Chapter 81 Chapter 81 Stone and Eternity
The air was cool, with the freshness after the rain and the salty smell from the North Sea. The two did not get up and go out until the afternoon. Although it was approaching early summer, the temperature here was still only around 10 degrees. Kwon Ji-yong wore a Chanel T-shirt and a Gi printed pilot jacket, dark twill jeans and a pair of retro Martin boots.
The two were dressed completely differently. Quan Xingai followed the mysterious and magical atmosphere of Edinburgh, wearing a basic Dior shirt and Lee jeans, and a cashmere cape coat with a full Hogwarts style. To keep a low profile, they both had black hair. The only couple accessory was the same retro octagonal newsboy cap from a niche British brand.
These two embody effortless chic, a style so uniquely theirs. While seemingly casual and even laid-back, they actually spent an entire morning in their room just matching their outfits, meticulously selecting every piece and accessory.
It was still drizzling in rainy Edinburgh when we went out, and as we walked, the rain gradually got heavier.
They retreated to an old-fashioned corner bar, where the wood was blackened by age and smoke, and where the locals chatted in hushed tones. They sat down in a small booth near the fireplace. The high-backed chairs created a semi-private space, and the rough velvet felt warm to the touch.
A bartender with gray hair and a clean apron came over and said in a gentle and smiling tone, "What would you like, dear?"
Quan Zhilong looked at his girlfriend with a questioning look. Xing Ai smiled and said, "What's the chef's recommendation today? Something that will warm us up."
"How about Edinburgh's classic lamb stew? You won't want to miss it. As for drinks, local beer, of course. Or do you want to try whiskey? I guarantee it will drive away the chill from the inside out." The white-haired bartender spoke with a soft Scottish accent, which was a bit obscure, but the ups and downs were very distinctive.
"Thank you. Then I'll have a glass of cold beer, a glass of whiskey, and some mutton stew." Quan Xingai shrugged and accepted the recommendation.
"It's raining, let's go to the mountain tomorrow." Quan Zhilong squeezed his girlfriend's hand which had become a little cold.
"Although I really want to go see the ruins when it rains, it seems more worthwhile to drink wine here and watch the heavy rain and you."
The light in the old tavern is very dim, with the main light coming from the wall lamps and the chandelier on the bar in front. The warm room temperature casts a layer of mist on the transparent windows.
Xing Ai stretched out her finger and drew a small daisy with missing petals on the steamy window. Quan Zhilong, who was standing beside her, smiled with his eyes curved and added a cute kitten next to the small daisy.
"Anyway, I just want to watch you, preferably in a bar."
Then the amber alcohol was brought up. Xing Ai was the first to pick up the wide bottom of the whiskey glass. The reddish-brown Highland whiskey with its unique fruity aroma came to her nose. The girl with a sensitive nose smelled the aroma of apples and pears, which seemed to have some smokiness. She tilted her head back and took a sip with a "ha" sound.
"You know, the colder the weather, the more you need to drink ice."
"I remember Xing'ai's current alcohol tolerance...baby, you won't get drunk after just one drink, right?"
Their fingers were hooked together on the table, surrounded by soft Scottish accents. In this quiet and peaceful town, the hustle and bustle of the city was far away from them.
"So I'll just try it. Beer is more suitable for me. I'm going to wait for the rain to stop and go to that vintage store we went to 10 years ago. Do you think the owner will still be open?" Xing Ai swapped the positions of whiskey and beer, enjoying the warm stewed lamb while chatting about trivial matters.
The people sitting here were all locals. No one looked up at them, and no one cared who they were, which made these two public figures who have lived under the spotlight for years feel very at ease. In the stone fireplace in the corner, a warm fire was crackling, and the dancing flames cast warm, swaying shadows on everyone's face.
After they shared a warm lamb stew, the rain outside the window gradually subsided. The city lights came on early in the fog and rain, and pedestrians strolled by with umbrellas. Looking out the window, I felt as if time had stopped, and I didn't know what day it was. After a few drinks, they both started talking more, and it felt like they were back in their early twenties.
"Oppa, when I dragged you to Edinburgh, you looked so bored, thinking this place was too old." Quan Xingai's thoughts were brought back to 10 years ago while drinking beer. Her slightly tipsy state made her sometimes call him Oppa and sometimes change him to Zhilong or Xiaogou.
"Back then, I felt like I was wound up. I didn't want to stop, and I couldn't. The team, myself, work, and life all seemed to have to keep moving in order to feel safe and alive." Quan Zhilong sipped his whiskey and held Xing'ai's hand, his expression relieved about the past. "Back then, there was such a huge gap between you and me. How could I dare to stop? I wanted to catch up with Nuna's shadow. I wanted to be with you openly and honestly."
"It's true that things change every ten years. Now it's my turn to pursue you, little darling Zhilong." Quan Xingai's eyes smiled like the scorching sun above the clouds. There might be rain and fog blocking her view for a short time, but she was always the scorching sun.
In the hazy spring rain, the two left the old pub. The rain became lighter and there was no need to hold an umbrella. The air was fresh and cold. The chill came back, but the young couple, who had stored enough food and alcohol in their bodies, did not care about the steep spring breeze. They walked along the alley with the lit street lights, stepping on the water all the way to Prince Street, and unknowingly arrived at the Scott Memorial Tower.
This stone memorial tower is located in the city center shrouded in rain and fog. The Gothic black spire was not built for the monarch or other nobles. It was built to commemorate the 18th-century literary master who wove the spirit and soul of Scotland with his pen and ink.
Ten years ago, after visiting the Black Tower, Kwon Ji-yong complained that Edinburgh was too old, but upon returning to Seoul, he read Scott's works. Ten years later, those words he had read and the experiences he had experienced had become ingrained in his soul. Now, Kwon Ji-yong has fallen in love with this place, and he understands the natural and cultural beauty interwoven between wilderness and stone.
"To build such a huge tower in memory of a writer," Quan Zhilong laughed, his voice a little light in the wind. "It's remarkable, isn't it? Whether it was ten years ago or twenty years ago, he hasn't changed at all."
"Hmm," Xing Ai followed his gaze towards the towering spire that contrasted with the gray sky. "How amazing! The power of words is so great."
The wind rustled past the spire.
"Sometimes I wonder," Quan Zhilong continued with some emotion, his tone calmer than usual, "Will anyone still listen to the songs we wrote many years later? Will someone be remembered or gain a little strength because of a certain line of lyrics or a certain melody?" His questions seemed to be asking Xing Ai, as well as asking himself, asking this tower, and even asking the wind blowing past his ears.
"Both the macro and micro aspects express emotion. Sir Scott wrote the epic poem of the Scottish nation, while our songs are momentary emotions," Jeon Seong-ae said, hugging Kwon Ji-yong warmly. "Those momentary emotions serve as an anchor for those who hear them to remember the present moment. It's wonderful to be able to accompany someone through a difficult or happy time. Just like when we see this tower, we think of Sir Scott and those stories. Our songs will be the same. Perhaps they will become a 'small tower' in someone's heart. It may not be huge, but it is just as important."
A warm smile appeared on Quan Zhilong's face. "You are always so optimistic and positive, Sarah. You haven't changed at all."
He gently cupped Xing Ai's cheek and kissed her. The kiss started out incredibly soft, as if it was just a simple touch, lips touching, and a chilly air.
Then, the slight chill was quickly replaced by shared body heat. He adjusted his angle slightly, completely embracing Xing Ai in his arms. The wind blew through the ancient stone city, bringing the sound of bagpipes from afar. The kiss deepened, no longer a simple kiss, but a deeper lip-to-lip connection.
Quan Xingai closed her eyes, one hand naturally climbing up his neck, hugging the Seraph wings at the back of his neck. She tasted a very faint hint of the smoky and fruity aroma of whiskey on Zhilong's lips, mixed with his own flavor, fragrant, charming, and intoxicating.
The wind still blew from above, but it seemed to bypass their tiny corner. The world was so quiet that only the mingling sound of their breathing remained, clearer and warmer than the wind itself. The plunging spring rain, the clamor of the city, the faint conversations of passing locals all faded into a hazy, distant background.
Continuing south along Princes Street beside the monument, you will see a large green garden that complements the ancient castle in the distance, until a blue and gold Ross Fountain and Edinburgh Castle on the hillside come into view.
"Ah, I seem to have some memory of it. The Ross Fountain and the Castle can be seen in the window of that vintage store called 'something'!" Quan Xingai ran to the fountain, stood on tiptoe and looked up at the gray-white stone house across the street. The intersecting trams and fog blocked her view.
"Come on, let's cross the street. Can't you remember Nuna? I remember it very clearly." Kwon Ji-yong grabbed Quan Xingai's hand and left the fountain, turning his back to the ancient castle on the hillside and running towards Rose Street in Sherlock Square next to Prince Street.
The drizzle seemed to be getting heavier, a large transparent umbrella was opened, and the two ran to their destination holding hands. A spring rain that lasted all day turned the entire ancient city upside down. The wet road reflected the couple with exotic faces running past, and then splashed a whole field of water.
I pushed open the familiar green door, and the small bell on the lintel chimed, the same clear, melodious sound I remembered. The aroma of rich cedar and sandalwood, blended with cherry and rosewater, filled the air. The smells, sounds, and touches of the shop, all washed over me the moment I opened the door, along with the memories deep within my mind. Nothing had changed here.
"I remember! It's really here! Zhilong, your memory is so good?" Quan Xingai's eyes sparkled.
"Of course. I have stored all our memories in my brain and can take them out at any time." Quan Zhilong picked up the vintage sunglasses beside him and put them on his nose in a cocky manner.
The shop was still crowded, piled high from floor to ceiling. Glass counters displayed a variety of luxury antiques, seemingly unchanged from the past, a place where time seemed to flow incredibly slowly. The owner, Veronica, was a thin, elderly woman with gold-rimmed Chanel glasses and short hair, looking like the reincarnation of Coco Chanel. She looked up from behind the counter. Her hair was grayer than it had been ten years ago, but her eyes were still sharp and gentle.
She didn't remember the two foreign faces who had visited her by chance ten years ago and simply nodded politely. Quan Zhilong and Quan Xingai smiled at each other and slowly browsed the small shop as if they were treasure hunting.
The vintage section on the first floor focuses on jewelry and refurbished antique furniture. A dazzling array of earrings, necklaces, and rings in various styles gleams in the air. Quan Zhilong delved deeply into the Gothic-inspired Chrome Hearts section, while Quan Xingai spotted a burst of color. Both of them were captivated by this vibrant display of jewelry. Gold- and silver-plated bracelets, inlaid with gemstones of various colors, were boldly colored and beautifully renovated.
"The Buccellati bracelet was modified by Veronica and inlaid with more colorful gemstones. It's very creative. Buy it?" Quan Zhilong put the bracelet on Xing Ai's slender wrist, and it really fit.
"Buy!" The generous girl waved her hand, and the two shopping enthusiasts started shopping.
Classical, avant-garde, high-end, handmade... As long as they were unique enough, Xing'ai put them all into the shopping cart. In a corner, they also found an antique couple's ring with inscriptions in the Renaissance style that had been passed down from the last century. The two rings were the same style, one thick and one thin, engraved with the Latin words "true love comes first". Quan Zhilong liked them very much and bought them immediately and put them on his hand. He even pretended to get married and put them on Xing'ai as well.
"That's so exaggerated. We're not getting married." Although Quan Xingai said that, she still admired the ring happily for a long time after putting it on. She even took pictures with her mobile phone, but she didn't dare to post it on her main account. So she posted it on the small account she opened for Quan Zhilong. Since she started traveling, this account has had a lot of photos.
"Marriage won't be so casual. I have to at least buy Nuna an 8-carat pigeon egg." Kwon Ji-yong smiled and took Jeon Xingai's hand and gave her a kiss.
"Hey, it is said that people in Ireland sign marriage contracts? Do you think it is true or false?" While continuing to look for antiques, he seemed to think of his upcoming trip to Ireland and asked curiously.
"You'll know when you go and see it in a few days. If we sign a contract, baby, do you dare to sign a 100-year true love treaty with me?" Kwon Ji-yong pretended to be calm and picked up an antique ruby pendant to examine it, but in fact his attention was all on Xing Ai.
Quan Xingai paused and looked at Mou Long, who was nervous as hell even though nothing had happened. She leaned over and whispered, "What is this? It's not a proposal, right?"
Quan Zhilong's eyes darted back and forth, "Oh, of course not. I'm asking if you dare to sign this bet with me."
"Really? I don't like gambling—you see, you got anxious when I said that. Just tell me you want to be with me forever. I won't laugh at my precious Zhilong."
"I just want to be with you forever and sign a contract that won't change for 100 years." Kwon Ji-yong said seriously, looking at the woman in front of him.
"Okay, then let's go to Ireland and sign a pact to love each other for 100 years." Quan Xingai stopped teasing him and smiled, taking his arm. "Hey! Zhilong, the pendant you picked is made of layers of rubies of various qualities arranged in the shape of an 8!"
Quan Zhilong was still moved by the 100-year promise. Before he could say anything, he saw Xing Ai take away a pendant that he had been unconsciously holding in his hand. He looked at it in surprise, "Oh my, it really is."
This pendant, made of Inca rose rhodonite, is decorated in the shape of an 8 with three or four different rubies including tourmaline, opal, and coral. The words GD are clearly written on this pendant.
"This is fate, I must take it back."
Kwon Ji-yong thought the same thing. The pendant felt like a witness to a century-long promise, and even before he took it home, it already held a unique emotional memory. Not only did he buy the pendant immediately, but he also took photos back at the hotel that night, adding 100 layers of filters to show off the necklace pendant, which resembled both an '8' and an 'infinity'.
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