When Tan Saihu stepped into the small building of the Liu family in Phoenix Manor, it came as a surprise and brought a sense of delight to the members of the Liu family.

    “Mr. Tan, where have you been making your fortune these past few years? Just leaving and arriving without a word, not even giving a heads-up,” Yang Xuehua said as she placed the freshly brewed tea in front of Tan Saihu. Her tone was a mix of reproach and hospitality.

    “Saihu, didn’t I tell you? How could you dismantle a perfectly good family? No matter how much money you make, what’s the point? These newcomers who suddenly walk into your life, can they really walk with you till the end?” Lui Chunyu had been shuttling back and forth between Moon City and Chuxian County, and he had also heard some rumors about Tan Saihu.

    “It’s a long story, really hard to sum up in a few words. I’ll have a chance to talk to you about it, Lao Bo.” Tan Saihu took the tea cup that Yang Xuehua had handed to him and greeted Lui Chunyu.

    “Saihu, my brother, stay a while longer. I’ll stir-fry a couple more vegetables, and we’ll be ready for the meal.” Su Hua intermittently darted from the kitchen to the living room, looking after Tan Saihu as he was both her family’s childhood friend and a big boss. She was worried that the two elderly people couldn’t take care of everything. At this moment, she wiped her hands on her apron, picked up a banana from the coffee table, peeled it, and handed it to Tan Saihu who was seated on the sofa.

    “Now that I’m here, I’ve made Sister-in-law cook for me. I really feel embarrassed. Actually, wouldn’t it be more convenient for us to eat out? How about Little Yong helps Uncle Tan find a place?” Tan Saihu took the peeled banana from Su Hua while seeking Liu Yong’s opinion.

    “Uncle Tan, why don’t you have lunch at home today? If you’re not leaving, then you can treat us to a meal at ‘Moon City International’ or ‘Moon City Jinling. ’ I know Uncle Tan isn’t short of money, right?” Maybe it had been a few months,  but the wounds in Liu Yong’s heart had healed slightly. Perhaps it was the effective  “ancient method” his grandfather used, or maybe it was the blessing of his late  great-grandfather from the heavens. Since returning from his hometown in Xianghe,  Liu Yong’s demeanor had gradually improved. While not as brash as before, that  dash of handsome charm had returned to his eyebrows and eyes. He spent his days  meeting with friends, singing at KTV, and tirelessly pursuing his initial dreams.  This unexpected visit from Tan Saihu brought a genuine sense of delight to him, as  perhaps Uncle Tan could help him realize his dreams.

    “You, this child, why are you starting to tease Uncle Tan again? Alright, help Mom with the bowls and chopsticks, let’s get ready to eat.” Su Hua emerged from the kitchen once again, having taken off her apron. Seeing two brocade boxes on the coffee table, she knew Tan Saihu had brought them and said with a smile, “Brother Saihu, you knowhow stubborn Chengyin can be. You better take these brocade boxes with you, or else Sister-in-law won’t let you stay for dinner.”

    “Look at what your sister-in-law is saying, what nonsense. To be honest with  you, this time I didn’t bring any money or gifts for you and Secretary Chengyin.  These two boxes don’t contain any ‘gifts’; they’re more like my ‘sincere thoughts. ’ In one box, there are two pieces of aged ginseng, for Uncle and Aunt to nourish  their bodies – it’s quite effective. In the other box, there’s ‘Liao ginseng.’ I heard  that Yong hasn’t been feeling well recently, so it’ll help him replenish his health.” Tan Saihu spoke with genuine sincerity, making the family feel too embarrassed  to refuse. Truth be told, Tan Saihu’s relationship with the Liu family was indeed  extraordinary. When Lui Chengyin was in charge of Chuxian County, Tan Saihu had  already formed deep connections with the people in this household.

    “Suhua, let’s eat first. We’ll talk about these ‘ginseng’ matters later. Today, I have to challenge my nephew in a few rounds of drinking,” Lui Chunyu said as he set the bottles and glasses on the dining table. When Suhua and Tan Saihu were discussing the “gifts” earlier, Lui Chunyu had already prepared the alcohol for the meal.

    “Hey, I also need to explain to everyone here that this time, coming to your Lui family’s door, I’m not here to see Secretary Lui. I actually have a legitimate matter to discuss with Yong, a project we can cooperate on.” At this moment, Tan Saihu finally revealed the true purpose of his visit. He was also afraid that when Lui Chengyin returned from work, there would be complications.

    “My dad is away for a meeting at the provincial office; he won’t be back for a few days. Uncle Tan, do you really have something to discuss with me? I was actually planning to make a special trip to the northeast, but now you’re here, I can save on travel expenses.” Liu Yong seemed to have an inkling of what Tan Saihu wanted to talk about, and he was quite excited about it.

    “If you’re going to the northeast, and Uncle Tan doesn’t cover everything, that would be underestimating me, wouldn’t it? It would be quite laughable,” Tan Saihu lightly patted Liu Yong. Now that he had grown into a young man, it wasn’t as casual for him to pat Liu Yong like before. “Yong, let’s eat first. We’ll talk about our matters after the meal. I haven’t tasted dishes cooked by your mom for a long time.”

    “Sure! Grandpa, I want to join Uncle Tan for a drink today too,” Liu Yong proactively requested from Liu Chunyu.

    Liu Yong and “Uncle Tan” engaged in a lively conversation about his dreams after graduation. He wanted to establish an entertainment company and had already come up with a name, “New Force.” When Tan Saihu heard this, he repeatedly praised the idea and wholeheartedly promised his full support. This thrilled Liu Yong. He invited “Uncle Tan” to a KTV establishment closely tied to him, providing a carefree and unrestrained space for the man who had been away from home for a while. The captivating and enchanting women inside were colorful and dreamlike, exuding allure and charm. Fortunately, Tan Saihu was a “worldly-wise” person and had a broader perspective. He was focused on deep collaboration with his young nephew and didn’t get caught up in these details.

    With Tan Saihu’s strong support, Liu Yong quickly became busy with the establishment of the company. He juggled running errands at various government departments to complete business registration, while also managing the recruitment of staff, selecting locations, and overseeing interior decoration. Throughout these processes, Tan Saihu utilized his resources in Moon City to assist. Liu Yong and Uncle Tan interacted frequently with department heads and engaged in social events to establish connections. They also encountered various people interested in participating in the “New Force” company, leading to increased opportunities to visit bars and KTV establishments.

    As long as the climate and soil were suitable, Liu Yong’s “l(fā)ittle prince” nature thrived. Carrying a soft coffee-colored small leather bag, meticulously groomed hair, and shining leather shoes, he confidently accompanied “Uncle Tan” in and out of departments and clubs, whether in public or private settings. He seemed to be in his element, as comfortable as a fish in water, as at ease as a dragon in the sea. The page with Suzhou girl Tian Yueyue seemed to have been torn out of his mind. Time always moves forward, whether you tear off your calendar or not. Days won’t stop and wait for you. Staring at an expired calendar, what’s the point? Just tear it off. This is how Liu Yong convinced himself, and it’s how “Uncle Tan” advised Liu Yong.

    In recent days, Liu Yong also learned about some aspects of “Uncle Tan’s” situation in the northeast. While it’s true that Tan Saihu’s wealth had grown  significantly over the years in the northeast – not just an ordinary growth, but the  kind that was close to “bursting” – Liu Yong also openly shared with him that he  didn’t know exactly how many “green hats” he wore on his head. This was because  the woman, Shen Yan, who grew up in the northern region, quickly lost interest in  Tan Saihu’s seemingly gentle and refined southern demeanor. The significant cultural  and family background differences caused Shen Yan’s initial infatuation with Tan  Saihu, which began from their encounter on the train, to wane rapidly. Soon, her  interest in him altogether dissipated. Of course, Shen Yan regretted getting married  hastily to Tan Saihu. However, in her view, marriage certificates could be obtained  and dissolved easily – both getting married and getting divorced weren’t particularly  difficult. Furthermore, it wasn’t the first time she had gotten married, nor was it the  first time she had gotten divorced.

    However, when Shen Yan thought about playing the “divorce” game with Tan Saihu again, Deputy Commander Shen’s eyes glared angrily. What’s the joke? Did she think they were playing house in kindergarten? Changing one little notebook here might not seem like a big deal, but the Shen family would lose tens of millions because of it. This situation left Shen Yan in a difficult spot. She knew that Tan Saihu had been doing well in business since coming to the northeast, and her father had lent a helping hand. However, she hadn’t realized her father had practically entrusted her future to this new son-in-law from the south. Nor had she anticipated that Tan Saihu would adapt so quickly to the northern environment and establish his own successful endeavors. Now, breaking away from him was proving to be quite challenging.

    However, Shen Yan desired more than just the smiling face of Chairman Mao in her life; she yearned for a man who was robust and vibrant. This man needed to embody the gentleness and sensitivity of a southern man while exuding the fiery passion and strength of a northern man. Essentially, she desired a hybrid of both northern and southern qualities. Deputy Commander Shen’s forceful intervention blocked her continued search, and she seemed to have no clever way to escape his grasp. Her only option was to take a detour, making Tan Saihu wear multiple “environmentally-friendly hats” in the process.

    As the saying goes, a tall tree attracts the wind. Tan Saihu sensibly perceived  that the situation both in the “front” and the “rear” wasn’t in his favor. In the “front,” there were individuals watching him closely, and he certainly didn’t want his bloated  wealth to “burst” in the northeast. In the “rear,” Shen Yan continued to fire signal  flares one after another, seemingly disregarding him as her husband. Even if the “hats” she sent him were as environmentally friendly and green as possible, Tan Saihu still  felt uncomfortable wearing them. Based on his assessment of the situation in both  the “front” and the “rear,” Tan Saihu recognized the need for a strategic shift. Liu  Yong provided him with a channel to implement this transition.

    Liu Yong’s “Moon City New Force Entertainment Company” was successfully registered and established. Tan Saihu contributed 2 million yuan and acted as a silent partner, while Liu Yong took on all responsibilities for the company’s operations and management. He had full authority for decision-making.

    In order to enhance the company’s visibility and market influence in Moon City, showcase Liu Yong’s personal image, and establish the “New Force” brand, Tan Saihu further invested an additional 1 million yuan to create a personalized solo concert for Liu Yong. Apart from carefully selecting each song to be performed, Liu Yong also gave his solo concert a poetic and meaningful name: “Moon Gaze from Willow-tips.”

    During this period, even though Liu Yong often accompanied Tan Saihu to various entertainment venues in Moon City, they seemed to be inseparable. Each time they moved through the alluring and glamorous environment, they pursued what they sought and enjoyed the pleasures, coming and going with a sense of fulfillment. In such places, Liu Yong’s advantages gradually surfaced. He quickly found a girl named Sweetie for “Uncle Tan,” a girl who happened to be the head hostess at a “KTV” establishment. Such matters were easily settled with a single word: money. Liu Yong was well aware that what Tan Saihu lacked was a woman who pleased him and money was not an issue. However, Tan Saihu was also a respectable figure with aspirations to expand his influence in Moon City and make a name for himself. He needed to tread carefully, as becoming too familiar with a group of “hostesses” everywhere he went could easily lead to gossip. Liu Yong understood that although Tan Saihu possessed ample skills and capabilities, if he didn’t get the right opportunity to showcase them in Moon City, it would all be in vain. Therefore, having a relatively fixed goal was of utmost importance.

    Liu Yong communicated this idea to “Uncle Tan” and received Tan Saihu’s  wholehearted approval. His young nephew had considered the matter quite  thoroughly. A man must never lose sight of the big picture due to something trivial.  The current situation was good, relatively stable. When Tan Saihu acknowledged Liu  Yong’s idea, Liu Yong further told him in a mysterious tone that this approach was  not only crucial but also necessary. In those environments, with those women, the  situation “in that regard” couldn’t be controlled by anyone. Many of them weren’t  clean, and it was highly likely that sooner or later, “Uncle Tan” might get “hit.” At  that point, it could become troublesome. Now, with Sweetie selected, it was different.  Liu Yong directly brought her into “New Power,” and everything was under control.  “Uncle Tan” could rest assured and need not worry about any potential issues in the  future. With this arrangement, they could also leverage the young girl’s ability to  interact with the outside world and utilize her strengths for “New Power.” She would  serve as a business manager, accompanying me during business hours and handling  internal affairs in the luxurious suite at Moon City International where “Uncle Tan” usually stayed. In the future, if there were any operational needs for “Uncle Tan,” as long as he said the word, I, Liu Yong, would certainly release the girl, allowing  Sweetie to step into the forefront and become General Manager Tan’s assistant and  secretary. What did “Uncle Tan” think about this plan?

    Amidst the neon lights and alluring fragrances, in a private room of a “KTV,” Tan Saihu raised his wineglass towards Liu Yong, who was seated opposite him.  With a crisp “clink” sound, the large-mouthed highball glasses of the two men  met. “I’m entrusting this matter entirely to you. Now that we’ve set our target, let’s  resolve it swiftly, before the night grows long and complicated dreams arise. What  do you say, little sweetheart?” Tan Saihu instructed Liu Yong while simultaneously  offering the wineglass to the girl named Sweetie, who was sitting on his lap.

    “Of course, I’ll follow Mr. Tan’s lead. From now on, I can consider myself having gained another family member in Moon City.” This woman had left a decent impression on Tan Saihu a few times. Despite her presence in such jovial surroundings, she still carried an air of purity, untouched by vulgarity, which was quite rare. Rumor had it that she hailed from the mountains of Anhui. What initially caught the attention of both Tan Saihu and Liu Yong was her melodious singing of Huangmei opera, resembling the song of a warbler – it was exquisite, melodious, pleasing, and intoxicating. Liu Yong’s selection of her as “Sweetie” was a true representation of his keen understanding of Tan Saihu’s preferences.

    As for his own emotional world, amid these days of intense revelry and  sensuality, Liu Yong was acutely aware of one thing: self-deception. The once  gentle and charming “l(fā)ittle bird” had flown away all of a sudden – how could he not  think about it? How could he simply forget? After a day of bustling about, when he  returned to his own small corner of the world and shed the facade of a “zombie,” he would listen to the rhythm of his own heartbeat in solitude. The pain felt like  thousands upon thousands of steel needles piercing the incessantly throbbing area –  an agony akin to being shot through the heart with countless arrows. Perhaps that’s  what it felt like. Where had that “l(fā)ittle bird” that once belonged to him flown to? Was  it still seeking, or had it found refuge in another’s embrace?

    Ever since Tan Saihu came to Moon City and helped Liu Yong establish the  “New Force,” Liu Yong started renting a house outside and living alone. After all,  he was engaged in a business venture that required interaction with various people,  so living in the Liu family’s small building was not very convenient. Moreover, his  identity didn’t quite match with this household. He understood his father better than  before; being a deputy secretary of the Municipal Party Committee wasn’t an easy  role. Although he couldn’t follow his father’s wishes to pursue an “official career” and continue the glory of the Liu family, he didn’t want to bring disgrace to the Liu  family, especially to his father’s reputation. He also wanted to avoid causing trouble  for this large family. In the future, he would be content as long as he could do  something he enjoyed. Whether there would be love, whether he could experience  a deep and unforgettable love again, and whether there would be another “Tian  Yueyue” appearing in his life – these were thoughtshe didn’t dare to entertain, let  alone hope for. He knew deep down that God was fair to everyone. God had once  favored him so much, sending an angelic girl to him. The result was that he hadn’t cherished her properly, had hurt her, and had let her down, losing her in the end. Now, how could he expect such a gift from God? Liu Yong was willing to focus his thoughts on the “New Force.” The most important thing at the moment was to perform well in the solo concert “Gazing at the Moon atop the Willow.” Just like the previously aborted solo concert “Moon over Willow,” this one was also prepared for the girl he loved. However, Liu Yong couldn’t be sure if his “Gazing at the Moon atop the Willow” would still resonate with the girl he loved.

    In the small building of the Liu family in Phoenix Garden, joyful laughter once again filled the air.

    When Liu Yong came back to share meals, he often brought his “Uncle Tan” along. Every time “Uncle Tan” visited, he would bring bags of goods, ranging from  seafood to products from the sea, and occasionally even nutritional supplements  for the elderly. In any case, he stuck to the rule he had set for himself when he first  stepped into the Liu family’s small building – he never gave Deputy Secretary Liu  any gifts. These everyday household items were just that, necessities. What was the  big deal? After all, he would also use them himself. As for the items for the elderly, it  was just a gesture of goodwill from a younger generation. Of course, these expenses  were not trivial, but to Tan Saihu, what did it matter? In his view, money was earned  to be spent. The money was truly his only when it was used up. All those extra  funds sitting in the safe were just pieces of “paper,” and whether they were in a bank  account or on a card, they were just sets of “numbers.” As the saying goes, “A great  merchant doesn’t worry about calculations.” When you’re involved in significant  endeavors, you need to have a broad mind, think long-term, and not be caught up in  minor details. Tan Saihu had emphasized this matter of “minor details” repeatedly  to Liu Yong. Everything had to be seamless, with only you, me, heaven, and earth  knowing about it.

    Since Tan Saihu arrived in Moon City, Liu Yong had been busy working tirelessly, his spirits soaring. This genuinely delighted Su Hua and Liu Chunyu, the elderly couple. Now it seemed that Liu Yong had finally overcome the difficulties he faced. After graduation, Liu Yong chose to start his own business, and his family didn’t object. The government had been advocating for young university students to step out of the campus gates, bravely embrace new challenges, and become a new driving force for societal progress. As the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Liu Chengyin couldn’t explicitly oppose this.

    Knowing that his childhood friend was there to support his son behind the scenes also brought him some peace of mind. Young people’s entrepreneurial enthusiasm deserved encouragement, but the path of entrepreneurship wasn’t an easy one. It required enduring various trials and setbacks. Now that Tan Saihu was considered a successful individual, Liu Yong following him should help him avoid some detours.

    Liu Chengyin naturally understood that Tan Saihu, his childhood friend, wouldn’t be content with just fooling around with Liu Yong. Engaging in ventures like the “New Force,” he was helping Liu Yong, his somewhat wayward son, overcome a certain hurdle. This was also helping Liu Chengyin himself and the entire Liu family. However, Tan Saihu hadn’t explicitly discussed this with him up to now, so there was no need for Liu Chengyin to bring it up either. They understood each other without needing to say it aloud. Opportunities would always arise.

    As the moonlight falls upon my face,

    Ifeel I’m about to change my ways.

    There’s a soup called heart-wrenching and lung-tearing,

    Drinking it grants a magical power.

    Closing my eyes,I see paradise,

    Where your laughter is concealed.

    I’ve evaded countless hunters’ guns,

    Chasing away the sorrows that crawled out of graves.

    For you, I’ve transformed into a werewolf-like appearance,

    For you, I’ve been tainted by madness.

    For you, I’ve donned thick layers of disguise,

    For you, I’ve changed my heart.

    Can we still meet again,

    I’ve been praying fervently before Buddha thousands of years,

    Willing to exchange countless lifetimes for our one lifetime of connection, Hoping to move the heavens.

    Can we still, can we still meet again,

    I’ve been praying fervently before Buddha thousands of years,

    Before Istep over this Naihe Bridge,

    Let me kiss your face once more.

    “A Glimpse of the Moon atop the Willow” - a solo concert by the emerging artist Liu Yong, was finally held at the Moon City Workers’ Cultural Palace. Due to the unfortunate cancellation of “Moon Over Willow” - a song and dance performance featuring Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue several months ago, coupled with the departure of Liu Yong’s beloved girlfriend, the anticipation for this solo concert and the debut of the “New Force” in Moon City reached an incredibly high level of attention.

    When Liu Yong emerged in front of the audience, clad in a black trench coat exuding an air of coolness, the combination of coldness and coolness triggered an immediate wave of cheers from the entire crowd. Especially for the girls who were defenseless against the allure of “handsome” and “cool,” their screams were incessant. “Liu Yong, I loveyou!” “Brother Yong, we love you!”

    Liu Yong’s opening song, “Praying to the Buddha,” was a mixture of powerful and vibrant tones interwoven with a deep sense of melancholy. As he sang, his eyes welled up with tears. It was as if he saw the familiar face from a distance, gazing at himself on the stage. At this moment, a voice echoed in his heart, “Yueyue, can we still, can we still meet again? Please, Yueyue, can you tell me? Can you tell me, Yueyue?”

    The girls and guys in the audience were sobbing uncontrollably. The entire venue was moved by Liu Yong’s singing – it was genuinely touching. It wasn’t just the teenagers who were left speechless with tears, but also a stylishly dressed, beautiful woman in the audience, who delicately wiped away tears from the corners of her eyes.

    “Ms. Qin, tissues. Here.” The young man sitting beside the woman referred to as “Ms. Qin” handed over a pack of tissues at the right moment.

    “Sorry, I was moved by your buddy’s singing.” This “Ms. Qin” was none other than Qin Xiaoyue, the chief editor of the Moon City Evening News, known for her beauty and talent. She had been brought to this Liu Yong’s solo concert by the young man beside her.

    Qin Xiaoyue took the tissues and quickly composed herself. Then she turned to the young man beside her and said, “Xiao Qian, if you have a chance, introduce me to ‘Young Master Liu’.” Qin Xiaoyue was well aware of Liu Yong’s background, so she jokingly referred to him as “Young Master Liu.” However, Liu Yong hadn’t been in Moon City for a very longtime, and being a young person, he hadn’t really entered Qin Xiaoyue’s usual social circle, so there hadn’t been an opportunity for them to meet. The young man addressed as “Xiao Qian” was Qian Tao, the Director of the Advertising Center at the Moon City Evening News. He was under Qin Xiaoyue’s leadership and often accompanied her, earning him the nickname “Qian wallet” because he was often seen by her side.

    During the recent period, as Liu Yong’s “New Force” planned its debut performance in Moon City, the local media’s advertising and promotional efforts surged. This increase inactivity also led to more interactions between Liu Yong and Qian Tao. For Qian Tao, if someone was willing to bring money to the Advertising Center of the Moon City Evening News, he was always warmly receptive. Moreover, when that person was the son of the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, his enthusiasm was even greater. Qian Tao was willing to accommodate any type of layout, timeslot, or design, unconditionally meeting their requests. If the conditions weren’t already met, he’d create the necessary conditions to fulfill their needs. After all, how else could he establish a camaraderie with Liu Yong?

    Qin Xiaoyue, a target pursued by many “hunters” in Moon City due to her cold elegance and aloofness, had earned the nickname “Moon in the Water.” Later on, unexpectedly, sparks flew between her and the “Little Prince” on the stage, leading her to chase after a touch of HongKong-style fashion. This was something even Qin Xiaoyue herself couldn’t have anticipated while she sat in the audience, listening to Liu Yong’s heartfelt performance.