Jinling Art Vocational College is situated by the Qinhuai River, beneath the

    Stone City. Despite being a vocational college, it boasts a history of nearly a century.

    The campus covers an area of over 700 acres, with a total student population exceeding 6,000. It offers more than 20 majors, including painting, sculpture, animation, photography, music, dance, performance, drama, film and television, art education, recording arts, broadcasting, and hosting. Everything here is quite distinct from Clear River High School.

    Upon entering the campus, Liu Yong felt a sense of novelty, much like a little fish swimming into the vast sea, a young foal stepping into an endless pasture, or a small bird soaring into the expansive blue sky.

    It’s not surprising that Liu Yong, who had just graduated from highschool, was at the age of youth and vitality. Although his father, Liu Chengyin, worked at the Provincial Committee’s Agricultural and Industrial Department, he and his mother, Su Hua, didn’t visit Nanjing frequently. In fact, Nanjing was just two words to him— unfamiliar. The feeling of novelty due to unfamiliarity is a common characteristic of young people. For Liu Yong, everything inside the campus of Jinling Art College felt novel,and this was entirely normal.

    In his memory, it was his father who visited Qingjiang more often to see him, his mother, his maternal grandparents, and paternal grandparents. Of course, they would also visit their ancestral home in Xianghe at least twice a year. One occasion was during the annual Qingming Festival when his father would take him and his mother to pay respects to their grandparents and, more importantly, to the ancestral fields in Xianghe to offer sacrifices to their great-grandfather. They would bring offerings, burn incense and paper money, and kowtow a few times, completing the ritual of worship. The other occasion was during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), when his father would again bring him and his mother to their grandparents’ home to celebrate and enjoy a family reunion.

    Because he and his mother usually lived with his maternal grandparents, during the New Year, they had to separate from his paternal grandparents. Therefore, in Liu Yong’s memory, this time of family reunion was never truly a complete reunion. It was a reunion for his paternal grandparents but a separation for his maternal grandparents. His parents seemed to have made efforts to bring all four elderly grandparents together for a real family reunion during the New Year. However, despite their efforts, it always ended in failure.

    When he was younger, Liu Yong couldn’t understand why his dearly loved paternal grandparents couldn’t spend the New Year together with his dearly loved maternal grandparents. After entering middle school, Liu Yong seemed to realize that his maternal grandparents lived in a three-story building, and he was unwilling to spend the New Year in the rural area with his paternal grandparents. On the other hand, his paternal grandparents, who believed in the saying “a thatched cottage of one’s own is better than a golden palace of another’s,” were not willing to leave their hometown and travel over a hundred miles to Qingjiang for any kind of family reunion.

    When he was younger, Liu Yong couldn’t understand why his dearly loved paternal grandparents couldn’t spend the New Year together with his dearly loved maternal grandparents. After entering middle school, Liu Yong seemed to realize that his maternal grandparents lived in a three-story building, and he was unwilling to spend the New Year in the rural area with his paternal grandparents. On the other hand, his paternal grandparents, who believed in the saying “a thatched cottage of one’s own is better than a golden palace of another’s,” were not willing to leave their hometown and travel over a hundred miles to Qingjiang for any kind of family reunion.

    The Liu and Su families were clearly from different backgrounds and social classes. However, due to Liu Chengyin’s outstanding achievements, he to some extent compensated for the gap in family background between him and Su Hua. Nevertheless, for Liu Chunyu and Su Youliang, the heads of theirrespective families, being polite when meeting each other was possible, but finding common ground was difficult. A farmer and a deputy county party secretary, they might share some common interests, but most of the time their interests were likely to be different.

    To put it in absolute terms, “similarity” is a coincidence, while “difference” is a certainty. If we were to express this “similarity” and “difference” in terms of a ratio, it’s highly likely to be 1:99.

    This destined the parents’ hopeful aspirations to fall short and their attempts at efforts to fail. For the grandparents and great-grandparents, their deep affection for their own grandchildren, whether they were from the paternal or maternal side, made perfect sense in the realm of moral principles and human kindness; as in-laws, occasionally sitting down for a meal or meeting each other was fine due to the ties of family affection. However, living together for seven or eight days, spending a holiday together, that became difficult, awkward, and uncomfortable for everyone. So, maintaining theirrespective life habits and living spaces actually facilitated a more harmonious and courteous interaction between the two families, and it spared Liu Chengyin and Su Hua unnecessary troubles and worries.

    No wonder people often say that every family has its own difficult “scripture” to recite.

    The makeup atmosphere by the Qinhuai River seemed to suit Liu Yong well. His tall and handsome appearance, coupled with a good singing voice, quickly made him a prominent figure in the Pop Music Class, attracting a lot of attention. Of course, he also became the coveted “l(fā)ittle prince” pursued by many girls.

    The art school itself had an imbalance of Yin and Yang, with Yin prevailing and Yang waning. In a class of thirty to forty students, there were only a dozen or so boys at most, and sometimes only a few. The majority were female students. The Pop Music Class that Liu Yong attended was no exception. This situation made Liu Yong feel like Jia Baoyu entering the “Grand View Garden,” constantly surrounded by flowers.

    As a result, in front of the grand European-style marble archway of the school, there were often girls pulling Liu Yong to take photos together. Speaking of the school’s archway, it had its own distinct features among the major universities in Nanjing. These features primarily came from its architectural design. The upper part took on a tower-like pointed roof structure, forming a two-story arrangement. Between the two stories, there were upper and lower horizontal beams, also made of marble. Carved between the beams was the school’s name: “Jinling Art Vocational College.” These eight characters held significant weight, as they were personally penned by Mr. Liu Haisu. The central part of the archway featured an arched design,crowned by a curved marble arch, which not only added to the aesthetic appeal of the entrance but also increased the height of the archway, serving both beauty and practicality. On either side of the arched stone, there were embedded stone blocks creating the appearance of column-like pillars, exuding a sense of antiquity, though they were not true couplets. The lower part of the archway took on a square column- like design, built from stone blocks. The surface of the columns was uneven, providing a strong three-dimensional sense. At the very bottom were pedestal stones extending from one side of the column, two solid blocks ensuring the stability of the entire archway.

    Overall, the archway resembled a traditional Chinese gatehouse. The upper and middle sections were crafted from bright marble with a pale yellow hue, evoking a sense of warmth. The lower part, in contrast, was gray, providing a stable foundation for the entire archway. Behind the archway, several clusters of pine and cypress trees stood, ancient and robust yet full of vitality. The deep green color unique to pine and cypress trees accentuated the archway’s solidity and grandeur. Anyone passing through this gateway couldn’t help but feel a deep reverence for the world of art.

    For Liu Yong and the group of girls who followed him, it wasn’t just in front of the school’s archway, but also in front of the main building where the five-starred red flag stood tall, in front of the art gallery with its exquisite roof structure, along the tree-lined paths, and amidst the lawns, they would capture snapshots of their youthful vitality in front of various stone-carved artworks.

    However, a freshmen performance changed everything for Liu Yong as he broke free from the crowd of followers. He had set his sights on a new target.

    Tie Yueyue, a petite Suzhou girl.

    It is said that she hails from the renowned Mudu Town in Suzhou. This Mudu  Town is an ancient water town that is roughly the same age as Suzhou City, with  a history of over 2500 years. According to legend, in the late Spring and Autumn  period, King Fuchai of Wu built the Guanwa Palace on the top of Lingyan Mountain  to please the beautiful maiden Xi Shi. He also constructed the Gusu Terrace. “Three  years to gather materials, five years to complete,” with a continuous supply of wood, the riverport below the mountain was blocked, resulting in the name “Mudu” (Wooden Blockade) for the town.

    As a vital transportation hub connecting Suzhou City and the vast Taihu Lake, Mudu is truly the gateway to Taihu Lake. Therefore, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Mudu became the most prosperous commercial port to the west of Suzhou City. Surrounded by famous Wuzhong mountains like Tianping, Lingyan, Shishan, and Qizi, Mudu is also known as the “Treasure Bowl.” Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, famous for his southern tours, visited Mudu Town six times. He not only left behind a personally inscribed imperial dock but also legends of reciting poetry and singing with his teacher Shen Deqian and enjoying tea and chess with his friend Xu Shiyuan.

    Let’s not dwell on those for now. What’s worth mentioning is Mudu Middle  School, where Tian Yueyue studied. In a place like Suzhou, known for its strong  literary culture and advanced education, the fact that Mudu Middle School has been  selected as one of the first batch of national-level model high schools indicates that  it must have unique strengths in education and school management. In the midst of the intense competition in the “thousands of soldiers crossing a single-plank bridge,” it can be said that no school can escape the influence of the “college entrance  examination,” which acts like a “baton.” However, Mudu Middle School advocates  the concept of “cultivating aspirations and valuing practicality” among its students,  making it stand out. It’s as if they’retrying to transform themselves from a chicken  into a crane within the flock.

    It is likely due to the influence of this philosophy that Tian Yueyue excelled not only in her studies but also possessed remarkable skills. She consistently ranked among the top three in the comprehensive exams each semester and even secured the grade-level championship several times. With such outstanding academic achievements, exceptional embroidery skills, and being a key member of the school dance team, isn’t that truly remarkable?

    Speaking of which, when TianYueyue was in middle school, she was petite and delicate, exuding an air of refinement from head to toe. Her features – eyebrows, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth – were distributed and combined on her face in a way that perfectly aligned with the standards of “beauty.” People generally believe that a beautiful woman’s facial proportions should adhere to certain ratios: the distance between the two pupils should be less than half of the face’s width, and the distance between the eyes and the mouth should ideally be about one-third of the length from the hairline to the chin. In these two aspects, Tian Yueyue fully met the criteria. Her facial features were nearly perfect. Additionally, she had longhair, as black as a waterfall, flowing straight down to her waist. Most captivating of all was the little red butterfly bow tied at the end of her braid, which fluttered and danced behind her with her graceful steps, captivating many young men and causing them to pause and forget what they were originally doing.

    Perhaps it was the nourishment from the picturesque landscapes and serene waters of Mudu that cultivated Tian Yueyue’s talent. From a young age, she gained a reputation for her exquisite embroidery skills among her neighbors and the local community. Birds, flowers, fish, insects, as well as the plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, and the willow and pine trees – nothing was beyond the scope of her embroidery creations. With a slender embroidery needle and a few strands of ordinary thread, she could weave various vibrant lifeforms and bring them to life with her dexterous fingers. It was authentic “Su embroidery” at its finest. The news spread like wildfire, and visitors came in a continuous stream. Some sought her embroidery pieces, while others came seeking her hand in marriage.

    Tian Yueyue was a young woman with dreams and aspirations, and there was no way she would allow herself to be married off before her life’s beautiful canvas had a chance to unfurl. Those visitors undoubtedly came with excitement, only to leave disappointed. It was an unavoidable situation; she had a broad heart, but without someone who truly understood her, there could be no other outcome.

    Not only at home, but also at Mu Du Middle School, especially in the school dance team, where boys and girls often rehearsed together. On major holidays, important visitors, or even significant events in the district, the Mu Du Middle School Dance Team would always play a role. As the “l(fā)eading lady,” Tian Yueyue naturally had an indispensable role. Solo dances, partner dances, group dances, ensemble dances—sometimes she was involved in almost every dance performance. It might be tiring, but the movement of her feet, the rotation of her body, the stretching of her limbs,brought a sense of relaxation to Tian Yueyue’s inner self, a sense of openness to her body, and a release of emotions. Such a wonderful experience could only be provided by dancing. Despite her youth, Tian Yueyue understood this very clearly.

    Therefore, despite Tian Yueyue not having the physical advantages of a professional dancer, what flows from her heart, what seeps from her very bones, her interpretation and portrayal of each dance piece, the presence, rhythm, and spiritshe exudes, captivates you. Your eyes can’t look away. Even though your eyes are fixed, your heart is stolen. Your heart departs from your body, following her leaps and turns, her fluid movements, experiencing ups and downs, joy and sorrow, merging and transcending. In the presence of this young girl’s dance, you transform yourself into her true captive.

    This is how Tian Yueyue, who appeared almost perfect in the eyes of her parents, teachers, and classmates, faced her first setback in the budding stage of life. She did not succeed in the college entrance examination (“gaokao”).

    Being naturally inclined towards the humanities, and with her skills in embroidery and dance, Tian Yueyue shared the same aspiration as her parents and teachers: to get admitted to Nanjing University and become a talented female student (“ 才女 ”) of Nanjing University.

    However, fate played a rather significant joke on her, adding an extra word to her university dream. This extra word seemed inconsequential, typically functioning as a grammatical particle. Yet, for Tian Yueyue, this particle turned out to be anything but helpful; instead, it hindered her. It transformed the “Nanjing University” she had intended to attend into “Nanjing’s University.” Do not underestimate the change from four words to five, nor overlook the presence of this seemingly innocuous “ 的 ” (de). For Tian Yueyue, it was a monumental shift. This “ 的 ” was akin to the embroidery needleshe often used – small in size yet piercingly sharp. It pricked her heart,causing unbearable pain that she couldn’t simply pluck away.

    During the intense final preparation stage leading up to the college entrance examination (“gaokao”), Tian Yueyue was involved in a car accident, being hit by a truck. This incident seemed to embody the saying, “Just as the moon waxes and wanes, people experience alternating fortunes and misfortunes.”

    Extending outward from Tian Yueyue’s home, there was a rural road leading to the ancient town. It took about fifteen minutes by bike to reach the prestigious Mudu Middle School where TianYueyue studied and earned numerous honors and praises.

    Perhaps readers may question why it’s referred to as “Tian Yueyue’s family mountain.” This involves a lengthy family history, which can only be briefly summarized here. Originally, the mountain where Tian Yueyue’s family house stood belonged to her maternal grandfather’s family. Most families in the village worked for her maternal grandfather, hoping to make a living. However, over time, circumstances changed, and her maternal grandfather not only lost ownership of the mountain he had worked hard on all his life but also ended up with an unfavorable status categorized as one of the “Five Black Categories.” Eventually, burdened by depression and sadness, he left the entire extended family and passed away. Tian Yueyue once proudly told Liu Yong that her maternal grandfather’s family had been wealthy in the past, not just moderately wealthy but extremely wealthy, enough to support a majority of villagers. This is a story for another time, so let’s not delve into it further for now.

    For this rural road that connects her home and school, Tian Yueyue is incredibly familiar with it. She could practically walk it with her eyes closed, and that’s not an exaggeration. Tian Yueyue rode her bike on this dirt road to the town for elementary school, on this gravel road to the town for middle school, and now she still rides her bike on this asphalt-paved rural road to the town for highschool. And soon, she will take the “college entrance exam,” departing from this road to venture beyond.

    But at this critical moment, a speeding medium-sized truck collided with the back of Tian Yueyue’s lightweight bicycle, sending her off the road. Fortunately, the driver of the truck had a basic sense of responsibility and didn’t flee the scene. He promptly took the unconscious Tian Yueyue to the town hospital for emergency treatment. After examination and treatment, luckily for Tian Yueyue, her head only suffered a minor abrasion, with no internal injuries or intracranial bleeding. However, her right leg’s ankle bone was fractured and needed to be treated with a cast and splint. She had no choice but to accept it.

    As she lay on the hospital bed, her right leg suspended in a cast and bandages, she calmly flipped through her textbooks. Her emotions were quite composed, and she even mentioned to her parents, teachers, and classmates that she was craving tea eggs from outside the school gate.

    Speaking of the bustling scene outside the main gate of Mudu Middle School after classes, it was a renowned sight far and wide. Due to strict school regulations, students were not allowed to leave the school grounds without permission. Even more so, the campus was off-limits to unauthorized individuals, including small vendors trying to make money off the students. This created a contradiction: those who wanted to sell couldn’t get in, and those who wanted to buy couldn’t get out. Especially after evening self-study sessions, around 9:30 PM, the few spoonfuls of watery rice eaten for dinner had already turned into a few trips to the restroom, leaving stomachs empty. For this group of middle school students, who were in the midst of their growth spurt during adolescence, the desire to eat was stronger than ever, which was completely normal.

    As a result, those small vendors began conducting their business through the gaps in the school gate’s iron fence. At this point, when students caught the aroma of boiling tea eggs, it’s not an exaggeration to say that they salivated uncontrollably, some even salivating a foot and a half long. It was as if their feet were tied to the tea egg sellers, and they were drawn to the edge of the school gate fence. Beyond theiron fence, in addition to tea eggs, there were various offerings: five-spice items like five-spice dried tofu, five-spice broad beans; fried foods like fried peanuts, fried soybeans; smoked and roasted meats like smoked beef, smoked pork, smoked chicken,smoked duck, smoked goose, and so on—a rich variety of food. Inside the iron fence, the students who came to purchase formed an impressive sight: hundreds of them, holding tea containers and utensils, clutching small change, chattering like a flock of sparrows, searching for food. However, there was one thing that demanded admiration. No matter how chatty and excited they were, the students inside the iron fence maintained remarkable orderliness, forming organized queues. After purchasing their food, some young boys who were incredibly hungry and impatient immediately began devouring their treats on the spot. Upon closer inspection, not a single scrap of waste was left on the ground within theiron fence—everything was impeccably clean. This was probably one of the reasons why the school leadership later tacitly approved of the “iron fence market.”

    During such times, Tian Yueyue was also one of the hundreds of students in the crowd. Taking a bite of a piping hot, fragrant tea egg, the satisfaction in her heart was beyond words. Now, she would be unable to join their ranks for a while. However, not being able to join didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy her favorite tea eggs. Case in point, her classmates who came to visit her almost always brought along a few tea eggs, which greatly moved Yueyue.

    This unexpected accident, whether for Tian Yueyue herself, her family, teachers, or classmates, was quite a shock. Especially her mother, who treasured her dearly, couldn’t help but burst into tears at this moment, saying, “Yueyue, my dear, good girl, you really scared your mommy.”

    “Mom, don’t cry. I’ll be fine.” Tian Yueyue, on the other hand, seemed mature beyond her years, suppressing the pain of her fractured bones and comforting her mother not to be upset.

    As the saying goes, it takes a hundred days to recover from injuries to tendons and bones. “Gaokao” waits for no one, and where would there be a hundred days for Tian Yueyue to receive proper treatment and rest? While undergoing treatment and preparing for her studies to face the “Gaokao” examination, Tian Yueyue endured hardships. Yet, no matter how you put it, this “hardship” could only be borne by Tian Yueyue herself. The two tasks at hand, neither of them could be delegated to others; she had to undertake them herself. Fate seems somewhat harsh and unrelenting towards a blossoming young girl, as if it has become somewhat cruel and heartless.

    When Tian Yueyue entered the examination hall with a crutch, limping along, she won numerous approving glances.

    Unlike Liu Yong’s feeling of “being in one’s element,” when Tian Yueyue stepped into the Golden Plum Art School, she transformed herself into a solitary traveler.

    She entered this “Nanjing’s university” by writing the word “obedience” outside her chosen preferences. This “Nanjing’s university” was still quite distant  from her original dream of “Nanjing University.” The impact of this additional “ 的 ” character on her was only known to the young girl herself.

    After becoming a new student in the Dance Department of Jinling Art School, she “fixed” her path within the school. Dormitory - Dining Hall - Classroom (Practice Room) - Library, then the cycle repeats: Dormitory - Dining Hall - Classroom (Practice Room) - Library.

    Liu Yong saw Tian Yueyue for the first time at a freshman performance showcase.

    I can’t forget the feeling of holding you in my arms

    It’s warmer than the burning passion hidden in my heart

    I’ve forgotten the harshness of the cold north wind outside the window

    Once again, tenderness and lingering overlap

    It’s your red lips that capture everything about me

    It’s your consideration that makes me passionate once more

    It’s your countless gentle emotions that melt the ice and snow

    It’s your sweet words that change the season

    The first snow of2002

    Is a lingering sentiment in Urumqi

    You’re like a fluttering butterfly

    Swaying in the season of snowflakes drifting down

    In a song titled “The First Snow of 2002,” Liu Yong transformed himself into a “Daolang” of the Golden Capital Art School. Beneath his handsome appearance, he unexpectedly unleashed a voice that was so sensitive, rugged, desolate, passionate, and unrestrained, expressing a man’s tenderness and worldly experience through his singing. This performance marked Liu Yong’s transition from being seen as a “Jia Baoyu” to becoming a “Liu Daolang,” as viewed from the perspective of his teachers and classmates. This transformation was attributed to Liu Yong’s accurate grasp and splendid rendition of the song “The First Snow of 2002” by Daolang. The auditorium of the art school was stirred, leaving some students who had previously considered him just an ordinary student in awe, astonished, and speechless.

    However, what truly prompted Liu Yong to undergo this “transformation” was another person and her dance. Therefore, sometimes people say that those directly involved are often confused while those on the sidelines have a clearer view. In reality, the situation may not always be as straightforward. Observers, lacking a comprehensive understanding of those directly involved, may find it difficult to gain true clarity.

    When the dancer Tian Yueyue from the dance class took the stage, the teachers and students in the audience didn’t hold high expectations for this petite girl who seemed to lack inherent advantages in studying dance. However, as the melody began, the small-framed Tian Yueyue started moving, her steps becoming faster and faster, almost imperceptible. Then her body leaped continuously, twisted endlessly, as if the vast stage could hardly contain her. Gasps could be heard from the audience below, as if they were afraid she might fly off the stage. The young girl erupted, transforming herself into a rapidly spinning top, captivating the teachers and students in the audience, their hearts suspended in mid-air.

    In the dance performance of The White-Haired Girl, the portrayal of Xi’er anxiously awaiting her father by Tian Yueyue can only be described as breathtaking. Tian Yueyue vividly conveyed the coldness Xi’er experiences amidst the snowstorm and her intense anticipation for her father’s return on New Year’s Eve. All of these emotions were portrayed to the fullest through the graceful movements of Tian Yueyue’s petite body.

    The applause, like thunderous applause, continued unabated. The veteran artists watching from the audience stood up and applauded, and the entire audience stood up, still with thunderous applause. Tian Yueyue bent down to express her gratitude to the densely packed crowd below the stage. The applause drowned out her gentle weeping, and at this moment, the floodgates of her emotions opened. The frustration of her “gaokao” failure that had been pent up inside her, found an outlet through Xi’er’s dance, pouring out and releasing.

    All of this was observed keenly by Liu Yong, who was waiting behind the scenes. This usually carefree and suave “l(fā)ittle prince” witnessed the scene, and his heart seemed to be pricked by something – a mixture of sourness, pain, and a complex array of emotions.

    At first, he thought that such exceptional talent in a young woman from the same school deserved to be acknowledged. After all, he was renowned throughout the school as the “l(fā)ittle prince.” As he continued to watch, it was as if he began to see the hidden story within her, as if he had entered her inner world. He felt a sense of closeness,accompanied by a growing ache. His inner hands instinctively reached out towards the petite figure that was sobbing.

    The campus trajectory of TianYueyue was broken by Liu Yong.

    Although the dormitory, cafeteria, classrooms (practice rooms), and library are still there, there are now more tree-lined paths, an added track and field, an additional theater, a new swimming pool, and many more ‘spots’ that cannot all be listed. What’s even more important is that on all these ‘spots,’ there is one more person.

    Liu Yong’s appearance caused Tian Yueyue to cast aside her former title as a ‘lone wanderer’ into the distant sky. A smile adorned her face, and her light footsteps transformed her into a playful deer. In front of Liu Yong, Tian Yueyue once again became a dependent little bird.

    On the campus tree-lined path, with Liu Yong, there was now the presence of Tian Yueyue, this ‘little bird,’ and their fellow students didn’t find it particularly strange. The ‘Little Prince’ was always accompanied by new heroines, not to mention the deep impression they left on the faculty and students during the school’s freshman performance. The marks they had etched were equally profound. The ‘Prince of Love Songs’ and the ‘Ballet Fairy’ being together was perfectly normal.

    What puzzled the girls was that Liu Yong had completely changed at this point.  He was no longer their ‘Little Prince.’ Overnight, he transformed into Tian Yueyue’s  personal bodyguard and flower protector, becoming TianYueyue’s ‘private property. ’ How could they tolerate this? As a result, a group of flower butterflies who used  to be around Liu Yong transformed themselves into a flock of chattering magpies,  incessantly chattering and chirping, never letting go of Liu Yong.

    A usually haughty and domineering Little Prince, in order to be with the dependent Tian Yueyue, lowered his head and begged for mercy from a group of girls. He said, ‘This young master has already found his heart’s desire. In this lifetime, I am willing to be Tian Yueyue’s personal attendant. I beseech all the elder sisters to spare me and grant me a way out.

    At a tavern near the campus, Liu Yong obediently “bled” by treating his usual followers to a meal, in order to express his sincerity. At the drinking table, he delivered a piece of opera-style eloquence that the girls were quite skilled at.

    “No, no, we can’t just believe you based on your empty words alone. We’re not that gullible.”

    “Yes, yes, you’re right. Empty words are not enough; there must be witnesses.”

    “Come clean, have you two ever been ‘intimate’?”

    “What ‘this’ and ‘that’? This young master knows nothing about that. What kind of proof do you all want, elder sisters?” Liu Yong lightly embraced Yueyue, afraid that this group of chattering magpies might chirp about her.

    “Alright, alright, whether ‘that’ or ‘not that,’ we won’t pursue it today. Consider yourself let off the hook this time, giving a bit of face to Sister Yueyue.”

    “No, it’s not enough. Since you two have ‘privately decided on a lifelong commitment,’ show it in front of us.”

    “Yes, give each other a kiss, a kiss.”

    With a few beers down, these girls were getting a bit wild. Even the usually popular Liu Yong couldn’t handle the situation. Not to mention Tian Yueyue, who had no intention of getting involved in this chaotic situation in the first place.

    The girls’ collective teasing seemed to trigger something in Liu Yong, awakening certain memories within him. They say alcohol emboldens the spirit, and at this moment, that saying applied to Liu Yong. Before Tian Yueyue could even react, a pair of burning lips pressed against the delicate and small lips of the girl he cherished.

    Tian Yueyue didn’t even have time to react; the words “you scoundrel” were stifled before they could leave her mouth. She felt Liu Yong’s tongue passionately exploring her mouth, a search imbued with a sense of longing. This exploration held a meaning of yearning, causing her blood to rush, her heart to race, and a feeling of recklessness to take over. What had been dormant and sealed away was awakened and unleashed by Liu Yong. Tian Yueyue held onto Liu Yong tightly, tilting her head back to engage in a heated kiss, transforming her tongue into a playful little fish. Sometimes it danced closely with Liu Yong’s tongue, sometimes it flipped and turned, and at times, it playfully chased back and forth. It was a joyful and exhilarating experience, one she didn’t want to end.

    The once chattering and noisy cafeteria had now fallen silent. The chattering magpies were stunned. The deep and passionate embrace and kiss of the couple touched them deeply. This unexpected scene surprised them; the girls had never expected that a playful jest would trigger such a genuine outpouring of affection between the lovers.

    In the eyes of Tian Yueyue and Liu Yong, nothing else existed. Their numerous playmates, the space they occupied, and everything tangible before them vanished. After their tongues touched, their bodies became ethereal, floating. Something seemed to transcend their beings, leaving their bodies and ascending.

    An endless expanse of a brand-new world unfolded before the two lovers. Boundless and serene, tranquil and ethereal; the turquoise waves lay still, soft and enduring. Liu Yong disappeared. Tian Yueyue disappeared. In this fresh new world, they each left behind their hearts. Thus, only heart leaned upon heart, hearts intertwined, free from upheaval and tumult, flowing back to tranquility, returning to serenity.

    As Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue descended from the heavens and returned to the mortal realm, the cafeteria was now completely empty, devoid of any presence.

    The days of love are sweet, and the longing in separation is tantalizing.

    Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue were, after all, not in the same major, so occasional separations were inevitable. Fortunately, the field of telecommunications had made remarkable advances, and the mobile phone penetration rate in the country was among the highest in the world. On the streets, one could often see even ragpickers or beggars pulling out mobile phones, proudly talking loudly, unable to discern exactly what they were saying or who they were talking to. However, one thing was for certain: they were using their phones.

    Phone calls and text messages had once become the emotional bond between the two of them.

    After being apart for ten days or so, a problem arose. Tian Yueyue noticed that Liu Yong’s mobile phone expenses were skyrocketing, shooting up like a satellite. This was becoming unsustainable. Both of them relied on allowances from their parents to get by; they didn’t have any other source of income. Even if their families were relatively lenient about their monthly expenses, money shouldn’t be spent so recklessly.

    Like most  students, Liu Yong had already handed over his  financial responsibilities to Tian Yueyue. Their daily expenses were under her control.

    Therefore, Tian Yueyue laid down three rules for Liu Yong. When they were apart and not together, they could only communicate through text messages under normal circumstances. Breaking this rule meant even calls might go unanswered. In case of exceptional circumstances, a phone call was permissible, but only if necessary. During the periods they were apart, there were limits on the duration and frequency of their calls; these limits were not to be exceeded.

    Now, Liu Yong was left with no choice. As a “personal attendant,” he had no option but to obey Tian Yueyue’s three rules. Thankfully, his beloved Yueyue didn’t impose specific requirements for their text message communication, which gave him some room for flexibility.

    Yueyue: It’s been some time since we’ve been apart. I finally understand the feeling of “one day apart feels like three years.” It’s been over ten years since I last saw you, and I’m really starting to feel anxious. When you come back, that tall and handsome Liu Yong is nowhere to be seen. Instead, there stands a middle-aged man with stubble. I can’t even imagine, do you still recognize him?

    Yueyue, do you still remember how I looked over ten years ago? If you’ve truly forgotten my appearance from over a decade ago, I won’t blame you. After all, neither of us has seen each other for so long! But I can tell you this: I, Liu Yong, will remember your face for the rest of my life. Not just for over ten years apart, even if it’s been twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty years, as long as I have consciousness, thoughts, and a brain, I, Liu Yong, will surely remember you— my beloved Yueyue.

    Yueyue, do you still remember the wonderful times we spent together? In the practice room, we rehearsed; you corrected my pronunciation, and I corrected your posture. In the cafeteria, we shared meals; you always dipped that delicious marinated meat into my bowl, so I had to treat you to a big shrimp. On the tree-lined path, we strolled; you used to be shy and wouldn’t hold my hand for long, so I transformed myself into your ‘a(chǎn)ttendant’ and followed beside you. Sigh, can you still keep all those little moments in your heart?

    Yueyue, I truly don’t want to think about it. Over these ten plus years, how many admirers must have come into your life? Tall and handsome ones, charming and suave ones, caring and considerate ones, talented and  accomplished ones – you must have had your pick of them all. Were their  advances aggressive? I really worry that you might be overwhelmed. No matter  what, you have to stay strong, persevere! As long as you hold on, I’ll fight  to the death, never giving up! Otherwise, I’ll be in a tough spot. If someone  else manages to breach your ‘fortress,’ I’ll have no choice but to ‘surrender. ’ Please be honest with me, have you wavered? Have you ever felt something for  someone else?

    Yueyue, I really can’t take it anymore. Please come back soon, bring my yearning back with you, don’t let my love for you get lost in the vast sea.

    It’s been over a decade since I last saw you, Liu Yong.

    Faced with Liu Yong’s heartfelt and intricate confession, Tian Yueyue herself first broke their “three rules.” A phone call came in, “Liu Daolang, what nonsense are you talking about? It’s only been a little over 3 days since we last saw each other. Where did you get this ‘ten years of separation’ sentimentality? Also, you’re exaggerating a bit with your self-proclaimed ‘unwavering loyalty.’ Just because you’re ‘faithful and true,’ does that mean I can’t resist ‘temptation’ and left you? I command you to be at the train station to pick me up within half an hour. The consequences will be serious if you’relate.”

    Tian Yueyue had returned from her outing! After receiving a scolding, Liu Yong was delighted and practically skipped his way to the train station. Normally, he would have ridden his bicycle there, but this time, his “princess” had set a time limit, so he had to go ahead and couldn’t afford to be late. Taking a taxi was the safer option.

    Of course, Liu Yong’s text messages weren’t always so “unreliable.” There were times when his messages touched TianYueyue’s heart.

    One time, their school organized a group of top students from various fields like music, dance, and drama to go on a cultural expedition to Xinjiang. They experienced local life and conducted exchanges with local art groups. Actually, during that trip, they didn’t experience a separation; they went together. However, the days spent in Xinjiang were incredibly enriching. It led to some extremely intimate moments between them, beyond words, something they couldn’t share with anyone else.

    Liu Yong still vividly remembers that time. It was the Xinjiang local song and dance troupe that arranged a trip for their art school to visit Kanas Lake. For the girls and boys who had come from the mainland, the excitement was palpable. Kanas Lake’s reputation was widespread, yet very few of them had ever been there.

    Autumn at Kanas Lake is the most beautiful season of the year. However, as Liu Yong and his group approached Jiadengyu, they unexpectedly encountered heavy snowfall. This group of mainland girls and boys found it unbelievable – how could there be such heavy snow in autumn? The vehicle continued its journey on steep and winding mountain roads, and as Liu Yong gazed at the snowflakes dancing outside the window, his mood turned somber.

    Liu Yong was worrying when suddenly, as the vehicle entered Jiadengyu, the previously heavy snowfall abruptly stopped. This also left the group of young people astonished. Everyone cheered, and the once gloomy-faced Liu Yong finally found a glimmer of sunshine amidst the celebration.

    Seated on the tourist shuttle in the Kanas Lake area, the young girls and boys enjoyed the scenery of the forest along the way while listening to the commentary from the tour guide. The tour guide explained that Kanas, in Mongolian, means “beautiful and rich, mysterious and unfathomable.” And indeed, this highland lake nestled deep within the Altai Mountains and dense forests lived up to its name. First, it treated them to a heavy snowfall, then abruptly stopped, and who knew what other conditions might arise later – truly, it was hard to predict.

    On their first visit to Kanas Lake, the sight of the lush spruce and fir trees, along with the lake that resembled a pale jade, left the young girls and boys overwhelmed. Their eyes weren’t enough to take it all in; everything seemed novel, and their cameras snapped away tirelessly. Those who hadn’t brought cameras had to rely on their smartphones, substituting them for their lack of proper equipment. Such a beautiful view deserved to be captured – it would be a shame to miss it.

    Within the lake area, the renowned “Three Bays” were almost a must-see for tourists. In Liu Yong’s opinion, while Wolong Bay and Shenxian Bay each had their own charm, they couldn’t compare to the splendor of Moon Bay. It truly seemed as if God’s hand had drawn a crescent-shaped line in Kanas Lake, like a curved moon nestled within the lush woods of the canyon – it was truly enchanting. And then looking at the lake’s mirror-like surface, there were even two enormous footprints, vivid and lifelike, which was quite remarkable. Some people speculated that the inspiration for the “giant footprint” in the sky during the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony might have come from this. However, it’s unconfirmed. The tales spun from these two “giant footprints” only added to the mystique of Kanas Lake.

    They were also excited about going rafting on Kanas Lake, and this thrilled the young girls and boys even more. However, just as everyone changed into the tight- fitting suits for rafting, the weather took a turn for the worse. The wind picked up significantly, and it started to rain. Liu Yong, whose face had just cleared up, now began to doubt whether this was truly the right time. The unpredictable weather, switching between snow and rain, was quite frustrating for everyone.

    Despite that, guided by two skilled helmsmen, the young girls and boys set off in the rain on their kayaks. Surprisingly, once they were in the kayaks and following the commands of the helmsmen – “one, two, one, two” – paddling their oars ceaselessly, their bodies warmed up, they didn’t feel the cold, and they were full of energy. The kayaks spun and maneuvered through the rapids, and as they paddled vigorously, the group instinctively chanted “one, two, one, two.” At some point, without needing the helmsmen’s commands, everyone started shouting in unison, in rhythm and with strength. As they navigated through challenging rapids, shouts would erupt, followed by hearty laughter.

    However, as the laughter continued, screams erupted again. The kayaks had reached a section with a significant water drop, where swirling eddies made it difficult to control the direction. It was a bit scary – capsizing was a real concern. Faced with the girls’ screams, the boys who had gradually gotten used to the waters of Kanas Lake took the opportunity to play around. They raised their small wooden paddles high and brought them down forcefully, creating splashes of water. In this moment, TianYueyue had already sought refuge in Liu Yong’s embrace.

    As the kayaks swiftly passed under a small wooden bridge, the group fell momentarily silent, only to erupt in excitement once again. They saw a rainbow arch appear before them, leaving everyone in disbelief as they dared not consider whether it was real or not.

    Long time no see, rainbow. I truly can’t recall your appearance, nor can I remember the last time I saw you. It’s unexpected to come all the way to this distant place and encounter you – a genuine surprise. Liu Yong was moved by the sight of the rainbow before him.

    One end suspended over the lake surface, the other spanning across the mountain peak – that curve, those colors, were incredibly magical and beautiful. At that moment, a companion spontaneously sang out, “Without experiencing storms, how can we see rainbows? No one can succeed without effort.” The young girls and boys left a snapshot of exuberant excitement and jubilation from their rafting experience as a memento for Kanas Lake.

    On the way back, unexpectedly, Tian Yueyue exclaimed, “Look, snow-capped peaks!” Outside the car window, the vast mountain peaks were covered in glistening white snow, creating a pure and endless expanse. This sight once again filled the entire car with excitement.

    However, that night, Tian Yueyue developed a headache and fever. Liu Yong had no choice but to fulfill his role as a “companion” and take care of his beloved girl. He bought medicine, fetched water, and prepared food for her. Both he and Tian Yueyue had to temporarily separate from the group.

    To help Tian Yueyue sweat out the cold and dispel the chills, Liu Yong took great care. He preheated the room and bathtub, allowing steam to rise and warmth to fill the air before inviting her to soak in the tub. Under his tender care, Tian Yueyue lay in the warm bath, feeling her body relax as her energy flowed freely. Not only that, Liu Yong also prepared a bowl of specially seasoned braised beef noodles for her – spicy and hot. The noodleshop owner had added a few special herbs, claiming that this bowl of noodles could warm the stomach and dispel cold, with quite miraculous effects.

    As Liu Yong fed the lovingly prepared noodles to Tian Yueyue, she couldn’t contain herself any longer and lunged into the embrace of her beloved young man. Liu Yong felt the presence of that tender being, and it was as if he had been jolted by electricity, causing a momentary void in his mind. The two jade rabbits that existed between them also seemed to awaken from their slumber, hopping about and eagerly trying to nestle into Liu Yong’s arms.

    “Yong, want me. You want me,” Tian Yueyue blushed and whispered with utmost charm, planting kisses on her beloved young man’s earlobe.

    This shy plea was like a magical spell that instantly ensnared Liu Yong, leaving him unable to resist or escape its hold.

    Following the aura released by his beloved, Liu Yong entered another mysterious lake. Unlike the distinctiveness of Kanas Lake, this place felt as warm as spring, with gentle ripples on the water’s surface, immaculate twin peaks, and a hidden paradise of its own.

    Liu Yong couldn’t extricate himself. This unprecedented life experience filled him with youthful vigor, enchantment, and blissful intoxication, as if he was floating in a state of divine ecstasy, merging seamlessly. Within the mystical expanse of this ethereal lake, he transformed himself into a scorching magma, flowing into the tender gorge. From then on, Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue, intertwined inextricably. Their lives became intertwined, unable to be separated. In the fusion of their beings, these two young souls underwent a profound elevation.

    Returning from the unique atmosphere of Xinjiang to the normal campus life, Lao Ying felt a bit out of sorts, as if he had become “separated” from his beloved Yue Yue. So, Lao Ying turned his inner feelings into a text message for Yue Yue.

    Yue Yue, do you still remember the grasslands of July?

    The off-road vehicle carrying you, drawing winding curves on the grassland, as if it wants to transform itself into a master of lines. With the undulating terrain, the master’s lines change, becoming even more unrestrained. Along with the vehicle’s bumps, you exclaimed in wonder—

    “Oh—, oh—,” sound without words, the face filled with excitement, filled with joy, filled with innocence, making people see a mischievous child, a child who has been on a roller coaster.

    “Please be careful,” the friend driving the car reminded in rich Xinjiang dialect, maintaining proper politeness. However, it’s evident that the hands that dance and prance to your songs, perhaps, can’t fully grasp the experience. “So exhilarating, even more than a roller coaster.” Before your words could settle, the speeding off-road vehicle rushed towards the next steep slope, and you “fell” into it, your voice suddenly disappeared. This time, you “fell” into my embrace. How about it, Yueyue, my embrace is still wide, warm, and worth your affection, right?

    Yueyue, do you still remember those nameless flowers covering the mountains and fields?

    “So vibrant, so colorful, I want to take photos.” As you stepped onto the grassland, you were drawn to the sea of flowers that stretched before you. Under the sunlight, the grassland was adorned with shades of red, yellow,purple, and blue, creating a lively and extraordinary scene, much like a vast  starry sky. At times you leaned sideways, at times you sat cross-legged, at times  you lay down, and at times you stood tall. Amidst the sprawling fields of flowers,  you transformed yourself into a cheerful little bird one moment and an elegant  butterfly the next.”Actually, they should have names. Look at this small red  flower.” You mischievously plucked a drop-like crimson flower and held it up  to me. “What’s its name?” I inquired. “I won’t tell you. It has a name, though.” Faced with my questioning, your cheeks grew even rosier.

    Yueyue, do you still remember the night sky of the grassland?

    What kind of brilliance was that, what kind of splendor, what kind of dazzling radiance, what kind of stirring in the heart. How could the sky be so close? It really seemed like the canopy of heaven was hanging low. And those stars, they were so bright, so numerous, so large, as if you could just run up the hill ahead, stretch out your hand, and pluck one down. There’s a song by Emil Chau (Zhou Huajian) with the lyrics “Pick a star to be your toy.” They say it’s for his daughter. Just think about it, how much a father must love his daughter to think of picking stars as toys for her? To be honest, at that moment I had the impulse to do something for you. Your eyes are so much like the bright stars in the sky, they light up a corner of my heart. It’s you who gave me the feeling of “stirring in the heart.”

    The starlight of that night was bustling, lively, and mischievous. The Milky Way turned into a bustling street in the city, adorned with dazzling lights, bustling with traffic, quite lively. You blinked your bright eyes from time to time, as if signaling to me. In fact, the starlight of that night was also peaceful, beautiful, and affectionate. Everything in the mountains was so silent and still. Despite the multitude of stars, there was still silence. Silent mountains, tranquil sky. As far as the eyes could see, apart from the light leaking from the yurts nearby, there really wasn’t a trace of human presence. The ancients used to say, “I do not know which year tonight is.” You said, “I do not know which night tonight is.”

    Standing so close, quietly standing, gazing at the starry sky, a certain emotion was growing within, the breath emanating from our bodies, like freshly made honey by bees, you gently pry it open, sticky, sweet, countless pairs of “affectionate” hands reaching out to you and me. At that moment, the tightly closed door within us swung open. In our hearts, a shared affection was blooming, warm and gentle, giving rise to a beautiful feeling.

    Yueyue, do you remember that night by Lake Kanas?

    It was you who led me into another warm and secluded lake, giving me an unprecedented physical sensation, a life experience I’ve never had before. When that “softness,” like an electric wave, swept through our bodies, the dormant parts within us awakened. And thus, a youthful awakening, a budding of emotions. The strings resonate, it’s the touch of “youthful awakening” brushing against the lovesick beans on the fragrant grass, triggering a reaction. The faint veil, those crimson dots, become alluring and enchanting. Shyness, it’s the budding emotions of “first love.” We both melted into each other’s intense heat.

    Do you still remember how you felt when my scorching magma surged into your moist canyon? It was you who made my youth bloom, intoxicated me, and carried me away in bliss. That night, we fused together as one, you within me, me within you, unable to be separated again. That night elevated our lives, as they intertwined and sublimated in each other.

    Jealousy seeped into the words of the text message, as felt by Yong.

    Yong’s lengthy explanations naturally resonated with Tian Yueyue. Some of his words made her savor the memories, some ignited her longing, and some remained unforgettable. However, as she read to the end, what puzzled her was the phrase “ 對 短信上文字心存嫉妒 ” (Jealousy seeped into the words of the text message, as felt by Yong) in which Yong expressed jealousy towards the words in the text message. What could this possibly mean?

    Now, it’s Yong’s turn to feel proud and joyful. Yueyue, my clever and perceptive Yueyue, you mean to say you didn’t even realize my little thoughts? Ah, it’s truly a waste of my earnest efforts. You see, these words in the text messages, they got to see you before I did. Of course, I felt jealous of them! With a light press of my finger, “send,” and off they happily, gleefully, some even playfully, rushed towards you, not willing to be delayed even for a second. As for me, I can’t compare to them. I have to wait patiently, “wait patiently for your messages.” Without your consent, without your approval, I can’t even see you. You tell me, can I not be jealous of these words in the text messages?

    With Yueyue already in his embrace, there’s no doubt that at this moment, Yong would make a move. Of course, he also wants those words in the text messages to feel a little jealous of him, to admire him.

    “Over the Moon on the Willow Tips” – Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue’s Song  and Dance Special Performance is about to take place at the Moon City Workers’

    Cultural Palace. This is the graduation commemorative gift that Yong has prepared for his beloved girl.

    The three years at Jinling Art College will soon become the past. During these three years, the more than one thousand days and nights where Yong and Yueyue fell in love will soon turn into cherished memories for the two of them. Even though they don’t yet know the path they’ll take after leaving the school gates, their hearts are filled with anticipation for the future, especially for the unknown years they will spend together, living and striving side by side. Thinking about these things, there is a sense of small happiness and sweetness in the hearts of these two young people.

    In fact, both the class teachers of Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue took the initiative  to talk to them. The school hopes that Tian Yueyue, who has talent in dancing, can  stay at the school. To be honest, in terms of performing on stage with a professional  artistic group, Tian Yueyue does not have a lasting advantage. After all, her petite  figure is undoubtedly a disadvantage for a performing art form like dance, where  physical appearance plays an extremely important role. To put it bluntly, it’s a  significant drawback. However, staying at the school and stepping onto the podium,  her solid foundation, talent in performance, unique understanding and grasp of dance, are all exceptional qualities that will become her strengths. These two “stages” are different. The stage undoubtedly has its glamorous side, but also a cruel and  ruthless aspect; the podium undoubtedly has its dull and cold side, but also a warm  and wonderful aspect. The path she will take ultimately depends on Tian Yueyue  herself. The opinions of the teachers can only serve as a reference, at most, an  important one.

    After having a conversation with Tian Yueyue, her class teacher ultimately handed over the decision-making power to her. Teachers understand the concerns of young people as well. Which young person wouldn’t want to make the most of their prime youth and freely express themselves on their preferred stage, like a gust of wind? What teachers worry about is what happens when the vibrant youth is spent, and the breeze no longer blows – how will one’s life path be navigated then? There are very few evergreen trees on the stage. In the past, some could remain at the forefront for decades, but nowadays, leading the scene is a matter of a few years. The post-market economy world is truly different. Those celebrity icons, like a revolving door, as one exits the stage, another steps in, one after another, in a cycle of replacement. It’s indeed a world where new talents emerge continuously.

    Tian Yueyue listened attentively to her class teacher’s guidance. She had previously discussed her post-graduation plans with her parents and had also shared the teacher’s opinions that she had noticed. Tian Yueyue grew up in the ancient town of Mudu in southern Suzhou, a place that values culture and education. When her parents heard that their daughter could stay at the school, they were overjoyed and ecstatic. They kept saying how great it is to stay at the colleg, how wonderful it is to stay at the college.

    With this decision, TianYueyue’s post-graduation plans were essentially settled. Liu Yong, of course, supported his girlfriend’s choice to stay at the school. Firstly, he never forgot his role as a “companion” in front of Tian Yueyue, and he had always prioritized supporting her decisions. Secondly, his own post-graduation plans were entirely different, and Tian Yueyue’s choice to stay at the college created a balance between them, which was exactly what he hoped for.

    Taking advantage of the opportunity presented by his graduation internship, Liu Yong secretly returned to the city of Moon City to plan a special song and dance performance.

    Even though his father, the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, had never been supportive of his chosen path and was especially skeptical about his involvement in popular music, the outside world was unaware of the true situation within the Liu family. The dynamic between father and son remained hidden, and Su Hua, as a wife and mother, was anxious but kept her concerns to herself, occasionally confiding in her own parents about her worries. The Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Liu Chengyin, unknowingly became a powerful “red big umbrella” behind Liu Yong.

    Having been well-connected in the city of Moon City for many years, Wu Mengyue, who was quite socially adept, immediately set her sights on Liu Yong as a potential “bait.”

    As the owner of the Moon City Grand Hotel, Wu Mengyue had a certain level of recognition in Moon City. Although her level of fame was not as high as the general managers of other luxury hotels in Moon City, such as Moon City International, Moon City Crown, and Moon City Jinling, she was still considered a notable figure in Moon City. Being a woman and having a charming demeanor, Wu Mengyue held a certain status in the city.

    Wu Mengyue used to be a singer and performer in the Moon City Song and Dance Troupe. She was capable of performing local folk songs, popular tunes, as well as regional operas like Yue Opera, Xi Opera, and Huangmei Opera, but her abilities were only at the level of being “capable.” Within the troupe, she was neither a prominent figure nor a potential candidate for development. She was simply an ordinary singer and performer. According to experts in the field, her voice lacked distinctiveness. In simpler terms, her voice lacked individuality and wasn’t easily recognizable by the audience. Such a singer, even if made more accessible to the general public, would find it difficult to shine and bring credit to the troupe. Consequently, it’s unlikely that the troupe would be able to rely on someone like her. For her personal career development as an actor, her opportunities were indeed limited.

    Of course, Wu Mengyue was well aware of this  situation and understood it. Therefore, when the song and dance troupe underwent restructuring, with the leadership of the relevant authorities encouraging the actors to actively embrace the wave of reform, enter the market, and face challenges, Wu Mengyue responded positively and without hesitation by choosing to venture out on her own. She made a decisive move, converting her years of service in the song and dance troupe into cash. Subsequently, armed with this sum of money, she cut the metaphorical “umbilical cord” tying her to the troupe, bid a confident farewell with a simple “Bye- bye!” and each went their separate ways.

    Transitioning from a “unit person” to a “member of society,” Wu Mengyue, brimming with entrepreneurial dreams, rented a few shops in Moon City’s Wealth Plaza to run a business selling women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. In theory, as a relatively young and fashionable woman herself, she should have had a good understanding of her target audience’s preferences and been able to grasp market trends. This way, she could have positioned her products to win the favor of similar women, driving her business toward a positive development trajectory. At least, that’s what Wu Mengyue imagined to be achievable.

    Things didn’t turn out to be as simple as Wu Mengyue initially thought. Her business selling women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories in Moon City Wealth Plaza didn’t succeed. The years she had spent in the song and dance troupe were traded for cash, which quickly transformed into stacks of unsold women’s clothing, piles of unsold women’s shoes, and boxes of unsold women’s accessories. In this process, Wu Mengyue had inadvertently pushed herself into a “debt pit.” Faced with creditors, she initially ran around, trying to find new sources of funding through what people colloquially call “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” However, she soon realized that this strategy wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed, and she ended up in a cycle of borrowing to repay previous debts. Eventually, she found that evading creditors wasn’t a sustainable solution either. Feeling trapped and desperate, Wu Mengyue had no choice but to resort to a well-known tactic from the “Thirty-Six Stratagems,” one that is widely recognized: “If all else fails, retreat.”

    As a result, in front of those shops at Wealth Plaza, people came across an open  letter titled “To Our Fading Friendship.” The letter listed a long string of names  and candidly confessed that due to poor management, these friends had turned into  creditors. This role reversal ultimately led to the demise of these friendships. This  transformation caused immense pain for the business owner, who couldn’t forgive  themselves and chose to leave. The open letter was signed by Wu Mengyue. Several  years later, Zhao Wei directed a film titled “To Our Youth That Is Fading Away,” which gained quite a bit of attention. The phrasing of the film’s title was strikingly  similar to that of the open letter, a coincidence that Wu Mengyue could never have  anticipated, even in her dreams.

    After experiencing the challenges of entrepreneurship, Wu Mengyue decided to leave Moon City. Following her departure, she opted for a profession that was popular at the time and suited her circumstances: becoming a hostess. She wasn’t someone who willingly embraced a decadent lifestyle. Upon arriving in a southern city, she intended to use her skills by becoming a karaoke (KTV) singer, which would help her make ends meet. However, after trying a few places, the owners thought that a full-time KTV singer role might not be feasible. Nevertheless, they welcomed her to sing and entertain customers, which was seen as a favorable option.

    The owners were practical and discreetly informed Wu Mengyue that if she excelled at her role as a hostess and was willing to entertain clients, the income potential could be substantial. They told her that earnings could reach four or five digits per month, and that was just a “small kiss” in terms of income.

    The principle of survival of the fittest was something Wu Mengyue naturally  understood. Since she had ventured into this path, she couldn’t easily let go of a  money-making opportunity. Steeling herself, she agreed to work as a hostess at  a KTV establishment. However, before agreeing with the owner, she corrected a  mistake he made. She told him seriously that when he mentioned “ 小 Kiss” (small  kiss), he probably meant “ 小 case” (small case), right? The owner smiled at her and  said, “Whether it’s ‘ 小 Kiss’ or ‘ 小 case,’ just be ready to count money every day.” As he spoke,he placed his hand on Wu Mengyue’s thigh.

    Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue’s first meeting took place in a KTV establishment.

    After parting ways with Tian Yueyue, Liu Yong was feeling a bit lonely and  restless. These young people of their generation were quite progressive and in  tune with the times when it came to matters of relationships and gender dynamics.  Everywhere you look, there’s talk of “globalization” and “international integration,” and the youth really excel in this aspect. Not only in society but even on university  campuses, there are cases of couples who secretly cohabit or openly rent apartments  together off-campus if they’re in love. In fact, Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue eventually  found a place off-campus to live together in secrecy. The wonderful experiences they  shared during their trip to Xinjiang left an indelible mark on them, causing these  passionate lovers to become almost addicted to each other, unable to let go, and  deeply infatuated.

    In Tian Yueyue’s perspective, being with Liu Yong wasn’t a big deal. She had already made up her mind to be with him, and besides, she had given him her precious first night. They were already a couple in her eyes, destined for marriage eventually. So, what was the fuss about being together? To put it bluntly, whenever Liu Yong passionately consumed her, whenever they melded together in a tumultuous embrace, whenever the climax came after moments of intense passion, she seemed to feel her soul departing, her body floating away. That state of intoxication and ecstasy, if you could call it that, didn’t just make her reluctant to leave; it was more like she was addicted to it.

    Liu Yong was at an age when he could be considered quite active in terms of his sexual desires. Having experienced the pleasures and delights that sex could bring, it was unlikely that he would not pursue other opportunities for physical intimacy. Once separated from Tian Yueyue, his hidden “l(fā)ittle prince” nature began to emerge naturally.

    Taking advantage of not being a native of Moon City and having parents who hadn’t worked there for many years, as well as grandparents who weren’t familiar with the city’s layout despite living with his parents in Moon City, Liu Yong became somewhat reckless. He developed an unhealthy penchant for seeking companions of ill repute privately.

    And so, in a certain “KTV” establishment in Moon City, Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue crossed paths. Liu Yong arranged for Wu Mengyue to “entertain” him. It’s peculiar – didn’t Wu Mengyue leave Moon City to work as a hostess in the south? How did she end up meeting Liu Yong in Moon City? In truth, the events mentioned earlier are all part of Wu Mengyue’s past. By the time Liu Yong returned to Moon City, Wu Mengyue had become the owner of the Moon City Grand Hotel and had gained a certain level of recognition in the city.

    I have a flower planted in my heart,

    Budding gently, with a serene beauty.

    Day after day, and night after night,I eagerly wait,

    Hoping that someone with a caring heart will enter my dreams.

    The woman’s charm sways in the mortal world,

    The woman’s allure gently sways in the breeze.

    I only hope for a pair of gentle hands

    That can soothe the loneliness in my heart.

    I have a flower with fragrance filling every branch,

    Who will come to seek its true scent?

    The bloom is fleeting, it’s time to pick it,

    Women are like flowers,flowers are like dreams.

    In the hall of a Moon City “KTV,” dim and alluring lights cast shifting shadows, with soothing music playing in the background. Couples of men and women strolled leisurely on the dance floor. Occasionally, groups of two or three women danced while embracing each other. Just as the first part of Anita Mui’s song “Woman Flower” played, Liu Yong hurriedly stepped forward to present a flower.

    The woman’s steady, low-toned, and magnetic voice, coupled with her smoky timbre, echoed Anita Mui’s style perfectly. This immediately captivated the wild heart of Liu Yong. Fondness sprouted within him, accompanied by a desire to console, and the urge to act impulsively, just like the line “ 直 須 折 ” (must pick directly) from the song. Liu Yong, also known as “LiuDaolang”, was well aware that impulsive actions often came with consequences. If you listen to the song “ 沖動的 懲罰 ” (The Consequences of Impulse) by Daolang, everything becomes clear.

    Liu Yong’s flower offering was creative. He folded three smiling “Chairman Mao” portraits into three red flowers. Despite the flowers not being particularly vivid in color, when presented to the singing woman, Liu Yong was quite the gentleman. The singing woman nodded in appreciation, accepted the “flower” from the handsome young man, and continued her performance without interruption.

    I have a flower growing in my heart,

    True feelings and love, no one understands.

    Wild grass has covered the hillsides,

    Self-appreciation is the most painful.

    The woman’s charm sways in the mortal world,

    The woman’s allure gently sways in the breeze.

    I only hope for a pair of gentle hands

    That can soothe the loneliness in my heart.

    The woman’s charm sways in the mortal world,

    The woman’s allure gently sways in the breeze.

    Ifyou’ve smelled the strong fragrance offlowers,

    Don’t ask me for whom the flowers bloom red.

    Loved and knew what’s deep in love,

    Drunken and knew the strength of wine.

    Blossoms and withers, in the end, it’s all empty.

    Destiny doesn’t linger, like the spring breeze it comes and goes.

    Destiny doesn’t linger, like the spring breeze it comes and goes.

    Women are like flowers,flowers are like dreams.

    Destiny doesn’t linger, like the spring breeze it comes and goes.

    Women are like flowers,flowers are like dreams.

    Women are like flowers,flowers are like dreams.

    Slightly deviating from the first verse, the singing woman in this section added more emphasis to the piercing high notes, which earned her enthusiastic applause from the audience. Just as the woman was about to leave the stage, Liu Yong approached, holding a glass of red wine.

    “Hello, handsome! Thank you for the flower you gave earlier,” the singing woman said naturally as she accepted the wineglass, lightly clinking it against the one Liu Yong held, expressing her gratitude.

    “Could I invite you to my private room for a while? I’m still immersed in your singing. You sang wonderfully. To be honest, I’m a singer too, but I’ve never wanted to become a professional singer,” Liu Yong maintained his courtesy and manners.

    “Well then, it seems like we’re destined to meet,” as the singing woman was about to put down her microphone and follow Liu Yong while holding the wine glass, the “KTV” host’s polite inviting gesture halted her. “Someone has paid a hundred yuan for Miss Yueyue to sing another song, ‘Intimate Lover.’ Please welcome her.”

    “I’m sorry, please wait a moment. After I finish singing this song, I’ll come over,” the singing woman apologized to Liu Yong and returned the red wineglass to him.

    In this moment, Liu Yong was dumbfounded. “Yueyue?” His mind buzzed for a moment. How could this be possible? How could his “Yueyue” be here in Moon City? Even if she were in Moon City, how could she be working as a singer in this “KTV”? After a moment of confusion, Liu Yong dismissed the worst possibility he had been fearing. Regaining his senses, he scolded himself in his mind and thought he was being foolish. He realized that the woman before him might sing well, but she couldn’t possibly match the appearance of his beloved Yueyue. His Yueyue was not just shorter than the tall woman in front of him, but her facial features and proportions were all inline with the standards of a “beautiful woman.” Of course, the woman in front of him was beautiful too, but there was a difference in their kinds of beauty. Her beauty had an element of maturity and allure. If he were to compare his beloved Yueyue to a flower bud, despite the fact that she had already blossomed under his care, she was still a blooming bud. However, the woman in front of him was a fully bloomed flower. What made Liu Yong happy was that this flower was in its prime, at the peak of its beauty. He thought that enjoying this fully bloomed flower would surely bring a unique taste and sensation.

    Everything happened quickly and naturally, without any awkwardness or pretense.

    On that same evening, inside Liu Yong’s private room at the “KTV,” Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue shared their first intimate moment.

    Liu Yong expressed his affection and admiration eagerly, sparing no expense to invite Miss “Yueyue” for an appearance. To Liu Yong’s unexpected surprise, the woman referred to as “Yuueyue” by the KTV host locked the private room and made advances towards him, embracing him without warning. She skillfully licked various sensitive parts of Liu Yong’s body, quickly arousing this “l(fā)usty rooster,” turning it into a fully prepared “combat cock.” Of course, during such moments, Liu Yong would by no means remain idle, nor standby passively. His hands quickly moved onto the noodle chef’s body, tightly grasping the two clusters of snowy-white and tender “dough,” kneading, rubbing, kneading, and rubbing incessantly. He tirelessly kneaded and rubbed, clearly, the “dough” had a good foundation, and Master Liu’s touch was exceptionally skilled. The sensation in a certain part of the body grew increasingly intense. It wasn’t just a heightened sensation; it was as if it were on fire, burning with desire, and becoming almost unbearable. Consequently, Liu Yong effortlessly and without any resistance, entered the woman’s tender territory.

    The immeasurable power erupted from the fusion of Yin and Yang. The heavens trembled, the earth cracked open. There were mountainous roars and tsunami-like waves. Everything surged and surged again. Liu Yong and the woman beside him seemed to transform into two ethereal clouds in the vast universe. Their bodies felt completely emptied, and they became intangible and ethereal; the experience brought by this union of Yin and Yang was unlike anything they had ever felt before. Liu Yong finally experienced the taste of a ripe peach. The warmth, the smoothness, the natural harmony, the unique adjustment and control—it was exquisite, perfectly fitting, and effortlessly accomplished. He deeply felt a sense of nurturing, realizing that everything that had been done before was a preparation for his “release.” He felt his “supreme supremacy,” he felt his “incomparable glory,” and he felt his “ascension to immortality.”

    He surrendered his heart, willing to worship the pure and gentle woman beside him.

    Liu Yong finally came to know that her name was Wu Mengyue. “Yueyue” was  just a nickname she occasionally used when visiting the KTV. She wasn’t a “hostess” and therefore wouldn’t be providing entertainment. Hence, there was no need for the  young man to spend extravagantly. Even if he did, this young lady wasn’t interested  anyway. It’s quite an encounter for both of them, where a single glance was enough  to stir their hearts. It wasn’t just an emotional response but a physical one too. Their  bodies were entranced, unable to move away, unable to take a step back. What  entering this private room meant, well, that goes without saying.

    Wu Mengyue told Liu Yong that her story could be written into a book, and if he was interested in learning more, he could find her at the Moon City Grand Hotel. She had a private chamber there that was much cozier than this private room. It would be an entirely different experience, you know.

    Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue have already semi-publicly attended some private

    gatherings together with friends.

    At the age of thirty-four or thirty-five this year, Wu Mengyue having a handsome young man by her side will undoubtedly spark speculation among friends who are close to her. However, there’s one thing to remember: the type of individuals Wu Mengyue associates with, and how she interacts with the opposite sex, is her own private matter and others have no right to intervene. Even if they are her closest friends, they shouldn’t spread rumors or gossip. Because, as someone who is still single, she has the right to freely socialize with the opposite sex.

    Of course, upon returning to the Moon City, Wu Mengyue was mentally prepared. When she left the Moon City back then, she knew she had to settle the debts owed to creditors as a top priority upon her return. Otherwise, moving forward would be extremely challenging, let alone starting any new ventures.

    In this regard, Wu Mengyue took the initiative. She arranged for an assistant to specifically handle the debts owed to creditors from the past. Back then, she chose to “l(fā)eave” over a sum of hundreds of thousands, so how did she become proactive in addressing those long-standing debts now? From leaving Moon City burdened with debt to returning prominently as the General Manager of Moon City Grand Hotel and taking the initiative to settle her old debts, what exactly transpired during this period that led to such a fortunate transformation?

    How an individual achieves success and what they have sacrificed for it is something only the person themselves truly know. From an outsider’s perspective, beneath the polished and shining surface, the actual experiences and trials someone has endured might involve immense suffering and personal struggles that are often unspeakable. Rarely does anyone wish to bring up those past difficulties. Wu Mengyue, now the General Manager of Moon City Grand Hotel, is one such individual.

    Despite her departure from Moon City and her subsequent stint as a “hostess” in a southern “KTV,” as Liu Yong has come to understand, what remains unclear to  him is how Wu Mengyue transformed from a few years of working as a “hostess” to becoming the owner of a mid-to-high-end hotel upon her return to Moon City. In  reality, the key to Wu Mengyue’s transformation lies in one word: “investment.”

    Wu Mengyue didn’t remain working as a “hostess” in that southern city for long. She was eventually noticed by a Hong Kong businessman who decided to “invest” in her. It’s no wonder that during that time, there were reports of special communities known as “mistress villages” or “third party” villages in various southern cities. It seems that such trends were prevalent in the southern regions. When the Hong Kong businessman “invested” in Wu Mengyue, she was cautious. She understood that there was no future with someone like him. Thus, she made preparations for her future. After several months of living together, as the businessman frequently traveled between locations, he gradually dropped his guard. He entrusted Wu Mengyue with managing some of his business affairs in the southern city while he regularly returned to his original family in Hong Kong. With this arrangement, Wu Mengyue gained a certain level of autonomy and made some moderate adjustments to the business affairs entrusted to her by the HongKong businessman.

    Taking advantage of the Hong Kong businessman’s “investment,” Wu Mengyue exchanged large sums of cash. Once she had accumulated a substantial amount, she executed a similar plan as before and made her exit!

    However, this time the direction of “l(fā)eaving” is different. Back then, it was “l(fā)eave,” but now it’s “return.” That’s the first point. The second point is that after “l(fā)eaving” back then, none of the creditors’ debts could be evaded, unless you never returned to Moon City (or the Moon City). However, this time, she is returning to Moon City safely. Whether it’s in a southern city or with the HongKong boss, there has never been a woman named Wu Mengyue. The Hong Kong boss wouldn’t even know where Wu Mengyue is from, so the property acquired through the exchange doesn’t involve the troublesome aspect of creditors, and there won’t be a risk of it being recovered.

    Wu Mengyue, with just one “investment,” achieved her initial accumulation of capital.

    Wu Mengyue quickly learned about Liu Yong’s idea of organizing a special song and dance performance, and she understood the main purpose behind his intention: it was for another young woman named “Yueyue.” However, her own use of the name “Yueyue” was merely a protective talisman she used when she occasionally appeared at the “KTV.” The true woman who occupied Liu Yong’s thoughts and heart,residing far away in Jinling, was the one named TianYueyue.

    The reason why Wu Mengyue was unwilling to refer to Tian Yueyue as a young girl or a young woman was that Liu Yong had laid on Wu Mengyue’s bed in a luxurious room at the Moon City Hotel and candidly disclosed his emotional life to her. Of course, these revelations about his emotional life usually came after Wu Mengyue had been satisfied and pleased. After all, she hadn’t been seeking any emotional connection initially; her intentions were quite clear. Therefore, whether there were any “young girls” or “young women” around Liu Yong wasn’t of great concern to Wu Mengyue.

    In an era dominated by a single word, a time when everything was measured by a single word, Wu Mengyue keenly felt the immense significance of that one word. On this matter, she had a profound understanding that went deep beneath the surface.

    Therefore, in her perspective, amidst the vast sea of humanity in the mortal world, there were those who wrestled with sleeplessness and unrest for the sake of that one word; there were those who racked their brains, pondering deeply until their mental faculties were exhausted for the sake of that one word; there were those who hurried and bustled, their steps hurried for the sake of that one word; there were those who left their hometowns, severed family ties, all for the sake of that one word; there were those who resorted to any means, causing harm to others for the sake of that one word; there were those who abandoned all principles, losing their moral compass for the sake of that one word; and there were those who found themselves imprisoned, even sacrificing their lives for the sake of that one word.

    That one word renders people materialistic and mundane. Everything becomes  transparently valued, subject to negotiation. In one person’s eyes, the other often  becomes a mere means to an end. That one word teaches people to “consume life.” The worship of possessions becomes inevitable, while rejecting the sublime becomes  fashionable. Consequently, relationships between individuals become distorted.  Some of their desires swell uncontrollably, while other faculties deteriorate to an  extreme, leading to deformed and handicapped individuals whose lives have become  malformed.

    Is it only about individuals being handicapped? In the present world, at some point unknown, the measure of a person has been reduced to that single word. A person’s success or failure, their value, their contributions, and even what they leave behind in this world are all reduced to and judged by that word, used to measure and define them. Such a phenomenon is rampant in Moon City. Looking at Wu Mengyue’s life experiences, it’s not limited to just Moon City; the southern cities where she once struggled were no different. Wu Mengyue dares not delve further. When “handicap” is everywhere, how deep does this “handicap” go! This seems to have become somewhat frightening.

    Wu Mengyue, who doesn’t typically read books and doesn’t really have a reading habit,happened to come across a writer who once made a unique portrayal of the word “money.” This writer said, “When our children close the door, they only count money at home. Five, ten, fifteen, twenty…… Think about it, on the vast land of 9.6 million square kilometers, the sound of counting money echoes everywhere. How joyful, how happy, how hollow, and how desolate that sound is!” Please note that the translation provided here is based on the information you’ve provided, and there might be some variations in interpretation depending on the context of the original passage.

    Wu Mengyue pondered whether this vividly depicted the essence of “handicap.” However, she quickly reconsidered, thinking that the writer might have been overly  concerned. What’s wrong with having “money” that can be “counted”? After all  her years of struggle, everything else seemed illusory, fake. Love, friendship, even  family ties—pardon the language, they were all nonsense. Only “money” was real,  never deceiving. “Money,” in your pocket, lying in your account, is what it is—no  more, no less. It provides you with security and confidence. Even if you have to go  to great lengths for it, it’s worth it.

    Now, Wu Mengyue is determined to forge a more powerful kingdom of “money” for herself. To establish this “kingdom,” she is willing to go to great lengths,  including using any means necessary. However, as someone who has already  accumulated wealth, she won’t act recklessly without considering the consequences.  She needs to create an efficient pathway and accelerate the construction of her  “kingdom.”

    The importance of networking resources is well known to anyone with even a hint of strategic thinking. The question is, how do you acquire the networking resources you need? Upon returning to Moon City, Wu Mengyue set her sights on the city’s “Number Three Figure,” Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Liu Chengyin. Just as she was expending great effort on how to approach Liu Chengyin, an “opportunity” arose—Liu Yong entered Wu Mengyue’s field of vision.

    Dealing with a young man in his “rooster” years, for someone as experienced in  understanding people as Wu Mengyue, whether it’s a “small kiss” or a “small case,” it’s a piece of cake. Besides, this “rooster” is even seeking something in return.

    To make the “Moon Above the Willow Tips - Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue Song and Dance Special Performance” more appealing and impactful, Wu Mengyue not only invested hundreds of thousands to hire a professional company for the

    packaging and planning of Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue, but also spared no expense in inviting a domestic “queen” level singer to be the guest performer for the special event.

    All of this greatly touched Liu Yong. From his perspective, he and Wu Mengyue hadn’t reached such a “deep” level of connection. A woman being willing to invest so much for him is becoming rarer in today’s world. Hence, he found a straightforward reason for himself and Tian Yueyue to accept Wu Mengyue’s support: investment.

    He and Wu Mengyue signed a contract for the “Moon Above the Willow Tips - Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue Song and Dance Special Performance,” transforming themselves and Tian Yueyue into the second party (Party B), and Wu Mengyue into the first party (Party A). The contract stipulated that the song and dance special performance of Party B would be entirely handed over to Party A for market-oriented operation. A preliminary investment of 1 million yuan would be made by Party A, assuming the associated risks. In the event of profit, both parties would share it in a 5:5 ratio. On the issue of profit sharing, Wu Mengyue displayed a generous attitude, once again leaving Liu Yong touched.

    Wu Mengyue’s true intention was that if she didn’t invest, she wouldn’t be able  to secure her position. Without spending some “capital,” building her “kingdom” would be far from easy! Only by holding the “bait” in her own hands could the “fish” be lured in. Fortunately, everything was proceeding according to Wu Mengyue’s  plan, step by step becoming a reality.

    Liu Chengyin, previously holding the position of Deputy Mayor in a city in Northern Jiangsu Province, was transferred to become the Deputy Secretary of the Moon City Municipal Party Committee. He played a significant role in the establishment of the “Greater Moon City.” As a heavyweight figure in the political scene of Moon City, his presence carried substantial influence.

    When he first arrived in Moon City, he still held ambitious aspirations to make a mark. Truth be told, at the age of around 44 or 45, he was in his prime with abundant energy, a perfect time for career development. Moreover, as Moon City was a newly established prefecture-level city, there was significant potential for improvement in various aspects of its operations. The room for growth implied that the existing groundwork was not yet solid, and there were numerous weak points to address. Consequently, a substantial amount of work needed to be accomplished. Some tasks weren’t just about completion; they required ongoing research to find new methods and initiatives based on the current situation, calling for innovation in working approaches. This undoubtedly posed tremendous challenges for those involved in the work, but it also provided a rare opportunity to showcase their talents.

    During the years when Liu Chengyin was transferred from the position of County Party Secretary in Chu County to the Provincial Agricultural and Industrial Department, he was harboring a strong sense of determination. An outbreak of severe flooding triggered by a major flood incident resulted in his unofficial demotion and transfer from Chu County. At the time, Liu Chengyin had his own thoughts. Facing a once-in-a-century flood, what kind of test did it pose for a young County Party Secretary in his thirties? In the course of work, deviations were inevitable, but how could his performance in Chu County be accurately judged without a comprehensive, truthful assessment? It is said, and indeed later confirmed by Liu Chengyin, that if it weren’t for the involvement of Deputy Secretary Shen Dachuan from the Provincial Party Committee, Liu Chengyin would have faced disciplinary action at that time. Luckily, during the year of flood fighting, Deputy Secretary Shen was stationed in Chu County and had gained a thorough understanding of Liu Chengyin’s work, his character, and the reputation he had among the people. As a result, Deputy Secretary Shen vouched for Liu Chengyin, ensuring his original rank was retained and facilitating his transfer to the Provincial Agricultural and Industrial Department.

    In the subsequent steps, especially after being transferred to the position of Deputy Secretary of the Moon City Municipal Party Committee, Liu Chengyin was filled with gratitude and a sense of indebtedness towards Old Secretary Shen. He felt that he had been recognized and given a chance by Shen. He was ready to make a difference in Moon City. Although shortly after his appointment, Old Secretary Shen retired from his position as Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Liu Chengyin was even more motivated to achieve accomplishments and report to his former leader. He wanted to prove himself and showcase his achievements to the leader who had placed trust in him.

    However, things didn’t go as smoothly as Liu Chengyin had hoped. In a position where you’re the third in command, it’s not easy to surpass the first and second in command and accomplish something meaningful. The first question you need to ask is whether your ideas align with the strategies of the first and second in command. This is a crucial consideration. As a third in command, even if you have great ideas,without the approval of the higher-ups, they’ll remain ideas and might never come to fruition. Even if your ideas are approved by the first in command, they may still face obstacles in implementation if the second in command disagrees. Without the support of funds, it’s challenging to achieve anything significant. People often say, “Money makes the world go round.” Without financial resources, progress is often hindered. Therefore, “money” is always incredibly important. People value it,and it doesn’t need to be seen as an all-consuming force. If you want to achieve something, you also need to value it. Among all forms of support, financial support (referred to as “money” for the general public and as “financial resources” officially) is crucial. Those familiar with the division of labor within local governments know that the second in command oversees local finances. Without the approval of the second in command, projects that require financial support won’t come to fruition.

    From Liu Chengyin’s perspective, he didn’t have any major disagreements with the first and second in command. With his experience as the head of a county, he displayed a proactive attitude in his work, demonstrating a willingness to take on responsibilities. He was decisive in making decisions, willing to take actions, and ready to bear the consequences. These traits earned him a favorable reputation among departmental staff and grassroots officials.

    Of course, saying that there weren’t major disagreements with the first and second in command doesn’t mean that Vice Secretary Liu didn’t have any differences of opinion with the City Party Secretary and Mayor. At the municipal level, there’s an overwhelming amount of work to do—economic development, urban construction, social services, livelihood projects, stability maintenance, and so on. Each of these areas requires a significant amount of attention, and there will naturally be matters of varying importance and urgency. If everything is treated with the same level of priority, it becomes challenging to achieve tangible results and make significant progress. Forming a consensus among members of the municipal Party Committee and government leadership team is not difficult, particularly when it comes to fundamental principles and the overarching development strategy. Looking at Moon City’s situation, the leadership team of the Party Committee and government has a shared understanding on major issues, and the overall development direction is clear. However, clashes can still arise in specific areas of work.

    The public clash between Vice Secretary Liu Chengyin and Mayor Wen  Lianggong was regarding the “Moon City Avenue” project. The disagreement arose  over whether to carry out an immediate overhaul of the buildings along both sides  of “Moon City Avenue,” or to comprehensively plan and implement the project in  stages. As leaders of the city, their opinions diverged on this matter. As for Mayor  Wen Lianggong, the dilapidated buildings on both sides of “Moon City Avenue” were almost an eyesore. This issue was a result of the accumulated problems that the  city had before its elevation to a higher administrative level. As mentioned earlier,  the city’s development was stunted during its time as a county-level city, with limited  room for urban construction. After being upgraded to a higher administrative level,  the city’s development gained momentum. Although the city government’s offices  were located in rural areas and vice versa, a promising step had finally been taken  towards urban expansion.

    In Mayor Wen Lianggong’s perspective, regardless of the previous backlog of issues, now that Moon City had been upgraded to a higher administrative level, it should exhibit the appearance of a “big city.” The “Moon City Avenue” needed a refreshed look, shedding the label of being “dilapidated.” Otherwise, he felt that his reputation as the mayor would be compromised. Therefore, Wen Lianggong advocated investing several million yuan to give the “Moon City Avenue” a complete makeover. Such an investment was financially feasible, and the resources were available to support it. With a “small investment for big changes,” the citizens of Moon City would witness the welcome transformation of the cityscape after its elevation to a higher administrative level.

    Mayor Wen Lianggong’s ideareceived nearly unanimous approval during the expanded meeting of the standing committee. The use of “nearly” unanimous approval indicates that if Vice Secretary Liu Chengyin had agreed, there would be no need to use the qualifier “nearly,” and it would have been stated as “unanimous approval.” This undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for the smooth implementation of the “Moon City Avenue” urgent renovation project.

    Liu Chengyin’s words were harsh, criticizing the city government’s approach of engaging in “image projects” and “achievement projects.” The rapid renovation, repainting, re-tiling, adding neon lights and electronic signs to the facades of the old buildings on both sides of the road might look impressive at first glance, but it was merely a superficial improvement. While it might seem good on the surface, the essence of the situation remained unchanged. Since they were planning to renovate the “Moon City Avenue,” they should approach it from the perspective of enhancing the city’s functionality. A proper functional zoning for both sides of the avenue should be established through comprehensive planning before proceeding step by step with the implementation. It wasn’t about just changing the road or prioritizing appearances over substance, as Wen Lianggong had proposed. Achieving a good “facade” and a favorable “image” might impress the public initially, and people might say positive things. However, once the public sees through the superficial changes and the true nature of the project, they might become critical. They could accuse the officials of not treating taxpayer money responsibly, only focusing on enhancing their own reputations. Even with several million yuan, it shouldn’t be squandered aimlessly.

    Vice Secretary Liu’s words didn’t receive a positive response from the attendees. Taking a stand against Mayor Wen Lianggong was a matter that other city leaders found delicate and worth careful consideration.

    Upon hearing Vice Secretary Liu Chengyin’s lofty discourse, which received limited agreement, Mayor Wen Lianggong immediately challenged Liu’s perspective head-on. Mayor Wen pointed out that according to Vice Secretary Liu’s viewpoint, there were two critical issues that needed attention. The first was the matter of time, and the other was the issue of finances. The proposed renovation project for the “Moon City Avenue” was intended to be a short, straightforward, and swift initiative. If they were to develop a comprehensive multi-year plan, the project would likely take two to three years to complete. Additionally, the question of funding was paramount. While devising an extensive plan might be feasible, implementing it would require a substantial investment in the order of billions. Given Moon City’s financial situation, which most were well aware of, it was akin to a “barely getting by” financial state. Coming up with such a significant amount, even in the billions,was far from easy.

    Although the Mayor did not adopt Vice Secretary Liu Chengyin’s viewpoint, adjustments were made to the city government’s “Moon City Avenue” urgent renovation plan. The directive was to take into account the practical value of the newly renovated facades, to strike a balance between appearances and functionality. This approach encompassed both the “head” (front) and the “tail” (rear) of the project, ensuring a proper balance between the two aspects.

    Amidst the small-scale struggle over the “Moon City Avenue” renovation  project, even though Mayor Wen Lianggong held a favorable position, the constant  emphasis by the City Party Secretary on balancing the “head” and the “tail” aspects of the project irritated him. His face turned from white to red, showing  his displeasure, resembling the redness of a monkey’s backside, which was quite  unsightly.

    Having had years of political experience, Liu Chengyin naturally wouldn’t give up his political ambitions and ideals just because a couple of proposals weren’t accepted. Of course, he wouldn’t waver in his initial goal of making a difference when he came to Moon City.

    However, the underlying tension between him and Mayor Wen Lianggong could not be ignored. Fortunately, with the central government’s emphasis on rural development, which fell under his responsibilities as the Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, he had both a unique opportunity and an obligation to act. Shifting his primary focus to rural development allowed him to reduce friction with Mayor Wen Lianggong in their work. Although Mayor Wen held the highest administrative position in the city, from the perspective of the City Party Committee, he was still just a Deputy Secretary, without the authority to directly intervene in the scope of another Deputy Secretary’s responsibilities. Therefore, in the matter of rural development, Liu Chengyin was able to act with greater freedom and make significant changes.

    In order to establish distinctive features in the rural development efforts, Liu Chengyin significantly increased the push for town and village mergers throughout the entire city. Moon City, as a prefecture-level city, had jurisdiction over four districts and two regions, with over two hundred towns and villages. Through these mergers, the total was to be reduced to 90 or fewer. This meant that more than half of the towns and villages would be merged. This initiative undoubtedly aimed to save a significant amount of manpower, resources, and finances, and to efficiently utilize public resources. This outcome was clear and evident.

    Liu Chengyin personally led a team to conduct on-site research on the town and village merger work in the four districts and two regions. He reviewed the merger plans of each city and region, visited pilot towns and villages in various areas to understand the situation, listened to feedback from grassroots officials and residents, and gained insights into the challenges and issues faced during the merger process.

    The comrades from the city, districts, and towns deeply felt that Vice Secretary Liu’s work style was down-to-earth. When he visited a pilot town, he would spend four or five days there. Vice Secretary Liu has quite a distinctive work approach. Wherever he goes, he doesn’t require local leaders to accompany him. He only designates a town’s responsible person to coordinate the service work. He brings along a secretary, a director from the City Committee’s Agricultural and Industrial Department, and a driver. He goes into villages and households to understand the situation and engage with local residents at a “close distance.”

    After spending four to five days conducting investigations and assessments in a pilot town, Liu Chengyin would then come back to listen to comprehensive presentations about the situation from the main responsible comrades of the town. He followed the same pattern for several pilot towns within a city or district, ensuring that no area was left unexamined. Only after thoroughly investigating these pilot towns would he sit in the conference room of the city or district committee to listen to a comprehensive briefing from the comrades in charge of this work at the city or district level.

    Therefore, sometimes, Liu Yong would take the risk of going home for a meal,  and almost every time he didn’t come across his father. Inside the small building at  Phoenix Garden in the New District of Moon City, there would typically be “Two  Elders and One Middle,” and occasionally a “Young One” would appear. Clearly, the  “Two Elders” referred to Liu Yong’s grandparents, Lui Chunyu and Yang Xuehua.  “One Middle” naturally was Liu Yong’s mother, Su Hua. The term “Young One” occasionally appearing, let’s correct that.

    Tian Yueyue had already visited the owner of the small building in Phoenix Garden as Liu Yong’s classmate,of course, carefully arranged by Liu Yong. Whether it was the two elderly people or Liu Yong’s mother, Su Hua, how could they not like the charming and lovely Tian Yueyue? Upon hearing that this lovely young lady was going to hold a “Moonlit Melodies” song and dance performance in Moon City with Liu Yong, Lui Chunyu and Yang Xuehua jointly suggested to Su Hua that they must attend to support their grandson’s performance. They even requested Su Hua to come along and ideally bring Lui Chengyin too. They wanted to show that their “young lad” is quite remarkable; he’s not even finished with his studies yet and he’s already arranging a special performance. It was truly promising and not as simple as it seemed. From this incident, Lui Chunyu and Yang Xuehua began to change their father Lui Anran’s perspective on their family’s reputation.

    After Liu Yong revealed his plan to organize the “Moonlit Melodies” song  and dance performance in Moon City, Tian Yueyue was so moved that she was  left speechless. She could only express her gratitude to her future husband through  constant kisses. In Tian Yueyue’s heart, Liu Yong was already her man, her future  life partner, and the core of her future path in life. She couldn’t imagine being  without him. Despite their inseparable connection, their relationship hadn’t been  openly disclosed to theirrespective parents yet. Therefore, even though Tian Yueyue  came to Moon City to participate in the rehearsals for the “Moonlit Melodies” performance, she had to stay at Wu Mengyue’s Moon City Grand Hotel.

    As the time in Moon City passed, with his future in-laws just around the corner, Liu Yong couldn’t resist the growing desire to secretly meet them. The urge became too strong to ignore, and he eventually gave in to it. Besides, Liu Yong had always been compliant when it came to Tian Yueyue’s wishes. Consequently, there was another “ 青 ” figure seen in the small building of the Lui family in Fenghuang Yuan, and it was none other than TianYueyue herself.

    With TianYueyue’s arrival, the dynamics between Liu Yong, Wu Mengyue, and Tian Yueyue became more intricate. When using the term “intricate,” it primarily referred to the relationship between Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue. Tian Yueyue was well aware of her connection with Liu Yong, and she had a clear understanding of their relationship. However, Tian Yueyue had no knowledge of the relationship between Wu Mengyue and Liu Yong. In Tian Yueyue’s perspective, Wu Mengyue was simply the investor and boss behind the song and dance performance, someone she and Liu Yong should be grateful to. After all, for two soon-to-be graduates from an art school, having a professional team assist in planning a special performance was an exceptionally rare opportunity. Moreover, Wu Mengyue had even generously invited a well-known domestic singer, “Sun Diva Anita,” to perform as a guest,which was a significant gesture of respect considering Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue were newcomers who hadn’t officially debuted yet.

    Indeed, Tian Yueyue had no awareness of the true nature of the relationship between Liu Yong and Wu Mengyue, nor did she understand the underlying intentions behind Wu Mengyue’s investment in the song and dance performance.

    The Song and Dance Special featuring Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue, with the strong support of Wu Mengyue, has smoothly entered the final countdown stage of the performance. The entire program’s arrangement is already mature, and other logistical aspects of the performance are being managed by relevant professional companies. It can be said that everything is ready, waiting only for the signal from General Manager Wu.

    This matter sounds a bit strange. Isn’t the performance date predetermined? In the contracts between Wu Mengyue and Liu Yong, Tian Yueyue, it is explicitly stipulated that the timing will be determined separately by the investor, Party A, based on market operation conditions, as well as negotiations with relevant professional companies and agents.

    After a period of intense rehearsal and coordination, both Tian Yueyue and Liu Yong’s entire performance program was deemed “OK.” However, even after receiving the “OK,” the exact opening date for the performance was still uncertain. As a result, Tian Yueyue had to return to the Jinling Art College under the escort of Liu Yong. Meanwhile, Liu Yong continued to go back to Moon City to finalize the last details with Wu Mengyue and other relevant parties regarding the “Moonlit Melodies” song and dance special.

    One night, as they lay beside each other, Wu Mengyue finally brought it up. She asked Liu Yong to arrange a dinner for her father at the Moon City Hotel, so they could meet. And if they could coordinate beforehand to have Liuchengyan become an advisor for the Moon City Hotel, everything would be perfect. Mr. Liu Yong, pleasedon’t worry – this advisory role would be kept private. Only you, me, and Liu Yong would know about it. No one else would be aware, so you can rest assured.

    Lying beside Liu Yong, Wu Mengyue wasn’t idle. A certain part of her body was still moving ceaselessly.

    In the current situation, Liu Yong and his father can’t really have a conversation.

    Lamenting his son’s decision to pursue a career in the arts, Liu Chengyin has always carried a sense of regret. He feels that he has not fulfilled his grandfather’s wish to bring honor to the family name, and he perceives this as his own failure in filial piety, falling short of the deep affection and teachings his grandfather had bestowed upon him since childhood. Ironically, Liu Chengyin himself received a formal higher education and is a university graduate, having followed a conventional academic path. Currently holding the position of Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee in a prefecture-level city, he is a prominent leader. However, he remains strongly influenced by traditional values due to his upbringing. As the saying goes, early education leaves a lasting impact. Emerging from Xianghe, his grandfather’s guidance and teachings from a young age, coupled with being the first university student from Xianghe Village, have left an indelible mark of honor for himself, his grandfather, and the Liu family, deeply imprinted in his mind.

    Unlike his own upbringing in Xianghe, Liu Yong, who grew up in a city by the Yangtze River known as Qingjiang, seems to lack something, perhaps the pursuit of “raising the torch to seek my destiny” from his ancestors. Is it the sentiment of “sorrow for the world and compassion for people,” the empathy for society and concern for the people’s well-being? Liu Chengyin couldn’t quite articulate it in the moment. He feels as if there’s a “distance” or a “disconnect” between himself and Liu Yong. This kind of distance has hindered genuine communication and exchange between the father and son, creating a barrier to meaningful conversation. When Liu Yong was young, Liu Chengyin often took him to worship at the graves of their ancestors, especially at the tomb of Liu Yong’s great-grandfather, almost without fail each year on the Qingming Festival. He hoped that his son could inherit the legacy of their forebears, enter a career in government service, and bring honor to the family name. Now, it seems that Liu Chengyin’s wishes are about to be dashed, as his son has chosen a career that is far removed from the path of government service: performing arts.

    Not to mention that Liu Yong currently cannot even have a meaningful conversation with his father, Liu Chengyin. Even if they could engage in a conversation, it’s currently beyond the realm of possibility for Liu Chengyin to dine at the Moon City Grand Hotel with Wu Mengyue, let alone discuss any matters related to being a “consultant.”

    It’s not that a Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee carries an excessive air of importance or grandiosity, making it difficult for them to dine at a hotel or interact with the hotel owner. That’s not the case. During this period, Liu Chengyin has been deeply involved in the city’s new rural development efforts, especially the consolidation of towns and townships in the four districts and two counties. Building upon the initial pilot projects, these efforts have been successfully extended throughout the city. The workload has been substantial, and unexpected conflicts and issues have surfaced. Liu Chengyin believes that he has dedicated considerable effort, immersing himself in rural areas to gain insight into grassroots realities. He has made pragmatic adjustments to the pilot projects in various towns and townships, while imposing strict demands on the overall deployment of this work across the cities and districts. His approach involves detailed plans, clear allocation of responsibilities, adherence to steps, and a steady and cautious advancement.

    Indeed, Liu Chengyin made the decision to accelerate the overall process after witnessing the success of pilot projects in various cities and districts. Could it be that he was driven by impatience to achieve quick results? Perhaps the desire to make a significant contribution to his career led to some rash decisions. During the merger process of Xinglin Town and Xinghua Township into Shuangxing Town, a situation arose where tens of thousands of residents from both areas blocked a highway, causing a major traffic disruption on an interprovincial highway connecting central and northern parts of the province to the southern region. Emotions ran high, resulting in the burning of numerous police vehicles and physical assaults on government officials, including police officers, who were performing their duties. The leaders from the two merged areas were trapped in their vehicles for over ten hours without even the freedom to step out for a restroom break. Foreign media extensively covered this incident, portraying it as a spontaneous uprising in the Moon City region and demanding the overthrow of the local government.

    Now, the situation has escalated significantly. Senior leaders have issued “important instructions,” urging a high level of attention, conflict resolution, proper handling, containment of the incident, and maintenance of stability. The Moon City Party Committee and Municipal Government acted swiftly, forming an “Emergency Response Leadership Group for the Handling of the Shuangxing Town Sudden Group Incident,” with Liu Chengyin, the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, as the group leader. They stationed themselves in Shuangxing Town.

    Additionally, over a thousand police officers were dispatched to the area, under the command and coordination of Deputy Secretary Liu, in order to promptly address any new developments and maintain normal production and life order in the local community, safeguarding the safety of people’s lives and property.

    After conducting an on-site investigation, Liu Chengyin uncovered the underlying causes of this severe and disruptive group incident. It turned out that in Xinghua Township, there was a rural junior highschool known throughout the city for its “quality education.” As the leader in charge of rural affairs at the municipal level, Liu Chengyin was not only aware of this but had also praised their “quality education” approach during the citywide rural work conference. However, over the years, this school had used the pretext of “quality education” to massively enroll fee- paying students from other areas, resulting in the formation of a “fee-charging black hole.” With the demand for town and township consolidation, the authorities required this “prestigious school” to relocate. The school principal, feeling guilty about the “fee-charging black hole,” feared exposure. To divert attention from the school’s real issues, rumors were spread claiming that the original choice for the location of the Shuangxing Town government was Xinghua Township because of the presence of this “prestigious school.” However, the current decision by the Shuangxing Town Party Secretary to place the town government in Xinglin Town was allegedly due to undisclosed “secrets” related to real estate development in Xinglin Town. This situation was linked to safeguarding the interests of certain developers and also involved corruption issues.

    The issues concerning developer interests and corruption have left a negative impression on the local population. Particularly when it comes to corruption, whether it’s officials involved or government corruption, the sentiment of the ordinary people is crystal clear: they abhor it. Therefore, when some uninformed citizens heard about allegations of favoritism and corruption in the decision-making process for the location of the Shuangxing Town government, their emotions ran high. The result was an uproar among the local populace, fueled by those with ulterior motives. They started chanting slogans like “Down with corrupt officials!” and “Punish corruption!” demanding justice for the people of Xinghua Township from higher authorities.

    The citizens of Xinghua Township initiated protests, vehemently demanding the removal of corrupt officials and the punishment of corruption. Simultaneously,they strongly demanded the relocation of the Shuangxing Town government back to the original location of the Xinghua Township government. Once this news spread, the residents of Xinglin Town also became agitated. They organized their own protests, insisting on the strict implementation of the initial merger plan, maintaining the stability of the Shuangxing Town government’s location in Xinglin Town, and calling for severe punishment of those who spread rumors and incited disturbances.

    As a result, differing opinions emerged among the residents of the two areas, leading to divisions and inevitable arguments. Some individuals who were not thinking rationally became physically aggressive, resulting in clashes between groups of people. There were instances of impulsive actions that led to physical confrontations between different groups of citizens.

    Liu Chengyin has gone without proper rest for several consecutive days and nights.

    Various opinions surged towards him like a tide, as the leader of this “l(fā)eadership group,” demanding to meet him in person to voice their concerns. At this moment, Shuangxing Town resembled a vast stage where a diverse array of individuals and roles took the spotlight, presenting a mixture of strategies and tactics. There were those who used words and those who resorted to force, various enticements of personal gain, as well as threats and intimidation. This situation put to the test the insight, judgment, and resilience of Liu Chengyin and his colleagues in the leadership group.

    Liu Chengyin realized that regardless of where the town government was located, there was indeed an underlying “interest” issue. Decision-makers must effectively manage the shifts in certain interests due to the change in the town government’s location. They need to holistically consider the economic and social development of Shuangxing Town after the merger. This is the fundamental approach to addressing the problem. Necessary and temporary sacrifices of “interests” are also unavoidable. In any administrative reform or adjustment of administrative divisions, “interest” issues are always present. There is no such thing as a flawless solution, and this is equally true in practical work. The key lies in explaining the situation thoroughly to the citizens, ensuring their right to information, participation, and choice. It is crucial to achieve democracy, fairness, and transparency, aiming to gain the understanding and support of the general populace. Especially for the sake of overall and long-term interests, there are times when we, as citizens, might need to sacrifice some local or immediate interests. However, the ultimate goal is always to safeguard the fundamental interests of our people. It’s essential to make this aspect visible and clear to our citizens.

    During the meetings with the colleagues of the “l(fā)eadership group,” Liu Chengyin repeatedly emphasized the crucial role of effectively managing the thoughts and opinions of the local residents. He stressed the importance of gaining the understanding and support of the vast majority of the community. However, he made it clear that there would be no leniency for those with ulterior motives or who deliberately misled the public or engaged in disorderly conduct.

    The principal of the so-called “prestigious school” was swiftly arrested by the public security authorities due to severe disruption of public order, causing financial losses to the people and his involvement in the “fee-charging black hole.” Legal consequences await him.

    “I never expected Shuangxing Town to have such a beautiful ginkgo forest. Our relevant departments, along with the town Party Committee and government, should promote and showcase it well.” Accompanied by the town government officials, Liu Chengyin conducted a visit to an ancient ginkgo forest. It was deep autumn, and the ginkgo leaves were a vibrant gold color. The branches were adorned with newly formed white ginkgo nuts, their pale yellow hue gently swaying in the autumn breeze.

    The comrades in the town also felt that Secretary Liu had been working tirelessly for the past few days. He attended meetings and discussions day and night, conducted visits and investigations non-stop, and even during moments of intense conflict, he didn’t take a breath. However, they refrained from mentioning the sharp contradictions to him in order to let him catch his breath and take a break. Fortunately, the overall situation had stabilized, and the roots of instability had been uprooted. With proper post-incident work and efforts to comfort the affected citizens, the situation could be smoothly resolved. In light of this, they invited Secretary Liu to come and see the ancient ginkgo forest, as a moment of relaxation and respite.

    Taking a panoramic view of the several hundred acres of ancient ginkgo trees, with their thick trunks and majestic crowns, revealed a diverse array of shapes and forms, each branch telling tales of the ages through its ruggedness. Upon closer observation, the branches laden with ginkgo nuts formed strings upon strings, branches connecting to other branches, trees standing closely beside one another,resulting in a sight of endless ginkgoes. Liu Chengyin turned to those accompanying him and chuckled, “Now, this is what they mean by ‘bearing abundant fruit. ’”

    As Liu Chengyin and his group continued to walk, they ventured deeper into the heart of the ancient ginkgo forest. The thick layer of fallen leaves underfoot emitted a satisfying “crunch-crunch” sound as they walked, soft yet resilient, providing an incredibly pleasant sensation. After rounding a small bend, a body of water came into view before Liu Chengyin’s eyes. One of the accompanying individuals informed him that this was the Ginkgo Fairy Lake. Although not overly large, this body of water held a beautiful legend within its confines.

    According to the legend, the area known as Xinglin was once devoid of any ancient ginkgo forest. It was instead a stretch of land covered in overgrown weeds. People lived near the water, working on this land and living modest yet peaceful lives, free from the hardships of upheaval. One year, a plague struck, and the entire village of Xinglin was engulfed by the epidemic. Every household had sick individuals.

    Outside the village, there was a young man named Chunsheng who made a living by fishing on the lake. Upon learning about the epidemic that had befallen the village, he desperately sought medical help but found no effective remedy. One day, exhausted from his efforts, Chunsheng fell asleep under a large tree. As he slept, a beautiful young woman appeared before him, seemingly drifting on the breeze. She informed him that he could brew a soup from the leaves of the tree he was resting under and give it to the villagers to cure the plague. Chunsheng was elated by this revelation and woke up in high spirits. He gazed at the tree and saw its fan-shaped leaves swaying in the wind, as if beckoning to him. However, the beautiful young woman had vanished without a trace.

    Although Chunsheng had found the leaves that could cure the epidemic, he was now far away from home, and he had no idea how many leaves he would need to cure the illness of an entire village. The villagers’ conditions were deteriorating rapidly, and there was no time for Chunsheng to return home and then come back with the leaves. He was in a state of despair. Just then, a voice from the tree reached Chunsheng’s ears, saying, “Why don’t you take me home as your bride?”

    “Ah? Are you the girl I saw in my dream? Where are you? As long as you can cure the villagers’ illness, I’m willing to take you home as my bride,” Chunsheng exclaimed. He realized that the girl appearing in his dreams and now speaking from the tree couldn’t be an ordinary person. Since she wasn’t an ordinary person, taking her home as his wife wouldn’t be a conventional marriage, let alone the possibility of having descendants.

    “I’m right here in front of you. Take a good look.” A gust of wind swept through, causing the branches and leaves of the tree to sway. In a matter of moments, the tree disappeared, and the girl from his dreams stood before Chunsheng, graceful and poised. Her eyes were filled with affection as she gazed at him.

    To dispel any doubts from the young man’s mind, the girl confessed to Chunsheng that she was the Ginkgo Fairy. In a previous life, she was a Buddhist bead left behind during the practice of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. After a millennium of cultivation, she had transformed into a human form. As long as Chunsheng promised not to be entranced by her beauty and not to seek the pleasures of a conventional marriage, she assured him that she would assist him in eradicating the plague and saving the people.

    Upon returning to Xinglin, Chunsheng and his newfound wife diligently used the water from the nearby lake to boil the ginkgo leaves, creating a concoction. They distributed the liquid to every household in the village. In a matter of days, the villagers’ conditions started to stabilize. Chunsheng was overjoyed by the positive results, and the villagers were full of gratitude towards him for his efforts.

    After a few more days, Chunsheng noticed that his wife had started wearing a headscarf whenever she went outside. It wasn’t until he returned home one evening that he realized his wife’s hair was gradually disappearing. The once beautiful woman with flowing locks had transformed into someone with patches of hair loss on her head.

    The Ginkgo Fairy explained to Chunsheng that the ginkgo tree she had transplanted was another form of her own being. Every day, the ginkgo leaves harvested from the tree were equivalent to pulling strands of her own hair.

    His wife’s words made Chunsheng suddenly realize, and he recalled his previous wife’s warning before they returned to Xinglin. His current wife knew what fate awaited her when she returned to Xinglin with Chunsheng, and she had been prepared for it all along. In a moment, Chunsheng embraced his wife tightly, his fingers gently tracing her hair that was no longer smooth and beautiful. Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

    His wife kissed Chunsheng with deep affection, telling him that their bond spanned across lifetimes and was now coming to an end in this life. She would soon depart from him, but he only needed to care for the ginkgo tree by the lake. As long as the people of Xinglin lived happily and peacefully, free from the suffering of plagues, her purpose would be fulfilled. She could watch over her husband every day from the branches of the ginkgo tree, ensuring their happiness together. They would have to wait for the next cycle of a thousand years to rekindle their connection.

    As expected, not long after, the village of Xinglin was once again filled with the sounds of joy and laughter, and the plague was driven away. Chunsheng’s wife had exhausted her final trace of spiritual energy, and her form dissolved into nothingness. She left behind only the ginkgo tree by the lake for Chunsheng.

    Upon learning about the Ginkgo Fairy’s story, the villagers gathered under the ginkgo tree. They lit incense, bowed in reverence, and tied red ribbons to the branches of the ginkgo tree as a symbol of remembrance and respect.

    Chunsheng never went fishing again. He spent his days tending to the ginkgo tree, caring for it meticulously. Among the clusters of fan-shaped leaves, every autumn brought forth strings of white fruits. Chunsheng would distribute these fruits to the villagers. Observant villagers noticed that the basket he carried always had a blue floral cloth headscarf that his wife had once worn covering it.

    Several years passed, and Chunsheng had long since passed away. The ginkgo tree by the lake had flourished into a forest of ginkgo trees. People couldn’t forget the kind-hearted Ginkgo Fairy, so they bestowed a beautiful name upon the lake— Ginkgo Fairy Lake.

    “Comrade, your story is truly touching. If more of our Communist Party cadres were like the Ginkgo Fairy, willing to sacrifice their lives for the benefit of the people, even for the sake of merging towns, incidents like the one in Shuangxing Town might not occur!” Lium Chengyin, having received years of Party education, had the ability to discern the political significance even in a folk story. It was indeed impressive to the other comrades accompanying him, making them appreciate his position as the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee.

    The higher-level leadership did not absolve itself of responsibility for effectively handling the incident related to the merger of Shuangxing Town. They didn’t allow it to escalate into a worse situation. Instead, they took a comprehensive approach. A provincial commission of inquiry was dispatched to Moon City to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident of the group affecting the merger of Shuangxing Town. Additionally, they conducted a retrospective assessment of the implementation of the town-village merger in Moon City’s new rural development efforts.

    Shifting his focus, Lium Chengyin’s work priorities transitioned from solely advancing the town-village merger across the entire city to cooperating with the provincial commission of inquiry investigating the incident in Shuangxing Town. This included assessing and reflecting on the issues within the town-village merger efforts in Moon City.

    During the meeting of the Municipal Party  Standing Committee, Wen Lianggong criticized Lium Chengyin for the rushed approach in organizing the city-wide town-village merger. He explicitly pointed out that attempting to merge over 200 townships into 90 at once is overly ambitious and involves a vast scope with a large number of personnel. He emphasized the need for an overall plan and phased implementation to ensure stability. Trying to achieve too much too quickly can easily lead to complications. Although the current plan had been discussed by the Municipal Party leadership, it’s fair to say that the previous discussion was not thorough, and many comrades didn’t have the opportunity to express their opinions effectively. Now, it’s crucial to learn profound lessons from the Shuangxing Town incident and make adjustments and improvements to the city-wide town-village merger plan. Drawing from the experiences of other sister cities, a more suitable approach for this merger might involve reducing the number of entities from over 200 to 150. I invite all comrades to share their opinions fully. This is just my personal proposal.

    Mayor Wen’s speech, true to his usual style, maintained his slow pace and gentle tone. However, his remarks about the issues in Deputy Secretary Liu’s work were anything but vague, and one could say they were like a hidden needle in cotton.

    In the Chinese administrative system, the role of a mayor is quite delicate. Within a specific region, one could say the mayor is below one person and above many. In various administrative bodies, particularly within the party and government leadership, only the Party Secretary is the mayor’s superior, while other members of the leadership team are under the mayor’s leadership. This is because the mayor also holds the position of Deputy Party Secretary. However, if the Party Secretary doesn’t approve of the mayor, the mayor, who is under one person, might also be under many. If the Party Secretary bypasses the mayor and takes direct control, a stomp of the foot could lead to demolitions, and a wave of the hand could trigger changes, leaving the mayor with little say. Therefore, conflicts between Party Secretaries and mayors are almost inevitable most of the time. Dear readers, don’t forget, what’s the main duty of a Party Secretary? “Control the people.” This is the skill of “climbing the tree.” Tigers might be fierce and powerful, but after all, they can’t climb trees. Moreover, not every Party Secretary is necessarily just a “cat.”

    The subtlety of the Party Secretary’s skill in “controlling people” lies within the character “ 控 ” (control). When to control whom, how to control, and the intricacies involved are endless and not easily understood without being in the actual situation. Moreover, the “intricacies” are not meant to be known by outsiders. For instance, in the current Communist Party of China’s (CPC) Moon City Municipal Committee Standing Committee, it’s clear that Wen Lianggong holds the advantageous position of the second in command. No matter how extensively you, Li Chengyin, delve into investigating rural areas, study and discuss matters, pilot programs, formulate, adjust, and refine plans, it all seems to be in vain now, as the Shuangxing Town incident has provided a clear interpretation of the work you, Li Chengyin, did earlier. “Foreign media” has extensively covered it, embarrassing us on the international stage. What more is there to say?

    Based on the fact that Comrade Li Chengyin, the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Moon City Municipal Committee, engaged in misconduct during the process of new rural construction, leading to a serious collective incident, the provincial investigation team reported to the Provincial Organization Department and relevant leaders of the Provincial Committee. With their approval, a decision was made to suspend Comrade Li Chengyin for further investigation.

    The term “suspension for investigation” carried a profound meaning for Li Chengyin. Several years ago, when he was still the Party Secretary of Chu County, he had experienced a similar “treatment.” After many years, fate had once again delivered those four words to him: “suspension for investigation.” There was no longer a provincial leader like Elder Shen to speak up for him. There were no more decades of time to squander. He could only extinguish the ambitions he had when he first arrived in Moon City to make a difference. Regarding his career prospects, he felt somewhat disheartened.

    He thought about his son and the path that Li Yong had chosen in the arts.

    In a luxurious private room at the Moon City Grand Hotel, Wu Mengyue was passionately arranging dishes for Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Liu Chengyin.

    “Please help yourself, Deputy Secretary Liu. Tonight’s gathering is just a small and intimate occasion to express our gratitude for your presence,” Wu Mengyue said while placing a braised carp onto Liu Chengyin’s plate.

    Sitting in the guest of honor seat, Liu Chengyin appeared to have had some drinks,his face slightly flushed. He didn’t pay much attention to the grilled carp that Wu Mengyue had served over. He raised his glass to his son and said, “Come, Liu Yong, let’s raise our glasses to Ms. Wu as well, thanking her for organizing a special performance for you.”

    This gesture from his father made Liang Yong feel a bit special. In his memory,  his father rarely attended any social gatherings with him, let alone raise their glasses  together or even toast on his behalf. Even during meals at home, his father seldom  inquired about his affairs, such as how his studies were going at school. Liang Yong  understood it very well in his heart – his father didn’t hold much esteem for “singing.” Liang Yong’s pursuit of popular music studies at the Jinling School of Arts was  something he never had the chance to discuss with his father.

    Now, unexpectedly, his father was raising his glass to toast the investor of his own singing and dancing performance, Wu Mengyue. Liang Yong hadn’t quite figured out why his father had undergone such a change. He had heard some rumors about his father being suspended for investigation, seemingly related to the recent intense incident in Shuangxing Town. However, he wouldn’t ask his father for details, and his father wouldn’t tell him either.

    “Secretary Liu, this is something Mengyue can’t handle. I see a bright future for Xiao Yong and Yueyue the golden boy and jade girl; these two young people have unlimited potential ahead of them.” Wu Mengyue quickly stood up and raised her wineglass.

    “It seems like General Manager Wu is planning to shift her focus in her endeavors? Well, Tian, no, I’ll call you Yueyue as well. Since you and Yong are working together on a singing and dancing special event, let’s both raise our glasses to General Manager Wu.” Tonight, Lao Yuan had completely shed his demeanor as the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee. He raised his glass once again, this time towards TianYueyue, who was sitting next to Yong.

    Although Tian Yueyue had visited the Liu family’s small building in Phoenix Court a few times, she had never encountered Yong’s father, her “father-in-law.” Tonight, she had come all the way to the Moon City from Nanjing, taking advantage  of the presence of the director, planners, stage designers, and other experts involved  in the special performanceshe was organizing.

    Caught between Wu Mengyue and Tian Yueyue, with his father present as well, Yong felt a bit uneasy. Before he even had a chance to clink glasses with them, he tilted his head back and downed the contents of his glass in one gulp.

    “Ah, who drinks like that? You didn’t even clink glasses with these two ladies and just downed it. Refill your glass, and let’s have a toast together, four glasses in a harmonious arrangement.” Tonight, Yong’s father, in high spirits, set forth a strict requirement for his son.

    “Yueyue, Uncle also wants to have a special drink with you. I heard from Yong’s mom that you’re a girl from Suzhou. No wonder you look so delicate and beautiful, like a little gem of a family. Great! You’re even better than our local girls of the Moon City!”

    “Uncle Liu, I don’t usually drink, but I’ll finish this glass of red wine. Thank you for your nice words!”

    “Yueyue, let’s both raise our glasses to Dad. Dad, since you like Yueyue so much, I’ll bring her home as your daughter-in-law, how about that?” Yong felt that his father was in a good mood tonight, so he relaxed. He thought to himself that he hadn’t had a chance to explain his relationship with Tian Yueyue to his family, and now was the perfect opportunity. If Dad gives the nod, then it’s a green light for the whole family.”

    “Oh, it looks like you haven’t been honest with your mother? Yueyue, you tell Uncle.”

    Seeing his father ask this question, Yong had a clear idea. He quickly nudged Tian Yueyue, “Hurry, say that you’re willing to be Dad’s daughter-in-law.” After all, he and TianYueyue had been together for quite some time, and as long as the climate was suitable, the seedlings of their love would naturally sprout. At this moment, Yong seemed completely different, as if he had transformed into someone else. It was as if in all his years, he had never been so bold and relaxed in front of his father as he was tonight.

    However, he overlooked the on-site feelings of another woman.

    “The Moon on the Willow Tips” — The song and dance performance by Liu Yong and TianYueyue did not take place as scheduled.

    Although the previous promotional posters were plastered all over the streets,  and the electronic display screens of major shopping malls in Moon City were  flashing with scrolling text, the show was left with “Willow” and without “Moon.” One of the main performers of the special performance, Tian Yueyue, decided to  withdraw at the last moment.

    When Wu Mengyue and Liu Yong initially came together, their intentions were quite clear to each other. They certainly knew that such a relationship between two individuals had nothing to do with emotions and was not just a reflection of the current societal trend of “not seeking eternity, but seeking the present moment.”

    In the early 21st  century, Chinese society seemed to exhibit a certain “richness” in terms of gender relations. Among unmarried men and women, there were constant  appearances of “triangular” relationships and “diamond-shaped” intersections.  Among married individuals, the presence of “third parties” and “fourth parties” became increasingly common, giving a sense of “peach blossoms on the branch,  spring vibes in the air.” Those pursuing emotions found themselves, on one hand,  becoming more “practical,” forming bonds when compatible and cutting ties when  not; on the other hand, their pursuits became more “diverse,” with “red faces” and  “blue faces” frequently appearing in their lives. However, the love of young people  and the emotions between spouses seemed to become fragmented. The more the  “richness” in relationships, the more they appeared “incomplete.” The emotional  world of the people became both “rich” and “desolate.”

    However, the feelings of jealousy and revenge are almost innate in any woman. It’s just that some people “hide” them deep inside and they are not easily revealed, while others may not exactly “hide” them and they often surface. Objectively speaking, when it comes to jealousy and revenge, Wu Mengyue’s feelings were still relatively deeply hidden. However, on the night when Liu Yong faced his initially tense relationship with his father and the complex relationship with the woman, he went from feeling anxious and uneasy to later, in front of another woman, hastily and impulsively declaring a marital relationship in front of his father. He transitioned from one extreme to another.

    Of course, Wu Mengyue couldn’t tolerate Liu Yong’s disregard for her feelings like that. She didn’t expect that Liu Yong would overlook her to such an extent. All those moments of intimacy they shared, didn’t you, Liu Yong, feel any hint of pleasure? The meticulously planned song and dance performance, which I put so much effort and resources into, you are aware of that, don’t you have a hint of gratitude towards me, Wu Mengyue? And yet, in front of your father, you openly commit yourself to that other woman. Have you forgotten the true purpose of inviting your father to this banquet?

    Liu Yong, oh Liu Yong, why did you ignite the flames of jealousy within my heart? All of this is of your own making. You, Liu Yong, heartless as you are, have no one but yourself to blame for my lack of loyalty. Have you ever considered what would happen if Tian Yueyue were to find out about our affair? And not just any affair, but one that has been going on for so long and so deep. What kind of reaction do you think she would have? Could the two of you still be as affectionate, sweet, and close as you are now?

    Wu Mengyue took action after all.

    How could Tian Yueyue possibly believe that the man she loves would betray her?

    During their three years at the Jinling Art College, how deeply in love they were, how harmoniously they intertwined, and how enviable it all was. Tian Yueyue had believed that her whole life would be intertwined with this man, inseparable. They planned to declare their love to the world through a joint singing and dancing performance. She and Liu Yong put their hearts and souls into program arrangement, selection, and rehearsal. They meticulously planned, practiced, and harmonized everything. She aimed for perfection, wanting to present a flawless image to their families, Liu Yong’s family, their teachers, and classmates. She wanted their loved ones, teachers, and peers to witness their perfect union. She wanted them all to see that these two young people were meant for each other and destined for a happy marriage. She wanted to move them and elicit sincere blessings from the depths of their hearts.

    However, all this beauty turned into nothingness in an instant.

    Between her and Liu Yong, there seemed to be only a mirage, everything was illusory. The companionship in the rehearsal hall, the walks on the campus, the laughter at the dining table, the longing during brief separations, the tenderness during their trip to Xinjiang, the moments of knowing and loving each other, the times they stood by each other—had none of it ever happened? The sweet kisses, the comforting embraces, the intoxicating intimacy—were they all nonexistent?

    How could it be like this? How could it be like this?

    Tian Yueyue burst into tears. She couldn’t accept everything that Wu Mengyue was stating. The depth of Yungyue’s love for her was so real and intense. She firmly believed in this, without any doubt. She, TianYueyue, was also willing to entrust her life to this young man named Liu Yong. She loved him, and was willing to journey through life with him. But why, Liu Yong, did you engage in a physical relationship with another woman? My goodness, it’s not just a physical relationship, but it has been ongoing and intimate up to now. Have you ever considered where I, Tian Yueyue, stand when you’re with that woman? Have you thought about our love?

    Liu Yong, Liu Yong, you actually came up with such a ridiculous excuse for your shameful betrayal. You said it was a necessary compromise for the sake of our careers and for the successful execution of the “Moonlight over the Willows” special performance.

    Oh my heavens, could it be that I, Tian Yueyue, was wrong? Perhaps in this world, there is no such thing as pure and genuine love, and everything is just my own wishful thinking, my naive and foolish idea. Maybe there isn’t a single man worthy of trust, and no man is willing to standby me with true devotion, let alone talk about a lifetime commitment.

    Yueyue, my dear, you know that I truly love you. My love for you comes from the bottom of my heart. You are the woman I truly love, Yueyue. You should know how deep my feelings for you are.

    Yueyue, I know that I was wrong. I shouldn’t have, under any circumstances, gotten involved with another woman after falling in love with you. But you really have to believe me, I fell into a trap set by the cunning woman, Wu Mengyue. It was only recently that I realized she set a cunning trap for me, starting from the moment we met at the KTV. She was monitoring my every move in Moon City, and then she devised a plan to lure me in. I admit, she’s skilled at seduction, and I fell for her charm. Please don’t call me shameless; men are like curious cats, when an irresistible temptation is placed before them, it’s hard to resist the urge to indulge.

    Yueyue, I really haven’t lied to you. The reason I got close to her was solely to ensure the success of our song and dance performance before we graduate. It requires a 1 million yuan investment, and if I weren’t with her, where would I get that kind of money? However, only today did I realize that her investment of 1 million yuan in us, Wu Mengyue also had her own motives. But honestly, I still don’t quite understand why she thought it was worth spending 1 million yuan just to get closer to my father. So, Moon, to be honest, there are times when I’m still a bit touched by Wu Mengyue. In an era where money rules everything, a woman willing to spend that kind of money on us is quite rare. However, Yueyue, I swear to you, I have never loved her. In my heart, you are the only person I love, my beloved.

    Yueyue, based on the love we’ve shared over these 3 years, can you forgive me this time? Considering that I got close to Wu Mengyue for the sake of our “Moon Rises over the Willow” song and dance performance, can you forgive me this time? Taking into account that I fell into the trap set by Wu Mengyue, a cunning woman, can you forgive me this time?

    Yueyue, my dear, I beg you, I plead with you, forgive me, spare me, please don’t leave me.

    At the South Station of the Moon City, amidst the bustling crowd of people coming and going at the long-distance bus terminal, under the public gaze, Liu Yong intercepted Tian Yueyue, who was preparing to leave alone. He knew that after Wu Mengyue revealed the nature of their relationship to Tian Yueyue, she must have been struck by how much it hurt. She must harbor feelings of resentment and sadness towards him, but more than anything, she must be feeling heartbroken and disappointed. From the depths of his heart, Liu Yong truly didn’t want to lose Tian Yueyue, such a good girl.

    And so, dear readers, it is in the spotlight of the Moon City South Station that you witness a young couple, with tears streaming down their faces, pouring out their hearts to each other. You see the tall and handsome young man kneeling earnestly before the petite and lovely girl. You witness the girl’s heart-wrenching and heartbroken tears.

    The love story of Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue spread widely throughout the Moon City. In the process of this dissemination, an unsavory character was added to the mix: Wu Mengyue.

    Unlike the sudden appearance of numerous “creditors” overnight years ago, this time, Wu Mengyue became a “third party” that Moon City residents would discuss eagerly during their leisure time. Wu Mengyue wouldn’t face the awkwardness and embarrassment of numerous “creditors” coming to collect debts. This time, she only owed a debt of conscience to one person in matters of the heart. Even though Tian Yueyue didn’t have much involvement with her, after Wu Mengyue revealed her misconduct with Liu Yong, Tian Yueyue chose to leave with a broken heart. However, Wu Mengyue knew that the debt she owed Tian Yueyue would remain unresolved for a lifetime. She would carry this debt of conscience with her, throughout her life.

    The Grand Hotel of the Moon City could no longer operate. The number of people coming to dine there dwindled, while those who came to catch a glimpse of Wu Mengyue’s appearance increased. Even some shady characters started showing up. Now, in the mouths and hearts of the Moon City residents, Wu Mengyue had become a promiscuous woman, a shameless one at that. Living her days surrounded by contemptuous remarks, hiding like a rat, how could she possibly endure? Wu Mengyue hadn’t realized that she had truly failed in her attempts and ended up losing more than she bargained for in the affair between Liu Yong and TianYueyue.

    “The Moon Rises Above the Willow Tips” – the song and dance performance by Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue, had clearly fallen apart. The upfront fees for the preliminary planning team, the deposit for inviting “Sun Goddess” as a guest performer – tens of thousands of dollars were all gone in an instant, and Wu Mengyue hadn’t even heard a sound. Not only that, due to Liu Yong and Tian Yueyue’s affair, she couldn’t survive in Moon City anymore. What it means for words to be fearsome, and for spit to drown someone – this time, Wu Mengyue had experienced it firsthand. With no other choice, she had to leave.

    Compared to the departure of years ago, this time, even though there were no financial debts to worry about and she didn’t have to fear being pursued by “creditors,” the pressure Wu Mengyue felt in her heart was not any smaller than the departure years ago. She was more afraid of exposure in public than before. She understood that her dream of establishing a powerful kingdom of wealth in Moon City was now impossible to achieve. After leaving this time, she would never return.

    The city had brought her so much suffering, and she needed to bid a final farewell to the Moon City.

    Wu Mengyue locked herself alone in the place within Moon City Grand Hotel where she had once shared so much joy with Liu Yong. With an empty glass of red wine facing the moon, she poured out her thoughts to no one in particular. What’s the point of living? Why are we alive? Wu Mengyue leaned against the window, lost in thought. The deep blue of the night was as smooth as silk, not at all like her gloomy mood. Only the waning moon hung coldly in the sky, suddenly shattering her heart. Could it be that even the moon in the sky has its own discontent? Why is it that we rarely see it as a full moon?

    A few silent tears fell into the glass held in Wu Mengyue’s hand.

    The affairs between Liu Yong, Tian Yueyue, and Wu Mengyue have become widely known in the city of Moon City, causing quite a stir. Now, it’s making Liu Chengyin, Liu Yong’s father, feel embarrassed. If his son makes him lose face, how could he possibly maintain a good demeanor? Liu Chengyin’s anger is soaring, and the situation has become extremely tense.

    Liu Yong, you rascal, you little scoundrel, you haven’t even grown your first beard, and yet you dare to be so reckless in your romantic affairs! Since you’ve fallen in love with that Suzhou girl named Tian Yueyue, why can’t you just love and treat her sincerely? Instead, you’ve also involved yourself with the female owner of Moon City Grand Hotel. It’s truly disgraceful. You, you little scoundrel, don’t you realize who that Wu Mengyue is? Do you think you can handle her? You’re completely clueless about the consequences of your actions. You’replaying with fire without realizing it. You, this little troublemaker, if I don’t straighten you out, who knows what embarrassing situation you’ll end up creating. You’ve made me lose all face because of your actions.

    Originally, there was a slight shift in Liu’s perception of his son. After all these years of diligent political work, the journey on the “official career” path was filled with uncertainties, and achieving one’s wishes was a rare occurrence. Grandfather’s expectations had always been deeply buried in Liu’s heart, hoping that his son would also enter the “official career” and fulfill the family’s legacy. After his recent suspension from duty, Liu felt that it might not be a bad idea for his son to not pursue the “official career.” “Engaging in the arts” might not be a bad thing. It could mean less political maneuvering, fewer ups and downs, and a more visible future. People live their lives like a fleeting season. Not getting involved in politics and not pursuing an official career doesn’t necessarily mean that one cannot lead an extraordinary life. Besides, this young boy Liu Yong seems to have a charm that appeals to girls. He’s even dating a girl from Suzhou, who seems petite and adorable. Liu, this “soon-to-be father-in-law,” liked her from the moment he laid eyes on her. Thinking about how they both graduated from the same college, share common interests and goals,and will live, work, and learn together in the future, it seems they will be happy and content. This way, there would be no need for Liu Chengyin and Su Hua to worry about him anymore.

    Little did Liu Chengyin know that Liu Yong, this little rascal, had an audacious nature. He actually had an inappropriate relationship with the female owner of the Moon City Hotel and even had the audacity to meddle in his father’s affairs by suggesting a connection between him and Wu Mengyue. He’s truly a mix of a scoundrel and a fool.

    Inside the small building of the Liu family in Phoenix Manor, Liu Chengyin was like a roaring lion, unleashing his anger and fury. Liu Yong, who was taller than his father, had no choice but to bow his head and endure the scolding, without any room for retort. In the face of such a situation, neither the doting of Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua, nor the protection of his son by Su Hua, had any effect. They found themselves unable to even listen to the reprimand, retreating to their respective rooms, waiting for the head of the family, Liu Chengyin, to announce the punishment he had in store for Liu Yong.

    At this moment, inside Liu Chengyin’s study, the atmosphere was thick with tension.

    Oh, Liu Yong, I’m so tempted to give you a good slap right now. You really should start using your brain. How could you not see through the trap set by that woman, Wu Mengyue, from the very beginning? You’ve been played around by her all this time, and just talking about it makes me feel embarrassed for you. Now, I’m giving you a chance to make up for your mistakes.

    I heard that Tian Yueyue has already expressed her intention to break up with you. Your mother also shared some things about both of you with me. At this time, you should sincerely apologize to the young lady, even if it means kneeling before her, begging for her forgiveness, and promising that you will never make such mistakes again and will never do anything to hurt her feelings. In short, no matter what method you use, you must make the young lady change her mind. If you can’t accomplish this, then don’t come back to see me. You’re already in your twenties, so you should act like a responsible man with integrity and commitment.

    No matter how strong the anger in Liu Chengyin’s heart was, his son had turned into a bubble at this moment. Even if you, as the father, couldn’t hit back or respond with harsh words, what more could you do to him? At this moment, Liu Yong seemed to have become obedient, completely changing his usual confrontational stance with his father. Ironically, this change in attitude from Liu Yong actually prevented Liu Chengyin’s anger from flaring up again.

    When Liu Chengyin opened the study door and entered the living room, he suddenly felt a scratchy sensation in his throat, as if smoke had risen from it. It was then that he realized he had been lecturing his son for quite a while, almost as if delivering a formal presentation at a conference, yet he hadn’t even taken a sip of water. So, he called out to Su Hua, his wife, and asked her to pour him a cup of tea.

    Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua, the elderly couple, heard their son’s call and hurried out of their own rooms. They were also concerned about the possible consequences of punishment for their grandson, who had made a mistake. When the three of them came out, they didn’t see Liu Yong and instantly became anxious. Almost in unison, they turned to Liu Chengyin and asked, “What did you do to Liu Yong?”

    Liu Yong couldn’t find TianYueyue at the Jinling Art College.

    Feeling disheartened, he returned to the rented house he shared with Tian Yueyue. He couldn’t figure out where Tian Yueyue might have gone. His thoughts were in disarray, making it impossible for him to make any logical judgments. Suddenly, he noticed a letter left behind by TianYueyue on the bed.

    Hastily, Liu Yong opened the letter, eager to know what Tian Yueyue had written to him.

    Liu Yong, by the time you read this letter, I have already left the small abode where our love once thrived, left the college, and left you behind, heading to a distant southern land. Liu Yong, please do not continue searching, for the Yueyue that once loved you deeply has already died. She no longer exists in this world.

    You know, leaving you was incredibly difficult and heart-wrenching. But the depth of the hurt you’ve caused me is so profound that I can’t find a reason to stay by your side. Tell me, how can I convince myself? Tell me, give me a reason to forgive you.

    I once loved you so deeply, and yet you hurt me so profoundly. I am truly in pain, so much pain. Even now, I can’t comprehend why. What was wrong with me? Was I not worthy of your appreciation? Can you please tell me? Why did you betray me so easily?

    I have left, taking away the beauty we once shared. I hope I can still leave you with some beautiful memories. I also sincerely hope that you find someone who loves you more than I did. I wish you all the best.

    A woman you hurt so, so deep

    Liu Yong truly felt like crying without tears. He knew that the possibility of finding Tian Yueyue again in this lifetime was incredibly slim. This meant that he couldn’t fulfill the task his father had given him, and the daughter-in-law his father wanted was gone. What kind of punishment awaited him was still a mystery, locked within his father’s mind.

    The affairs of the Liu family were like a tangled mess, difficult to cut through and even harder to straighten out. This was causing a headache for Liu Chengyin.

    But just at this moment, some good news came from the Provincial Committee’s investigation team. After a thorough and serious investigation, the Provincial Committee’s investigation team had reached a final conclusion regarding the mass incident in Shuangxing Town. They believed that the Shuangxing Town incident was orchestrated by individuals with ulterior motives, manipulating the local population, which was unaware of the true circumstances, in an attempt to disrupt the overall deployment of urban and rural integration efforts in Moon City. As the leader in charge of this work, Comrade Liu Chengyin had been meticulous and practical in his approach. Whether it was the selection of pilot towns in various cities and districts or the final determination of the overall city and district plans, every decision had been reached after thorough deliberation. It was precisely because the progress of the pilot projects in various cities and districts had been ideal that Comrade Liu Chengyin decided to expand the initiative citywide, ultimately settling on a total of 90 merged towns after the citywide integration. How could there be leaders who believed this was “rushed”?

    After careful and thorough investigations, repeated visits, and extensive consultations with various sources, as well as hearing the genuine opinions of the public, the Provincial Committee’s investigation team formally met with the CPC Moon City Committee. Taking all perspectives into consideration, they made the decision to reinstate Comrade Liu Chengyin as the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Moon City Committee.

    Liu Chengyin was unaware of how the situation had turned around and the clouds had seemingly lifted. His old political ally, Su Youliang, who had decades of political experience, sensed the gravity and complexity behind his son-in-law’s suspension for a second time. Su Youliang was certain that there were individuals attempting to clear the way for the next round of leadership changes in the CPC Moon City Committee and government. At this moment, although Liu Chengyin was much more politically mature compared to his days as a county party secretary, he lacked the protective guidance he once received from the former Secretary Shen Dachuan. He found himself once again at the center of a storm orchestrated by those with ulterior motives. The issue of “rushing” in the new rural development was not just a minor matter. The new rural development was a significant decision and deployment of the central government. If you, Liu Chengyin, had made mistakes in implementing these crucial decisions, it could hardly be considered a minor issue.

    Su Youliang felt that he couldn’t standby this time. So, he called his “disciple” and asked them to inquire about the merger of towns and townships in Moon City,  if possible. He hoped that the organization could evaluate Liu Chengyin’s work  objectively. Of course, Liu Chengyin was not only the Deputy Secretary of the  Moon City Committee, the overall leader of this project, but also Su Youliang’s well-  connected son-in-law.

    It’s fortunate that one of Su Lao’s (Old Su’s) “disciples,” who used to work in the Organization Department of the Qingjiang City Committee, has been transferred from a neighboring province to an important leadership position within the province. This provides an opportunity to investigate the situation involving Old Su’s well- connected son-in-law.

    The re-conducted investigation indeed confirmed that Liu Chengyin’s work was not “rash.” The city as a whole had the necessary conditions for the overall implementation of this aspect of the work. Merely mentioning during the Standing Committee meeting that the opinions of the leading comrades were not fully expressed and did not completely align with the actual situation. At that time, some comrades were unwilling to express their own opinions and subsequently disagreed with the final decision of the Standing Committee. This seemed somewhat unreasonable.

    Now it’s Liu Chengyin’s turn to speak. He repeatedly tells the members of the team that even at this stage, they can still voice their thoughts, allowing him to better organize the progress of this work. The facts will prove that merging over 200 towns and townships in the city into 90 is more conducive to the comprehensive construction of a higher level of prosperity.

    After all, Liu Yong was still too young. When he finished reading the letter left by his beloved girl, his heartfelt like it was being twisted by a knife, and he was overwhelmed by unbearable pain. To think that the girl he loved so deeply had severed their connection due to his actions, and had left without a chance of retrieval. As for his family, whether he could pass the test of his father’s approval had become less important in his eyes. He made the decision to leave as well. However, he didn’t head south and he didn’t follow the footsteps of his beloved girl.

    Liu Yong’s choice was to leave completely.

    When Liu Chengyin and his wife, along with Liu Yong’s grandparents, were in the intensive care unit of Jinling Art Specialized School Hospital and saw the unconscious Liu Yong lying on the hospital bed, the entire family fell silent. No one could speak or cry.

    The doctor told Liu Chengyin that it seemed his son was determined to leave this world. He had ingested an excessive amount of sleeping pills, and all available life-saving measures had been taken. Currently, he was still in a critical condition, and it couldn’t be determined whether his life could be saved. The most crucial factor would be his own will to live.

    In a stroke of misfortune, there was a glimmer of luck. When Liu Yong made the decision to leave, he sent a message to a few of his classmates, with words that were incoherent and confusing. Although some classmates misunderstood, thinking that the charismatic Liu Yong was playing a prank, they felt it wasn’t appropriate to play such games since it wasn’t April Fools’ Day. Other classmates knew about the breakup between Tian Yueyue and Liu Yong and thoughthe was just venting his inner frustrations. However, a few classmates sensed a hint of death in Liu Yong’s message. They quickly reported it to a teacher and, with the class teacher, found the rented house outside of the school campus.

    Tian Yueyue, whom Liu Yong had been yearning for day and night, finally stood by his hospital bed. He had thought that he would never have the chance to see his beloved girl again in his lifetime.

    Seeing Liu Yong lying unconscious on the hospital bed, Tian Yueyue was overcome with bitterness, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Liu Yong, oh Liu Yong, how could you be so foolish? Why would you want to leave this world? How could you choose to end it when your journey in life was just beginning? Is this not too selfish of you? Have you ever thought about your grandparents who care for you like their own lifeblood? How will they live now? And what about my own grandparents, whom I’ve never met? They raised you from childhood, showering you with as much love as your grandparents. You left so heartlessly, how can they bear it? The ones who suffer the most from your decision are undoubtedly your parents who brought you into this world. They worked hard to raise you, and you don’t think about repaying their kindness. Instead, you make them lose their child in their middle age. How devastating would that be for them? How will they face the days ahead?”

    Liu Yong, oh Liu Yong, could it be that you chose to leave because of my departure? Do you realize how wrong and confused your actions are? How heartless you’ve become! We used to love each other so deeply, but you couldn’t control yourself and got entangled with other women in a way that was so indecent. How could you make me endure such pain? And now, instead of reflecting on your mistakes, you’ve taken an even more heartless step, making me the one who seemingly pushed you onto a path of no return. Do you want me to spend the rest of my life tormented by your departure? Do you want to ensure that happiness never finds its way into my life again?

    Liu Yong, oh Liu Yong, people often say that fortunes can change, and as long as we’re still living in this world and hold each other in our hearts, perhaps fate might arrange for us to meet again someday, somewhere. It’s all possible, you know. But by choosing to leave this world, you’ve squandered any chance or possibility of us reuniting, of us loving each other once more. Was this worth it? To take a step back, even if we can’t meet again in the future, even if we can’t love again, it would only mean that our connection in this lifetime has come to an end. There should be no resentment and no regrets. Sometimes destiny unfolds when the time is right; don’t force what’s not meant to be. If it’s truly like this, you should try to accept it. There are countless good girls in this world, not just me, Tian Yueyue. Letting go of one tree reveals an entire forest; dropping one flower in hand welcomes a garden of blooms. Don’t continue to mistreat and torment yourself. Your journey in life has just begun, and the King of the Underworld isn’t waiting to take you. Our connection has ended, so don’t burden me with the weight of this heavy emotional debt and guilt.

    Liu Yong, farewell. We will never see each other again. Take care of yourself.

    After two days and two nights of intensive care unit treatment, Liu Yong’s vital signs have stabilized to a basic extent. Though he remains in a coma, he has overcome the critical phase, successfully passing through the perilous ordeal.

    Considering the unique status of Liu Chengyin and the special condition of his son, the school arranged a private room in the cadreward for them. With the four elderly individuals, along with Liu Chengyin and Su Hua, plus relatives and friends who came to visit, the hospital room was bustling with constant visitors, creating a revolving-door effect. Because it was a hospital affiliated with the school, the visitation rules were not as strict as those in regular hospitals.

    It was after Liu Yong had passed the life-threatening phase that Su Youliang and his wife received a call from their daughter, Su Hua, informing them about their grandson taking sleeping pills.

    With such a significant event involving Liu Yong, it was imperative to inform the elderly couple. However, when Liu Yong’s life was in a critical condition, Su Hua and Chengyin decided it was best not to tell them yet. The hospital room was already burdened with the emotional distress of the two elderly people; adding two more to their worries might be overwhelming. If, unfortunately, something happened to Liu Yong, it would be inevitable to reveal the truth. At this point, everything was still uncertain, and informing them would only add unnecessary worry without any practical benefit.

    Fortunately, on the third night in the wee hours, there was some movement from Liu Yong lying on the hospital bed. His family could hear him mumbling incoherently, “Yueyue, don’t go, don’t leave me. Yueyue, Yueyue, I won’t let you go.”

    Su Hua, who had been by Liu Yong’s bedside without sleep for three days and nights, saw her son move and heard him utter words. Tears gushed out like a flood from her eyes. The debt collector, as she affectionately referred to her son, had finally been saved. “Quick, quick, call the on-duty doctor! My son is saved, my son is waking up!”

    Hearing his wife’s shout, Liu Chengyin, who had been sleeping on a makeshift bed beside, quickly got up and went to the duty room to call for a doctor. The on- duty doctor arrived in the hospital room, placed a hand on Liu Yong’s forehead, and noticed that he was no longer running a fever. After gently opening Liu Yong’s eyes and examining him, the doctor announced that the patient was about to wake up, and the danger was over. After a brief examination, the doctor asked the patient’s family to come over and assist in adjusting the medication.

    As expected, after a few hours, Liu Yong, who had been in a coma for three days and nights, finally opened his eyes and woke up.

    Upon waking up, he didn’t notice his grandparents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, or his parents. He was fixated on asking, “Where is Yueyue? Where is my Yueyue? Wasn’t she just standing by my bed, talking to me with tearful eyes? Please help me find her quickly; I can’t let her go again. I need to apologize to her, right in front of all of you. I want to beg for her forgiveness. I also need to promise her that I will never do anything to hurt her in this lifetime, I won’t even have the slightest connection with other women. I’ll live this life only for her, TianYueyue, to love her and cherish her.”

    My child, you’ve just woken up. Let’s discuss other matters later. Right now, the most important thing is your recovery. Do you know that for these past three days and nights, you’ve made your father, mother, grandparents, and maternal and paternal grandparents extremely worried? If something happened to you, how could our whole family go on living? You, this thoughtless, rebellious child of ours! You’ve given your mother a heart attack from all this worry. Su Hua’s emotional defenses have completely crumbled at this moment. She knew that her son must be speaking nonsense. When did TianYueyue visit the hospital room?

    Tian Yueyue, who had already severed her emotional ties with Liu Yong through a text message, had no way of knowing about the choices Liu Yong made for her or what he had gone through.

    After the “sleeping pill incident,” Liu Yong seemed like a completely different person.

    In Su Hua’s eyes, the carefree and handsome demeanor her son used to carry was completely gone. The audacious and carefree attitudeshe had seen in his father was also no longer there, and the confrontational gaze was absent as well. During the time they spent in the hospital, he had mentioned wanting to find his beloved girl, but after he came back, he never mentioned Tian Yueyue’s name again. It seemed as if TianYueyue had never been a part of his life.

    Liu Yong’s spirit had departed, not accompanying him back home. What returned to the Liu family’s small house was merely a lifeless shell. As a father, Liu Chengyin could only feel a sense of urgency deep within. He realized that his son’s wounds could only be gradually healed with time, relying on his own inner strength to recover bit by bit. Some burdens must be borne alone, and no one else could take their place, not even his parents. Moreover, after resuming his duties, Liu Chengyin was even busier, seldom coming home. He was more preoccupied with the town and township merger than his son, but he had no choice; he was inherently a person dedicated to serving the Communist Party.

    Liu Chunyu and his wife, Yang Xuehua, were equally anxious. Their precious grandson had turned into a “l(fā)ifeless shell,” a mere body without a soul. They were eagerly looking forward to holding their great-grandchild, but now Liu Yong had become like this – sitting idle at home, barely speaking a word for hours on end. This situation was bound to lead to issues if it continued for too long. Liu Chunyu thought about the traditional beliefs of the older generation, those practices often referred to as “Four Olds” and “superstition.” He recalled his father, who had passed away years ago. So, after discussing it with his wife, they decided to take Liu Yong back to their ancestral home in Xianghe. They planned to visit Liu Yong’s great- grandfather’s grave, hoping that his great-grandfather could bring Liu Yong’s spirit back.

    As the saying goes, in times of desperation, people will try anything. Seeing Liu Yong in such a lost state, how could Su Hua, as a mother, not be worried? But no amount of worrying could substitute for her son’s well-being. He had gone through so much all at once, and now, whether he spoke correctly or incorrectly, it didn’t matter much. The emotional impact, the toll it had taken on his heart, was still there. Since there wasn’t a clear solution to help him, if her father-in-law wanted to try the “traditional methods,” they might as well give it a shot. Returning to their ancestral home might also be beneficial for Liu Yong, allowing him to clear his mind.

    Originally, Su Hua had planned to take a leave of absence to accompany her son back to Xianghe, but her parents-in-law stopped her. This time, they wanted to perform a “soul-searching ritual” for their grandson, and neither Su Hua nor Chengyin should be present. Being present would lead to unfavorable gossip; after all, having a Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and his wife believe in superstitions in this day and age seemed ridiculous and backward. However, since Su Hua and Chengyin wouldn’t be there, the situation would be different. Liu Chunyu and his wife, Yang Xuehua, were simple farmers; they could take their grandson and perform the ritual without drawing much attention. Searching for their grandson’s lost spirit was a delicate matter; nobody would dare to criticize or gossip about it.

    Liu Chunyu brought his grandson back to pay respects at the grave of Mr. Liu Anran.

    In the village of Longxiang in Xianghe, the villagers joyfully spread the news. Ever since Liu Chengyin had become a “high-ranking official” outside the village, Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua had seldom returned to Xianghe. They had followed their successful son into the city and started living the life of urbanites, enjoying their blessings.

    Whenever the name “Liu family” was mentioned, the villagers’ faces would all express two words: “envious” and “admiring.” In the earlier years, Mr. Liu Anran ran a tofu shop in the village, conducting a thriving business and enjoying a good reputation. It was said that he had also taught privately and was a highly educated person. Whenever villagers encountered any troublesome matters, they were willing to seek his advice. Even if it was just trivial matters between neighbors, they would unanimously say, “Let’s go find Mr. Liu to discuss this.” When Mr. Liu Anran was alive, his reputation in the village was even higher than that of the village head.

    What made the villagers even more admiring of Mr. Liu Anran was that he  had raised a good grandson - Liu Chengyin. Liu Chengyin not only became the first  college graduate in Xianghe Village but also made rapid progress in his political  career. He became a “high-ranking official” in the county and later in the city, which  was no small achievement. The villagers knew well that becoming the village head  in Xianghe was already a prestigious position. But above the “village” level, there  was the “township” level; above the “township” level, there was the “county” level; and above the “county” level was the “city” level. To go from village head to  becoming a Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee was an impressive  feat indeed.

    What slightly disappointed the villagers was that Liu Chengyin’s son, Mr. Liu Anran’s great-grandson, didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps and enter the path of officialdom. Not only did he not pursue an official career, but he also chose a seemingly “l(fā)ow-class” profession, singing popular songs. This deviation from the deeply-rooted belief that “all islowly, only reading is noble” left the villagers somewhat regretful. Because in their view, following “reading” was the path to becoming an official. During earlier times of turmoil, there was even a critique of the “scholars becoming officials” idea. But come to think of it, historically, haven’t many scholars and successful examinees studied diligently for a decade only to end up pursuing a path in government service?

    Nowadays, there’s a rumor going around the village that Mr. Liu Anran’s great- grandson, the grandson of Liu Chunyu, and the son of Liu Chengyin, the one who appears to be quite clever on the surface but is actually just pretentious (a local expression to describe someone falsely intelligent), Liu Yong, couldn’t even succeed at singing popular songs and has lost his spirit. As a result, he’s returned to his ancestral home to find his lost spirit.

    This is just the perspective and mindset of the older generation. In families with middle and highschool students, their views and opinions are different. What do you guys understand? Liu Yong’s career choice as a popular singer is the most fashionable one. He’s becoming a pop star, and he has a massive fan following. With Liu Yong’s handsome appearance and charisma, he’s destined to become a “king of pop” level figure in the future, creating a sensation. Do you know Jackson? Michael Jackson, the king of pop in the music industry, a globally renowned figure. He was a person who commanded attention and influence, unfortunately passing away too early. If Liu Yong becomes a figure like Jackson, that’s beyond what your local county or city officials could achieve, OK!

    As people often say, nothing lasts forever. Despite the continuous legacy of the Liu family, they haven’t been able to bring new surprises to the villagers. The fate of Mr. Liu Anran’s great-grandson, Liu Yong, is uncertain, and it’s hard to predict what lies ahead for him.

    On the elevated mound of Xianghe Village, weeds grew wildly, and trees were scattered. This place was where villagers were buried, and aside from occasions like Qingming Festival, few people visited. As Liu Yong looked around, he spotted a few magpie nests in the nearby trees, quite large in size. Several colorful magpies and gray magpies were fluttering around the trees, repeatedly crying out, “Magpie, magpie!” They seemed unaware of the purpose of Liu Yong, his grandparents, and their visit here. Perhaps they were concerned about the safety of their nests.

    To reach the mound in Xianghe Village from the village itself, one had to take a boat. This method hadn’t changed for decades. Xianghe Village was situated in the lower reaches of a river, with waterways winding like wild vines, bending to the east and curving to the west. Building a land road would be difficult and costly. It seemed that Xianghe Village was also lacking in funds; otherwise, why hadn’t they constructed a land road to the mound? Looking at it now, society seems to truly revolve around the word “money.” Without it, many things can’t be accomplished.

    In the eyes of Liu Yong, the appearance of Xianghe had completely changed.  The water surface of Xianghe no longer displayed the water chestnuts he used to see  when he returned to his hometown with his father in his childhood. In Liu Yong’s  memories, those water chestnuts with four-petaled white flowers were gently rippling  with the water of Xianghe, exuding extreme elegance. If someone was rowing a boat  and flipping the water chestnuts on the water’s surface, Liu Yong would have a treat.  Eating fresh water chestnut kernels, tender and sweet, that’s what real freshness  meant. Moreover, the willow trees that used to sway in the wind and touch the  water on both sides of Xianghe had disappeared, and even the originally lush and  winding embankments were almost non-existent. Now, all Liu Yong could see on the  embankment were the roots of trees and the pits left by trees, as if reminiscing about  the “swaying in the wind and touching the water” and the “willows swaying gently” he once experienced. But the tree roots andpits left on the embankment now were  no different from scars on a person’s body, causing a heartache when one looked at  them.

    Looking from the distant Mound Field towards Xianghe Village, there was no longer a sense of “green trees concealing” the area. As Grandfather and Grandmother led Liu Yong through Long Lane in the village, they saw rows of two-story buildings that went straight up and down, quite a lot of them, but compared to the original traditional “  人 ” character rooftops and the traditional green tiles and black tiles, the fortress-like small buildings now didn’t seem as pleasing to the eye. It felt like something was missing. What exactly was missing, Liu Yong couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Perhaps he had been influenced by his father since he was young, and his father, in turn, had been influenced by his grandfather. He had a preconceived notion that the original village houses were good-looking, acceptable at the very least.

    Indeed, human beings are often a complex amalgamation, and it’s not unusual for contradictory feelings to arise within individuals. Take Liu Yong as an example – a young person studying popular music, yet he seems to possess a nostalgic heart, which is a contradiction that might be hard to comprehend. In reality, our understanding of ourselves as individuals is still quite limited, even in fields like medical research and broader scientific exploration. Some aspects of research even remain “pitifully” underdeveloped. Ultimately, humans haven’t truly come to understand themselves. Whether it’s Xianghe or Xianghe Village, the images of the place that Liu Yong saw during his childhood have been deeply stored in his brain. Trying to introduce a new version without altering the programming and expecting Liu Yong’s mind to naturally accept it is not feasible. This is why people often reflect that memories are beautiful – because of this very reason.

    In front of the tombstone of Mr. Liu Anran, Chunyu arranged “six large bowls” and a bottle of Yanghe “Dream Blue”. This “Dream Blue” was specially prepared  by Liu Chengyin for his grandfather. He mentioned that his grandfather never  had a chance to enjoy good liquor while he was alive, so this time he brought a  bottle of fine liquor. Among the members of the Liu family, no one’s feelings for  their grandfather could compare to Liu Chengyin’s. Although the eldest son, Liu  Chungeng, was engaged in transportation business and had some financial strength,  and the two grandchildren, Xiao Long and Xiao Feng, were filial to their elders,  their filial piety was mostly manifested materially. They couldn’t quite achieve the  deep emotional connection that Liu Chengyin had with his grandfather. Even with  some knowledge,Chunyu was well aware that not everything in this world could be  solved with just the word “money”. Now, with his grandson facing spiritual troubles,  he sought help from his own father, earnestly asking his late father’s spirit to assist  in bringing back his grandson’s lost soul.

    Uncle (the term used by villagers in the Xianghe area, which means father), he’s your great-grandson, you know. The future continuation of the Liu family’s lineage depends on him. Please, old man, help this young man out!

    Liu Chunyu, Yang Xuehua, and their grandson, Liu Yong, stood before the tomb of Liu Anran. They lit candles, burned incense, performed kowtows and salutes, made toasts and offered food. At the same time, a few “folk experts” specially invited for the occasion wielded various ritual objects, burned paper money, chanted incantations, and moved dramatically, swaying and twirling. They circled around the grave, three times to the left and three times to the right, spinning, jumping, dancing,and reciting incantations.

    After several hours had passed, suddenly, one of the “experts” collapsed with a thud, foaming at the mouth, and appeared to lose consciousness for a moment. Among them, a seemingly leading figure shook a ritual object near the fallen person’s ear, producing a sound like “ding ling ling—” “ding ling ling—”. After a few of these sounds, the person who had fallen down began to speak. When this person started speaking, it startled Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua. The voice sounded just like that of their late father! In an astonishing turn of events, this person called Liu Yong over and whispered something in his ear. Even more surprisingly, Liu Yong nodded repeatedly as if he was listening attentively to the teachings of his great- grandfather.

    After whispering into Liu Yong’s ear for a short while, the person collapsed again with a thud, losing consciousness. The other “experts” followed with another round of ritual actions, circling around Liu Anran’s grave—left three rounds, right three rounds—spinning, jumping, dancing, and chanting. The leader then continued by burning a bunch of paper money, sprinkling Yanghe liquor in various directions on the offering table in front of the grave. Finally, the leader lightly tapped Liu Yong’s forehead three times with a ritual object. Following this, the leadershook the object and shouted loudly, “All deities, return to your positions—”

    The other “experts” quickly arranged themselves neatly in front of Liu Anran’s grave. The person who had collapsed suddenly performed a fish-like jump and bounced back up, joining the ranks of their companions. This scene made Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua, the elderly couple, feel a bit nervous. They quickly pulled Liu Yong close. The leader of the “experts” instructed the elderly couple that after this ritual, they should also offer incense at the local “Upper Temple” for a month to ensure the safety of their grandson.

    For Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua, the two elderly individuals, all they wanted was for their grandson’s spirit to return promptly and for his mental state to recover quickly. They were willing to follow the advice of the “experts” without hesitation, even if it meant offering incense for a year instead of just a month.

    As the saying goes, “Fall down where you stumble, get up from there.” For Liu Yong, who was just starting his journey in the performing arts, the fact that his carefully planned debut performance was cut short undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to his future dreams. What he couldn’t have dreamed of was that not only did his debut work come to a premature end, but also the girl he loved departed from him. Such setbacks can be considered devastating for his aspirations.

    Faced with such a double blow, it was indeed quite harsh for a young person on the brink of making his debut. Fortunately, as the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens.” Just when Liu Yong was at his lowest and most disheartened, a fortunate turn of events occurred in his destiny. This fortunate individual was none other than his father’s childhood friend, whom he had addressed for decades as “Uncle Tan” – Tan Saihu.

    Speaking of Tan Saihu, he used to be the prominent figure in real estate development in Chuxian County. At the height of his career, he unexpectedly disappeared from the public eye, leaving Chuxian County and staying out of sight for many years. This sudden departure from the public’s view naturally added a touch of legend to the persona of Tan Saihu. Dear readers, please bear with me and allow me to tell the story slowly.

    Back in their childhood days, when they were “egg-dragging kids” (a term used by the villagers in the Chuxian area), Tan Saihu and Liu Chengyin were playmates in Xianghe. Like a bunch of mischievous monkeys, every Sunday, they would skip school and spontaneously grab a bathtub tied with a long rope, head to Xianghe River, and swim together, have water fights, collect river mussels, and catch small white shrimp. During those summer days, Xianghe turned into a massive natural swimming pool for Tan Saihu, Lao Chengyun, and their group of buddies.

    Of course, back then, Tan Saihu had a charming nickname too – “Moyuer,” which means “Fish Catcher.” Similarly, Liu Chengyin had another nickname, “Xiao  Xizi,” which translates to “Little Joy.” To this day, Tan Saihu still remembers the  time when Little Joy helped him out of an unexpected situation.

    Tan Saihu, that mischievous Moyuer, somehow managed to get himself into a tricky situation that time. While catching river clams, one of his toes got caught by a clam’s grip, causing him to scream in pain as if he were slaughtering a pig. Meanwhile, not far away, Liu Chengyin was intently focused on catching river clams, preparing for a showdown with Moyuer. When he heard Moyuer’s cries and the shouts of Xiaoyingzi (Liu Chengyin’s childhood friend and later love interest, who became a key character in the novel Floating City and eventually sacrificed her life during a flood), Liu Chengyin swiftly abandoned his tub and swam over to the scene of Moyuer’s mishap. When Liu Chengyin dived underwater and reached Moyuer’s location, he pried open the clam holding onto Moyuer’s toe. As he lifted the clam out of the water, there was a burst of cheers from those on the water’s surface.

    Despite being a strong swimmer under normal circumstances, Moyuer, with his  bitten foot, struggled to keep himself afloat. “Xizi, take a look. Is my toe broken?” he asked. “You’re exaggerating, as always. A clam that’s only half grown can’t  possibly bite off your toe,” Liu Chengyin responded, kicking the water to keep his  injured foot above the surface. He casually tossed the clam he had pried off into the  tub containing their collected clams. Today, they were competing to see who could  gather the most river clams. If he didn’t toss the clams into the tub, Moyuer would  accuse him of cheating. Suddenly, with a splash, Liu Chengyin turned and swam  vigorously toward the floating tub not far away, containing the fruits of their labor  from the better part of the day.

    When Liu Chengyin became the Secretary of the Chu County Party Committee, Tan Saihu contributed greatly to the urban redevelopment of Chu County. He played a pivotal role in successfully completing the first major road expansion project in the city. This accomplishment earned enthusiastic approval from the citizens of Chu City, and they all praised Secretary Liu Chengyin for his leadership. And of course, Tan Saihu himself also rose to the position of General Manager of the Chu Shui Urban Development and Construction Company.

    In the following years, Tan Saihu’s career development can be described as smooth sailing. During a long train journey, he met a woman named Shen Yan, which not only led to significant changes in his career trajectory but also resulted in the deconstruction and reconstruction of his family. The woman named Shen Yan soon became his second wife, making him the son-in-law of the Deputy Commander of a military district in the northern region. As a result, his influence naturally extended to a certain military unit in the northern area.

    To be honest, at the time, it was not easy for Tan Saihu to leave Chuxian County, and he felt reluctant. Leaving his familiar hometown, departing from his childhood friend who shared both a deep bond and provided career assistance, and embarking on a new journey – could it really be that simple? It’s just like they say in television commercials, venturing bravely into the unknown.

    However, the alluring and enchanting Shen Yan truly opened up a new realm of experience for Tan Saihu in the realm of passion. It was a kind of delight he couldn’t have imagined, something he could never have received from his dutiful and obedient wife of several years at home. What’s more, Shen Yan also bestowed upon him the identity of being the son-in-law of a Deputy Commander from a military district in the northern region. Even though it was for a Deputy Commander of a relatively small military district, the allure to Tan Saihu was still quite strong. After much contemplation, he decided to give up his current shining prospects and daringly venture into the unknown. There’s a saying by a famous figure often seen on national television, advising everyone that a man needs to be tough on himself. Tan Saihu was undoubtedly a man, and he needed to follow this advice – to be tough on himself.

    During his years in the military, Tan Saihu was involved in various endeavors  within the military unit, with his primary focus still being the real estate industry. To  be honest, the profits generated within the military compound were truly substantial,  to the extent that you couldn’t even imagine. If you dared to contemplate it, you still  couldn’t come up with the actual figures. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Tan Saihu  became successful. His talents, his status, and his attractive and charming wife were  all his keys to success and capital. As a song goes, “No one can succeed casually.” This is absolutely true. Tan Saihu succeeded, of course. However, whether it was  his success in Chuxian County or his success after relocating to the northeast, was it  achieved effortlessly? Of course not. Even a fool would understand this point.

    After experiencing the breakdown of a marriage, Tan Saihu became indifferent towards marital relationships. Who says a wife must be exclusively yours? Today she’s your wife, but who’s to say she won’t belong to someone else tomorrow? Just like ShenYan, who initially didn’t belong to Tan Saihu at all – in the blink of an eye, she was sleeping by his side, sometimes even underneath him, and became his wife. But what about the future? Could she become someone else’s wife? Tan Saihu didn’t dare to draw such conclusions from the depths of his heart. Therefore, sometimes, when his wife had social engagements and left him alone at home at night, he didn’t feel too aggrieved. Didn’t he kick away his once kind and virtuous wife? She was left in the county town with your son. Isn’t that a hardship? Wasn’t it the woman you discarded, who fought for her life to protect you, scaring your son with the threat of death, that allowed you to smoothly pass this hurdle?

    Of course, over these years, Tan Saihu covered all the living expenses for himself and his son. Not only did he cover everything, but he also provided his ex-wife with a six-figure bank card every year, with the password being her birthday. However, Tan Saihu, don’t misunderstand – in this world, money truly can’t solve everything.

    At times, Tan Saihu himself would ponder: What has become of the world? How come everyone only sees “money” in their eyes? Everything that people desperately chase after, in the end, revolves around “money.” However, in his everyday life, he keenly felt that things shouldn’t be this way. Human beings shouldn’t be like this, and life shouldn’t be defined solely by money.

    However, the harsh reality remains that no matter how deeply you feel, not a fraction of change can be brought to the actual situation. It seems as though people are immersed within an immensely vast “arena,” governed and driven by some sort of energy. Like spinning tops, they spin, revolve, whirl at breakneck speeds, and even spin into madness – unable to stop, unable to break free. Immersed in such an “arena,” it’s akin to being lost in an infinite “black hole,” a terrifying and helpless feeling.

    These thoughts are merely fleeting in Tan Saihu’s mind. Most of the time, he doesn’t confine himself to an empty room. He indulges in extravagance, reveling in the allure of luxuries and excesses – it’s all part of his routine. When he doesn’t wish to be entangled in the “arena,” he occasionally acts as a “deserter,” sneaking away in absolute secrecy to visit his former home in the county town. Even though, strictly speaking, it’s no longer his home. His generous ex-wife still prepares a few of his favorite homemade dishes for him.

    It was during one of Tan Saihu’s visits that he learned from his ex-wife about

    Liu Yong’s consumption of sleeping pills.

    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.