Chapter Nine, Short Poems

After the rain, the temperature dropped sharply, and as soon as one opened their mouth, white mist inevitably escaped. Pan Xinian's face also became indistinct amidst the swirling white mist. The conversation between the two was quite awkward; they attempted to start several topics but failed to continue any of them. It was not until Yun Lai mentioned being new to this city and school, feeling unfamiliar with everything and not knowing of any interesting places to visit, that Pan Xinian casually replied, "Oh, I am not very familiar either." The conversation between the two was quite awkward; they attempted to start several topics but failed to continue any of them. It was not until Yun Lai mentioned being new to this city and school, feeling unfamiliar with everything and not knowing of any interesting places to visit, that Pan Xinian casually replied, "Oh, I am not very familiar either."

Xiao Chang nodded slightly, glanced at the guitar that was idle nearby, and handed the one in his hand to Yun Lai: "Give it a try?"

If it were not for the worker who came on time to lock the classroom door, the four individuals who had unknowingly become familiar and congenial with each other might have continued their conversation. It was only after they exited the audiovisual building that they realized it had started to rain, and it seemed that only Yun had brought an umbrella.

After repeating this several times, when Yun was about to move the umbrella to Pan Xinian's side once again, Pan Xinian suddenly said: "You have already kindly offered me the umbrella; if I were to make you get wet in the rain and catch a cold, I would truly feel very embarrassed."

Old Xiao, like you, is also in his first year of graduate studies. He has been in the society for five years, and no one has complained about his age. Let me ask him.

The event is taking place in a classroom on the first floor of the T University Audio-Visual Building. Yun arrived ten minutes early and, upon entering, found that there were not many people present, but Pan Xinian was already there.

Therefore, when another car approached, Yun Lai did not pay any attention; he merely lowered his umbrella slightly to shield himself from the blinding headlights. However, what he did not expect was that the car did not pass by quietly like the others; on the contrary, it slowed down and eventually came to a complete stop. Then, as the car door opened, a person stepped out from inside.

You are even more lovely and warm than the scorching summer

And you, like the lushness of midsummer, do not wither

"Pan Xinian." Yun came along and softly recited a line, that delightful sweetness returned to his lips and tongue, and he continued to ask, "Is it the 'xi' in 'cherish'?"

He couldn't help but smile: "Yes, it's right in Fino's office."

A golden visage often appears overly shadowy

After speaking, she pointed to the clearly printed event time and location on the poster, while Yun Lai gazed at her somewhat entranced. Until she finished speaking and turned back to him: "I still have a few posters left to put up, so I need to get busy. Then, shall we meet on Saturday night?"

I have only been here for three months, haven't you already reached your junior year? Yunlai casually responded.

There was an unclear emotion in her tone, leaving Yun at a loss for how to respond. Just as he was contemplating how to answer, Pan Xinian had already taken the lead in the conversation, his tone still淡淡, making it hard to discern any emotion: "There is a large botanical garden in the suburbs. If you have time, you can go for a visit, but it's winter now, so there isn't much to see."

On that day, she wore a gray sweater and a red scarf, her skin appearing as white as snow under the lights. As Yun came closer, Pan Xinian introduced him to her two friends; it turned out that one was Xiao Chang, the president of the guitar club, and the other was Pan Xinian's roommate, Lu Min

This statement was somewhat made with a sense of guilt, and after finishing, there was a sudden pause, as if the end ahead was a cliff with no place to go. In an instant, Yun Lai held her breath, yet could not help but gaze intently at Pan Xinian just a few steps away, eagerly awaiting her response

Summer departs hastily without pause

At this moment, the girls who had been asking questions gradually dispersed. Xiao Chang had already replaced the folk guitar he had used for teaching with a new one from another case. After testing the sound, he quickly transitioned into a new melody. He plucked a string and glanced at Lu Min beside him; Yun Lai soon recognized that the piece was a folk love song, which involuntarily tugged at the corners of his mouth. The sound of the guitar quickly warmed the spacious classroom, making even the cold, harsh light of the incandescent bulbs seem less glaring.

Lu Min smiled knowingly and glanced at Pan Xinian before responding to Xiao Chang: "The song is about summer, and now it is winter, so if we combine them, it becomes spring. Xinian, what do you think?"

His natural charm, when he smiles, is simply enchanting. Seeing this, Xiao Chang turned to put his arm around Lu Min's shoulder and said, "Xiao Min, don't you feel like the room temperature has suddenly risen by several degrees? Why do I feel like it's already spring?"

Oh, Lao Xiao's drumming skills have always been exceptional. He truly loves the guitar; as long as you genuinely enjoy it and want to learn, he would sit down and teach you for three days and nights without ever complaining of fatigue. Our club is a small one at school, and it has been sustained year after year by his efforts. I have great admiration for him in this regard.

Yunlai extended his hand towards Xiao Chang: "Hello, I am Yunlai, from the Landscape Architecture Department"

The fierce winds ravage the delicate blossoms of May

Yun came to deeply experience the feeling of encountering a ghost in an instant

Pan Xinian seemed to be suddenly awakened, and after a brief pause, he sincerely said: "I didn't pay attention to what the lyrics were singing, it's just that this melody is extremely beautiful. What are the lyrics? Yun, I didn't know you had such a good voice, you really should join our guitar club"

She still smiled with her eyes curved: "You already mentioned it the first time we met... No, that's not right, I knew your name even before I met you."

How is it? Is it still interesting

As the conversation came to an end, the two individuals waved goodbye. Just as Pan Xinian had walked far away, Yun Lai suddenly remembered the most important phrase he had completely forgotten to say. Unable to restrain himself, he shouted "Xinian." Pan Xinian quickly stopped and turned back. Yun Lai abruptly realized that this was an overly intimate form of address, and after a moment of shock, his face began to flush. He hurriedly took a few large steps to catch up, somewhat flustered as he avoided Pan Xinian's gaze, ruffling his hair and saying, "I, I heard everyone call you Xinian... I still don't know your name!" He couldn't help but shout "Xinian" again, and Pan Xinian quickly stopped and turned back. Yun Lai suddenly realized this was an overly intimate form of address, and after a moment of shock, his face began to flush. He hurriedly took a few large steps to catch up, somewhat flustered as he avoided Pan Xinian's gaze, ruffling his hair and saying, "I, I heard everyone call you Xinian... I still don't know your name!"

Pan Xinian was completely focused on nailing the poster. At first, she did not pay much attention, until Yun Lai called out again, and she suddenly turned her face around. Upon seeing the visitor, she first displayed a slightly surprised expression, followed by that smile which Yun Lai had seen only a few times but could never forget: "Oh, you are early. I thought you were calling someone else."

Can you be compared to a summer day

Yun was amused by this statement, and with a smile, all her worries vanished. She confidently closed the previously distinct boundary between herself and Pan Xinian.

On a winter morning shrouded in fog, Yun Lai encountered Pan Xinian again. He yawned as he headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. Just before entering, he casually glanced to the side and noticed a familiar figure busily attending to the bulletin board not far away. He couldn't help but take a closer look—indeed, where in life do we not meet again.

Oh," Pan Xinian paused, "I really like summer

Upon approaching, it became clear that the poster Pan Xinian had put up was actually about the latest activities of the school's guitar club. During this time, Yun Lai had been contemplating how to find a reason to get closer to and understand Pan Xinian. Unexpectedly, after much thought, the opportunity presented itself so suddenly. He instantly made up his mind and greeted with a smile, "Good morning"

Yun Lai did not think much and said to Pan Xinian and Lu Min: "The rain is quite heavy, I only have one umbrella, you two should head back."

Indeed. Well then, it is getting late, and if there is nothing else, I will take my leave now

The hope of hope." She replied softly

The umbrella is not large, and it is indeed a bit difficult to shelter two people. Yun Lai tilted most of the umbrella towards Pan Xinian's side, allowing the rain to soak half of his coat without caring. ... However, Pan Xinian quickly noticed this and subtly pushed the umbrella back a little. But before long, Yun Lai once again tilted it towards her.

I originally intended to bring something, but later I thought this is your club's activity. Since it is my first time visiting the ancestral hall, I should be more modest.

It seems that only by using a language other than his mother tongue can he smoothly articulate these phrases. At first, Yunlai did not or dared not look at Pan Xinian, but gradually, he realized that he could not miss such a moment—he and she had indeed only met a few times, and it was impossible to speak of a deeper understanding at this point, yet this did not prevent him from singing such a song for her. Years ago, he heard this languid tune in his father's old records, unable to comprehend its profound meaning, but captivated by the beauty of the melody, he practiced repeatedly, ultimately burying it in some corner of his memory. And at this moment, Yunlai sang word by word in a foreign language, his fingertips flowing with a melody that was once familiar yet forgotten, and he came to know that the love poems from a thousand years ago never die, just as they met in autumn, and she was more radiant and warm than the clear mornings of summer.

Yun interrupted her: "It is only right. You also mentioned that it is getting late. As a young lady, it would be inappropriate for me not to escort you to the entrance of the dormitory building."

After Pan Xinian and Xiao Chang finished playing, they walked over and said: "You two really seize every opportunity to be affectionate with each other. Old Xiao, is our club still recruiting new members? Someone is volunteering themselves."

Just do it casually. Don't take it too seriously as an exam. Otherwise, how about warming up with that folk song?

Of course. Are you interested in the guitar

Not yet

What does this have to do with anything? As you can see, there are not many rules in our group. If you come to play again next time, remember to bring your own guitar. I also joined this year. Lu Min mentioned that many of the senior students who played well have gradually left this academic year due to graduation or moving up to their fourth year.

Upon hearing this, Pan Xinian turned his face to glance at him: "Oh, you also say that I am just a girl, not a monster. Why are you keeping your distance, as if you are avoiding a hidden weapon?"

Yun recalled the first meeting between the two of them, which took place in the spacious office of Feino. The warm and bright autumn sunlight poured into the room. Hearing the sound of the door opening, Pan Xinian turned his face away from the window

I am too

Xiao Chang and Lu Min exchanged a desperate yet helpless expression, and upon hearing her say this, Yun Lai surprisingly felt not a trace of disappointment, responding as instructed: "It is a song of summer"

At this point, Pan Xinian was no longer overly polite: "Well then, I appreciate your hard work."

So you are from the guitar club. I saw that you play tennis well and thought you were from the tennis club

I truly do not know this

It doesn't matter if I don't carry an umbrella, and it's getting late...

That night, Yun Lai returned from working overtime at the studio. As soon as he entered the dormitory, he disregarded everything else; the first thing he did was to dig out the guitar that had been gathering dust since he arrived at T University. Although he had been as busy as a spinning top since coming to T University, he still made it a point to tune the guitar regularly. Tonight, he took the guitar out again, cradling it in his arms as he leisurely tuned the strings. The room happened to be empty, and as his fingers glided over the strings, the round, smooth notes flowed out like water. At that moment, Yun Lai couldn't help but wonder what kind of piece he would play if he ever had the chance to perform in front of Pan Xinian.

There were indeed very few pedestrians along the way, and those who, like them, strolled leisurely as if in a garden on such a wet and cold night were even rarer. Occasionally, a few hurried past them, all without umbrellas, splashing through the water as they ran off into the distance. There were, however, more private cars passing by, which slowed down out of consideration, trying their best not to splash too much water.

Yun did not take it seriously and said matter-of-factly: "You are a girl, so of course you need to be well protected"

She and another girl with an apple-shaped face were gathered around a boy with long hair, who at first glance appeared to be dressed like a music youth, engaging in quiet conversation. Upon hearing a noise, the three of them turned their faces in unison, and Pan Xinian naturally raised a smile: "Yunlai, you have arrived."

Yun fell in love with Pan Xinian at first sight

"Alright, take care. See you then." He snapped back to reality, revealing a brilliant smile.

He glided over the strings once more, the sound of the instrument rich and mellow, the slight feeling of embarrassment during the transition still lingering. He had no choice but to repeat it again before finally singing the first line of the lyrics—Shall I compare thee to a summer's day—I may compare you to a summer's day

Pan Xinian shook his head with a smile: "In fact, I don't know how to play the guitar at all; I joined this club purely because my roommate dragged me along to make up the numbers."

Accidentally broken or naturally aged

At this moment, Pan Xinian said: "You said you could play, and also mentioned coming over tonight. I thought you would bring the guitar as well."

Pan Xinian nodded slightly: "Alright, now everything is covered."

Yunlai thought that she was truly beautiful when she smiled, and at the same time called out the name once more: "Pan Xinian, it turns out that 'Xi' means hope. Oh, I am Yunlai."

The heavens' bright eyes can sometimes be too scorching

Oh? This indeed surprised Yun Lai a bit, and he instinctively raised an eyebrow. "So your club also accepts newcomers?"

Previously, there was a considerable distance between us, and I felt somewhat nervous when the clouds came; however, now, with a single remark from Pan Xinian, the distance has been bridged, allowing me to focus entirely on our conversation as we chat.

This time, the playing technique was completely chaotic, and the performance turned into a wild improvisation. Suddenly stopping amidst the slightly surprised gazes of the three audience members, the tone remained quite cheerful, showing no hint of regret: "Oh dear, I forgot the lyrics, so I can only play up to this point."

Today is the day for paying respects at the mountain, so I stayed in the dormitory. The person playing the guitar has calluses on their hands; there is no need for any special declaration, as a simple handshake can roughly reveal their background

There are activities in the club, but they all cannot get up, so I said I would come to the forum

Yun Lai was not polite this time; he took the guitar with great ease, sat down at the table, and tried plucking the strings a couple of times. This was a classical guitar, which had been around for some years, but it was well-maintained, every inch polished to a shine, and the strings had just been replaced. Yun Lai had heard the tuning before; it was adjusted very well. He himself had also started learning classical guitar, so he was not unfamiliar with it. After plucking the strings, he looked up and smiled at Pan Xinian, Xiao Chang, and Lu Min, saying, "I really don't know what to play."

Yun felt a stir in her heart: "Are you still hiring now?"

No, no. I have delayed your matters. Then, Pan Xinian, we will meet this weekend

The elegant demeanor will forever be graceful

Hearing him call his name so solemnly, Pan Xinian pursed his lips, concealed a hint of a smile, and nodded before leaving

Once this thought was settled, he unexpectedly found himself unable to suppress his joy, as if countless flowers were blooming in his heart in an instant

A voice deep within lingers, growing stronger and clearer, almost ready to surpass the overflowing song in my chest. Yun can hear distinctly what it is.

Xiao Chang finally shifted his gaze away from Lu Min. He was very thin, and someone as slender as a sword smiled gently: "Well, we are free to come and go here. Just now, I saw him sitting silently for an hour and a half; it turns out he is your friend, Xi Nian."

I came out for breakfast and saw you, so I came over to say hello. So early?

Yun saw Pan Xinian sitting to one side, looking at him with a very focused expression; after pondering for a moment with his eyes lowered, he raised them again. The words were directed at Xiao Chang, but his gaze was fixed on Pan Xinian: "No need, I remember what I want to play."

Of course. You see, even someone like me, a complete novice, has joined the society. Our club has no strict rules; we just enjoy the lively atmosphere. The time and place are all written on the poster

On Friday, Yunlai felt somewhat unsettled throughout the day. He was originally supposed to work overtime, but he couldn't help but ask Feino for leave in the afternoon, claiming that he had a very important event to attend in the evening. Although Feino was strict, he was not harsh; he did not ask any questions and approved the leave, even reminding Yunlai to pay attention to safety. This made Yunlai feel a bit guilty for a moment, and he responded with a somewhat weak voice. However, this minor discomfort was soon overwhelmed by greater anticipation and excitement. He finished up his tasks and hurried back to the dormitory to change clothes. Just before leaving, Yunlai thought it best to put the tuned guitar back in the corner and noticed the gloomy weather, so he took an umbrella with him.

I am a sophomore who transferred from another school. Although I have spent some time in this city before, I did not have the opportunity to explore it properly.

Yun turned back to glance at Pan Xinian and said with a relaxed smile, "Are there any exams left?"

However, here, Xiao Chang had already taken off his coat and draped it over Lu Min's upper body, and then the two waved their hands and ran off tightly holding hands, clearly accustomed to this. Yun looked at the two of them, each carrying a large guqin case while still holding hands without letting go, and after a moment of distraction, he silently opened his umbrella and said to Pan Xinian, who was quietly standing aside: "My umbrella is a bit small, so I’m afraid you will have to squeeze in with me."

Xiao Chang, a language student. After shaking hands, Xiao Chang quickly glanced at Yun Lai, "Did you not bring your guqin?"

If it were not dark and raining, and if I were not fully engaged in conversation with Pan Xinian, Yun would definitely have recognized her mentor's car at the first moment. It would have been impossible for her to be walking in the middle of the road after clearly seeing the car approaching, instead of quickly finding a discreet place to at least appear a bit low-key. However, now it is absolutely impossible to hide, and the only thing she can do is to quickly change her expression while watching Fei Nuo walk towards her and Pan Xinian.

I played for a few years, but after my senior year, I became busy and didn't engage much anymore. Are outsiders welcome to observe your club activities?

Pan Xinian was tidying up the props when he heard Yun Lai's voice and turned his head: "Hmm, I thought you had left."

The event lasted for an hour and a half, but after it concluded, many young women were reluctant to leave, gathering around the handsome president of the guitar club to ask various questions about guitars and music. Their eager expressions naturally revealed an infatuation that was not solely about the music. Yun Li watched for a while, then walked over to Pan Xinian's side and softly said: "Pan Xinian."

The cloud comes with a smile: "I am already a graduate student, I wonder if you still want me at this old age?"

The theme of the evening's event was an introduction to classical guitar, presented and demonstrated by the president and several senior members of the club. They provided basic demonstrations for students who had never encountered this instrument before, covering the most fundamental postures and finger techniques. The guitar club had organized similar events several times before, and each step was executed with great familiarity. As an assistant, Pan Xinian also appeared very experienced in his coordination. Yunlai was not a beginner; his intention in attending the event was not focused on the guitar itself, but rather to quietly observe the entire process as an audience member. After carefully listening to the club's lecture, he realized that the explanations were indeed clear and logically structured. Each practical demonstration was evidently arranged with meticulous consideration. The thorough and thoughtful organization of such a relatively niche club activity made him admire the organizers.

All beautiful images inevitably fade

Xiao Chang also smiled and said: "It's nothing. It's just that there are no others, everyone is just exchanging ideas and having some fun."

Lu Min shook her head: "No, I have things to do with Xiao Chang, and his dormitory is nearby, so I can just rush back. Yun Lai, please help send Xi Nian back, we live in the Yan Zi building, and it's quite a long way to go.

The Yanzi Building is essentially in another corner of the school. It is certainly no problem for Yun to send Pan Xinian, but with such heavy rain and it being winter, I really cannot bear to see Xiao Chang and the others go back in the rain. I said, "You are still carrying a guitar. How about I go back with Xiao Chang to get an umbrella first, and then come back to send you?"

Pan Xinian smiled and said, "Do you want to join the society?"

She appeared to be quite familiar with Xiao Chang, and when she spoke of him, her face naturally revealed pride and recognition for her friend. Upon hearing her say this, Yun Lai couldn't help but look again at Xiao Chang, who was surrounded by girls. He was patiently demonstrating a sliding finger technique, just as Pan Xinian had said, with patience and meticulousness.

Very good. Was the specific process of the event arranged by your president? You did very well. If I didn't know how to play the guitar at all, after listening to this class, I would be unable to resist the urge to buy a guitar and learn how to play it.

Pan Xinian's initial surprise quickly subsided, and with a slight raise of her eyebrows—this action also made her whole demeanor become lively—her lips curved upward: "Yes, we have met several times. I seem to have not introduced myself; my name is Pan Xinian."

I am reminded of summer because of you