Chapter 2, Everything is but a fleeting illusion

On Monday morning, there happened to be a large client's contract that needed to be signed. Lu Mingmei personally delivered it, and by the time she returned to the bank, it was nearly noon. As soon as she entered, a colleague on duty in the lobby smiled at Lu Mingmei and said, "Mingmei, your VIP client is here, waiting for you in the office for quite a while!"

Cheng Songpo taught her two things through force: first, that a man's strength is meant to protect women; second, that fairness and justice must be founded on strength

Cheng Songpo has never smiled from the heart

After a moment of hesitation, Lu Mingmei asked: "Shijinglei, will you become hesitant about love because of the passage of time?"

I don't have a car," Cheng Bing smiled and said, noticing Lu Ming's surprised expression, she quickly added, "There is a car at home, but..." As she spoke, she raised the tie in her hand, "I'm waiting for my man to buy one for me.

Because the man in your question clearly refers to someone else, my answer holds no reference value

Lu Mingmei cursed and hung up the phone angrily. On the other end, Shi Jingwei held the receiver, listening to the beeping sound, and shrugged, saying: "I told you I would, but the response I got was worse than not responding at all"

Of course, there is also the meaning of being sulky with her parents involved; Lu Mingmei is not truly in such dire need of money, but she wants to stir up some trouble. In the class, there are other students who, after failing to complete their homework twice, have had their parents contacted by the teacher, yet it seems that she is treated with exceptional leniency. From initially stealing in secret to later brazenly robbing, there have been bold students who reported her to their parents or teachers, yet it surprisingly remained calm without even a ripple. She escalated her mischief, but it only resulted in her classmates feeling particularly fearful and hostile towards her. From initially stealing in secret to later brazenly robbing, there have been bold students who reported her to their parents or teachers, yet it surprisingly remained calm without even a ripple. She escalated her mischief, but it only resulted in her classmates feeling particularly fearful and hostile towards her

The Western art community seems to hold a great appreciation for Cheng Songpo's innovation, believing that the mural not only reflects a profound understanding of Western classical oil painting but also possesses a contemporary reality and deep power. With the rapid development of the cultural industry in the country in recent years, several art dealers have immediately expressed their intention to organize an exhibition for Cheng Songpo domestically. In the preliminary publicity, Cheng Songpo mentioned that he has specially created several new works for this exhibition, keeping them highly confidential before the official display, which adds a touch of mystery to the event.

Cheng Bing smiled and shook his head: "My husband"

It used to be a common occurrence

Chatting with someone of Cheng Bing's caliber is always a source of income, so how can it be considered a waste of time? The only concern is that previously, Shi Jingwei had shown great enthusiasm towards Cheng Bing. Given Cheng Bing's family background, she likely meets the standards of someone as "ambitious" as Shi Jingwei. Lu Mingmei speculated on the reasons why Shi Jingwei had not fervently pursued Cheng Bing. Firstly, there is a disparity in their social status, and secondly... Given Shi Jingwei's consistent tendency to act unconventionally, it is unlikely that he would easily pursue her with heavy-handed tactics; rather, he would likely seek an alternative approach for a decisive impact. Lu Mingmei thought about this and felt a headache coming on, so she could only engage in casual conversation: "What did you buy?"

"Who said I want to cry? I am not that pathetic. He doesn't care about me, and I don't care about him either"

Unfortunately, her mother is a workaholic, and feeling embarrassed, she only helped Cheng Songpo with some minor tasks. It was then that she learned Cheng Songpo was an art student at the school. She secretly found it intriguing, as she had originally speculated that he was a sports specialist.

After some hesitation and consideration, he ordered a bottle of Carlsberg for Lu Mingmei. She directly bit open the bottle cap, impressing Shi Jingwei with her dexterity: "Not bad at all with the technique"

Lu Mingmei leaned over, staring at him as if she had discovered a new continent: "Have you undergone gender reassignment?"

Yes

"Was it stolen? No worries, I will find someone to get two more. Men of this age generally have a kind of fervent nostalgia for Transformers, as it is an indelible memory from their childhood."

Lu Mingmei omitted the latter half, while Shi Jingwei's latter half states: Art is a mirror; it does not reflect life, but rather the person looking into the mirror

When Lu Mingmei received a call from her father inquiring about her and Shi Jingwei's recent situation, she was sitting on the observation platform of her middle school playground, quietly watching the students playing soccer on the field. In the distance, the sound of a harmonica floated through the air, playing the song "Friends" by Zhou Huajian, a popular song from many years ago when she was studying here. Once, when she went to the art studio to find Cheng Songpo, she discovered that he could actually play the harmonica, an instrument that few people were interested in anymore. At that time, she was infatuated with Zhou Huajian and insisted that he play it for her.

Little did she know that Cheng Songpo, with a single grappling move, threw her harshly to the ground. It was unclear what kind of skill it was, but she later named it the grappling technique. He pinned her down, his eyes ablaze with fury, as if she had not merely stolen two yuan from him, but had instead killed his father. Unable to overpower him, she resorted to playing dirty, thinking that a gentleman should possess some decorum and refrain from striking a woman. However, Cheng Songpo ignored her completely, pressing down on her with great force, his fiery gaze serving as a silent warning. Unable to overpower him, she resorted to playing dirty, thinking that a gentleman should possess some decorum and refrain from striking a woman. However, Cheng Songpo ignored her completely, pressing down on her with great force, his fiery gaze serving as a silent warning.

For example, I admit that what I said back then was said in anger, but the events that have occurred can never be changed; for example, I once thought I had lost you forever, and I went through a long period of despair and confusion; for example... I do not know who has filled the void in my life over the years, or if anyone has already entered your heart; for example... I am no longer the Cheng Songpo you remember. Therefore, I do not know if you would be willing to try once more

Lu Mingmei, seemingly unconcerned, casually draped her arm over his shoulder and pointed at a beautiful woman who had just taken a seat at the bar in the distance. She smiled and asked, "Why not go say hello? I remember once coming here with colleagues and it seemed like you were quite popular with the ladies..."

"No, I won't." Cheng Songpo replied with a cold smile, "At most, I have only painted a few relatively realistic paintings."

Later, the stepmother treated her fairly well, but at that time, Lu Mingmei's mind was filled with various stories of stepmothers who appeared kind but were actually deceitful.

Cheng Songpo's expression became serious: "Who?"

Before she could close her mouth, the phone call from Shi Jingwei came in, seemingly with something to say. It was heard that she was having dinner with Cheng Bing, but the details were vague. After a brief chat, the call ended. In the afternoon, after handling the business for Cheng Bing and sending her off, Lu Mingmei called Shi Jingwei again. She casually praised Cheng Bing a couple of times, saying that she was quite NICE, straightforward, and unpretentious. Shi Jingwei laughed and said, "Cheng Bing has a very straightforward personality. If she takes a liking to you, she will be completely sincere; but if she doesn't like you, no matter how much flattery you give her for ten years, she still won't pay you any attention." After handling the business for Cheng Bing and sending her off, Lu Mingmei called Shi Jingwei again. She casually praised Cheng Bing a couple of times, saying that she was quite NICE, straightforward, and unpretentious. Shi Jingwei laughed and said, "Cheng Bing has a very straightforward personality. If she takes a liking to you, she will be completely sincere; but if she doesn't like you, no matter how much flattery you give her for ten years, she still won't pay you any attention."

I am concerned that someone might notice something

Lu Mingmei nodded, yet a cloud of sorrow gradually enveloped her brow. After a while, she softly asked: "Why did you paint this picture?"

Today, I was so frightened that I fled in panic, and it was merely because Cheng Songpo was laughing so heartily

"Will showing a little kindness kill you?" With a slight nasal congestion, Lu Mingmei diligently wiped her face. Taking advantage of the fact that Shi Jingwei was still willing to drive her home, she obediently followed him out of the bar. After all, one should not be ungrateful when kindness is offered.

At that time, his expression was serious and solemn; he has maintained this demeanor from the beginning until now

After the first day of the exhibition concluded, Lu Mingmei stayed behind to assist Cheng Songpo in counting the items on site. Cheng Songpo, with a faint smile, asked: "Aren't you supposed to be at work? I noticed you have been here for most of the day. I have been overwhelmed with various tasks and couldn't come to keep you company."

While taking a deep breath, I heard a gasp beside me. Shi Jingwei asked Lu Mingmei: "Did Cheng Songpo specifically go to northern Myanmar to investigate for this painting?"

Time is a butcher's knife; the current her, whether described as mature or decadent, has, in any case, lost the flamboyance and sharp edges of the past, which will not return.

Just go ahead and ask him directly

After a moment of astonishment, Lu Mingmei retorted: "According to your reasoning, does that mean he painted the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child because he truly saw Maria and Jesus?"

At that moment, Shi Jingwei was holding the phone, suddenly realizing that the one who was hurt was actually himself. After a long silence, he mustered the courage to ask: "Are you available on Wednesday ... ... "

Oh, by the way, the art exhibition of Cheng Songpo opens on Wednesday. You are the organizers, right... Will you be particularly busy? You said... "Lu Mingmei was in a dilemma, 'Do all you men particularly like watching Transformers? Our male colleagues here almost got into a fight over ticket snatching today.'"

For the last time, she was locked by Cheng Songpo, her arms restrained, and hung upside down from the railing of the second-floor corridor of the high school. Cheng Songpo's gaze was icy, and his voice was chilling: "If you promise not to disturb me again, I will pull you up; otherwise, I will let go and let you fall to your death"

Cheng Songpo was quite impatient: "If women have learned martial arts, what do we need men for?"

The Spring of the Mekong is the code name for a war

Cheng Songpo's phone calls finally ceased after ringing for more than half an hour

Lu Mingmei stated seriously: "I reiterate, he and I are just ordinary friends"

In the school where Lu Mingmei studies, there are also quite a few students from rural areas. However, even the children from the most impoverished families understand what a television is. Cheng Songpo suddenly became more like a mysterious visitor from another world.

Cheng Songpo remained silent, sitting down on the observation platform, slowly and with difficulty: "I am taking a chance."

He said that those who paint and create music ultimately determine how far they can go and how high they can stand based on their life experiences and the depth of their thoughts. Perhaps there are truly talented individuals who go unrecognized, but in the end, those who can firmly stand at the top are certainly not mediocre people

This time, the timing of the delivery is particularly awkward, and I do not know how to explain it in front of Cheng Bing. However, Cheng Bing smiled and said, "I bet fifty cents that it was Ah Shi who delivered it."

Time and space coordinates

At times, Ji Wei would hum a couple of notes, too lazy to explain that he is the boss here, and occasionally he would treat guests to a couple of drinks

Cheng Songpo continued, "If a person cannot return to the place they wish to go before they die, it is very painful"

The one referred to as the Empress Dowager is Cheng Bing, who was previously acquainted with Shi Jingwei and is the daughter of the major boss of Nansheng Electronics. Cheng Bing is approximately the same age as Lu Mingmei and is said to be a junior of Shi Jingwei in university. Her friends all call her the Empress Dowager, and Lu Mingmei follows the custom.

Clean and swift, she helped to reset the dislocated ankle

As Shi Jingwei coughed twice, Lu Mingmei became alert, perked up her ears, and asked: "Why is she telling me all this? I sense a conspiracy!"

Cheng Songpo was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said: "Ha, those in the media, when they have nothing to do, like to exaggerate. They often label you as a soul singer or a soul artist. Soul, where is the soul? What everyone can see is merely the outer shell."

It was not until they later parted ways that Lu Mingmei understood why a seventeen or eighteen-year-old boy could possess such a resolute and tenacious gaze, harbor such deep-seated hatred, and defend his two dollars as if it were a matter of life and death

I would like to see if I can find you

After Wei Jianguo took her out for dinner for the first time, she made an explanation, but later realized that her explanation was ineffective and gave up. This time when she brought it up again, her colleagues casually waved their hands and said, "Alright, alright, just having a little spat, the movie tickets have already been sent over, so stop the fuss."

However, over the years, Lu Mingmei has become accustomed to the leisure activities of watching movies and singing karaoke on weekends. She can no longer think of any other form of entertainment—staying in Cheng Songpo's studio to watch him paint? She does not dare, as there are many memories she does not wish to revisit

Lu Mingmei asked with a face full of reverence: "Where did you learn your skills? Please teach me"

There are two ways to make someone forget a pain: one is to give her endless love, and the other is to give her a deeper pain

I do not know

The sound of the harmonica was not distant; she turned around to look, seeing the familiar figure in a white shirt and black pants, tall and slender. The melodious harmonica notes seemed to create some kind of chemical reaction in the air. He raised his head, unconsciously scanning towards the observation deck, their gazes intertwining like a mix of silt and sand, cascading into the sea, becoming indistinguishable.

Lu Mingmei shrugged her shoulders and said, "I apologize, I lack artistic appreciation and only care about whether it is valuable."

The scenes of war are so vivid and brutal, and those pairs of terrified eyes send chills down the spine of time and space

The next day, Lu Mingmei limped her way to the door again. Cheng Songpo's expression was gloomy, and upon seeing her deliberately exaggerated limp, he finally softened his heart: "What exactly do you want?"

No one has ever said that she should be protected

A small thought emerged from the depths of Lu Mingmei's heart, quietly sprouting. If I were to label Cheng Songpo, would it be 'my man'? It feels rather awkward.

As for the birth mother, who knows which important figure she is currently interviewing?

Cheng Songpo is a typical example of the phenomenon where flowers bloom within the walls while their fragrance reaches beyond, adept at exporting to domestic markets. He has won several prestigious awards in Europe, and a Spanish architectural firm has invited him to design a dome hall for a newly constructed church. Upon completion, the unique depiction of the Virgin Mary in the dome hall has garnered significant attention in the art world. Traditionally, the Virgin Mary in Western oil paintings is renowned for her solemnity and sanctity. Even Raphael, who later infused the Virgin's image with maternal qualities, maintained a style characterized by softness and tranquility. However, under Cheng Songpo's brush, the Virgin Mary reveals a melancholic and cruel aspect, while the infant Jesus appears to be wandering, as if yearning to return to his mother's embrace but unable to find acceptance, resembling a forsaken child.

Lu Mingmei said, "I will return the money to you when my mother is not on a business trip"

Time tightened its grip, and after a long pause of contemplation, I asked: "Do you know what is meant by the Spring of the Mekong River?"

Lu Mingmei hung from the railing, her feet not touching the ground, with only her arms held tightly by Cheng Songpo. In truth, she had long been so frightened that her legs had gone weak; however, for some reason, at the moment when Cheng Songpo threatened to let go and let her fall to her death, a sudden surge of the spirit of "since ancient times, who has not faced death" arose within her

In that moment, the pain of dislocation was greater than anything else, greater than my father's remarriage, greater than my mother's indifference.

Is that all?

At the art exhibition, I encountered several well-known art critics. After exchanging a few pleasantries, I saw Lu Mingmei entering the venue with a middle-aged man. I secretly shook my head and waved to her. Lu Mingmei smiled and came over, mentioning that one of her clients had expressed interest in cultural investments while consulting on a financial plan today. I understood that Lu Mingmei was tirelessly promoting Cheng Songpo, so I introduced those critics to her client to discuss the investment value of Cheng Songpo's artworks.

Lu Mingmei was then standing there with her mouth agape, as if she had seen an extraterrestrial visitor

Ten years ago, she had the courage to question Cheng Songpo, listening to him say fiercely, "I'm just playing with you, so what? If you weren't her daughter, I wouldn't even bother to look at you!"

For example

I wonder how many days it would take for my father and mother to learn the news if I were to die at this very moment, and would they cry?

When Cheng Songpo was first introduced, he was a serious and stubborn youth, while Lu Mingmei, due to her parents' divorce and lack of supervision, spent her days idly causing trouble. The school teachers were unable to manage her, not because they were irresponsible, but because her father had made donations to the school, and the teachers all knew she was a child they could not provoke. When she was short on money, she would take people to collect protection fees, sweeping through both lower and upper grades. No one dared to confront her; encountering such a petty thug meant simply accepting one's misfortune, and seeking help from teachers was futile, as it would only lead to further retaliation. When she was short on money, she would take people to collect protection fees, sweeping through both lower and upper grades. No one dared to confront her; encountering such a petty thug meant simply accepting one's misfortune, and seeking help from teachers was futile, as it would only lead to further retaliation.

A decade is sufficient for the housing prices in Shanghai to multiply several times, let alone the people themselves

Driving Lu Mingmei home, I watched her go upstairs. A few minutes later, a light turned on in a room on the ninth floor, and Shi Jingwei began to reverse out.

Such a flawed explanation can probably only be brushed off by someone like Lu Mingmei, who has never taken him seriously. Not only did she not find this reasoning nonsensical, but she also cheerfully replied: "Well, she really hit the nail on the head without realizing it. I didn't give her any reaction today, so let her suffer in silence, haha!"

So many questions that I had never considered before are now coming to mind uninvited.

The victors on both sides of the river had no time to behold the fruits of victory; the old led the young, and women clutched their infants, fleeing in panic; the remnants of the army swept away by the flood reached out their hands to the sky, barely having time to utter a final word

Even if I die, I want to be a clear-minded ghost

Why

This is the term that Lu Mingmei used most frequently when she looked down on him in the past. She said he lacked professional ethics, social conscience, and lacked this and that. In short, he was solely profit-driven, running along the broad road of vulgarity, lowliness, and sycophancy.

The art exhibition of Cheng Songpo opened as scheduled at the art museum on Wednesday. The first special interview conducted by Jingwei has been published in "Cultural New Jingwei," receiving quite a positive response. Even before the exhibition opened, someone had already called the magazine to inquire about the baseline prices of Cheng Songpo's artworks. The saying that engaging in art equates to becoming poor does not seem to apply to Cheng Songpo. Even Lian Chengbing called to request the exhibition catalog, expressing interest in purchasing two pieces for decorating his new home. Without a doubt, this must have been promoted by Lu Mingmei.

Even in the most intimate moments, when kissing her, there was an inescapable heaviness of sorrow in his eyes, as if every day was their last.

Laughing heartily, this was a smile that Lu Mingmei had never seen on Cheng Songpo's face, a genuine smile that she had never encountered in all the years she had known him.

Accompanied by Duras's "The Lover," the beauty and the vicissitudes of the Mekong River have spread to every corner of the world. It seems that whenever this river is mentioned, people recall the bustling markets, the rainy season in Vietnam, the love stories of the last century, desires and entanglements. The Spring of the Mekong, the springtime of the Mekong, what a beautifully evocative name it is. However, under Cheng Songpo's brush, it is a scene of corpses piled high and rivers flowing with blood. In a rapidly flowing flood channel, countless people and horses struggle in the flood, while on both sides of the river, warhorses neigh and bullets rain down like a forest. The Spring of the Mekong, the springtime of the Mekong, what a beautifully evocative name it is. However, under Cheng Songpo's brush, it is a scene of corpses piled high and rivers flowing with blood. In a rapidly flowing flood channel, countless people and horses struggle in the flood, while on both sides of the river, warhorses neigh and bullets rain down like a forest. The victors on both sides of the river have no time to admire the fruits of victory; the old lead the young, and women clutch their infants, fleeing in panic. The remnants of the army swept away by the flood reach out their hands to the sky, even lacking the time to utter a final word.

Lu Mingmei had just glared at Shi Jingwei and Jin Gang with an angry expression, but now she immediately shrank into her collar. After a long pause, she hesitantly said: "I dare not"

Two movie tickets for Wednesday, the premiere of "Transformers II", undoubtedly sent by Shi Jingwei. Since Lu Mingmei has been casually having tea and meals with Shi Jingwei, he has also timely sent some small gifts, such as fresh flowers during holidays, movie premiere tickets, or newly released financial books, which are not overly intimate yet show some thoughtfulness. For instance, these premiere tickets were merely delivered by Shi Jingwei, who has never truly invited her to watch the film, and she is happy to do a favor by giving them to some clients in need.

Lu Mingmei was greatly astonished, her mouth almost unable to close. How could such a woman, possessing both beauty and wealth, get married so quickly? During dinner, Cheng Bing explained to her that she had married quite early, obtaining her marriage certificate right after graduating from university. Later, she experienced numerous ups and downs in her relationships. It is said that Cheng Bing's mother had opposed the marriage due to differences in social status, which is why Cheng Bing jokingly said she would wait until her man became successful and then directly step into a Rolls-Royce. Although it was said in jest, it brought a different sense of warmth to Lu Mingmei's ears. Moreover, Cheng Bing frequently referred to her partner as 'my man,' clearly demonstrating both ownership and usage rights.

Lu Mingmei continued to hang on his shoulder, aimlessly pulling at him, until he could no longer bear it: "If you want to cry, then cry. You don't care about giving me another piece of leverage, do you?"

It's nothing much, it was just that my father got remarried that day

It is impossible to imagine out of thin air

A warm towel was suddenly presented before him, and Shi Jingwei, usually with a face full of spring breeze, displayed an unusual indifference, even standing up with a hint of impatience: "Once you finish crying, just go home and sleep!"

Cheng Songpo remained silent, appearing to be deep in thought. After a moment of silence, he asked, "What did he say?"

She has waited for him for ten years, during which she was completely unaware of whether he would return. The passage of ten years has long since eroded all her courage, and all those determinations of not turning back until she hits the wall have, at the moment of their reunion, crumbled into dust.

"Just like a cat sensing blood," Shi Jingwei said expressionlessly as she helped her complete the task, casting a cold glance at her, "Who told you that you have no news value?"

The work that captures the attention of time and space is one of the newly exhibited paintings: Spring of the Mekong River

"After all, it is your boyfriend's art exhibition; can't you pay a little attention to its artistic value?"

She thought about it, yet she never expected that Cheng Songpo would truly let go. In the last moment before the fall, she stared at Cheng Songpo in utter shock, but he seemed even more astonished than she was. He hurriedly ran down the stairs, and fortunately, she had only fallen from the second floor, landing in the flowerbed in front of the teaching building, with a dislocated ankle but no serious injuries. Cheng Songpo took off his coat, rolled up the sleeves, and stuffed it into her mouth, then removed her shoes, rolled up her pant legs, and began to push, pull, twist, and adjust.

Do not want to ask

An exception occurred at Cheng Songpo's place, where he insisted on getting back the two dollars as if it were a matter of life and death. He was very adamant that Lu Mingmei return the money to him, while she merely thought that this person, being new, did not understand the rules and decided to teach him a lesson. That year, Lu Mingmei happened to come across a thick book titled "Shaolin Kung Fu" at the rental book stall, which contained illustrations of various styles such as Snake Fist, Tiger Fist, and Crane Fist. She practiced a couple of moves from it and was just looking for someone to test her skills.

Cheng Songpo fell silent, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow, a look she was all too familiar with, reminiscent of the very things they had both strived to escape. Finally, he spoke with great difficulty: "I was overwhelmed by the joy of reuniting with you, and I didn't have the time to tell you to see me more clearly."

She remained silent, hoping Cheng Songpo would clarify things himself. After a long moment of silence, Cheng Songpo finally spoke, but what he said was something she had not anticipated: "Lu Mingmei, it has been many years since we last met. Do you think, in fact, I have changed a lot?"

Time and space are helpless: "Back then, she eloped with one of my buddies, and we laughed at her for years. Even now, she is still the subject of ridicule. Of course, she wants to create some topics to divert attention. Under normal circumstances, if you were my girlfriend and knew I had two phone numbers but only gave you one, you would definitely cause me some trouble, right? If I can't appease you, she would consider it rescuing an ignorant victim; if I manage to appease you, wouldn't that play right into her hands, allowing her to use it as a pretext to divert attention in the future?"

Aren't we about to set a date for our wedding?

At that time, Lu Mingmei felt that there was no form of torture in the world more intense than someone violently resetting a dislocated joint for you

Cheng Bing took out a long box from the bag and handed it to her: "Is it good-looking?"

They went to Chongming Island to observe migratory birds, and she sat by the wooden bridge posing for him, growing impatient each time: "Why do you paint so slowly? You won't even let me move a little!"

Lu Mingmei exerted great effort to clarify the meaning of this sentence—"They haven't seen each other for many years, so what? After many years of not meeting, are the promises made upon their reunion in Florence merely impulsive? ... After many years of not meeting, so ...? ... So he only now realizes that there is actually someone more suitable for him?" She, filled with indignation, retorted angrily: "If what you want to say is this, why didn't you say it in Italy?"

Some things have been suppressed in my chest for too long, and there is an uncontrollable force that needs to be released. A writer from Japan once said that when you write something down on paper, it signifies that you are ready to forget it from your heart

In the midst of their repeated close combat, a peculiar meaning suddenly emerged between him and her

Lu Mingmei still had a conflicted expression: "In that case, am I being overly sensitive?"

Cheng Songpo raised his head to look at the painting and smiled, saying: "This is not for sale"

It's nothing, I happened to be nearby shopping and thought of you being here, so I came to take a look. I hope I'm not bothering you

You said that what you provided me is an internal number

Over the years, alone, through the wind and rain, experiencing tears and mistakes, still remembering what to persist in, only by truly loving can one understand, feeling loneliness and looking back... A song so familiar that it cannot be more familiar, yet at such a moment, it stirs Lu Mingmei to the point of tears. How long has such a person persisted? Lu Mingmei can no longer recall clearly; since Cheng Songpo went abroad, her life has turned into a stagnant pool. The storms in school and the setbacks at work, all endured stubbornly and numbly by herself—until she met Cheng Songpo again in Florence. She thought she had become accustomed to a solitary life, but when he reached out and intertwined his fingers with hers, she realized that she had been painfully looking back on the path she had taken.

This is truly an awkward reason to express. Lu Mingmei's father is a businessman who is not entirely indifferent to his daughter. Even when it comes to the conditions for dating before remarrying, the first requirement is that the partner must be able to accept his daughter. However, men tend to be careless. At that time, Lu Mingmei was in a psychologically sensitive period, and asking her stepmother for money made her feel inexplicably inferior. Although she is the biological child, it felt as if she were a guest relying on others' charity. Her stepmother did not mistreat her, but there was still a barrier between them. Lu Mingmei maintained a cold demeanor, and naturally, she was unwilling to approach her stepmother warmly. Moreover, her stepmother, Ming Aihua, had never been short of money. Whenever she returned from a business trip, she always brought gifts for her daughter, with an array of exotic treasures from various countries. However, both of her parents were preoccupied with their careers, believing that special attention to the school and their high social status and strong capabilities would provide the best guarantee for their daughter's future. Yet, they both forgot that what a child needs most is simply the love and care of their parents.

"Using public resources for private gain," Lu Mingmei smiled and pointed at the painting "Spring on the Mekong River," asking, "I heard someone made an offer for this painting?"

Cheng Songpo chuckled and said, "Do you think that the people who come to see the art exhibition understand what you are painting? They do not. Even those who take pictures of my paintings are only interested in the accolades of being a rising star in Europe. What they care about is merely the appreciation potential of these paintings; as for what you want to express? Who cares?"

Inside the box lay a Givenchy silk tie with blue and black stripes. Lu Mingmei speculated that this level of taste was quite suitable for Shi Jingwei, and with a forced smile, she said: "Very nice, who are you giving it to?"

Heaven has always chosen the second option for Lu Mingmei, and Cheng Songpo always releases her hand at the last moment. This time, after her dislocation, he will come to reset it for her, but later he travels far to the Apennines, never to return.

Occasionally, Cheng Songpo would thoughtfully repeat her name, Mingmei, Mingmei, as if he were quite fond of this name. Lu Mingmei also enjoyed hearing him recite her name in such a lingering manner, before she discovered the reason behind Cheng Songpo's particular affection for this name.

Lu Mingmei grimaced in pain, but her mouth was stuffed with the sleeves he had twisted into a ball, rendering her unable to make a sound.

Oh... but Cheng Songpo..." Lu Mingmei hesitated and remained silent, as she was unsure whether Cheng Songpo would like Transformers, because Cheng Songpo's childhood did not include Transformers

Lu Mingmei unconsciously extended her finger, tracing along the lines of her brows, and inexplicably shivered all over. It was as if on a moonlit night on Chongming Island, where migratory birds rested on the mudflats, Cheng Songpo's fingers gently outlined the contours of her lips

"You—" Lu Mingmei gritted her teeth and said, "Would it kill you to say a few nice words?"

Lu Mingmei bit her lower lip and said gloomily, "But someone noticed it today"

Lu Mingmei glared at him fiercely and said, "I am speaking seriously, for example, for instance, someone like you and me!"

Cheng Songpo extended his hand, pulling her to sit together on the steps. The faint lights at the corners of the stage illuminated their heads, creating a hazy atmosphere, as if something was brewing. Cheng Songpo reached out to adjust Lu Mingmei's hair by her ear, his gaze clear as water: "Not including you"

Cheng Songpo's life is monotonous and dull, spending years in the school's art studio painting. Although there are many art students in the school, only Cheng Songpo has a separate studio. Later, Lu Mingmei discovered that Cheng Songpo only studies art, neglecting other subjects at his discretion. Lu Mingmei speculated that he comes from a wealthy family or that his parents hold high positions, yet he is very secretive about his family background. Moreover, he is quite rigid in his demeanor. When Lu Mingmei told him that after her parents divorced, one remarried and the other married their work, he paid no attention to her, fearing that one day she might end up on the streets starving to death, and it would take the police several days to identify her body. She initially intended to express her grievances, but unexpectedly, Cheng Songpo asked her very seriously: "If you were to die, where would you want to be buried? If you tell me... I will definitely help you fulfill your wish."

As soon as these words were spoken, Jingwei understood what had happened, and with a half-smile, he let out a hum: "Female, friend; or female, sexual friend?"

Lu Mingmei lowered her head in silence. Is Cheng Songpo's current behavior considered a proactive gesture for reconciliation? His attitude today is quite rare, yet... Lu Mingmei unconsciously raised her head and touched the corner of her eye. Without a mirror, she could not see if there were already wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, nor could she tell if time had left its marks on her face. She recalled the girl she had seen that night, who seemed very beautiful, with long golden wavy hair, fair skin, and eyes that could speak and smile—she did not know why these thoughts came to her mind, but the image of that girl intrusively jumped into her consciousness.

He still stands tall, with strong and resolute contours, and his voice remains as it was in the past

Lu Mingmei, in a moment of urgency, said: "Then why do you want to draw these? Why, upon your return, do you choose to do such attention-grabbing things?"

Cheng Songpo said, I enjoy the feeling of you looking at me intently when I paint you

He stared at her in surprise, and she thought he did not believe her, reluctantly admitting, "I didn't have any living expenses when my mom was on a business trip"

All of it was drawn stroke by stroke by Cheng Songpo

Time and space coordinates

At that time, I understood nothing; I only knew that if I lost a fight, I had to practice hard and come back for revenge. Time and again, I was left in a sorry state after being beaten by Cheng Songpo. With just one hand, he knocked me down, leaving me searching for my teeth on the ground, showing no mercy simply because I was a girl, and he couldn't even be bothered to say a word to me.

Refuse to answer this question

Cheng Songpo's gaze was fixed on "The Spring of the Mekong River". After a long while, he softly asked, "Is there any problem?"

On the weekend, Lu Mingmei was doing a thorough cleaning at home, in her small one-bedroom apartment. The down payment was made by Ming Aihua before immigrating, and she is now repaying the mortgage month by month. After rummaging through the TV cabinet in the living room for a while, she found a box of sketches. Sitting on the floor, she flipped through them one by one— the paper had long since yellowed. She looked up at the dressing mirror and compared her features with those in the sketches, letting out a soft sigh.

That girl is clearly young, and although her own age is not considered old, after all...

Lu Mingmei denied without hesitation: "No, Cheng Songpo has never been to Myanmar!"

Lu Mingmei clung to him like a pesky fly, pitifully explaining: "I didn't mean to take your money. My parents take turns giving me my living expenses; my dad gives it to me in odd months, and my mom in even months... but my mom is always busy with work and often forgets."

Cheng Songpo, who once valued two yuan more than his own life, is surprisingly generous, giving her dozens of yuan each month for food expenses

The gentle breeze of early summer carries the sweltering heat, yet Lu Mingmei cannot help but shiver uncontrollably

Lu Mingmei nodded slightly and asked softly, "Are you saying that you are prepared to forget everything from the past?"

Lu Mingmei was startled and rushed into the office. After seeing the visitor, she finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Your Majesty, why have you come? If there is something, you could just call the finance department. Even if you came in person, you could at least give me a call first, so I wouldn't feel so embarrassed making you wait for so long."

Cheng Songpo approached step by step, and Lu Mingmei was the first to speak: "Are you also coming to school?"

Before I could take two puffs, he forcefully pressed me into the ashtray, added water, and extinguished it.

Guess

Later, she came to understand that Cheng Songpo had a profound fear of television and film for a long time. He could not comprehend how a small box or a wall could contain so many people, such large ships, and even trees, forests, oceans, and icebergs

During her high school years, she invited Cheng Songpo to watch a movie for the first time, which was the globally popular "Titanic" at that time. Cheng Songpo appeared puzzled, and she mentioned that the tickets were a gift for her father, and since they were extra, they might as well go. Cheng Songpo still hesitated for a long time before finally agreeing to her invitation.

Lu Mingmei soon calmed down and, noticing that Shi Jingwei seemed to be in low spirits, asked with a smile: "Why don't you ask me what just happened?"

Accompanying such an ungrateful woman to drown her sorrows in alcohol in the dead of night is simply a waste of time and a waste of life

Time ignored her, and she cheerfully asked, "Aren't you most interested in gossip? Seeing rumors and scandals is like ... ... "

"Well," Shi Jingwei sighed helplessly, "the younger sisters in the society sometimes encounter difficult issues and occasionally come to my house for advice on weekends."

Shi Jingwei was in a dilemma; on one hand, he felt it would be better for Lu Mingmei to vent her feelings, while on the other hand, he did not want to take a drunken woman home in the middle of the night

I chose a nearby restaurant specializing in local cuisine. As we were leaving, Lu Mingmei asked Cheng Bing, "Did you drive here? Is the car parked here or in the parking lot across the street?"

The phrase "My man" made Lu Mingmei shiver with goosebumps all over, thinking to herself, could it be that everyone calls you Empress because you are so fierce in your speech and actions? However, she remained oblivious, her face glistening with sweetness, and Lu Mingmei tentatively asked: "Boyfriend?"

Cheng Bing looked up at her with a mysterious smile, and before Lu Mingmei could change the subject, she heard someone in the lobby outside calling: "Lu Mingmei, your delivery!"

You are drunk

What is even more incomprehensible is that after the murderer pulled the sleeves out of her mouth, he stared at her for a long time and, before leaving, left behind a low, somber remark: "Mingmei... you do not deserve such a beautiful name"

The fragments of memories related to Cheng Songpo are gradually being pieced together

As he moved onto the main road, Shi Jingwei took out a pack of soft Zhonghua cigarettes from the storage box meant for guests, pulled out one, and lit it.

In fact, there is nothing much to it; it was merely seeing a woman in Cheng Songpo's room, neither catching them in the act nor any kind of scuffle. Lu Mingmei actually fled in a panic like this, for no other reason than seeing Cheng Songpo smiling.

In a rapidly flowing flood discharge channel, countless people and horses are struggling in the flood, while on both sides of the river, warhorses neigh and bullets rain down like a forest

It's just beer

Lu Mingmei rolled her eyes in anger, but Cheng Bing smiled slyly and said, "Are you free? I would like to invite you to lunch."

The rare silence of time and space accompanied Lu Mingmei as she sat in a dim corner, the flickering and wavering light reflecting the emotions that were difficult for both to express at that moment. Lu Mingmei reached out her hand to him: "Give me a bottle of wine"

What about Cheng Songpo

Ten years ago, she still had the courage to retort, "You are just saying that out of anger; I know you are doing it on purpose"

She laughed heartily and said, "My name is Lu Mingmei, with 'Ming' from 'Ming tea' and 'Mei' from 'eyebrows'. What is your name?"

At the core, Shi Jingwei does not actually mean to be impatient; he is simply feeling troubled

Cheng Songpo dragged her out of the cinema in a hurry shortly after the movie began

A woman who is wealthy, has leisure time, and whose husband is not by her side, what else do you think she can do besides causing trouble?

How is that possible

Lu Mingmei pouted her lips, but who would have thought that in less than three seconds, she would actually lean on his shoulder and start crying, sobbing intermittently. Shi Jingwei, lacking in sympathy, propped his arms and watched her cry, not even offering a tissue. When she had cried enough, she choked out a question, "Shi Jingwei, do you have any female friends with whom you have a closer relationship? Would you invite them to your home alone?"

Perhaps some may question what these few paintings imply

Listening to the meaning of time and space, Lu Mingmei has already gained the icy gaze of approval, which is both delightful and congratulatory. She jokingly remarked, "Cheng Bing said you have two phone numbers"

Lu Mingmei shook her cheeks as if to laugh, but a colleague came in and said, "Is your big journalist boyfriend sending movie tickets again?"

Time seemed to pause, and the voice hesitated: "What else did she say?"

From beginning to end, Lu Mingmei has never seen him smile heartily.

The Mekong River is a waterway that holds significant appeal in the realm of small bourgeois artistic culture, as defined by Shi Jingwei. Accompanied by Duras's "The Lover," the beauty and melancholy of the Mekong have spread to every corner of the world. It seems that whenever this river is mentioned, people recall the bustling markets, the rainy season in Vietnam, the love stories of the last century, ... desires and entanglements ... . The Spring of the Mekong, the springtime of the Mekong, what a beautifully evocative name it is, yet under Cheng Songpo's brush, it depicts a scene of corpses piled high and rivers flowing with blood. Accompanied by Duras's "The Lover," the beauty and melancholy of the Mekong have spread to every corner of the world. It seems that whenever this river is mentioned, people recall the bustling markets, the rainy season in Vietnam, the love stories of the last century, ... desires and entanglements ... . The Spring of the Mekong, the springtime of the Mekong, what a beautifully evocative name it is, yet under Cheng Songpo's brush, it depicts a scene of corpses piled high and rivers flowing with blood.

"Every day, this world is at war," Lu Mingmei said with a pout. "Isn't it just a painting depicting a scene of war?" She wore an expression of rare curiosity, shaking her head as she commented, "But it's just painted in a more detailed manner; how much is it worth?"

You are not a fortune teller

No one has ever said that she is a woman