Love and Desire in the Sea [Complete] - 6

Love and Desire (36)

Chapter Thirty-Four

Ouyang Yiming never dreamed that Xu Hui would appear here. He almost ran to Xu Hui and stood there panting, saying, "How come you are here? You, you are..." Xu Hui asked with a flushed face, "Why did you also take this train? I thought you came back yesterday." Ouyang Yiming said, "I couldn't get a ticket for yesterday, so I bought one for today. Are you alone?" Xu Hui said with a red face, "How many people do you want?" Ouyang Yiming said, "No, I mean, why didn't you go home?" Xu Hui said, "I came here because I was happy." She paused and tilted her head deliberately, asking, "Hey, didn't I tell you at the school gate? Did you forget?!"

Ouyang Yiming just stared at her blankly, his heart pounding, not knowing what to say. Seeing his strange expression, Xu Hui said, "What, you're not welcoming me? Should I buy a ticket and go back now?" Ouyang Yiming blushed instantly, laughed awkwardly, and said, "I was just surprised. At the school gate, I thought you were joking. Come on, let's go home." He bent down to pick up Xu Hui's things. Xu Hui, however, blushed and said, "At the school gate, I was joking. But when I bought the ticket, I accidentally bought one for your place."

Ouyang Yiming looked at her in surprise, feeling flustered. He didn't say anything. Xu Hui didn't take a step, her face flushed as she timidly said, "Ouyang, is it appropriate for me to go to your house?" Ouyang Yiming thought to himself, "Aren't you doing this on purpose? You're already here and you're still saying this." He said, "Since we're already here, why not go home? What's inappropriate?" Xu Hui said shyly, "To be honest, I regretted it as soon as I got on the train. It's really inappropriate for me to go to your house so suddenly. It was a momentary impulse when I bought the ticket." Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Don't talk about that, let's go." Xu Hui followed Ouyang Yiming, turned to look at him and asked, "How will you introduce me to your parents?" Ouyang Yiming looked a little awkward, smiled and said, "We're just classmates, what's there to introduce?" Xu Hui blushed slightly.

Xu Hui had indeed come here on a whim.

The day before yesterday afternoon, she went to the train station to buy a ticket home. While queuing to buy the ticket, she thought about telling Ouyang Yiming at the school gate that she wanted him to come back to Suzhou with her. Her mother had indeed told her about this on the phone. Her mother said that after returning home, she told her father about Ouyang Yiming, and Xu Hui's father was also quite interested and wanted to meet Ouyang Yiming. When Xu Hui heard this on the phone, she felt a surge of excitement, but then she thought to herself, knowing Ouyang Yiming's personality, he definitely wouldn't go to Suzhou with her. Didn't she know him well enough? She had already told her mother on the phone that Ouyang Yiming wouldn't go. But deep down, she still hoped he would come back to Suzhou with her for a few days. She had already decided not to tell Ouyang Yiming about it, but when she saw him at the school gate, she still held onto a sliver of hope and spoke up. Ouyang Yiming's refusal was expected, but it still left Xu Hui somewhat disappointed.

As Xu Hui moved with the flow of people buying tickets towards the ticket window in the ticket hall, she glanced at the train timetable hanging on the wall. Seeing Ouyang Yiming's city name, she felt an urge to go and see it. What was that city like? What was his home like? What were his family like? Suddenly, a thought popped into her head: why not go and see? This thought became incredibly strong. Just then, she reached the window and blurted out Ouyang Yiming's city name.

Like Ouyang Yiming, she wanted to buy a ticket for the first train, but was told that tickets for tomorrow's train were sold out before noon, and only tickets for the day after tomorrow were available. So she bought a ticket for the same train as Ouyang Yiming. Xu Hui assumed that since Ouyang Yiming bought his ticket in the morning, it must be for the early train tomorrow. She never imagined that she would be on the same train as Ouyang Yiming.

When she got her ticket and left the ticket hall, she felt a little flustered. She wondered if Ouyang Yiming would be upset about her going to his house so abruptly, and what his family would think of her. But then she thought, since she had already bought the ticket, and she was bound to marry Ouyang Yiming in the future, if he insisted on returning to his hometown to work, it would be good for her to come with him and get to know the city he lived in.

She also thought that Ouyang Yiming might not necessarily be upset with her; maybe he was just as looking forward to her going to his house as she was looking forward to him going to hers.

Excited by the thought, Xu Hui called her mother's office from a public phone booth in the square, telling her that Ouyang Yiming had asked her to come visit him for a few days. Yang Ping asked on the phone, "How did he ask you?" Xu Hui blushed and said, "Don't ask." Yang Ping laughed on the phone, reminding her to be home before the Spring Festival, preferably with Ouyang Yiming. She whispered a warning: absolutely do not do "that kind of thing" with Ouyang Yiming. Xu Hui knew what her mother meant, her face flushed and her heart pounded. She scolded her mother on the phone for talking nonsense, and her mother laughed.

The next morning, Xu Hui went shopping and bought many things. That night, thinking about going to Ouyang Yiming's house, she was still incredibly excited, but also felt a little apprehensive and hesitant. After boarding the train today, she regretted it, secretly blaming herself for being impulsive. She didn't think Ouyang Yiming would blame her; she just wondered how his family would see her. How could she explain herself to them? It would be easier if she went home with Ouyang Yiming, but it would be awkward for her to go to his house alone. What if Ouyang Yiming wasn't home? How would she introduce herself to his family? The thought made her blush and her heart race.

Despite her regret, she had to bite the bullet and go. She told her mother that Ouyang Yiming had asked her to go; she didn't know what her mother would think if she didn't go. Besides, she was already on the train, so she had no choice. For the entire several hours of the journey, Xu Hui's heart was filled with anxiety. After getting off the train and following the crowd out of the station, she didn't see Ouyang Yiming. She hadn't even considered that Ouyang Yiming would be on this train; she assumed he was already home. As she was leaving the station, trying to find a taxi to the No. 1 Middle School that Ouyang Yiming had mentioned, she unexpectedly saw his figure. At first, she couldn't believe it was him, but she recognized his face all too well. When she confirmed it was indeed Ouyang Yiming, she couldn't contain her excitement and called out to him loudly, waving at him despite the many stares directed at her.

Ouyang Yiming led Xu Hui to her younger siblings, whose eyes were still full of questions, and introduced them, saying, "This is my classmate Xu Hui. You can call her Sister Hui." Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong timidly greeted her, "Sister Hui." Ouyang Yiming then introduced Xu Hui to her younger siblings.

Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Mei and saw that the girl before her was naturally beautiful, with red lips and white teeth, extremely pretty. Her face, somewhat similar to Ouyang Yiming's, was rosy and radiant, and her bright, pearly eyes shone with a captivating light. She had a high, straight nose, lips like cinnabar, a long neck, and two neatly tied braids that draped over her shoulders, giving her a charming air. She wore a white cotton-padded jacket with blue flowers, jeans, and white thermal shoes. Xu Hui was immediately drawn to Ouyang Mei's shy demeanor upon first sight, feeling an unexpected sense of closeness.

Xu Hui said, "You're so pretty, little sister." Ouyang Mei blushed and lowered her head. Xu Hui then turned to look at Ouyang Dongdong, a handsome boy of about twelve or thirteen, slender, with a face strikingly similar to Ouyang Yiming. She thought to herself, "In a few years, he'll look just like Ouyang Yiming too," and asked, "What grade are you in?" Ouyang Dongdong replied, "Fifth grade," without looking up. Xu Hui thought, "His personality is similar to Ouyang Yiming's. I don't have any siblings myself, but having this brother and sister with Ouyang Yiming would be quite a blessing."

On the bus, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui sat together. Xu Hui whispered, "I really didn't expect to be on the same bus as you, and I didn't even see you." Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "With so many people, how could I notice?" Xu Hui said, "I thought you got home yesterday. I was wondering how I could just barge into your house like that. If you weren't home, how would I introduce myself? Now it's all good, I don't have to say anything." Ouyang Yiming, however, was thinking about how to introduce her to his parents when he got home. How could they believe him if he just said she was a classmate? Then he thought, well, it's already happened, there's nothing he can do if they don't believe him. At this moment, Ouyang Yiming felt a strange excitement at Xu Hui's arrival, but also a sense of panic, unease, and even a slight feeling of resentment towards her. But Ouyang Yiming knew he absolutely couldn't show anything unusual on his face.

Ouyang Yiming said, "If I'm not home, just say I'm a classmate visiting." Xu Hui glanced at him and smiled. Turning to look out the window, she wondered if Ouyang Yiming was happy or resentful towards her. My heart pounded with nervousness at the thought of meeting Ouyang Yiming's parents. But then I reassured myself, "What's done is done, let it be."

As they entered the gates of the high school, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui became even more nervous. Facing the gazes that frequently greeted Ouyang Yiming while their eyes remained fixed on Xu Hui, Ouyang Yiming felt flustered.

Xu Hui's heart pounded. Although she wasn't familiar with these people casting various glances, she still felt the embarrassment and shame of having her innermost thoughts exposed. She understood the questions and thoughts these people might have. But at this moment, she could only face it calmly. Upon arriving at

Ouyang Yiming's house, Ouyang Dongdong skipped in, shouting, "Mom, brother's back!" His mother responded from the kitchen, and before she even came out, a joyful voice floated out, "Yiming's back." Following the voice, a woman in her forties, wearing an apron and a beaming smile, emerged from the kitchen, her hands sticky with dough. She had fair skin, wore glasses, and had short, shoulder-length hair clipped to her head. She was neither too thin nor too plump, exuding the air of a middle-aged, intellectual woman. This was Ouyang Yiming's mother, Mao Yuqin.

The moment Mao Yuqin saw Xu Hui, her joyful smile froze on her face, her eyes scanning Xu Hui.

A moment later, Mao Yuqin's face brightened with a warm smile again, and she asked Ouyang Yiming, "And this is?" Xu Hui, of course, knew this was Ouyang Yiming's mother, and before Ouyang Yiming could introduce her, she greeted, "Hello, Auntie." Ouyang Yiming then blushed and introduced, "This is my classmate, Xu Hui." Mao Yuqin quickly smiled and said, "Alright, alright, come in and sit down. Look, I'm making dumplings right now." With that, the group ushered Xu Hui into the main room. Mao

Yuqin wiped her hands on her apron and went to tidy up the things on the sofa, saying, "Look how messy the room is. Xiao Mei, quickly pour some tea for your sister Xu Hui." Ouyang Mei responded. Ouyang Yiming took the things from Xu Hui's hands. Xu Hui sat down on the sofa. Ouyang Mei had already placed the tea on the coffee table in front of Xu Hui.

Mao Yuqin sat down next to Xu Hui and said, "Yiming called yesterday but didn't mention you were coming, otherwise I would have picked you up at the station." Xu Hui blushed and said, "Auntie, you're too kind." Mao Yuqin stared at Xu Hui and said, "This child is really beautiful." Xu Hui blushed and said shyly, "Oh, not at all."

Ouyang Yiming saw his mother staring intently at Xu Hui, and seeing Xu Hui's nervous and flustered state, he asked, "Mom, where did Dad go?" Mao Yuqin turned back and said, "Your dad said he went to the office to take care of some things. What's wrong? He's just lazy and doesn't want to make dumplings. He'll probably be back soon." Turning to Ouyang Dongdong, she said, "Go and call your dad. Tell him we have guests and he should go buy some groceries." Ouyang Dongdong agreed and ran out in a flash. Xu Hui hurriedly said, "Auntie, no need to buy groceries, just eat the dumplings you made." Mao Yuqin said, "How can that be? It's my first time visiting." As she spoke, she stood up and said, "Please sit down for a while, I'll go to the kitchen." Xu Hui said, "Auntie, let me help you." Mao Yuqin hurriedly said, "No need, you've been on the road for so long, rest." She waved to Ouyang Mei and said, "Xiao Mei, come help me." Ouyang Mei responded and went out with her mother.

Once in the kitchen, Ouyang Mei smiled and whispered to her mother, "Mom, my brother's girlfriend is really pretty." Mao Yuqin looked at her and asked, "Your brother said she's his girlfriend?" Ouyang Mei said, "My brother didn't say, can't you tell?" Mao Yuqin nodded, muttering, "How come I've never heard him mention it?" Ouyang Mei washed her hands and sat down at the table, looking at her mother with a frown and said,

"Mom, I'm a little confused, it seems like my brother doesn't know that Sister Xu Hui is here." Mao Yuqin stopped making dumplings and looked at her questioningly. Ouyang Mei said, "My brother got off at the station with Xu Rui. Rui had already taken a taxi, and we only heard Sister Xu Hui call out 'brother' when we got to the bus stop." Mao Yuqin looked at her in surprise and said, "Really?" After thinking for a moment, she said, "That's really strange. I'll ask your brother later, but don't ask around."

Xu Hui felt a little relieved after Mao Yuqin left. Holding her teacup, she stood up, still blushing, and said, "Now I understand what your mindset was when you met my mother last time." Ouyang Yiming smiled. Xu Hui looked around the house.

It was a three-room old-style tile-roofed house with a ceiling made of plywood, supported by long wooden strips. Both the plywood and the wooden strips were painted white. The middle room had a window on the north wall, with a navy blue curtain hanging from it. Below the window were two single sofas, and between them was a long coffee table. A vase with a bunch of pale purple flowers stood at the back of the coffee table. Two water bottles were placed side-by-side below the coffee table. In the corner of the right wall was a single-door refrigerator, covered with a white floral scarf. In the corner of the left wall… There was a 17-inch color TV on a triangular TV cabinet. Two doors opened in the middle of the west wall, leading to two separate rooms. Several framed calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls to the left and right of these doors. A door opened at the south end of the east wall, with a three-seater sofa on the north side and a two-tiered glass coffee table in front of it. Several framed calligraphy and paintings also hung above the sofa. The floor was painted dark red with yellow squares. The entire room was clean, spotless, and exuded warmth.

Seeing Xu Hui looking around with her teacup, Ouyang Yiming asked, "Isn't this much more shabby than your house?" Xu Hui smiled and said, "We live in an apartment building, the layout is different, but that's all we have. It's not shabby at all; it feels very warm." Ouyang Yiming said, "The school used to have several rows of these buildings; some were demolished to build apartment buildings. I guess these buildings won't last much longer." Xu Hui said, "It's better to live in a house like this; there's a yard outside, and it feels spacious." As they spoke, Ouyang Yiming walked to the south-facing doorway on the west wall. He pushed open the half-closed door and said,

"This is my sister's room." He then pointed to the north-facing door and said, "That's Dongdong's room. This is a large room divided into two smaller rooms." Xu Hui peeked in and asked, "Where do you live?" Ouyang Yiming said, "There's another one outside. I live in the south-facing room on the west side." He then pointed to the door on the east wall and said, "This is where my parents live. They prepare their lessons here too."

The door was closed, and Ouyang Yiming was about to open it when Xu Hui said, "Let's go see your room." Ouyang Yiming agreed and went out with Xu Hui. Ouyang Yiming pointed to the two side rooms on the east side and said, "The one on the south side is the kitchen, and this one is the dining room." He then pointed to the two side rooms on the west side and said, "The one on the south side is my room, and this one is for washing up and using the toilet." Xu Hui nodded repeatedly as Ouyang Yiming introduced the room. Ouyang Yiming pushed open his door and led Xu Hui inside. Xu Hui looked around; against the west wall was a bed, neatly made; against the east window was a table with a row of books held up by a clip on the right corner and a desk lamp on the left. Against the south wall stood a bookshelf, its glass door revealing a room filled with books.

Xu Hui sat down in the chair at the table and said, "This is where you studied so hard back then. I can imagine how you used to burn the midnight oil here." Ouyang Yiming said, "You're wrong. I never stayed up too late. My mother made sure I was in bed by 10 p.m." Xu Hui said, "Really? That's different from me. I remember before my college entrance exam, my parents took turns sitting with me in my room, and I wasn't allowed to sleep before midnight." Ouyang Yiming said, "The methods are different. Maybe I'm a bit smarter than you." He then laughed to himself. Xu Hui smiled and pouted at him, saying, "And then there are those who boast about their intelligence." Ouyang Yiming chuckled.
Xu Hui looked down at the photos under the glass on the table and saw several pictures of Ouyang Yiming with a childish face from middle school. She laughed and said, "These are you, aren't they?" Ouyang Yiming leaned closer to look and said, "Yes, look how dashing I was back then." Xu Hui laughed and said, "What a silly boy." Just then, they heard the sound of the courtyard gate opening, followed by Dongdong's shout, "Mom, brother, Dad's back!" Xu Hui immediately stopped laughing, glanced at Ouyang Yiming, and went out with him.

Ouyang Yiming's father, Ouyang Anping, was tall and robust. He had a typical square face with distinct features, long, dark eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose, and a wide mouth. He was slightly overweight, with a straight back, giving him a soldierly air.

Ouyang Yiming called out, "Dad," and then said to Xu Hui, "This is my dad." Xu Hui blushed and timidly greeted, "Hello, Uncle." Ouyang Anping, with a kind smile, said, "Hello, you're here." Ouyang Yiming then said to his father, "This is my classmate Xu Hui, she's here to play." Ouyang Anping nodded and smiled, saying, "Good, good." He waved the groceries he had bought and said,

"I'll take them to the kitchen, you two have fun." He nodded to Xu Hui again and turned to go to the kitchen. Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming went back into the room. After sitting down, Xu Hui said, "Your dad looks really elegant. You're as tall as him." Ouyang Yiming smiled.

Ouyang Anping went into the kitchen and placed the cooked dishes he had bought on the dining table. He approached Mao Yuqin and whispered, "Is this Yiming's girlfriend?" Mao Yuqin replied, "Who knows? Yiming didn't say anything."

Dongdong interjected, "She's my brother's wife." The four people in the room laughed. Mao Yuqin said to her son, "Don't talk nonsense. She's your brother's classmate. Don't talk about it outside." Dongdong asked, puzzled, "Why?" Mao Yuqin said, "Who told you she's your brother's girlfriend? You have no right to speak without verification." Dongdong said, "I think she's my brother's wife." Mao Yuqin smiled and said,

"Alright, listen to me, don't talk nonsense, understand?" Dongdong nodded and left the kitchen. Standing in the yard, he looked towards the main room but couldn't see his brother and Xu Hui. Then he heard faint voices coming from his brother's room and went over there.

When Xu Hui saw him enter the house, she noticed his handsome face flushed and smiling at her, finding him quite adorable. She reached out and took his hand, asking, "Are you cold?" Ouyang Dongdong quickly pulled his hand away, saying, "No, I'm not cold." He turned to Ouyang Yiming and asked, "Brother, where are the pebbles you brought me?" Ouyang Yiming slapped his forehead and said, "See, I forgot." Ouyang Dongdong looked at him disappointedly, his lips moving slightly as he said, "You forgot to bring them for me?" Ouyang Yiming knew he had misunderstood, so he deliberately teased him, saying, "Yes, I forgot. Next time..." Before he could finish, Ouyang Dongdong frowned, snorted, and went out. Ouyang Yiming laughed.

Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Yiming and complained, "How could you forget? And you're laughing!" Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "I was just teasing him. I brought them for him." He then went out, calling out "Dongdong," but receiving no response, he went into the kitchen and saw Dongdong with pouting lips and tears welling in his eyes. Ouyang Mei pouted and said, "A man indeed, all you do is cry." This didn't stop Ouyang Dongdong from sobbing. Ouyang Yiming quickly squatted down, took his hand, and said, "Brother was just teasing you. I brought you lots of stuff." Ouyang Dongdong immediately stopped sobbing, a smile spreading across his face. He exclaimed in surprise, "Really? You're not kidding me?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Come on, take it." Ouyang Mei laughed, "You can cry and laugh in the blink of an eye." Ouyang Dongdong stuck out his tongue at his sister, made a face, and said "Hey!" before pulling Ouyang Yiming's hand and leaving the room. Everyone laughed.

Ouyang Yiming took a bag of pebbles from his bag and gave it to his younger brother. Ouyang Dongdong skipped off to the kitchen to show them off. Ouyang Yiming smiled and went back to his room. Xu Hui laughed, "Having a younger brother is so nice, he's so cute." Ouyang Yiming said, "He's the youngest in my family, we spoil him rotten." Xu Hui said, "Were you like him when you were little?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I was much more well-behaved than him when I was little." Xu Hui said, "Really? I didn't realize." At this moment, Mao Yuqin walked in with a big smile, and Xu Hui hurried to get up. Mao Yuqin looked at her and said, "Please sit down." Turning to Ouyang Yiming

, she said, "Why don't you go to your grandparents' house? Your grandfather came over yesterday to ask if you had come, he missed you. Take the things you brought to them." Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui also brought quite a few things." His mother turned to look at Xu Hui and said, "You child, you've come all this way, why did you bring things? Where do you get the money to buy things for school?" Xu Hui said shyly, "I didn't bring much."

Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Yiming and said, "I'll go with you to see your grandparents." Mao Yuqin said, "That's fine, we'll be back soon, and it'll be time for dinner when we get back." Ouyang Yiming agreed. He went to the main room to fetch a few bags, handed them to Xu Hui, and then pushed his bicycle out the door with her.

As they rode off, Xu Hui sat on the back seat, carrying the bags in one hand and wrapping her arm around Ouyang Yiming's waist with the other. It was the first time Ouyang Yiming had been so close to Xu Hui. He could clearly feel one of her breasts pressed tightly against his back, and a tingling sensation ran through him; his breathing quickened.

Xu Hui, seemingly unfazed, asked, "Is Grandpa and Grandma's house far?" Ouyang Yiming replied, "Not far." Xu Hui asked, "Aren't Grandpa and Grandma quite old?" Ouyang Yiming said, "They're almost seventy." Xu Hui said, "Your family is so kind. Your grandparents are still alive. We don't have many elderly people left in our family. My grandparents passed away when I was very young, so I don't remember them much. Now, only my maternal grandmother is still alive; she's almost eighty and not in good health. Are your grandparents in good health?" Ouyang Yiming said, "They're both in good health. My grandfather loves raising birds; you'll see them in a bit—the house is full of birds." Xu Hui said, "Really?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Grandma is a Buddhist." Xu Hui immediately became interested and said, "Really?

" "This is my sister's room." He then pointed to the door on the north side and said, "That's Dongdong's room. This is a large room divided into two smaller rooms." Xu Hui peeked in and asked, "Where do you live?" Ouyang Yiming said, "There's another one outside. I live in the one on the west side, on the south side." Pointing to the door on the east wall, she said, "This is where Mom and Dad live. They prepare their lessons here too."

The door was closed. Ouyang Yiming was about to open it when Xu Hui said, "Let's go see your room." Ouyang Yiming agreed and went out with Xu Hui. Ouyang Yiming pointed to two side rooms on the east side and said, "The one on the south side is the kitchen, and this one is the dining room." He then pointed to two side rooms on the west side and said, "The one on the south side is my room, and this one is the washroom and toilet." Xu Hui nodded as Ouyang Yiming introduced them. Ouyang Yiming pushed open his door and led Xu Hui inside. Xu Hui looked around. Against the west wall was a bed, neatly made. Against the east window was a table with a row of books held up by a bookend on the right corner and a desk lamp on the left. Against the south wall stood a bookshelf, its glass door revealing a room full of books.

Xu Hui sat down in the chair in front of the table and said, "This is where you studied so hard back then. I can imagine how you used to stay up late studying here." "Ouyang Yiming said, 'You're wrong about that. I've never stayed up too late. My mom makes sure I'm in bed by 10 p.m.' Xu Hui said, 'Really? That's different from me. I remember before my college entrance exam, my parents took turns staying with me in my room, and I wasn't allowed to sleep before midnight.' Ouyang Yiming said, 'The methods are different. Maybe I'm a bit smarter than you.' He chuckled to himself. Xu Hui smiled and pouted at him, saying, 'And there are those who boast about their intelligence.' Ouyang Yiming grinned sheepishly.
Xu Hui looked down at the photos under the glass on the table and saw several pictures of Ouyang Yiming with a childish face from middle school. She smiled and said, 'These are you, aren't they?' Ouyang Yiming leaned over to look and said, 'Yes, look how dashing I was back then.' Xu Hui laughed and said, 'What a silly boy.' Just then, they heard the sound of the courtyard gate opening, followed by Dongdong's shout, 'Mom, brother, Dad's home!'" Xu Hui stopped laughing instantly, glanced at Ouyang Yiming, and followed him out the door.

Ouyang Yiming's father, Ouyang Anping, was tall and robust. He had a typical square face with distinct features, long, dark eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose, and a wide mouth. He was slightly overweight, with a straight back, giving him a soldierly air. Ouyang

Yiming called out, "Dad," and then said to Xu Hui, "This is my dad." Xu Hui blushed and timidly greeted him, "Hello, Uncle." Ouyang Anping smiled kindly and said, "Hello, you're here." Ouyang Yiming then said to his father, "This is my classmate, Xu Hui, she's here to play." Ouyang Anping nodded and smiled, saying, "Good, good." He waved the groceries he had bought and said,

"I'll take them to the kitchen, you two have fun." He nodded to Xu Hui again, then turned and went to the kitchen. Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming went back into the room. Sitting down, Xu Hui said, "Your dad looks really dashing. You're as tall as him." Ouyang Yiming smiled.

Ouyang Anping went into the kitchen and placed the cooked dishes he had bought on the table. He approached Mao Yuqin and whispered, "Is this Yiming's girlfriend?" Mao Yuqin said, "Who knows? Yiming didn't say."

Dongdong interjected, "She's my brother's wife." The four people in the room laughed. Mao Yuqin said to her son, "Don't talk nonsense. She's your brother's classmate. Don't talk about it outside." Dongdong asked, puzzled, "Why?" Mao Yuqin said, "Who told you she's your brother's girlfriend? You have no right to speak without verification." Dongdong said, "I think she's my brother's wife." Mao Yuqin smiled and said,

"Alright, listen to me, don't talk nonsense, understand?" Dongdong nodded in agreement and left the kitchen. Standing in the courtyard, she looked towards the main room but couldn't see her brother and Xu Hui. Then she heard faint voices coming from her brother's room, so she went over there.

When Xu Hui saw him enter the house, she noticed his handsome face flushed and smiling at her, finding him quite adorable. She reached out and took his hand, asking, "Are you cold?" Ouyang Dongdong quickly pulled his hand away, saying, "No, I'm not cold." He turned to Ouyang Yiming and asked, "Brother, where are the pebbles you brought me?" Ouyang Yiming slapped his forehead and said, "See, I forgot." Ouyang Dongdong looked at him disappointedly, his lips moving slightly as he said, "You forgot to bring them for me?" Ouyang Yiming knew he had misunderstood, so he deliberately teased him, saying, "Yes, I forgot. Next time..." Before he could finish, Ouyang Dongdong frowned, snorted, and went out. Ouyang Yiming laughed.

Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Yiming and complained, "How could you forget? And you're laughing!" Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "I was just teasing him. I brought them for him." He then went out, calling out "Dongdong," but receiving no response, he went into the kitchen and saw Dongdong with pouting lips and tears welling in his eyes. Ouyang Mei pouted and said, "A man indeed, all you do is cry." This didn't stop Ouyang Dongdong from sobbing. Ouyang Yiming quickly squatted down, took his hand, and said, "Brother was just teasing you. I brought you lots of stuff." Ouyang Dongdong immediately stopped sobbing, a smile spreading across his face. He exclaimed in surprise, "Really? You're not kidding me?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Come on, take it." Ouyang Mei laughed, "You can cry and laugh in the blink of an eye." Ouyang Dongdong stuck out his tongue at his sister, made a face, and said "Hey!" before pulling Ouyang Yiming's hand and leaving the room. Everyone laughed.

Ouyang Yiming took a bag of pebbles from his bag and gave it to his younger brother. Ouyang Dongdong skipped off to the kitchen to show them off. Ouyang Yiming smiled and went back to his room. Xu Hui laughed, "Having a younger brother is so nice, he's so cute." Ouyang Yiming said, "He's the youngest in my family, we spoil him rotten." Xu Hui said, "Were you like him when you were little?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I was much more well-behaved than him when I was little." Xu Hui said, "Really? I didn't realize." At this moment, Mao Yuqin walked in with a big smile, and Xu Hui hurried to get up. Mao Yuqin looked at her and said, "Please sit down." Turning to Ouyang Yiming

, she said, "Why don't you go to your grandparents' house? Your grandfather came over yesterday to ask if you had come, he missed you. Take the things you brought to them." Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui also brought quite a few things." His mother turned to look at Xu Hui and said, "You child, you've come all this way, why did you bring things? Where do you get the money to buy things for school?" Xu Hui said shyly, "I didn't bring much."

Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Yiming and said, "I'll go with you to see your grandparents." Mao Yuqin said, "That's fine, we'll be back soon, and it'll be time for dinner when we get back." Ouyang Yiming agreed. He went to the main room to fetch a few bags, handed them to Xu Hui, and then pushed his bicycle out the door with her.

As they rode off, Xu Hui sat on the back seat, carrying the bags in one hand and wrapping her arm around Ouyang Yiming's waist with the other. It was the first time Ouyang Yiming had been so close to Xu Hui. He could clearly feel one of her breasts pressed tightly against his back, and a tingling sensation ran through him; his breathing quickened.

Xu Hui asked as if nothing was wrong, "Is Grandpa and Grandma's house far away?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Not far." Xu Hui asked, "Aren't Grandpa and Grandma quite old?" Ouyang Yiming said, "They're almost seventy." Xu Hui said, "Your family is so nice. Grandpa and Grandma are still alive. We don't have any elderly people in our family. Grandpa and Grandma passed away when I was very young, so I don't have much of an impression of them. Now, only my maternal grandmother is still alive. She's almost eighty and not in good health. Are your grandpa and Grandma in good health?" Ouyang Yiming said, "They are both in good health. My grandfather loves to raise birds. You'll see them in a bit. The house is full of birds." Xu Hui said, "Really?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Grandma is a Buddhist." Xu Hui immediately became interested and said, "Really? It's good to be a Buddhist. I'm a Buddhist too. Our whole family is a Buddhist."

(37)

Chapter Thirty-Five:

After riding for about twenty minutes, we turned into a lane paved with bluestone slabs that was seven or eight meters wide. The alleyway was lined with courtyard houses, each with a black lacquered gate topped with a pair of hanging rings. Above the gate was a gate tower, and on either side of the gate sat two polished but not very large stone lions. Below the gate was a foot-high barrier for vehicles. The courtyards were all very similar.

Xu Hui had only ever seen such streets and ancient courtyards in movies, so seeing them in person was quite novel. She asked, "What dynasty are these houses from? Why are all the houses like this on this street?"

Ouyang Yiming replied, "This street is called Xiucai Street. They were all left by our ancestors during the Qing Dynasty." Xu Hui asked in surprise, "Was this street inhabited entirely by scholars? Is your family living in a house like this? Were your ancestors scholars?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Yes, why would we live on this street if we weren't scholars?" Xu Hui asked, "Which generation of your family were scholars?" Ouyang Yiming said, "My grandfather was a scholar. And I am now too." Xu Hui smiled and said, "You're probably more educated than a scholar now. Why haven't I heard you mention that?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Why talk about that?"

As he spoke, he stopped at the gate of a courtyard and said, "We're here. This courtyard was built by my grandfather during the Qing Dynasty." He reached out to knock on the door knocker. Xu Hui exclaimed, "It's been so many years, and it's still so well preserved." Ouyang Yiming said, "Yes, I lived here when I was little. Now only my grandparents live here; they don't want to leave."

Just then, a loud voice came from inside the door, "Who is it?" Ouyang Yiming replied, "Grandma, it's me, it's Xiaoming!" A joyful voice immediately rang out from the courtyard: "It's Xiaoming! My darling, I've missed you so much!"

Following the voice were footsteps, and then the sound of the door latch being pulled. The door opened, and Xu Hui saw a neat and tidy old woman with a full head of silver hair. Ouyang Yiming sweetly called out, "Grandma!" The old lady responded, but her eyes were fixed on Xu Hui's face. Xu Hui blushed and called out, "Grandma." Ouyang Yiming quickly said to his grandmother, "This is my classmate."

The old lady's eyes narrowed with laughter, and she reached out to take Xu Hui's hand, saying, "My goodness, how come you've grown so handsome? Come inside quickly." She pulled Xu Hui's hand and stepped into the house, calling out, "Old man, Xiaoming is back, and your granddaughter-in-law is here too." This call made Xu Hui blush with embarrassment, and she turned to look at Ouyang Yiming with embarrassment.

Ouyang Yiming closed the door, took two quick steps to his grandmother, and said with a red face, "Grandma, she's my classmate. You're just talking nonsense." The old lady looked at her grandson and smiled, "Oh, classmate, classmate."

At this moment, a rather plump old man with a steady gait and a ruddy complexion came out of the main house, saying as he walked, "Yesterday I went to your house and you said you were coming today. I was even thinking of going to see you tonight."

Ouyang Yiming called out, "Grandpa." Xu Hui also shyly called out, "Grandpa." The old man smiled broadly and nodded, his eyes fixed on Xu Hui. The old woman pointed at Xu Hui and said, "This is Xiaoming's classmate. Look, what a pretty and lovely girl." The old man ignored the old woman and looked at Xu Hui with a smile, asking, "Did you come back with Xiaoming?" Xu Hui said shyly,

"Yes."

As she spoke, she went inside. The old woman pulled Xu Hui to sit on the sofa, glanced at her a few times, then got up to get a cup from the tea tray on the octagonal table, opened a bottle of honey, poured some water, and placed it in front of Xu Hui, saying, "Hurry up and drink some hot water; it's quite cold outside." Xu Hui took it and thanked her. However, her eyes kept glancing at the Guanyin Bodhisattva enshrined in a recessed area about half a meter high and thirty centimeters wide above the octagonal table, set in the wall. She wanted to worship, but the awkwardness of being in Ouyang Yiming's house for the first time made her hold back. The old woman then went to pour water for Ouyang Yiming. Ouyang Yiming said he would do it himself, poured some water, and sat down on a chair at the octagonal table against the main wall.

The old man sat on a chair opposite the table, holding a long pipe filled with tobacco. Ouyang Yiming quickly got up, grabbed a lighter, and lit it for his grandfather. The old man took a satisfying puff, and Ouyang Yiming immediately smelled the long-lost aroma. He looked at him sweetly and said, "I wanted to buy you some tobacco, but I couldn't find any." The old man said, "No need, I make my own tobacco by rubbing it with sesame oil. Store-bought tobacco isn't very good." Ouyang Yiming said, "This tobacco smells so good. I haven't smelled this in a long time." The old man looked at his grandson and smiled, asking, "How's the food at school? Are you used to the food in the south?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Look at you, you always ask every time you come. I've been there for almost three years, how could I not be used to it?" The old man looked at his grandson with a kind smile.

The old lady sat beside Xu Hui, holding Xu Hui's hand in one hand and stroking her hand with the other, asking her how old she was, where she was from, and who her family was. Xu Hui blushed as she answered each question. Then Xu Hui asked how her grandparents were doing. The old lady smiled and said they were doing well, praising Xu Hui for being sensible, and kept clicking her tongue, saying, "How can there be such a beautiful woman?" Finally, she added, "Xiao Ming is so lucky to have found such a beautiful wife." Xu Hui blushed again and lowered her head. Ouyang Yiming's face also turned red. Afraid that his grandmother would say something else, he stood up and said to Xu Hui, "Come and see the birds that Grandpa keeps." Xu Hui knew that Ouyang Yiming was trying to help her out, so she smiled and said, "Grandma, let's go see the birds."

Xu Hui's eyes swept over the courtyard house. She saw five main rooms, four side rooms on each side, and the gatehouse was located between the two side rooms of the rear building. The walls were all made of blue bricks. The roof was covered with small blue tiles.

All the open spaces in the courtyard were paved with blue bricks, and in the center of the left and right wing rooms stood two large trees with dense branches. Each room had a walkway more than a meter wide in front of it, with dark red wooden pillars standing outside. Above the walkway of the main building hung birdcages.

Ouyang Yiming led Xu Hui around, looking at the birds. Xu Hui found it novel but didn't recognize any of them; she only found it interesting that the birds were hopping around in their cages and tilting their heads to look at them. When asked why he wasn't barking, Xu Hui replied, "He barked so loudly this morning, it sounded like singing." Xu Hui nodded, then turned back to look at the courtyard and remarked, "Such a fine courtyard; your family must have been quite wealthy back then." Ouyang Yiming said, "My grandfather was a well-known scholar in our area during the Qing Dynasty. He wrote excellent articles and had connections with honest officials here. But he never wanted to be an official. Back then, we owned a very famous vinegar workshop; we were quite wealthy. Unfortunately, the secret recipe wasn't passed down when my grandfather passed away, and we don't know where it is now. This house belonged to his second..." "It was built when I was a teenager."

Xu Hui laughed and said, "I never would have guessed. Your family must have been quite famous back then." Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Maybe, but I didn't experience that." Xu Hui said, "Your family can be considered a family of scholars." Ouyang Yiming said, "That's true. Starting with my patriarch, everyone in my family has been educated." Xu Hui nodded and said, "No wonder you're so smart and love learning. You have the genes for it." Ouyang Yiming said proudly, "That's right."

Xu Hui looked at the two trees in the yard and asked, "These two trees must be quite old." Ouyang Yiming asked, "Do you know what kind of trees they are?" Xu Hui shook her head. Ouyang Yiming said, "These are two pomegranate trees, over a hundred years old, and they still bear a lot of pomegranates every year. When the pomegranate flowers bloom every year, the whole tree is ablaze with red, it's truly beautiful." As Xu

Hui listened to him, she thought that the scenery was really beautiful. If she and Ouyang Yiming settled here in the future, why not live here? On summer evenings, I would sit in the courtyard with Ouyang Yiming's grandparents, enjoying the cool air and chatting. Of course, eating in the courtyard was also a very pleasant experience. When the children arrived, their grandparents would take care of them. In the autumn, they would bring their son or daughter to this tree to pick pomegranates for them. Ouyang Yiming would pick them, and I would feed them to the children—what a happy scene that would be! Thinking of the children made my face flush, and my heart pounded.

Ouyang Yiming leaned closer to Xu Hui and said, "I'll tell you something amazing." Xu Hui looked at him. Ouyang Yiming said, "Isn't it amazing? I was born in the tenth month of the lunar calendar. The day before I was born, these two pomegranate trees burst into bloom overnight. Pomegranate trees are supposed to bloom in May, it's impossible for them to bloom in October. It caused a sensation throughout the city. I was born that night." Xu Hui looked him up and down in surprise and said, "Is that really true?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Would I lie about that?" Xu Hui said, "Then you must not be an ordinary person." Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "People have said that to me since I was little. Look at me now, I'm just like everyone else." Xu Hui said, "Things might change in the future. At least you shouldn't be a reincarnation of an ordinary person." Ouyang Yiming said:

“Who knows what happened in our past lives? Don’t tell anyone at school.”

Xu Hui lowered her head and thought for

a moment before saying, “I’ll tell you something too. I was born in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which was the height of summer, but it snowed heavily at noon on the day I was born. Isn’t that strange?” Ouyang Yiming exclaimed in surprise, then paused for a moment before saying, “It really happened. Yours is even stranger. So, what about us…” Xu Hui said, “Maybe neither of us were reincarnated mortals.”

Ouyang Yiming nodded thoughtfully.

Xu Hui wondered to herself, why did both she and Ouyang Yiming encounter such strange events at birth? Could there be some connection between their past lives? Was it fate that arranged for them to be husband and wife in this life?

Ouyang Yiming was also pondering why such incredible things happened when he and Xu Hui were born. Could it be that neither of them were mortals in their past lives? Ouyang Yiming pondered for a moment, realizing that although he and Liu Yan were already in a relationship, he always felt a close connection to Xu Hui, as if she were family. Could there have been some connection in their past lives? These strange thoughts and feelings puzzled Ouyang Yiming.

The two of them silently pondered for a while, unable to understand these inexplicable things. They just felt as if there was some connection from a previous life.

Winter days are short, and by a little after five o'clock it was already dark. Ouyang Yiming said to Xu Hui, "Let's go back; Mom might have dinner ready." Xu Hui agreed. The two went inside. Ouyang Yiming told his grandfather he was going back and asked his grandparents if they wanted to come to his house for dinner. The old man said, "No, your grandma bought mutton, sheep's head, and sheep bones this morning and made a big pot of mutton soup. Have a bowl of soup here before you go; your grandma is keeping it warm."

The old lady came out of the kitchen in the east wing. Hearing that the two children wanted to go back, she grabbed Xu Hui's hand and said, "Don't go yet, have a bowl of Grandma's mutton soup. Xiaoming loves it the most." As she spoke, she pulled Xu Hui's hand towards the kitchen, saying, "You can't get mutton soup like this where you live. Mine is authentic; Grandma makes it so well." Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Yiming with a troubled expression.

Ouyang Yiming quickly said to his grandmother, "Grandma, people from the South don't like the taste of mutton, and they can't eat spicy food, so they don't like it." The old lady stopped, looked at Xu Hui's face, and asked, "Don't you like mutton?" Xu Hui blushed and nodded. The old lady said, "This mutton is good! Why don't you like it? You say mutton is good for you, but I can't really say for sure.

Once you get used to it, you'll want to drink it every day. When you marry into our family, I guarantee you'll drink it a few times and you won't forget it." Xu Hui blushed again.

The old man looked at the old lady and said sarcastically, "You old woman, why do you keep nagging about how Southerners don't like it? We have people here who don't like it either. Hurry up and send the two children back; it's getting dark." The old lady looked up at the sky and said, "Look at me, I'm so happy I've forgotten about the sky. Hurry back, be careful on the road." Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui agreed.

Ouyang Yiming pushed his bicycle over, followed by Xu Hui and his grandparents. The old man went over and opened the door. Just as Ouyang Yiming lifted his bicycle over the door, he ran into Grandma Liu from next door. Ouyang Yiming greeted Grandma Liu, then said goodbye to his grandparents and the others.

After Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui had walked a few steps, they heard Grandma Liu ask, "Is this girl Xiaoming's wife?" The old lady smiled and said, "Yes, she's my Xiaoming's wife. Look how pretty she is!" Grandma Liu clicked her tongue twice and said, "Indeed, she's like a fairy. Your Ouyang family has produced beauties generation after generation." Ouyang Yiming felt flustered and quickly hopped on his bicycle. The old lady called from behind, "Ride slowly, come again tomorrow." Ouyang Yiming responded. Xu Hui, blushing, waved to them from the back seat and then quickly turned back. After riding quite a distance, Xu Hui still saw the old man and woman watching them at the gate.

Xu Hui, still blushing, said, "Grandpa and Grandma are so kind." Ouyang Yiming thought that the old people really treated Xu Hui as their daughter-in-law this time, and his heart pounded with unease. He thought of Liu Yan and hadn't paid attention to Xu Hui talking to him.

Xu Hui asked, "Is your mutton soup really that delicious?" Ouyang Yiming heard her clearly this time, and then turned back to his thoughts, saying, "This mutton soup is a specialty of our area; you can't make it taste like this anywhere else.

Grandma hadn't boiled it properly just now. Once it's boiled, the smell alone will make your mouth water. The soup is white, the same color as milk. The chili oil is fried until it's fiery red, and when poured into the soup, it creates a thick layer of oil on top."

"You might not believe it, but you didn't taste the greasiness at all, and the chili oil didn't sting your throat. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water." She swallowed after saying this.

Xu Hui laughed and said, "Now that you mention it, I really want some." Ouyang Yiming said, "Seeing how hesitant you were just now, I thought you weren't used to it. Not many people from the South drink this.

If you want some, maybe another day. It's not a good time to go back now." Xu Hui laughed and said, "How could I have just drunk a bowl of soup like that? It's even more inconvenient to go back now. If I go back, my grandparents will say I'm a gluttonous woman." "

When she spoke, she thought of the old lady always referring to her as Ouyang Yiming's wife. She felt a little shy but also very sweet. She stretched out her arms and hugged Ouyang Yiming's waist, resting her head on his broad back. She really thought of herself as Ouyang Yiming's lover and that she was in love with him. Ouyang Yiming's heart trembled and his mind was in turmoil.

Love and Desire (38)

Chapter Thirty-Six

When they got home, it was already dark. The table in the dining room was already set with bowls, chopsticks and more than a dozen plates of hot and cold dishes, with the hot dishes covered with bowls. The two washed their hands and sat down at the table. Xu Hui blushed and said, "You made so many dishes. It's so troublesome. Let's just have dumplings." Mao Yuqin said, "There are no dishes there, so I just made some. Can you eat dumplings?" Xu Hui said,

"I can eat them. We eat them during festivals." Mao Yuqin said, "I was thinking that if you can't eat them, I would steam some rice for you." "If you like the food, that's fine."

Ouyang Anping took out a bottle of wine, opened it, and asked Xu Hui if she could drink baijiu (Chinese white liquor). Xu Hui shook her head and said, "I can't drink it." Ouyang Anping then took out a bottle of red wine from the kitchen cabinet and handed it to Ouyang Mei, saying, "You two sisters and Yiming's mother can have some red wine. Yiming and I will have this." Xu Hui said, "I don't drink red wine either." Ouyang Yiming said, "Just a little bit, it's okay."

Xu Hui didn't say anything more.

Ouyang Mei opened the bottle and poured wine into Xu Hui's glass. Ouyang Yiming poured baijiu for his father and filled his own glass as well. Mao Yuqin said, "The two children are happy to be home today, so we won't say anything. Xu Hui, let's all drink this." So everyone raised their glasses and drank. After eating the dishes, everyone was poured more wine. Mao Yuqin said, "I don't drink either, but we have a rule here that you can't drink from a single glass. After you finish this glass, you can drink whatever you want." Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Yiming, who looked back at her and said, "That's right, drink up, what's wrong with red wine?" So everyone drank again. Mao Yuqin put down her glass and said, "Xu Hui, it's up to you. If you can't drink, then don't. I'll go cook some dumplings." Xu Hui agreed. Ouyang Mei poured more wine for Xu Hui, but Xu Hui waved her hand and shook her head.

Ouyang Yiming said, "Just pour some and leave it." Xu Hui didn't insist anymore.

They didn't talk much during the meal; Xu Hui seemed quite reserved, as it was her first time eating with Ouyang Yiming's family. After Ouyang Yiming and his father had a few drinks, Mao Yuqin brought out the dumplings. While eating the dumplings, Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Mei kept putting food on Xu Hui's plate. After a while, everyone finished eating. Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming went to sit down in the main room. Ouyang Dongdong turned on the TV. Mao Yuqin sat next to Xu Hui and said, "You'll sleep in Dongdong's room tonight. Dongdong sleeps with his brother. I'll tidy up for you later." "No need to trouble yourself," Xu Hui said. "I'll just sleep with Xiao Mei." Mao Yuqin said, "Will you two be able to sleep comfortably in one bed?" Xu Hui said, "I can." Ouyang Mei said, "Then I'll sleep with Sister Hui. I want to hear about university." Mao Yuqin smiled and said, "Okay, I'll get you a new blanket later." She then got up and went to the kitchen to tidy up.

Ouyang Mei watched TV for a while but lost interest, so she whispered to Xu Hui, "I'm going back to my room to study." Xu Hui saw Ouyang Yiming talking to his father and said to Ouyang Mei, "I'll go too."

The two walked hand in hand into Ouyang Mei's room. Xu Hui sat down on the edge of the bed, picked up the textbook on the table, flipped through it, and asked, "Next year is the college entrance exam, right?" Ouyang Mei nodded and said, "Yes."

Xu Hui asked, "Which school are you planning to apply to?" Ouyang Mei smiled but frowned slightly and said, "I don't know. I won't go to any school that isn't a top-tier one." Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Mei in surprise and said, "Meizi, you've got pretty high aspirations. "

Ouyang Mei blushed slightly and said, "I've thought about it. Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University—those are the three schools. If I don't get in, I'll study again next year. I won't go to any other school." Xu Hui was surprised again and said, "I didn't expect Meizi to have even higher aspirations than your brother." Ouyang Mei said, "Actually, my brother also really wanted to go to Peking University that year. He was just a few points short of getting into your school. He even cried back then, telling Mom and Dad that he wanted to study for another year. Mom said your school is a prestigious one, and who knows what will happen next year. It took several days of persuasion before he agreed to go." Xu Hui said, "Really? I've never heard your brother mention that." Ouyang Mei said, "If my brother really didn't want to, I guarantee he could get into Peking University if he studied for another year." Then she said mischievously, "But if that happened, my brother wouldn't be able to see you anymore. What do you call that, being unlucky in the exam but lucky in love?" Xu Hui blushed and said, "You know quite a lot." Ouyang Mei giggled.

Xu Hui thought to herself, "That's exactly right. If Ouyang Yiming really studied for another year, even if he didn't get into Peking University, he might not get into any other school, and we wouldn't even know each other." Ouyang Mei stopped laughing and said, "I won't follow my brother's example. If I really don't get into any of these three schools, no matter what my parents say, I'll study again until I get in." Xu Hui couldn't help but admire the girl's courage and perseverance, and casually said, "You'd better get into Fudan University." Ouyang Mei looked at her suspiciously and asked, "Why?" Xu Hui smiled and thought for a moment, "Your brother and I might work in Shanghai after graduation, so we can look after each other." Ouyang Mei became excited and said, "Really!" Xu Hui smiled and said, "I said it's possible. I have relatives in Shanghai, and I've already made arrangements. We'll have to see about it before graduation." "That's great," Ouyang Mei said. "With you and my brother there, I can visit you more often. It'll feel like I have a home." Xu Hui said, "That's right. Your parents will feel more at ease having their precious daughter all alone in another city." Ouyang Mei smiled sweetly.

Xu Hui heard footsteps in the living room and turned to look at the door. She saw Ouyang Yiming following his mother out. She thought to herself that his mother was probably going to ask him about him and Xu Hui. She wondered how Ouyang Yiming would tell his mother.

Ouyang Yiming followed his mother into his room. Mao Yuqin sat down on the edge of the bed, but Ouyang Yiming didn't sit down. He leaned against the table, thinking that his mother was definitely going to ask him about him and Xu Hui.

Mao Yuqin looked at her son, who had his head down, and asked, "When did you and Xu Hui start dating?" Ouyang Yiming looked up at his mother and said, "You probably won't believe me, but we didn't date. We were just classmates." Mao Yuqin stared into Ouyang Yiming's eyes for a while, making him uneasy. After a long pause, Mao Yuqin said, "Xiaoming, you're lying." Ouyang Yiming said with a bitter face, "Mom, why would I lie to you? If it's true, it's true; if it's not, it's not. When have I ever lied to you?" Mao Yuqin looked at Ouyang Yiming's expression and asked in surprise, "Really not?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Really not, just a classmate."

Mao Yuqin continued to stare at her son, as if trying to discern the truth from his face. She said, "Yiming, you're a college student now, and in a little over a year you'll be working. Even if you're in a relationship, Mom can understand." Ouyang Yiming said, "I understand what you mean. If I were really in a relationship with her, wouldn't I tell you?" Mao Yuqin frowned and said, "That's very strange. You two have no relationship whatsoever, so why would she come to our house with you?" Ouyang Yiming scratched his head and said, "Actually, I really didn't know she was coming." We didn't even meet on the train; we only bumped into each other after getting off. My younger sister and brother both know this, and Xu Rui knows it even better. Mao Yuqin said, "Then do you know why she came? There must be a reason."

Ouyang Yiming secretly admired his mother; she truly deserved to be a homeroom teacher for so many years. He said, "Actually, it's like this: before going home, I went to see Xu Rui and met Xu Hui at the school gate. She told me her mother wanted me to go to Suzhou with her, but I refused. Then she suggested I go to your house. I thought she was joking, and after going to Xu Rui's, I didn't see her again. On the bus, she said coming to our house was an impulsive decision, and she regretted it afterward. I didn't know what to say." Mao Yuqin frowned and asked, "Why would her mother want you to go to her house with her? Do you know her mother? Have you met her mother?" Ouyang Yiming glanced at his mother, thinking to himself that he was still feeling guilty, and smiled, saying, "You can't hide anything from you. I have met her mother." "A while ago, her mother went to a meeting, and Xu Hui said she needed to see me, but it turned out she was meeting her mother. If I had known I was going to see her mother, I would never have gone."

Mao Yuqin lowered her head and thought for a moment before saying, "I think I understand now. Do you think I'm right? You and Xu Hui both have feelings for each other, but neither of you has made it clear yet. Xu Hui likes you and sees you as her lover. And you also like Xu Hui very much. Otherwise, Xu Hui wouldn't have taken you to meet her mother, and Xu Hui wouldn't have come to our house like this. Isn't that right?"

Ouyang Yiming said, "Actually, it's not like that. There's really nothing between us." Ouyang Yiming then thought of Liu Yan. Mao Yuqin said, "Stop talking! Do you think I don't understand?! Actually, I approve of what you're doing. It's fine to like someone, but you're still in school. Romantic getaways will inevitably affect your studies. Your father and I are both teachers, and we strongly disapprove of this kind of thing. Of course, university students and high school students are different, and they're at different ages, so I understand. I'm quite satisfied with how you two are handling your relationship. You'll have plenty of time to date after graduation.

Xu Hui is a good girl, and I can see that. Your father and I genuinely like her, and we hope you two can get together in the future. It's just that you can't be together while you're at school." "Going on dates all the time isn't good."

Ouyang Yiming blushed and said, "There's nothing between us, how could we be dating! I only went once when her mother came." Mao Yuqin said, "Don't explain, I understand.

I won't say much more. The way you're handling your relationship shows you're both very rational. Of course, I think Xu Hui's visit to our house this time might have been impulsive, but I can understand her feelings for you. The school won't know. It won't affect you. I just hope you can be the same as before when you go back to school."

Ouyang Yiming nodded, not wanting to explain anymore. He knew in his heart that he couldn't explain it clearly anyway. What could he say when she came? He couldn't reveal his relationship with Liu Yan now. His mother might also disagree with his marriage to someone from Liu Yan's family. According to his agreement with Liu Yan, he couldn't tell her now. He also had another thought: what if Liu Yan encountered resistance? If he told his family about their relationship too early, even if his family agreed, they might try to stop him because of Liu Yan's family's opposition. He wanted to wait until Liu Yan had convinced her parents to agree to their relationship before telling them. Besides, if Xu Hui comes here and tells her about her relationship with Liu Yan, her mother will have a lot of questions. There's also the possibility that Xu Hui will find out.

Mao Yuqin said, “Your father and I have discussed this matter many times, and that is your postgraduate entrance examination. As you know, Tsinghua University and several other universities have begun to reform their employment system for undergraduates. Instead of the previous system where the state guaranteed job placement, they will now collaborate with employers. It's estimated that this will be the path you follow when you graduate. Your father and I believe that you should find a stable job as soon as possible after graduation, and you can pursue postgraduate studies after working. I'm considering that there might come a day when the state no longer guarantees job placement for university graduates, and students will have to find jobs themselves, gradually aligning with international standards. Finding a job at that time will be different from now. You need to consider these things now. Of course, our opinions are only for your reference. You are an adult now and have your own subjective thoughts.

We, as elders, can only offer some suggestions. Ultimately, you must make the final decision yourself. In the future, university recommendations will be very important for university graduates' employment. This requires you to be self-disciplined in school. For example, it's best not to let the school know about your relationship with Xu Hui. The key is to have a good impression of you both; otherwise, the school won't recommend good companies and jobs to students with poor performance. I think you understand this better than I do.”

"Then there's your Party membership issue. It needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Some connections need to be established, as they will be very important once you get to your workplace." Ouyang Yiming looked at his mother with some difficulty and said,

"How can I use connections for this? I don't want to ask anyone for favors. I've already written my Party membership application twice and attended several Party classes." Mao Yuqin looked at him and sighed, saying, "You and your father have the same personality, but that's a disadvantage. Forget it, just let nature take its course." Ouyang Yiming remained silent.

Mao Yuqin continued, "There's also the issue of where you'll go after graduation. Of course, this isn't necessarily something you can control, but you can try. Your father and I hope you go to a bigger city, preferably with a good job. But we don't have any connections in big cities, so it depends on the school's recommendation. As a last resort, if you really don't have a chance to go to a bigger city, you can come back. Your father and I have some connections here, and you can apply to a receiving unit. Another very important issue is your relationship with Xu Hui. Do you want to go with her, or does she want to come here? You need to think about this before graduation. If she's willing to come here, we need to make preparations in advance."

Ouyang Yiming then thought of Liu Yan again, blushed, and said, "There's still more than a year until graduation. Let's not talk about my relationship with her now. We haven't even talked about feelings yet. We don't know what will happen in the future." Mao Yuqin said, "If you both like each other, you'll eventually have to face this issue, and you need to consider it." Ouyang Yiming thought to himself, "There's no way I can marry her. I have Liu Yan." He didn't want to say anything more and just nodded.

Mao Yuqin said, "I've wanted to tell you these things for a while. You should keep them in mind. That's all for now." Ouyang Yiming nodded again. Mao Yuqin got up and left.

Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei chatted when Mao Yuqin came in carrying a quilt. Xu Hui hurriedly took it and placed it on the bed. Mao Yuqin said, "Are you tired after traveling for several hours? Why don't you rest early? Tomorrow, Yiming will take you to Panlong Mountain. There aren't many places to visit around here." Xu Hui smiled and agreed.

After Mao Yuqin left, Ouyang Mei said, "I'll go with them tomorrow too." Xu Hui said, "Great! Dongdong will come too. I brought my camera." Xu Hui chatted with Ouyang Mei for a while, wondering what Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Yiming had talked about earlier, so she told Ouyang Mei she was going to visit her brother. Ouyang Mei gave her a sly smile, and Xu Hui blushed and left.

Entering Ouyang Yiming's room, Xu Hui saw him making his bed and said, "Go to sleep now." Ouyang Yiming replied, "Make the bed first, wait a bit." Xu Hui sat down in a chair at the table and asked, "Did your mom ask you why I came?" Ouyang Yiming said, "She didn't ask that. She just asked why we didn't get on the bus together and only met here after getting off." Xu Hui's face flushed red, and she asked, "What did you say?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I told Mom you heard me say this place was fun, and since you like traveling, you came on a whim." Xu Hui said, "Didn't your mom ask about our relationship?" Ouyang Yiming said, "She did, and I told her we're classmates." Xu Hui tilted her head and asked, "Does your mom believe that?" Ouyang Yiming said, "A little. She said we're still studying, and it's not good to be in a relationship right now."

Xu Hui really hoped Ouyang Yiming would tell his mother they were in love, but hearing him say that now, she felt a little disappointed and embarrassed, and her heart started to race. She asked,

"Does your mom not approve of me?" Ouyang Yiming's heart skipped a beat, and he blushed, saying, "What are you talking about? She didn't mean it that way at all. She was praising you. We were mostly talking about future jobs. She meant for me to wait until I have a job before considering graduate school, saying that the job allocation system for college graduates is still uncertain. I'm also thinking about that." Xu Hui nodded and said, "Your mom is thinking long-term, and that's the truth. My advice is also that you shouldn't think too much about graduate school now. The key is to get a good job and a stable position first." Ouyang Yiming said, "I will consider this carefully."

Xu Hui then mentioned going out to play tomorrow and asked Ouyang Yiming to tell her about the attractions here first. Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "It's no fun if I tell you about it now. You should see it for yourself when the time comes." Xu Hui laughed and said, "That's true, I'm going to rest now." After saying that, she got up and the two said goodnight to each other.

Love and Desire (39)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Panlong Mountain is located in the south of the city and stretches for dozens of kilometers. The hills rise and fall, the mountains are high and steep, and the peaks are connected, resembling a coiled dragon; the pines and cypresses are green, blocking out the sun and clouds and mist. Its dragon head is only a few feet away from the south gate of the city, and the slope is gentle and easy to climb. Also, because the Shakyamuni Buddha statue, which is more than ten meters high, is carved into the mountain, it has been a popular tourist attraction for generations. Therefore, it has long been a tourist attraction. After breakfast ,

Ouyang Yiming, Xu Hui, and their siblings arrived at the mountain gate by car. Xu Hui saw a Ming Dynasty-style archway, over ten meters high and five bays high, constructed of granite. Above the central lintel were the three large characters "Panlong Mountain," written with vigorous strokes, full of spirit, elegant and unrestrained, and graceful. There were also two symmetrical side rooms on either side. The place was magnificent and imposing.

Standing in the square in front of the gate, Xu Hui looked up and asked Ouyang Yiming, "Why is this mountain called Panlong Mountain?" Ouyang Yiming replied, "Legend has it that during the Northern Wei Dynasty, Emperor Xiaowen of Wei visited Pancheng and saw this mountain. Its continuous ridges resembled a coiled dragon, hence the name Panlong Mountain." Furthermore, during the Northern Wei Dynasty, Emperor Taiwu invaded the Song Dynasty and besieged Pancheng with hundreds of thousands of troops. A Buddhist soldier suggested carving a half-body statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, more than ten meters high, into the mountain. During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, a monk named Hongdu oversaw the construction of the main hall and temple. Therefore, this mountain is also called Stone Buddha Mountain. Xu Hui nodded.

She took out her camera and asked a tourist to take a group photo of them. After buying tickets, they entered the gate.

Climbing the steps, they entered the Guanyin Temple. Ouyang Yiming explained to Xu Hui that the temple was built during the Kangxi era by Chen Hua, the prefect of Pancheng. That year, Chen Hua had a dream in which Guanyin Bodhisattva came to this mountain and pointed to a huge rock. Upon waking, he led his men up the mountain to search for it, and indeed found a strange, smooth, and translucent rock. He then ordered craftsmen to carve it into the image of Guanyin Bodhisattva, and later built a temple.

Xu Hui stood in the courtyard, observing closely. She saw four towering ancient cypress trees, each thick enough to be encircled, vigorous and upright, their gnarled branches and verdant leaves standing like two guards before the main hall. The main hall had three rooms… Green tiles and red pillars, colorful paintings hanging from the ceiling, were dazzling. After looking around the courtyard for a while and taking a couple of photos, Xu Hui entered the main hall. There, in a stone niche carved into the stone, sat the compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva, draped in a red robe, sitting serenely, holding an infant in her left arm and a branch in her right, exuding an ethereal aura.

Xu Hui was immediately filled with piety and knelt down to pay her respects to Guanyin. Ouyang Dongdong and Ouyang Mei chuckled to themselves. Ouyang Yiming gave them a look that stopped them, and Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong suppressed their laughter and left. When Xu Hui stood up, Ouyang Yiming also knelt down to pay his respects, and as he left, he seemed to have forgotten what he had been thinking.

Climbing the steps outside the Guanyin Temple, Ouyang Yiming pointed to a pavilion and said, "That pavilion is called 'Qibang Pavilion'." "Following Xu Hui, Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong followed. Ouyang Yiming said as they walked, "Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, there was a scholar named Zhang Yu, who was very learned and only wanted to achieve fame and success in the imperial examinations. He studied hard every day and took the exams every time, but he failed each time. When he was fifty-six years old, he had a dream one night in which an immortal pointed out that if he built a pavilion here, he would surely pass the imperial examinations. So he spent all his money to build this 'Begging for the Examinations Pavilion' and built several thatched huts at the foot of the hill. Every morning, he would kneel and pray at the pavilion before returning to his huts to study hard. Two years later, he indeed passed the imperial examinations. Since then, scholars who wanted to pass the imperial examinations often came here to pray before the exams. Later, this scholar said that the immortal he dreamed of was Zhang Yazi of the 'Wenchang Palace'."

Ouyang Mei asked, "What kind of immortal is this Zhang Yazi?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Actually, this Zhang Yazi was originally just a warrior." Later, it was said that Zhang Ziya was the god appointed by God to govern the fate of scholars. Xu Hui became interested and asked, "How could a mere warrior become the god who governs scholars?"

Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "These are all things that evolved gradually by later generations. Originally, in Zitong, Sichuan, there were two temples not far apart, one was the Zhang Yu Temple, and the other was the Zhang Yazi Temple.

These two Zhangs were originally warriors in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and they were extremely brave in battle. Because they were both extremely filial sons who respected their parents, the local people built temples to worship them after they died in battle. Later, they were collectively called 'Zitong Temple'."

The Ming Dynasty's "Unified Gazetteer" records: "The Zitong God's surname is Zhang, his given name is Ya, and his courtesy name is Ezi. His ancestors were Yuehao people who moved to Qiqu Mountain in Zitong County." The "Collected Sayings and Explanations" says: "Wenchang Jun, also known as Zitong Jun, is a son of the Zhang family. Taoists say that when the Wenchang star is bright, the literary fortune will rise, and God appointed Zhang's son to manage the Wenchang Mansion and the register of human fortune." During the Tang Dynasty, this shrine received official titles from Emperor Xuanzong and Emperor Xizong, who had fled to Sichuan to escape war, and thus gradually became a renowned deity. However, his transformation into "Wenchang Xingjun" (the God of Literature) occurred after the Song Dynasty. Emperor Renzong of the Yuan Dynasty officially bestowed upon him the title "Fuyuan Kaihua Wenchang Silu Hongren Dijun" (the Auxiliary Emperor of the Primordial Era, the Enlightened One, the God of Literature, the God of Prosperity and Benevolence), or simply "Wenchang Dijun." From then on, he was revered by scholars throughout the ages, and "Confucian Temples" and "Wenchang Palaces" were built in various places. People believed that he was the god of destiny for scholars, and that the fame and fortune of every scholar in the world were entirely in his hands. Therefore, every year on the second day of the second lunar month, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, many scholars would go there to worship and pray for his favor. Those who had already achieved fame and fortune were even more grateful to him. This pavilion has been rebuilt many times. The original "Qibang Pavilion" built by the old scholar has long since collapsed. The existing pavilion was rebuilt in the fifty-sixth year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty and has also been repaired many times by later generations. The "Begging for the List Pavilion" is a brick-and-wood structure, facing south, rectangular in shape, with a hipped roof and upturned eaves, simple and elegant. It is surrounded by a granite balustrade. Under the eaves hangs a plaque inscribed with the words "Begging for the List Pavilion" by Yuan Hongen, the governor of Panzhou during the Qianlong era of the

Qing Dynasty. A long east-west corridor connects to the south of the pavilion, with a small classical-style door on the western section. Towering pines and cypresses surround the pavilion, lush and verdant, casting long shadows. A few red ribbons still remain tied to the branches. This pavilion is located at the highest point of a mountain. As we entered the pavilion, Ouyang Yiming pointed to a smooth bluestone slab and said, "This is where that scholar knelt and prayed every day." The group looked, but saw no Buddha statues.

However, there were several dents on the bluestone slab, presumably caused by the kneeling of scholars throughout the ages.

Xu Hui said, "Since this is the god who governs the fate of scholars, we are all scholars, right? I think we should bow." Ouyang Mei laughed and said, "This is the 'Begging for Lists Pavilion,' not the 'Wenchang Palace.' You and your brother have already passed the imperial examinations, why should we bow?" Xu Hui retorted, "You can't talk like that here. You and Dongdong are the ones who should bow the most. Your brother and I should also bow.

We should have a sense of gratitude." After saying that, she pulled Ouyang Mei to bow. Ouyang Mei blushed and was unwilling. Xu Hui said with a serious face, "You must be devout to the gods, listen to me." Then she looked at Ouyang Dongdong and said,

"You should also listen to your sister." Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong turned to look at Ouyang Yiming. Xu Hui said, "Don't look at him, he should also bow." Ouyang Yiming blushed, but seeing Xu Hui's sacred expression, he said to his younger siblings, "We'll listen to your sister Hui." So Xu Hui knelt down first, and the siblings knelt down one after another and bowed several times.

The group stood up and walked slowly along the pavilion corridor, the three siblings still blushing. Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong were clearly still embarrassed. Ouyang Yiming whispered to Xu Hui, "You are truly devout to the gods." Xu Hui replied, "Of course we Buddhists are devout." Ouyang Yiming smiled and shook his head slightly. He said, "Every year before the college entrance exam, many people come here to pray." Xu Hui asked, "Did you come?" Ouyang Yiming whispered in her ear, "I didn't come the year of the college entrance exam, but Grandma came here to tie a red ribbon." Xu Hui said, "Of course Buddhists are even more devout."

Ouyang Yiming said, "I think Grandma will definitely come again next year before Meizi's college entrance exam." Xu Hui said, "This is also the deep affection an old person has for their children and grandchildren." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

Walking south from the corridor, they came across an ancient well with a steel bar covering its opening. Ouyang Yiming said, "This well is called 'Panlong Sacred Water Well,' and it's said to cure all diseases. The water is sweet. The water seeps from cracks in the rock inside the cave, and it's a rare example nationwide of a nearly 30-meter-deep stone well carved artificially from a mountaintop cave. It's such a pity that such good water is sealed off by this steel bar." Xu Hui laughed and said, "Exactly! Wouldn't it be better to use it?" She peered into the well but couldn't see any water. So she asked, "Is there still water?" Ouyang Yiming shook his head and replied that he didn't know.

Returning to the platform, they descended the stone steps eastward to 'Panlong Temple'. This was the place Ouyang Yiming had known as the Great Buddha since childhood. Because prayers were believed to be answered, its incense had burned continuously for generations. After descending the extremely steep steps, they arrived at a temple built in the style of a traditional courtyard house. In front of the main hall was a huge bronze incense burner, nearly full of ash, filled with the smoke of worshippers, adding to the solemn atmosphere. Xu Hui saw someone holding incense and, looking up, spotted a shop selling it nearby. She went over and bought four bundles. She gave one to Ouyang Yiming, one to Ouyang Mei, and one to Ouyang Dongdong. They lit the incense in the burner, raised their hands in prayer, and inserted the incense sticks. Ouyang Yiming imitated her.

Xu Hui turned back and saw that Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong hadn't moved, so she said to the two blushing, bewildered children, "Pray like your brother and me, listen to me." The siblings, seeing Xu Hui's seriousness but still extremely reluctant, approached, lit the incense, and hastily placed it in the burner without even bowing. Their faces flushed even more. Xu Hui smiled, pulled Ouyang Mei aside, and whispered, "When you pray to Buddha here, you must be sincere. Once inside the hall, you must kneel and pray, and speak your heart's desires aloud." Ouyang Mei hesitated, saying, "But what desires can I make?" Xu Hui said, "For example, you might wish to get into a good university, or you might wish to marry a good partner in the future—basically anything you hope to achieve." Ouyang Mei's face flushed red again, and after thinking for a moment, she nodded. She thought to herself, "How can Xu Hui be so superstitious?"

Inside the main hall was a seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, over ten meters tall, carved into the mountainside. The hall also enshrined the Three Buddhas of the Three Worlds: Bhaisajyaguru on the left, Amitabha on the right, and Shakyamuni Buddha in the center, solemn and serene. Behind them was a statue of Guanyin on an island, surrounded by eighteen Arhats, each with a unique and vivid image. On either side of the Buddha were many caves containing various Buddha statues, which, together with the large stone Buddha, made the Buddha appear even more magnificent. The hall was dimly lit.

Ouyang Yiming always felt a sense of unease whenever he came here. His eyes would adjust after a short while. Xu Hui lit incense inside the gate, giving a bundle to each person. She gazed up at the Buddha statue for a while, and after everyone in line finished praying, she tugged at Ouyang Yiming, signaling him to kneel. The two then knelt on the prayer cushions and kowtowed. Ironically, while praying, Xu Hui was praying for a long and happy marriage with Ouyang Yiming. Ouyang Yiming, however, was praying for his union with Liu Yan. One wonders if the Buddha was mocking this couple. After finishing

their prayers, Xu Hui turned to look, but Ouyang Dongdong was nowhere to be seen. Looking outside the hall, she saw him watching people burn incense by the large cauldron in the courtyard. Xu Hui chuckled inwardly, knowing he didn't want to pray, but considering he was still a child, she didn't want to force him. So she pulled Ouyang Mei to kneel instead. Ouyang Mei looked at her brother with a troubled expression, and Ouyang Yiming nodded to her. Ouyang Mei knelt down, silently praying for her to be admitted to a prestigious university next year. Blushing, she stood up and scanned the crowd, afraid of being laughed at. She noticed everyone's expressions were devout, but still felt embarrassed. She hid behind Ouyang Yiming as they left the hall.

The four then visited the north and south side halls, admiring the lifelike statues of the Eighteen Arhats, each with a different expression. They saw the bell in the bell pavilion, cast during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty, with the inscription "Good Weather and Abundant Harvests," a heavy iron bell weighing approximately ten thousand jin. Leaving the Buddhist temple, passing through the Zen courtyard, and exiting through the south gate, they ascended the winding path. They also visited some other scenic spots and took some photos. On the solstice, they arrived at the 'Listening to the Pines Pavilion,' where they gazed into the distance. The mountain was rugged with jagged rocks, layered peaks, verdant pines and cypresses, and beautiful forests and valleys. Xu Hui couldn't help but marvel at the scenery and took several photos with Ouyang Yiming and his siblings.

There were still some unvisited attractions, so Xu Hui asked Ouyang Yiming, "What other places are fun?" Ouyang Dongdong complained of being tired and said there wasn't much else to do. Ouyang Yiming knew he was also too lazy to move and laughed. Xu Hui smiled at him and said, "You really are a bit tired." The group rested for a while, and it was almost noon. Ouyang Yiming asked if they were going home for lunch. Ouyang Mei said, "Let's just eat out for lunch, then go to the memorial hall, and go home early in the afternoon." The others agreed.

After descending the mountain, they looked for a restaurant. Xu Hui remembered the mutton soup Ouyang Yiming had described at her grandmother's house and on the way last night, so she suggested trying a bowl. Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "You probably can't handle it." Ouyang Mei said, "What's wrong with not being able to handle it? We have a classmate from Hangzhou who was initially hesitant because of the chili oil, but after trying it once, he became addicted." Ouyang Yiming smiled at Xu Hui and said, "Then you should try it. Otherwise, it'll be a waste of our trip." Xu Hui also laughed and said, "Actually, we have mutton soup in Suzhou too." Yiming exclaimed in surprise, "Really? I thought you Southerners didn't like the taste of mutton." Xu Hui said, "I've only ever seen restaurants like that. My parents don't like it, and I've never had it either. Our mutton soup is called 'Cangshu Mutton Soup,' originating from Cangshu Town west of Suzhou City. It's named after Zhu Maichen, a famous minister of the Western Han Dynasty, who studied diligently. Yesterday, after you described your mutton soup here, it's completely different from our 'Cangshu Mutton Soup.'"

After walking for a while, Xu Hui smelled a strong aroma of mutton in the air. Looking up, she saw steam rising from a shop not far away, the aroma emanating from there. Excited, Xu Hui went closer and saw an inconspicuous shop with a stove on the side of the door, a large pot on top, a half-lid on the pot, and mutton soup bubbling inside.

Inside the 40-50 square meter shop, rows of rectangular tables seating four people lined the outer wall, one end of which faced the glass facade overlooking the street, allowing diners to see inside.

Along the inner wall were several round tables seating eight to ten people. Two of the round tables were already full, while three of the rectangular tables were empty. The group found a table and sat down. Ouyang Yiming walked straight to the glass counter at the far end. Xu Hui followed. Inside the glass counter was a long counter displaying various cooked lamb cuts, all plated. Two chefs in white uniforms were cutting meat at one side of the counter. Opposite the meat display was a window; through it, they could see chefs bustling about. It turned out there was another kitchen there, where stir-fries and stews were prepared.

Ouyang Yiming turned to Xu Hui and asked, "Which of these dishes do you like?" Xu Hui replied, "I don't know much about these things, just make it up to me." Ouyang Yiming glanced at her, then said to the waitress behind the window, who was holding a pen and paper, "Cold lamb tripe salad, cold offal salad, braised lamb, and four bowls of lamb soup. Oh, and don't make the braised lamb too spicy." The waitress wrote it down, then looked up and asked, "Would you like flatbread or dumplings? We have our own homemade lamb dumplings." Ouyang Yiming looked at Xu Hui, who said, "Whatever." Ouyang Yiming said, "I don't know if you'd like our flatbread." He then turned to the waitress and said: "Two servings of dumplings and four sesame seed cakes, please."

Returning to the table and sitting down, Ouyang Yiming said, "Actually, the best time to eat mutton here is on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the start of the hottest period of summer. There's a saying here that makes a lot of sense: we live in a hilly area, and most of the sheep raised by farmers grow up on the lush green grass, drinking in the clear waters and green hills. From the time the grass sprouts until the start of the hottest period, the goats are at their fattest and strongest. At this time, the mutton is perfectly marbled with fat and lean meat, and when cooked, it's tender and delicious, with a rich, mellow flavor, thick but not greasy sauce, and very little gamey taste. The earliest custom of eating mutton during the hottest period was called the 'Tasting the New Grain Festival,' also known as the 'Auntie's Festival.' There's a folk song that goes: 'On the sixth day of the sixth month, welcome Auntie, new wheat buns and mutton stew.'"

There's a story behind this "Auntie's Day" festival. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Hu Yan, the prime minister of the Jin state, became arrogant and angered his loyal relative, Zhao Cui, to death. Zhao Cui's son, Hu Yan's son-in-law, wanted to eliminate Hu Yan on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month. His wife couldn't bear it, as he was her father, so she secretly went back to her parents' home to inform her father. Hu Yan then recalled witnessing the disaster his mistakes had caused the people while distributing grain, and he suddenly realized his mistake. He then had his grandson invite his daughter and son-in-law back home, where he apologized to his son-in-law in person. From then on, every year on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, he would have his grandson invite his daughter and son-in-law home to steam rice. New wheat buns and stewed mutton were served as a warm welcome, deepening mutual affection. This practice was widely imitated among the people, meaning to resolve grudges and bring good fortune. Hence the folk rhyme: "On the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, welcome the aunt, son-in-law and grandson all over the house." As for why the sixth day of the sixth lunar month was chosen, it was mainly because the new wheat was harvested at that time, and the lambs were plump, making it easy to hold a banquet.

As they were talking, two plates of cold dishes were served. The waiter asked what kind of alcohol they would like. Ouyang Yiming said, "Bring two bottles of beer." Xu Hui said, "Beer is too cold." Ouyang Yiming said, "Then bring one bottle, it's the same idea to have a little." Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong laughed. Xu Hui turned to Ouyang Mei and asked, "What are you laughing at?" Ouyang Mei whispered in her ear, "Look how much your brother listens to you." Xu Hui blushed, smiled, and didn't say anything. Ouyang Yiming said to the waiter, "Could you bring us the mutton soup too?" The waiter agreed and left.

Xu Hui glanced at Ouyang Yiming, then turned to Ouyang Mei and asked, "Do you know the historical allusions you just mentioned?" Ouyang Mei shook her head shyly. Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Dongdong, who was looking down, and thought to herself that he probably didn't know either. She then said to Ouyang Mei, "That's what's good about your brother. He always remembers these historical allusions. He's a good thinker." Ouyang Mei smiled and said, "If you don't praise him, who will?" Ouyang Yiming blushed and glanced at his sister, while Ouyang Dongdong laughed. Xu Hui blushed slightly and said, "This isn't a compliment. You won't remember the origins and allusions like these if you don't pay attention. You need to learn more to become knowledgeable." Ouyang Mei nodded, also looking at her brother with envy.

The beer was brought over, and Ouyang Yiming opened the bottle and poured a glass for Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei, then filled his own glass. Setting down the bottle, Ouyang Dongdong looked at his brother and asked, "Why didn't you pour me some?"

Ouyang Yiming looked at him in surprise and asked, "You drink too?" Ouyang Dongdong said, "Dad always lets me have a little bit when he drinks, but you won't." Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei laughed. Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Okay, I'll pour you some. Drink less, or if you get drunk, no one will be able to carry you." Ouyang Dongdong pouted and said, "I can drink a whole bottle of this beer without getting drunk." Ouyang Yiming stared at him wide-eyed and said, "Really? You've drunk it before?" Ouyang Mei said, "I heard him bragging, but Dad sometimes only pours him a little bit when he drinks at home." Ouyang Yiming smiled, took the bottle, poured half a glass for Ouyang Dongdong, and then picked up his glass and said, "Everyone, pick up your glasses, drink less and eat more."

Everyone picked up their glasses, took a sip, and started eating. Xu Hui picked up a piece of the cold lamb tripe and put it in her mouth. She found it both crisp and fragrant, and said, "How can lamb tripe be made so crispy?"

Ouyang Yiming said, "That's the specialty of our cold lamb tripe." The four of them quickly finished a bottle of beer. The waiter brought four bowls of lamb soup and placed them in front of everyone. The middle bowl contained half a bowl of bright red chili oil. Xu Hui looked at it and saw that the lamb soup in the bowl was white like milk, with a bright color and a perfect blend of water and fat. Garlic sprouts and cilantro were floating on top. A fragrant aroma wafted from the rising steam. Xu Hui said to Ouyang Yiming, "It's really like milk, just as you said. Did you add something?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Probably some Chinese medicine or something. Usually, this kind of recipe is not shared." Xu Hui nodded, picked up the bowl, took a sip, and found that it was neither gamey nor fishy, but had a fresh and mellow taste. "It's really delicious," she exclaimed.

Ouyang Yiming smiled, picked up a piece of chili oil from the middle bowl with his chopsticks and put it into his own bowl, saying, "I don't know if you can eat this, try putting in a little." Xu Hui watched as the chili oil he put into the bowl melted quickly, instantly creating a layer of red oil on the surface of the soup, and couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive. Then I saw that Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong had also put some in their bowls, so I picked up a small piece and put it in my bowl as well. After it dissolved, I carefully took a sip, but it didn't feel too spicy. After swallowing, it was indeed as Ouyang Yiming had said—not spicy or pungent. I said, "This chili oil looks quite scary, but it's really not that spicy." Ouyang Yiming said, "There's a trick to frying this chili oil. If you want to learn, ask Grandma one day. Her chili oil is the best." Ouyang Dongdong said, "My grandma's soup is better than this." Ouyang Mei said to Xu Hui, "I also like Grandma's mutton soup. Let's go to Grandma's house another day and she can make it for you." Ouyang Yiming said,

"Grandma made soup yesterday. I thought your sister Hui didn't like it." Xu Hui said, "I didn't know it would taste so delicious. If I had known, I wouldn't have left even if you dragged me away."

After dinner, they went to visit the memorial tower for a while. Around four o'clock in the afternoon, Ouyang Dongdong was already feeling tired, and the others also looked exhausted. So the four of them took a car back home.

Love and Desire (40)

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Upon entering the house, they saw that the old man and the old woman were both there. They greeted their grandparents one after another. Ouyang Dongdong went to his room and went to bed as soon as he entered the house. When Xu Hui entered the house, the old woman took her hand and sat down on the sofa in the main room. She asked where they had been and whether they were tired or cold. After a while, Ouyang Mei entered the house and deliberately pouted and said to her grandmother, "Grandma only loves Hui-jie now and doesn't love me anymore. She has forgotten about the three of us." The old woman smiled and stretched out her hand to hold Ouyang Mei's hand and said, "Old cripple, how could Grandma not love you? Grandma loves everyone, but right now she loves my Hui-ya the most." Ouyang Mei laughed and said, "You used to say that you loved me the most, but now that Hui-jie is here, I'm sidelined." Xu Hui blushed with embarrassment.

Ouyang Yiming was listening outside and worried that his grandmother would say something else. So he went to the door and said, "Xu Hui, come and wash your face." Xu Hui responded. The old lady said, "Go wash up quickly."

Xu Hui stood up and went out into the washroom, where she saw that Ouyang Yiming had already prepared hot water for her, and soap was also laid out. She washed her face, applied cosmetics, and came out.

She returned to the main room and sat down. Remembering the mutton soup she had at noon, Xu Hui said to the old lady, "I had mutton soup for lunch. I've never had it before, and it's so delicious." The old lady glanced at Ouyang Yiming and said strangely, "Look, last night I told you to drink the mutton soup I made, and Xiaoming said you wouldn't like it, but today you went to the street to drink it." Xu Hui said, "I've never had it since I was little. Yiming thought I was worried I couldn't handle spicy food. But after eating it today, I didn't find it too spicy. Yiming said Grandma's is the best, and that your chili oil is the most fragrant and delicious." The old lady smiled happily and said proudly, "These children all like my soup. Otherwise, there would still be half a pot left at home." Ouyang Mei laughed, "You just had it at noon, and you're having it again tonight?" The old lady said, "Of course! This mutton soup is very nourishing. As long as you like it, you can have it three times a day." As she spoke, she stood up and said, "Let's go now, let's drink Grandma's mutton soup." She took Xu Hui's hand and walked towards the door. So everyone got up and followed the old lady out of the main room.

Mao Yuqin came out of the kitchen and said, "I'm about to cook." The old man chimed in, "Why don't you come eat at our place? I want to talk to Xiaoming too." Xu Hui went to look at Ouyang Yiming. Ouyang Yiming said, "Then let's go. I was just thinking of having a couple of drinks with Grandpa." Ouyang Mei said, "I'll go too." Ouyang Yiming looked at his sister and said, "Didn't you just say you had some at noon?" Ouyang Mei tilted her head and smiled at him, "What? I want to drink again now. Is it any of your business?" Mao Yuqin laughed and said, "Alright, then go ahead. Mei, you're going to help Grandma cook, not just to eat." Ouyang Mei stuck out her tongue and made a face. The old lady said, "There's nothing to help with, everything's ready." Ouyang Yiming said, "The three of us will ride our bikes first, Grandpa and Grandma, you can take the car." The old man nodded and said, "That's fine." He then had the old lady give the keys to Ouyang Yiming. The old lady looked at her daughter-in-law and said, "Why don't you all go?" Mao Yuqin said, "Your son hasn't come back yet; who knows where he's playing chess. I thought the children would be back at noon, so I cooked a lot of food and there's still some left. You should go." The old man looked around but didn't see him, so he called for Dongdong. Ouyang Dongdong said from his room, "I'm not going; I'm exhausted." Everyone laughed. Mao Yuqin pulled Ouyang Mei aside and said, "When you get home, put the mutton soup on the stove first. Don't let your grandma be too busy or tired." Ouyang Mei nodded in agreement.

Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Mei pushed two bicycles over; Ouyang Yiming took Xu Hui with him, while Ouyang Mei rode by herself. After a while, they arrived at Grandma's house. Ouyang Mei went to the kitchen first, opened the stove door, and put the mutton soup on the stove.

Xu Hui went into the main room and first went to the octagonal table to offer incense and pray to the Buddha. Then she looked around the room and saw two framed pictures hanging on the east wall, so she went closer to look at them. It was getting a little dark, so Ouyang Yiming turned on the fluorescent light. Xu Hui looked at each photo one by one, and saw a slightly yellowed black-and-white group photo. She noticed some photos resembled Ouyang Yiming's parents and asked about them. Ouyang Yiming confirmed they were photos taken before his parents' wedding. Xu Hui said, "Your mother was really beautiful when she was young." Ouyang Yiming smiled. Xu Hui added, "Your father was very handsome when he was young too." Suddenly, she saw a photo of a child at one month old and asked Ouyang Yiming who it was. Ouyang Yiming smiled and told her to guess. Xu Hui said, "Could it be you?" Ouyang Yiming chuckled and said, "It is indeed His Majesty." Xu Hui giggled and said, "You were even cuter as a child than you are now, look how chubby you were!" Then, noticing his little penis peeking out from under his crotch, she suddenly blushed.

A while later, the old man and woman returned, bringing back some braised dishes. The old woman went straight to the kitchen to plate them. The old man came in and said, "I just bought some dog meat and dog stomach from Wang Laowu, Xiaoming's favorite." Ouyang Yiming excitedly said, "It's been so long since I've had it." Turning to Xu Hui, he said, "Wang Laowu's dog meat here is a family heirloom, very famous. They say it's been made since his grandfather's generation." The old man corrected him, "It's been made since his great-grandfather's generation. Wang Laowu's is the most authentic dog meat in the whole city." Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "See, I forgot a generation."

The old man got up and went into the inner room, coming out with a bottle of wine in his hand, saying, "This wine is aged, do you know how many years it's been stored?" Ouyang Yiming said, "It's been almost forty years." Xu Hui exclaimed in surprise, "Forty years?!" The old man laughed and said, "That's right. I was in my twenties or thirties when I came here from Lanling to sell wine. I buried a few jars in this yard, and this is the wine I poured from those jars." Ouyang Yiming said, "My grandfather usually couldn't bear to drink it; he only drank it for me. Grandpa, how much do we still have? There must be quite a few buried in this yard." The old man laughed, "I can't tell you that."

As he spoke, Ouyang Yiming brought over a plate of dog meat and a plate of dog tripe, and the old lady followed with a plate of fried peanuts and a plate of cold shredded pig's ears. The old lady suddenly noticed the incense burning in front of the Buddha statue and said, "Xiaoming knows to offer incense to the Buddha now." Ouyang Yiming said, "It wasn't me. It was Xu Hui who offered the incense; she's a Buddhist too." As she spoke, she pulled the eight-immortal table out a little. The old lady was quite surprised, looking at Xu Hui and saying, "My goodness, you believe in Buddhism too. It's good to believe in Buddhism; people who believe in Buddhism are all kind-hearted." Ouyang Mei said, "I think Sister Hui believes even more deeply than you."

The old lady's face was full of joy, and she said, "That's wonderful! Another kind person has entered our Ouyang family." Xu Hui blushed and smiled without saying a word.

Ouyang Yiming arranged chairs and let his grandfather sit in the center, and Ouyang Yiming also sat to his left. Xu Hui invited the old lady to sit down, but the old lady said, "You eat first, I'll go make some soup."

Xu Hui stood up and took the old lady's hand, saying, "Grandma, let's make it later, let's eat some first." The old man said to Xu Hui, "Don't mind her." The old lady then let Xu Hui sit down, and then tiptoed out.

Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei sat down. The old man opened the wine bottle, and Ouyang Yiming took it and poured a glass for his grandfather first. As soon as the wine was poured, a fragrant aroma of sandalwood filled the room. Ouyang Yiming poured more for Xu Hui, but Xu Hui waved her hand. Ouyang Yiming said, "Try it, you can't find such good wine anywhere else." Ouyang Mei said, "Just a little bit, I'll have some too." The cups were ox-eye cups, each holding two to three qian (a unit of weight), so Xu Hui didn't insist. Ouyang Yiming poured for his sister again.

Xu Hui picked up her cup and stood up, saying, "I wish Grandpa and Grandma good health." Grandpa smiled and nodded. Ouyang Yiming also stood up and said, "I also wish Grandpa and Grandma longevity." Ouyang Mei smiled and stood up, saying, "Then I wish Grandpa and Grandma to grow younger and younger." The old man laughed heartily and said, "Grandpa appreciates your kindness, but how can I grow younger and younger? Come on." So he raised his cup. Xu Hui took a sip and felt a mellow aroma rush to her throat, and felt the wine sticky in her mouth. She thought to herself that this was truly a rare aged wine. Ouyang Yiming and Grandpa drank it all in one gulp.

Ouyang Yiming poured more wine, and Ouyang Mei picked up her chopsticks and placed something from a small bowl onto the dog meat. Xu Hui asked, "What's this?" Ouyang Mei said, "This is Sichuan peppercorns fried in oil. Try it; it won't numb your mouth at all when eaten with the dog meat." The old man picked up his chopsticks and urged Xu Hui to eat. Xu Hui picked up a piece of dog meat and put it in her mouth. Sure enough, she felt that the Sichuan peppercorns with the dog meat didn't numb her mouth at all; instead, she felt that the dog meat was even more fragrant. Ouyang Mei looked at her and asked, "Didn't you feel any numbness?" Xu Hui nodded. Ouyang Yiming said, "It's a matter of one thing overcoming another; dog meat goes well with Sichuan peppercorns. It's said that there's a method to frying these Sichuan peppercorns, but it's a closely guarded secret. Isn't that right, Grandpa?" The old man smiled and nodded.

While drinking and eating, Xu Hui unconsciously started talking about Panlong Temple again. Xu Hui said, "The Buddha statues at Panlong Temple date back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. Is it the oldest temple here?" The old man shook his head and said, "No, there's another temple in the west of the city. I forget what it's called, but the elders say it was built even earlier. I went there when I was little. It was quite dilapidated back then. There were two monks in the temple. The older monk is probably long gone, and the younger monk was about my age then, maybe a little younger. I haven't been there in all these years. I don't know if that temple is still there." Ouyang Yiming asked, "Grandpa, is that temple called Maoshan Temple?" The old man nodded and said, "Yes, yes, it's called Maoshan Temple." Ouyang Yiming said, "I've read about it in the records. It used to be a very famous temple. Panlong Temple was just one of its branches. I haven't heard anything about Maoshan Temple in all these years. I'm afraid it's long gone." The old man nodded and said, "Yes."

At this moment, the old lady brought in two plates of stir-fried dishes and heard this. She picked up the conversation, saying, "That temple is still there." She put the dishes on the table and said, "I was talking about this with your Grandma Liu from the east courtyard a few days ago. Her family lives there; she saw her when she went back to her brother's house recently. She said there's only one monk in his sixties left in the temple, all alone. The temple is in a terrible state, just a gatehouse and a few dilapidated rooms. But that monk still sits there every day, chanting the wooden fish." The old man said, "Oh dear, maybe it's that young monk from back then." The old woman said, "That's right, it's that young monk. He's cleared a plot of land in the corner of the house, growing some vegetables and such, and there aren't many incense offerings. It's quite pitiful for that monk to be there all alone."

As she spoke, Xu Hui pulled the old woman to sit down beside her. The old woman told Xu Hui that she hadn't prepared much food, and that she should eat more. She said there was a pot of braised mutton in the pot, and the mutton soup was ready too; they should drink their wine first, and she would serve them later. Xu Hui nodded in agreement. But then she asked, "Where is that monk from?" The old woman replied, "I don't know where he's from." The old man then said:

"I heard that the old monk and this one both came from Shaanxi. The old monk died after Liberation. Back then, I heard that this young monk buried his master in a large jar behind the temple, and after a while, he disappeared. Some people said he went back to Shaanxi. Nobody knows exactly where he went."

The old lady continued, "For a few years, nobody knew where the monk went. According to Grandma Liu, after five or six years, the monk came back and didn't leave again. In 1963, a man moved into the temple. He had very long hair and a very long beard, and nobody recognized him. During those years, there was a famine, so nobody paid much attention to this man. He didn't talk all day. He would go out to find food during the day and sleep in the temple at night. Nobody dared to go to the temple. He was the only one living there, and nobody knew where he was from or where he came from. A few years ago, Grandma Liu said, about five or six years ago, this man met a barber carrying a load of food at the temple gate and insisted that the barber shave his hair and beard." . At first the shaver was reluctant to shave his head, but then the man gave him a silver dollar, and the shaver was willing. The man took him to the temple. You said this guy is not a bad guy, but he is always clean, his clothes and hair are clean.

The old man interjected: "There is a well in the temple." Grandma said: "Yes." This man has been drinking water from that well for so many years. The shaved man followed him to the temple and saw that there was an earthen pot for him to boil water and an iron pot for him to cook. The shavers all brought stoves and hot water, so they shaved his head that day. Guess what, after shaving his hair clean, he saw six marks on his head and knew he was a monk. The shaver asked him if he was the young monk from this temple, and the monk said he was. Only then did people nearby realize that the long-haired old man who had been wandering there all day begging for all these years was the young monk in the temple. The shaver didn't even ask for his piece of silver. Instead, he passed by the place about ten days ago and shaved the monk's head. "

"Ever since this monk shaved his head, he's been wearing monk's clothes. The barber said that for so many years, the bundle the monk carried on his back contained only monk's clothes, shoes, a wooden fish, and so on. From then on, this monk started playing the wooden fish in that temple. People also went to burn incense, but only those in that area; outsiders didn't know. If Grandma Liu hadn't mentioned it, who would know which temple had a monk now?"

The old man clicked his tongue twice and said, "He's keeping watch over his master."

The old woman said, "That's right, it's rare to have such a filial disciple." The old man said, "Back when the old monk was still alive, I heard that this disciple was someone he picked up when he was a child. The monk had no children, but he raised him like a son, and this little monk also treated the old monk like a father." The old woman said, "That's absolutely right."

Everyone listened attentively, forgetting to eat. The old lady said, "Look at me, I keep talking, I've forgotten to eat! Hurry up and eat." She then asked Xu Hui, "Want to drink more? If not, I'll bring you some mutton and mutton soup." Xu Hui said, "I don't drink. Let's eat, let the two of them drink." She got up to help the old lady, but the old lady stopped her, saying, "You sit down, Meizi, come help me get it." Ouyang Mei got up and went with her grandmother. Ouyang Yiming drank a cup of wine with his grandfather, then asked him where the temple was. The old man said, "It's not far, only about fourteen or fifteen li from the city." He then gave him the exact location.

After dinner, they went back home. Exhausted from a day's travel, they washed their faces and feet and went to bed early. Ouyang Mei and Xu Hui slept at one end of the bed. Remembering Xu Hui's devotion to Buddhism during the day, Ouyang Mei turned to her and asked, "Sister Hui, do people in your area believe in Buddhism?" Xu Hui replied, "Not really, some believe and some don't. I believe in Buddhism because of my maternal grandmother. My parents are busy with work, my mother often performs, and my grandparents passed away when I was very young, unlike you who have grandparents to raise you. That's why my mother insisted on having only me as her child." "

I was basically raised by my maternal grandmother from a young age, and she was a Buddhist. I remember when I was little, my grandmother didn't dare let anyone know she was a Buddhist. She would hide the Buddha statue in the bedroom and worship it, and she would tell me not to tell anyone outside, otherwise the Buddha would be angry. Now that I think about it, it was during the Cultural Revolution that my grandmother told me that to avoid trouble."

“When I was ten years old, I was sick and had a lot of diarrhea. My mother was performing in the countryside and couldn't come back, so my father took me to hospitals all over the country, including Shanghai. I took a lot of medicine and had a lot of injections, but I didn't get better. I was so sick that I was just skin and bones. My mother had no choice but to rush back. When she saw me like that, she cried her heart out. My father said that the child might not make it. That day, it was raining heavily, and my grandmother secretly went to Xiashan Temple to ask for medicine for me. And wouldn't you know it, my grandmother came back that night and gave it to me to drink. The next day, I wanted to eat, and I was completely cured in just a few days.

From then on, I started to believe in Buddhism and prayed with my grandmother every day. After that, I never got sick again, except for the occasional cold, which I didn't get very often.”

“Later, as I grew older, school became more demanding, and I couldn’t pray to Buddha every day. My grandmother said that as long as you have Buddha in your heart, that’s enough. So now, when I see a temple or a Buddha statue, I’m truly devout from the bottom of my heart. I haven’t told anyone this, and your brother doesn’t know either, so don’t tell him. I’m telling you, believing in Buddha is a good thing; at the very least , it can cleanse your soul and prevent you from doing bad things. I don’t expect everyone to believe like me, but I will pray whenever I have the chance, no matter which deity it is.”

As Ouyang Mei listened, she thought to herself, could believing in Buddha really bring blessings? Everyone says it’s superstition, but Xu Hui’s illness couldn’t be cured by the hospital, yet she got better after taking the medicine obtained from the temple?

She couldn’t help but feel a little amazed. She said, "Only my grandma believes in Buddhism. Today I saw that my brother was quite devout, which is a bit strange." Xu Hui said, "Sometimes you will unconsciously worship Buddha in front of him, and afterwards you will not understand why you had such a state of mind. When I was in high school, I went to Hanshan Temple with a female classmate. None of her family believed in Buddhism. That day she burned incense and worshipped with me. When we came back, she told me that it was strange. It seemed that there was some force that prompted her to worship. She was completely devout. I can't explain these things. I think it may be the power of the gods."

Ouyang Mei thought for a while and began to believe that Buddha really existed. After a while, neither of them spoke and they fell asleep.

Love and Desire (41)

Chapter Thirty-Nine

The next day after breakfast, Ouyang Yiming told Xu Hui that they were going to Panlong Lake to play. Xu Hui said, "Whatever you want." Ouyang Mei said to Xu Hui, "Sister, I don't want to go today. I'll stay home and read." She then whispered to Xu Hui, "I'll go and join in. My brother is annoyed." After saying that, she lowered her head and smiled. Xu Hui blushed and glanced at Ouyang Yiming without saying anything. Ouyang Dongdong also said he didn't want to go. Xu Hui said to Ouyang Yiming, "How about we ride bicycles? We can enjoy the scenery along the way." Ouyang Yiming agreed. So they each pushed a bicycle out the door.

The weather was misty, the sky was gray and the sun was nowhere to be seen. The temperature wasn't too low, but the air was damp. Ouyang Yiming felt a little depressed. Looking up at the sky, he said, "It's so humid outside, is it going to snow?" Xu Hui quickly asked, "Did you listen to the forecast?" Ouyang Yiming shook his head and said, "No, I just noticed the sky is so overcast." Xu Hui said, "It can't snow, I've only been here two days." After a pause, she added, "Your family has been so good to me, I don't want to go back." Ouyang Yiming said, "Then don't go back." Xu Hui said, "I do want to, but my mother won't allow it. I'm their only daughter, and besides, my grandmother won't approve." Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "You're quite the catch now, everyone wants you to stay." Xu Hui asked:

"Who asked me to stay? Did Grandpa and Grandma say so? Did your mom say so?"

Ouyang Yiming paused, then said, "No one could have kept you here." Xu Hui chuckled twice and said, "That's true, but it depends on whether some people are truly trying to keep you." Ouyang Yiming knew she was talking about him, so he said, "Whoever wanted you to stay was truly trying." Xu Hui said, "That's true. Your family is very nice." Ouyang Yiming said, "Thank you for the compliment." Xu Hui laughed and said, "I was talking about your family, not yours, and you're getting sour." She paused and muttered softly, "You didn't ask me to stay either!" Ouyang Yiming heard her carefully but pretended not to hear. He blushed slightly. After riding for a while, Xu Hui suddenly turned to look at Ouyang Yiming and asked, "How about coming back to Suzhou with me in a few days? My mom really wants you to stay for a few days."

Ouyang Yiming thought to himself, how can I go to your house? If we really go to each other's houses, it'll become real even if it's not real. As he thought about it, he remembered Liu Yan, and his heart sank again. But she said, "Our custom here is that we have to spend the New Year at our own homes, otherwise the elders won't agree." Xu Hui nodded and said, "It's basically the same everywhere; everyone goes back to their own home for the New Year. But I know you well enough to know you're afraid to come to my house and meet my family. Just like me, you were really reserved when you first arrived, but you got used to it after a couple of days. Now I don't feel anything anymore." Ouyang Yiming said,

"Your adaptability is better than mine." Xu Hui said, "What adaptability? We're all the same."

As they spoke, they rode their bicycles to Panlong Lake. The two parked their bicycles at the parking area at the entrance and entered the park.

Xu Hui looked up and saw green mountains on three sides, layered and continuous, with the lake shrouded in mist. The lake and mountains were a beautiful sight, a picturesque scene of mountains on three sides and a lake on one side. Being there made one feel open-minded and refreshed. Xu Hui couldn't help but exclaim, "So beautiful!" Ouyang Yiming said, "Some people here say it rivals West Lake in Hangzhou. I've never been to West Lake, so I don't know what it's like."

Xu Hui said, "I haven't been either. Our Slender West Lake is quite nice too. It seems a bit bigger than Slender West Lake."

The two walked along the lakeside path. Xu Hui seemed excited, asking as she looked around, "Is there any special significance to Panlong Lake?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Panlong Lake gets its name from Panlong Mountain." He pointed to the mountain to the east and said, "Look, that's Panlong Mountain, which we visited yesterday." Xu Hui suddenly realized, "I saw it yesterday..." "I could vaguely see this water from the mountainside, and I never imagined it was here."

Looking up, she suddenly noticed a dense, scattered expanse of water on the distant lake, like birds dancing. Pointing there, she asked, "Are those birds over there?" Ouyang Yiming replied, "They're geese. They roost here every winter, and it's a major attraction." Xu Hui exclaimed, "This is so beautiful! Even birds want to roost here; it's truly a paradise on earth." Looking closer, she saw flocks of geese either taking flight at the sound of their calls, soaring into the sky like whirlwinds, or landing in groups, scattering across the water and splashing water droplets. She quickly handed her camera to Ouyang Yiming, asking him to take a picture of her.

As they walked, Xu Hui had passersby take many photos of the two of them together. Each time, Xu Hui would either link arms with Ouyang Yiming or lean her head on his shoulder, looking every bit like a happy and sweet couple. Ouyang Yiming felt awkward, but he didn't want to say anything while tourists were taking pictures, and he certainly didn't want to spoil Xu Hui's good mood.

The two rested on a bench by the lake in silence for a while. Ouyang Yiming asked Xu Hui, "Shall we go boating?" Xu Hui shook her head and said, "It's too windy on the lake, I don't want to row." She glanced at her watch and said, "It's almost noon. Let's not go home, let's just eat out. Where do you want to go after dinner?" Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "How about we go see the Terracotta Army?" Xu Hui asked, "Are there some here too?" Ouyang Yiming said, "We only discovered them last year, and we still haven't figured out which dynasty they're from." Xu Hui said, "I never imagined this land would hold such a terrifying secret." She paused and said, "I'm not really interested in all that fighting and killing." "Are there any other temples?" Ouyang Yiming said, "You seem quite interested in temples." Xu Hui smiled and said, "Yes. I was really interested in Maoshan Temple that Grandma mentioned last night."

Ouyang Yiming perked up and said, "Me too! I was thinking about it even before I went to sleep last night. Didn't I specifically ask my grandpa for the address yesterday? I thought I must go and see it when I have time. No matter what the temple looks like now, it was once glorious, and I'm also very interested in that monk." Xu Hui excitedly said, "I had the same idea. Great minds think alike!" So the two high-fived, attracting the attention of several tourists.

They discussed grabbing a quick bite on the street and then cycling there. Ouyang Yiming said he didn't know if the small temple sold incense, and it would be best to buy some to take with him. But he couldn't think of anywhere nearby to buy some. Xu Hui said, "A temple can't be without incense, right? Didn't you hear Grandma say last night that there's incense available? There must be incense for sale in the temple or nearby." Ouyang Yiming thought it made sense. The two got up and left the park.

Built during the Yuan Dynasty, this temple is over 600 years old. Originally named the Four-Faced Buddha Temple, the Four-Faced Buddha is none other than Brahma, the Great Brahma King. Brahma, a Sanskrit transliteration, is also known as the Great Brahma.

It is said that he is the king of the first dhyana heaven in the Form Realm, called the Great Brahma King, or the Primordial Man. This is because, according to Hinduism and Brahmanism, Brahma emerged from a "golden womb" (a Brahma egg). He split the eggshell in two; the upper half rose to become the heavens, and the lower half descended to become the earth, thus creating heaven and earth. He then created ten primordial beings to continue the creation of the world; therefore, Brahma is a "creator god."

Brahma is said to have originally had five heads, one of which was destroyed by Shiva (the Hindu god of Brahmanism), leaving four heads facing the four directions. He has eight ears, eight arms, and eight hands, each holding a symbol with profound meaning: one hand holds a command flag (representing omnipotent power); one hand holds a Buddhist scripture (representing wisdom); one hand holds a conch shell (representing blessings); one hand holds a luminous wheel (representing the elimination of disasters, the subjugation of demons, and the destruction of afflictions); one hand holds a scepter (representing supreme achievement); one hand holds a water jug (representing quenching thirst and granting wishes); one hand holds prayer beads (representing reincarnation); and one hand holds a mudra (representing protection). His wife is Saraswati. In Brahmanism and Hinduism, Brahma is one of the "three great gods" alongside Shiva and Vairocana. After the founding of Buddhism, Brahma became the Great Brahma King, but he is merely a guardian deity in Buddhism, with a relatively low status. Sometimes he also serves as the right-hand attendant of Shakyamuni Buddha, but his image differs from before; usually, he only holds a white whisk.

Brahma, the first of the "Twenty Devas" in Buddhism, is the king of the First Dhyana Heaven in the Form Realm. He possesses boundless power in the heavens, controlling worldly wealth and glory, and wielding supreme magical abilities. Southeast Asian Buddhists consider the Four-Faced Buddha to be the "most efficacious Buddha statue in the world." It is extremely popular, and in Thailand, a Buddhist holy site, the Four-Faced Buddha is revered as the "Buddha who grants all requests."

Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui cycled their way here, finally arriving at this dilapidated ancient temple nestled in a grove of trees halfway up a mountain at 2 PM. Despite their fatigue, they were still excited. The slope wasn't steep, but cycling was still quite strenuous. So they pushed their bikes uphill, where the winding mountain steps of yesteryear were still faintly visible, though now filled in with mud and gravel to form a ramp.

Arriving at the entrance of this temple, which resembled a courtyard house, they parked their bikes and examined it closely. The temple gate was relatively well-preserved, with the three large characters "Maoshan Temple" above it and the inscription "Rebuilt by Fan Chang, the tenth abbot of Chanlin Hall" on either side. Two ancient stones above the gateposts were carved with a mythical creature resembling a horse's tail, an ox's body, and a lion's head. The ink paintings on the walls of the gatehouse were still faintly visible, possessing a strong three-dimensional effect, like bas-reliefs. Ouyang Yiming touched the smooth surface, realizing it was hand-painted, marveling at its exquisite craftsmanship. On the north wall, white clouds drifted among the rolling mountains, appearing and disappearing. Two richly painted figures in ancient costumes held lotus flowers; one knelt under a pine tree, smiling, pointing into the distance, while the other seemed to be riding the clouds, standing amidst the pine forest. On the bricks and stones on either side of the back wall were inscribed the ancient seal script and regular script characters "Solemn World" and "True Paradise," respectively. The patterns on the south wall had become blurred and illegible due to years of weathering.

Xu Hui suddenly felt a surge of fear, her heart pounding for no apparent reason. Her eyes were vacant, her face pale, and she seemed unable to stand. Ouyang Yiming, startled, rushed forward to support her, asking, "What's wrong?" Xu Hui shook her head, shifting onto the back seat of the bicycle, her right hand clutching her chest. "I don't know why," she said, "my heart suddenly started racing." Ouyang Yiming held Xu Hui's left arm tightly, asking, "Have you ever experienced this before?" Xu Hui shook her head. After resting for a while, feeling a bit better, she said, "It's probably because I pushed the bike uphill too fast, and I was so excited."

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "That's true. We walked by the lake all morning, then rode this far, and then climbed this long hill. I was almost exhausted. How could you, a girl, possibly handle it? It's my fault for not thinking of that earlier. If I had rested halfway up the hill, it would have been fine." Xu Hui smiled and said, "It's all my fault for being impatient. How can I blame you?"

As she spoke, she felt her heartbeat gradually calming down, and her fear was disappearing. After sitting for a while, she felt normal again. She stood up from the back of the bicycle, smiled at Ouyang Yiming, and said,

"I'm fine now." Ouyang Yiming stared at her face and saw that her complexion was already rosy. He laughed and said, "I was really scared to death earlier." Xu Hui teased, "Don't worry, the good days aren't over yet. I won't leave so early." Ouyang Yiming scolded her, "You're just talking nonsense." Xu Hui looked at him affectionately and then giggled.

Xu Hui took out her camera and snapped a few pictures of the gate tower and murals, then pushed her bicycle through the gate with Ouyang Yiming. After walking for a while, they arrived at the front of the building and parked their bicycles on the bluestone slabs in the courtyard.

The temple was in ruins. The remaining walls vaguely formed a large square on the hillside, with some sections still having stone walls over a meter high. This showed its former scale and grandeur. It had endured countless years and suffered all kinds of destruction, yet it had not disappeared. Despite the vicissitudes of time, it still displayed its solemnity, as if the temple had attained enlightenment. Though the temple was dilapidated, the Buddha remained.

The gate that Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui entered should be the main gate of the temple, because it was several hundred meters into the courtyard before reaching the rooms. It seemed that the main hall had long since collapsed, and this was just a courtyard behind it. The walls were made of bluestone blocks, and the blue tiles on the roof were still relatively neat, with withered yellow grass stems swaying in the wind at the seams. The entire courtyard was paved with smooth, shiny bluestone slabs. The courtyard was spotless.

A large locust tree grew in the southwest corner of the courtyard. A rope was tied to its waist-high trunk, one end attached to a wooden trellis on the west wall of the house, where two patched gray monk's robes were draped for drying. The sound of a wooden fish being struck emanated from the north-facing house.

There was a true story about this locust tree. In the summer of 1958, the nearby production team took a liking to the tree and wanted to cut it down to make a cart. The production team leader sent six strong laborers with tools. First, they cleared away the loose stones and soil around the roots, then they began to chop the roots with a shovel. But just as one of the young men swung the shovel for the first time, breaking through a large root, everyone present was terrified. They saw blood-like liquid gushing from the broken root. The people present looked at each other in shock and fear.

After a moment of stunned silence, the older man said in a trembling voice, "This is the bloodline of the gods being plundered; retribution is coming." Before he finished speaking, someone took off running, followed by four more. Only the older man knelt down under the tree, trembling all over, his lips quivering, bowing repeatedly and begging for divine forgiveness. Afterward, he reburied the tree with soil and restored it to its original state, knelt and bowed many more times, and left, his body shivering with cold.

That evening, all five people who had been frightened away developed high fevers and were unable to move from their beds. The young man who swung the pickaxe died of vomiting blood the next afternoon. The families of the other four rushed to the temple with incense and knelt in prayer. The four were able to get out of bed after half a month. Only the older one was safe and sound. After that, no one bothered with the locust tree and the trees around the temple. The locust tree and the trees around the temple remained lush and green.

Until 1963, when the young monk grew a hairband and a beard and moved into the temple, no one entered for the previous few years. The nearby villagers avoided it. For a time, the temple seemed terrifying and gloomy. Passersby also took detours. Even if a child in a nearby village cried, as long as the adults said that if he cried again, they would be sent to the temple, the child's crying would stop immediately.

Love and Desire (42)

Chapter 40

Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui looked around the courtyard but did not find the well that Grandpa had mentioned. They looked at each other and entered the room where the wooden fish sounded. A gaunt monk sat on the left side of the doorway, his right hand lightly tapping a wooden fish on a stone slab in front of him with a stick, while his other hand twirled prayer beads. Beside him was a hand-woven willow basket, neatly filled with incense sticks. As Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui entered, the monk narrowed his eyes, uttered "Amitabha," and fell silent.

In the center of the room stood a stone table supported by several regularly spaced stones, upon which sat a Buddha statue carved from a wooden stake, seated in a lotus-shaped circular pond. The statue had four faces and eight arms, each holding an object. Ouyang Yiming noticed that one hand held a whisk, another prayer beads, another what appeared to be a wheel, and yet another what seemed to be a water jug. The other four objects were unclear. The statue was grayish-yellow, and although the carving was unprofessional, it was remarkably detailed.

It turned out that this four-faced Buddha was something the monk had painstakingly carved himself over the course of a year. Below each of the four sides of the Buddha statue was a stone incense burner plastered with yellow mud, the burners nearly full of ash. Incense sticks were still burning, their smoke rising gently. Ouyang Yiming thought that someone must have been praying here before they arrived. However, neither Ouyang Yiming nor Xu Hui knew which deity the statue represented.

Xu Hui squatted down in front of the monk and softly asked, "Master, may I ask how much this incense costs..." Xu Hui wanted to ask how much it cost, but stopped herself, thinking she shouldn't have asked that. But she didn't know how to phrase it. The monk, however, understood, and answered with his eyes closed, "As the benefactor wishes." Xu Hui looked up at Ouyang Yiming. Ouyang Yiming asked the monk, "Does Master mean it's as the worshipper's wish?" The monk replied, "Amitabha."

Ouyang Yiming took five yuan from his pocket and put it in the basket. Xu Hui took two bundles of incense from the basket, just as the monk said, "Bow in all four directions." Ouyang Yiming instantly understood why there were incense burners on all four sides of the Buddha statue. He calculated in his mind that it would take eight bundles for the two of them to bow in all four directions. So he took out five yuan and put it in the basket. He knew that ten yuan could buy several baskets of incense, but he was happy to do so. Then Xu Hui took out six bundles, gave four to Ouyang Yiming, and went first, took the incense, lit a match in front of the Buddha statue, and knelt down on the four old yellow prayer cushions to offer incense and bow.

After Xu Hui bowed, Ouyang Yiming bowed again.

He got up and squatted down in front of the monk. Ouyang Yiming saw that on this thin face, there were two long, snow-white eyebrows that drooped from the corners of the eyes. He had a somewhat otherworldly air about him. He asked, "Excuse me, Master, which deity does this statue belong to?" The monk opened his eyes, and Ouyang Yiming saw two sharp beams of light shooting out from the monk's eyes, which were awe-inspiring. A few words escaped from the thin, withered lips: "From out of town?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "I'm from this city, she's from Suzhou."

The monk glanced at Xu Hui, a strange light flashing in his eyes for a moment, but in that instant, he closed his eyes and uttered, "Amitabha." After a short pause, he said, "This is Brahma, the Buddha who grants all requests." Ouyang Yiming said, "We came here because of its reputation. This temple is said to have been the oldest and largest temple in our area, but we don't know why it's in this state now. Why not ask the relevant departments to rebuild it?" The monk

moved his lips, his face displaying an extremely complex expression. A moment of silence followed. Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui exchanged glances and were about to get up when the monk said, "When the locust tree emits smoke, it's time to recast the golden statue and rebuild the main hall." Ouyang Yiming was puzzled and astonished, and after a moment of hesitation, he said, "The locust tree is emitting smoke? You mean the locust tree in the courtyard?" The monk murmured "Amitabha," his expression gradually calming, and he said no more.

Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui exchanged glances, speechless for a moment. Ouyang Yiming asked, "May I ask your honorific title, Master?" The monk replied, "This humble monk is Huiming." Xu Hui was startled, thinking: Isn't that the last two characters of my and Ouyang Yiming's names? But she also knew that the "Ming" in Huiming should be the "Ming" of "bright," not the "Ming" of Ouyang Yiming, yet it was still quite a coincidence.

Xu Hui suddenly remembered the monk's words, "This is the Great Brahma King, the Buddha who grants all requests," and said, "Master Huiming, I have something I wish to ask, could you please tell me?" The monk chanted "Amitabha." Xu Hui said to Ouyang Yiming, "Go outside and wait for me." Ouyang Yiming stood up and went out.

The monk said, "Say a word." Xu Hui had originally wanted to ask about her and Ouyang Yiming, but hearing the monk ask her to say a word, she thought for a moment and said, "Ming, the 'ming' of 'to chirp.'" The monk opened his eyes, extended a finger, and drew the shape of a mountain on the ground in front of him, and then drew a flying bird high above it. He withdrew his hand. Xu Hui, puzzled, asked, "What does this mean?" The monk only said, "Amitabha." Xu Hui wanted to ask again, but then she saw the monk start striking the wooden fish again, knowing that he was unwilling to explain. She stood up, put her hands together, said "Amitabha," and went out.

Ouyang Yiming came out from the corner of the wall, saw Xu Hui, and said, "I said the well in this courtyard was over there, it turns out it's in this corner." Seeing Xu Hui's furrowed brows, he asked, "What did you ask Master about?"

Xu Hui whispered, "I'll tell you later, you should go ask too." Ouyang Yiming said, "How do I ask? What should I ask?" Xu Hui said, "Just say what I just said." Ouyang Yiming looked troubled and said, "Never mind, I don't know what to ask either." Xu Hui said, "Just ask whatever you're thinking."

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment, then thought of his complicated feelings for Xu Hui and Liu Yan. So he went inside, squatted down in front of the monk, and before he could speak, the monk said, "Say a word."

Ouyang Yiming opened his mouth and said the word "swallow." The monk then stretched out his finger and drew a mountain on the ground, and a bird flying in the air. Then he started striking the wooden fish again. Ouyang Yiming knew that the monk did not want to explain, so he got up, put his hands together, said "Amitabha," and went out.

Xu Hui saw that Ouyang Yiming also came out with a frown, so she asked anxiously, "What did you say?" Ouyang Yiming took a few steps to the side, glanced into the room again, and said, "Let's go down the mountain first." Xu Hui understood. So the two of them pushed the cart out of the temple gate.

Ouyang Yiming asked, "What did he say to you?" Xu Hui said, "I originally wanted to ask him about marriage, but before I could, he asked me to say a single character, and I said the character 'Ming' from your name. He drew a mountain on the ground and a bird flying in the air. I didn't understand it, and I wanted to ask him, but he didn't want to say anything more."

Ouyang Yiming exclaimed in surprise, "What he said was almost exactly what we both said. He also drew me a mountain and a flying bird." Xu Hui looked surprised and asked, "What character did you say?" Ouyang Yiming hesitated for a moment and said, "I just randomly said the character 'Ming' from my name." Xu Hui's eyes widened and she said, "I also said the character 'Ming' from your name! What a coincidence!" Ouyang Yiming blushed. Xu Hui frowned and said, "But what exactly did what he drew mean?" Ouyang Yiming didn't dare look at her and shook his head, saying, "I don't understand. Maybe I will understand later." Xu Hui nodded thoughtfully.

After Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming left, the monk was secretly alarmed, recalling the dream his master had given him the previous night. In the dream, his master, now an immortal, appeared before him with a white whisk in hand and a radiant face, saying that a young couple would come to offer incense the next day. The woman was Xiao Qi, the smallest swan who pulled the chariot for Brahma, who had descended to the mortal realm twenty-one days prior and been reborn as a human. Brahma was supposed to take the swan back to Heaven ten days after her reincarnation, but Buddha saw the grandmother of the family she had been reborn into kneeling and begging Buddha in the rain, so Buddha instructed Brahma not to take her back for the time being. Although Brahma had agreed, he was still angry that the swan had been reborn as a human. A few days ago, Brahma saw that the swan had fallen in love with this man, and he was greatly alarmed, so he informed Buddha again and requested to take her back. After calculating with his fingers, Buddha scolded Brahma for violating heavenly rules by being drunk and promiscuous, saying that Brahma had brought trouble upon himself. He then warned the Heavenly King that whether or not to take the swan back in the future depended on whether she had truly broken free from her celestial destiny, and on her fate in the mortal realm and with this man. You can see this swan, but do not show any surprise after seeing it, and do not reveal it. I am here to inform you so that you do not reveal the secrets of heaven. As for that man, the master did not say anything.

Love and Desire (42)

Chapter 40

Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui looked around the courtyard, but did not find the well that Grandpa had mentioned. They looked at each other and entered the room where the wooden fish had come from. They saw a thin monk sitting on the left side of the door, tapping the wooden fish on the stone slab in front of him with a wooden stick in his right hand, and twirling prayer beads with his right hand. There was a hand-woven willow frame next to him, with a pile of incense neatly arranged inside. When Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui came in, the monk narrowed his eyes, said "Amitabha" and then fell silent.

In the center of the room stood a stone table supported by several regularly spaced stones. On the table sat a Buddha statue carved from a wooden stake, seated in a lotus-shaped circular pond. The Buddha had four faces and eight arms, each holding an object. Ouyang Yiming noticed that one hand held a whisk, another a rosary, another what appeared to be a wheel, and the third what looked like a water jug. The other four objects were unclear. The Buddha was grayish-yellow, and although the carving was unprofessional, it was very detailed.

It turned out that this four-faced Buddha was meticulously carved by the monk himself over the course of a year. Below each of the four faces was an incense burner made of yellow mud and made of stone, almost full of incense ash. Smoke from burning incense rose gently. Ouyang Yiming thought that someone must have prayed here before they arrived. However, neither Ouyang Yiming nor Xu Hui knew which deity this statue represented.

Xu Hui squatted down in front of the monk and asked softly, "Master, may I ask how much this incense costs..." Xu Hui wanted to ask how much the incense cost, but stopped herself before she could finish, thinking she shouldn't have asked that. But she didn't know how to answer. The monk, however, understood and answered with his eyes closed, "As you wish, benefactor." Xu Hui looked up at Ouyang Yiming. Ouyang Yiming asked the monk, "Does Master mean it's as the worshipper's wish?" The monk said, "Amitabha."

Ouyang Yiming took five yuan from his pocket and put it in the basket. Xu Hui took two bundles of incense from the basket, and then heard the monk say again, "Bow in all four directions." Ouyang Yiming instantly understood why there were incense burners on all four sides of the Buddha statue. He calculated in his mind that if the two of them bowed in all four directions, they would need eight bundles. So he took out another five yuan and put it in the basket. He knew he could buy several baskets of incense for ten yuan, but he was happy to do so. Xu Hui then took out six bundles of incense, giving four to Ouyang Yiming. She went first, took the matches placed before the Buddha statue, lit them, and knelt on the four old, yellowed prayer cushions, offering incense and bowing.

Ouyang Yiming bowed after Xu Hui.

He then knelt before the monk, noticing two exceptionally long, snow-white eyebrows on the thin face, drooping from the corners of the eyes, giving him a somewhat ethereal air. He asked, "Master, which deity does this statue belong to?" The monk opened his eyes, and Ouyang Yiming saw two sharp beams of light shooting from them, inspiring awe. A few words escaped from the thin, withered lips: "From out of town?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "I'm from this city, she's from Suzhou."

The monk glanced at Xu Hui, a strange light flashing in his eyes for a moment, but in that instant, he closed his eyes and uttered, "Amitabha." After a short pause, he said, "This is Brahma, the Buddha who grants all requests." Ouyang Yiming said, "We came here because of its reputation. This temple is said to have been the oldest and largest temple in our area, but we don't know why it's in this state now. Why not ask the relevant departments to rebuild it?" The monk

moved his lips, his face displaying an extremely complex expression. A moment of silence followed. Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui exchanged glances and were about to get up when the monk said, "When the locust tree emits smoke, it's time to recast the golden statue and rebuild the main hall." Ouyang Yiming was puzzled and astonished, and after a moment of hesitation, he said, "The locust tree is emitting smoke? You mean the locust tree in the courtyard?" The monk murmured "Amitabha," his expression gradually calming, and he said no more.

Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui exchanged glances, speechless for a moment. Ouyang Yiming asked, "May I ask your honorific title, Master?" The monk replied, "This humble monk is Huiming." Xu Hui was startled, thinking: Isn't that the last two characters of my and Ouyang Yiming's names? But she also knew that the "Ming" in Huiming should be the "Ming" of "bright," not the "Ming" of Ouyang Yiming, yet it was still quite a coincidence.

Xu Hui suddenly remembered the monk's words, "This is the Great Brahma King, the Buddha who grants all requests," and said, "Master Huiming, I have something I wish to ask, could you please tell me?" The monk chanted "Amitabha." Xu Hui said to Ouyang Yiming, "Go outside and wait for me." Ouyang Yiming stood up and went out.

The monk said, "Say a word." Xu Hui had originally wanted to ask about her and Ouyang Yiming, but hearing the monk ask her to say a word, she thought for a moment and said, "Ming, the 'ming' of 'to chirp.'" The monk opened his eyes, extended a finger, and drew the shape of a mountain on the ground in front of him, and then drew a flying bird high above it. He withdrew his hand. Xu Hui, puzzled, asked, "What does this mean?" The monk only said, "Amitabha." Xu Hui wanted to ask again, but then she saw the monk start striking the wooden fish again, knowing that he was unwilling to explain. She stood up, put her hands together, said "Amitabha," and went out.

Ouyang Yiming came out from the corner of the wall, saw Xu Hui, and said, "I said the well in this courtyard was over there, it turns out it's in this corner." Seeing Xu Hui's furrowed brows, he asked, "What did you ask Master about?"

Xu Hui whispered, "I'll tell you later, you should go ask too." Ouyang Yiming said, "How do I ask? What should I ask?" Xu Hui said, "Just say what I just said." Ouyang Yiming looked troubled and said, "Never mind, I don't know what to ask either." Xu Hui said, "Just ask whatever you're thinking."

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment, then thought of his complicated feelings for Xu Hui and Liu Yan. So he went inside, squatted down in front of the monk, and before he could speak, the monk said, "Say a word."

Ouyang Yiming opened his mouth and said the word "swallow." The monk then stretched out his finger and drew a mountain on the ground, and a bird flying in the air. Then he started striking the wooden fish again. Ouyang Yiming knew that the monk did not want to explain, so he got up, put his hands together, said "Amitabha," and went out.

Xu Hui saw that Ouyang Yiming also came out with a frown, so she asked anxiously, "What did you say?" Ouyang Yiming took a few steps to the side, glanced into the room again, and said, "Let's go down the mountain first." Xu Hui understood. So the two of them pushed the cart out of the temple gate.

Ouyang Yiming asked, "What did he say to you?" Xu Hui said, "I originally wanted to ask him about marriage, but before I could, he asked me to say a single character, and I said the character 'Ming' from your name. He drew a mountain on the ground and a bird flying in the air. I didn't understand it, and I wanted to ask him, but he didn't want to say anything more."

Ouyang Yiming exclaimed in surprise, "What he said was almost exactly what we both said. He also drew me a mountain and a flying bird." Xu Hui looked surprised and asked, "What character did you say?" Ouyang Yiming hesitated for a moment and said, "I just randomly said the character 'Ming' from my name." Xu Hui's eyes widened and she said, "I also said the character 'Ming' from your name! What a coincidence!" Ouyang Yiming blushed. Xu Hui frowned and said, "But what exactly did what he drew mean?" Ouyang Yiming didn't dare look at her and shook his head, saying, "I don't understand. Maybe I will understand later." Xu Hui nodded thoughtfully.

After Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming left, the monk was secretly alarmed, recalling the dream his master had given him the previous night. In the dream, his master, now an immortal, appeared before him with a white whisk in hand and a radiant face, saying that a young couple would come to offer incense the next day. The woman was Xiao Qi, the smallest swan who pulled the chariot for Brahma, who had descended to the mortal realm twenty-one days prior and been reborn as a human. Brahma was supposed to take the swan back to Heaven ten days after her reincarnation, but Buddha saw the grandmother of the family she had been reborn into kneeling and begging Buddha in the rain, so Buddha instructed Brahma not to take her back for the time being. Although Brahma had agreed, he was still angry that the swan had been reborn as a human. A few days ago, Brahma saw that the swan had fallen in love with this man, and he was greatly alarmed, so he informed Buddha again and requested to take her back. After calculating with his fingers, Buddha scolded Brahma for violating heavenly rules by being drunk and promiscuous, saying that Brahma had brought trouble upon himself. The monk then warned the Heavenly King that whether or not to take the swan back depended on whether she had truly broken free from her celestial ties, and on her fate with this man in the mortal realm. He told the monk, "You will see this swan. Once you see her, do not show surprise, and certainly do not reveal it. I am here to inform you, lest you divulge a heavenly secret." As for the man, the master did not specify.

Today, the monk indeed saw this swan who had descended to the mortal realm, and when he opened his eyes and saw Xu Hui, a strange light shone in them. He saw clearly a white swan standing before him. Although the swan was the mount of the Great Brahma King, it was still a celestial being, and the monk felt immense awe upon seeing her. However, the monk remembered his master's instructions and revealed nothing. The bird the monk drew for Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming, flying towards the sky, was a swan; he was implying that Xu Hui was originally a celestial goose from the Heavenly Court, with no other intention. It is likely that the swan, now a mortal, and Ouyang Yiming would not understand the meaning behind it.

Although the swan had now been reincarnated as a mortal, upon suddenly seeing its master in the Heavenly Court, it experienced a fleeting, hazy memory. This was why Xu Hui felt a genuine sense of fear upon entering the temple, her heart pounding, and she almost fainted.

After riding for a while, the two remained silent, each pondering the meaning of the monk's drawing.

Xu Hui thought to herself, since the monk had drawn birds for both her and Ouyang Yiming, it probably meant they would definitely be a pair, symbolizing marriage. But why weren't they two birds flying together?

Ouyang Yiming also wondered, "I used the character 'swallow,' but how come it's the same bird as the character 'ming' that Xu Hui used?" These two different characters yielded the same answer; how should this be interpreted? What was the meaning? Suddenly, he thought, "Perhaps this monk is just teasing us." He chuckled to himself.

Xu Hui turned to look at him upon hearing his laughter. Ouyang Yiming smiled and asked, "Do you believe in that monk?" Xu Hui replied, "I do, but I just can't understand it." Ouyang Yiming laughed and said,

"It's fate, which is why mortals like you and me can't understand it. I tell you, don't even think about it; you probably won't figure it out even if you try your whole life. Now I think, maybe that monk was just playing us. I find myself laughing at myself now."

Xu Hui said seriously, "You can't say that. I believe, but I just don't understand." Ouyang Yiming said, "If you could understand everything, it wouldn't be fate. Normally, this kind of thing isn't something we highly educated people should believe in. But these past two days, being with you, I've become inexplicably interested. I'm completely infected by it." Xu Hui chuckled and said:

“Who infected you? Didn’t you also really want to come and see this place?” Ouyang Yiming said. “I was just curious, but I see you are very devout.” Xu Hui said, “Sincerity brings results, I believe.”

Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, “If you believe, it exists; if you don’t believe, it doesn’t. Alright, stop thinking about it. Didn’t Jiang Yuqi teach us that ‘fate is determined by heaven, and wild thoughts are useless’? Remember this saying, and keep your mind open.” Then the two laughed.

After laughing, Xu Hui said, "If you think about Jiang Yuqi's words carefully, they make a lot of sense. Isn't that how it is? It seems like everyone's life is preordained by fate, whether it's love, marriage, career, or anything else. Take Li Xuan for example, if her mother hadn't gotten sick and Gao Peng hadn't divorced, how would they have met by the lake? How would their disharmonious relationship have happened? Who knows what will happen to them in the future?" Ouyang Yiming said, "The future is unpredictable. But since Li Xuan promised to marry Gao Peng after he helped her find a job, given her personality, I don't think she'll break her promise." Xu Hui sighed and said, "You don't know, things have changed again." Ouyang Yiming said, "It's Li Xuan..." Xu Hui said, "No."

Xu Hui then told Ouyang Yiming about Gao Peng's ex-wife wanting to remarry. Finally, she said, "After Li Xuan told me that day, I originally wanted to tell you, but then I thought, given your personality, you'd worry about others, so I didn't." Ouyang Yiming sighed, "I didn't expect something like this to happen again. Li Xuan's original plan..." Xu Hui said, "There are some things Li Xuan said that we don't understand. Forget it, don't think about them anymore."

Ouyang Yiming said, "As classmates, it's natural to care when someone is in trouble. But I've also thought about it, sometimes we worry unnecessarily. Take Wu Yingying, for example, the things she says in front of us could make Zhu Haitao eat him alive." "Didn't they get back together later? You might find it hard to understand, but you have to understand. People are really hard to fathom."

Xu Hui said with a hint of anger, "Who says it isn't? I was just about to say that about her too. We were so worried about Wu Yingying those days. If we had known it would turn out like this, we should have let her go to Zhu Haitao with her for an abortion. That would have saved us from taking such a big risk for her. If she had really had a major hemorrhage that day, do you think I could have gotten away with it?" Seeing her angry, Ouyang Yiming advised, "It's all in the past, don't think about it anymore." Xu Hui was still angry and said, "I just think about Wu Yingying... she's so..." "She should have told us before she got back together with Zhu Haitao. We don't want to interfere, and we don't have the right, but we've taken a lot of risks for her and helped her a lot. If you hadn't told me she was back with Zhu Haitao, I wouldn't have known."

Ouyang Yiming said, "Wu Yingying might have her reasons. Think about it, she's a young woman who had an abortion for Zhu Haitao; can she not think about the future? Maybe she's embarrassed to tell us, after all, she said some harsh things to us. Also, it's possible that she and Zhu Haitao really have..." Feelings. How could there be no feelings? It's been over a year, and... let's not blame her for this. She had her own difficulties, and it was only natural for us, as classmates, to help her at that time.

Xu Hui thought for a while and said, "Let's not talk about it. It makes me uncomfortable." Ouyang Yiming said, "We don't need to show anything to Wu Yingying about this. We've already helped, so let's not do something that doesn't please her." Xu Hui nodded and said, "I know."

Love and Desire (43)

Chapter 41

In the days that followed, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui rode their bikes to almost all the scenic spots in Pancheng. The Spring Festival was approaching. Xu Hui said she wanted to go back. On the day before she left, Mao Yuqin asked one of her former students who worked at the train station to buy Xu Hui a sleeper berth for 6 a.m. to Suzhou the next morning. In the evening, the family and Xu Hui had dinner together at the old house with the old man and woman.

They prepared a full table of dishes, and the atmosphere was like a family celebrating the New Year. Xu Hui was touched. The old man brought out the aged wine again, and Xu Hui drank some. The whole family chatted and laughed, but after a while, Xu Hui suddenly felt particularly sad. While going to the restroom with Ouyang Mei, she shed a few tears in the shadows. Ouyang Mei didn't see them. When the two returned arm in arm, Ouyang Mei said sadly, "Sister, I don't want you to leave. Come back this summer, I'll have finished my exams then and will have time to spend with you."

Xu Hui felt another pang of sadness, her eyes reddening, and said, "I really don't want to leave you either, but I have to go back. Mom, Dad, and Grandma are waiting for me. Let's talk about it next summer. I just hope you can get into your ideal university." Ouyang Mei said, "I've thought it through. I've decided on Fudan University as my first choice. I want to be in the same place as you and my brother when I go to university."

Xu Hui said, "That would be best. There are still a few months left. You must study hard and get in. I will silently wish you well. Your brother and I will have to wait more than a year to graduate, but time will pass quickly." Ouyang Mei nodded.

Xu Hui said, "Let's go to Suzhou next year after your exams. You'll have time then, and I can show you around the sights." Ouyang Mei was excited and said, "I want to too! I'll go with my brother." Xu Hui said, "I thought so too, but I'm afraid your brother won't want to. He's afraid of meeting my family. But if you're with him, I think he'll go. It would be best if your whole family went." Ouyang Mei laughed and said, "But I'm afraid you'll neglect me if I go with my brother." Xu Hui laughed and said, "Little girl, why are you so scheming?" The two laughed and went into the house.

After Xu Hui sat down, the old lady walked over to Ouyang Mei and said, "Meizi, sit over there. Grandma and Xiao Hui can talk." Ouyang Mei stood up. The old lady sat down and took Xu Hui's hand, saying,

"Grandma really doesn't want you to leave. Come back next year during the holidays." Xu Hui's heart warmed again, and she said, "Grandma, I was just talking to Meizi about going to Suzhou next summer vacation." She glanced at everyone and said, "Grandpa will go too, everyone should go." The old man laughed and said, "I can't go. What will happen to my birds if I go?" The old lady said, "Those birds are your grandpa's life. If he stays home to guard the birds, I have to stay home to guard him." Xu Hui smiled. The old lady leaned close to Xu Hui's ear and said, "After you and Xiaoming get married, I'll take care of your child. I don't need this old man."

Xu Hui blushed instantly, glanced at Ouyang Yiming, and lowered her head.

Ouyang Yiming knew that his grandmother might have said something about them to Xu Hui again, and his face also turned red. He said to his mother, "Serve the rice and eat. Xu Hui has to get up early tomorrow." Mao Yuqin responded, got up, and went out. The old lady said, "Grandma will take you tomorrow morning." Ouyang Anping said, "It's so cold, why do you have to take me? Just stay home and sleep." Xu Hui said, "Yes, Yiming can take me. You're so old, how can I let you take me?" Ouyang Mei said, "My brother and I will go together." Ouyang Dongdong said, "I'll go too." Ouyang Mei laughed and said, "I'm just afraid I won't be able to wake you up." The old man said, "I've filled a few bottles of this wine for your dad, they're all packed. Don't forget to take them with you later. I won't take you tomorrow." Xu Hui said, "Grandpa, you can keep the wine for yourself. My dad also..." "She can't drink much alcohol," Ouyang Anping said. "This is your grandfather's thoughtfulness." The old lady said, "This morning I went to Shuanghe Street and bought a few catties of Chen's sesame oil pastries and osmanthus candy to bring to your maternal grandmother to try."

Mao Yuqin then brought in steamed buns and said to the old lady, "I've already bought them all. It's so cold, yet you still went so far to buy them." The old lady said, "These sesame oil pastries are the authentic ones from Yang's family. What other family can compare?" The old man smiled and said, "Take them all with you." Xu Hui said, "Look, I didn't bring you anything this time..." The old lady interrupted her, saying,

"Silly child, how can you say that? Will we be afraid of not being able to eat what you buy in the future?" Xu Hui's eyes reddened as she said, "Grandma, you and Grandpa must take care of yourselves." The old lady said, "Take care, take care. Your grandfather and I are both in good health. We're still looking forward to enjoying your blessings."

After the meal, they talked for a while, and then Ouyang Yiming said he was going home. The old lady held Xu Hui's hand and walked to the door. As they parted, Xu Hui felt a pang of sadness, tears welling in her eyes. She said,

"Grandpa and Grandma, please take care of yourselves." The old man nodded. The old woman suddenly began to sob, saying, "Grandma doesn't want you to leave."

Hearing this, Xu Hui could no longer control herself; tears streamed down her face as she sobbed, "Grandma, I don't want to leave you either." The old woman hugged Xu Hui and wept. Seeing this, Mao Yuqin quickly stepped forward, smiling, "Look at you two, it's not like you're gone forever." Only then did Xu Hui realize her mistake. She reached out to wipe the old woman's tears, saying, "Grandma, I'll come see you again during the holidays." The old woman gripped Xu Hui's hand tightly, looking at her face, and said, "You must keep your word. Come back with Xiaoming during the holidays."

Xu Hui agreed. The old woman reluctantly let go. Xu Hui and the others walked forward, occasionally turning back to see the old man and woman still standing there. Xu Hui urged them to go back. The old man and woman agreed but didn't move. Even after walking quite a distance, Xu Hui could still see them standing under the gatehouse lamp, and a pang of sadness welled

up in her heart. The next morning, except for Ouyang Dongdong who was still fast asleep, the whole family got up early. Mao Yuqin made Xu Hui a bowl of steamed egg custard, but Xu Hui ate only half a bowl before refusing to eat any more. For some reason, the brief time they had spent together made parting so incredibly sad.

When they set off, Ouyang Anping and Mao Yuqin also wanted to go to the station, but Ouyang Yiming said, "Meizi and I will each ride a bike to see them off." Xu Hui also said that her aunt and uncle didn't need to come. So Ouyang Yiming took Xu Hui and Ouyang Meizi with him, their bikes adorned with local specialties bought by the old lady and Mao Yuqin, and Xu Hui carrying four bottles of forty-year-old wine given to her by her grandfather, to the station.

The siblings bought platform tickets and accompanied Xu Hui all the way to the train. Ouyang Yiming repeatedly reminded Xu Hui not to talk to strangers, and especially not to eat or drink anything from strangers.

Xu Hui listened with a smile in her heart and said, "Don't worry, I won't be kidnapped." Ouyang Mei said, "My brother is just scared. If you really get kidnapped, how can I live?" Ouyang Yiming blushed and glared at his sister, then said to Xu Hui, "I'm serious." Xu Hui nodded and said, "Don't worry."

Ouyang Mei whispered to Xu Hui, "Sister, look at my brother, he's like an elder, worried about you." Xu Hui blushed and said, "I know." Turning to Ouyang Yiming, she said,

"I came alone, so don't worry. I'll call you as soon as I get off the train. Mei gave me the reception desk's phone number." Ouyang Yiming nodded and said, "The train arrives in Suzhou at 4:15 PM. I'll wait for your call at the reception desk at 4 PM. Call me as soon as you get off the train..." Xu Hui nodded in agreement.

The train was about to depart, and the siblings got off at the platform to say goodbye to Xu Hui. Xu Hui, peering out the window, suddenly burst into tears. She said to Ouyang Mei, "Meizi, you must get into Fudan University."

Ouyang Mei nodded tearfully, "Sister, don't worry."

The train started moving, and the siblings watched it until it disappeared from sight. Xu Hui continued waving from the window until it was out of sight.

Ouyang Yiming took a nap after lunch, waking up close at almost four o'clock. He hurriedly got up and rushed to the gatehouse, where he found Ouyang Mei already sitting. Seeing his flustered look, Ouyang Mei laughed and said, "There's still a while, look how flustered you are." Ouyang Yiming said, "Why didn't you wake me?" Ouyang Mei said, "Seeing you sleeping so soundly, I thought I'd just let you know when I got Hui-jie's letter." Ouyang Yiming said somewhat embarrassedly, "I don't know why I slept so late." Ouyang Mei laughed, "I was just thinking, when Hui-jie calls later and asks why you didn't answer the phone, I'll say you forgot about her. I'll say some bad things about you, and see how Hui-jie deals with you at school."

The old man in the gatehouse laughed and said, "Xiaoming's girlfriend is really pretty." Ouyang Yiming blushed, glanced at Ouyang Mei, and said, "She's not my girlfriend, she's a classmate." The old man and Ouyang Mei laughed. The old man said, "She's a classmate now, but she'll be your wife after graduation." Ouyang Yiming blushed and said, "She's just a classmate." The old man and Ouyang Mei laughed again.

Ouyang Yiming's face turned even redder. The old man said, "Birds of a feather flock together. Your Ouyang family is full of beauties. Little Mei is growing more and more beautiful." Ouyang Mei's face suddenly turned red, and she said, "Why are you talking about me again?" The old man laughed and said, "I'm telling the truth. Back then, your mother was the most beautiful girl in our school, and your father was a handsome young man. Everyone said your father and mother were a perfect match. Look at your brother now, he's even more handsome than your father was when he was young, and he found a wife who is even more beautiful than your mother was when she was young. All the handsome men and beautiful women are going to your Ouyang family." Ouyang Mei said, "Your daughter is also beautiful, like my aunt." The old man laughed and said, "Your aunt was really beautiful. It's just that I, your old man, thought she was ugly back then. I was blind to marry her, and I was afraid she wouldn't be able to get married. Who else would have dared to marry her?"

Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Mei laughed heartily. Ouyang Mei laughed until tears streamed down her face, clutching her stomach and chuckling, "I'm going to tell Auntie, or she won't give you any wine tonight!" The old man replied,

"You can't tell your auntie, I can't live without her and without wine."

As they continued this lighthearted banter, the phone rang. Ouyang Yiming picked it up; it was indeed Xu Hui calling. Xu Hui told him he had a safe journey, then whispered:

"I didn't eat or drink anything from anyone on the way, I just exchanged a few words with some people occasionally," Ouyang Yiming said with a smile. Ouyang Mei took the phone, and Xu Hui told her to tell her grandparents and everyone at home that she had a safe journey. She also told them to take care of themselves, and concluded by saying, "Meizi, you must make the most of these last few months to study hard and get into Fudan University." Ouyang Mei said she remembered everything. Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment, then took the phone again and said he would take a taxi home and greet his uncle, aunt, and grandmother. Xu Hui agreed. The two hung up.

Before dinner, the old man and woman came to Ouyang Yiming's house, specifically to ask if Xu Hui had written back after arriving home. They ate together that evening. The old woman spoke highly of Xu Hui again during dinner, and Mao Yuqin echoed her sentiments. The whole family was quite satisfied with Xu Hui.

Ouyang Yiming listened, feeling uneasy, and remained silent. Suddenly remembering what Xu Hui had told Ouyang Mei at the train station that morning—that she absolutely had to get into Fudan University—he glanced at his sister, wanting to ask, but then swallowed his words. He figured that asking Xu Hui about anything now would just spark a chatter among the elders.

After dinner, they chatted for a while, and Ouyang Yiming saw his grandparents off. Seeing that Ouyang Mei had already closed her bedroom door, he pushed it open and went in. Ouyang Mei was reading a book. Seeing her brother come in, she closed the door behind her and asked, "What's up?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "You can't come if there's nothing wrong." Ouyang Mei glanced at him and said, "So secretive. Why did you close the door? Is there something you don't want Mom and Dad to hear?" Ouyang Yiming laughed, "You're always so clever." Ouyang Mei said, "I've been living with Hui-jie for so many days and you haven't come here once. Are you trying to find out what secrets Hui-jie has been telling me about you?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Smart, just like you, brother." Ouyang Mei pouted and smiled.

Ouyang Yiming said, "I want to ask you a question." Ouyang Mei laughed and said, "Don't use 'ask.' 'Request' would be better, otherwise I might not tell you." Ouyang Yiming chuckled and said, "I'm not going to ask you." He stood up as he spoke, saying, "I'm leaving." He took a step as if to leave, but Ouyang Mei grabbed him and said, "Brother is the worst! You came and didn't say anything. Just wait until tomorrow, I'll talk bad about you to Sister Hui and have her teach you a lesson." Ouyang Yiming smiled and sat down, asking, "I suddenly remembered that Xu Hui told you this morning that you must get into Fudan University. Why?" Ouyang Mei glanced at her brother and smiled mischievously. "This is a secret between Hui-jie and me, I can't tell you." Ouyang Yiming chuckled and said, "What's so secret about this? It doesn't matter which school you apply to." Ouyang Mei said, "Of course it's different." Ouyang Yiming asked, "How is it different?"

Ouyang Mei blinked and said, "I already said it's a secret, why are you still asking!" Ouyang Yiming said, "Don't listen to her, didn't you originally want to go to Peking University?" Ouyang Mei said, "I've changed my mind now." Ouyang Yiming said, "Mom and Dad might not agree." Ouyang Mei said confidently, "Mom and Dad will definitely agree." Ouyang Yiming looked at her suspiciously and said:

“I just don’t understand. You were so ambitious and determined to get into Peking University, but Xu Hui only stayed a few days and changed your mind,” Ouyang Mei said. “Of course! I just want to spend these years of university with you two, so Mom and Dad can rest easy.” Ouyang Yiming asked doubtfully, “Why would you want to be with us in university? You didn’t even want to go to our school.”

Ouyang Mei realized she’d let something slip, stuck out her tongue, and said, “I’ll just tell you anyway. Sister Hui said I shouldn’t tell you now. She said you two will both be working in Shanghai, and I just want to be with you during my studies.” Ouyang Yiming looked at Ouyang Mei in disbelief, and after a long pause said, “She is…” "Is that what you said? I... I didn't know that." Ouyang Mei said, "Didn't I just say that Sister Hui told me not to tell you? How could she tell you? It's like this, Sister Hui's uncle is a leader in some unit in Shanghai, and he said he'll get you both to Shanghai after you graduate."

Ouyang Yiming's heart skipped a beat again, and he thought for a moment before saying, "It's not that easy to get things done. She's just saying that. Don't listen to her." Ouyang Mei said, "Sister Hui said her mother has already asked her uncle to pull strings for you." Ouyang Yiming's heart sank, and he said, "We still have more than a year until graduation. Who knows what might happen then?" Ouyang Mei said:

“I also have to wait a few months before the exam. Besides, I originally planned to apply to Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University. Even if you can't make it happen, going to Fudan would be ideal for me.”

Ouyang Yiming lowered his head and thought for a while before saying, “Let’s stick to your original plan. It would be best if you could get into Peking University. I’ll never have the chance to enter Peking University in my life, so I just hope you can.” Ouyang Mei said, “We’ll see about that later. If you really have a chance to work in Shanghai, I still hope to go to Fudan. Then, after I graduate, you can find a way to keep me there. Wouldn’t it be great if we were all together?” Ouyang Yiming said, “That’s what I think. But don’t think about that too much now. The key is that you can get in.” Ouyang Mei said, “Don’t worry, I definitely will.” Ouyang Yiming stood up and said, “That’s good. I won’t disturb your studies. Ask me if you don’t understand anything.” Ouyang Mei said, “It seems like there’s nothing I don’t understand.” Ouyang Yiming smiled awkwardly and went out.

That night, Ouyang Yiming tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. He'd been taking Xu Hui sightseeing every day for the past few days, and was exhausted when he got home. After dinner, he'd wash up and go to sleep, not having the energy to think much. He'd taken a nap at noon today, and after not having had time to exercise for days, his mind started racing. He wondered what would happen between him and Xu Hui in the future. Since Xu Hui entered their home, even though it had only been a few days, his whole family, including neighbors and relatives who had met her, treated her as their fiancée. Moreover, his family and everyone who had met Xu Hui thought she was a perfect match for him. This was so similar to the opinions of his classmates at school. So, what kind of relationship should he have with Xu Hui in the future? If Liu Yan had come back with him this time, would people also think they were the most compatible? What would his elders think?

He had hoped Liu Yan would come with him. But Liu Yan refused, and Xu Hui came uninvited. His true lover had been replaced by someone he hadn't even been in a relationship with, even though he knew Xu Hui loved him deeply. But he was currently in love with Liu Yan, and they loved each other so much. Now, Xu Hui has replaced Liu Yan in front of his family, neighbors, and friends.

What would his family and others think if he brought Liu Yan back home later? The problem is, his elders have already accepted Xu Hui; will they still accept Liu Yan? How will things develop between Xu Hui and him in the future? His only consolation is that he hasn't discussed love with Xu Hui, but can he deny that he hasn't deceived her emotionally?

He wonders where Xu Hui truly stands in his heart. Honestly, Xu Hui is very important to him. He can't deny that. Does he consider Xu Hui his lover? He vehemently denies it. These past few days with Xu Hui at school and at his home have been exciting. Although being with Xu Hui occasionally brings thoughts of Liu Yan, causing moments of panic and unease, the joy outweighs the guilt. He even considers Xu Hui his lover, or perhaps family, or even a close relative. His care and affection for Xu Hui are even stronger than for his younger siblings. This deep affection was genuine and undeniable. But what was the purpose of this intense feeling? What would become of his relationship with Xu Hui? If Xu Hui found out he was in love with Liu Yan, would she simply suffer for a while and forget it with time? What if something really happened? Of course, he desperately tried to deny it, but he was still filled with anxiety.

Thinking about these things filled him with panic and fear. He didn't want to hurt Xu Hui; anyone who hurt her would cut a knife in his heart. Yet he knew that ultimately, he was the one who would hurt Xu Hui. This pain and self-blame were unbearable, but he didn't know what to do. The situation was becoming increasingly unmanageable. All his previous thoughts had changed the moment Xu Hui entered his home.

He couldn't understand how, if he had Xu Hui by his side at school, he could have met Liu Yan while hospitalized, and then fall in love with her so quickly after their reunion. Why, in the three years he and Xu Hui had known each other, hadn't had any close contact despite their mutual affection? If I had made my relationship with Xu Hui clear a day earlier, would I have developed feelings for Liu Yan again when I saw her again?

He couldn't be certain, nor could he deny it. What kind of arrangement was fate that brought him and Liu Yan together? And what kind of relationship should he have with Xu Hui? Besides, he cared deeply for Xu Hui. Would everything afterward disappear as he had originally planned, like explaining his relationship with Liu Yan to Xu Hui before graduation? Even if Xu Hui could control herself and accept this reality, how would he explain it to his family and classmates?

And what troubled him most was Liu Yan's family background. What would everyone think of his character after they all knew? Although he knew in his heart that he wasn't doing it for Liu Yan's family, and that he only learned she was the daughter of a high-ranking official after falling in love with her, who would believe him when he explained? Of course, by then, he wouldn't think about all that anymore, setting aside everything that others might misunderstand him for, the scorn he was willing to, or rather, the scorn he should bear. But what about Xu Hui? He was probably most worried about Xu Hui now.

This endless self-blame and emotional torment kept him tossing and turning all night. He finally fell asleep just before dawn. The night's contemplation left Ouyang Yiming with a headache the next day. When he woke, his lips ached, and upon looking in the mirror, he discovered several blisters.

Mao Yuqin was startled and examined them closely, saying, "He was fine last night, how come he's like this...didn't you sleep well?" Ouyang Mei also leaned closer to look. Hearing her mother's words and looking at his eyes, she saw they were red and swollen, and burst out laughing, "It's only been a day, is it really that serious? If I'd known it would be like this, I shouldn't have let her go. She still wouldn't have wanted to leave."

Mao Yuqin laughed and playfully slapped her daughter, saying, "You silly girl, always talking nonsense." She then said to Ouyang Yiming, "Go to the hospital later." Ouyang Yiming said, "No need." Ouyang Mei sang beside him, "The power of love is truly great!" Ouyang Yiming said to his mother, "Mom, look at Xiao Mei." Mao Yuqin laughed. He said to Ouyang Mei, "Go buy some medicine for your brother later." Ouyang Mei giggled and said,
"Medicine won't work. Just call Sister Hui and she'll come over; it'll be better right away." Ouyang Yiming was amused and said, "Be careful, or nobody will want you later." Ouyang Mei snorted and said, "I don't care."

After dinner, Ouyang Mei still urged her brother to go to the hospital. The siblings went to the small clinic at the street corner. The doctor said it was a heart ailment, gave him an injection, and prescribed some medicine. The siblings went home.

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