Chapter 5

"The Potala Palace is right there, it can't be missed," Cheng Shao murmured mysteriously to Xu Qing. "Look at her, after several years, my niece is still as willful as she was when she was a child."

Zheng Jie smiled faintly, appearing very happy, yet there was an unmistakable expression of despondency. Xu Qing's eyelids twitched, and the corners of her mouth, which had been raised, suddenly fell. She looked at Zheng Jie in confusion as he smiled faintly and averted his gaze, fixating instead on the exquisite turquoise daffodil pot placed on the bedside table, her eyes filled with deep longing. The pale yellow daffodil petals were both thin and tender, with the plant's veins clearly visible, captivatingly beautiful. She looked at Zheng Jie in confusion as he smiled faintly and averted his gaze, fixating instead on the exquisite turquoise daffodil pot placed on the bedside table, her eyes filled with deep longing. The pale yellow daffodil petals were both thin and tender, with the plant's veins clearly visible, captivatingly beautiful

Once, Xu Qing stepped forward and saw Zheng Jie Jie had just typed a paragraph of text

Xu Qing opened her mouth wide and said, "What kind of joke is this? When did you get a brother? I have never heard you mention it before"

Zheng Jie reported a score, and the two of them cheered in unison. Xu Qing was truly happy for her: "Now you can choose any high school in the city."

Zheng Jie Jie regained a bit of color in her face, but her expression remained hesitant, as if she were contemplating whether or not to speak. Xu Qing had initially asked casually, not expecting a response, and was about to explain when Zheng Jie Jie furrowed her brows and moved slightly, trying to lean closer to Xu Qing, causing the blanket to slip off her. Xu Qing quickly helped her sit up properly, pulling the blanket up to her chest and tucking in the corners. Being so close, Xu Qing caught a faint scent of medicine from her.

A person is so bored

It is truly comforting that after just two days, the condition has improved significantly, with no fever and a much better complexion. Is there still any pain in the chest

After a moment, Xu Qing's thoughts became much clearer. She furrowed her brows and fell into deep contemplation, as if she were pondering a mathematical problem, "Could it be a political reason?"

The vastness of the sky and clouds was as breathtaking and moving as that experienced by Xu Qing. She took out her camera from her bag and quickly snapped two shots of the distant peaks, saying, "This is the city at the highest point on the Earth's surface, the place closest to the heavens"

Zheng Jiejie held Xu Qing's hand and whispered: "When I was a child, I nearly drowned while swimming. At that time, I felt my whole body stiffen, wanting to struggle but unable to move, as if trapped in a nightmare, yet it was not. It was as if your nose, mouth, and ears were filled with water, and every cry of 'help' was drowned out, leaving my vision in chaos... utterly despairing. That night, at the moment when I was suffocating the most, I suddenly remembered this nearly forgotten incident, and in that instant, I realized how afraid I was of death... utterly despairing. That night, at the moment when I was suffocating the most, I suddenly remembered this nearly forgotten incident, and in that instant, I realized how afraid I was of death. In the face of death, nothing else is worth a glance."

He is my biological older brother

I have it too," Xu Qing said dismissively, "There are many people with gray hair among our classmates, you are definitely not the only one.

On a morning half a month later, Xu Qing received a phone call from Zheng Jie Jie. The tone in the call was very excited, and Xu Qing, sensing something, smiled and asked: "How many points?"

Zheng Jiejie exclaimed, "Ah!" as she opened the car door with one hand and pulled Xu Qing out of the car, saying, "We were so far away just now, how did we arrive at the mountain pass all of a sudden?"

Zheng Jiejie confidently stated the conclusion, "In my view, Lhasa resembles a basin of dye, where the bright sunlight and the scenes along the streets blend together, stirred and harmonized. Every person who enters Lhasa is thoroughly imbued with this pigment."

"Courses are trivial matters, and they can be easily made up for," Xu Qing said with a dismissive smile. "What truly matters is good health. You have no idea how terrified I was that night, it felt like my soul had scattered.

On the high plateau, as night falls at 8 o'clock, the sky remains as clear as ever, filled with red clouds. Three people stand silently there, casting long shadows, their figures indistinguishable from the scenery. Xu Qing deeply bows to the memorial with Zheng Jie. Cheng Shao sighs: "Throughout history, countless people who have entered Tibet have given up halfway due to the impassable Tangula Mountains, never able to witness the sacred land, where, it is unknown how many white bones lie buried."

The attending physician conducted a thorough examination, while the nurse placed a large handful of medication on the bedside table. Upon seeing this, Xu Qing quickly fetched hot water to hand to Zheng Jie Jie, asking, "Why didn't you call me?"

Zheng Jie Jie forced a pained smile and continued to immerse herself in her studies

Xu Qing was taken aback instead

Zheng Jiejie raised her gaze to Xu Qing, took a breath, and said calmly, "It was given to me by my brother"

For some reason, I feel as if I have become a camera, desperately wanting to capture every frame. Once silence descends, what always emerges before my eyes are the indelible images from the depths of my mind: the endless desert beside me, the path taken by Princess Wencheng to Tibet a thousand years ago, which still remains as 'In spring, encountering white grass, all day traversing yellow sand'; the countless snow-capped mountains stand like an ocean, silently independent. They are so clear and bright, like scrolls slowly unfurling, stretching endlessly. Once silence descends, what always emerges before my eyes are the indelible images from the depths of my mind: the endless desert beside me, the path taken by Princess Wencheng to Tibet a thousand years ago, which still remains as 'In spring, encountering white grass, all day traversing yellow sand'; the countless snow-capped mountains stand like an ocean, silently independent. They are so clear and bright, like scrolls slowly unfurling, stretching endlessly.

To some extent, the pressure of entering a key high school is no less than that of the college entrance examination. During the day, students focus on copying notes from the blackboard filled with writing, and at night, under the bright lights of the classroom, they toil over exercises. The classroom is so quiet that only the sound of breathing remains. Upon returning to the dormitory, both boys and girls laugh loudly as if they have gone mad, engaging in noisy conversations, with a particularly high incidence of rule-breaking. After two or three months, every student has lost a significant amount of weight. Anyone who has participated in the college or middle school entrance examinations can deeply relate to this experience, feeling nauseated from memorizing and solving problems, wishing they could open their heads, stuff the textbooks inside, and sew it up to solve the problem once and for all.

Zheng Jie Jie is also willing to change the subject, and immediately responds: "It is said that there are still two weeks left. I wonder how much homework I will fall behind when I return to school."

On one occasion, Zheng Jiejie smiled wryly and said to Xu Qing: "Look, I have even grown white hair."

"Facing a room full of flowers is not boring at all," Zheng Jiejie paused and, with a mysterious expression, told Xu Qing, "My mother said to me yesterday that you are truly a lovely girl. You know, my mother is quite picky and always has various complaints about people. It is rare for her to praise someone so highly."

Xu Qing shook her head and smiled

Zheng Jie originally intended to count on her fingers, but due to the intravenous drip and the flowers in her hand, she was unable to move. "I have thought of many things, but I just don't know what style you would like to hear."

Xu Qing looked down at the calla lilies in her hand, then raised her head to glance around the ward filled with vibrant colors. She pouted at Zheng Jie Jie and said, "I really acted unnecessarily."

After chatting on the phone for a while, Zheng Jie Jie said: "Once the results are out, I will feel at ease. In a couple of days, shall we go out traveling together?"

The two felt a chill run down their spines. The mountaintop was deserted, and the surroundings were enveloped in silence. Breathing was laborious in the thin air, and their throats remained dry and cold. Despite wearing down jackets, Xu Qing still saw Zheng Jie trembling all over, and instinctively held her tightly as they climbed into the car. Just then, a passenger bus arrived and stopped at the mountain pass, with passengers getting off to take photos, many of whom were carrying oxygen bags. The night road was long and thick, with the darkening outlines of the mountains, monuments, stone tablets, and colorful prayer flags all fading into the background.

Thinking of my grandmother at home and the math materials I still need to review, Xu Qing paused briefly and said, "Let me think."

On the summit of Kunlun Mountain, a thick layer of pure white snow has accumulated. What is most remarkable is that large clusters of white clouds also gather in the sky above the mountain, blending seamlessly with the pristine snow; it is nearly impossible to distinguish them without careful observation. Finally, upon arriving at Qinghai Lake, one can see from a distance a vast expanse of azure water quietly stretching out at the edge of a sandy yellow landscape, interspersed with scattered patches of deep green shrubs. The predominant color of the water is indeed a rich blue. Standing on the shore, Xu Qing is utterly perplexed, wondering, "Is this a sea or a lake?"

Of course I remember, how about it

"Who among them can match your excellence in mathematics?" Zheng Jiejie laughed as she fell onto the bed, "Each has their strengths and weaknesses, don't they?"

After finishing this somber statement, Zheng Jiejie raised her head, her demeanor suddenly appearing much more mature, and she smiled courageously: "Therefore, I have come to terms with Sun Wen's situation."

Many years later, she realized that she had been wrong, for while the wounds in her heart might heal, the love of youth, much like the dreams of youth, appears to drift further away with the passage of time, yet in reality, it draws ever closer.

Why are you the only one here, is there no one accompanying you

The jeep drove out of the research institute's compound, and the two people in the car looked around curiously. Xu Qing rolled down the window, and the wind, carrying the vast scent of Lhasa, rushed into the cabin. The sunlight in Lhasa is quite unique; the light is abundant, and the streets are filled with pure white brightness, dazzling yet not scorching, not intense enough to burn the skin, resembling a cold light source.

With each name mentioned, Xu Qing responded with a "good" and finally clapped her hands in laughter, exclaiming, "All of them are great, all of them are great. With so many interesting names, how did you come up with them? If it were me, I might not be able to think of one at this level even if I racked my brains."

Cheng Shao pointed to the distance and said, "That is Bird Island"

Zheng Jie Jie sighed in silence

Several other passengers sitting beside the two were also drawn in by their conversation, eagerly listening in. Some even attempted to engage them in conversation, asking, "You seem so close, are you two sisters?" The two did not deny it at all, laughing happily.

The high school entrance examination arrived unexpectedly. Although Xu Qing was not required to take the exam, she still braved the scorching sun to come to the examination venue in the city. Upon her arrival, she happened to see Zheng Jiejie stepping down from a black vehicle and entering the examination hall, full of spirit and radiating confidence. Such a beautiful young girl is a rare sight anywhere, attracting the attention of many candidates and their parents. Xu Qing smiled slightly, chose not to greet her, and turned to leave.

I didn't know before, Zheng Jiejie looked at Xu Qing's expression with satisfaction, but spoke quite cautiously, "Surprised, right? I also learned it by chance when I overheard my parents talking. My older brother is seven years older than me, and he was sent away when he was not even a year old."

For the first time, Xu Qing experienced a mix of helplessness and fear akin to the saying "the gates of the noble are as deep as the sea." She truly despised her earlier inappropriate reaction to the news and hurriedly changed the subject: "How long did the doctor say until I can be discharged?"

After an hour, the vehicle finally ascended to the Tangula Mountain Pass, where a monument dedicated to the road construction martyrs stands tall, evoking a sense of solemn respect. Nearby, there is also a stone tablet inscribed with: "Tangula Mountain Pass, elevation 5,231 meters"

Zheng Jiejie lay on the bed, her oval face framed by slightly reddened black hair, resting on a snow-white pillow. As the sun rose in the east, its light illuminated the hospital room's pristine white walls, reflecting a warm glow throughout the space, casting a soft golden sheen on her face, making her appear very healthy. However, she was no longer the same as when she first entered the hospital; she now resembled a normal person. With an IV drip in her left hand, she smiled with joy and relief upon seeing Xu Qing enter the room.

Xu Qing felt countless "whys" surging in her mind. Even after asking Zheng Jie several times, she could only sigh softly, and after a long pause, she answered seriously: "It is not just my family; my uncles and aunts are the same. Every family sends one child away, not allowing the child to grow up beside their parents. It is said that this rule was established by my grandfather and has been followed for generations."

"Apart from saying thank you, I truly do not know what else to say." Zheng Jie Jie was very touched

Xu Qing felt deeply and affirmed, "Yes. I will never forget it for the rest of my life. So I am grateful to you"

Although they had only met two or three times, what was remarkable was their deep affection for Xu Qing. Zheng JieJie's mother had an outstanding demeanor; she spoke somewhat quickly but with a decisive tone, and was quite capable and shrewd. On the day Zheng JieJie was admitted to the hospital, she was the first to arrive, sincerely thanking Xu Qing repeatedly. Xu Qing felt a sense of guilt in her heart, and her words brought tears to her eyes. There were many people around them, all puzzled, waiting in surprise for her. Xu Qing's voice choked as she explained that Zheng JieJie's illness was entirely due to being pulled by her to enjoy the breeze at night. Such sincerity and guilt deeply moved Zheng JieJie's mother, who developed a fondness for Xu Qing.

Xu Qing is very interested, "Please tell me more."

Later, the footsteps of several individuals continued without pause. During the day, they visited various corners of Tibet, and in the evening, they returned to their accommodation to upload the photos to their laptops, analyzing the merits and shortcomings of each image, reminiscing about the day's itinerary, and contemplating the events they might encounter the following day

For some reason, Xu Qing always had an uncertain feeling about Tibet. It was only after boarding the plane that she felt her blood boiling, a mix of excitement and exhilaration. Before their departure, the two had done a lot of preparatory work, learning much about the fascinating anecdotes and historical legends of Tibet. They chatted animatedly along the way, full of spirit, with their eyes wide open, looking very playful and adorable.

Zheng Jie Jie appeared to be fully aware of the situation, saying, "How could you be criticized? They admire you even more than that."

What are you talking about? That's too exaggerated, Zheng Jieje laughed mockingly, "So if you leave, the remaining one-third won't focus either?"

Straining to look out through the glass window, Xu Qing could only see a thin white ribbon winding through the mountains, resembling a white snake

Zheng Jie Jie held the cup of water and chuckled lightly: "Seeing you quietly observing the lively scene, I didn't want to call you."

As soon as I disembarked from the plane, the first thing I noticed was how low the sky seemed and how transparent its color was. The distant mountains stood out clearly, appearing so vivid, almost jarring and discordant. Even the commercial aircraft that had just landed appeared immensely large amidst this clarity and proximity.

Zheng Jie Jie detected the temptation in her tone: "It's to Tibet. I remember you once said you really wanted to go there. My uncle has worked there for many years and is familiar with everything. We can first take a plane, then drive along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway through Golmud and Xining, crossing the snowy plateau." Hearing Xu Qing remain silent, Zheng Jie Jie continued, "This is a rare opportunity. Just think about the magnificent snowy plateau of Tibet, think about those ancient and mysterious natural landscapes..."

In the style of martial arts, it can be named "Hua Wuque" and "Hua Manlou"; for a more literary and gentle touch, it can be called "Hua Xiangrong" and "Man Ting Chunse", or "Hua Luo Shui Jia"; for titles with profound philosophical meanings, it can be named "One Flower, One World" and "Colorless Garden"; there are also some alternatives such as "Hua Bu Yu", "Hua Zhi Xuan", and "Hua Er Duo Duo" etc

This sentiment is not solely from me; it is a collective expression of goodwill from my classmates and teachers. I am merely the representative delivering the flowers. When I was at the flower shop, I truly did not know which flowers to choose, and I spent a long time selecting; later, I came across this beautiful bouquet of calla lilies that had just arrived. They are elegant and serene, perfectly complementing you, so I decided to purchase them

There is no need to look further, the content is all quite similar

Inside the carriage, there were various magazines and many small items reflecting Tibetan culture, some of which were extremely rare. Xu Qing was astonished by Cheng Shao's extensive knowledge. While he was at the back of the carriage putting away his luggage, she quietly asked Zheng Jie Jie the reason. Zheng Jie Jie explained that her uncle specialized in researching Tibetan history. Xu Qing broke into a smile, and Zheng Jie Jie playfully remarked, "Isn't he a free tour guide"

Zheng Jiejie did not speak at first; after finishing a passage, she turned around, and Xu Qing happened to see her pair of radiant eyes

"Much better, just occasionally a bit short of breath," Zheng Jiejie replied, then as if recalling something, asked, "Is there anything happening in class?"

The distance from the airport to Lhasa is not short. Along the way, Xu Qing felt as if she were watching a movie, experiencing the scenery of water all around. On both banks of the river, willows were planted, and there were large pools of water on the beach, with irregular patches reflecting the sunlight like flat-lying mirrors. The pools formed patches of aquatic grass, with the water making the grass appear greener, and the grass enhancing the clarity of the water. There were also the sounds of cattle and sheep grazing, creating a rhythmic clattering as they walked. The scenery was exquisite, and Zheng Jie Jie kept calling for the driver to stop, capturing many photos by the riverbank. The pools formed patches of aquatic grass, with the water making the grass appear greener, and the grass enhancing the clarity of the water. There were also the sounds of cattle and sheep grazing, creating a rhythmic clattering as they walked. The scenery was exquisite, and Zheng Jie Jie kept calling for the driver to stop, capturing many photos by the riverbank

Xu Qing sighed: "This is the first time in three years that I have helped someone deliver a letter to you, and yet you are completely indifferent. How am I supposed to explain this to my classmates? In any case, you will cause me to be scolded."

Cheng Shao urged them to close the car windows and said with a smile, "Don't rush, there is still a stretch of road ahead, and soon you will see the tallest road sign in the world"

After the doctor left, Xu Qing looked around the ward once more and said with a hint of emotion, "But I never expected that a flower shop could actually be opened here"

Is there still a style

Xu Qing was shocked as she said to Zheng Jie, "This is the first time I realize that there is a distance between heaven and earth. I used to see that feeling of high sky and low earth in pictures, but I didn't quite believe it. Now I am finally convinced. No wonder Lhasa is referred to as 'Nima Lhasa' by the Tibetan people; it truly makes sense."

While Zheng Jiejie was taking photos, Xu Qing made a phone call home to share her travel experiences with her grandmother, her tone filled with excitement; on the other end of the line, her grandmother was infected by this enthusiasm, feeling that the decision to allow her granddaughter to embark on this journey was indeed the right one, "That sounds so fun"

While having breakfast, Cheng Shao was startled to see two people standing in front of him, full of energy, and he couldn't help but feel envious, saying, "Being young is truly wonderful. Even after being worn out like that last night, they don't look tired at all. Unfortunately, we are old now; after a night without sleep, we look as if we've just had a fight."

Such local customs and culture completely captivate me. The hustle and bustle of the city, the pressure of studies, I once thought there was no hope, yet upon arriving in Tibet, I suddenly realized—oh, so there are people who live like this. Perhaps only the unpolluted nature can leave one speechless in awe.

As soon as Xu Qing entered the ward, she immediately recalled a commonly used and easily understandable metaphor from her elementary school textbooks—this place is simply an ocean of flowers

A few hours later, someone on the plane suddenly exclaimed, "Ah, look at the Yarlung Tsangpo River. We are about to arrive in Lhasa."

Listening to Zheng Jiejie's detailed introduction, Xu Qing surrendered. After asking her grandmother, her grandmother expressed slight concern: "But altitude sickness is no small matter." Xu Qing conveyed Zheng Jiejie's plan to her grandmother one by one, and after hearing it, her grandmother ultimately nodded. Upon learning this, Zheng Jiejie cheered with joy

A beautifully wrapped floral basket, with bouquets arranged from the window of the ward all the way to Zheng Jiejie's bedside, even filling the space under the bed with woven baskets filled with various fruits. Only the area from the door to the bedside remains free of bouquets, creating a small floral path.

What is that

Clearly, they are two children, and I have never seen such a close bond between the two of you. Your words seem to have an unspoken understanding," the attending physician said with a slight smile

On the day of admission, Zheng Jiejie was transferred to the rooftop of the hospital's internal medicine building, which was the best ward, a private room equipped with the finest facilities in the entire hospital; due to its elevated location, one could quietly observe the bustling scenery from the window. What was particularly refreshing was that the room faced the sun, with warm sunlight streaming in, filling the room with blooming flowers, creating an atmosphere of spring, making one feel as though spring had arrived early this year

In the first two encounters, Xu Qing met Zheng Jiejie's parents, and each time they came quietly. They would just sit down and chat for a while when the secretary would hand over the phone saying, "There is something that needs your attention." The two felt quite guilty, but Zheng Jiejie was completely unconcerned, always smiling as she saw them off.

Zheng Jiejie stood on tiptoe, gazing towards the horizon, where Bird Island appeared hazy and the sky was filled with rolling white clouds. Zheng Jiejie tugged at the sleeve of Xu Qing, who was also looking into the distance, and said, "It is truly beautiful... we did not come to the wrong place this time"

Cheng Shao explained with a smile: "That is why Lhasa is called 'The City of Sunlight'"

Initially, both individuals were in high spirits throughout the journey, completely oblivious to the fact that they were on the roof of the world; it was not until they suddenly experienced difficulty in breathing just before going to bed that they recalled the sudden onset of altitude sickness. However, with adequate preparations made by Ge Shao, the discomfort was only temporary. By the next morning, upon rising, both appeared as fresh faces that everyone adored, completely shedding the lethargy of the previous night

Xu Qing dragged a chair over and sat down beside the hospital bed, took off her backpack from her back and placed it on her lap, removed her down jacket and draped it over the back of the chair, leaned forward to check Zheng Jiejie's forehead, looking at Zheng Jiejie who was smiling warmly.

Xu Qing silently took the flowers from Zheng Jiejie and placed them on the cabinet, while saying: "This pot of daffodils is quite exquisite here. Who sent them?"

Two people dragged their luggage out of the airport. Zheng Jiejie’s uncle, Cheng Shao, came to pick them up; he was tall with high cheekbones, and although he was tanned, he was very talkative, always speaking with a smile. Upon seeing Zheng Jiejie for the first time, he exclaimed loudly, "Jiejie, you are so beautiful now!" which drew the attention of many around them. Cheng Shao was well-versed in the customs and culture of Tibet, and within a few minutes, he shared countless anecdotes with the two. He drove a green small Jeep, which, although not new, was well-maintained, indicating that the owner took great care of it. Cheng Shao was well-versed in the customs and culture of Tibet, and within a few minutes, he shared countless anecdotes with the two. He drove a green small Jeep, which, although not new, was well-maintained, indicating that the owner took great care of it.

"The flowers you sent hold great significance for me, and cannot be compared to these," Zheng Jie Jie said with a smile, extending her right hand to embrace the calla lilies from Xu Qing's hands. The leaves were lush green, and the flower buds were large and pure white. "They are truly beautiful"

Xu Qing felt quite nervous upon hearing this. She widened her eyes to glance at Zheng Jie Jie, and her serious expression could not be maintained, leading both of them to laugh simultaneously

Xu Qing's face flushed, "Is that so?"

Zheng Jie Jie softly asked: "Xu Qing, do you still remember when I asked you about the feeling of having siblings?"

"You saw it the last two times as well, with my parents being so busy, how could they possibly accompany me here?" Zheng Jiejie smiled, "The other elders are also very busy with work, besides, I don't let them accompany me."

After asking, Zheng Jiejie did not immediately respond about the expected lower eyelashes. Xu Qing asked herself and answered, "Sun Wen?"

Half a month later, they finally left Tibet. The jeep drove along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, passing through Yangbajing, Naqu, and Anduo, and finally completely departed from Tibet. As they passed through Tanggula, Cheng Shao slowed down. Both of them reached out to open the car windows, leaning out to observe the surroundings. Since it was evening, the temperature dropped sharply, and they felt the biting cold that made water freeze instantly. In some areas, a layer of ice as thin as a cicada's wing had formed, but in places without ice and snow, there was still grass, creating a green carpet spread across the ground. Since it was evening, the temperature dropped sharply, and they felt the biting cold that made water freeze instantly. In some areas, a layer of ice as thin as a cicada's wing had formed, but in places without ice and snow, there was still grass, creating a green carpet spread across the ground

In the evening, the two of them were sleeping on the same bed. Xu Qing usually leaned against the bed reading a book, while Zheng Jie Jie was recording her daily observations on a laptop. Her fair fingers moved swiftly, occasionally pausing slightly, resembling the posture of playing the piano

For several days, Xu Qing simply took leave to accompany Zheng Jie Jie in the hospital. She had no pressure regarding further studies, and the teacher happily agreed. During those days, the two of them chatted and laughed, played chess, and card games, enjoying themselves immensely, even more than at school. After recovering, Zheng Jie Jie did not mention Sun Wen for a long time. When Sun Wen visited her in the hospital, she appeared calm, with a smile always on her lips. Seeing this, Xu Qing felt relieved, believing that she had completely forgotten Sun Wen, and that this person would fade away from her life.

Zheng Jie Jie anxiously stamped her foot: "Uncle, stop being sentimental here, bring the car out and take us to see the Potala Palace"

The two individuals exchanged glances, sharing a silent smile

Xu Qing smiled faintly and was about to speak when the door creaked open. Zheng Jie’s attending physician and several nurses entered with bright smiles, and before they even stepped inside, they kindly asked, "Zheng Jie, how are you feeling today?" Since this was the same doctor Xu Qing had initially met, she smiled in acknowledgment and then stood up, leaving her seat to stand by the window. She gazed at the nearby tall buildings, which stood like trees, and for a moment, Xu Qing had an illusion that the vast city was composed solely of golden light and the brilliant glass walls.

"You still don't believe it," Xu Qing suppressed a laugh, opened her backpack, and took out a stack of letters and cards of various colors, placing them by the bed. "Here, for you. Many others have prepared gifts, but unfortunately, I was too lazy to collect them."

Xu Qing was stunned and exclaimed, "I have never seen a city like this."

Yes. As soon as you leave, at least two-thirds of the boys are inattentive in class, and the teacher strangely remarks on how your class has suddenly become lifeless

In fact, I have also been thinking about this issue these past two days," Zheng Jiejie said with a smile, "I have already come up with many names for flower shops.

Zheng Jie Jie casually took out a letter, glanced at the writing on the envelope, and set it aside; then she picked up another one, also took a quick look and let it go. Xu Qing wanted to help her open the letter, but Zheng Jie Jie blocked her hand to stop her.

The vehicle then crossed the Tuotuo River. As the car continued to drive, a mountain peak rose in the distant horizon. After a long while, the mountain remained the same size, with very little change. Xu Qing thought it might still take a long time to arrive, and turned to speak with Zheng Jiejie. Unexpectedly, just after a few words, Cheng Shao stopped the car and said to the two passengers in the back seat: "We have arrived at Kunlun Mountain."

Xu Qing, momentarily not thinking too far ahead, nodded and asked, "Which brother?"

After recovering from illness, Zheng Jiejie returned to school and began the life of a third-grade student, which must follow the "three points and one line" routine. Due to falling behind in her studies, she worked even harder than others. Xu Qing, while studying high school mathematics, helped Zheng Jiejie organize her thoughts and review her lessons.

The wind on the lake tousled Zheng Jiejie's hair. She bent down to pick up a piece of white stone from the shore, clenched it in her hand, and then threw it out. The stone plopped into the lake. "Only then did I realize that the name Qinghai is truly fitting."

Upon hearing the name Zheng Jie Jie, his whole body shuddered, his face turned pale, yet he shook his head and said in a firm tone: "No, it is not him. Certainly not him."

Xu Qing was deeply moved and leaned towards Zheng Jie. "Jie Jie, after reading your article, I realized how wonderful words can be."