Under the moon
In the past few days, with Wan Chongshan's introduction, Zhu Shiyi has toured all of Yaoliang.
She tried all sorts of delicious food, including bitter acorn tofu, spicy stir-fried rice noodles, and stir-fried fresh bamboo shoots with pork; they were all very tasty.
She strolled through the ancient town, from street to alley, from beginning to end, watching the fishing lights drift by, smelling the sandalwood incense, and touching the verdigris on the door knockers;
She learned to make pottery, shaping a lump of clay into a blank and then placing it in a burning fire to refine it through countless trials.
The potter asked her to sign the porcelain.
......
The moon rose above the treetops, and the town was quiet.
Sitting in the front yard of the guesthouse, Zhu Shiyi looked up at the sky. A cold wind blew by, and the drifting clouds obscured the moon, extinguishing its light.
You look like you have something on your mind.
Zhu Shiyi snapped out of her daze and turned her head to see Wan Chongshan with his legs crossed, arms clasped together, a guitar slung over one shoulder, leaning against the door frame.
Wan Chongshan was right; Zhu Shiyi did indeed have something on his mind.
"You've mistaken me for someone else." But she didn't want to say it.
“Alright, I won’t ask,” Wan Chongshan stepped over, sat down, and took out his guitar. “I’ll play you a song.”
Zhu Shiyi had never heard of Wan Chongshan's ballad singing. She hummed in response, bent down, rested her elbows on her knees, and supported her chin, waiting for the "good news".
“Don’t just sit there like an idiot,” Wan Chongshan said with a sly grin, tilting his head and giving her a flirtatious wink. “Record a video for your brother.”
“...Oh.” Zhu Shiyi replied good-naturedly.
After spending a few days together, she gradually got used to Wan Chongshan's carefree and irresponsible way of doing things, and they became friends.
Zhu Shiyi leisurely took out his phone and pointed it at the myriad mountains.
"It's too far away, you can't capture how handsome you are in the photo," Wan Chongshan waved his hand, "Come closer."
Zhu Shiyi lazily got up and took a few steps closer.
"Closer."
"Want me to put my phone in your face?" Zhu Shiyi teased, but took two steps closer to stand at a suitable distance.
"That's enough," Wan Chongshan smoothed his bangs, "Find me a cool angle!"
Zhu Shiyi circled around the Wanchong Mountain.
"Bro, you don't have a cool angle."
Wan Chongshan became anxious: "What are you saying? What kind of talk is this?!"
He provided direct and comprehensive guidance to Zhu Shiyi during the filming process.
......
Clapping, pressing the strings, striking the strings, the fingerstyle prelude begins, fingertips, wrists, and elbows work together, Wan Chongshan lightly taps his body, and plays "Blue and White Porcelain".
Zhu Shiyi was completely captivated by the music.
Jingci Town is one of the birthplaces of blue and white porcelain, and Yaoliang is of paramount importance.
In this sparsely populated birthplace of art, listening to this well-known song, Zhu Shiyi sighed and couldn't help but hum along with Wan Chongshan.
"While copying the signature in Song typeface, I was thinking of you—"
......
Images of making porcelain that afternoon flashed through my mind.
She subconsciously wrote down the character "潘".
......
Zhu Shiyi fell silent.
In the past two days, she deliberately didn't send Pan Yue a single message, wanting to see if he would take the initiative to contact her.
The result of the test shattered all her illusions.
Zhu Shiyi didn't understand.
Why did Pan Yue's attitude towards her change drastically?
Does he really not like her?
......
Zhu Shiyi dared not ask.
She was afraid of getting that definitive answer.
If we don't discuss certain things openly, can we pretend not to know?
That way, at least they can still be friends.
......
"Playing the piano!" Boss Chai came out upon hearing the sound, his face beaming. "It's the New Year, so I called Old Ma and the others over to listen. Let's have some fun together! What do you say? You don't mind, do you?"
"Great!" Wan Chongshan exclaimed excitedly.
Returning to his senses, Zhu Shiyi nodded, indicating that he had no objection.
Within minutes, seven or eight people, including the elderly and children, arrived at the courtyard.
Several young people were staying at the guesthouse, and when they heard the commotion, they came downstairs to join in.
Mr. Chai specially brought out a brazier and lit firewood for everyone to warm up. The quiet courtyard, with only two people, was instantly filled with smoke and bustling with activity.
Zhu Shiyi felt a little better. She went upstairs and brought down her guitar and ukulele.
The atmosphere in the courtyard was lively. Wan Chongshan played the songs that were played everywhere, and everyone could sing along to his rhythm.
Without realizing it, Zhu Shiyi turned on the video recording and captured this beautiful moment. She wanted to share it with Pan Yue, but she needed to restrain herself.
Finally, she shared it with Yu Fan.
“Shiyi,” Wan Chongshan prompted her, “why don’t you play a song for everyone?”
Zhu Shiyi had the same idea and didn't hesitate.
She also chose a folk song that is popular all over the country and sang it along with everyone.
Later, Wan Chongshan invited her to play the ukulele while he played the guitar, and the two of them played one song after another together.
In the courtyard, men, women, and children formed a circle, clapping to the rhythm, swaying their bodies, and singing together.
Zhu Shiyi recalled many people and many moments.
Pluck, strum, open string, sway;
Yu Fan, Billy, Cozy, Wan Chongshan...
Fragments of memory, pieced together, together form a kind of insight.
She always enjoyed the musical moments so much, and whenever she recalled them, it was as if she were there herself.
Among those who have attained enlightenment, Wan Chongshan is undoubtedly the most passionate.
"Aunt Lin, Uncle Ma, is there any song you'd like to sing? I'll play it for you!"
They suggested a local folk song, and Wan Chongshan looked up the sheet music and handed it to Zhu Shiyi: "Together? I think so."
Zhu Shiyi glanced at it: "Of course."
This progression is the most basic universal chord in guitar playing; it's very simple.
She and Wan Chongshan strummed the guitar together;
Aunt Lin and Uncle Ma started singing together in their local dialect, which Zhu Shiyi couldn't understand.
The dialect, with its rustic charm and somewhat rough edges, can be sung into a gentle melody, yet tell a story in a gentle and persuasive way.
Musicians should not consider themselves superior. Music should be like it is now, appreciated by all, regardless of their taste; resonating deep within people's hearts, recording countless beautiful moments in the world.
Uncle Ma looked at Aunt Lin and smiled somewhat foolishly;
Aunt Lin patted Uncle Ma while singing, then turned her head away.
Zhu Shiyi couldn't help but smile knowingly.
Aunt Lin and Uncle Ma are a married couple. Actually, it's probably because Wan Chongshan is sweet-talking that he calls them Aunt and Uncle. In fact, they are already grandparents. Time has etched its mark on their faces, and their hair has turned gray, but they still hold hands and love each other.
......
She wanted that kind of love too.
I only want that one person, that kind of love.
With a lump in his throat, Zhu Shiyi took a deep breath, but couldn't swallow it down.
Pan Yue wasn't by her side, but his shadow was everywhere; her world was filled with him.
When the song ended, Zhu Shiyi looked up.
The moon was round and bright, gently enveloping her longing.
What is Pan Yue doing now? Was he happy during the Spring Festival? He should be back at the company by now. Without her, is he going to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as usual?
......
Is he looking at the moon?
Are they looking at the same sky?
......
As dusk fell, the music ended and the crowd dispersed.
On his third night in Yaoliang, Zhu Shiyi couldn't sleep a wink.
She got up, put on her coat, and thought she would take a walk in the yard, where she unexpectedly spotted another figure.
"Wan Chongshan?" Zhu Shiyi called out to him, "What are you doing here?"
Wan Chongshan turned around and extinguished the tiny, scarlet cigarette between his fingers.
“I’m used to staying up late, I can’t sleep,” he shook his bangs. “What about you, still not asleep?”
"I can't sleep either." Zhu Shiyi pulled up a chair and sat down.
Wan Chongshan chuckled, tossed aside his cigarette, and sat down beside her: "I knew you had something on your mind."
"Can't sleep because you have something on your mind?" Zhu Shiyi countered. "Then what's on your mind?"
"..." Wan Chongshan lowered his head, his bangs drooping to cover his eyes, so she couldn't see his face.
Zhu Shiyi was very tactful: "If you don't want to talk about it, then forget it, pretend I didn't ask."
“There’s nothing I can’t say,” Wan Chongshan leaned back, looking up at the sky. “At my age, all I worry about is money.”
Zhu Shiyi stopped looking at him. She raised her arm behind her head, looked at the moon, and listened quietly.
"I was young and impetuous, and I once thought that as long as I liked it, I could do anything; but in the end, I was just full of courage but had no money and my beloved career was all for nothing."
Zhu Shiyi's heart clenched.
"Do you regret it?"
In the stillness of the deep night, a cold wind blows through the valley, and the soft cawing of crows echoes through the air.
Wan Chongshan said nothing.
Zhu Shiyi glanced at him, and he opened his eyes and looked up at the sky, his lowered eyelashes adding a touch of melancholy.
A soft sound suddenly rang in my ears.
"I have no regrets."
"Why?"
“I never thought about it,” Wan Chongshan let out a long breath and said it lightly. “I’m the kind of person who never leaves myself a way out. I do what I like and never leave myself with regrets.”
Zhu Shiyi turned his gaze back to Xingyue, his pupils slightly unfocused.
Do what you like?
This is incredibly difficult. Besides someone like Wan Chongshan, or an idealist whose light shines like the stars and moon, is there anyone else who could do it?
"Yes, that's good." Zhu Shiyi took a deep breath and said softly.
She spoke with utmost sincerity. The stars and moon, though virtual and elusive, are still beautiful.
Zhu Shiyi liked this kind of beauty and envied it.
"Let's not talk about me anymore," Wan Chongshan waved his hand. "It's only fair to reciprocate. What about you? What's bothering you?"
He loosely clenched his fist, mimicking an interview, as if he was about to say, "Tell me your story."
Zhu Shiyi pursed her lips.
The evening breeze kissed my brow, and the fine hairs on my forehead swayed gently in the wind, lightly brushing against my skin.
The relationships between people are truly magical. From complete strangers to nodding acquaintances, and then to heart-to-heart talks under the moon, it can all happen in the blink of an eye.
“Wan Chongshan,” Zhu Shiyi glanced to the side, a smile in his eyes, yet tinged with melancholy, “there’s something that has been troubling me for a long time.”
Wan Chongshan nodded and listened attentively.
“I also love music and want to study it at the graduate level, but my parents disagree. They are afraid that I won’t be able to earn money in the future.”
"And what about you?" Wan Chongshan rested his chin on his hand, "what do you think?"
"That's the scariest part. I myself am not firm and I hesitate."
"Are you from Yuecheng?"
"Um."
“Then your parents should be able to afford your education,” Wan Chongshan nodded slightly, offering no further comment. “The key is still up to you.”
Zhu Shiyi sighed and remained silent.
Silent under the moon.
Wan Chongshan pursed his lips and whispered again, "Why do you suddenly want to learn music?"
"I only realized after I started working that I really dislike my current marketing role."
"You hate the job you do?" Wan Chongshan laughed. "Are you sure you like music? Many people work in music for two years and then never want to listen to music again."
“I can’t guarantee what will happen in the future, but right now, I’m sure I like it. So I have to give it a try, just in case I can do it,” Zhu Shiyi said defiantly. “Sister Fan even said I have talent.”
“Yu Fan?” Wan Chongshan raised an eyebrow. “You can read it. I think you can do it.”
"How can your expression change faster than turning the pages of a book?"
"Do I?" Wan Chongshan asked calmly. "Brother is clearly analyzing this for you."
"Then tell me why I should study it?"
"Didn't you say it yourself?" Wan Chongshan laughed. "You made perfect sense, why do I have to repeat myself? What are you agonizing over?"
Zhu Shiyi remained silent.
A force within her pushed her forward like a tide, but reality was a dam that blocked the various uncertainties in the undercurrent.
"Uncertainty" is the source of all kinds of hesitation and anxiety.
But the future is inherently uncertain.
Is the future filled with hope or uncertainty?
“Those years in school are the years when many people are closest to music,” Wan Chongshan suddenly said. “Without having to worry about money or fame, without having to worry about life or family, the things we create are the most sincere, and the passion we put in is the purest.”
"By pursuing a master's degree, you can learn the most cutting-edge technologies, utilize your advisor's resources to publish your work, and most importantly, you can make a group of like-minded friends."
“Go read it,” Wan Chongshan said, tilting his head and speaking gently, “Don’t let yourself regret it.”
Zhu Shiyi was deeply shaken.
Music, friends, passion—every word speaks to her heart; every phrase embodies her passion.
No matter how much she hesitated, she couldn't give it up.
It's a common principle in society not to easily interfere in other people's life trajectories. Everyone is afraid of taking responsibility for others' failures, so when faced with others' choices, they tend to repeat themselves.
But Wan Chongshan was different. He seemed unconcerned with worldly affairs, expressing his views decisively and openly telling her—the future is bright, follow your heart and read on.
Zhu Shiyi was inexplicably moved. She chuckled and said, "How do you manage to make decisions without any hesitation?"
"Because that's your life, it has nothing to do with me." Wan Chongshan gave a sly, flirtatious wink.
Zhu Shiyi: ......
That makes a lot of sense.
“I’m not quite like you,” Zhu Shiyi’s lips moved ethereally, “I’m not a decisive person, I’m afraid I’ll regret it.”
"..." The chair creaked, and Wan Chongshan sat up straighter. "There are some things you'll regret even if you don't do them."
Zhu Shiyi was slightly taken aback.
"As I told you before, I'm the kind of person who never leaves myself with regrets. But actually, I'm not so sure."
His eyes were filled with an unreadable expression, and Zhu Shiyi inexplicably fell silent.
She couldn't see through it.
“…In my world, there is a regret,” Wan Chongshan said slowly. He curved his lips slightly, but his eyes were indifferent, without a trace of a smile, “a great regret.”
He emphasized it again.
Zhu Shiyi unconsciously bit her lip: "What regret?"
"I haven't confessed my feelings to her all these years."
"So many years?" Zhu Shiyi's gossipy nature intensified. "Who was it? Was it your childhood sweetheart?"
Wan Chongshan's eyes flickered.
“…Hmm,” he muttered, “In short, I can’t give up another passion.”
Zhu Shiyi tilted his head: "Music?"
Wan Chongshan nodded: "Smart."
He then changed the subject and joked, "So, girl, just do what you like. No matter what you do, you might have regrets in retrospect, so why not give it a try?"
“Go confess to the person you like,” Wan Chongshan said, a slight smile playing on his lips as he concealed the hidden pain in his eyes. “Consider it… making up for my regret.”
"..." Zhu Shiyi's mood suddenly turned somber. "But he might not like me."
Did he explicitly refuse?
Zhu Shiyi shook his head.
"Then let's be direct and ask directly."
"Some things can't be said out loud, or we won't even be able to be friends anymore."
"Don't you have any friends?" Wan Chongshan pressed, "Do you need a friend like him?"
Zhu Shiyi's mind went blank for a moment, then went blank again.
"You only want to be friends with him?"
"Who wants to be friends with him!" Zhu Shiyi exclaimed in a sudden realization. "I like him, but not in the way friends like."
Wan Chongshan turned his head away, smiling brightly.
"Go."
......
Zhu Shiyi had a dream all night.
She found herself in a primeval forest once again. A torrential downpour poured down, the sounds of monkeys and insects filled her ears, darkness enveloped her, and the eerie silence seemed to threaten to swallow her whole.
But her chest was filled with fresh air that smelled of grass.
Ignoring the insects and rain, she kept walking forward.
The ground beneath her feet was dark, yet undeniably real. She walked along the path, which seemed to have no end.
But she firmly told herself not to look back.
......
Daylight streamed in from all directions, breaking through the sky; the peach blossoms were bright and beautiful; a spring breeze swept by, leaving behind a lingering fragrance.
......
She saw Pan Yue.
He stood under the willow tree, with a peaceful scene behind him.
It turns out, after all the darkness, a new village has appeared.
Her eyes welled up with tears, and she rushed forward to hug him, feeling a wave of peace wash over her.
She took a deep sniff, laughed, and then cried.
......
His embrace smelled of fresh grass.
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