05
The car sped along the roads of the capital, Palermo, swaying past Baroque-style monuments, slums with clothes hanging out to dry, and churches built from massive stones, either grand or simple. Between the buildings, there are vast expanses of jungle and vegetation. Lemon trees, palm trees, and unknown wildflowers blanket the hills. Abandoned factories and housing are ubiquitous throughout the city. In other places, one might inevitably feel a sense of regret at the shattered beauty. However, here in Sicily, the dilapidated bell towers and solitary churches make everything feel remarkably natural.
In life, there are many such travelers who appear for a moment and then depart, only to be replaced by new individuals. There is no need to feel sad about it
Jianan chuckled softly: "Alright, I will do my best"
Mr. Chen, someone has accessed your itinerary email
After he finished speaking, he scratched his head and said to her half-seriously: "Don't you think that having such an excellent tour guide like me for free is something you should be grateful for, and you shouldn't be making a face as if I owe you five million?"
Jianan turned her gaze away somewhat dejectedly, and she simply realized with despair... that until this moment, there still existed something she did not want to admit... nostalgia
Because we are going to a peculiar place
She suddenly began to tremble uncontrollably, quickened her pace, and rushed out of the long corridor without looking back
Xu Jianan was momentarily taken aback, her memory in a brief state of confusion. Was it a honeymoon?
Of course! she said with a smile
"Oh, this is postponed to..." Chen Suining pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Let's push it back for now; I still need to stay here for two more days"
Would you like to change your password
Off-screen, he held her as they sat together on the soft sofa; she remarked how handsome Marlon Brando was, but he turned her face towards him and kissed her deeply, then slightly pulled away with a smile and asked, "What about me?"
The third installment of The Godfather takes place in the United States. Berlin dismissively remarks, "It has long been gone."
In this world, there are only two people who know this password
Sitting in the taxi, I gaze at this city through fleeting lights and shadows; the morning in Rome is exceptionally tranquil. At this moment, there is no clamor, no human voices—precisely speaking, apart from the desolation, there is nothing. Enveloped in a light layer of mist, it resembles a beautiful woman still in a light slumber.
She hurried back to the airport and, exhausted, sat down at the entrance. Shen Rong called again, asking if she had boarded the plane. Jian Nan forced a smile and said, "I am still waiting for the flight; it can take off once the volcanic ash clears."
"Uh, have you ever killed someone? Or have I been traveling with a murderer all this time?" Berlin blinked in disbelief.
Jianan exited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and received a call from her home country. Calculating the time, it was late at night there, which made her feel a sense of unease
The child's small body curled up, still in the safest position, one hand resting under his head, as if immersed in a beautiful dream. Most of the time, he is asleep, occasionally disturbed by the footsteps of passersby. Perhaps his soul has already floated in mid-air, still gazing down at this world with innocent happiness.
She understands her father too well; the family has a health care doctor. He is so strong-willed that he would never give up work and be hospitalized unless he truly could not hold on any longer. Moreover, this call was personally made by Shen Rong
Near the port of Amsterdam, the sun hid behind the clouds, gradually sinking into the horizon of the sea, while the alluring mist slowly transformed into a deep ash gray. Chen Suining stood behind the floor-to-ceiling window, squinting as he observed it all
Uh?
Alright. The assistant did not ask further questions, quickly noted it down, and then asked, "Just to confirm with you, tomorrow's itinerary is to Finland..."
It was only upon arriving at the station that I realized she was not the only one who thought this way
The water and bread sent by the staff were almost inedible, and Jiana, thinking of her father's illness, became anxious and restless. As time passed by minute and second, more and more people gathered at the airport, layers of despair and disappointment surged forth. She understood very clearly that even if the weather suddenly improved at this moment, she might not be able to board the plane immediately.
"Have you ever killed someone?" Xu Jianan said somewhat abruptly, shielding her eyes from the glaring sunlight with her hand, a layer of unusual redness on her cheeks
As for her child... it had not even had the chance to see the world for a moment before it was reduced to a pool of flesh and blood
Putting down the phone, Chen Suining returned to his study, opened his computer, and casually browsed through his emails. After a moment, he opened his inbox with interest, patiently typed in an address, and then sent it
Berlin did not respond: "What about you?"
In the scene, the men's cheeks are slightly taut. In the previous moment, they were embracing their partners in a lively ball, their figures spinning; in the next moment, the magazines are already filled with ammunition, poised and ready to fire
On both sides are mummies, both male and female. They are dressed in various garments from their lifetimes, with some silk and satin torn, and their top hats hanging askew. They lean against the walls, striking poses in a variety of actions. Some are comical, while others are somewhat terrifying
Xu Jianan suddenly stopped in front of a small transparent coffin, bowed his head, and thoughtfully gazed at the two-year-old child inside.
And for all of this, she is very grateful to the new friend she met in Italy
This thought was like a gentle breeze, passing by in an instant, and the smile at the corner of Berlin's mouth deepened slightly: "Have you seen 'The Godfather'?"
Xu Jianan felt as if her mind had exploded with a loud bang
Mr. Chen Suining, the CEO of OME, arrived in Europe the day before yesterday and will sign technology transfer agreements with several technology companies... There are also reports that Mr. Chen is very interested in acquiring a well-established European powerhouse that has just gone public...
That strange and distant sense of dependence suddenly surged back, and although it made her feel frustrated and ashamed, at this moment, she missed that man who made her feel invincible a long time ago
The next day, the two set off together for Sicily
He suddenly felt a surge of impulse, wanting to reach out and gently entwine a bundle with his fingertips
Berlin watched her finish a full serving and said seriously, "Are you sure you can digest that?"
She did not deliberately calculate the time spent on her travels, but by the time she arrived in the Netherlands, she was no longer the same as when she first came. Back then, she was pale and fragile, but now her complexion is much darker than before, and she appears healthier. She can skillfully buy champagne roses at the market in the town using her somewhat unrefined English, and she can eat French goat cheese, which she originally detested, without showing any signs of discomfort.
The lively and cheerful sunlight outside cannot penetrate the warmth here in the least. This convent is renowned worldwide for its crypt. Berlin walks ahead of her, seemingly well-versed in the history of this place, speaking eloquently, and does not forget to turn back to reassure her: "In fact, it is not frightening"
The flight route information is scrolling on the electronic screen, indicating that several routes are temporarily closed due to the eruption of a volcano in Iceland
Upon arriving at the airport, I discovered that the waiting hall was crowded with people
The airplane landed on the island of Upper Sicily
Although it has long been known that the Mafia organization has cunningly vanished from this place, Sicily presents a peaceful scene to the world. How could Xu Jianan forget those scenes?
Are you leaving?" Jian Nan turned her head to look at him, feeling an inexplicable sense of attachment in her heart
That is the movie he watched together with her
The embassy's phone is always busy, and the information online is chaotic. Some say flights will start to resume within three days, while others claim it will take at least half a month. Xu Jianan, feeling anxious, stood up, intending to go to the restroom to splash some water on his face to wake himself up, but his gaze suddenly caught a glimpse of a small rolling news item.
The caller was Shen Rong, whose tone was quite calm. He first inquired about her whereabouts, then said: "Miss, the gentleman has been hospitalized. If possible, you should return as soon as you can."
Is he also in Europe
Berlin pointed to a restaurant and said, "You will like the desserts here"
Xu Jianan smiled, turning her head to see the scattered light and shadows in the streets and alleys, strewn all over the ground. She slowly said, "So that's how it is"
The culinary style of Sicily is akin to the character of the entire island, blending various traits yet remaining unique and unforgettable. The caviar is exceptionally delicious, and the combination of tuna and scallops offers a smooth texture. Finally, the ice cream pie—made from snow brought from Mount Etna on the other side of the island, mixed with lemon juice and coffee—has a soft and refreshing quality, with a sweet, honey-like taste that glides across the palate. The caviar is exceptionally delicious, and the combination of tuna and scallops offers a smooth texture. Finally, the ice cream pie—made from snow brought from Mount Etna on the other side of the island, mixed with lemon juice and coffee—has a soft and refreshing quality, with a sweet, honey-like taste that glides across the palate
And she, likewise, must be strong
Cappuccino Convent
I will go and book the flight right away
This river flows quietly and gently, appearing like an emerald cascade in the half-light of the weather. The Tiber may not be as renowned as the Seine, yet this river undoubtedly nourished the glorious Christian civilization during the Middle Ages, while also sweeping away all heretical believers who were detrimental to the Pope, their bodies drifting down from upstream as a deterrent, warning the living.
His voice echoed down the long corridor, as if there were an echo: "Walking here, one might feel that the boundary between life and death is essentially just this little bit. We are watching them; who knows if they are watching us?"
Even domestic portal websites are sparing no effort in reporting this news: European air traffic paralysis, tourists stranded at airports, and the resumption of flights is nowhere in sight
Hmm. He set down the cup, his gaze somewhat somber
For a few seconds, Jianan felt dizzy, and then she told herself not to think too much about it—perhaps he forgot to change the password, or maybe he simply didn't care at all
The car drove west all the way until it stopped by a main road
Once upon a time ... ... In the past ... ... Jiana suddenly made up her mind, opened an email account, and entered her username and password. Then, unexpectedly, the page redirected successfully
When Xu Jianan set off on her journey alone, she encouraged herself in this way
Berlin gradually retracted the smile at the corners of her lips, merely glancing at her a few times in curiosity, before finally averting her gaze, stretching lazily, and responding off-topic: "I really wish I could just stay on vacation like this..."
She fell silent, seemingly recalling something, slightly lowering her head, yet her response was off-topic: "Will there still be the Mafia on Sicily?"
The car drove along the river, startling the cawing crows. Berlin suddenly said: "This is the Tiber River"
I am not in a hurry to go back. I want to visit Northern Europe. Xu Jianan said somewhat wistfully
Go and see the aurora! Berlin is not sad about the impending farewell, and with great enthusiasm, it is said, "As for us, we can still meet when we return home, right?"
Indeed, she has tasted the boundaries between life and death, as well as the experience that Chen Suining has given her, which is worse than death
Jianan's heart sank as she squeezed into the information desk, where the weary staff were repeatedly saying "sorry." She emerged from the crowd and saw in a corner of the airport that staff were transporting military beds in large quantities. She could no longer find a place to sit, so she had no choice but to sit on her suitcase and open her laptop
Bathed in the afternoon sunlight of Sicily, Xu Jianan gradually restrained her trembling. She recalled Berlin's words, "The boundary between life and death is essentially just this little bit..."
The flight ticket was booked by the hotel, and it is for an early morning flight tomorrow. Jiana had a restless night, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. The next day, she woke up to suddenly bad weather, with even the sun no longer making an appearance. She took a taxi straight to Amsterdam Airport, and the port city appeared gloomy, as if a storm was about to hit.
She asked in a somewhat incoherent manner what illness it was and whether it was serious. Shen Rong simply stated that it was a mild stroke and that she need not worry too much
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, yet she still could not help but click it open
He gazed at her half-seriously and complimented, "You look better when you smile"
Closing the computer, the smile at the corner of Chen Suining's lips carried a hint of coolness: "I am looking forward to seeing you here... Xu Jianan."
The remnants of reason and pride compelled her to quickly close the page. She took a deep breath and once again dialed the embassy's number, repeatedly telling herself, Xu Jianan, you must do this.
"No, I must do something..." As if to fend off the momentary weakness she had just experienced, Jianan hurriedly dragged her luggage out of the airport. Perhaps she could make it to Southern Europe before the volcanic ash arrived, and then find her way back home.
Bolin was wearing a cotton shirt, gray trousers with light-colored suspenders, and casually threw on a thick jacket. The wind blew in through the gaps of the taxi, causing Xu Jianan's long hair to flutter wildly. She turned her head to look out the window, and a few strands fell across his face, causing a slight itch.
"No, not for now." His long fingers loosened the tie, and a hint of a nearly cold smile appeared at the corners of his lips
He had just returned after signing the contract when, it seemed, he had only rested for a moment before receiving a call from his assistant
The scene was bustling with crowds, reminiscent of the domestic Spring Festival travel rush. Jianan stood in despair at the end of the line, until a kind-hearted tourist informed her that at this moment, most airports in various countries to the south were also closed, and it would be better to wait at this airport instead.
Jianan's smile deepened at the corners of her mouth as she imitated him, putting her hands in her pockets: "I’m just asking casually"
Hello, are you okay