Chapter 10, Decadence

They stood there, gazing at the swirling snowflakes, without a hint of fatigue. In that moment, Churian truly wished that time would stand still, so they could quietly watch the snow forever, how wonderful that would be

Baicao also followed closely, running vigorously in her footsteps, just like back then, on the playground of the junior high school in the small town. The river water lapped against the riverbank, gentle and crisp. Baicao closed her eyes, the sound of the flowing wind in her ears, and before her, was unexpectedly the smile of Cheng Nuoran. She was long immersed in this warm illusion, unwilling to extricate herself.

Be a good child. This has been the expectation of her parents since she was little. A good child does not cry or make a fuss, excels in studies, and has a gentle temperament. Just like a sunny doll

The homeroom teacher spoke with Baicao. He said, "You are a very good student, and you must remember to help Lin Churan well. Her grades are currently declining. Since you two have such a good relationship, you must take good care of her; you will be lifelong friends."

Thus, he accompanied her for an entire day. In the evening, when her parents arrived at the hospital and expressed their gratitude to him, he was able to return to school. After she recovered and came back, he silently pushed the notebook towards her, indicating that he would teach her all the classes she had missed and that he would also help her complete the notes she had not taken.

Her father has come to find her

In her narrative, she was so adorable in her childhood. He couldn't help but smile. He peeled the fruit for her, and her slender hand held onto him tightly. Once the fruit was peeled, he realized she had already fallen asleep. Her sweet and peaceful sleeping face was serene and beautiful. Her cheeks, flushed from the fever, resembled two tipsy flowers. He stared at her blankly, held by her, not daring to move. He was afraid of waking her up, and also afraid that this heart-thumping feeling would vanish without a trace. Her cheeks, flushed from the fever, resembled two tipsy flowers. He stared at her blankly, held by her, not daring to move. He was afraid of waking her up, and also afraid that this heart-thumping feeling would vanish without a trace.

They maintained their communication at a leisurely pace. The Third Middle School is not very far from the First Middle School. Sometimes he would come to the First Middle School to look for her. He was shy, standing behind the door of Class Two, turning around but not daring to call out to her. She also knew he was there, but she did not want to see him either. So she pretended not to know, missing the opportunity time and again

The teacher's flattery made Churan feel very disdainful. She directly avoided the teacher, grabbed her backpack, and walked to the back row of the classroom, sitting down next to Shen Jiacheng. The teacher smiled and said, "Shen Jiacheng, Shen Jiacheng, wake up quickly. From now on, Churan will be your deskmate."

She can see him, yet there is always a cold glass wall between them. Large magnolia flowers fall down. She looks up and feels that the fleeting rain of magnolia flowers is also beautiful. A bittersweet sense of gratitude surges within her. In this world, how can everything be perfect? Choosing a certain character is akin to choosing a way of life, a life path. Yes, she still wants to maintain her smile, still wants to be a good child. She grows rapidly in solitude. Choosing a certain character is akin to choosing a way of life, a life path. Yes, she still wants to maintain her smile, still wants to be a good child. She grows rapidly in solitude.

She feels wronged but is unwilling to express it. Her father said to be obedient and to treat her mother a little better

He became a distant refuge for her. She could tell him anything, her worries, little secrets, incoherent thoughts. Because she had not brought him into her life, she had no reservations. However, he misunderstood her feelings. He believed that his emotions for her were different from others. Day by day, he became immersed, while she remained awake to reality. She was acutely aware that no one could replace Shen Jiacheng's position in her heart. She could not let go; she could only bury all these feelings alone. She was acutely aware that no one could replace Shen Jiacheng's position in her heart. She could not let go; she could only bury all these feelings alone.

That early autumn, he arrived at school early and sat in the back corner of the classroom to sleep. The new classmates around him were laughing and making noise. He remained very quiet. This made her remember him at first glance. The teacher said, "Everyone pay attention, this is Lin Churan, her father is the president of Lin Group!"

Those fragrant and beautiful memories. Baicao asks, how is the master treating you?

My father is somewhat superstitious; he worships deities and Buddhas. Whenever he makes significant decisions, he always sincerely makes vows and donates a considerable amount of money for incense offerings. Our home also has a shrine dedicated to Guanyin.

Father asked her which restaurant she wanted to go to. She suddenly felt tired. What does this mean? Such frenzied shopping is merely to reassure her father, to make him feel that he has done his best for his daughter. Yet what she desires is far more than this. Her father cannot provide it for her. Her father has already left. Her father has another child. The boy, whom she has seen in photographs, bears a striking resemblance to her. The boy is about ten years old, the age when one is most charming and endearing; she wonders how her father dotes on him. At this moment, an overwhelming sense of sorrow and humiliation surged within her. Her father is merely being charitable towards her.

You have lost weight, even more so. Xi Ai said enthusiastically, "Look at me, I've become so fat! Are you doing well? I wasn't here when you came back last time, and I felt so sad when I found out later. Are you doing well? Have you been working too hard? I feel so sorry for you!

She stood up, suddenly took off her shoes, and ran barefoot along the riverbank with great force. The fine, soft white sand caressed her soles and ankles. She raised her head high, the moon illuminating her radiant face, resembling a blooming lotus flower

She is a frail and stubborn child. Her health is poor, and she often falls ill. Every time she is sick, she refuses to take medicine and also refuses to go to the hospital. The teacher said to Jia Cheng, "You are the class monitor and also Lin Churan's deskmate; you must take good care of her and take her to the hospital. This is your responsibility"

Churang rested her head on Baicao's arm, saying, "Alright, I won't say anything more. Anyway, I have already moved out to live on my own, so let them be."

The parents are discussing their important matters, and Baicao does not disturb them. Every day when she returns home, she quietly goes back to her room to do her homework and read, not wanting to worry her father and mother. She studies until midnight, and when she feels hungry, she goes to the kitchen to heat a piece of bread or cook a bowl of red bean porridge by herself. On Sunday afternoons, she goes to the supermarket alone, without needing her mother's company. She is independent. Sometimes her mother will peel an apple for her, and she will obediently take the fruit knife, saying, "Mom, you go ahead, I can do it myself." On Sunday afternoons, she goes to the supermarket alone, without needing her mother's company. She is independent. Sometimes her mother will peel an apple for her, and she will obediently take the fruit knife, saying, "Mom, you go ahead, I can do it myself."

Father is preparing to invest in a large project

He smiled, his eyes bright and deep. Do not act this way; you have grown up. You must learn to consider others, think of your mother.

The snow was falling heavier. They stood by the window watching the snow. The Shen family lived in a unit-provided house, less than 100 square meters, yet it was kept spotless and tidy by Shen's mother, creating a warm atmosphere. Snowflakes landed on the windowsill, resting on the heart of the wintersweet flowers. Churan giggled, reaching out to catch the snowflakes. As soon as the snowflakes touched her warm palms, they instantly melted into clear water. Shen's mother moved a blue-and-white porcelain jar to the sun terrace, and Jiacheng said that the collected snowflakes could be used to brew tea after they melted. Churan nodded, "I know, just like Miaoyu."

No. Baicao Smile, he has the feelings of your mother, and that is enough

There are also water chestnuts. The wild water chestnut plants have stems and leaves covered in thorns, and their broad leaves resemble round plates floating on the surface of the lake. The fruit of the water chestnut resembles a chicken's head, with a pointed beak on top and purple flowers blooming inside the beak. When eating, one must use scissors to cut open the shell of the fruit, remove the inner seeds, and cook them until done. The water chestnut originally comes from the South Pond of Fangmen in Suzhou, and is harvested around the Mid-Autumn Festival each year, earning the reputation of "South Pond Water Chestnut" in Suzhou. The Qing Dynasty poet Shen Chaochu wrote in "Memories of Jiangnan": "Suzhou is wonderful, the Fang River grows water chestnuts, glistening like pearls, soft fragrance particularly favored in a full cup, delicately peeled in a quiet little courtyard." Later, the cultivation of water chestnuts spread to other water bodies, becoming less precious. However, my grandmother always asks the boatmen, "Is this water chestnut from Qunli Village in Fangmen South Pond?" The boatman would reply, "Grandma, you are quite particular, but you may not know that Qunli Village has long been gone, replaced by an industrial park. But this water chestnut is produced in Taihu Lake, and even big restaurants come to buy it!"

In those olden days, the elder sister held tightly onto Baicao's hand, sitting on the ancient stone bridge, helping her peel fresh water chestnuts and lotus seeds. The jujube tree by the river was laden with green fruits. They would shake them off, wash them clean in the river, and eat them. Crisp, sweet, and sandy... There were also mulberries, loquats, and figs

Her parents were busy with work and had no time to look after her. The babysitter they hired was sent away by her crying and throwing a tantrum. She insisted that he stay with her. He had no choice but to skip class and sit by her bedside reading. There were many beautiful flower baskets on the bedside table, but she disliked them all and wanted him to take them away. She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I want a lily, just one." Her soft, gentle breath brushed against his ear, creating an indescribable feeling. He felt slightly shy but still put on a serious demeanor like a class monitor and nodded solemnly. He went downstairs to buy flowers. He searched for a long time in the flower shop, picking through one flower after another, selecting the one with the most complete petals and the most elegant shape, holding it high and running back. She held the flower, inhaling deeply, utterly enchanted. She leaned there talking to him. Usually, he quietly listened to her speak. She said, "I have been afraid of coming to the hospital since I was little. When getting vaccinations, several doctors couldn't subdue me. I kept struggling and even threw the hospital's medicine bottles, behaving very badly. Under the doctor's 'intimidation,' I shouted and threatened to burn down the hospital. After getting a shot, my throat became hoarse from shouting. When I couldn't shout anymore, I would speak in a hoarse buzz. My mother would comfort me, saying, 'Don't cry, don't cry, be good and I'll buy you a chestnut cake.' You know, I particularly liked chestnut cake at that time. But my mother said eating too much would make me fat, so she was reluctant to buy it for me. At that critical moment, the chestnut cake easily won me over. After getting the shot, I held a piece of chestnut cake in one hand, eating greedily, completely forgetting about burning down the hospital!

The Sunny Doll, who always smiles while holding a broom to sweep away the gloom and welcome the sunshine. The Sunny Doll must always maintain her smile. She cannot cry, she cannot lose her temper, nor can she act spoiled. The Sunny Doll is a very obedient and kind doll, but she is also the one who is most deeply hurt. When the weather turns bad, everyone calls upon the Sunny Doll. The Sunny Doll works hard to sweep away the gloom. ... When the sky clears, everyone tosses the Sunny Doll into a corner ... . ... The Sunny Doll cannot see the sunshine, even though her name suggests brightness and clarity. When the weather turns bad, everyone calls upon the Sunny Doll. The Sunny Doll works hard to sweep away the gloom. ... When the sky clears, everyone tosses the Sunny Doll into a corner ... . ... The Sunny Doll cannot see the sunshine, even though her name suggests brightness and clarity.

There are also chicken head shrimp and eight-treasure chicken heads, both of which are extremely delicious. Sweet, tender, and glutinous, crystal clear, only the green cotton of my hometown can produce such delicacies

Father took her shopping. She was quite unreserved, boldly entering the ladies' boutique and decisively purchasing a charming dress. Father smiled as he paid the bill and even helped his daughter carry the bag. She then walked into a bookstore, and Father, in good spirits, followed behind, helping her carry a large stack of books. When the driver offered to assist, Father shook his head in refusal, asking the driver to leave first, as he wanted to spend some time alone with his daughter

The garden outside the library is very tranquil. She quietly walked in, where the wisteria was in bloom, as were the gardenias, lilacs, and jasmine. The abundant greenery exuded a rich fragrance. The swing set was covered with purple and white flowers. She felt an urge to soar. That desire swelled and surged. Yet, she merely caressed the swing's rope, gently brushing away the fallen flowers from the swing set. It was as if she were harboring a small rose-colored dream. And she merely caressed the swing's rope, gently brushing away the fallen flowers from the swing set. It was as if she were harboring a small rose-colored dream.

Bai Cao was almost in tears, she gradually lifted her head and smiled gently, saying nothing... I'm doing well, just thinking of you. Come, let's take a good stroll.

Xi Ai gently stroked her forehead, saying, "Be good, I still have to return to my master's house. Otherwise, my master will be worried. ... Moreover ... ... it would be quite inappropriate to run to your house without any reason ... ..."

Upon first seeing the newspaper, her expression fell, as if there were girls whispering to each other nearby. Her face turned crimson with shame. Baicao gently shook her, saying, "Don't be like this; you should wish your mother well"

Grandmother enjoys making water chestnut soup. Boil water in a pot, add the cleaned water chestnuts, and place the sugar osmanthus wrapped in cheesecloth into the pot. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, and remove the cheesecloth. Serve the water chestnuts along with the broth in a bowl, accompanied by a dish of sugar. The bowl is filled with glistening pearls, crystal clear, leaving only the fragrance of osmanthus, without a trace of the flowers. It is reminiscent of a beauty behind a screen, akin to the hometown that resides in everyone's heart

Bai Cao remained silent. She leaned against Xi Ai, unwilling to leave. Xi Ai felt extremely pained and asked, "What’s wrong? Are you unhappy? Is it because there’s no one particularly close to you here? ... This is just how you are, keeping everything bottled up inside. How exhausting that must be ..."

On a sunny day, I find myself alone in a dark corner, feeling sorrowful and powerless.

At night, Baicao once again took out the letter, curling up in her blanket to read. After all, there is still a warm affection present. She leaned on her pillow to write him a reply. She said, I am well. How about you? I remember the time back then, so beautiful, without a trace of sadness. But we have all grown up. Growing up means there is not as much joy anymore. Or perhaps, I have never been a happy child. Sigh, how should I tell you? I am in a strange environment, surrounded by unfamiliar people. Growing up means there is not as much joy anymore. Or perhaps, I have never been a happy child. Sigh, how should I tell you? I am in a strange environment, surrounded by unfamiliar people. The girl I care about seems to never understand how to cherish my concern, as if I was born to be good to her. And I seem to think so too. Regardless, I will never be angry with her. ... I really want to return to Qingmian, and I also want to see Xi'ai, I wonder how she is doing now...

Grandfather sighed, you must remember what I said

As Baicao ascended the stairs, she saw them. They did not see her and continued their conversation. Baicao paused for a few seconds at the corner of the staircase, her expression dazed, before turning to leave. Her heart ached, an inexplicable pain. She returned to the classroom, sat down silently, and opened her book. However, she could not focus. Suddenly, in a fit of rage, she crumpled the test paper into a ball and threw it out the window with force. There was no one else in the classroom, and no one witnessed her actions. She grabbed a handful of chalk and hurled it with force at the cedar tree outside the window. The cedar housed a nest of birds. She aimed the chalk at those birds, but they were much more agile than she was, deftly evading her attacks. Exhausted, weary, and fed up, she leaned on the windowsill, tears falling in vain.

He enjoys listening to her tell these stories. He feels that she is different with him; she shares many childhood tales with him. It is a world of girls that he has never known, beautiful like a rose-colored dream.

Stepping out of the office, Baicao maintained her usual smile. In the flowerbed downstairs, the vibrant peonies were in full bloom. Suddenly, she found the flowers distasteful, and her own smile also seemed repugnant. Passing by the bulletin board, she saw a photograph in the display case; it was him. The outstanding student leader of the school. With no one around, she quietly approached, extended her finger, and touched the cold glass, writing that name—Shen Jiacheng—stroke by stroke.

Churang did not attend her mother's wedding. The woman, equally proud and stubborn, accepted the fragrant bouquet of lilies and smiled brightly at the guests and reporters. Her smile overshadowed her noble wedding dress, including the expensive jewelry, not to mention the man beside her

Very good. Xi Ai Xiao, the master’s husband is out of town, and the daughter is also studying away. I just keep the master company, help her cook and do the laundry, so she doesn’t feel too lonely. ... I can already make skirts now ... . ... Oh, Baicao, this summer vacation I will definitely help you make a dress. You can choose the fabric yourself, and I will help you cut and sew it, okay

Churang has never understood how to restrain the joy she derives from him, which leaves Baicao feeling both bitter and envious. Yet, she must smile; she smiles and says, "Remember to help me steal a bouquet next time!"

Since he switched from medicine to business, he has been engaged in the pharmaceutical industry, achieving remarkable success and quickly establishing the Chen brand. His father is a decisive and resolute person, with a strong temper, completely different from his grandfather's character. When returning to his hometown in Qingmian, his grandfather would sometimes advise that no matter what one does, one should maintain a gentle disposition. However, his father would only smile and remain silent

She dropped the things in her hands and coldly said that she wanted to return to school. Her father did not insist; instead, he bought a meal combo at McDonald's to take back for her, carrying bags of various sizes as he sent her back to school, and also gave her some living expenses. She wanted to refuse, but helplessly, she did not. Thus, she tightly clutched the money her father had given her and walked towards the dormitory without looking back. As she turned the corner of the stairs, she saw her father still standing downstairs, smiling and looking at her.

The boy, with sleepy eyes, glanced at the bright-eyed girl beside him and broke into a smile

Then she should also consider me

Mom kissed her forehead, Baicao, you are truly a good child

Would you like to come to my house in the evening? Baicao gently pleads, I would like to have a conversation with you

Grandmother shook her head while weighing a few taels, sighing that the best chicken head rice comes from Fengmen Nantang, both glutinous and fragrant

Churian obediently followed his words and walked away. In the hospital, she sat alone on a long bench, watching Jia Cheng go back and forth to register, pick up medicine, and handle procedures. She thought he was a very good-looking boy and also very kind. As she pondered, a sweet smile appeared on her frail face

The teacher continued, stating that Shen Jiacheng's entrance examination was outstanding, ranking second in the entire city. From now on, he will be our class monitor. The students began to clap sporadically. The teacher moved their seats to the front of the classroom, instructing him to take good care of Churan. Dressed in a large floral pleated skirt, Churan shook Jiacheng's hand and stuck out her tongue, resembling a lovely princess

Jia Cheng took her to get an IV. She was scared, constantly shrinking back. Perhaps she wasn't afraid at first, but in front of Jia Cheng, she inexplicably became a spoiled and clueless little girl. Jia Cheng held her cool little hand and reassured her, "Don't be afraid, I will stay with you. It will be over soon. It's just like the feeling of a mosquito bite." As he spoke, he gently covered her eyes and handed her hand to the nurse. As the nurse inserted the needle, she let out a whimper of grievance, then quieted down, slowly opening her eyes and smiling at him with a hint of embarrassment. He gently covered her eyes again and handed her hand to the nurse. As the nurse inserted the needle, she let out a whimper of grievance, then quieted down, slowly opening her eyes and smiling at him with a hint of embarrassment.

His mother was very fond of Churan and specially made glutinous rice stuffed lotus root for her, which made her little belly round. She sat around the dining table with the Shen family in the small living room. The cozy little space was very warm. She fell in love with this place and listened with great interest to his mother recount stories from his childhood. She saw his desk, his bed, his books, as if she could glimpse his past years and witness his growth

Silly girl. He doted on her immensely, reaching out to stroke her forehead. He recalled the time when they first met

Ranran. Father smiles, Ranran, how have you been lately

At noon, she ran to the entrance of Jiacheng's classroom. Jiacheng, who was deeply engrossed in solving problems, seemed to have some kind of wonderful telepathic connection, as he turned around and walked out. A large expanse of cherry blossoms bloomed in her view. She said, "Jiacheng, I am very sad"

This time, my father is once again going to the temple on Huailan Mountain to pray. Baicao rarely inquires about my father's work, but from his serious and stern expression, it can be inferred that the project my father is investing in holds extraordinary significance.

Ji Tianmin has written a letter. His handwriting is very formal and neat, resembling a composition that has been drafted beforehand, with each word and sentence perfectly aligned, and every stroke made with great effort. Baicao smiled upon reading the letter, as if he could imagine the scene of him writing it. He said, Baicao, I miss you very much; time passes so quickly, and spring has arrived. I recall the time when we flew kites together; I wonder if you still remember it

Churan also smiled, but I do not like that man. He seems to have nothing at all

She thinks that her father should be at ease with her now

The night was deepening, and as she emerged from the supermarket, she suddenly heard someone calling her loudly. Turning around, amidst the dim lights, she was surprised to see Xi Ai! Bai Cao Huan Huan joyfully approached, almost forgetting what she was supposed to say. This was the companion who had accompanied her through childhood and adolescence, treating her kindly without any reason. Xi Ai embraced her tightly, just like before, and she could smell the warm, soft scent of Xi Ai, that familiar and intimate fragrance.

He likes to call her "Nannan." Nannan is a term of endearment for girls in the Jiangnan region, akin to a nickname. It is similar to how Baicao Granny calls Baicao "Cao Nann." This reflects the tacit understanding between them

Jia Cheng turned around, extended his hand towards her, and said gently yet firmly, "Come with me"

She does not say thank you. It seems she has never said thank you. She just looks into his eyes, her smile blooming like a flower

Silly child. Baicao chuckled, perhaps you and your mother are very similar in character. She worries that you will ignore her, while you worry that she will not want you. When these two thoughts collide, it naturally leads to estrangement. Be good, you are already a big child, and you need to understand your mother

Bai Cao was furious, raising her fist to strike her. However, she did not dodge, instead burrowing into Bai Cao's embrace and acting cute.

The entire letter, apart from the sentence "I miss you so much," is nothing but reminiscing about the past and introducing his current life. The innocent, shy, and pure youth who has grown up. When Baicao read the letter, Churan leaned over, and Baicao did not hide it; they both looked at it together. Churan smiled as he read, he is really adorable, Baicao, in fact, he wants to tell you that he likes you!

When Churan returned, she had already regained her composure. Churan held a large bouquet of cherry blossoms, smiling as she placed them in the water jar on the windowsill. Baicao smiled, looking truly beautiful. Churan wore a joyful expression and whispered, "Shh—he just helped me steal these from the garden!"

Baicao said nothing, merely burying her head deeply in Xi Ai's embrace, resembling a little sister who had been wronged

This luxurious wedding in Jin'an City, one of the few in its history, seems to convey to people that the ex-wife of the president of the Lin Group is living very well, achieving success in both career and love. She is an indomitable woman

She wrote a lot of words in one breath, and when she calmed down, she was startled, wondering how she could have written so much. She quickly tore the letter paper into pieces, and took out a new sheet of light purple paper that smelled of lavender, and neatly wrote: I am well, how about you

Baicao nodded vigorously

He is a child born into an ordinary family, with both parents being teachers. His family emphasizes education, and he excels academically and possesses strong abilities. He has almost become the standard by which parents measure their own children's capabilities. They always say, "Play, play, play, and you will only know how to play. Look at how hard Shen Jiacheng works!"

The next day, both the Morning Post and the Evening News featured extensive coverage of the wedding. The media seemed to have been favored, lavishing praise and blessings upon this proud woman.

They walked hand in hand, strolling through the hazy night. Fresh water chestnuts were for sale. They bought a pound, and she patiently peeled each one for her to eat. It reminded her of the past in Qingmian, when water chestnuts were in season, and there were black boats from the countryside on the river, with fresh water chestnuts washed clean and piled high at the bow. Grandma would go over to buy a basket, peeling the tender little water chestnuts for Baicao as they walked. The tender water chestnuts burst with water when bitten, sweet and slightly astringent. Grandma would go over to buy a basket, peeling the tender little water chestnuts for Baicao as they walked. The tender water chestnuts burst with water when bitten, sweet and slightly astringent.

In winter, there was a mathematics competition coaching session. Because of her family’s registration, Churan also attended. She did not listen to the class but lay there reading a novel. One day after class, it snowed heavily. Churan said, I don’t want to go back, I want to go to your house

He thought for a moment and nodded in agreement