Prologue
The atmosphere suddenly became very silent, with two little girls quietly sitting in the car, each lost in their own thoughts
How did it come to be like this now
Ding dong— the door slowly opened to both sides
Su Zhan extinguished the cigarette and threw it into the trash can, then turned and went upstairs to the private room. I can no longer bear to look at it; memories are toxic and should not be touched.
At this moment, a car was parked by the roadside, surrounded by three men
It is precisely that line: "... the sound of the accordion drifts, nowadays we have changed our appearance, busy every day for the sake of life, but as long as we think of the past times, your eyes will shine..."
He slightly tilted his head, the firelight momentarily brightened the darkness, illuminating half of his face more clearly. The curve of his profile appeared softer, smoke held in his mouth, and then he leaned back against the car, unbuttoning the first button of his collar, tilting his head back to exhale a puff of smoke
She has a good figure and is beautiful, making it hard for passersby to resist glancing at her twice
The Yajiang River is not large, and it was only a matter of time before we met.
Good
He will be the best-dressed man in a suit in the world
You heard wrong. He remained calm as if he had never seen her before
The gentle drizzle suddenly turned into a torrential downpour, and Su Zhan withdrew her gaze, patting the little girl's head beside her, "Hey, what are you thinking about? Aren't you leaving yet?"
The boss has changed
It seems to be waiting for some kind of verdict
Seeing that she still had no reaction, he muttered with dissatisfaction: "This bad temper, I wonder who spoiled her."
She turned around, resting her shoulder against the pillar, took a puff of smoke, exhaled the mist, squinted her eyes, and began to scrutinize carefully. Having not seen each other for a long time, her gaze was greedy, as if it were a piece of floating moss in a deep, mysterious sea
Sheng Qianwei gazed at her with a pair of melancholic eyes and remarked, "Sister Su Zhan, you have changed quite a bit."
Love is not jealous, love does not boast, is not arrogant, and does not engage in shameful acts
The sound of "ding-dong" was heard
Su Zhan did not know what she wanted to say, but she felt that if she did not call out to him, something would disappear in her heart, sink, and then be lost.
Can that flickering hope finally be extinguished?
We have changed in appearance, yet life remains filled with desire. If only we could return to the days of yore, even if just for one night
Su Zhan remembered that, in his own words, "all his patience has been used to feed the dogs"
The boy caught up and said, "It seems someone is calling you."
Su Zhan's mind was filled with the image of that person's tall and slender figure, moving swiftly and decisively, as if fleeing from her desolate land
In early spring of 2016, Yajiang City
Cardiac arrest, respiratory failure
Unable to forget him, nor can I love anyone else
爱是永恒的
The elevator doors closed again
The person she had only dared to secretly observe from a distance in the night suddenly appeared in her line of sight, completely exposed under the light
Only he could wear a white shirt in such an ascetic manner
A passionate and intense romance that has been discussed extensively
"I have admired him for ten years, and I have never seen him like this before." At this moment, Sheng Qianwei seemed somewhat excited, as that kiss was truly both domineering and affectionate. Then she smiled again, "Regardless of anything else, having been in a relationship with such a person, don't you think your life is worth it?"
The new drama by Su Zhan has commenced production. As the screenwriter, she traveled to over ten locations for location scouting, with Yajiang being the final stop
After finally finding a moment of respite, Su Zhan hurriedly asked the leader for permission to use the restroom. However, after finishing, Su Zhan did not wish to return to the opulent private room filled with indulgence. Feeling a slight itch in the chest, he contemplated for a moment and then turned to walk to the hotel entrance to smoke.
Love is patient
The elevator stops at the fifth floor
Finally reaching the last step, Su Zhan stood still holding the flower, turned around, and looked down at the steep and high steps. She let out a long breath and calmly recited the final line: "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it"
Sheng Qianwei graduated from university and joined Guangte to work alongside Su Zhan. They worked together for more than six months in that ruthless company until Su Zhan left. Both were young women who had just entered society and were the only girls in the department, and it didn't take long for them to become close enough to go shopping hand in hand.
The hair seems to have gotten a bit shorter, with a few strands gently hanging down on the forehead, yet it does not obscure the full forehead. The facial features are striking, presenting a clear and gentle visage. The upper body is clad in a clean, fitted white shirt, with a neatly turned-down collar that reveals a section of a fair neck. The sleeves of the shirt are rolled up a few times, resting at the elbows, complemented by long trousers and leather shoes, exuding an air of restraint.
A boy took out his lighter and brought it to his lips
The four eyes suddenly met each other
... ...
The three individuals were unaware of what was being said. He curved the corner of his mouth, leaned down to peer into the car window, took out a pack of cigarettes, pulled one out and held it in his hand, gently tapped it against the cigarette pack, felt around in his pants pockets, and discovered that the lighter was in his suit pocket
This sound was uttered between her teeth, and she was almost biting her gums until they bled, yet she still could not control herself.
The young man suddenly asked that person: "Are you going to pick up my sister later?"
Value it.
After a short while, having said what needed to be said, Su Zhan looked up at the gray, overcast sky, stood up, and said to the person in the photograph, whose smile was as bright as flowers: "I am leaving now, I will come to see you next time"
Suddenly, she chuckled softly and remained silent
Su Zhan had not yet regained her senses when her leader waved a hand in front of her and asked, "Xiao Su, do you recognize this?"
Su Zhan pretended not to hear, "Are you okay? Do you need me to find a designated driver for you?"
Su Zhan leaned against the back wall of the elevator, resting her arm on the leader's, when she heard a sound. Her eyelid twitched, and she instinctively looked up to see a familiar figure standing at the door, followed by the boy who had just helped him light a cigarette.
The hand hanging by the side tightened its grip again
Love is patient
Sheng Qianwei hurriedly began to explain: "I did not do it on purpose; I happened to encounter it."
The person paused for a moment, neither responding nor turning back to look at her
The leader waved his hand and asked, "Did you really understand what I said?"
On the third day, the production team also arrived. Su Zhan was pulled aside to drink. A row of leaders sat in the room, while the younger generation eagerly showcased their skills in flattery and sycophancy. Su Zhan, known for being taciturn, simply sat quietly, maintaining appearances. As the cups clinked and flowed, after a few drinks, Su Zhan's mind began to feel a bit hazy
She fastened the hood of her down jacket, held the flowers close to her chest, covered her hands with her breath, rubbed them vigorously, and gradually felt warmth in her palms. Only then did she pick up the flowers again and continue walking
At the end of February, it is precisely the time of early spring chill, when all things sing in unison. The southern wind warms the windows, the air on the mountains is thin, and mist envelops the towering trees, as the earth awakens to spring.
On that day, Sheng Qianwei intended to take the opportunity to confess her feelings, to express her admiration for him over the past ten years, considering it as a form of idol worship, a spiritual support during her moments of confusion. Unfortunately, she stumbled upon such a provocative scene.
Why did you cry
The spring breeze in February is like scissors, and this statement is absolutely correct; the wind from the south, at this moment, feels somewhat like a dull blade against the face
In the next moment, Xu Jiayan continued to take steps forward, leaving without a word
She found the tombstone, clean and tidy, as if it had just been cleaned. At that moment, a bouquet of fresh chrysanthemums was placed in front of the stone, indicating that someone had visited before her
At the time of speaking, the car was playing "Days Gone By"
Now with short hair, it is three parts capable and seven parts feminine charm
Do not easily become angry, and do not count the evils of others
No anticipated shock
She came down from the cemetery along the same path, and Sheng Qianwei was sitting in the car playing with her phone. Upon seeing her approach, she tossed her phone aside, sat up straight, and eagerly asked the question she had been wanting to ask since she first saw her: "Why did you cut your hair?"
To eternal life, the door is narrow, the way is small, and those who find it are few
After sitting in the private room for more than two hours, the leaders finally prepared to leave with a sense of disinterest
进入狭窄的门；因为宽阔的是门，宽广的是路，通向毁灭，许多人在其中行走
Shakespeare once said: "Uninvited guests are only welcomed after they have departed"
She gritted her teeth with great effort and finally tasted a hint of blood.
Yet, in her demeanor, one can still faintly discern the shadow of that girl with long hair cascading down to her waist from years ago
Xu Jiayan was on the phone when the elevator doors opened, and he glanced inside.
Love is everlasting
Well
Now, I have seen it
I just want to see him one more time
... ...
The coat was left behind by her in the private room, and she was only wearing a loose, thin sweater on her upper body, paired with slim-fit trousers and ankle boots. Her legs were long and straight as she leaned against the stone pillar at the hotel entrance, lit a cigarette, tilted her head back, exhaled a puff of smoke, and coldly observed the passersby with her indifferent gaze
爱是善良的
In the past, he rarely wore white shirts, preferring hooded sweaters or sweatshirts, and he would always walk down the street with the hood of his sweatshirt pulled up and wearing a mask. However, now he is dressed in a proper fitted suit, which makes him look spirited and handsome, yet he has lost some of his previous rebelliousness and gained a sense of elegance and clarity.
Su Zhan was the last to remain sober in the entire private room, while even her direct supervisor was completely drunk, nearly sending her to the beds of those senior leaders. Ultimately, they were aware of her temperament and reputation, so they did not dare to go too far
You must enter through the narrow gate, for the gate that leads to destruction is wide and the road is broad, and many enter through it
... ...
Then I will go with you, you won't mind my interrupting you, will you
In the blink of an eye, a tear fell with a "plop" onto the back of my hand, leaving me momentarily stunned
Yes
The whole world seems to have fallen silent
He walked in calmly, his gaze merely glancing over her before quickly looking away. He stood on the other side of the elevator, continuing his phone call, treating her as if she were a stranger he had never met.
Su Zhan cast a silent glance at her
Do not seek one's own benefit
Xu Jiayan
Su Zhan immediately spotted that figure; it was merely a silhouette, yet she was certain it was him
With each step she ascended, she murmured softly:
It has been said long ago
She smiled lightly with a hint of mockery, her eyes still glistening with tears, and that little appearance was truly heart-wrenching
She lowered her head, stepped up another step, her delicate lips moving silently as she recited: "Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude"
In her gaze, one could discern no emotions whatsoever. Su Zhan remembered that he was a person with a fiery temper, lacking patience, and who would never conceal his feelings
Xieshan Cemetery
Did you not just say, who indulges my bad temper?
It is neither irritable nor resentful
Su Zhan closed her eyes
Su Zhan paid no attention, slowly crouched down, placed the flowers beside her, gently stroked the photo on the tombstone with her hand, and softly spoke: "Long time no see"
On the endless staircase, she walked slowly, occasionally looking up, continuing to recite: "It does not insist on its own way"
Before meeting Sheng Qianwei, I had already prepared myself mentally, fully aware that I would hear these two words. However, when they were spoken so directly from her lips, Su Zhan's heart still trembled slightly. If it weren't for the years of training that had made her impervious to emotional turmoil, she would likely have returned home, no matter how indifferent she tried to appear, with her heart in pieces.
The elevator has arrived at the first floor
Sheng Qianwei cautiously observed her and, seeing her expression unchanged, finally whispered: "Actually, I saw everything. That day, when the team held a retirement party for the captain, he pressed you against the sink and kissed you..."
She supported the leader's arm to help him into the elevator. The latter was somewhat intoxicated, his face flushed, unable to stand steadily, and he kept mumbling: "Xiao Su, there are some things I need to clarify for you. Now that you have fame, everyone is willing to acknowledge you. But when the day comes that you no longer have fame, it will be you seeking others' favor. If Wang Chu can still see you, that would be your good fortune. Don't think too highly of yourself; can high-mindedness be eaten as food?"
Should one give up on this?
And she fully realized that his indifference and detachment came from the heart
The leader did not understand, looking bewilderedly at the young girl beside him
At this moment, he somewhat resembles the man from the past, with a hint of a rogue demeanor
It is his habit
The cemetery was quiet, devoid of others. Su Zhan placed the prepared flowers carefully, then took out a small bottle of red wine from her bag and poured a circle around the grave. She squatted back down in front of the tomb and began to speak of trivial matters. Her voice was soft and delicate, gently echoing in the cemetery, like the gentle drizzle at that moment, evoking a sense of melancholy yet providing comfort.
She was naturally slender, with a small frame, standing at a standard height of 1.66 meters. Her small round face was palm-sized, naturally fair, and she was beautiful, with delicate skin. Her low brows and obedient demeanor made her appear very well-behaved. Her large eyes sparkled, and in the past, her long hair reached her waist. Her quiet presence resembled that of a well-behaved porcelain doll
Amidst the clouds and mist, one can faintly see the ninety-nine steps of the cemetery, stretching endlessly, as if at the other end in the clouds, they are about to connect with the heavens. As Su Zhan walked along, she almost mistook this for a woodland path leading to paradise
Su Zhan has left
From then on, no matter whom she encountered, she found them all dull and unremarkable
It would be better not to come back; there are many places to capture scenery, so why did you specifically choose this one
That person leaned against the car door, facing sideways towards her, and was speaking to the two boys in front of him.
The boy chuckled mischievously
There is also grace
"I had it cut three years ago," Su Zhan said in a nonchalant manner
It is time to completely bid farewell to the past
In fact, she has understood for a long time
Are you satisfied now
In fact, Sheng Qianwei did not understand why that group of people back then were all so good, so flamboyant, so open and carefree.
The elevator alert sound chimed again as it reached the basement level, and Su Zhan suddenly said, "It is him"
He hung up the phone, and the elevator continued to descend, with only the four of them inside
No unexpected surprises, only rage
... ...
In the early morning, the weather is unkind, with occasional drops of rain drifting down, coming and going.
Who said that the depth of love is proportional to the depth of hate? She does not know whether Xu Jiayan truly loved her back then; she only knows that he genuinely cherished her at that time
Su Zhan was leaning against the passenger seat, gazing at the scenery outside. Upon hearing her words, he turned to look at her for a moment before turning back again. "People, after all, will change; they will grow up and grow old." His words were filled with an infinite sense of nostalgia for the past
He does not speak much; it is always the person on the other end of the phone who is talking. He patiently and good-naturedly emits monosyllables in a low voice
Xu Jiayan then turned his head to glance at him, using his usual tone of irreverence, he teased: "When did you become so understanding?"
Upon closer inspection, the hair has been cut significantly shorter, and the demeanor appears much more spirited. The pair of black pupils is calm and undisturbed, with deep-set eye sockets. The skin has become fairer, and the facial features are more defined and mature. At this moment, paired with a white shirt and black trousers, and wearing a pair of shiny, handcrafted Italian leather shoes, the tailored suit accentuates the body's lines more smoothly
That person is smoking outside
Are you satisfied now, are you satisfied with this farce?