Who comes stepping into the sunlight
Crossing the narrow bridge to the mountain on the opposite side, gazing at the high platform across, Xi Si Yong pointed towards the opposite bank and said: "This great Buddha is called the Great Buddha of Nara, and it is said to have been carved based on the features of Empress Wu Zetian. Quite impressive, isn't it?"
Xi Siyong's slightly contemptuous tone always successfully ignited her fighting spirit: "Let's give it a try, who is afraid of whom?"
Who the hell invented the term "beauty in decline"? If someone is in decline, they are no longer a beauty
Did the master not say it was still open
Uh-huh, No. 2 Middle School
In fact, the matter is not complicated; by subjectively stripping away half of the statements from both my aunt and my father, what remains is the truth.
Unexpectedly, Mother did not object, and Father had not cooked for a long time. Cheng Bing could not remember how long it had been since the family had such a meal together; it was probably the first time in the past two years, and also the last. The dishes bought were all Cheng Bing's favorites: nourishing pig liver soup and stir-fried vegetables with mushrooms, which were Father's specialties. While selecting the vegetables, she squatted in the kitchen, sharing amusing stories from school with Father, while Mother did not participate, merely flipping through an economic magazine on the coffee table.
Have you never pursued a girl?
When the person is present, one pretends to be calm, but when they are not, one cannot help but think of them. Isn't that reminiscent of the Empress Dowager's style? Xi Siyong's words jolted her from her daze, and she stared at him in a daze.
Looking back at the train station, which is now devoid of any trace, and then observing the bustling traffic and the flow of people ahead, it seems as if this brief journey is merely a fleeting dream. She suddenly feels a surge of interest, observing the expressions of the people along the way: the hurried office workers with weary faces, the mothers chattering behind their children, the elderly women carrying vegetable baskets, and the mechanic leaning against the wall, locked in his cotton-padded coat. Each person's expression is different, yet they seem to share a commonality; individuals with long faces, square faces, round faces, and oval faces all wear a uniform and indifferent expression, merging into the throng of people.
"You want to be a chef? Did your dad beat you up?"
The exam week followed one after another, and after taking eight courses in quick succession, the winter vacation arrived. Train tickets were hard to come by, but fortunately, Zhao Xu and a few fellow townsmen had prior experience queuing for tickets before the New Year, and they helped Cheng Bing secure a ticket, thus sparing her mother the trouble of sending a driver to pick her up
The air is subtly infused with the fragrance of willow buds, brushing past the nose inadvertently, that elusive freshness swiftly burrows deep into the heart. In the midst of a Spring Festival that is not particularly warm, she unexpectedly feels a gentle warmth in this fleeting moment
White Horse Temple
Throughout history, there has been only one female emperor, impressive, isn't it? Come on, shout at her, 'I am the king of heaven and earth,' do you dare?
Many years later, even after turning to ice, she still did not know how Xi Siyong recognized her call that night. After asking many times, Xi Siyong always looked bewildered and replied, "Are you sure you were calling me?"
Cheng Bing returned to the dormitory to face a tripartite review. As for Du Jinyun, such a gossiping person should not even be mentioned; even the roommate whose face is inscribed with "Diligent and Loyal to the Country" repeatedly urged Cheng Bing to "confess for leniency, resist for severity"
There is.
Zhao Xu, you want me to pay New Year greetings to you. By the way, I will go out to dinner with him tomorrow, so tell Yang Ma not to prepare my portion.
Well
After hastily filling their stomachs, the two began to seriously discuss their upcoming itinerary. In this regard, they were in complete agreement: since they had come all this way, they might as well make the most of it. It would be a shame to travel all night by train to Luoyang and not even take a look at the Longmen Grottoes before heading back home. They bought a map from a street vendor, and since the Longmen Grottoes were a landmark attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site, they quickly found the bus to get there. Upon entering the scenic area, they were greeted by a street designed in an ancient style, with the morning breeze carrying the warm scent of the sun, dispelling the lingering chill from the train. At the entrance, when they went to buy tickets, they were somewhat taken aback as they counted their cash, realizing that after purchasing the tickets, they would likely only have enough left for a meal. Xi Siyong reassured himself, "Don't worry, I still have a card with me; we can always find a bank in the city center!"
"It is beautiful," Xi Siyong replied solemnly, "but I have heard that in ancient times, women would only style their hair after getting married. Your Majesty, do you long for marriage so much?"
What do you think I should do
Kexisi will never mock her; he will always remain like an observer, quietly standing beside her, watching with cold eyes, and then taking the bottle of wine from her hand: "A little drink brings joy, but excessive drinking leads to chaos"
Seeing her laugh so hard that she bent over, her mother casually asked, "Who is it?"
"Mother is tired," the mother turned her head and said, "You should tell Yang Ma not to cook for me tonight." Cheng Bing said unwillingly, "Dad has never let go of Mom in his heart, why have you never given Dad a chance to explain?"
Time is of the essence, and we must act decisively; let us board the train first and discuss later. It is still the most rudimentary green train carriage, similar to the one we arrived in. Upon reaching the carriage for ticket supplements, we discovered that the staff were absent, and the two of us had to randomly find a seat to settle down. As Xi Siyong rummaged through his wallet, he realized that the remaining cash was insufficient even for the ticket, and upon inquiring with Cheng Bing, he found that her reserves were also limited. Just when it seemed things couldn't get worse, Xi Siyong recalled another even more dreadful matter: "I just saw on the posted notice that when supplementing tickets, one must present the platform ticket for the boarding location. We haven't even purchased a platform ticket, and we will have to supplement the fare from the starting point's price." As Xi Siyong rummaged through his wallet, he realized that the remaining cash was insufficient even for the ticket, and upon inquiring with Cheng Bing, he found that her reserves were also limited. Just when it seemed things couldn't get worse, Xi Siyong recalled another even more dreadful matter: "I just saw on the posted notice that when supplementing tickets, one must present the platform ticket for the boarding location. We haven't even purchased a platform ticket, and we will have to supplement the fare from the starting point's price."
"I came out with you!"
"Look, you have been brainwashed by them to this extent!" The father said in exasperation, "What have they told you? That I, Chen Shimei, have become bad because I have money? That your mother has been abandoned by everyone because of me? I should burn incense and pray every day to thank your mother for her great kindness and virtue, right? Am I not suffering? Have I not worked hard all these years? What have I been busy with for over a decade? Am I not suffering? Have I not worked hard all these years? What have I been busy with for over a decade? I know your mother has had a hard time, she has endured a lot of suffering with me. On the day I married your mother, I told myself that one day I would let her live in a big house, have a driver to take her around, and a chef to cook for her, allowing her to return to a life free from toil! But as soon as your mother and I have a disagreement, everyone jumps out to blame me, saying I am ungrateful, saying I have taken advantage and still act innocent—what advantage have I taken? I know your mother has had a hard time, she has endured a lot of suffering with me. On the day I married your mother, I told myself that one day I would let her live in a big house, have a driver to take her around, and a chef to cook for her, allowing her to return to a life free from toil! But as soon as your mother and I have a disagreement, everyone jumps out to blame me, saying I am ungrateful, saying I have taken advantage and still act innocent—what advantage have I taken? For over a decade, I have been suffocated under pressure, is that the advantage I have gained?"
The terminal station is the train station. Xi Siyong rushed to the temporary ticket window and asked: "Which train departs the earliest?"
Her heart skipped a beat; such calm and cutting words truly sounded like something Xi Siyong would say: "I just don't believe that you have never developed a habit or dependency on someone or something unconsciously."
Under the dual assault of alcohol and cold, the two soon wrapped themselves tightly in their coats and fell asleep in the car seats. By the time they were fully awake the next morning, they found themselves standing in the square of Luoyang Railway Station, surrounded by taxi drivers coming and going to solicit passengers, as well as vendors selling tourist maps: "Luoyang map, three yuan each, do you want one, do you want one? Two yuan each, two yuan each?"
Cheng Bing was indifferent, while Xi Si Yong thought of using this opportunity to educate her to be wary of others. Even though they were so familiar, it was not necessarily trustworthy, yet he ultimately hesitated to speak. The only coins left on both of them were not even enough to take the bus back. Cheng Bing was extremely frustrated, while Xi Si Yong remained calm and composed, as he was the type of person who could remain unflustered even in chaotic situations. Cheng Bing did not complain, only feeling a sense of loss.
Luoyang
She is unaware of anything else that she can be certain of and can grasp
Xi Siyong, will you never have moments of impulse?
Following the last bus to the train station, the area around Baima Temple is relatively desolate, but as one approaches the city center, neon lights begin to flicker. The train station is not crowded, with only a few passengers scattered about, huddled in the waiting room waiting for their train. The ticket gate is completely empty, and Xi Siyong hesitantly points to the electronic board above the ticket gate and says: "There are still ten minutes, will we have enough time to buy tickets?"
Ah?
Xi Siyong lay on the table, laughing casually, sipping a little wine nonchalantly, and seemingly rambling on: "After I graduated from middle school, someone at a class reunion mentioned going to a vocational high school for culinary arts, and I thought it sounded fun, so I followed him to class. After attending a few classes, I found it quite interesting, so I told my dad that I didn't want to continue studying; I wanted to become a chef"
Cheng Bing also has moments of conscience, realizing that one cannot only enjoy the rights of being a die-hard fan without fulfilling the obligations that come with it. However, upon reflection, there is really nothing concerning about Xi Siyong, except for one thing. During the weekend singing practice, a new face appeared, introducing herself as a high school classmate of Xi Siyong, currently studying at a university in another city. She came to visit him during the New Year holiday, but to her surprise, he seemed not to recognize her at all. The girl, who had a rather delicate appearance, sat pitifully in the audience for the entire afternoon, and Xi Siyong did not say a word to her. Cheng Bing mentioned that they could learn the sliding notes next week, that there was no rush, but Xi Siyong coldly retorted, "It’s a small matter if you can’t practice well alone, but it’s a big deal if you embarrass the band during the performance!" Du Jinyun, who was already bored, came along with Cheng Bing to listen to the music and casually chatted with that girl.
That is his lack of insight
Did you also study in K City during high school
Just a few minutes ago, she felt the same way, but now she is frowning and exclaiming, "Vulgar!" Then, she strides down the stone steps with an air of arrogance, while Xi Siyong shrugs and follows her down.
Xi Siyong lowered his head to eat noodles, glanced up at her, and with an expressionless "oh," hesitated for a moment before asking the restaurant master: "Master, what time does Baima Temple close?"
Cheng Bing turned around with a heavy heart, and on the azure waves were their shadows gently swaying with the wind. They were very close, yet never intertwined. Even when the gentle breeze stirred up ripples, those two shadows merely rose and fell with the waves, without ever crossing.
"Hey, Xi Siyong, where are you going?" By the time Cheng Bing reacted, the two had already stood on the empty road at the school gate. Occasionally, a private car would speed by, stirring up the winter chill that unexpectedly slapped against their faces
"Peony! At this season, the peony has not even a single hair left!"
So, Dad, you couldn't bear it anymore... Is this the reason for the infidelity
She pulled up the quilt and wrapped herself entirely in it. For some reason, with the microphone covered, she couldn't utter a single word. On the other end of the line, there were a few more calls of "hello," but she dared not speak, yet she was reluctant to hang up the phone. At this moment, finding someone to accompany her, even if separated by thousands of mountains and rivers, even if it was just this intangible wave of electricity, would be enough.
Xi Siyong did not speak, merely casting a faint glance at her head. Cheng Bing was immediately rendered speechless; that plum blossom jade hairpin was indeed an unexpected expense. "You should have said so earlier," she muttered stubbornly. Xi Siyong glanced at her again with a slight smile, his expression a mix of mockery and sincerity, and said, "Do you feel it is even more unforgettable now?"
The two of them chatted aimlessly for quite a while, both feeling somewhat disheartened. Yesterday, while dashing against the wind like a road hero, I truly felt a surge of the spirit of "how rare it is to fight for life." Now, standing in an unfamiliar place where heaven does not respond and earth does not yield, what is there left to fight for? Do I really think of myself as a roc, capable of soaring through the clouds and striking the waters from great heights, simply spreading my wings and flying back to City K?
Of course. Before Cheng Bing could finish his proud words, Xi Siyong said seriously, "Why do you think that whenever the Empress Dowager goes out, she always has a favored eunuch by her side?"
Xi Siyong shook his head: "No, during the two months of my summer vacation in the first year of high school, my father hired a chef to take me to learn the craft. He said that if I could endure those two months, he would not stop me."
What do you know at such a young age
Cheng Bing shook his head, and naturally hoped to explore Luoyang thoroughly during this outing. However, upon reflection, the impulsive actions of the two last night seemed rather reckless. Although such recklessness at least provided her with a temporary sense of relaxation. Brother Xi Siyong has done his utmost in this regard, and to continue dragging him around Luoyang would be asking too much of him.
Xisi Yong was also momentarily bewildered deep down—last night, in a state of half-drunkenness, who could tell what thoughts crossed his mind in that instant? With neither identification nor communication tools, if luck were to fail them and they were to end up dead in the streets, their identities would be impossible to verify. However, since they had come this far, to back out at the last moment would be too shameful. After glancing around, he forced a smile and said: "Peony"
What are you talking about, Mom? Am I not doing well?
It was the first time she realized that her father had truly aged
"Mom, I didn't want to leave you." Cheng Bing was in a state of confusion. Her mother must have known that she had met her father, but how could her mother know that she would encounter him? It certainly couldn't have been Zhao Xu who told her, as she hadn't asked the driver to take her today. Could it be... Her mother had no reason to follow her. She was perplexed and had no time to think it through, so she could only softly comfort her, saying, "Mom, please don't cry. I'm right here with you." It certainly couldn't have been Zhao Xu who told her, as she hadn't asked the driver to take her today. Could it be... Her mother had no reason to follow her. She was perplexed and had no time to think it through, so she could only softly comfort her, saying, "Mom, please don't cry. I'm right here with you."
There is.
Everything remains the same, the sun rises in the east, the moon sets in the west, and at some moment in the dark night, that heart-wrenching, earth-shattering feeling gradually fades under the sunlight—thinking this, Cheng Bing feels a bit cold-blooded, or rather, she is slowly learning how to become cold-blooded
将阳光带回我的心中
No wonder this fellow never adds diced radish to his sour and spicy rice noodles. Cheng Bing imagined the disheveled appearance of Xi Siyong after carving radishes for two months and couldn't help but burst into laughter. Xi Siyong laughed along, saying, "I thought my dad's friend was just messing with me. Later, when I inquired, I found out that everyone starts by learning to carve radishes as a fundamental skill, just like how martial artists practice their stances!"
Cheng Bing furrowed his brows, gazing thoughtfully at the ten-centimeter-long tear in Xi Siyong's coat. The once decent figure paired with a coat that had a large cut in the front was indeed quite comical. Suddenly, Cheng Bing burst into laughter, his expression sinister: "I have a way to get back to school. You just need to tell the ticket inspector that you were robbed in the middle of the night, and this tear in your coat is the evidence!"
Her mother often spoke to her in a very amusing manner, but this coldness clearly indicated that she was still angry with her. Frozen in place, she dared not argue further and could only watch helplessly as her mother closed the door, not even leaving her with a glimpse of her back.
You are already an adult and can make your own choices. If you feel that living with your mother is too constraining and lacks freedom, then you may go and live with your father
Leaning against the railing, gazing from this bank of the river at the Lu Shan Da Fo, there is a faint sense of graceful charm, which is somewhat different from the awe-inspiring presence that rises majestically between heaven and earth on the opposite bank
Aunt is a friend of Dad. Mother bent down and hugged her to take her home. Mother always liked to let go of her hand, teaching her to walk, to run, and to jump, but that day was quite unusual; Mother held her very tightly, as if she would lose her the moment she let go. Aunt had some difficulties and needed Dad's help, but Dad was very tired from work. Mother had already thought of a way to help her, so let's not disturb Dad, shall we
Having paid the fare, they happened to catch a bus to Baima Temple. The two of them joyfully rushed onto the bus, but to their surprise, the public transport in Luoyang was exceedingly slow. By the time they reached the final stop, the sun was already setting, casting a desolate view all around. As soon as they got off the bus, they were taken aback; not only was Baima Temple closed, but even the surrounding shops had already shut down.
Frozen in silence, unsure of what to believe, perhaps she has been deceived too many times and no longer dares to trust easily. Her father smiled bleakly: "The disaster was caused by me, and all I can do is provide money. Do you think I dare to do anything else besides giving money? As a result, your mother found out about this, and no matter what I say, she refuses to believe me again. From that moment on, she began preparing for today, I know, I know everything. She said to buy a house, so I bought a house; she said to write your name, so I wrote your name. Do you think I don't understand her intentions? As a result, your mother found out about this again, and no matter what I say, she refuses to believe me again. From that moment on, she began preparing for today, I know, I know everything. She said to buy a house, so I bought a house; she said to write your name, so I wrote your name. Do you think I don't understand her intentions? I know, I know everything; whatever she says is what it is. I thought as time went on, she would understand... I think of a death row inmate whose sentence is commuted to probation, eventually turning into life imprisonment. She, however, received a ten-year probation, yet still faces the death penalty.
Xi Siyong wore an expression of indifference, as if nothing could weigh on his mind. Cheng Bing suddenly recalled his backup team, which had an unknown number assigned to it, and asked, "Xi Siyong, having been in so many relationships, do you understand... what love truly is?"
Xi Siyong coolly threw out a phrase: "Selling oneself!"
In the year when the ice formed as a dividing line, at the age of eight, Nansheng Electronics completed several significant orders, achieved breakthroughs in technology, and applied for several patents, marking a fruitful year. Through the mediation of his second aunt, Cheng Weiguo, accompanied by his beloved wife and young daughter, paid a visit to Lord Taishan. This trip during the Spring Festival can only be described as "setting off in high spirits, returning in disappointment." Cheng Weiguo was determined to win Lord Taishan's favor, but to his dismay, the Nansheng Electronics that he had cherished for ten years was, to others, merely an insignificant folk workshop.
So Li Rui said that I do not sing as well as you, nor do I have your passion. Hmm, that's true. Life is a long journey; why do we need so much passion and energy? I cannot see another path, and even if I could, I wouldn't know if it could sustain me for a lifetime. How could I find the motivation?
Cheng Bing felt as if a heavy blow had struck her, and she sat down on the carpet, staring blankly at her mother. Her mother gently caressed her cheek, as if it were Cheng Bing who was crying, not herself: "Bing Bing, promise me, okay?"
She chuckled twice at the ice and ignored him, sitting down to take out the textbook "Digital Signal Processing" to start her homework, filled with Fourier transforms, making her head spin. After writing just a few lines, she suddenly realized a question: what did that brief trip to Luoyang mean for Xi Siyong?
Xi Siyong pressed his lips together and after a long pause finally asked: "How about this... you call someone from your dormitory to help you check in, I still have some money in my account, enough to play for another two days"
There are always unexpected events, and plans often cannot keep up with changes. Even those who are adept at planning for themselves cannot control everything
Ji Shenyan used to say that she was young and did not understand, while Xi Siyong, having experienced numerous battles, should surely understand
Xi Siyong laughed freely, and just looking at him made one feel like hitting him. Cheng Bing shot him a fierce glance, wondering what kind of person he was, laughing so heartily as if being handsome meant he could ride for free. She sat with a grim face in the window seat, racking her brain but unable to come up with a solution. After a long while, Xi Siyong finally leaned over to comfort her, saying: "Everyone needs to sleep at midnight, and I doubt the conductor will check tickets at this time. Once we get through tonight, by tomorrow morning even if they want to throw us off the train, we will have reached K City. The worst-case scenario is just to call the school, right? They won't detain us for no reason; I was just trying to scare you!"
On such a long day, she felt overwhelmed and unable to endure the cold. She logged onto the school's BBS and saw the mobile number left by Xi Siyong in her inbox. Ignoring the fact that the time in the bottom right corner of the computer screen showed it was already 2 AM, she picked up the phone on her bedside and dialed the number. After two rings, she realized that she shouldn't disturb someone's sweet dreams at this hour. Just as she was about to hang up, she heard a vague and sleepy voice on the other end: "Hello, who is this?"
Cheng Bing casually snatched the bottle back, saying: "Isn't it because you're here!"
Why is it that the closest person now feels the farthest away—she is the flesh that fell from her mother, as her mother often says. When the three of them raise their hands to vote, her father often complains that the mother and daughter team up to bully him, to which the mother laughs and says: "Bingbing fell from me, I carried her for ten months, was it easy for me?"
"As the young lady of the family," Ji Shenyan teased, "how many people toil and struggle their entire lives, yet still cannot earn that few pieces of worthless paper?"
Since we are here anyway, we might as well find a place to have some fun
She passively accepted her parents' way of doing things, blindly glossing over the truth in her childhood. One day, all the facades suddenly shattered, and she could only accept it, with no choice in the matter
The scales of her heart unconsciously tilted towards her father as she looked at his pleading gaze before he departed, and at his slightly stooped figure as he turned away. She felt a sense of guilt for having previously doubted her father's intentions regarding the unequal division of property that had led to their unwillingness to divorce. Although Ji Shenyin had taught her that at times one must interpret the actions of former loved ones with the utmost malice, she still believed that this time her father's words came straight from the heart
Being seen through always brings a sense of embarrassment and anger; her face flushed bright red, yet she dared not retort. This was because he had not uttered a single word directed at her, and if she were to rashly counter, she would only earn the label of being sensitive and irritable—though she was well aware that he was indeed addressing her.
Later, I cannot recall what else we talked about, nor do I know who hung up the phone first. In a daze, we chatted about some trivial matters. In any case, when I woke up, it was already bright daylight. The morning light painted a warm glow on the curtains, and a new day began again
He had never thought that he could suppress such an impulse, and at the moment his fingers brushed against her nostrils, he forcefully pulled himself back. Her even breathing was so close, the tip of her nose glimmering softly under the light, completely unguarded against him. He held his breath, moved the ice away, and then inhaled for three seconds, exhaled for three seconds, inhaled for three seconds, exhaled for three seconds, striving to maintain this rhythm, not knowing how long it took to calm his mind.
It seems like, yet it also seems ... ...
Politely reporting her academic progress to her aunt and uncle, she mentioned that she plans to work for a few years after completing her undergraduate studies. The second aunt then complained to her mother: "Why go all the way to City K? The child is just playing around. I told you long ago to let her come to Beijing, where so many relatives are; or let her go to Columbia, where relatives can look after her, making it easier for her to integrate into the local community..." The second aunt then complained to her mother: "Why go all the way to City K? The child is just playing around. I told you long ago to let her come to Beijing, where so many relatives are; or let her go to Columbia, where relatives can look after her, making it easier for her to integrate into the local community..."
Rest assured, even if it is to call the police, it is still reporting an elopement
In any case, she has experienced the image of being destitute, miserable, and awkward that Xi Siyong has witnessed. From the initial anger when he caught a glimpse of her inner thoughts, to the confrontations when she first joined the band, and now to the sense of security she feels when using him as a sounding board. She cannot articulate how these changes occurred, nor can she remember when it all began. Once she got used to looking back, there was always this person standing behind her. He does not comfort her, deceive her, or console her; most of the time, he simply watches her cry and throw tantrums in silence, and then, after she has vented her emotions, he reaches out to guide her back on track. She cannot articulate how these changes occurred, nor can she remember when it all began. Once she got used to looking back, there was always this person standing behind her. He does not comfort her, deceive her, or console her; most of the time, he simply watches her cry and throw tantrums in silence, and then, after she has vented her emotions, he reaches out to guide her back on track.
I fear I may not be able to wait
There is nothing different; from the moment you emerged from the womb, you would only drift further away from them.
The ancient Japanese folk song wafts through the air, its gentle melody and enchanting voice reminiscent of clear, fragrant sake in a cup, pure and transparent, with a lingering aroma that is hard to part with
Zhao Xu gestured to her with a bow, asking Cheng Bing not to embarrass him too much. Her father had given her and Zhao Xu a New Year red envelope, and then Zhao Xu made an excuse to leave. She stood there, momentarily speechless in front of her father, unable to taste her food. Her father asked in surprise, "Don't you like it? You used to always clamor for Japanese food."
He pretended to be foolish and refused to admit it, yet she clearly remembered that he said: "Let me tell you a story"