Chapter 5, Sparse.

He blushed, but it was merely a haphazard way to make a living, hardly worthy of recognition

She whispered gently in his ear, "Jingzhe, Jingzhe"

She cautiously pushed open the classroom door, her heart nearly leaping out—there, in the corner of the classroom, was a classmate engrossed in study. As she struggled to recall his name, he surprisingly said, "Chen Baicao, you are here so early too"

Bai Cao clenched her teeth and made a firm decision

In the second year of junior high, Baicao's mathematics grades suddenly became very unstable. Her mother was extremely worried, seeking extra lessons from teachers and providing additional tutoring herself. In no time, Baicao's desk was piled high with mathematics materials

At this moment, in front of a desolate room in the cultural center, there sat a pale-faced little girl. As someone passed by, they urged, "Fudi, quickly go back inside, it's cold outside."

Xi Ai said, Baicao, you have lost weight

It has been a long time since I last cried. When my mother left, she did not cry so openly either. While managing the rice cake shop with my aunt, enduring her cold expressions and scoldings, I also never shed a tear

She has always been an excellent student. Although her mathematics skills are not outstanding, her performance in other subjects is sufficient to make up for it. She believed that she was diligent and hardworking. However, she now realizes that the usually quiet Ji Tianmin is actually so dedicated. This poses a significant threat. Many people have said that girls' academic performance tends to decline compared to boys. It is often difficult for girls to excel in science subjects. She has always scoffed at this notion and dismissed it. But now, everything has changed. She suddenly made up her mind to immediately sign up for the mathematics competition, determined to excel in mathematics. She can definitely do it

I will not be able to repay you...

I will take good care of myself, do not worry

Father finally appeared in sight, and Fudi joyfully stood up, her pale little face flushing with a hint of red. As she saw a young girl beside her father, she timidly sat down and weakly coughed a few times

The moonlight faded. She watched Jingzhe and her daughter return to the house. Fudi was in his arms, thin and light, like a transparent piece of paper that could be carried away by the wind at any moment

Xi Ai looked at Jing Zhe, holding her daughter who was suffering from leukemia in her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "Fu Di, it's so cold outside, why are you sitting out here?" The little girl pouted and remained silent, looking at Xi Ai with a strange expression.

In the joyful air, the pipa of the Jingzhe is truly celestial music... She gazed at him eagerly, asking if he could play it for her... Anything would be fine! I want to listen, I really want to listen!

Xi Ai lay on the bed, tossing and turning, always seeing that figure before her, that Zhang Jingzhe who was born on the day of the Awakening of Insects.

The more she cares, the more tense she becomes, and mathematics becomes increasingly difficult to learn. Every time it is time for a math exam, she always feels cold in her hands and feet, almost to the point of tears. Her mother harshly insists that she must excel in mathematics; if she does not do well in math, she will not be able to enter high school, and without high school, she cannot attend university

As early as in the sixth grade, Xi Ai had quietly asked Bai Cao, "Have you arrived?"

Jingzhe took Fudi to the hospital. The doctor shook his head in refusal, advising Jingzhe not to impose dietary restrictions on the child, as the child was too small and weak to endure such hardships. It would be better to seek an early release from suffering.

This time, what captivated the audience was not the beautifully adorned actress or the charming young male lead. After the sound of the clapper, the keen-eyed audience member suddenly noticed a man in the corner of the stage, his expression forlorn, his face gaunt, cradling a pipa. The audience member was momentarily stunned, lost in a trance, oblivious to the splendid and emotional performances around, fixated solely on the musician, feeling a surge of emotions within, as if intoxicated.

She ran laps alone on the playground of the school in the small town. She silently told herself that she must complete ten laps. Completing ten laps would mean she could master mathematics. Ten laps, two thousand meters. As she continued to run in circles, the dusk deepened, and her lonely shadow gradually blurred. Xi Ai, standing by the edge of the playground, could only watch her silently, unable to help her at all. Although she kept running in circles, Xi Ai felt that she was getting further and further away from her. Xi Ai could not keep up with her. Although she kept running in circles, Xi Ai felt that she was getting further and further away from her. Xi Ai could not keep up with her

The weak Jingzhe nodded slightly, saying, I will not leave. I will play the pipa for you every day.

More than half a year later, Sulian's husband, who had been ill for a long time, passed away. Sulian began to devote herself to Buddhist practices at home, no longer concerning herself with worldly matters. Not long after, grandfather also left the cooperative and returned to run his pharmacy.

By that time, the lotus flowers had long since withered

Jingzhe cried like a child. Xi Ai held Jingzhe, gently stroking his hair and forehead, resembling a kind mother. Xi Ai whispered, "Jingzhe, I know you have one more day in Qingmian. I know that once the troupe leaves, you will follow them. I do not know where you will go, nor do I know when you will be able to return to Qingmian. Jingzhe, Jingzhe, can you not leave? Jingzhe, please do not take Fudi around everywhere, stay here, alright? I do not know where you will go, nor do I know when you will be able to return to Qingmian. Jingzhe, Jingzhe, can you not leave? Jingzhe, please do not take Fudi around everywhere, stay here, alright?

The moonlight is like frost, and the water ripples gently. The long-neglected stage is once again adorned with lights and decorations, filled with the sounds of music and song. The repertoire includes the classics "The West Chamber" and "He Wenxiu," as well as the newly staged "The Soul of the Pear Blossom"

On the second day, as the performance concluded, Xi Ai squeezed to the front desk and called out, "Zhang Jingzhe, Zhang Jingzhe!" Someone shot her a disdainful glance, muttering about her lack of upbringing. Xi Ai sensed that contempt, and her anger flared up, fixating on the person who had spoken ill. Suddenly, Zhang Jingzhe approached and glanced at her indifferently. She immediately fell silent. It was then she realized that today's Jingzhe was entirely different from the drunken Jingzhe of yesterday. She watched him as he said nothing, busily putting away his pipa before turning to leave. It was then she realized that today's Jingzhe was entirely different from the drunken Jingzhe of yesterday. She watched him as he said nothing, busily putting away his pipa before turning to leave. Without thinking, Xi Ai followed him closely. Jingzhe walked quickly, and Xi Ai had to almost jog to keep up. He did not head towards the cultural center but instead dashed aimlessly down a narrow alley strewn with peach blossoms. His back appeared gentle and frail, and the way he held the pipa made him look like a figure stepping out of a painting. Why was he avoiding her, and why did she insist on following him despite the awkwardness? Both of them were in a state of confusion. She thought that in his eyes, she was merely an immature wild girl. He thought that in her eyes, he was just a peculiar and infatuated man. The moon rose, the river rippled, and a couple on a garbage boat was cooking. The rich aroma of rice swayed along with the ripples. Finally exhausted, he sat down despondently on the stone bridge. She followed suit and sat down beside him. The moon rose, the river rippled, and a couple on a garbage boat was cooking. The rich aroma of rice swayed along with the ripples. Finally exhausted, he sat down despondently on the stone bridge. She followed suit and sat down beside him

She was in a daze, suddenly recalling Churan. Has Churan grown up as well? Since that year when they met and parted, they have not reunited... Churan must have grown taller by now...

As they ran the last few laps, the sky darkened, seemingly indicating that rain was about to fall. The wind was cool, lifting her clothing. Xi Ai shouted, "Bai Cao, it's time to go home, it's going to rain!"

How surprising the Jingzhe... It does not matter what I am called. How surprising the Jingzhe, I have known you since my previous life, otherwise how could I have cried for your pipa melody

In the early morning, she saw faint red bloodstains on the white bedsheet. Pure and delicate bloodstains. For a moment, she was stunned, and then an overwhelming sense of desolation surged within her. She had grown up, finally grown up.

The musician chuckled softly, "Pipa, I am called Pipa... ? ... The girl is talking nonsense, how could I be called Pipa... ? Shh..." ... His watery eyes made Xi Ai feel completely at ease, unaware of her surroundings. He gently leaned closer to Xi Ai's ear, "I am called Zhang Jingzhe."

The town's middle school is not very far from the Chen family, and Baicao is simply curious about who would come so early. Looking at the time, it is only 5:15. She cannot fall asleep, quietly gets dressed, and pushes the door open. A biting cold wind suddenly sweeps in under the pale blue sky, turning into icy needles that prick at Baicao's body. She almost sneezes but manages to hold it back as she heads towards that streak of light.

After the Daughter of Jingzhe fell ill, the wife disappeared without a trace. Jingzhe had no money to pay for Fudi's medical treatment. The doctor said that Fudi would not survive until summer. Fudi was unaware of her limited time and often acted coyly with her father, saying, "Dad, don't be sad, Mom will come back." Even if Mom doesn't return, it's okay, Fudi will stay with Dad, Fudi will always be with Dad.

When she arrived at the classroom, there was still only Ji Tianmin. She was serious with him, she was determined to compete with him. She had to compare herself to him, she had to surpass him, she had to leave him behind, she had to always be the most outstanding Chen Baicao.

Xi Ai did not want to ruin her good mood and softly hummed the tune of "Eighteen Farewells." However, her aunt could not stand it, exclaiming, "What are you doing all day long like a wayward person!"

The grandfather, dressed in a white coat, sat in an old rattan chair, engrossed in writing prescriptions or reading medical books. Behind him were rows of medicine cabinets, along with Su Lian, whose hair was as white as snow. The fragrance of herbs filled the air. On that day, Baicao saw the two elderly individuals carefully tending to a pot of white lotus flowers about to bloom on the windowsill. The setting sun cast a slanting light, and the evening breeze was refreshing. The tips of the lotus petals were slightly red, appearing as if in a daze. The delicate veins were clear and picturesque. The setting sun cast a slanting light, and the evening breeze was refreshing. The tips of the lotus petals were slightly red, appearing as if in a daze. The delicate veins were clear and picturesque.

The musician was slightly intoxicated, smiling faintly. That smile made Xi Ai's heart tighten. ... Xi Ai murmured to herself, I am here to find you ... . ... I am here to find you? What is your name ... ? I will call you Pipa ... ...

In the following days, Baicao felt somewhat apprehensive about meeting Grandma. It seemed as though he had caught a glimpse of the secrets of the elders, and he feared that Grandma would be angry. Thus, he remained anxious for several days.

Fudi still shook her head, stubbornly sitting there

She suddenly turned around, ran home, and hurriedly got ready. Her grandmother and mother had just woken up and urged her to sleep a little longer. However, she had already left with a book in her arms. Her grandmother was anxiously trying to get her to eat breakfast. She simply said that she wanted to go buy some bread to eat, and hurried off as if she were going to school

Xi Ai knows that Bai Cao will not say anything, just looking at her. Bai Cao, my aunt wants me to go back and help with the pastry business. Anyway, there is nothing good to read anymore, my grades are so poor that I can only hold back the class. ... Bai Cao, I have noticed that you now ... . ... don't really pay attention to me anymore.

Ji Tianmin. She slowly uttered these three words, as if she had exerted a great deal of effort. What are you doing so early

It seemed that from that day on, she felt her vigorous growth. First, her height surged, reaching the same height as her mother. The chalk lines on the wall marking her height clustered together like thriving plants. Her previously thin arms gradually became rounder and fuller. She stood alone in the bathroom, staring blankly at the increasingly unfamiliar woman in the mirror, feeling a bit rebellious. There were faint bruises on her chest and back—she secretly bought the smallest cotton bra, tightly binding herself, even punishing her growing body. She stood alone in the bathroom, staring blankly at the increasingly unfamiliar woman in the mirror, feeling a bit rebellious. There were faint bruises on her chest and back—she secretly bought the smallest cotton bra, tightly binding herself, even punishing her growing body.

He was somewhat embarrassed, and Baicao smiled as she passed by, pulling out the book he had under his hand—"Hua Luogeng Cup Junior High School Mathematics Competition Guidance Tutorial." You really are diligent. Baicao remained expressionless, but a wave of coldness surged in her heart. Someone was working so hard, so desperately. This made her feel terrified, an immense pressure.

Xi Ai's neck also stiffened, and she retorted, "Who doesn't keep themselves in check? Who is the promiscuous one? Aunt, you know best in your heart!" Aunt's face turned pale for a moment, and her eyes lost their luster. After a long while, she finally managed to squeeze out a sentence, "You take care of yourself!"

The newly sprouted green willows sway gracefully in the evening breeze, and the tender green leaves perfectly reflect Xi Ai's current mood. Jing Zhe smiles gently, takes out the pipa, carefully tunes the strings, and leans her face slightly against the charming and exquisite pipa, lightly plucking and strumming. A series of transparent notes have led Xi Ai to the realm of high mountains and flowing waters. At first, it is like a gentle breeze caressing, only to be entwined in the lingering low notes. It is also like birds nestled in the shade of willows, whispering softly to each other. This lingering sound climbs higher, gradually transforming into the chirping of a hundred birds as water flows from the mountain stream, a cacophony of intricate and vibrant sounds. Jing Zhe smiles gently, takes out the pipa, carefully tunes the strings, and leans her face slightly against the charming and exquisite pipa, lightly plucking and strumming. A series of transparent notes have led Xi Ai to the realm of high mountains and flowing waters. At first, it is like a gentle breeze caressing, only to be entwined in the lingering low notes. It is also like birds nestled in the shade of willows, whispering softly to each other. This lingering sound climbs higher, gradually transforming into the chirping of a hundred birds as water flows from the mountain stream, a cacophony of intricate and vibrant sounds. The brilliant sounds rush forth, as if the dewdrops on the lotus leaves are rolling into the water, blooming countless delicate and transparent flowers. When Xi Ai is almost breathless, his soft, boneless fingers gently pluck again, the water has entered the clear pond, quietly rippling with gentle waves. The flock of birds has entered the thousands of forests and mountains, leaving only a few traces of feathers fluttering down. He elegantly strums and plucks, the strings also gracefully responding to his touch. When Xi Ai is almost breathless, his soft, boneless fingers gently pluck again, the water has entered the clear pond, quietly rippling with gentle waves. The flock of birds has entered the thousands of forests and mountains, leaving only a few traces of feathers fluttering down. He elegantly strums and plucks, the strings also gracefully responding to his touch. The pipa understands his thoughts, and he leans tenderly against the pipa, filled with infinite longing. The pipa is his lover, his wife. As he thinks of this, tears gradually well up in Xi Ai's eyes, his heart filled with endless infatuation, wishing he could instantly become that pipa, to be close and intimate with him. She sees his gentle demeanor as he embraces the pipa, the sorrow between her brows quietly receding. As the piece concludes, Xi Ai's tears stream down his face. The pipa is his lover, his wife. As he thinks of this, tears gradually well up in Xi Ai's eyes, his heart filled with endless infatuation, wishing he could instantly become that pipa, to be close and intimate with him. She sees his gentle demeanor as he embraces the pipa, the sorrow between her brows quietly receding. As the piece concludes, Xi Ai's tears stream down his face.

Xi Ai ignored her and simply walked inside. The gatekeeper attempted to stop her, just as the musician returned from outside, his gaze unfocused. Xi Ai was overjoyed, fixed her eyes on the musician, and said, "Hey, have you eaten?" as if they were old acquaintances

What exactly is Baicao continuing to ask about

Finally, a theater troupe has come to Qingmian again. This brings great joy to the townspeople who have endured a harsh winter. Xi Ai is particularly excited; at that time, Bai Cao was busy with the final push for the mathematics competition and paid no attention to the theater troupe. Xi Ai went to see it alone.

Bai Cao has an innocent expression, what is coming?

Xi Ai was unaware of the bet she had made with herself. If she did not complete ten laps, she would not be able to learn mathematics well. She paid no attention to this and kept running. Tears were nearly overwhelming her

It is better to keep it a secret, I won't tell you... In short, it is here.

This was her first time walking on the desolate Qingmian in the early winter morning. The thick fog over the water seemed to have frozen, heavy and stagnant, difficult to disperse. The tall magnolia trees cast slender shadows, standing silently. They appeared like a row of people under a spell. Fear crept into Baicao's heart. She began to run, and the sound of her footsteps was particularly jarring in the stillness of the early morning, provoking the barking of dogs from nearby homes. She pressed against her chest, her previously cold palms starting to sweat. She began to run, and the sound of her footsteps was particularly jarring in the stillness of the early morning, provoking the barking of dogs from nearby homes. She pressed against her chest, her previously cold palms starting to sweat

The long eyelashes of Jingzhe drooped down, the words incoherent, the moon is truly beautiful today, perhaps it is the fifteenth. The slightly moist warm breath brushed against her neck, warm and enticing. In an instant, her heart melted into water, soaking Jingzhe until it too became liquid. When they awoke, they found themselves lying in the depths of the willow shade by the riverside. He held her hand, she felt a bit shy, yet her body trembled gently like the strings of a pipa. The moonlight flickered, Jingzhe slowly lifted Xi Ai's garment, and tears began to fall. He held her hand, she felt a bit shy, yet her body trembled gently like the strings of a pipa. The moonlight flickered, Jingzhe slowly lifted Xi Ai's garment, and tears began to fall.

She bought a bag of preserved plums and a bag of sunflower seeds. At first, she ate them one by one, but later she simply stopped, not even noticing as the preserved plums and sunflower seeds fell to the ground. Someone nearby laughed, calling her a silly girl, truly a silly girl.

Jingzhe gently put his daughter to sleep and quietly stepped out to find Xi Ai, who was waiting silently. It seemed that Xi Ai had grown up in an instant; she looked up at Jingzhe and said, "Don't be sad..."

Fudi is truly unwell, and during the Jingzhe season, she plays the pipa. Fudi smiles sweetly and quietly to the sound of her father's pipa. Fudi says, "I have recovered, and I will also learn to play the pipa from my father"

I still do not know your name, we have just met

Baicao was momentarily stunned, suddenly realizing why for so many years his grandfather had been so meticulous in nurturing those lotus flowers

That night, Baicao felt a pain in her abdomen as if it were falling. She endured it while doing mathematics. Afterwards, she fell asleep

She retorted, isn't it already dark outside?

She looked at the bloodstains on the bedsheet, unsure of what to do. Her mother approached, first surprised, then realizing the situation. Meanwhile, her grandmother brought over some brown sugar water, saying, "Nuan, drink this quickly." The smile lines on her grandmother's face blossomed like chrysanthemums

He has a sorrowful expression, and I am from Zhangpu Town

And the pipa of the Jingzhe, made her tears flow like a spring. Her heart was filled with sorrow, yet she could feel the mournful music. Thus, the Jingzhe, playing the mournful melodies, must also be suffering internally. Indeed, it is a heartfelt emotion, lost in the world. Xi Ai stepped forward, wanting to see his gaze clearly. As the sound of the zither faded away, that melancholy returned to his eyes

In that long winter, every early morning, she would rise early and go to school to study diligently. The competition materials were profound and obscure, and she reminded herself to be patient, to be patient, starting from the first page, studying each problem one by one. When faced with particularly difficult questions, she would copy them down and ask the math teacher. In the early morning classroom, it was just her and Ji Tianmin silently reading. Ji Tianmin, who spoke little, was someone she had never cared about before. Yet now, he had become her pressure, her rival, her motivation. They never exchanged a word; perhaps Ji Tianmin regarded all of this as competition.

Aunt sneered, so you plan to return only after dark? As a girl grows up, she must be mindful of her conduct. Acting wildly like this is unbecoming.

Ah, the Awakening of Insects, the Awakening of Insects... Remember me, my name is Xi Ai, Feng Xi Ai...

She was taken aback by her own determination, wondering when she had become so ambitious, and when she had ceased to be that innocent little girl. There was no time to dwell on it, perhaps this is also what growing up means

In physical education class, she can also enjoy the same privilege as other girls, which is to take leave and not attend. Growing up is a sign, a secret code. Xi Ai cheerfully approached Bai Cao, who was engrossed in doing math, and asked, "Have you come too?"

The faint return of the Awakening of Insects, you may go now

That is a secret

The two elderly individuals stood quietly in the setting sun, as the lotus flowers slowly bloomed. The myriad of grasses also quietly withdrew, fearing that even the slightest sound would disturb this picturesque scene

Fudi often experiences pain and sometimes faints. Little Fudi is afraid that her father will worry, and she cannot even cry out loud. She says, "Dad, I am fine. Dad, please go perform quickly. When you come back, play the pipa for me."

Fudi shook her head, her big, watery eyes causing a sudden tightening in one's heart. Others said, "Go ahead and eat, don't wait for your father, the food is getting cold."

It turns out he can smile so beautifully. The faint scent of alcohol on him is truly pleasant, a clean and mellow fragrance, slightly tipsy, just right, like the melodies he plucks with his long fingers, lingering and poignant as if weeping and narrating. Xi Ai piled the quilt on her chest, pondering the details of the awakening of insects. Her heart inexplicably warmed, the quilt was lifted, and she lay there in the moonlight, slowly entering the enchanting dream woven by the strings of the pipa.

A brand new wave of pain washes over, yet another brand new wave of joy envelops. ... Joy and sorrow intertwine as she smiles through her tears, witnessing the wisps of clouds in the night sky blooming like flowers, hearing the tender whispers of the nightingale by her ear, and smelling the freshly opened rose petals ... . ... The pipa lies quietly beside them ... . At this moment, she has finally become his pipa. ... ... She too has blossomed, with gushing spring water surging and swelling, the night voyage boat carrying her away from pain, soaring to the crest of the waves, flying to the clouds, heading straight towards the heavens. ... The pipa lies quietly beside them ... . At this moment, she has finally become his pipa. ... ... She too has blossomed, with gushing spring water surging and swelling, the night voyage boat carrying her away from pain, soaring to the crest of the waves, flying to the clouds, heading straight towards the heavens. As the boat gradually calms, it seems the sky also clears, the moonlight returns, gently caressing them.

The joy of singing and moaning seemed to have placed her on a bumpy night voyage. She did not know where the ship was headed, nor did she understand why she had boarded it; she only felt a deep sorrow within her heart. This sorrow, which could not be expressed or articulated, was drawn out by the sound of his pipa. She regarded him as a confidant, as a family member; she wanted him, wanted him to hold her tightly, to forget all past and future, to forget all sadness and resentment.

The opera troupe set up their stage in Qingmian for three days, and Xi Ai skipped class for three days to see the musician. The troupe resided in the cultural center of the town. After the first performance, Xi Ai slipped through the main entrance of the cultural center, searching for the lonely and thin musician. The peach blossoms in the courtyard bloomed abundantly, with petals falling like confetti in the dusk. She noticed that those glamorous actors on stage merely lived in cramped dormitories, and amidst the noise and chaos were faces that had lost their makeup, marked by exhaustion and hardship. This was somewhat difficult for Xi Ai to accept. The gatekeeper asked, "Hey, girl, who are you looking for?" She noticed that those glamorous actors on stage merely lived in cramped dormitories, and amidst the noise and chaos were faces that had lost their makeup, marked by exhaustion and hardship. This was somewhat difficult for Xi Ai to accept. The gatekeeper asked, "Hey, girl, who are you looking for?"

Raindrops fell, and the earthy scent rose from the playground. Xi Ai was anxious to pull her back, but she pushed Xi Ai away, stubborn and resolute. Thus, she continued running until the end, having won a bet with herself that she could excel in mathematics. Tears mingled with the rain as they fell. She did not let Xi Ai see them. She simply said softly, "Let's go."

The hundred herbs smile gracefully, is there none? Am I not doing well?

Zhangpu Town is far from Qingmian. She asked, how did you learn to play the pipa? Your pipa playing is truly excellent

Bai Cao smiled. Xi Ai sighed, saying, you are not the same as before, it seems you have many more worries now

No, Baicao suddenly felt very weary and did not know how to express it. Perhaps she had never regarded Xi Ai as a close sister, but merely as an ordinary friend who treated her well unconditionally. She said nothing more and buried herself in her homework again. Xi Ai no longer disturbed her and left with a sense of melancholy

Sometimes I see my mother's face pale. When I ask what is wrong, she smiles and says it's nothing. Everyone will be like this when they grow up. My Baicao girl has not grown up yet

In the deep winter of that year, one early morning, the sky was very dark, the streetlights had not yet gone out, and the breakfast shop in Qingmian Town had not opened its doors. Baicao was awakened from a nightmare, sitting at the head of the bed, gazing at the distant dawn outside the window. In the seemingly endless depths of darkness, there was a glimmer of light. Baicao was taken aback, wrapped her clothes tightly around herself, and got out of bed, finally confirming that the light came from a classroom in the town's middle school. If memory serves, that should be Baicao's classroom.

This is a secret

She does not speak. Xi Ai has a joyful expression, saying, "You are an adult now"

Xi Ai chuckled softly, never mind, I won't discuss it with you. You are so young, you must not have come.

Jingzhe. Xi Ai murmured with a smile, feeling that every aspect of the man before her was lovely, every detail was beautiful. She hurried home under the moonlight. Her aunt in the attic asked in a muffled voice, why she was returning so late

The moonlight is gentle, and the spring night breeze is tender and undulating. She smiled and asked, "Where are you from?"