Full string

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the festive atmosphere of the New Year was already overwhelming. In Anping Lane, the laughter of children chasing and playing, along with the sporadic sounds of firecrackers, could be heard all around. However, the door of "Shixu" shop was unusually closed, with a handwritten wooden sign hanging on the door, the handwriting of which was elegant and neat: "Today is an auspicious day, we will be closed for the day."

Inside the store, the scene is completely different from the hustle and bustle outside.

There was no ostentatious decoration, only a thorough and meticulous cleaning and tidying. All the clocks had been carefully wiped clean, their wooden cases gleaming with a warm luster, and their glass covers spotless. The workbench had been temporarily moved to a corner, leaving the central area clear for a long table covered with an elegant off-white tablecloth. On the table were laid out delicate yet unpretentious dishes and pastries prepared with the help of Lin's mother and Shen Bei. The air was filled with the warm aroma of food, the subtle scent of tea, and the timeless, comforting smell of aged wood and engine oil.

Lu Shixu wore a well-fitting dark gray Chinese-style stand-up collar suit, which accentuated his slender figure. His face remained as calm as ever, but a closer look revealed a subtle, clear light shimmering deep within his eyes, like a carefully polished gemstone. Lin Zhiyi wore a light purple modified cheongsam, simple and elegant, the gear-shaped jade ring on her finger complementing the outfit perfectly. A serene and happy smile graced her face, her gaze occasionally meeting Lu Shixu's, silently conveying a sense of security and reassurance.

There weren't many guests, just as they had hoped. Grandpa Lu Qingming, dressed in a brand-new dark red Tang suit, looked remarkably energetic, his face beaming with undisguised satisfaction. He was speaking quietly with Lin's mother, who was well-dressed and had a gentle yet excited expression. Zhou Wanqing, as always, was the most lively person, wearing a festive red sweater, chattering excitedly to Shen Bei and Chen Xu, eliciting laughter from everyone. Chen Xu remained as refined and gentle as ever, while Shen Bei smiled warmly, her eyes full of blessings.

There was no emcee, no complicated procedures. As the golden rays of the setting sun shone through the window lattice, illuminating the center of the shop, Lu Shixu gently took Lin Zhiyi's hand.

Everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed on them.

Lu Shixu's gaze swept over each of his closest relatives and friends present, finally settling deeply into Lin Zhiyi's eyes. His voice wasn't loud, but it echoed clearly in the quiet shop, carrying a solemn weight that had settled within him:

"Thank you all for coming to witness this moment between Zhiyi and me."

He didn't say "wedding," but used the word "this moment," as if to emphasize the special significance of this point in their lives.

He paused, seemingly needing no further words, but simply tightened his grip on Lin Zhiyi's hand, then turned to the clocks filling the room, as if declaring to them, and also to heaven and earth and time:

"From this day forward, my time will be her time."

"To unite as one".

The moment the words fell, it was as if a silent command had been triggered.

Inside the shop, all the clocks that Lu Shixu had carefully calibrated and wound up—from the old wall clock that had started ringing again, to the crisp travel clock, to the Sanwu brand table clock that Lu Qingming had restored, the old wall clock in Chen Bei's shop, and countless pocket watches, table clocks, and grandfather clocks of all sizes and ages—all pointed to the next hour at almost the same time.

Then, a miracle happened.

"when--"

First, the deepest grandfather clock chimes, emitting a solemn and long first sound.

"Cuckoo—cuckoo—" The adorable cuckoo clock followed closely behind.

"Ding-dong—ding-dong—" The music box clock played a clear and melodious tune.

"Clang—" "Thump—" "Clang—"

Various kinds of time announcements, high-pitched, low-pitched, clear, and deep, rose and fell, intertwining together!

They are no longer chaotic noises, but like a well-trained and perfectly coordinated symphony orchestra, playing a magnificent, solemn, and incredibly warm "symphony of time" in this small space!

This sound transcends words, filled with ancient power and the blessing of new life. It resonates in the air and in the hearts of everyone.

Lin Zhiyi looked up at Lu Shixu, amidst the deafening yet harmonious chimes, at his silhouette outlined in golden light, at the tranquil yet surging sea of ​​stars in his eyes that shone only for her. Tears welled up in her eyes without warning, yet she wore an incredibly radiant smile.

Lu Shixu looked back at her, and amidst the heart-stirring chimes and the resounding blessings, he bent down and, with utmost care, placed a silent yet unforgettable kiss on her smooth forehead.

All words and all vows were given the grandest and most unique interpretation and witness in the resounding chimes of the bells filling the room.

The bells continued to toll, like a torrent of time, surging endlessly, carrying their cherishment of all the past moments and their expectations for the endless future.

The strings are taut, and the bells toll in unison.

May this life be peaceful and serene.