

The audience below was gently enveloped by the warm sound. The light in the parlor was tightly gathered, illuminating the pair of sisters in blue and red, making them appear even more warm and radiant.

Zhuo Yang stepped forward: "Boss Wang's proposal is excellent. In the current situation, transferring resources to the rear is much safer."

The blue girl’s face resembled a silver plate, her eyes shimmering with flowing light, exuding an endless vitality. She was adorned with large, blooming magnolia flowers. Two long braided pigtails, tied with blue ribbons at the ends, left long streamers that decorated the tips of her hair, reaching down to the hem of her skirt beneath her coat. The peach-colored girl, with her delicate face and slender figure, radiated a refined and gentle charm under her vibrant attire. Her voice was truly astonishing, containing joy, shyness, timidity, and the anxiousness of a young girl in love. Just like Zhu Yingtai. Such a scene, such people, could temporarily dispel all of one’s worries. They all followed the rhythm, gently responding to the melody, all in the farewell of eighteen. Guiyun’s singing became increasingly smooth, flowing like clouds and water, led by Guifeng into the performance, stepping gracefully, with eyes dancing, immersing into the emotions of the play. From left to right, crossing the narrow bridge, leaving the ancient temple behind. Suddenly, they saw a man in a black suit standing there, holding a large, square notebook in his hands, gripping a shiny silver pen, flying across the paper. The light slanted over, a few strands of his hair hung loosely, yet he paid no mind. So serious and focused, it was unclear what he was writing.

Gui Yun dawdled and echoed Gui Feng with a phrase: "Oh, Seven Treasures." Gui Feng's hand came over, bringing her gaze along, as she heard Gui Feng draw out a note. "I come from home." Grasping hands again, it became a joyful ending note. "Parting is such sweet sorrow, a thousand words linger in my heart, I hope Brother Liang arrives soon." Applause thundered like rolling thunder. Gui Yun exhaled, her heart racing, only then realizing her nervousness. She pressed her hand against her heart and bowed to the audience. "Parting is such sweet sorrow, a thousand words linger in my heart, I hope Brother Liang arrives soon." Applause thundered like rolling thunder. Gui Yun exhaled, her heart racing, only then realizing her nervousness. She pressed her hand against her heart and bowed to the audience.

His heart is elevated, but upon returning to the orderly Xafebang, it has been diminished again. The Shikumen is a pigeon cage, and he must burrow back in.

The wild goose lightly tapped the shoulder of the returning cloud and said, "Next time, I will find you to gather alone; I am helping my godfather see off his guests." Without lingering, it departed.

"It is lively and bustling, allowing outsiders to feel at ease without being intrusive." They were unaware of anything, innocently caught up in it. Yan Fei turned around and thoughtfully began to massage Boss Wang's shoulders and neck.

Fortunately, with the presence of this previously unseen buffet table, the troubles of returning clouds and phoenixes were temporarily alleviated, and the two finally found something to do. Like other guests, they carefully selected some Chinese and Western snacks on small plates and hid in a corner of the living room, near the back courtyard, to eat discreetly, avoiding drawing attention.

Guiyun could only watch her depart with a sense of loss. This meeting was both joyful and poignant. Xiaoyun and Xiaoyan, the wild goose had already left the cloud, flying farther and farther away, to a distance that the cloud could no longer chase after. Yanfei also felt a sense of sorrow; she had unexpectedly encountered the same Xiaoyun as before. She remained as she was at the beginning, just as she had always hoped.

Outside the gate, three cannon shots echoed like thunder, and from the wave of the palace, I, the loyal subject, Baoguocheng, emerged, wearing a golden helmet and iron armor, draped in a battle robe, with a large flag displaying the character for 'General' and the character for 'Mu' signifying authority. Mu Guiying, at the age of fifty-three, set out for battle once more. We do not seek official titles, nor do we seek wealth; our aim is the Song dynasty and the welfare of the common people, so that all the civil and military officials can see who truly serves the state and protects the dynasty. As I recited, my voice trembled, and the more I read, the faster I became, with a surge of passionate spirit rising within me. Once I finished, Master Du remarked, 'This is adapted from a Peking opera script; indeed, it is time to sing such a piece, rather than always focusing on romantic themes.' Guiyun closed the script and said, 'I wish to sing such a piece.' Master Du replied, 'Not so fast; let us settle in the new venue before performing this play.' 'Are we moving to a new venue?' 'A few days ago, some Japanese ronin came to extort protection money, and Boss Li intends to sell the venue and return to his hometown in Sichuan.'

I just encountered several professors from Fudan, and they all responded to Boss Wang's opinion, but my father was evasive. This young man's voice sounded strangely familiar. "Don't be ridiculous, you came too, didn't you?" "I'm afraid it's just to serve as a facade for him." "Parents' hearts are not easily understood by children; you shouldn't be mischievous with your parents." "I—" Before the young man could finish, someone walked over and called out, "Editor Mo." They turned around and had a brief encounter with Guiyun. Guiyun was taken aback. The young man also stopped, surprised yet pleased, smiling at Guiyun, saying, "We meet again." He had changed from a Zhongshan suit to a black suit, yet his posture remained tall and proud, just as he had been in the French park. He did not walk away with his companions; he truly stopped and stood right in front of Guiyun.

Master Du was quite angry with his son for being indiscreet in his dealings. Taking advantage of the moment during the rehearsal, he comforted Guiyun, who simply said: "It's always good to aim for great things. I have prepared his luggage properly and sent it to Boss Wang's factory today. Xu Wufu went too! Everyone was quite friendly, and Boss Wang is a decent man. Quite good indeed." Master Du stroked his beard and smiled: "Zhan Feng is counting on you to understand him." Seeing that Guiyun remained calm and composed, he felt reassured and asked, "How was the singing last night?" Guiyun sat up straight and replied: "The singing went very smoothly; there were no bright lights there, and I felt completely relaxed." Master Du was satisfied: "You still have the ability to sing." "Alas—I truly fear that the ancestors will not bless me to make a living in this profession, and in the end, I will achieve nothing!" Master Du smiled and comforted her: "No rush, no rush; everything will come in time." As he spoke, he handed her a script he was holding, saying, "Take a look at this script; it’s newly acquired. I think your voice is deep and resonant, so it might be worth a try." Guiyun took the script and looked at it—"Mu Guiying Takes Command." Opening it to see the lyrics, Master Du had revised and edited the original lyrics, writing the improved version below. She gently read it aloud:

Boss Wang also arranged a buffet table in a very Western style, placing both Chinese and Western dishes on the table for the gentlemen and ladies present to help themselves

Gui Yun raised her head, her large eyes fixed intently on the woman, increasingly filled with suspicion. Gui Feng supported her, and she immediately said: "It’s nothing serious, I will go with this young lady to change my clothes." She then followed the woman upstairs. After winding around, they arrived at the third floor, where the woman led her and pushed open the door to a room adjacent to the corridor, which also contained a library. In the center of the room stood a large redwood bed, with two redwood nightstands on either side, and a row of redwood wardrobes against the wall. On these deep red wooden furnishings were laid red embroidered bed linens, a red table cover, and red velvet curtains on the floor-to-ceiling steel windows, creating a festive atmosphere akin to a bridal chamber. In the center of the room stood a large redwood bed, with two redwood nightstands on either side, and a row of redwood wardrobes against the wall. On these deep red wooden furnishings were laid red embroidered bed linens, a red table cover, and red velvet curtains on the floor-to-ceiling steel windows, creating a festive atmosphere akin to a bridal chamber.

The girl sat down on another sofa, extending her hand, her fingertips delicate, spreading out on the armrest of the sofa. There were two rusty coins, yet still shining silver, resembling large dollars. Guiyun looked at these two coins, tears welling in her eyes; she also took something out from her bosom and placed it beside them

Safe and very comfortable. Guiyun thought that she would sing, and this was the first time. The master Du also wanted her to gain experience. Without the tube light, she truly felt unafraid. But why was she afraid of that light? She was puzzled, her memory hazy. The guests listening to the opera were all seated, with Boss Wang sitting on the genuine leather sofa in the front row, while Zhuo Yang stood at the back row, leaning against a floor lamp next to the fireplace, quietly conversing with a few young men. He raised his eyes and saw her, smiling and nodding.

Gui Feng took Gui Yun's hand, calling out softly, "Brother Liang," and conjured up in her mind the picturesque landscapes of the eighteen farewells. Everywhere, the scenery served as a metaphor for people, with her eyes hinting affectionately at Liang Shanbo. Liang Shanbo, however, was carefree and unconcerned with trivialities, sincere yet reluctant to part. He was foolish and somewhat naive. Yet, the mountain scenery was beautiful, the foreground vibrant, and the promise of the Qixi Festival was just around the corner. Who would know that this was the prelude to a separation of life and death, merely a fleeting moment of innocent joy. He was foolish and somewhat naive. Yet, the mountain scenery was beautiful, the foreground vibrant, and the promise of the Qixi Festival was just around the corner. Who would know that this was the prelude to a separation of life and death, merely a fleeting moment of innocent joy.

As Guiyun averted his gaze, he steadied his mind. With the onset of the melody, two crisp voices resonated. "Three years of camaraderie, deep as the sea, Shanbo finds it hard to part from Zhu Yingtai. Together they descend the mountain, then head towards Qiantang."

Gui Yun lowered her head, tears of sorrow welling up, clutching her skirt and saying, "I will change my clothes first." Zhan Feng finally made his appearance when the banquet was coming to an end, and was met with Gui Feng's complaint: "You vanished in an instant, leaving us two lonely souls to embarrass ourselves in an unfamiliar place." His face bore an eager excitement, yet he pretended to be mysterious. "It's nothing, nothing!" After a moment's thought, he added, "Boss Wang introduced me to the owners of two trading firms, and I am currently seeking their advice on some business matters!" This could be considered a legitimate matter, so Gui Feng did not pursue it further, and she caught sight of Gui Yun descending the stairs, with Yan Fei following closely behind her.

In fact, the alley here is already quite spacious, enough to accommodate a small car. Zhuo Yang saw a black Mitsubishi parked in front of his house. In front of the car, a man in a long trench coat bowed at a ninety-degree angle to Zhuo Hanshu, showing great respect. Due to the darkness of the night, it was difficult to see the man's face clearly. His lips tightened; he did not know who it was, but he appeared to be Japanese. His father was a renowned history professor at Fudan University, known for his famous viewpoint that cultural dissemination should transcend ethnicity, time, and even hatred. He had many foreign students, among them a foreign girl named Mona, and he had quite a few friends from other countries, all of whom strongly agreed with his perspective.

Raising her head, she faced the corner at the turn of the staircase on the left side of the living room. A white figure, wrapped in a white cloak, appeared. With sparse bangs revealing a delicate widow's peak, her braided hair was adorned with a plum blossom hairpin. Her finely shaped oval face had misty eyes, which were also gazing at Guiyun in surprise. Guiyun was taken aback, looking at her but unable to see clearly. The woman took two steps forward, revealing herself under the dim yellow light. Guiyun stepped forward but accidentally knocked over a nearby microphone stand, stumbling slightly. The finely shaped oval face, with misty eyes, was still staring at Guiyun in surprise. Guiyun was startled, looking at her but unable to see clearly. The woman took two steps forward, revealing herself under the dim yellow light. Guiyun stepped forward but accidentally knocked over a nearby microphone stand, stumbling slightly. Guifeng, unable to react in time, barely reached out to support her, but the stand tilted and was about to crash into her. Zhuoyang rushed up in a flash, firmly grabbing the stand and pushing it forward. With a "crack," a nail that had somehow emerged from the iron-gray stand tore through Guiyun's silk dress, completely ripping the blue skirt. Her fall caused the audience to panic as well. Boss Wang hurried over to ask if she was injured. Seeing her skirt was torn, he turned and called out: "Anan." The woman in the white cloak was just stepping out from behind him, and without waiting for instructions, she said: "Godfather, let me take this young lady to change into a new skirt!"

In this way, I have indeed gained a significant advantage. Then I shall not be modest about it! Boss Wang closed his eyes and laughed, "When did you become so cultured?" The mischievous smile that had been on her face faded slightly at that moment. When did she learn this? Someone taught her earnestly, and she studied diligently, truly putting in her utmost effort, fearing that the teacher would be dissatisfied. She thought to herself and let out a faint sigh. When she learned this idiom, she was still quite innocent. The red velvet curtains in the parlor were all drawn up, blocking out the deep night outside and also interrupting her thoughts.

Zhuo Yang idolizes his father, as long as his father does not treat him with disdain and regards him as a mere child. The car sped past him, and when his father's face turned to see him, he frowned. "Has Mr. Wang finished his performance?" "Dad, I think your attitude towards Boss Wang is rather unkind!" Zhuo Yang followed his father into the house. Zhuo Hanshu coldly snorted, "Hmph": "I let you go, which is already giving Mr. Wang some face. What would be considered more kind?"

There are indeed others speaking here, but through the floor-to-ceiling curtains, the figures are not visible; the voices belong to an old person and a young one.

"Ah, you are daydreaming again!" Boss Wang, dressed in a cotton silk pajamas, sat down beside her. "Ah! No, I am not!" Yan Fei came back to her senses and added, "Godfather, we could also choose not to invite the troupe to perform at the gathering."

Yan Fei took a puff of his cigarette, abruptly extinguishing the cigarette butt in the ashtray, and said: "Xiao Yun, you are still the same Xiao Yun. How wonderful!"

Zhuo Yang felt even more annoyed when he heard his mother bring up this matter, and he slumped down in his chair. Mrs. Zhuo sighed, "The books in your room really make us break out in a cold sweat. Do you know what those people ended up like?"

Upon entering this unfamiliar place, the two individuals were immediately disoriented by the winding and intricate surroundings. Zhan Feng suddenly vanished from sight, leaving the two sisters even more at a loss. Gui Yun was still able to carefully observe the unfamiliar guests and noticed the absence of any members of the Wang family, yet there were several guests who appeared to be of some significance. There were gentlemen in suits and Zhongshan suits, exuding an air of cultured sophistication; there were also businessmen dressed in silk long gowns, holding pipes. The ladies present were equally dignified and well-mannered, with many sporting the fashionable ear-length bob, embodying the image of the new woman. Among the crowd, there were even three or four foreigners.

Zhan Feng said: "Gui Yun, we grew up together since childhood, and you understand me the best. I am immensely grateful!"