Chapter 06

"Leaving without saying goodbye was my fault," Du Weiyan gritted his teeth, glanced at his expression, and continued, "I should say I'm sorry"

Aunt Yu looked puzzled: "What is going on? This light has been flickering for a long time, and Old Yu was just saying yesterday that it needed to be replaced. Why is it working again?"

As bright as ever

After a long time, Du Weiyan slowly lowered her hand, perhaps unconsciously brushing her hair aside, and gently said: "Moyan, you are truly beautiful"

No wonder he had dinner with the provincial party secretary that day... Du Weiyan was actually pondering this matter, inevitably feeling a bit puzzled: "How long have you been out?"

Du Weiyan almost sat up as a reflex, using all her strength, vigorously shaking her hands and letting out a sharp scream

She was stunned for a second, her mind blank, until another sharp pain struck.

"Mo Yan, how did you... come out?" Du Weiyan pondered for a long time before finally asking him, "I saw you once at Tianyin, and I thought I had recognized you incorrectly. Oh, and there was another time, it was on television."

She was silent for a moment; that sentence had been on her mind since she saw him in the car... If she didn't say it now, it would feel like a fishbone stuck in her throat

"Wei Yan, I don't think this light is broken. Try turning it on again." Yi Zirong's voice was very steady, not sounding like a joke.

Du Weiyan raised his head but did not answer on his behalf; he merely glanced at him.

Yi Zirong fell silent for several seconds, seemingly lost in thought, before finally saying: "Aunt Yu, let me handle it."

In the moment of subconsciously pressing down, that object suddenly rolled up and wrapped around my finger. Immediately, there was a very distinct sharp pain.

When she lowered her head and smiled, a refreshing scent wafted through the freshly washed strands of hair, penetrating Yi Zirong's nostrils, cool and delightful, as if it were the fragrance of night-blooming jasmine

Not at all, not at all. It is only right for Teacher Xiao Du's friend.

"Do you not believe it?" He stood up, a head taller than her, his gaze looking down from above, "See, I still found you, we are still friends"

Her fingers were long and white, and because they were so close together, Yi Zirong could see the neatly trimmed and smooth nails. Transparent, slightly pink, resembling simple little buds. Without any embellishment, they easily distracted her. Yi Zirong smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "Do you still not believe the legend I told you?"

His fingers were long and beautiful, lightly tapping on the edge of the table, pausing for a moment, then shaking his head. Such a gesture made him appear elegant and refined. Yet, he was aware that a trace of helplessness slipped through his heart; he had uttered such words in front of her twice. Each time, that stubborn girl seemed distracted, even unaware of whether she had fully grasped the meaning of his words.

After moving the table, Du Weiyan stood up, first went to turn off the switch, and took out his phone to provide light for Aunt Yu

As soon as the voice fell, the light in the small room suddenly went out— the three of them instinctively looked up at the extinguished lamp above the table. The sudden darkness left everyone momentarily speechless.

Yi Ziyong smiled as she looked at her, her tone gentle, as if somewhat troubled: "Weiyan, is this mountain road easy to traverse?"

The man's voice was somewhat deep, yet it seemed a bit hoarse, striking a chord in people's hearts as if plucking at their heartstrings. He said with a half-smile, "Miss Du, are you pretending to be foolish? Because of your article, the Thianzu language is now in high demand. There will be two exhibition halls dedicated to language introduction. We do not understand what language parameters and acquisition mechanisms are."

At this point, Yi Zirong seemed to recall something, a slight smile curving at the corner of her eye, the graceful arc subtly lifting: "Do you prefer engaging in business or pursuing a political career?"

She apologized, but his nonchalant demeanor made her feel uneasy

Her expression was too evident; she must have been trapped in her memories, finding it difficult to extricate herself for a moment—this left Yi Ziyong somewhat stunned and also slightly anxious

For dinner, there were shredded potatoes with green peppers and pickled meat. Du Weiyan lowered his head to eat, and during a conversation with Aunt Yu, he mentioned the children at school. Aunt Yu smiled and said, "You have only been here for a few days, and you have already memorized all their names?"

So... among friends, according to your words, shouldn't they help each other

Du Weiyan raised her eyebrows and looked at him, thinking without hesitation: "Have you forgotten that I lived with you for such a long time?"

She continued, "What good luck, that lamp actually isn't broken"

Du Weiyan casually grabbed the nightgown hanging nearby, disregarding its inappropriate nature, and put it on. After checking once more to confirm that the fabric had tightly wrapped around her, she finally lifted the curtain.

Yi Ziyong remained silent; in the moonlight, one could see that deep within his gaze, there seemed to be something that Du Weiyan could not comprehend

After you left and that article was published, countless people have come to Hongyu. He continued to stare at her motionlessly, "The area around Muxi Valley has also changed its appearance.

Yi Ziyong stood not far from her, being gazed at by her, yet also gazing back at her

"Yes, they are friends," she said with a somewhat awkward smile, but she could only brace herself and add, "It has always been this way"

She groggily reached for the table lamp by the window, but just as her finger was about to touch the switch, she felt that something was amiss

Yi Zirong sleeps in the classroom next to Du Weiyan. The bed is made up of several desks put together. Fortunately, the desks are simple and low, making it quite suitable to lie on them. Aunt Yu carefully laid two layers of mattresses and said, "It gets cold in the mountains at night, so you should cover yourself with both of these quilts."

She also sat down by the bed, and for a moment, there was nothing to do. She could only reach out her hand to smooth the pillowcase. The atmosphere seemed to have suddenly settled from the earlier intensity and surprise to a relative silence at this moment

At this moment, the sky outside seems to have a sword-like aura slicing down half of the setting sun, creating a light that is both bright and dim, with an oddly brilliant sheen. However, more peculiar than the light is the expression on the man's face

The height of the hanging light bulb is not considered low, but Yi Zirong is quite tall, and he can reach that light bulb by standing on his tiptoes

Du Weiyan recalled Jiang Luwen's analysis and explanation, as if gaining some confidence, and stubbornly said: "I do not believe it"

Yi Ziyong said nothing, seemingly enduring something, as a strange light flickered in her deep eyes

Du Weiyan did not notice the unusual expression on his face and explained: "These are not just any random clothes. This is my sleepwear, which I have only worn once, and it is now clean..."

Uh?

Her fingers remained resting on the switch, stunned, unable to move even a fraction.

Before she could sternly question the other party about why they entered uninvited, Yi Zirong spoke up first. Her tone was very calm, yet it contained an undercurrent of icy anger: "Du Weiyan, you live in a place like this, and you still dare to bathe like that?! The students are running around outside!"

"Um, do you need to change into some clothes before going to sleep?" Du Weiyan found a topic to discuss, "I have a set here, it might be a bit small for you. But... it’s definitely more comfortable than wearing a shirt and trousers"

He took the light bulb and stood under the lamp holder, pausing for several seconds.

Call me Yi Zirong. Here, they all call me that

Du Weiyan stepped out and smiled as she said, "Actually, you can't change a light bulb, can you?"

Aunt Yu exclaimed, "Oh dear," and then said, "I completely forgot that you drove here. That won't do. The roads are dangerous." After thinking for a moment, she enthusiastically suggested, "How about setting up a bed in the classroom next door? You can stay the night and leave tomorrow morning instead?"

Du Weiyan did not immediately follow him down the mountain, nor did she have the chance to ask how Yi Zirong had found this place, when Aunt Yu came to knock on the door: "Teacher Du, it's time to eat." She half-leaned in, glanced at Yi Zirong, and said, "Your friend here, let’s eat together."

Du Weiyan's long eyelashes drooped, suddenly glimmering, and finally said: "Remember."

What kind of explanation is this? She couldn't help but laugh, and the dimples on her cheeks immediately appeared a bit deeper: "Your way of playing tricks hasn't changed at all."

He looked at Du Weiyan noncommittally, and after a while, turned back to the aunt and said: "That is indeed troublesome"

Du Weiyan was momentarily taken aback, perhaps frightened by his expression, and for a moment forgot her own position, stammering and unable to speak. After a long while, she finally reacted, her face turning crimson: "All my students are well-mannered! It was you who barged in, wasn't it?"

Yi Zirong's expression seemed to relax a bit, and he nodded: "Alright, then when shall we descend the mountain?"

But why was she so unsettled? Du Weiyan could not figure it out. When she saw him again in this city, he seemed perfectly normal—young and handsome. Perhaps it was because he had come from Hongyu, which added a touch of the unusual to his demeanor, one that did not resemble that of a typical urbanite; he was vibrant yet retained a sense of calm. This was probably also the reason why she had never been able to see through him.

Then, Du Weiyan exhibited a subconscious reaction, akin to a mother hen protecting her chicks, as she glanced at some of her academic materials. Her tone carried a hint of self-interpretation and a touch of hopefulness, "You are not here to look for me, are you"

However, it is quite strange that the events that occurred between them, regardless of who was right or wrong, and regardless of the speculations and anxieties in one's heart, all those feelings dissipated the moment they met. ... It was as if ... . ... She vaguely felt that he would never truly be angry with her.

Aunt Yu was in a flurry trying to climb onto the stool, and Du Weiyan naturally said: "Yizi Rong, you go and change it. You can reach it."

Du Weiyan was startled by this analysis in his mind, lingering in his thoughts, his profile... The bridge of his nose resembled a small mountain peak, tall and handsome, while the lips below were likely soft lakes. This combination truly evoked a sense of admiration for his strikingly handsome features, as if crafted by divine hands

Yi Ziyong stood up and calmly said: "Hongyu is currently in the process of establishing a museum and is in need of consultants"

"It was last time when my suitcase was taken by you all, and I temporarily bought it at Mingwu." She smiled awkwardly, "When sleeping, one needs to have larger clothes; it is more comfortable to wear."

Yi Zirong smiled, revealing her white and beautiful teeth, which finally gave some color to her thin lips: "Do you need to see my resume?"

Du Weiyan cleared her throat softly

Only this moment is when she is that carefree little girl, right? Suddenly barging in and then disappearing without a word... He pressed his lips together, sat down at the desk, as if he hadn't heard what she said, merely flipping through the students' assignments, and gently smiled: "You look quite good too"

Du Weiyan did not know how to continue this topic, nor did she dare to ask what the so-called "changed appearance" referred to, and could only nod and say: "I... I will help."

Du Weiyan, relying on the faint light remaining in the room, searched for the outline of Yi Ziyong, and finally said slowly: "Do you really want to stay here?"

In that fleeting moment, Du Weiyan felt as though he was studying how to replace the broken light bulb—moments later, he reached out his hand and touched the lamp.

What was taken out was a men's crew neck T-shirt and a pair of extremely loose-fitting pants

It is a cramp

Aunt Yu did not pay much attention, simply responding with an "oh" as she tidied up the dishes, saying, "I will go make the bed in a moment. Xiao Du, you can take him to the classroom at the far east. " She reached out to stop Du Weiyan, saying, "No need to help. It's not easy for your friend to come here, so you should go sit in your room instead."

She did not believe it, walked over, opened it, closed it, and tried several times; the light was as stable as the surface of a great river, without a trace of ripples.

"Yi Ziyong?" Du Weiyan read it twice on his lips, "Why is it called this?"

As usual, he remained noncommittal. Finally, looking at the sky, he asked her: "Are you comfortable living on the mountain?"

"Xiao Du, will your friend still come down the mountain after finishing the meal?"

With a snap, the light turned on

Oh, it's nothing," he said with a relaxed smile, "just asking casually.

Du Weiyan blinked and instinctively blurted out: "What can I do to help?"

His expression has always been淡淡的. Since she met him, it has been this way

Before her words had faded, Yi Zirong turned her face to look at her, a smile that was neither fully formed nor absent: "How long? A year? A lifetime?"

She shot him a fierce glance while effortlessly turning on the incandescent light in the room. The light spread instantly, gently falling on Yi Zirong's face—this was the first time after their reunion that Du Weiyan clearly and unobstructedly saw his features face to face.

Yi Ziyong raised her eyes, staring at her motionlessly, and finally spoke in a calm and serene tone: "There is no need to say sorry. Whatever you want, I am willing to give you."

Du Weiyan was completely awake, and the lights had come on. She could see clearly a huge and thick centipede struggling at her fingertips

The texture is cool and smooth ... ... somewhat hard. ... ... That is not a plastic switch!

"Did you see that shoe?" Yi Zirong suddenly spoke, her voice somewhat cold, "Do you remember?"

"Please wait until I finish the work here," she said in a tone of negotiation, accompanied by a hint of doubt. "Also, what capacity do you have in seeking me out?"

"This light, sigh, Old Yu should have replaced the bulb before he left just now." With a creaking sound, Aunt Yu pushed the chair aside and got up to look for a new bulb

The incandescent light in the room is somewhat malfunctioning, flickering intermittently, causing discomfort and pain to the eyes.

He remains silent, and the breathing in the darkness is long and tranquil

As Du Weiyan stepped out, she furrowed her brow and said in a lowered voice, "Mr. Yi, I did not agree to descend the mountain just yet. My work is not finished."

Du Weiyan felt that his tone was very cheerful, but he was Mo Yan, and he never lied to her... With this thought, she couldn't help but smile and nodded, saying: "Thank you"

Yi Zirong took it and looked at it, her expression darkened, appearing somewhat displeased

Three years have passed, neither long nor short. Although it may not age a person, it inevitably leaves some marks. Even for Du Weiyan, skincare products have gradually evolved from oil control and refreshing to moisturizing and nourishing. Yet this man, with his god-like astonishing handsomeness, once again evokes in Du Weiyan the same awe she felt when she first met him, in a way that time cannot fade.

The man slowly lifted his head from the table, gazing at the anxious girl. He smiled gently, and Du Weiyan suddenly recalled the bright bloom of the hibiscus.

Du Weiyan smiled awkwardly and said in a low voice, "Didn’t you drive here?"

Du Weiyan let out a sigh, feeling somewhat puzzled in her heart, yet she followed his words and walked back, smiling as she said: "Aren't you able to change it?"

Du Weiyan admitted that she was at a loss for words, and she even dared not meet his gaze, hastily turning her eyes away.

Du Weiyan only remembered the last scene in her dream, where she fell into an enormous valley. There should have been clouds and mist coming to support her falling body... But there was nothing, absolutely nothing... Her vision was clear enough to see the frail little pines growing crookedly on the rock walls... Suddenly, she felt a surge of fear, and she kicked her legs fiercely, struggling to wake up.

His complexion relaxed a bit after she finished speaking

Du Weiyan has been spending time with Teacher Yu and his wife these days. The people in the mountains are straightforward and simple, and she is also happy to interact with them more. Seeing Aunt Yu's enthusiastic demeanor, she felt it was inappropriate to say anything. Instead, Yi Zirong stood up and smiled, saying, "Then I won't be polite."

Since arriving at Bixitou, Du Weiyan, who has always been a good sleeper, was not disturbed by the arrival of Yi Ziyong and did not suffer from insomnia that night. In the middle of the night, for no apparent reason, she suddenly woke up.

Oh. Du Weiyan nodded slightly, raising his head to glance at him. From a specific angle, half of his face appeared like an ancient sculpture, and time had not diminished such a masterpiece, shining brilliantly and making it difficult for one to look away.

Du Weiyan picked up a few strands of potato and said, "They are all very clever, eagerly vying to answer questions. It would be difficult not to remember."

I am here to find something. He smiled and said, "Du Weiyan, you need not be afraid of me. I remember you said that we are friends"

Yi Zirong handed the light bulb back to Aunt Yu, smiling as she said, "Could it be a voltage issue?"

What is the matter

Yi Zirong smiled lightly and said, "I know. Also, call me Yi Zirong; calling me 'sir' seems..." He thought for a moment and used a phrase, "very distant."

He said seriously: "Most of the people from the Yan clan have the surname Yi, and Ziyong is listed according to the family tree."

The shape of her thin lips is exceptionally beautiful, resembling a crescent moon softly glowing, and also akin to the gentle wings of a butterfly. Yi Ziyong pondered for a moment before responding to her: "Hongyu produces a rare metal, do you know? This development is just beginning, and the potential is significant. The government and private sectors have previously pooled resources and are now on the right track. Therefore, the relationship with the government is also quite good"

The sky gradually darkened, and Du Weiyan inexplicably had a strange thought. His eyes, bright like the stars in the mountain night, shone with a faint clarity, as if they had been watching her for a very long time.