"I don't want to cause conflict between you and Cao Xiaobei. That's what I mean, do you understand?"

"Everything between me and Cao Xiaobei was caused by you, and you're afraid of such a small conflict... Where did your old 'what the hell' mentality go?"

After a moment of silence, I finally spoke to Yang Sisi, "Alright, if you feel it's suitable, I won't be coy... Tonight, a guest checked out, so there's a room available for you... However, there's no hot water."

"It's alright. No matter how cold the water is, it can't be colder than what you've done to me, but I've endured it all."

Just as Yang Sisi was saying these words, fireworks exploded across the sea, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Compared to the cozy feeling of small fireworks, these large fireworks that illuminated the sky were far more romantic and awe-inspiring.

Yang Sisi and I looked up together...

Amidst the explosions, I heard Yang Sisi say, "It's even more beautiful than the fireworks we saw at the reservoir yesterday... Who set these off for whom?"

"Such a large-scale fireworks display must have been put on display by the 'government' for the public to see."

Yang Sisi chuckled softly and said, "The bond between fish and water is so romantic!"

...

Riding the little ninja, I returned to Jiulong Residence with its owner. Without a moment's rest, I began to deal with the troubles encountered by the guests... In one room, the toilet was clogged. The plunger was useless. In the end, I wore gloves and used my hands and wire to pry it open.

Yang Sisi felt nauseous, and so did I. But this was something only I could do. Seeing this, Yang Sisi was even more opposed to me using my own money to atone for Tie Nan's sins, because she had seen how hard I worked to earn the money.

And I could see the pain she felt for herself, but some feelings are just not something you can talk about or show to others. I could only act like a block of wood, doing things like a block of wood and saying things like a block of wood.

The most painful thing is that I understand everything in my heart.

...

We were busy until midnight before Yang Sisi and I finally had a chance to eat something. Yang Sisi ordered takeout: a cola chicken wing, a spicy crab, a stir-fried pork with green peppers, and two bottles of beer. The owner also gave us an extra plate of peanuts.

I asked Yang Sisi, "You were outside all day, didn't Cao Xiaobei ask you anything?"

"I asked, but he knew he couldn't control me, so asking wouldn't do any good."

"I...I really think this is quite strange."

"Don't be too surprised. Just remember that I'll be going back to school abroad in a few days... that's the most important thing."

"What exactly is the situation between you and Cao Xiaobei now?"

Yang Sisi tore open a red can of "Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon" beer, took a sip, and said to me, "Cao Xiaobei said he would wait for me no matter how long it takes... But I think it's enough for me to be his girlfriend for one day. He will have no regrets, and I will have no burden."

"What the hell, a girlfriend for a day?"

"Is that not allowed?"

"Like filming a TV series...the kind that's really melodramatic."

Yang Sisi smiled dismissively: "How about I also have a terminal illness or something, to make it even more melodramatic?"

"Why are you saying such unlucky things during the New Year!"

"These are all things I learned from you... It's better to be more realistic when it comes to relationships. Although we may both be blinded by something at times, after calming down, we still need to think about the future and whether the two of us are suitable..." She paused for a moment, then continued, "Haven't you noticed that Cao Xiaobei and Edison Chen look a lot alike? A man who looks so womanizing, I don't believe he'll wait for me forever. Besides, I might not even want to go back to China in a few years. Since there are so many doubts and choices, what's the point of this empty relationship?"

"You...have turned bad!"

"Learn from dogs."

I almost spat out my beer, but Yang Sisi didn't think it was a joke. She stared at me expressionlessly, and I was completely bewildered under her gaze...

A few days ago, I thought Lu Jia would stay here for the New Year; going further ahead, I also imagined Ye Zhi would stay at Jiulongju; but in the end, they both left Dali and left this place because of some things.

I stopped fantasizing and prepared to accept my loneliness, but then Yang Sisi suddenly appeared... and in the end, she turned out to be the one who moved into Jiulongju.

I don't want to over-interpret anything, but at this moment, I truly feel that there is a shoulder beside me, though it is very fragile, it has driven away my loneliness and inner fear... If one day, she really disappears completely from my world... I will be sad, extremely sad.

She imitates everything I do, just like my shadow.

She's also very interesting; whether it's something noble or vulgar, or she's expressing her anger, it all sounds so amusing coming from her mouth.