Another spring.

Yan Fei also laughed and said: "I, Xie Yan Fei, am not someone who goes easy just because I lost. I owe this sister a piece of silk brought from Hong Kong that I haven't given her. How about this, let Aunt Su take my place for a round; if we lose, it will count as my loss." Gui Yun looked at her in astonishment; when had she owed her silk? The three ladies, however, all laughed: "That sounds wonderful, you go ahead, and let us win Aunt Su twenty-four rounds, so you can settle the total bill."

Years passed, and he returned to the world, while she fell deeper into depravity. It was truly a tale of two extremes. What could break the old order and establish new rules? Her rules had never changed. Yan flew back and hid behind Tomoya Fujita. Her originally slender figure was suddenly concealed, and she thought that he in the middle of the road could not see her. "What are you afraid of?" Tomoya Fujita asked her, as he gazed at the crowd of marchers, trying to discern the reason for her fear.

Wipe away the tears, let a smile bloom, and say: "Alright, I won't thank you, we are good friends, and there should be no formality between us"

He tried to free his hand from hers but could not break free, so he said: "You do not understand, you understand nothing at all." She felt dizzy, the pain in her heart gradually numbing; she truly understood nothing. She bit down on his hand, the metallic, sweet taste of blood filling her mouth, and it was surprisingly satisfying. He did not cry out, allowing her to bite. Yet she felt no satisfaction; she wondered why he was so indifferent to her. After biting, she wiped away her tears, released him, and let him go, watching him leave until he disappeared from her sight. He did not cry out, allowing her to bite. Yet she felt no satisfaction; she wondered why he was so indifferent to her. After biting, she wiped away her tears, released him, and let him go, watching him leave until he disappeared from her sight.

"Good sister, please don't ask anymore. Given that I am hurt like this, can you spare me some worry?" Zhang Feng, dragging his injured hand, clasped his fists in a bow, causing his wound to pull and making him grimace in pain. Gui Yun pushed him onto the bed. "Alright, I won't ask anymore. We'll talk once you recover. I will take good care of your parents, so you can rest assured about that"

The competition gradually reached a fever pitch, and both the spectators and participants became increasingly frenzied. In the end, it was a cha-cha that was being danced. She had danced to the point of being entranced, her feet encased in five-inch high heels, twisting and turning with all her might. Unfortunately, she twisted her ankle, and her dance partner was unable to support her in time, but another pair of hands caught her firmly. She lifted her head and saw a pair of deep-set eyes; he squinted at her and inexplicably called out softly, "Okaasan".

Guiyun sobbed and shook her head, simply laying her head on Yanfei's shoulder and crying like a child. Yanfei sighed: "In fact, this world is inherently dangerous everywhere. Xiaoyun, it is truly wonderful that you can still shed tears!"

Guiyun wanted to ask the question that had been on her mind. "Xiaoyan, how have you been these years?" "I have been doing quite well over the years, nothing could be better. I suppose I can say I have lived the most luxurious days in Shanghai!"

Turning her head, she saw the face of the Tang waiter, a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown. "What does a half-grown person know about the sea drying up and the stones rotting? You’re just stepping on your own toes! Have you learned your lesson?" A half-grown person. That year she was sixteen, he was eighteen, and indeed they were just half-grown. Later, she often wondered if it was because they were still young, having experienced nothing, that even a little sweetness felt like a life-saving straw, which made her so persistent and so stubborn. Now, seeing him again, it truly felt like being reborn; everything that had happened in the past seemed to have turned into a dreamlike murmur. She often thought, was it because they were still young, having experienced nothing, that even a little sweetness felt like a life-saving straw, which made her so persistent and so stubborn? Now, seeing him again, it truly felt like being reborn; everything that had happened in the past seemed to have turned into a dreamlike murmur. Had she really experienced it? Or was it merely her own nightmare? Yet she clearly remembered that day, the sun was bright, and she was peeking through the window of that middle school classroom. He was led in by the teacher. He introduced himself, his voice not loud but clear and strong. "My surname is Xiang, and my name is Xiang Shulei." He spoke little, loved silence, and enjoyed watching the swallows' nests under the eaves just like she did. He said he missed his hometown in the north, but home was no longer a home.

Facing each other, they held hands and walked down the stairs. Upon returning to the living room, they found that the card players had all dispersed, and Aunt Niang was cleaning up the remnants. "They couldn't wait for me," Yan Fei pouted and complained. Aunt Niang replied, "Mrs. Wu's family came to pick her up, saying that students have started to march on the main road, fearing that there might be chaos in the streets, so the ladies all left." Yan Fei laughed, "These students have been making a fuss all day, and they finally stirred up some commotion." He then reminded Gui Yun, "Be careful on the way; the police might be out to arrest people, so avoid them if you can." Gui Yun responded, and Yan Fei escorted her to the garden gate. Yan Fei watched her gradually walk away, then turned back, went upstairs, and entered the room where Zhan Feng was sleeping, saying, "I have to go to work now; you need to be careful and not move around too much to attract attention!" Zhan Feng sat up, asking, "Are you still going to tangle with that Japanese man?" Yan Fei replied with a smile, "He is a dancer, and I am a dancer; it's part of the job!" Zhan Feng reached for her hand but then withdrew, calling out, "Miss Xie—" "You have caused me quite a bit of trouble; if it weren't for your godfather's sake, I wouldn't have taken you in here." Yan Fei shot a sharp glance at Zhan Feng, saying, "You are the one who will take responsibility for Gui Yun for a lifetime; you must be more composed!" "But I—" Zhan Feng hesitated, only able to say, "Just be careful yourself." Yan Fei smirked slightly, patting Zhan Feng on the head, "Little brother, I know what I'm doing." "You are the one who will take responsibility for Gui Yun for a lifetime; you must be more composed!" "But I—" Zhan Feng hesitated, only able to say, "Just be careful yourself." Yan Fei smirked slightly, patting Zhan Feng on the head, "Little brother, I know what I'm doing."

Zhan Feng found Yan Fei's words awkward. "I am not a child!" "You are younger than me. I only consider you and Xiao Yun as my younger siblings, which is why I am willing to take care of you. You must treat me well and not let Xiao Yun down." Yan Fei frowned, "Do you understand?" Zhan Feng was intimidated by her imposing demeanor, and despite having a thousand words to say, they were all suppressed deep within him. The maid approached to find Yan Fei: "Miss, Mr. Fujita's car has arrived outside." Yan Fei stood up, and her hand was grasped by Zhan Feng. "Do you understand?" Zhan Feng was again subdued by her presence, and all his thoughts were stifled. The maid came to find Yan Fei: "Miss, Mr. Fujita's car is waiting outside." Yan Fei stood up, and her hand was held by Zhan Feng. "Be sure to be careful!" He was concerned for her, but she did not need it; she gently withdrew her hand and shook her head: "Goodbye." She opened the door, then closed it again, her figure disappearing from Zhan Feng's sight. Zhan Feng stared at his hand for a long time, still feeling the warmth from Yan Fei's hand. He brought his hand to his nose and caught a hint of plum blossom fragrance.

He felt extremely ashamed. Indeed, it was merely a simple matter, just assisting in the transportation of production materials and antique collectibles for these business tycoons from Wusongkou to Chongqing by sea. However, due to the need to avoid the Japanese, it required careful consideration. He was so reckless that he got into a dispute and a brawl when two Japanese ruffians came to question him. He worried that his impulsiveness would lead to serious trouble. Yan Fei told him, "The goods are fine; fortunately, others were alert and pretended to be drinking and causing a ruckus, which prevented a major incident." This Miss Yan Fei, though only a year or two older than him, acted with much more decisiveness. He could see the cars that took her home at night and the flattering voices of those men. She was neither Guiyun nor Guifeng; she was truly a talented and resourceful individual cultivated in this bustling area. He could see the cars that took her home at night and the flattering voices of those men. She was popular, not only at the Palais de Danse but also in the hearts of the men surrounding her, living a lively and colorful life.

Yan Fei smiled sadly, realizing that she truly lacked the fate and intellect of Diao Chan. This Lü Bu was composed and showed no signs of weakness. However, her godfather mentioned that over time, he would reveal his true nature, and she was responsible for reporting which paintings and calligraphy this Japanese man had viewed with her. This was also basic information required by the higher-ups, so she could not back out. Nevertheless, accompanying him to buy antiques had its advantages; he was well-versed in many historical anecdotes of China. While wandering through the antique market, he would recount those stories about the antiques and paintings in a continuous stream, citing references without pause. At that moment, his words seemed to increase slightly. People like him, as she remembered, were not talkative and preferred silence. The Mitsubishi car finally stopped by a small road next to the City God Temple. Upon getting out of the car, it appeared that the Japanese man wanted Yan Fei to lead the way, but in reality, it was the Japanese man who guided Yan Fei all the way to an antique shop called "Wanzi Zhai" near the Nine-Bend Bridge by the City God Temple. Balding Yamada seemed to recognize the shop owner right away and walked straight into the store, heading towards a plump gentleman in a long gown. That plump gentleman appeared to want to turn and escape, but it was already too late, as Yamada called out to him: "Haha! Boss Wan, we are back!"

"I have made up my mind. In a few days, there will be a letter sent home, and someone in Chongqing will help me send it back home." "Chongqing?" "Yes, there is a group of people there. It is impossible for me to handle this alone; it requires the collective effort of many people to accomplish this task." Guiyun, feeling anxious, couldn't help but ask, "I really don't know what you are doing. I am feeling restless and on edge."

Yamada disdainfully remarked, "Your singing is quite good! But it cannot compare to the singing of our country's Li Xianglan!" Fujita Tomoya, seemingly deep in thought, looked at Yan Fei, who also smiled faintly, lost in her own thoughts. He asked, "Then may I have the honor of inviting Miss Yan Fei to watch this film together?" Yan Fei tilted her face slightly and replied with a smile, "I couldn't ask for more." However, they ultimately did not go to the Daguangming Theater. After Yamada left tactfully, they had only walked to the end of Nanjing Road when they saw a large group of students marching with flags, blocking the road. It was the university students of Shanghai who were parading. The boys were all dressed in neat black Zhongshan suits, while the girls wore blue short jackets and black skirts, creating a solemn color scheme of black and blue. Each of them had a serious expression, holding banners and waving flags, surging forward as cars made way for them.

He said, "I can't think. I have to go." She was filled with hatred; upon hearing his helpless words, she struck him hard with her palm. He was hit, neither dodging nor moving, only saying, "You can hate me fiercely! It's my fault! But I still have to go. Alone." He held her hand that had struck him, then let go. Yet she refused to release him, even though her heart was rapidly freezing, cold enough to ache painfully. She said, word by word, "I truly wish I had never met you!" To her surprise, he replied, "Xiao Yan, just pretend you never knew me. Knowing me is of no benefit to you." He grasped her beautiful face, but she would not let go, even though her heart was rapidly freezing, cold enough to ache painfully. She repeated, word by word, "I truly wish I had never met you!" He said again, "Xiao Yan, just pretend you never knew me. Knowing me is of no benefit to you." He held her beautiful face, the handsome youth's face under the sunlight, clearly as unyielding as iron. She cried, stamped her foot, and tightly squeezed his hand: "You are deceiving me; you refuse to tell me anything about *Tu* and *Shu*! You have been lying to me all along."

Zhan Feng smiled: "You have always been the one closest to my heart." "I have always been your accomplice, deceiving others on your behalf." "Although it is still safe here, we cannot stay for long; you should leave early!" Gui Yun nodded: "I will come to see you again in a few days." Zhan Feng also nodded and then asked: "What about Miss Xie—" his eyes lowered, pausing for a moment. "What happened to Xiao Yan?" Gui Yun asked. Zhan Feng raised his eyes: "It's nothing, you should go home first!" "Alright." Gui Yun looked around the room again. The white velvet curtains were tightly drawn, the bed and furniture were all made of mahogany, but decorated entirely with white silk and satin, making it truly resemble a hospital, contrasting interestingly with the previous red room. The environment was naturally better than his own modest Shikumen house, and he could rest here with peace of mind. Upon leaving, he closed the door carefully. Yan Fei was sitting in a lounge chair by the window in the depths of the corridor, her back to the light outside, her entire body shrouded in darkness. She stretched her hand above her eyes, playing with her fingers. As Gui Yun approached, she lowered her hand: "Look, this little villa is mine now." Gui Yun silently watched Yan Fei, not responding. Yan Fei continued to speak to herself: "That night, he came running covered in blood, which really startled me. He must have been too scared to go home and frighten you all!"

Tomoya Fujita continued, "I wonder if Boss Wan has heard of Master Jianzhen's 'Thoughts on the Past'?" Boss Wan could not avoid the question and replied, "I have heard of it, but it is probably just hearsay; I have never seen the real thing." After saying this, he waved his sleeve and added, "Today is my child's full moon celebration, and I am urgently needed at home. I truly apologize! I must take my leave!" He then quickly exited the shop, fearing that someone might catch up with him.

The tone was mournful, stirring a deep sadness in Guiyun's heart. She held her shoulders tightly and kept saying, "Xiao Yan, we will always be friends, forever!" "Mm." Yan Fei obediently replied in a soft voice, "When I get tired, I will stop. Don't worry!" She turned and picked up a piece of blue silk from the windowsill, saying, "This piece of silk, I found it to be a rich blue, so I specially bought it for you. We are good friends, so you don't need to thank me for it!"

Yamada glanced at Yan Fei and then at Fujita Tomoya, squinting his eyes and smiling: "Miss Xie is right after all." He then self-satisfactorily encouraged the man: "There’s a new movie showing at the Daguangming Theater this morning." Yan Fei laughed and said: "Is it the one starring Zhao Dan, 'Street Angel'? The young girl in it sings 'Song of the Four Seasons' beautifully!"

On that day, a certain newspaper featured a prominent report titled "Increase in Military Installations in Northeast, Suspected Strengthening of Japanese Military Armament". At the bottom corner, it included a small decorative note: "Cotton Spinning Tycoon Breaks Off Old Romance, Parting with the Belle of the Dance Hall in a Western-style Building". The report concealed the true names, referring to them as Mr. Wang and Miss Xie from the Red Pavilion. It stated that Mr. Wang had parted ways with his beautiful confidante, Miss Xie, and generously gifted her a small Western-style building at the time of their separation.

She had no choice but to turn her face back to look at the Japanese man beside her, who had a mysterious identity. His name was Tomoya Fujita, a scholar who graduated from the Sinology program at the University of Tokyo. This was all she could know; her godfather had only provided her with this information. The remaining details were left as her task. She was to get to know him at the Belle Époque dance competition. This competition was a tedious event instigated by bored dancers, and she participated out of sheer boredom, knowing that she would inevitably take the top spot in the end.

Guiyun asked, "What exactly are you and Zhanfeng doing?" Yanfei extended a finger to her lips, shaking her head with a half-smile, "Don't worry, what Zhanfeng is doing isn't that dangerous; it's just his impulsiveness that got him into this trouble!" There was indeed a hint of reproach. Guiyun felt a surge of anxiety, "Are you all involved in these dangerous activities?" Tears could no longer be held back and began to well up, prompting her to hastily wipe them away.

Yan Fei simply took Gui Yun's hand and said, "Alright, I will go up and get the things for you. I remember well what I owe you, and I would never dare to forget it." Without further ado, she pulled her upstairs. Upon reaching the second floor, Gui Yun called out, "Yan Fei." Yan Fei shot her a glare, silencing her. They ascended to the third floor and stopped in front of the room opposite where she had changed clothes. Yan Fei reached out, pushed the door open, and led her inside. Yan Fei shot her a glare, silencing her. They ascended to the third floor and stopped in front of the room opposite where she had changed clothes. Yan Fei reached out, pushed the door open, and led her inside.

It was only at night that he saw her sitting alone on the leather sofa in the living room, a slender cigarette held between her fingers, enveloped in a haze. He thought of the kindness she had shown him and wanted to alleviate her boredom: "If you have anything that troubles you, feel free to tell me!"

On that night, he was brought home by two colleagues, covered in blood. He shook his head, unwilling to return home and frighten his parents. Boss Wang decided to bring him here. Yan Fei, wearing a white silk nightgown, descended the stairs with sleepy eyes, her hair disheveled, rubbing her eyes like a lost little girl, appeared before him. Yet, she was there to save him. She quickly composed herself and instructed the people in the living room: "Carry him to the room on the third floor, clean up the blood at the door, and call Boss Wang's private doctor." Her demeanor was orderly and calm. Unlike him, who, when provoked, would erupt in anger, disrupting a well-laid plan and causing himself and his colleagues to get hurt.

Until her godfather finally reminded her that this Japanese gentleman had acquired many ancient calligraphies and paintings from renowned collectors in Shanghai, which had already raised the vigilance of the Ministry of Culture, yet no substantial details had been uncovered. She understood her godfather's intention; all she could do was leverage his fondness for her to further her role as a companion—accompanying him to explore Shanghai's antique market and subtly probing for information. In truth, they did not uncover much. Although they gradually engaged in more conversation among peers, the topics remained limited to antiques, dancing, and the sleepless city of Shanghai. She understood her godfather's intention; all she could do was leverage his fondness for her to further her role as a companion—accompanying him to explore Shanghai's antique market and subtly probing for information. In truth, they did not uncover much. Although they gradually engaged in more conversation among peers, the topics remained limited to antiques, dancing, and the sleepless city of Shanghai.

Although he did not suffer any critical injuries, the excessive bleeding left him in a daze for many days. Every morning, she would sit by his hospital bed, holding medicine in her hand to feed him. A faint scent of plum blossoms lingered around her, softening the bitterness of the medicine. A subtle hint of sarcasm played at the corners of her lips: "If you are so easily flustered and cannot even handle simple matters, how can you accomplish great things?"

Guiyun first learned from a tabloid that Yanfei had come from the Palais de Danse, a famous dance hall. During their last meeting, Yanfei did not mention it, and she did not inquire further. Now, however, she found out about it from the newspaper, feeling anxious and unsettled. Qinggu, upon seeing the newspaper, became distressed again and exclaimed to the manager Du: "I originally thought Boss Wang was a very upright person, but now it seems he is also involved with women from the dance halls. It is inevitable that Zhanfeng will be influenced negatively by him." Manager Du, already troubled by recent events, responded impatiently: "Don't worry about things that are none of your business; who can clearly explain the matters of the scene?" Noticing her husband dismissing her concerns, Qinggu turned to Guiyun: "You must be careful; this little Yan girl has changed a lot. With such a background, it is hard to be straightforward and clear. Our family cannot afford to get involved with such people." Guiyun wanted to argue but found it difficult to do so. This time, Qinggu indeed continued: "Although Miss Xie is your old friend, it is not good to keep bothering her. You—go and come back quickly!"

A lady smiled and said, "Xiao Xie, you haven't been softened up by me, have you? Are you making excuses to avoid this round?"

Yan Fei took a handkerchief out of the pocket of her pajamas to wipe away Gui Yun's tears: "Silly girl, were you scared by my words!"

As Yan Fei closed his eyes and opened them again, he had already walked ahead with strong, confident strides. The day he parted ways was just as sunny as today, the sun beating down until one felt faint. He hurried away, and she quickly followed, tightly grasping his arm to prevent him from leaving. He said, "I can't quit, I really can't! I'm tormented to death, and I can't concentrate on my studies! What do you want me to do?" As he spoke, his eyes reddened; she had never seen him with red eyes before. "Why, why? I'm doing this for your own good!" she pleaded hoarsely in defense of herself. He repeated, "I can't quit, I really can't! I'm tormented to death, and I can't concentrate on my studies! What do you want me to do?" His eyes reddened again, and she had never seen him like this. "Why, why? I'm doing this for your own good!" she cried out in desperation. "Yes, yes, yes, it's my lack of willpower, Xiao Yan. I don't know why I lose my resolve when I'm with you! I hate myself for being around you." He voiced his anguish loudly, but his distress cut deeply into her heart. She then released his arm, her mind a blur, only able to ask in confusion, "How have I harmed you? How could I possibly harm you?"

"Hello! Boss Wan!" Yamashita called out. Fujita Tomoya replied coldly, "Let it be as it is!" "But I heard that this calligraphy was handled by him!" "There is no need to rush; show sufficient sincerity in your purchase, and there will surely be unexpected gains." Yan Fei suddenly interjected from the side, "What is meant to be yours will ultimately be yours. If it is not yours, no amount of force will change that."

There were leaders at the forefront chanting slogans: "Drive the Japanese army out of the Northeast, and vow not to be a slave to a fallen nation!" "Boycott Japanese goods, resolutely resist Japan!" "Oppose the policy of non-resistance, send troops to fight Japan!" "Return our rivers and mountains, restore our China!" The clamor surged like the tide of the Huangpu River, each wave higher than the last. Passersby naturally understood the scene; it was a demonstration by students urging the government to send troops to resist Japan. Although their strength was small, their momentum was commendable; China still had strength, as there were still these university students, bright as the morning sun. Some passersby were inspired by the students and joined the ranks, raising their arms and shouting. The once uniform-colored group now had many mixed colors, yet remained orderly, marching in unison. Those who did not join the ranks stood by the sides, watching, some applauding to encourage the students. "What is the last line of 'Song of the Four Seasons'?" Yan Fei asked. Fujita Tomoya remained silent, so Yan Fei sang: "Blood and flesh build the Great Wall!" "Breaking the old order and establishing new rules is not something everyone can understand the significant meaning of," Fujita Tomoya said. Those who did not join the ranks stood by the sides, watching, some applauding to encourage the students. "What is the last line of 'Song of the Four Seasons'?" Yan Fei asked. Fujita Tomoya remained silent, so Yan Fei sang: "Blood and flesh build the Great Wall!" "Breaking the old order and establishing new rules is not something everyone can understand the significant meaning of," Fujita Tomoya said.

She is Japanese! Her face instantly froze, her hatred can be buried very deep, yet it can also be revealed very lightly. She exerted herself in a frenzy, forcefully pushing his hand away. As she turned around, behind her stood the nephew of the French Concession's Inspector Yan, and she quickly supported him.

Boss Wan had no choice but to engage in small talk with Mr. Yamada: "Mr. Yamada, what brings you here again?" Mr. Yamada stepped forward and introduced, "This is Mr. Fujita, a renowned sinologist from my country." Boss Wan did not even glance at Fujita Tomoya and casually responded, "Please feel free to look around. If you find anything you like, just negotiate the price with our staff here." Fujita Tomoya took a step forward: "We have come this time to inquire about something from Boss Wan!" Boss Wan was initially going to decline, but upon hearing this, he felt it might not be a good thing, and his brows furrowed slightly. He casually responded again, "Please feel free to look around. If you find anything you like, just negotiate the price with our staff here." Fujita Tomoya stepped forward again: "We have come this time to inquire about something from Boss Wan!" Boss Wan was initially going to decline, but upon hearing this, he felt it might not be a good thing, and his brows furrowed slightly.

She said, "I don't want to watch a movie anymore." "Then I'll take you home," he replied. However, she walked away from the parade, heading in the direction of home. Strangely, Tomita Tomoya did not correct her; he followed her. She saw the setting sun gradually casting their shadows on the ground, intertwining together.

Yan Fei did not interface again; she was stunned, fixating on a fleeting figure in the crowd of marchers. That person wore a beige Zhongshan suit, held a flag, and raised a fist to shout. He was still as thin as before, but his hair had grown coarse, the original crew cut now thick and glossy. She thought that she might eventually see him again, but she did not wish for it to be at such a moment, a moment when he still stood tall and imposing.

Later, she accompanied Yan Xiaokai for a drive and unexpectedly ran into him several times at the Red House Western Restaurant and the Bund Park. On that occasion, when she went with Yan Xiaokai to the casino on Simalu, she encountered him again. That day, he was playing Pai Gow with Xiaokai, betting heavily. Undoubtedly, Yan Xiaokai lost terribly, returning home with a pale face, and forgot her at the casino. Fujita Tomoya approached her and said, "Miss Xie, please allow me to take you home!" He knew her surname was Xie, perhaps having heard it from the Palais de Danse. Later, rumors circulated in the collection circle of her godfather that a Ming Dynasty cursive script piece collected by the brother of Supervisor Yan had been lost in a bet by that incompetent Xiaokai. Yan Xiaokai was strictly managed by his family and sent abroad. Meanwhile, this Japanese man gradually increased his visits to her. He was a silent dancer, waiting for her to change the music, dancing a couple of steps to the tune, then inviting her for a couple of drinks, usually red wine. After they had a good time, he would take his leave. He never once asked her to stay the night. Her attitude towards him was somewhat indifferent, neither close nor distant. Perhaps, as the circle suggested, this handsome Japanese man, seemingly from a well-off family, was indeed pursuing her.