Act Nine, astonishment, secrets, the beauty that was lost
Chun Guo widened her eyes and gazed at Fan Yin before her. She had never imagined that the usually confident Fan Yin, who appeared to handle everything with ease and seemed indifferent to everything, could actually show such a weak and powerless expression!
What ... ? ... What happened? Is it thundering? Why is it so noisy in my head?
Ulcer! My lips are ulcerated! It hurts when I put it down!" Chun Guo murmured in explanation
With a few soft, crisp sounds of grass being trampled, a tall figure slowly emerged from behind the trunk of the large camphor tree, standing in a patch of gray-black shadow cast by the tree's branches and leaves, quietly appearing before Chun Guo and Fan Yin
Chunguo's father furrowed his brow in confusion, turned the handle to push open the door, only to find the room completely empty, with no sign of Chunguo at all
Soon, the moment of the final battle between the Firefly Forest and humanity will arrive... After a moment of silence, the boy raised his head against the wind, gazing at the leaves flying away in the sky, his expression sorrowful as he let out a long sigh. "When did our struggle against humanity actually begin? Now, we have finally reached the last moment... Although Rin has said that hatred only brings more hatred, in order to protect our last home, every resident of the Firefly Forest will not stand by in this final battle; we must fight with all our strength."
Oh? I... I am...
"Hehe, Cherry Sister, you are indeed quite greedy..." Fan Yin smiled bitterly, elegantly raising her finger as she continued to play the piano. The crisp sound of the piano was like the night breeze brushing through the hazy moonlight, cool and melancholic. "The reason I agreed to be 'Cang Kong Lin' at the beginning was because of a promise. If I could accompany you as 'Cang Kong Lin' for a summer, I would be able to obtain what I desire."
Catch her! Catch that nasty girl!
Hello, which class are you in? You seem so engrossed in the special feature about Fan Yin Wangzi, are you a fan of Fan Yin Wangzi?
Chun Guo widened her eyes in surprise, as if her heart had been pressed on the pause button, suspended in mid-air, coming to a halt along with her breath
Fan ... ? ... Fan Yin Prince's Guard? How is it that this guy, no matter where he goes, always behaves like this, surrounded by girls everywhere?
Heiming Mountain stared blankly at Cang Kong Lin, pondering for a long time before finally letting out a helpless laugh
"Are you jealous of me? Why?" Chun Guo looked up at Fan Yin with a puzzled expression
"Excuse me... I apologize, I just wanted to come over and have some water, I will leave soon. If I have intruded upon your territory, please do not be angry."
Well... it's okay, I... we are classmates, so of course you will look familiar!
The girls shouted more and more fiercely, like an inseparable tail closely following behind Chun Guo, and getting closer!
"Battle... No, it cannot be!" Hearing the conversation between Fan Yin and the boy, Chun Guo finally regained her senses. She took a deep breath, turned around, and tightly grasped the boy's arm, looking at him with excitement. "The Firefly Forest cannot fight against humans! Do you remember the wild strawberries? Just because of the polluted wild strawberries, the school destroyed a whole area of forest. If there are any actions that infringe upon the Firefly Forest, those people from our school will definitely destroy the entire Firefly Forest!"
She looked up at Fan Yin, who was focused on playing. Although Fan Yin had always been her deskmate at Firefly Middle School, and she often turned her face to sneak a glance at him during class, after learning his true identity, she suddenly felt that Fan Yin's profile seemed quite different from before. After erasing her impression of Cang Kong Lin from her mind, Fan Yin's eyes, which were as spirited as Cang Kong Lin's, gained an added touch of dominance and depth that Cang Kong Lin lacked, as if he was always brewing up mischievous ideas, yet simultaneously exuding a deep and gentle gaze. Suddenly, she felt that Fan Yin's profile seemed quite different from before. After erasing her impression of Cang Kong Lin from her mind, Fan Yin's eyes, which were as spirited as Cang Kong Lin's, gained an added touch of dominance and depth that Cang Kong Lin lacked, as if he was always brewing up mischievous ideas, yet simultaneously exuding a deep and gentle gaze. They both had long and thick eyelashes; Cang Kong Lin was as graceful and light as a celestial crane spreading its wings, while Fan Yin's profile was like the night breeze under the autumn moon, ethereal and elusive. With equally straight and upright noses, Fan Yin seemed to be even more stubborn than Cang Kong Lin. They both had full and beautiful lips; Cang Kong Lin's were like the delicate and beautiful pink camellia, while Fan Yin's were like the strikingly vibrant rose. Their skin was also similar; Cang Kong Lin's was like the pure and bright moonlight, while Fan Yin's was like crystal-clear ice and snow. Cang Kong Lin exuded a fragrance as refreshing as the gardenia in early summer, while Fan Yin was like a passionately blooming rose.
Cang Konglin was taken aback, alertly jumping up from the grass and hiding behind the trunk of a large tree. He then cautiously peeked out half of his head, observing the figure that was slowly approaching in his direction.
"Chun Guo, come out quickly. You have been in the room for three days. Aren't you going to school today? It is already 7:30, you are going to be late!"
"It's nothing, I can't just let my lovely 'cousin' sit on the cold floor all the time!" Cang Kong Lin smirked and winked at Chun Guo, then raised his hand to lift the piano lid, "Since it's rare for Cherry Blossom Sister to visit Minghe Middle School, I'll play a piece for you to help calm your nerves!"
Just as Chun Guo turned his head to look at Fan Yin's photo again, wanting to complain to him, a sharp voice suddenly rang out from behind Chun Guo. He was taken aback and turned around, only to find two girls dressed in Minghe Middle School's physical education uniforms, each holding a badminton racket and standing with their hands on their hips, sizing him up.
Under the gnawing of the chainsaw, the trees finally fell by the roadside, lamenting. Among the sparse branches and leaves, the pale sky opened its fearful eyes wide, anxiously gazing at the severed trees, as if they were bleeding with orange-yellow stains. He bit his lip tightly in sorrow
When Chun Guo jumped down from the wall, she slightly brushed the dust off her palms with a sense of pride, crouched down, and glanced around to the left and right
Fan Yin smiled and winked at Chun Guo, then bent down and lifted Chun Guo from the ground as a knight would carry a princess, disregarding her desperate struggles, and firmly placed her on the seat in front of the piano, sitting beside her
... ...
Help—Help!—Cang Kong Lin—No! Fan Yin—Help! Help!
Isn't it you? Hearing the boy's response, Chun Guo was suddenly taken aback
There was still no response in the room
No, no, I can't! My tooth hurts! This is the only way it will feel a bit better!" Chun Guo struggled to speak, cold sweat streaming down his face as he defended himself.
Prince Fan Yin, how did you come here
At this point, Heiming Mountain's expression suddenly turned melancholic, looking at Cang Kong Lin with a hint of guilt
I, I want to hear it all." Chun Guo answered without hesitation
"Gardenia?" The young man was momentarily taken aback, gently shaking his head, "No, it's not me... I cannot leave this mountain."
Before the words of Chun Guo had even faded, a clear voice suddenly rang out above her head
Ah—help! Help!
Shasha shasha shasha - shasha shasha shasha
Chun Guo, it is quite reasonable for Uncle Ma from the Teaching Department to impose punishment on you and Cang Kong Lin. You should not be so impulsive. Regardless, you are still a student, and your primary focus should be on your studies; you cannot always engage in activities unrelated to learning. I think it is for the best that Cang Kong Lin has left; recently, you have been distracted because of him. I was even planning to visit the school to discuss this matter with your Uncle Jiang!
Under the reminder of the girl shouting at Chun Guo, the members of Fan Yin's personal guard began a "hot pursuit" of Chun Guo
Suddenly, a terrified scream echoed through the empty mountains
Hahaha!
What are you doing here? The teacher is calling you!
Hehehe! Good child! We are already good friends!
Huff! Huff! Huff! Huff!
"Because of an agreement?" Chun Guo murmured, repeating Fan Yin's words, her tone filled with deep confusion and a hint of uncontrollable anger. "Whose agreement is this? And why does that person want you to do this?"
Chun Guo felt as if she were locked in a dark room, murmuring to herself alone, lost in a somewhat chaotic contemplation
Chun Guo was taken aback, her eyes wide with surprise as she looked at the boy. Together with the boy's memories, she was transported back to the summer of ten years ago
Hehe, thank you for comforting me, you are a kind child. He Ming Shan laughed happily, looking up at the stars in the sky that sparkled like dewdrops on the grass, and softly sighed, "The starry sky here is truly beautiful, and there are so many lovely fireflies... This must be what is referred to as a paradise beyond the world, right"
Fan Yin seized the opportunity to grab Chun Guo's hand, gave her a knowing glance, and strode away from this place of trouble.
Cang... ah, no... Fan, Fan Yin?" Chun Guo looked at the boy in front of her, her tone somewhat uncertain
Hehe, what do you think?
Oh? You?!
The vast sky is cold ... ... Why ... ... will it die? '' Chun Guo's voice was as hoarse as the sound made when sawing wood, and she had never known that there could be such difficult sentences to express in this world
My name is Cang Kong Lin! You can just call me Lin!
Wait, he just said... Cang Kong Lin is already dead... Cang Kong Lin is dead? How is that possible? How could that be!
Who is that? Is it Cang Kong Lin? The light is too dim, I cannot see her face clearly, but why does the air around become so sorrowful?
What? It really is her! No wonder I started to feel that her face looks so much like the one in the portrait!
In 2008, Fan Yin won first place in the Jingming City Middle School Piano Competition.
The large camphor tree stood silently for a moment, then suddenly began to sway violently in the wind, its leaves rubbing against each other and producing a sound as intense as the roaring waves stirred up by a tempest
As Chun Guo struggled beneath the girls who were screaming and making a fuss, she silently complained in her heart. Finally, unable to bear the weight on her body any longer, she cried out in distress
Looking at the impressive demeanor of Fan Yin in various occasions captured in the photographs, along with the glorious history annotated beneath them, Chun Guo's heart began to race uncontrollably in her chest. She was so astonished that her mouth was agape wider than a washbasin, almost large enough to fit a watermelon!
Chun Guo admired the scenery of Minghe Middle School along the way and unknowingly arrived in front of the school's bulletin board
The entire firefly forest is lamenting
Hehehe... never mind, never mind, explaining it to you would be meaningless, right? However, this encounter with you on the mountain has truly been enlightening for me. In the past, I only had one thought in my mind, which was to plan and design an extremely developed city. But after spending a few days with you, my ideas have changed significantly! In the city, one cannot see such beautiful stars, such lovely fireflies, or such clear water... If humanity could develop while also protecting nature well, and coexist peacefully and harmoniously with it, how wonderful that would be
The tall girl turned her head and gave a look to the two followers behind her, who immediately walked up to Chun Guo. Each of them raised a hand and pinched Chun Guo's plump face, squeezing it towards the center
Prince Fan Yin, this girl actually sneaked into our school, she must be trying to ambush you! Please be sure to be careful!
Chun Guo, in a state of confusion, reached out to take the ring that felt so familiar to her, her hand trembling uncontrollably... Every cell in her palm was searching the ring for any trace of warmth or scent that Cang Kong Lin might have left behind
Eat mine! My bento contains braised beef!
But Cherry Sister, even if we do not do this, the Firefly Forest will still perish, will it not
Fan Yin... Can I ask you a few questions?" Chun Guo suppressed the pain in his heart, his voice trembling slightly
Thump thump thump thump
Then why didn't it hurt just now? Retract your mouth! With your lips stuck out so high, do you think you are a woodpecker?
I have given this forest a name, called it 'Firefly Forest'! Isn't it great
"So... where is the real Cang Kong Lin now?" Chun Guo paused for a moment and asked somewhat nervously
Bang—bang—bang—bang
Hahaha! Do you feel the same way?" Cang Kong Lin seemed to understand Xiao Nuo's words, turning around and laughing brightly, "I also think that Cherry Sister will definitely grow up to be a great beauty!"
When Chun Guo followed Fan Yin and hurried into a piano practice room, she collapsed against the wall like a nearly disassembled doll, her body limp as she slid down to the floor, gasping for breath!
Strange, where has this child gone? Has he already gone to school?" Chun Guo's father looked around Chun Guo's room in confusion, murmuring to himself with concern
In 2008, Prince Fan Yin won the championship of the first-year high school debate competition at Minghe Middle School
At that moment, another girl called out not far from the bulletin board. Chun Guo turned her head in surprise and discovered that the two girls she had encountered that evening were now approaching them while greeting the tall girl.
After all these years, the one who has been giving her gardenias is not him, so who could it be
Throughout the journey, Fan Yin did not utter a single word, an unusual silence enveloping them, while Chun Guo's heart was already in turmoil, filled with tension, excitement, exhilaration, confusion, worry, and fear. Various complex emotions poured into clear water like paint, blending and intertwining with one another.
Student Cang Konglin from Class 258 of the first year of high school, due to serious violations of school regulations, damaged the construction drawings of the new stadium, delayed the construction schedule of the stadium, and caused significant losses to the school, is hereby expelled from school.
"There are three reasons to lie to you, which one would you like to hear?" Fan Yin murmured, her gaze towards Chun Guo appearing to tremble slightly with unease.
Fan Yin gently ruffled Chun Guo's hair and gave her an encouraging and comforting smile
What are you doing? Spring Guo's face turned bright red, and her heart felt like a wild horse that had lost control, galloping wildly in her chest
"In order to save a person," the young man said softly, his voice deep like the earth at the foot of the mountain
Thud
Shasha shasha shasha shasha shasha - shasha shasha shasha shasha shasha -
She felt a vast emptiness in her heart, devoid of any emotions... no sadness or joy, no confusion, no worries, no concerns... nothing at all. In her world, apart from her heavy shell of a body, there remained only an endless expanse of pallor.
A gust of wind passed by, and the camphor tree seemed to be conversing with the vast sky, producing gentle sounds of leaves rustling against each other
Because Minghe Middle School is quite far from home, by the time Chun Guo finally arrived at the entrance of Minghe Middle School, a clear class bell had already rung throughout the campus
Yes... the boy's gaze was filled with remorse, "Fan Yin, I am very sorry, it is probably my fault that I misled you... My wish is to help Cang Kong Lin fulfill his unfinished promise"
Recalling the scene in the television series where a martial arts master uses a sword to chop a large watermelon into eight pieces, Chun Guo struggled to swallow, and the cold sweat on her back soaked her clothes
Although I know that Fan Yin is proficient in both academics and sports, I never expected him to be this impressive! He is simply a child prodigy! However, I haven't really seen him study much! Could it be that he has two brains?
Ah ... ... this is terrible ... ...
"I will not be angry," said Cang Kong Lin as she took a few steps closer to the middle-aged man, her face displaying a smile as radiant as a gardenia. "My name is Cang Kong Lin, and this is my home. Who are you?"
According to reports from two members of the royal guard, on one evening two weeks ago, they witnessed Prince Fan Yin being harassed by a female student from Firefly High School, and the girl displayed a frivolous attitude towards Prince Fan Yin, which was extremely unreasonable
"Cherry Sister, Lin sacrificed herself to save Heiming Mountain from falling off the cliff, but in the end, she too met with misfortune... This is the last thing she left behind, and I am handing it to you." The boy said, his steps heavy as he slowly walked to Chun Guo's side, presenting the delicate grass ring before her. His eyes revealed a profound sorrow, as deep as the night. "I am sorry, Cherry Sister. Originally, Lin had adorned the ring with a small purple flower, but after all this time, the flower has withered... I cannot fulfill the last wish you and Lin had..."
The weather has become quite hot! I wonder how Cherry Sister is doing right now... Will she like this ring? We won't continue with the other half of the 'wedding' until ten years later. I wonder what Cherry Sister will be like in ten years...
"Oh! Did we not make a promise under the camphor tree? That is why it is called 'Little Promise'!"
The young man let out a light sigh and slightly lowered his head, as if he had sunk into deep water, remaining silent. After a long while, he finally emitted a heavy and mournful sigh, "The vast sky is chilling... he has already died. It was in the year he parted ways with you."
In the height of summer, in the dense firefly forest, Cang Kong sat barefoot by the stream, gazing down at a delicate ring woven from leaf grass in his hand, his expression melancholic and solitary
Once so kind, Cang Kong Lin, once so healthy, Cang Kong Lin, who promised to be my friend for a lifetime, Cang Kong Lin, who agreed to hold our wedding on this day ten years later... How could he die? How could it be possible for him to die?
This piece is Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," composed after he was separated from his eloped lover due to a series of unfortunate events. Fan Yin continued to play the music while softly responding.
The boy's ambiguous response left Fan Yin in a state of confusion and contemplation
Parents are the most beloved people in a child's world. Even if the child is angry, as long as you spend more time with them in the future, they will surely forgive you. Cang Kong Lin smiled and turned to comfort Hei Ming Shan
"Oh? Ah..." Chun Guo nodded with a flushed face, looking at Fan Yin in surprise as she softly inquired, "How did you know the specific date of this agreement..."
Lin, these fireflies are so beautiful... they resemble the colorful lights on a Christmas tree
It would be a wonder if my identity were not exposed if those two were to see me
After speaking, Fan Yin smiled and winked at the girls, who immediately gasped in unison as if under a spell. One by one, they stared at Fan Yin with dazed eyes, while dreamy pink soap bubbles continuously floated above their heads
Cang Konglin, accompanied by Heiming Mountain, cautiously approached the source of the sound through the forest. There, he saw two farmers carrying shotguns picking up an injured wild rabbit from the ground, while a large string of small birds, resembling garlic bulbs, hung from their shoulders. The two were proudly exchanging their hunting experiences with each other
"Cherry sister, you are very silent." Fan Yin glanced at Chun Guo, a captivating smile gracing her lips
Cang Konglin quietly observed that figure from behind the tree
Fan Yin's fingers suddenly struck the piano keys forcefully four times, producing four sounds that were extremely discordant with the melody from before, and then abruptly ceased on the final note
The figure is that of a middle-aged man, appearing as if he has traveled a long and arduous mountain path. His entire body is filthy, with bloodstains on his arms and legs, and his face is so dirty that it is nearly impossible to discern his features. His hair is disheveled, resembling a tangle of wild grass
Cherry sister ... ... have you already forgotten me
... ...
So that's how it is! Of course, there is no problem with the visit! Maoshan and Firefly Forest are very hospitable!" Cang Kong Lin said, as a smile as fresh and radiant as a gardenia blossomed on his face
Additionally, students Chun Guo and Cai Ke Fu from the first year (class 258) have been suspended for two days for collaborating with student Cang Kong Lin in the destruction of the new sports field blueprints, as a warning.
Oh? Prince Fan Yin, did you not bring a lunchbox? Allow me to give you mine!
A voice seemed to come from the distant clouds, echoing in the ears of the spring fruit, gradually becoming clearer
At this moment, the clouds that obscured the moonlight slowly drifted across the sky, and the clear moonlight once again poured down, illuminating everything on the mountaintop
Upon hearing the words of the tall girl, the two girls exchanged a glance and once again subjected Chun Guo to "punishment," forcefully pushing Chun Guo's pouted lips back into place
What a pity... We had lunch together under that tree yesterday, and I remember the shade was extremely comfortable. Those two people were truly cruel; how could they hunt so many small animals? Don't they realize that this will disrupt the ecological balance of Maoshan?" Heiming Mountain sighed heavily, feeling sad. Suddenly, as if he had made a firm decision, he straightened his back slightly, his eyes shining with determination. "Child, I have decided to abandon the planning and design for Maoshan. Recently, I have finally come to understand something: humanity has been recklessly exploiting nature without ever truly protecting it. This time, I will actively change this mindset. Cities can be built elsewhere, but there is only one Maoshan. I will definitely protect it well."
My my! Prince Fan Yin! Please eat my bento!
The girls who were piled on top of Chun Guo, upon hearing Fan Yin's voice, quickly stood up one by one like little dogs responding to a command, their eyes sparkling as they looked at Fan Yin, desperately wagging their tails
With a sigh, Fan Yin placed her hands on the piano keys, as if the last layer of her disguise had been torn away, revealing her fragility and powerlessness.
Gaya—Gaya yayaya—
"Development? What is development?" Cang Konglin turned to look at Heiming Mountain, blinking her bright, sparkling eyes in confusion
Time passed without my noticing it. Ever since I left the gym in a daze that night, the calendar seemed to have been fast-forwarded, and Yi Ai Zi has flipped through a week!
Is it human
The night wind lamented as it swept over the treetops, and the surviving trees of the camphor tree, Xiao Nuo, and the firefly forest seemed to mourn for that young and kind life, gently trembling their branches and leaves, emitting waves of sorrowful wails
As Fan Yin's voice fell, he slightly moved his long fingers and began to play smoothly and familiar on the distinctly black and white keys of the piano
A knight... a knight is someone who is ridden by a princess
Shasha shasha shasha - shasha shasha shasha
I want to know why you lied and said you were Cang Kong Lin... Also, were all the words you said to me and the things you did just lies?
Special day? Hmm, today is the first day that Chun Guo returns to school after being suspended. When she comes back tonight, I must give her a good lesson. " Chun Guo's father said with a heavy sigh, then turned and closed Chun Guo's bedroom door, walking over to sit down on the sofa in the living room
No, this cannot be blamed on you..." The boy did not provide further explanations for Chun Guo's confusion; he simply smiled gently with a sense of helplessness, his voice akin to the soft sound made by a gentle breeze passing through the treetops of the camphor tree
On May 30, 2009, Prince Fan Yin returned, and the entire school celebrated!
Driven by desperation, the air in Chun Guo's mouth escaped like that of a deflated balloon, while Chun Guo instinctively pouted her lips high up!
Cang Konglin has been expelled from school
Heik Ming Mountain did not return home early as usual; he quietly sat aside, smiling happily at Cang Kong Lin, enjoying a moment of joy and tranquility
It is Mr. Ming Shan! Upon hearing this voice, Cang Kong Lin jumped up from the ground in a state of tension and ran towards the direction from which the sound came!
On a bright Thursday morning, in a tidy residential community, Spring Guo's father gently knocked on a door adorned with cartoon posters, calling out with concern.
The Royal Guard of Prince Fan Yin from Minghe Middle School
Heiming Mountain does not reside in the mountains like Spring Fruit. Every day, when the moon rises, Cang Konglin will take Heiming Mountain to the foot of Maoshan. And whenever the sun rises to the mountainside, Cang Konglin will wait at the mountain's edge for Heiming Mountain, and then take him to wander and climb around Maoshan.
"Hey, what's so funny?" Seeing Chun Guo laughing to herself, the tall girl frowned in displeasure and sternly questioned, "No matter which class you are from, since you admire Prince Fan Yin, you must adhere to the rules set by our Prince Fan Yin's Guard. When looking at the prince's photo, the distance between your face and the photo must be maintained at more than 20 centimeters. You have already greatly fallen below this distance! This is a desecration of Prince Fan Yin!" "No matter which class you are from, since you admire Prince Fan Yin, you must adhere to the rules set by our Prince Fan Yin's Guard. When looking at the prince's photo, the distance between your face and the photo must be maintained at more than 20 centimeters. You have already greatly fallen below this distance! This is a desecration of Prince Fan Yin!"
... ...
Damn... Do these girls think they are Wuzhishan? Why do they all put their burdens on me!
"Is this your home?" said the middle-aged man, resting one hand on his bent knee and revealing a weary smile. "Seeing you here truly surprises me; I thought there would be nothing in these mountains except monkeys and wild rabbits... By the way, let me introduce myself. My name is Hei Mingshan, and I am an urban planner. I came to the mountains today to take a walk and explore, but the paths on Maoshan are too difficult to navigate. Every time I come, I end up battered and bruised. I wonder if you would be willing to be my guide?"
Cang Kong Lin ... ? ... What exactly is going on with him? Why has he returned but is unwilling to meet with me? Why does he want Fan Yin to fulfill my wishes on his behalf ...? Has something happened to him over the past few years, or is there some other unavoidable hardship ... ...
The large camphor tree seemed to murmur in complaint, producing a restless sound in the wind
Chun Guo took a deep breath to calm her somewhat chaotic emotions
Fan Yinfly quickly assessed Chun Guo, her face breaking into a refreshing and radiant smile reminiscent of the morning sun
Night has finally descended once again, and tranquility has returned to the mountains and forests
Do not speak anymore, quickly catch her
Even though a week has passed, many students at Firefly Middle School, especially the girls, still cannot face this reality, wearing expressions of sorrow every day, as if all their joy has been devoured by a soul-sucking monster
Notice
"It's a wonder if he goes to school!" Chun Guo's mother held a spatula in one hand and habitually wiped her flower-patterned apron with the other. She glanced at the cowhide calendar hanging on the wall of Chun Guo's room and noticed that on the date of May 30th, a heart had been carefully drawn in red marker, accompanied by the delicate handwriting that read, "Xiao Nuo's 10th Anniversary." A knowing smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.
In 2008, Fan Yin Wangzi won the title of star player and top scorer in the Jingming City Middle School Basketball League
Only that ring still quietly rests against the tree trunk, as silent as if it were lying beneath the cliffs of the great mountains, in the vast emptiness that can no longer breathe
Chun Guo's heartbeat gradually quickened as she gazed at the figure under the camphor tree, which was becoming increasingly clear, her vision shaking violently in shock
Dong! Dong! Dong! Dong!
I am sorry, but it seems that things can only be this way. I have not fulfilled my promise, and I can do without that seed. However, please come out and meet Chun Guo; isn't it too cruel to keep her in the dark all the time?
Cherry Sister, today you have ventured to Minghe Middle School to find 'Sora Rin', haven't you? Speaking of which, today is a significant day for you and Sora Rin, as you made a promise ten years ago to hold the wedding that was never completed on this day.
In 2009, Fan Yinwangzi won first place in the Jingming City Middle School Biology Knowledge Competition
Until the next morning, the sun rose above the treetops, yet Cang Kong Lin had still not returned to the stream by the camphor tree
She! She! She is the girl mentioned in the bounty notice! That night, we saw her together with Prince Fan Yin!
Bang
The figure moved much slower than Cang Kong Lin had imagined. After a considerable amount of time, the figure finally reached the patch of grass where Cang Kong Lin had been sitting, panting as it gazed at the shallow stream beside it. With a weak sigh, it then bent down and drank deeply from the clear stream.
The Prince Fan Yin's personal guard ... ... '' Upon hearing the tall girl introduce herself, Chun Guo murmured her name once, and suddenly, as if recalling something, her body tensed up as if bound by a leather rope!
Chun Guo and Fan Yin walked together to the side of the large camphor tree, Xiao Nuo. Fan Yin let out a long sigh of relief, while Chun Guo appeared as if it were their first time here, wide-eyed and somewhat nervously observing and gazing at everything around them, with a hint of anxiety and confusion in their eyes
"Struggling against? Do you mean... to fight against Yinghuo Middle School?" Fan Yin seemed to understand something, looking at the boy with immense surprise
Puff—
Chun Guo had been running for almost twenty minutes continuously, feeling utterly exhausted. Suddenly, her toes kicked against a stone, and her body instantly lost balance, causing her to fall straight to the ground
The large camphor tree swayed its branches, as if responding to the solemn question posed by the vast sky
The large camphor tree, Xiao Nuo, shook its trunk urgently, as if urging the cold sky.
... ...
A few seconds passed, and the room was silent.
... ...
"Are you not... Cang Kong Lin?" Chun Guo was taken aback, her brows wrinkling like a piece of wet paper that had been dried by the wind, her thoughts seemingly falling into a dark abyss, leaving her somewhat bewildered and at a loss.
... ...
I am sorry, Cherry sister, I am not Sora Kuu Rin
The middle-aged man was taken aback, seemingly startled as he fell to the ground. He turned his head and cautiously looked at Cang Kong Lin, widening his eyes to maintain eye contact with Cang Kong Lin for a full minute before finally letting out a long sigh of relief, calming himself down
Upon hearing this, Chun Guo's eyes widened in shock, and her cheeks were already covered with tears
Cang Konglin turned her head to look at the camphor tree, a pure and beautiful smile appearing on her face
The large camphor tree shook its branches and leaves vigorously, producing a series of anxious and restless sounds
Ah, I apologize... um... what is the name of this piano piece? It sounds very, very beautiful. "Chun Guo was momentarily taken aback and came to her senses. For some reason, she suddenly felt a bit nervous, as if the person sitting next to her was not the boy who had shared a desk with her for a month, but a familiar stranger.
Shasha shasha shasha shasha shasha shasha
Fan Yin, you have arrived... Cherry Blossom Sister, how are you? The figure spoke softly, the voice as ethereal and elusive as the night breeze
Shasha shasha shasha - shasha shasha shasha
Hmm! I also very much hope to become friends with humans! Moreover, I already have one human friend! No, now I have two!" Cang Kong Lin nodded with a smile, her bright eyes joyfully sparkling among the dancing fireflies
On May 3, 2009, Prince Fan Yin transferred schools, and the entire school mourned.
However, the peaceful days did not last long. On that morning, a sudden loud noise erupted from the mountains and forests
A small bird took off from the branches of the large camphor tree, as if it were a messenger of the tree, vigorously flapping its wings towards the direction where the cold sky had rushed last night
From now on, Chun Guo is Lin's eternal friend, and no matter where he goes in the future, he will never forget Lin! The big camphor tree, Xiao Nuo, will bear witness for us!
Silence ... ... Silence ... ...
Spring fruit
"Who says she won't be able to get into university like this? All the students I teach are outstanding! They are far better than those bookish students you teach!" As Chun Guo's mother spoke, a sly smile suddenly appeared at the corner of her mouth, "I see you are just jealous. Your daughter merely has a well-connected male friend, and you are this unhappy. What will you do if Chun Guo really gets married in the future? You will be crying like a baby, won't you?"
Who are you? What are you doing here?
As the sun sets and the moon rises, Fan Yin once again takes Chun Guo out of her home in the capacity of both "savior" and "outstanding student," and the two walk side by side towards the summit of Maoshan Mountain
Forget? ... ... Hearing the boy's question, Chun Guo slightly furrowed her brows and took another careful look at the handsome young man before her
Chun Guo was taken aback, quickly puffed up his cheeks, and began to chuckle foolishly.
The vast sky is chilling... Why is it that wherever you are, it is so dangerous? The girls, one by one, seem to have taken some sort of drug, shouting and clamoring for violence because of you... This is your fault
How dare she boldly intrude into our school, may she never be able to leave the gates of Minghe Middle School!
"What is wrong with you again?" asked the tall girl
"Why aren't you wearing your school uniform? You also look quite unfamiliar..." The girl standing at the front was tall and slender, resembling a stalk of wheat. For some reason, as soon as Chun Guo saw her, she immediately thought of the captain of the Cang Kong Lin Guardian Team from Firefly Middle School. If the two of them stood side by side, it seemed they would perfectly form a "10"!
"Hehe, I apologize, Cherry Sister, I am not Sora Kōrin, I am Fan Yin." Fan Yin stood beside her, speaking with a slightly sour tone while laughing, "Moreover, the reason this place has become fraught with danger is because you are here—Haruka. Right now, countless girls around the world are envious of you!"
Each clear note resembles the gentle flow of a stream under the moonlight, and the lively and beautiful sound of the piano rises and falls endlessly in the practice room, causing Chun Guo to unknowingly become enchanted, and indeed, her mood relaxed immediately from the recent intense chase
I can't remember... I really can't recall where else we might have met besides that day on the hillside... Chun Guo thought to herself.
Little Nuo
This is terrible! These girls are the ones who have issued a bounty on me! ... What if I expose my identity in their lair...
"Who are you...?" Gathering a great deal of courage, Cang Kong Lin slowly stepped out from behind the tree and asked the middle-aged man.
During this week, although the sky was clearly bright and sunny, heavy dark clouds, resembling clumps of gray cotton, accumulated above Firefly Middle School, casting a shadow over the entire school.
Chun Guo quietly admired Fan Yin, who was entranced by the music. Whether it was due to the captivating sound of the piano or the enchanting scenery before her that felt dreamlike, Chun Guo felt her cheeks flush with warmth, and her heart raced rapidly in her chest, akin to a sports car accelerating at full throttle!
Based on your appearance, you must be around seven years old, right? Speaking of which, I have a son who is also seven years old. However, my work keeps me so busy that I hardly have time to spend with him. He must be very upset with me, right
"Are you... Cang Kong Lin?" Chun Guo's voice trembled, like ripples disturbed in water.
"Fan Yin, Cherry Sister, thank you both." The boy looked at Chun Guo and Fan Yin with gratitude, speaking softly, "You have done so much for me and Lin, for the Firefly Forest... You have worked hard to protect the Firefly Forest, making me believe Lin's words that humans and we can indeed become friends. However, until more humans learn to respect and care for nature, the tragedy between humans and nature will continue indefinitely..."
......
Fan Yin's words pierced like a sharp needle, deeply stabbing into Chun Guo's heart, causing her to feel a sharp, excruciating pain
Fan Yin glanced at the anxious Chun Guo, and a light of understanding flashed in her eyes
Shasha shasha shasha shasha - shasha shasha shasha -
One of the two girls saw Chun Guo, her eyes widened in surprise. After a brief moment of astonishment, she raised her hand and pointed directly at Chun Guo, exclaiming excitedly as if she had discovered a national spy!
Shasha shasha shasha - shasha shasha shasha -
Ahahaha! Thank you all for your kindness! There is no need for it today, as my cousin has come a long way, and just now she was collectively chased by all of you, so she must be quite frightened! To prevent her from thinking that her cousin is in a chaotic and rude school, I must spend some quality time with her today! Everyone, I must take my leave!
Chun Guo was lost in thought, her gaze shifting downward. Suddenly, her expression changed, and she was instantly captivated by a series of photographs affixed to a poster.
Who... who are you
Today, I did not deliberately skip school just for fun. That night, Fan Yin left without saying a word, and the next day the school announced the disciplinary notice against us. He has not appeared at Firefly High School since then. I finally managed to find out that he has returned to Minghe Middle School. I came here today to find him and ask him clearly why he pretended to be Cang Kong Lin and said those things to me, and did those things for me... What he said and what he did, which of them are false, and which are true... Also, where is the real Cang Kong Lin?
Upon seeing a large poster posted on the bulletin board, Chun Guo involuntarily shivered.
rumbling
The school celebrates together!! Prince Ming and classmate Fan Yin, the king returns!!
"Despicable—how dare she attempt to tarnish our pure Prince Fan Yin! Everyone, do not let her off!"
"Tour guide?" Cang Konglin seemed to not fully understand this unfamiliar term, tilting his head in confusion as he looked at Heiming Mountain
Imagining the two girls standing together to form a human figure, Chun Guo couldn't help but burst into laughter
The night breeze brushed by, and the firefly forest was enveloped in silence, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind producing a sound akin to whispers, alongside the tense and excited heartbeat of the spring fruit, echoing in the crisp air
Damn it... Although I am very confident in my physical stamina, being chased by so many people, coupled with my unfamiliarity with the terrain of Minghe Middle School, I will eventually be caught! Also, that tall, skinny girl just said that I look like the ugly horse face in the picture! Where do I look like that?! Damn it—if I get the chance in the future, I must confront her and settle this!
"Prince Fan Yin! Please be sure to step back! This girl who wishes to entangle you has already been subdued by us, so you need not worry!"
"Hmm? Why do I feel like you look a bit familiar?" The tall girl suddenly noticed something, her eyes, which resembled those of a pufferfish, scrutinizing Chun Guo.
Chun Guo was taken aback, raising her head to look up and discovering a boy, so handsome that words failed to describe him, who was playfully balancing a rapidly spinning basketball on one finger while gazing at her with great interest
Thinking of this, Chun Guo's mood became somewhat heavy. She looked around and finally walked to a large phoenix tree planted beside the wall of Minghe Middle School. Taking advantage of the thick trunk of the tree for cover, she easily climbed up onto the wall and slipped into the campus of Minghe Middle School.
"Please don't rush. Let's finish discussing the matter of 'Fan Yin' first, shall we?" Fan Yin said softly, glancing at Chun Guo.
"Everyone, it seems you have misunderstood! I saw the 'Bounty Notice' on the bulletin board, and I originally planned to find a time today to explain things clearly to the members of the Guard. However, I didn't expect that Sister Cherry would come to me first." Fan Yin said, raising a hand to affectionately ruffle the messy hair of Chun Guo. "In fact, she is my distant cousin, and we have grown up together, maintaining a good relationship! Today, she came specifically to bring me lunch because I was in such a hurry to leave that I forgot to pack my lunch in my backpack."
Minghe Middle School is a meticulously designed institution, resembling the exquisite beauty of Suzhou gardens, featuring artificial rockeries and flowing water throughout, as well as tranquil patches of bamboo groves
"You! You really are... Hi!" Spring Guo's father was as frustrated as a steam-filled kettle, helplessly casting a forceful glance at Spring Guo's mother. However, he soon let out a long sigh, "Forget it, let her handle it this time. I heard that in a few days, Firefly Middle School will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new sports field. After all, that mountain holds many memories for Spring Guo and that child. Now that Maoshan has completely disappeared, that child must be very sad... Let her spend this time in the way she desires most..."
Upon hearing the last sentence, the girls automatically disregarded Fan Yin's initial explanation of helping Chun Guo and excitedly rushed towards Fan Yin.
The sound of flowing water
Moreover, they held a chainsaw in their hands, the activated chainsaw emitted a sharp and piercing roar, forcefully cutting through a tall tree, and the wood chips flying up from the machine danced in the air like a frenzied dance of death
Damn it! Whose sketch is this? It looks too terrible! Without a doubt, the girl mentioned in this wanted notice must be me, but what on earth is this drawing? Is it a horse? And it looks like a promiscuous mare... How can someone with such drawing skills have the audacity to show this off? This face doesn't resemble mine at all!
A slender and delicate figure, a handsome and refined appearance, and eyes that shimmer with a hint of melancholy... it is him! The boy who held the large taro leaves that day! The one who saved me under the tree! The one who adorned my hair with beautiful wildflowers! The one who called me "Cherry Sister" by the creek... it is him, it turns out to be him! Although I had such a fleeting thought by the creek that day, I never expected it to truly be him! He is the real Cang Kong Lin!
As if it were a conditioned reflex, upon hearing the class bell, Chun Guo's heart instinctively tightened. However, recalling the face of Cang Kong Lin... no, it should be Fan Yin's face, she took a gentle breath to steady herself.
"Are you not Cang Kong Lin?" The explanation for the boy seemed to even surprise Fan Yin. He furrowed his brows in confusion, his voice carrying a question no less than that of Chun Guo, "But when we met on the mountain that day, didn't you tell me that you had an unfulfilled wish and wanted me to meet Chun Guo as 'Cang Kong Lin' to help you fulfill that wish?"
However, at this moment, the boy under the camphor tree fell silent, his expression turned sorrowful, and his pair of crystal-clear eyes, resembling black crystals immersed in water, radiated a light of unease and sadness
The words of the young man left Fan Yin and Chun Guo at a loss for rebuttal, their excited emotions cooling down like extinguished flames. The two stood there in a daze, engulfed in a painful silence.
By the stream, Cang Konglin anxiously gazed at the night sky, recalling the scene of the trees falling with mournful cries during the day, and clenched his fists in fear
A series of piercing wails echoed through the sky, filled with such anger yet also such helplessness
"Apart from that day when you saved me under the tree... I cannot recall where else we have met, I apologize"
"What?! I don't want to be a knight! That's so boring!"
Ah, I apologize. What the tour guide means is that I would like you to take me around the mountains to explore and see the sights, essentially to show me around.
"Hehe, isn't it a wish of yours to complete the 'wedding' with Cang Kong Lin from ten years ago, which you posted on the camphor tree?" Fan Yin said with a smile after striking a few notes forcefully, "I promised to help you fulfill your wish, so I need to know the timing for completing this wish. However, I am no longer 'Cang Kong Lin' but Fan Yin now, so I can no longer help you realize your wish..."
In order to protect the safety of Prince Fan Yin and to express the anger of all his admirers, the Prince Fan Yin's guard has issued a wanted notice for this young woman and has made her portrait public for all to see
On a tranquil night, a faint fragrance of flowers wafts through the forest. By the moonlit stream, Cang Kong, with a heart full of joy, steps into the water, singing and dancing amidst the flickering lights of fireflies. That radiant smile reflects the moonlight, illuminating the mountains and forests!
Chun Guo's lips trembled slightly, the once solemn vows echoed hollowly in her mind, and the scenes of her past interactions with Cang Kong Lin flashed rapidly in her mind like fast-forwarded frames of a movie
"Huh? Cherry sister, are you calling me?"
Hmm! Mr. Mingshan, thank you!
Because she was solely focused on how not to be discovered by the two girls, Chun Guo was completely unaware that the two girls standing beside her had already lowered their hands, and Chun Guo's face had returned to a normal state
Then, he turned his head to look at the camphor tree and softly called out.
"Xiao Nuo, do not worry. Mr. Mingshan said today that he will protect Maoshan and will no longer create planning and design drawings for Maoshan. I believe Mr. Mingshan is a good person, and I trust him"
Shasha shasha shasha! Shasha shasha shasha
Of course, one should speak without reservation and express everything without holding back. Fan Yin turned to Chun Guo and smiled, then her attention returned to the piano keys, as if to match her current mood, she swiftly played a series of highly challenging scales.
Having spoken, Cang Kong Lin swiftly turned and cast it aside
Knight? What is a knight
Just as Cang Konglin and Xiao Nuo were enjoying their conversation, a sudden, somewhat chaotic sound of footsteps emerged from the woods behind them
It is the sound of gunfire
Prince Fan Yin's Special Feature of Elegance, Producer: Prince Fan Yin's Royal Guard
When they reached the summit, the moon had already risen above the treetops, and the bright crescent moon seemed somewhat anxious, as if it slightly veiled its face with a thin wisp of cloud, silently standing in midair, gazing at everything that was me at the mountaintop
What! Today is your daughter's 10th wedding anniversary! She must have gone to find that boy, it would be strange for her to return to school!
However, it was not long before the little bird returned, heavily flapping its wings as it descended from the sky. It placed a delicate ring woven from a blade of grass at the roots of the large camphor tree, and let out two mournful cries, announcing a painful message—that Cang Kong Lin would never return.
It is Fan Yin! However, he seems somewhat different from the Fan Yin I remember... Compared to the Fan Yin from Firefly High School, his hairstyle appears to have changed; the previously gentle and smooth strands that fell down have now become unruly, standing up on his head in a chaotic manner, giving him a look that is less youthful and more handsome and free-spirited. He is no longer wearing the white school uniform shirt of Firefly High School's summer, but instead dons a light blue long-sleeved shirt, with a dark tie loosely knotted at his chest, making him appear as carefree and ethereal as the wind that brushes through his hair.
"Hmm... What? What?!" As soon as Chun Guo's father sat down on the sofa in the living room, he sprang up like a spring, staring at his wife with wide eyes as if she were an alien. "Our tenth wedding anniversary?! Are you mistaken? Our daughter Chun Guo is still a high school student! And hasn't she just been punished by the school? Isn't that enough? Now she is even skipping school to celebrate a wedding anniversary!! Does she even want to continue her studies?!!"
"May I ask what exactly you and Sora Rin are... what..." Fan Yin struggled to control his sorrowful emotions, finding it difficult to articulate the meaning he wished to convey, "What I mean is, you seem to be somewhat different from us."
The sound of flowing water
"Could it be... that every summer, the gardenias on my desk are also placed there by you? That day at the night market, I was rescued by someone who smelled of gardenias, was that you as well?" Chun Guo's voice was hoarse and pale
The sound of clapping or applause
"You stubborn fool." Spring Guo's mother glanced helplessly at Spring Guo's father, "Children today are not like we were when we were young; they have their own thoughts and their own sense of dignity. It is definitely beneficial for children to experience more setbacks and go through various situations while they are young. As parents, we should not force them to do what we think is right or wrong, nor should we simply criticize them. Instead, we should guide them and teach them the ability to discern right from wrong! Moreover, I was quite concerned about the promise Spring Guo made with that boy, Cang Kong Lin, on the mountain ten years ago, but after seeing Cang Kong Lin last time, I thought he was quite good! Their increased interaction may not necessarily be a bad thing."
"Rin and I are the most loyal inhabitants of the Firefly Forest"
"Cherry Blossom Sister, no matter how far you go in the future, every year when the gardenias bloom, I will be waiting for you in the 'Firefly Forest.' You must come to see me!"
"Then... who exactly are you?" Chun Guo pressed impatiently.
Wanted Notice
Child, I have told you that I am an urban planning designer. The work I am currently engaged in is to assist the Jingming City government in planning and designing a new development zone, of which Maoshan is also a part...
In the night breeze, the camphor tree swayed its branches vigorously, as if calling out to its kind-hearted yet stubborn close friend
The young man smiled faintly, his gaze possessing an ethereal quality beyond human reach
Due to the emergence of Heiming Mountain, Cang Konglin's life has become busy once again
Isn't that Firefly Forest just the 'Forest of Happiness'? Hahaha! That's wonderful!
The girls chasing after Chun Guo saw her fall to the ground, and one by one, like meteors falling from the sky, they jumped up and pounced on Chun Guo, pinning her firmly beneath them
Chun Guo's mother smiled as she tapped her husband's head with the spatula in her hand
Lin, you seem like a knight of a princess! I feel like a princess myself right now
The kindergarten teacher said that fireflies are the 'light of happiness', and their presence brings happiness.
Chun Guo clutched her backpack, scurrying about like a rat caught in the open, while the shouting and clamoring crowd behind her gradually grew larger and larger
Upon seeing this wanted notice, Chun Guo's forehead was drenched in sweat. However, when she saw the image of the "evil woman" attached below the wanted notice, her legs went weak, and she nearly fell to the ground!
The sound of ringing bells
"Isn't it necessarily a bad thing?!!" Spring Fruit's father exclaimed, nearly overturning the ceiling in his excitement, "Is this how you educate your daughter?! Is this how you teach the students in your class?! What if she doesn't study properly now and fails to get into university?!"
......
A deep sense of danger suddenly shattered the tranquility of the forest, as leaves fell from the branches in a flurry, seemingly startled. Birds screeched sharply as they burst from their nests, swiftly fleeing towards a narrow strip of sky between the branches, as if that was the only place left with a glimmer of life
In 2008, Prince Fan Yin won first place in the joint examination of Jingming City Middle School
If any students from Minghe Middle School see this girl, please report her whereabouts as soon as possible to the headquarters of Prince Fanyin's Royal Guard - Room 204 on the second floor of the club office. The Royal Guard of Prince Fanyin will surely "act on behalf of the king" and completely eradicate this girl's improper intentions towards Prince Fanyin
"Alright, let's make a pinky promise!"
"Hey, why are you puffing your cheeks? Let the air out of your mouth!" The tall girl glared at Chun Guo with displeasure, commanding her in a stern voice
Chun Guo seemed to lack even the strength to turn her head and glance at Fan Yin, who was anxiously calling out to her. She merely tilted her head slightly to signal Fan Yin that she had regained her composure, and then, trembling, she turned her head to look at the boy standing under the camphor tree.
......
"Is it... really so?" Chun Guo murmured, recalling the long list of various honors that Fan Yin had, akin to the timeline of significant events in a history textbook, displayed on the bulletin board, and could not help but let out a sigh once again.
Firefly Middle School Administration Office
Just as Chun Guo's parents were arguing at home without resolution, as Chun Guo's mother had speculated, Chun Guo was getting off a bus with her backpack. However, she was not standing in front of the gate of Firefly Middle School, but rather beside the gate of Minghe Middle School
Ding ding dong dong—Ding ding dong dong—
Bang!
"Hmm! I will definitely come to see you! Rin, let's make a pinky promise!"
"Xiao Nuo, I know that humans are our enemies, and my parents were also killed by humans... but hatred can only bring more hatred, can't it? In our war with humans, one side must extend a hand first in order to shake hands and become friends! Moreover, I believe that Sister Yingcherry and Mr. Mingshan are good people, and I also believe that there are many humans in the world who are as kind as Sister Yingcherry and Mr. Mingshan. If possible, I hope that we can become true good friends with humans!"
Have you forgotten? Today is a special day for the spring fruit
Chun Guo was sweating coldly, lost in thought, and let out a long sigh. His gaze casually drifted to a pale poster next to the magnificent advertisement, which resembled a wanted notice—however, this white poster was indeed a wanted notice...
Knock knock knock! Knock knock knock!
"Hehehe! Alright then! I am Lin, and I will always be Cherry's good friend. Please let Xiao Nuo testify for me"
Cang Kong Lin was taken aback for a moment, then turned to look in the direction of the sound, discovering that there seemed to be a black shadow moving towards him. Moreover, judging by the size of that shadow, it definitely could not be the petite Chun Guo.
......
On the dark bulletin board of the black hole, a poster as pale as the faces of the girls from Firefly High School painfully announces a "gory" fact to everyone
Chun Guo rubbed his back, which had been nearly flattened by the girls, and with great effort stood up from the ground, swaying as he looked at Fan Yin