Chapter 47 I choose you
In August and September in Guizhou, the mountains are still often shrouded in mist, but Yuntouzhai and its surrounding villages are immersed in a busy and hopeful harvest scene.
Golden waves of rice undulate among the terraces. Villagers seize the fine weather to harvest and thresh the rice. The drying yard is covered with golden corn, and the air is filled with the unique fragrance of grains and the enthusiasm of labor.
The "Heart to the Distant Mountains" program crew did not stop because of the rainy season and busy farming season. Their footsteps extended to several more remote and difficult villages around Yuntou Village.
During this process, Chu Yi demonstrated energy and influence far beyond everyone's expectations.
He was not just a detached observer or recorder.
With his clear logic, empathy and precise expression, he quickly became the most effective communication bridge between the program team and local villagers, as well as subsequent local government staff.
Chu Yi would patiently squat by the edge of a field, listening to the old farmer chatter about the harvest and his worries. He would also repeatedly choose to walk into the dim wooden house and inquire in detail about the educational difficulties of left-behind children and the medical problems of the elderly.
At the same time, he can carefully capture the core pain points that truly restrict the development of local villagers and affect their lives from the trivial chatter in conversations with villagers.
Later, during a coordination meeting with staff from the Poverty Alleviation Office, Education Bureau, Health Commission and other departments sent by the county government, Chu Yi was able to transform those emotional and scattered demands into rational, systematic and operational suggestions.
"The footpath leading to the main road in Aoshang Village washes away every time it rains. This poses not only a transportation problem but also a threat to our economic lifeline. Can it be considered a priority for this year's 'Village-to-Village' road access project?"
"Several teaching sites in the villages are extremely short of teachers. In addition to donating hardware, could we consider collaborating with the provincial normal colleges to establish a long-term mechanism for targeted training or short-term teaching support?"
"Dr. Li Fu's health station is experiencing medication shortages. I've compiled a detailed list, especially for chronic diseases and common children's medications. Could the county hospital please prioritize replenishing and supporting them during their next round of consultations?"
Chu Yi's proposals are always specific and pragmatic, showing a deep understanding of the current predicament while taking into account the feasibility of policy implementation.
Chu Yi's personality always allows him to maintain a calm tone, neither humble nor arrogant, and with a sincere attitude. He can not only clearly convey the villagers' urgent wishes, but also fully understand the procedures and difficulties of government work, making communication extremely efficient.
Even the local officials who initially had reservations about his identity later had to sigh in admiration: "Teacher Chu is really here to get things done. The questions he raises are all to the point, and the solutions he provides are very constructive."
The executive director privately lamented to the producer several times, "You really can't judge a person by his appearance. Chu Yi may appear aloof and aloof, as if he's out of touch with the real world, but when he's among the common people, his sincerity and down-to-earthness are stronger than anyone else's. The villagers listen to him and trust him."
With the continuous follow-up of the program team and the effective promotion of Chu Yi and others, some tangible help began to take root.
In addition to the stationery and school bags delivered earlier, the program team worked with caring enterprises to donate brand new desks and chairs, book corners and a set of multimedia teaching equipment to teaching points in several villages.
The county education bureau also promised to include the Yuntouzhai teaching point in the next batch of key protection targets of the "Excellent Teachers Rotation Teaching" program.
At the same time, based on the program team's feedback and Chu Yi's list, the County Health Commission not only replenished the health center's stock of medicines but also coordinated with the County People's Hospital's mobile medical vehicle to increase its monthly visits to two, with a focus on remote villages like Yuntouzhai. The planned free clinics also received wider publicity and more thorough arrangements.
The program team also addressed the problem of difficult sales and low prices of local high-quality agricultural and sideline products such as rice, corn, bamboo shoots, and local honey. The program team contacted a well-known e-commerce agricultural assistance platform to conduct an inspection and signed a preliminary underwriting intention agreement, laying the foundation for the subsequent formation of a characteristic industrial chain.
There is also the muddy road at the entrance of the village, which has been mentioned many times and is related to the development of the village. It has been included in the field survey plan by the County Transportation Bureau. Although it will take some time to completely solve the problem, at least there is hope for change.
These changes did not happen overnight, and are far from solving all problems, but every bit of progress, like a drizzle soaking the dry land, has brought tangible hope and warm changes to this beautiful mountainous area.
The villagers smiled more, and their eyes, looking at the production team, especially Chu Yi, were filled with genuine gratitude and trust. They no longer viewed these outsiders as mere filmmakers, but as friends who were truly willing to listen and offer help.
Zhou Ai observed all of this. He, too, traveled to various villages, doing manual labor, working tirelessly and cooperating with the filming. The production crew, including those in Zhou Ai's studio, were amazed that this young man had been there for so long without a single complaint.
Even when Zhou Song called him several times and asked him if he wanted to go back, Zhou Ai sternly refused.
It was impossible to deal with Zhou Song directly. His younger brother had always had everything he wanted since he was young, but this time he could stay in the mountains for such a long time without a single complaint.
But Zhou Ai's gaze actually stayed more and more on Chu Yi, that thin but extremely focused and determined figure.
Every time Chu Yi was carefully recording the difficulties of the villagers, or using his clear voice to communicate and coordinate with all parties tirelessly, Zhou Ai would stand patiently behind him.
The vague throbbing in Zhou Ai's heart gradually settled into a deeper appreciation and...unspeakable heartache.
He saw the sense of responsibility behind Chu Yi's halo, and also saw his gentleness and strength hidden under his calm appearance.
At the same time, he also realized more clearly that Chu Yi's previous statement of "a temporary relationship" was not pretentious.
The recording of their program will eventually end, and they will most likely leave here and return to their original tracks.
What Chu Yi did was out of a sincere desire to leave something behind for this place, rather than just a short, performative "experience".
This cognition makes Zhou Ai's previous idea of "making the stage longer" seem a bit naive and pale.
He stood at the edge of the threshing ground, looking at Chu Yi who was carefully checking the free medical consultation process with the village chief in the distance. The mountain breeze blew the hair on his forehead, and the sunlight outlined a faint halo around him.
Zhou Ai silently clenched his hands in his pockets, and a clearer yet heavier thought gradually emerged.
Perhaps, what he should think about is not how to prolong the "stage" between himself and Chu Yi, but how to do something more for this place, just like Chu Yi, in this limited time that is destined to be separated.
———
Yuntou Village looked particularly fresh after the rain. The supplies sent by the government and the donated supplies spontaneously prepared by the program team were delivered on the same day. The program team set up a point to distribute supplies in a small open space in the village.
The villagers who heard the news had simple and happy smiles on their faces, especially the children, who were chattering around their new school bags and stationery, making the place very lively.
Chu Yi and Zhou Ai, like everyone else, threw themselves into the distribution. Chu Yi was in charge of registering and distributing stationery. He patiently checked the list, leaning down to speak to the children at eye level, his tone unusually gentle. Zhou Jiashu, standing by, was in charge of assigning supplies to Chu Yi.
Zhou Ai, along with Xie Mo and Zhou Jinyi, was primarily responsible for carrying heavy objects and maintaining order. He was strong and agile, and from time to time he would use his newly learned, broken local dialect to make the villagers laugh.
Although the two were busy in the same place, they were like two parallel lines, each with its own trajectory and very little intersection.
Zhou Ai's eyes would occasionally follow Chu Yi, but whenever Chu Yi seemed to notice something and was about to look up, he would quickly look away to avoid causing any uncomfortable pressure to the other party.
As the distribution of supplies was nearing its end, the executive director clapped his hands, attracting everyone's attention.
"Fellow villagers, teachers, we have some good news!" the director said in a loud and smiling voice. "This time, we've not only brought these learning and living supplies, but also, considering our village is far from the town hospital and it's difficult to get medical treatment, the program team and the local government have decided to take this opportunity to hold a free medical consultation in Yuntou Village!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the villagers present, especially the elderly, immediately showed expressions of surprise and gratitude on their faces.
"After these busiest few days of working in the fields are over," the director continued, "we'll invite a doctor from the county to come to our health center... Oh, Dr. Li, and he'll give everyone free medical consultations and checkups! If anyone feels unwell, come and see the doctor!"
There was a burst of excited discussion and thanks from the crowd.
"Dr. Li will be delighted to know this!" an aunt said with a smile. "He's been busy all day, so he can finally relax for a few days!"
"Yes, yes, this is great!"
The executive director turned to the guests and said, "Our guests have been here for over a week and have become familiar with the villagers. When the free clinic comes, we may need your help, such as maintaining order, helping with translation, or assisting the doctors by handing them things. This can be seen as us doing something more practical for Yuntou Village."
The other guests nodded in agreement.
————
As the sky gradually darkened, a huge bonfire was lit in the open space in the center of Yuntou Village. The orange-red flames jumped and crackled, dispelling some of the coolness in the mountains and illuminating the faces of the villagers and the program crew.
The air was filled with the aroma of barbecue, the sweetness of rice wine, and a cheerful and lively atmosphere. After a long day of busy farming, this party was undoubtedly a good time to relax and socialize.
Everyone sat around the campfire, the villagers sang folk songs enthusiastically, and several guests were pulled to join the dance team. Laughter and applause rang out one after another.
Zhou Ai sat on a wooden stake slightly outside, holding a cup of rice wine forced upon him by a local villager, but his eyes uncontrollably followed the cold figure not far away.
Chu Yi did not join the dancing circle. He sat quietly beside an old lady with silver hair, slightly tilting his head, listening carefully to what the old lady said, nodding occasionally, with a very faint but genuine gentle smile on the corner of his lips.
The firelight cast soft shadows on his delicate profile, making him look less aloof than usual and more down-to-earth.
Zhou Ai was staring in a trance until Zhou Jiashu sat down in the empty seat next to him and handed him a bunch of roasted corn.
"Brother Zhou, what are you looking at so intently?" Zhou Jiashu followed his gaze.
He happened to see Chu Yi patiently smoothing the old lady's windblown white hair. He took a bite of the baked potato in his hand and sighed incoherently, "Teacher Chu is such a kind person. He is so patient with the elderly."
Zhou Ai hummed vaguely, took the corn, and took a bite without tasting it.
Ever since they last parted under the umbrella, Zhou Ai realized belatedly that Chu Yi was intentionally avoiding her.
Chu Yi always deliberately avoided eye contact with Zhou Ai. He would never speak unless it was necessary. Even if he spoke, his tone was concise and official, with a clear sense of boundaries.
Zhou Ai could clearly feel that the invisible wall had risen again, even higher and thicker than before.
He tried to strike up a conversation naturally several times, but Chu Yi avoided or ignored him without leaving a trace.
Xie Mo took advantage of his strengths as a host and took the initiative to host the bonfire party.
"Hello everyone, I'm Xie Mo. I'm honored to be the host of tonight's bonfire party. Let's cheer for the start of the Yuntou Village bonfire party together."
Xie Mo is indeed a professional host. He ignited the atmosphere of the bonfire party with just a few words. He opened the show with a high-pitched and melodious folk song, which instantly won applause from the audience.
Immediately afterwards, Qin Yaoyao and several girls in the village who were good at singing and dancing performed a folk dance, which drew rounds of applause.
The atmosphere of the party became more and more lively, and the firelight illuminated every smiling face.
Amidst the peaceful and joyous atmosphere, a smiling voice suddenly rang out, piercing through the clamor: "Teacher Chu! Come on! Teacher Chu, give us a performance!"
This shout immediately sparked cheers, and many villagers and program staff members followed suit and booed in good faith: "Yes! Teacher Chu, sing one!" "Teacher Chu, sing one!"
Chu Yi, who was sitting quietly at the side, was caught off guard. A trace of panic flashed across his face. He waved his hands hastily, his body unconsciously shrinking back, his ears quickly reddening under the dancing flames: "No, no, I really can't do this. I don't have any talent..."
The more Chu Yi resisted, the more enthusiastic everyone became.
Dr. Li Fu drank some rice wine, with a relaxed smile on his face, and joined in the applause and cheers.
He saw that Chu Yi had been busy and worried about the affairs of the village recently, and his nerves had been too tense. He sincerely hoped to take this opportunity to let Chu Yi relax.
Zhou Ai was sitting not far away, holding a wine glass in his hand, his eyes fixed on Chu Yi. Seeing his helpless look, his heart inexplicably tightened, and he subconsciously wanted to stand up and help him out like last time.
However, before Zhou Ai could even move, the villagers' enthusiasm had already surrounded Chu Yi. Several enthusiastic grandmothers even smiled and went forward to pull him.
Chu Yi looked at the simple and expectant faces around him, especially the encouraging look of Doctor Li, and his hand that was trying to refuse slowly dropped.
He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind. The embarrassment on his face was gradually replaced by a helpless yet reckless gentleness.
"Okay..." Chu Yi stood up from the layers of cheers, walked to the light beside the campfire, and took an acoustic guitar from the staff of the program team.
The light from the bonfire cast a warm golden edge on him, which blended strangely with his cold temperament.
He tuned the strings a bit, his fingertips gliding across them, producing a few scattered notes. The scene gradually quieted down, and everyone looked at him expectantly.
"I'm going to sing a song for everyone, 'I Choose You.'" Chu Yi's voice carried through the night air, softer than usual, with a subtle hint of nervousness. "I'm sorry if my singing isn't good."
He lowered his head slightly, the loose hair on his forehead covering part of his eyebrows, and his slender fingers gently pressed on the strings.
The next moment, a soothing and soulful melody flowed from his fingertips. The prelude was simple but extremely moving.
“You're my always you're my forever you're my reality....” (You are my forever you are my reality)
Chu Yi's singing voice sounded. Unlike the cold voice when he spoke, his voice was warm and clean when he sang, with a delicate sense of narrative, and his English pronunciation was standard and gentle.
“You're my sunshine you're my best times you're my anomaly..... ” (You are my sunshine you are my best times you make me special)
“And I'd choose you....." (I will choose you) "In a hundred lifetimes I'd choose you...." (I will choose you in a hundred lifetimes)
He sang with great concentration, his eyelashes occasionally fluttering due to a little nervousness, but he soon immersed himself in the singing.
The light of the bonfire danced in his clear eyes, and the lines of his profile appeared particularly soft in the interweaving of light and dark.
Zhou Ai was completely stunned. He had never heard Chu Yi sing before, and he never expected his voice to be so penetrating.
The gentle voice, the focused expression, and the deep emotions implied in the lyrics were like an invisible hand, gently grasping his heart, making him forget to breathe and staring blankly at the person who seemed to be glowing in the firelight.
The surrounding noise completely faded away, and the only thing left in the world was the bonfire and the person holding a guitar and singing softly beside the bonfire.
“I choose you, over and over again… I promise to love you until the very end…” (I choose you, over and over again… I promise to love you until the very end…)
The song ended, and the last note faded into the night sky.
Chu Yi's fingers gently pressed the strings to stop the lingering sound. He raised his head, a look of relief and shyness on his face, and nodded slightly to everyone.
After a brief silence, thunderous applause and cheers broke out, more enthusiastic than any before.
The villagers may not fully understand the English lyrics, but the emotions in the music are universal, and they truly feel Chu Yi's sincerity and tenderness.
"Teacher Chu sings so beautifully!" "This kid is really good at everything!"
Chu Yi smiled embarrassedly and returned the guitar to the staff, his cheeks flushed, as if he had drunk too much.
Zhou Ai was still immersed in the song until Zhou Jiashu nudged him hard and said excitedly, "Brother Zhou! Teacher Chu has hidden talents! This singing is amazing! Did you see it just now?"
Zhou Ai suddenly came back to his senses, his Adam's apple rolled violently, and he picked up the rice wine on the table and drank it all. The spicy liquid slid down his throat, but it couldn't suppress the surging, hot waves in his heart.
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