Section 3

She still vividly remembers that night, sitting on the other half of the booth sofa, feeling the urge to muster the courage to speak to Cheng Cheng countless times. That night, their acquaintance began with Mi Yi's initiative, taking the initiative to offer Cheng Cheng her drink. When Cheng Cheng looked at Mi Yi that night, Mi Yi held her breath, feeling very uneasy

Fortunately, Lin Ting also knows Cheng Cheng, so there is someone to discuss with. The two exchanged dozens of text messages, analyzing Cheng Cheng's preferences, inferring that she likes to wear things on her hands, and concluding that she would never want to wear gaudy gold rings or bracelets. In the end, they decided to buy a bracelet similar to Buddhist prayer beads, the simpler the better

Goodbye," Mi Yi said softly, "I wish you a smooth journey

"Cauliflower." Mi Yi, confused, asked what this was for

The initial opportunity that made Cheng Cheng develop a fondness for Mi Yi was seeing Mi Yi chat with group friends about homemade hot pot ingredients in the QQ group. During university, Cheng Cheng had also tasted it, made by her roommate's mother. Cheng Cheng remembers the sensation of the first bite; the spiciness surged from her throat straight to her internal organs. She could even feel how the food she swallowed traveled down the esophagus and slid into her stomach.

Since leaving the Sichuan restaurant, Mi Yi has been prepared to say goodbye at any moment, yet at this moment, she still finds it hard to part. She clutches the strap of her backpack, gazing at Cheng Cheng's face and those eyes, reluctant to say farewell

"In the future, do not give me gifts anymore," Cheng Cheng finally softened and accepted the present, "I do not like receiving things from others, nor do I like to let my friends spend money."

Cheng Cheng shook his head

Miyi became curious: "What is your school like...?"

In the values of Cheng Cheng, one must not have any financial entanglements with others

Mi Yi happily expressed gratitude and went upstairs with Cheng Cheng

The second floor is also not large, featuring a double table by the window, with good air quality and no direct sunlight yet

"I quite like it, so the teacher asked me to apply, and I didn't object," Mi Yi recalled. "In our year, we received our scores before submitting our applications, and we filled out our choices based on our scores, with suggestions from the teacher for the whole class. What about you? With so many universities in Beijing, why come to Shanghai? Don't your family oppose it?"

Miyi smiled, extending his right hand, with the tip of his index finger and thumb forming a circle. Then, he moved down about one centimeter from the tip of his thumb, reducing the size of the circle. This represents the thickness of Chengcheng's wrist

"We open at 5 o'clock. You can take a look around first and come back later. Please leave your phone number for now," the shopkeeper said with a smile to the two of them.

Cheng Cheng looked at the layer of chili powder on top and already wanted to eat. He took the chopsticks, picked up a slice of lotus root, and took a bite. It was indeed quite tasty, different from the spicy hot pot, and a bit lighter in flavor

Upon arriving here, Mi Yi also had a premonition that Cheng Cheng was about to bid farewell to him

At five o'clock in the height of summer, the sunlight is still shining.

She walked to the glass wall on the right side of the store, with her back to the crowd, passing the time by observing the displays inside the store. Many young girls were selecting and trying on items, quietly discussing among themselves, all with beaming smiles. Looking over at the cash register, there was a long line of more than twenty people, watching the cashier scan items and process payments

Mi Yi raised her hand and vowed: "This is the last time, just this once"

"It looks quite nice," Cheng Cheng said

Footsteps were heard at the stairway entrance

"Then please accept this," Mi Yi said with a beaming smile, as he handed the gift bag forward, "It is to ward off evil for your zodiac year."

Cheng Cheng did not respond, recognizing the packaging bag from the jewelry store: "How much is it?"

Upon arriving here, Mi Yi finally realized that the purpose of the stroll was not merely to wander, but to make his way to the subway station. This shopping mall is situated above Line 2, while Lines 3 and 4 are located above it, with three subway lines converging here. Regardless of which line he takes, Mi Yi can return to school.

Therefore, she dislikes receiving gifts very much, because to "receive" is equivalent to having to "return".

Cheng Cheng looked around and saw a ZARA store

Miyi immediately picked up the chopsticks and handed them to Chengcheng, saying, "If you like Sichuan cuisine, you will definitely enjoy this"

Miyi chose a seat there, and Chengcheng also pulled out a chair, opened the menu, and pushed it in front of Miyi: "Sichuan cuisine is best when ordered by locals."

On this day in 2007, Cheng Cheng had his first taste of "Mao Cai" because of Mi Yi. Ten years later, this dish can be found in small shops on every street, yet it no longer holds the same awe as it did during that initial encounter

Cheng Cheng picked up the wallet and phone from the corner of the table: "I am leaving"

"In Beijing, it is called cauliflower," Cheng Cheng told her

Cheng Cheng nodded with a smile

This is a farewell

This conversation feels familiar. Cheng Cheng and his roommate have also had such discussions

When I told her about failing the exam and repeating the year, she lost her temper.

"I want to go to the bathroom," Mi Yi said anxiously, retracting his hand

Cheng Cheng said "later," indicating that they will still be in contact and remain friends in the future

Knowing the economic conditions in Miyi, Lin Ting specifically reminded her to buy hollow ones, as solid ones are too expensive

She guessed that Mi Yi would go shopping, and that the items were for herself; all of this was within the realm of expectation. Knowing in advance how much Mi Yi had earned, she was not worried about frivolous spending, as there was a substantial income anyway, and spending a little would not be a significant issue.

It turns out that Mi Yi was holding his own wrist just now to take measurements, no wonder he was gripping it so tightly

The meaning of the confiscation by the city is that Mi Yi further added: "It is not ordinary, you will definitely like it, it is not the kind you imagine"

Every time Mi Yi comes to the bar, she takes Line 2. She knows that the descending escalator ahead leads to the subway. Suddenly, she stops and grabs Cheng Cheng's wrist: "Wait a moment."

City City refers to: "Tear it up yourself in a little while, to avoid leaking your information"

She took out a dark red velvet box to show Chengcheng the gift she had chosen.

You are diagonally opposite to us

She dares to bet that Mi Yi has never bought anything this expensive. She has never seen Mi Yi wear rings or necklaces, and her jewelry is limited to a string of colorful crystal beads on her left wrist, which are accessories favored by many little girls

Cheng Cheng nodded while drinking cola: "I only filled in my first choice, one school and one major"

Cheng Cheng noticed that Mi Yi had been looking at the clothing store, so she chose one that was somewhat appealing and went in first. In order to allow Mi Yi to browse a little longer, she deliberately displayed a desire to buy, occasionally pulling out a piece from the rows of hanging clothes to check the label. The shop owner, seeing the way the two were dressed, assumed that Cheng Cheng was the main shopper and exchanged a few pleasantries. Upon realizing that Cheng Cheng was only focused on her own browsing and not paying attention to the recommendations, the owner turned to Mi Yi to make suggestions.

Mi Yi recalled the past and became animated, taking the initiative to say: "At that time, our teacher required us to fill every available spot in each school and each major, as this was the safest approach"

Did you go buy gold while you were in the restroom

When Mi Yi mentioned it in the group, Cheng Cheng, just by looking at the text, recalled the initial experience of consumption, and a sense of intimacy arose naturally

The two people casually strolled through four or five small shops, crossed a street, and entered the Longzhimeng Mall

The shop owner is chatting with two chefs, while the waiter is preparing for dinner service before opening.

Cheng Cheng is afraid of awkward silences and has been consistently taking on the role of the main speaker

Cheng Cheng was amused by her little trick: "Quite clever"

This time, she has truly left

She remembered what Cheng Cheng said, that he hadn't eaten yet today, and was afraid that if they looked for another place, Cheng Cheng would go hungry.

Whatever others give her, she always finds a way to return it, and she must return more than what she received. In this way, whether it is disappearing, severing ties, or becoming strangers, she will have no burdens. No matter how much time passes, when she thinks back on it, she will not feel that she owes anything to others

During this meal, the two people talked a lot, like ordinary friends, in that manner of just having met.

The term "eye contact" is something Mi Yi has learned since childhood, but throughout her life, only Cheng Cheng has provided her with a genuine experience of "eye contact." In response to this issue, Mi Yi and Lin Ting conducted an experiment where they maintained eye contact for a few seconds, only to burst into laughter, finding it incredibly amusing. Lin Ting even teased Mi Yi, saying that only a lunatic would maintain eye contact while speaking; typically, one would occasionally glance at the face, look around, or observe the broader surroundings.

Miyi had actually planned to bring gold for Chengcheng on the way here, but was uncertain about what to buy

After finishing everything, Cheng Cheng folded the paper bag in half, preparing to throw it away shortly.

Miyi wanted to pay, but she stopped him: "You are a guest from afar, since you have come, it is only right that I treat you."

"How do you know my size?" Cheng Cheng asked

A sense of familiarity, regarding the past

I don't know either, "Cheng Cheng smiled, "If you have the opportunity to go to Beijing, I will have my friend host you."

Really?! Mi Yi never expected this and exclaimed in surprise, "What a coincidence? Is it really such a coincidence?"

"I don't eat rabbit," Cheng Cheng said, "My roommate is from Sichuan and always wants me to eat rabbit..."

Cheng Cheng is eating spicy hot pot, while Mi Yi is looking at the menu

She has never been looked at, gazed upon, scrutinized, or examined in such a manner by anyone before

Later, Mi Yi quietly observed and discovered that Cheng Cheng had this habit of speaking to anyone, unconsciously locking their gaze onto the other person. She knew she was not an exception, yet she had thought several times that she might be an exception

Do you want me to take you there

After finishing her meal, she pointed at the uneaten cauliflower in the hot pot and joked with Mi Yi, saying, "What do you call this?"

Doesn't your teacher scold you? This makes it very easy to fail the exam

Mi Yi smiled apologetically, turned around, and hurried towards the direction of the restroom, appearing quite anxious

Approximately fifteen minutes later, Cheng Cheng saw the shadow of Mi Yi on the glass

Cheng Cheng found □□ in the bag, glanced at the number, confirmed that Mi Yi was not lying, then handed □□ to Mi Yi, took out the string of gold beads from the box, stuffed it into his shorts pocket, and passed the box to Mi Yi: "Do you want the box? I can wear it directly"

This is the shortest one; people say that the smallest size is rarely available in the store. Today is a rare occasion, and they say I am lucky. Mi Yi, not confident in their own judgment, added, "If you don't like it, we can exchange it right now."

Miyi secretly decided to take a stroll around the campus across the street in the evening, visiting the teaching building, playground, library, and any place she could enter. She wanted to learn everything about Chengcheng's past

Before Cheng Cheng could speak, Mi Yi took the initiative to say: "Can we open earlier? My friend particularly enjoys the dishes here and will be leaving tomorrow. He has something to attend to later and may not be able to come."

The storefront is not large and has a second floor

I want it, give it to me, I want it

Cheng Cheng opened a large bottle of cola and poured a cup for each of the two people

Cheng Cheng turned around

She was afraid of leaving a bad farewell impression on Chengcheng, forcing herself to turn around, driven by the emotions of parting, she walked to the elevator and descended slowly. She frequently looked back and saw Chengcheng politely standing at the entrance of ZARA, watching her leave.

So amazing

"Why did you come to Shanghai?" She took the initiative to start a conversation with Mi Yi, "Do teachers like children?"

One can see the true gift; Chengcheng still underestimated the little girl's courage

"Then give it a try, and I guarantee you will still be thinking about it after you finish," said the shopkeeper before leaving

Miyi is afraid of spending money, pretending to be mute, and does not speak throughout the entire process

This action reminds Cheng Cheng of one or two individuals

Well then, the little rabbit is very cute... but it is also quite delicious

She did not call the waiter to come up, but settled the bill directly downstairs

As the two individuals conversed in Sichuan dialect, Mi Yi quickly switched to his hometown dialect and continued to plead. Upon hearing that they were fellow townsmen, the chef did not take offense, smiled, picked up his apron, and entered the kitchen

At this moment, a short message from Miyi was received: There are quite a few people, and I am in line, sorry for the inconvenience

This is the first time since they met that the two of them are sitting together alone, face to face, having a meal. When ordering, Mi Yi eagerly recommended delicious dishes to her, not realizing anything. By the time the dishes were served, they were the only two left on the second floor, and Mi Yi fell silent again.

I wanted to come to Shanghai to take a look. To truly understand a city, mere tourism is insufficient; one must actually live here. So, I came over, said Chengcheng. I didn't show my family my application choices, and it was only when the admission notice arrived that they found out I was coming to Shanghai

Half was spent, half of the reward, "Mi Yi confessed, "You can see □□, □□ is also inside."

The two individuals, with a mindset of trying their luck, navigated through the intricate intersection and entered the Sichuan restaurant

Mi Yi was surprised: "Why? Why do you call it cauliflower?"

"Give it a try, you will never regret it." Mi Yi looked at her sincerely

No need, no need, I have been here a few times, I can find it.

Cheng Cheng turned his back to the main gate of Zhongshan Park, pointed to a small path, and told Mi Yi that there was a restaurant serving authentic Sichuan cuisine, but he was unsure whether it would be open at this time, 4 PM.

Good

The shopkeeper placed a bowl filled with spicy oil and chopped green onions in front of the two, saying: "This is not on the menu, it is a special offering"

"Mao Cai!" Mi Yi smiled happily and said to Cheng Cheng, "Have you tried it before?"

It should be permissible to ask, after all, I have already provided her with the school address

She has eaten at countless Sichuan restaurants in Shanghai, but has never seen this dish

Take your time

The shop owner saw two young ladies and naturally felt soft-hearted, so he turned to discuss with the chef whether it would be possible to start work early

Miyi was unable to prepare a surprise in time, so she could only hold the paper bag with both hands and hand it to Chengcheng, saying: "This is for you."

I have raised rabbits, so I do not eat them

A string of golden beads, each one extremely small and exquisitely crafted, devoid of any superfluous decorations or carvings, simply smooth little beads lying in a jewelry box, resembling a miniature version of prayer beads

"I hope to see you again." Cheng Cheng said at last

Cheng Cheng left the small restaurant, took Mi Yi across the street, and walked through the passage of Rose Square. There was no sunlight there, and many small shops lined the way, making it easy to stroll while looking around. They wandered aimlessly, and Mi Yi, being a girl not yet twenty, was occasionally drawn to the clothing and accessory stores.

Miyi handed her the bag again, for the third time

Mi Yi suddenly became anxious, bypassed a few people, ran down the elevator, and went to look for Cheng Cheng's figure, which had completely disappeared.

Wearing gold during one's zodiac year wards off evil spirits

Cheng Cheng looks back

What do you like? For example, chicken? Rabbit meat? Or do you have any taboos?" Mi Yi glanced at the menu

"Please go upstairs, the downstairs has not been tidied up yet," the shopkeeper pointed to the upper floor