Chapter 40: All the past is forgotten, the song brings nightmares, and the shackles of the heart are broken for love
There was jubilation in Hanchang City.
Parades filled the streets one after another, with people dancing dragons and lions, singing and dancing, celebrating this hard-earned victory in various ways.
Luo Guoyun didn't feel the joy of victory at all. In Hanchang City's largest hospital, Xiao Xiangyue remained unconscious, and he had been by her side for three days and three nights.
Yishui reported that the experts who treated Yue'er had been rescued from the villa of the Japanese East China Command, and a large number of previous medical records had been discovered. Sun Mu had personally rushed there and, with the help of Mr. Kobe, had compiled and packaged all the medical records for research. He reassured him not to worry too much, saying that a cure for Yue'er would surely be found.
The day before, Luo Guoyun had a premonition. Before heading to Shengde Church, he'd called Sun Mu, who was treating the wounded in a field tent outside the city, and told him to hurry back. So, when he rushed to Hanchang Hospital with Xiao Xiangyue in his arms, Sun Mu immediately gave Xiao Xiangyue a thorough examination. He found no serious injuries, merely a bruise on his head from falling down the stairs. The reason for his continued coma remained unknown.
Thousands gathered outside the hospital, including teachers and students from the Tiannian Conservatory of Music, fans from across the country, and reporters from various media outlets. Dongdong, Jianmei, Xiaoxin... were all among them. They had all heard that Xiao Xiangyue had been rescued and were anxious to learn more or to see him. Fearing that the noise outside might disturb the slumbering residents, Luo Guyun ordered the military and police to establish a cordon around the hospital, keeping everyone within a hundred meters, and not even allowed to approach the hospital building.
The chairman and his wife, who were far away in Chongqing, also called. As a key contributor to the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the chairman invited Luo Guoyun to Chongqing to attend the celebration and discuss the return of the capital to Nanjing. Upon hearing that Xiao Xiangyue had been rescued and injured, his wife expressed particular concern. Knowing his agitated state, Yi Shui intercepted all calls, explaining that the commander-in-chief had reunited with Yue'er after a long absence and that his subordinates were reluctant to disturb him.
Sun Mu, carrying a large box, and several medical experts of different skin colors, under the protection of military and police, pushed through the crowded crowd and entered the hospital.
Yi Han had also returned to Hanchang from Shanghai and was trying to persuade Luo Guoyun to at least close his eyes for a while while he looked after Yue'er. Seeing Sun Mu entering the ward with a strange expression on his face, he hurriedly asked, "Brother Sun, are you back? Did you get the medical logs?"
Sun Mu, who was always gentle, kind, and well-mannered, turned pale and sat there in silence. He couldn't hold it back any longer, and tears rolled down his face. Yi Han had never seen Sun Mu lose his composure like this before. Shocked and puzzled, he pressed on, "Yue'er...what's going on?"
Sun Mu suppressed his grief and choked up, saying, "Yue'er was abducted by the Japanese army and used for biological weapons experiments. He suffered unimaginable torture and deafness, blindness... His life was on the verge of death several times. Fortunately, the doctors of the expert team tried their best to save him and brought him back from the brink of death..."
Luo Guyun, who was wiping Xiao Xiangyue's body with a warm towel, raised his bloodshot eyes and said in a deep voice, "Where is Yue'er's medical record? I want to see it myself."
On the coffee table lay piles of neatly bound medical records. Luo Guyun carefully flipped through them, his hands trembling with each turn, veins etched on his forehead, and his eyes blazed with anger. Finally unable to hold back, he tossed the medical records to the floor, grabbed a teacup, and crushed it. The sharp porcelain shards sliced his palm, drawing blood, but he remained oblivious.
Yi Shui had just finished his military duties and came to the ward, calling the nurse to bandage him. He complained to the two people: "Why did you bother to show him this? How can my third brother bear it..."
Men don't cry easily. The first time Luo Guoyun cried was when he got drunk during the Spring Festival two years ago. He covered his face with his hands, tears streaming down his fingers. He felt so heartbroken that it seemed as if his breath was stagnating, and he sobbed uncontrollably: "Yue'er is so afraid of the dark... I wonder how he managed to get through those dark and silent days... The first time I saw him at St. De's Church the other day, I felt something was wrong with his eyes. It turned out he couldn't see at all! That's why he slipped and fell down the stairs! The last words Yue'er said to me... Brother Yun... why did you come so late... He was blaming me! Blaming me for being late..."
Yi Han slammed his fist on the coffee table, gritting his teeth and saying, "Watanabe Hiko died too easily! Even if I skin him alive, it wouldn't satisfy my hatred..." His eyes reddened as he sighed, "Yue'er has been tortured to this extent, so what if I cut him into pieces..."
Sun Mu suppressed his grief and said in a hoarse voice, "Yue'er's deafness was caused by being sent to a high-pressure chamber for live experiments, which ruptured her eardrum... Fortunately, the repair surgery was successful, and her hearing has basically recovered. However, the cause of her blindness has not been found by the doctors..."
Yi Shui frowned, "Why has Yue'er been unconscious all this time? When Third Brother first saw him the day before yesterday, he was fine except for being blind... Could it be... that he injured his brain when he fell down the stairs?"
Sun Mu said: "The day before yesterday, I gave Yue'er a detailed examination, using the most advanced X-rays. There was only a cut on her head from the fall, and no bone damage, so it shouldn't cause her to be in a coma for a long time..."
"Blindness... coma..." Sun Mu slapped his thigh thoughtfully and shouted, "I should have thought of it earlier! Yue'er's blindness may be due to his own hidden illness! That's why the experts can't find the cause!"
The three of them looked at him. Sun Mu took a deep breath and said, "I was also confused by anger!... Do you remember when Xiao Hei was bitten to death when she was ten years old, and Yue'er was blinded on the spot? She had experienced two episodes of temporary blindness before that. But the symptoms never recurred after she was ten years old. I thought it had healed on its own as she got older. So I never thought about it..." He then said to Luo Guyun, "... Third brother, do you remember? That year on the train, I told you that Daddy had always suspected that Yue'er had a mass in her skull. Later, I basically determined that this was a congenital disease brought from the womb. Under sudden stimulation, it may flare up. It may compress the optic nerve and cause blindness, or compress the brain nerves and cause coma..."
Luo Guyun was still immersed in grief, unable to extricate himself, muttering: "So what? God is blind... Why let Yue'er suffer such torture..."
Yi Shui hesitated and said, "So, is it possible that Yue'er hit her head when she fell down the stairs? Although nothing can be seen from the outside, it caused the lump to shift? It compressed the brain nerves, which is why she is unconscious?"
Sun Mu said, "Brother, what you said is exactly what I thought! When Dad was alive, he worked hard to develop a set of acupuncture treatments specifically for this disease. Before he died, he told me that if I found Yue'er, I could try it the next time the disease recurred... For nearly twenty years, Third Brother has always taken good care of Yue'er. She is as healthy as a normal person. I also thought that the lump had disappeared long ago..."
Yi Hanxi said happily: "Then... Yue'er is saved?"
Sun Mu said: "...I'm not entirely sure. I can't find any better way at the moment, so I can only give it a try... just in case..."
"There's no such thing as an accident." Luo Guyun interrupted Sun Mu and said in a deep voice.
A faint fragrance filled the ward. Sun Mu used an aromatherapy lamp to ignite a scented oil extracted from more than a dozen herbs, including borneol, musk, and gardenia. After the flame died down, he placed it near Xiao Xiangyue's nose. He then ground rhinoceros horn, cinnabar, and realgar into powder, wrapped it in gauze, and baked it in an oven until warm. He then placed it behind his head. He instructed Luo Guyun to hold his upper body, while Yi Shui and Yi Han held his legs to prevent him from twitching or struggling. He first quickly inserted needles into four locations, one inch in front of and behind the Baihui acupoint. He then slowly inserted needles into the Yintang acupoint, the top of the head, the soles of the feet, and behind the ears... He observed his reactions while inserting the needles. After removing all the silver needles in one go, he quickly inserted three thin needles into the Dazhui acupoint at the back of his neck.
After about an incense stick of time, Xiao Xiangyue slowly opened her eyes, looked at Luo Guyun, and smiled: "Brother Yun, have all the guests left? Why did Yue'er fall asleep..."
Before the four of them could react, they heard him say, "Brother Yun, the fireworks are so beautiful. From now on, we will set off fireworks every year on Yue'er's birthday..."
Luo Guyun didn't care what Xiao Xiangyue said, as long as he heard this voice, it was like hearing the sound of nature... He just nodded: "Yes, brother will set off fireworks for Yue'er every year from now on..."
"Brother Sun, haven't you left yet? Where's Xiao Qin?" He asked again when he turned around and saw Sun Mu sitting next to him.
Xiao Xiangyue regained consciousness and her vision returned, but her memory remained frozen at the night of her twentieth birthday.
He still had all his memories before that day, but he couldn't recall anything that had happened in the past eight years. He soon realized something was wrong, that everything had changed... but no matter how hard he tried to remember, his mind was blank.
Sun Mu was also baffled, unable to pinpoint the cause. He could only speculate that his previous loss of sight was due to a head mass pressing on his optic nerve. Perhaps, by chance, acupuncture had displaced the mass, restoring his vision but also causing partial memory loss... But these were just suspicions; current medical methods offered no definitive diagnosis.
For Luo Guyun, the fact that Yue'er was alive and well was already a blessing from heaven. He was even thankful that all those unbearable memories had been erased from Yue'er's mind, and it would be best if she never thought about them again.
Xiao Xiangyue, always simple-minded, pouted and asked several times, "Brother Yun, has Yue'er gone mad?" Luo Guyun resorted to his old tricks... Whoever said my Yue'er was stupid, I'll punish him... Whoever said my Yue'er was dumb, I'll bite him... He tossed him around and around, until he lost all hope. After asking a few times, he gave up.
Xiao Xiangyue willingly remained as a hostage to ensure the safe return of everyone to Hanchang. The teachers and students of the Tiannian Conservatory of Music were filled with gratitude and respect for him. They decided to hold a concert in his honor and to celebrate the victory of the Anti-Japanese War.
Since waking up, Xiao Xiangyue has been under close protection, confined to her home to recuperate. Luo Guyun initially didn't want him to attend, believing he should rest for a while before going out. Sun Mu believed that Yue'er, aside from her memory loss, had largely recovered and could use more time outside. Furthermore, Dongdong, Jianmei, Xiaoxin, and others repeatedly requested that the teachers and students at Tiannian Conservatory of Music eagerly await a meeting with Mr. Xiangyue, and Luo Guyun reluctantly agreed.
The concert was a grand affair. All the dignitaries from all walks of life in Hanchang City were present. His wife, unable to attend in person from Chongqing, sent a special envoy. Flower baskets sent by fans were placed from the auditorium to the corridors outside.
Yi Shui had arranged for guards to clean up the scene in advance, placed all the flowers several feet away, and ordered the windows to be opened for ventilation. Only when everything was ready did Xiao Xiangyue appear accompanied by Luo Guyun.
This was his first public event since being rescued. Fans who had received advance notice gathered outside the auditorium, eager to catch a glimpse of him. Hundreds of military and police officers were on hand to maintain order, but the scene was still chaotic... Looking at the sea of people, Luo Guyun sighed. After all these years, Yue'er's brilliance still commands widespread attention, the world's mad pursuit of her... Those words from his master, "hiding one's incompetence," had become empty words...
Having agreed to give Xiaoxin's speech, Luo Guyun was dressed in a crisp, straight-cut general's tuxedo, his bearing imposing and commanding. Years of war had given him the air of a king, commanding the world. Xiao Xiangyue, dressed in a black Western-style tuxedo, had carefully recuperated, and her complexion had returned to a state of remarkable health. The twenty-eight-year-old youth appeared even more mature, his demeanor noble. A gentle smile graced his strikingly handsome face, and he politely waved to the crowd. Flanked by military police and personal guards like Erhu Wufang, the two entered the venue side by side and took seats in the center of the front row. The audience rose to their feet, and the applause was prolonged and enthusiastic.
The true relationship between Luo Guoyun and Xiao Xiangyue was, of course, unknown to the public except those closest to them. His wife's special envoy, sitting nearby with the Conservatory's Dean, Li Bo, muttered, "Commander-in-Chief Luo made great contributions to the War of Resistance and is now a favorite of the Chairman. I heard he's so arrogant that even the Chairman might not be able to invite him. I didn't expect him to be here in person today. Your Conservatory of Music is truly honored."
Dean Li Bo said happily, "How could our Conservatory of Music be so proud? It's all because of Mr. Xiangyue. I heard that Commander-in-Chief Luo values this sworn brother very much, and today's concert was held especially for him, so the Commander-in-Chief personally attended."
The concert was a dazzling success, with numerous climaxes. Ye Dongliang choreographed the scene in which Xiao Xiangyue bravely faced danger and suffered a gunshot wound while saving him into a stage play, and the teachers and students performed passionately, recreating the actual scene.
Xiao Xiangyue held no grudges, a bright smile plastered across her face. She couldn't help but applaud at the highlights, not once assuming the story on stage was her own. Luo Guoyun had only heard about Yue'er's injury and abduction from others, but now the real scene seemed to unfold before her very eyes. She felt so distressed that she couldn't help but squeeze his hand tightly. She sighed inwardly, thankfully Yue'er didn't remember. It was best not to recall these cruel and bloody events forever.
The program ended with a chorus of all teachers and students, who specially chose a classic song written by Xiao Xiangyue some years ago, "The Mountains and Rivers Are Safe," to pay tribute to him.
The moment the melody sounded, Xiao Xiangyue's smile froze on her face, her eyes filled with confusion: "Brother Yun, this music...why does it sound so familiar? But I can't remember where I've heard it before?"
Luo Guyun thought he was just asking casually at first, but when he turned around and saw that his face was pale and cold sweat was pouring down his forehead, he realized something was wrong. He asked anxiously: "Yue'er! Are you feeling uncomfortable?" Xiao Xiangyue closed his eyes slightly, his fingers pinched into the flesh, obviously trying to endure the severe pain. Luo Guyun was very anxious and wanted to take him away immediately. Xiao Xiangyue held him tightly and insisted on waiting until the chorus was over. Then, amid the farewell applause of the crowd and under the protection of military and police, Luo Guyun half supported and half hugged her and rushed her to the hospital.
Sun Mu had been studying his amnesia symptoms with Dr. Kobe. He was shocked when he received the guard's report. He was fine this morning, so how could he have a problem again? After a thorough examination, he found nothing unusual. Kobe observed quietly from the side and asked, "Did Mr. Xiao remember anything just now?"
Xiao Xiangyue had recovered somewhat and said weakly, "I'm sure that the melody I just played was mine. But I can't remember when I wrote it or why I wrote such a piece of music... So I tried desperately to think about it, but the more I thought, the more headache I got... It felt like my head was going to explode..."
The severe headache made Xiao Xiangyue feel as if he had suffered a serious illness. Sun Mu gave him some sedatives and he fell asleep. Luo Guyun blamed himself for not taking Yue'er away as soon as possible, and said in frustration: "It was already so painful, but you still cared about being in a public place. It was disrespectful and impolite to leave early, and you dragged me to the end of the concert. Yue'er is just like that, patient and restrained, always thinking of others..." Sun Mu also blamed himself for not being considerate. He should at least let Yue'er recuperate for a while before letting her participate in such an event.
Kobe explained: "In fact, the so-called amnesia does not mean that the memory has really disappeared. It is just that due to various reasons, it cannot be remembered. Under certain conditions, it will be awakened. It stimulates him to want to retrieve the lost memory, and the severe headache is caused by this..."
Luo Guyun immediately said, "So, anything that would make Yue'er think about the past should be avoided?"
Kobe said, "That's the theory. But General Luo said the previous stage play described something he personally experienced, and he didn't react to it. So, I believe Mr. Xiangyue has an extraordinary sensitivity to music, and his own compositions are deeply buried in his subconscious. Even if he has lost his memory, once he hears these familiar melodies, it is possible that they will stimulate his brain and cause a headache."
In the days that followed, Luo Guyun learned his lesson and instructed everyone not to mention the past in front of Xiao Xiangyue, let alone let him hear those melodies. He also hid all of Xiao Xiangyue's manuscripts, music scores, and discs from those years, taking extremely strict precautions... However, in those eight years, Xiao Xiangyue had composed a large number of songs, which were extremely popular, and almost everyone knew a few lines. It was almost impossible to avoid them from reaching his ears. It was simply impossible to prevent them.
After Xiao Xiangyue disappeared, in order to avoid being reminded of her by the sight of her belongings, Luo Guyun never returned to the cave where they had lived before, and lived and ate at the wartime headquarters. The foothills of the East Suburbs are in the suburbs, and transportation is inconvenient, but now there is no need to worry about air raids. A few days after he woke up, Luo Guyun asked Mayor Zhang Tingyun to find a quiet place near the hospital. There were two two-story buildings, a few bungalows, and a large yard. It was clean and tidy. After leaving the hospital, he moved in directly. Sun Mu and his family also moved in so that he could diagnose him at any time. He also asked Qionghua to bring her daughter Daxue from Anyang to Hanchang to serve him personally.
Sun Mu's son, Xiaoxu, is ten years old this year, about the same age as Daxue. Jianmei and Erhu's daughter, Ximei, is almost eight, and their son, Xiaohu, is already four, so they often bring their children to visit.
It was a sunny afternoon. Children were playing in the courtyard. Xiao Xiangyue sat leisurely on a rattan chair beneath an old ginkgo tree, flipping through a Song Dynasty copy of "The Music of Bai Shi Dao Ren." Luo Guoyun and several of his subordinates were conferring on the second floor. Since Xiao Xiangyue's rescue, she felt reassured that she was always within his sight. Another two-story building had become the place where official business was conducted. Through the window lattice, she could clearly see what was happening in the courtyard.
Sun Xu ran over and pestered him: "Uncle Yue'er, Xiao Xu wants to listen to the flute again! Uncle Yue'er, please play the flute for us..." Two days ago, Xiao Xiangyue played the "Frog Ballad" which he had composed in Lizhuang before on the flute, and the children loved it.
Xiao Xiangyue touched his head: "Okay... What do you want to listen to today?" Daxue and Ximei also came over. Ximei, who was just in the first grade of elementary school, said loudly: "I want to listen to "Spring Thoughts"! The teacher taught it in music class, it's so beautiful!" Xiao Xiangyue smiled: "Spring Thoughts? This uncle can't sing it yet! But... can you sing it? As long as you sing it once, uncle will be able to play it!" He knew the melody by ear, so of course it was not a difficult task. The children said proudly: "We all can sing it!"
"Spring Thoughts" is a song adapted by Xiao Xiangyue from a poem by Du Fu a few years ago. It has been included in elementary school music textbooks, and almost every child can sing it:
The country is broken, but the mountains and rivers remain.
The city is full of spring colors and the grass and trees are lush.
Feeling sad, the flying flowers shed tears.
It’s so hard to leave, the birdsong is frightening.
The war lasted for three months.
A tearful letter from home is priceless.
My hair is turning white and withering, and I can no longer hold a hairpin.
Loud singing reached his ears. Luo Guoyun looked over and saw several children gathered around Yue'er. The Song Dynasty music sheet had fallen onto the grass covered with ginkgo leaves... Thinking something was wrong, he ran downstairs. He saw Xiao Xiangyue leaning on a rattan chair, one hand supporting his head, his face pale and his eyes confused. He hurriedly grabbed his shoulder and said, "How's Yue'er? Are you having a headache again?"
After the children finished singing, they said happily, "We're done, it's Uncle Yue'er's turn to play the flute!" Xiao Xiangyue forced a smile and said, "This song... is suitable for the flute. Bring me Daddy's jade flute..." His body was shaky and he could hardly sit still. Luo Guyun was anxious and hurried to support him, stopping him and saying, "Don't worry about it, Yue'er. Brother will carry you back to the room to rest..." Xiao Xiangyue whispered, "Brother Yun, sit down. Let Yue'er lean on you... Leaning on you will stop the pain..." Luo Guyun had no choice but to sit down on the rattan chair as well, hugged him from behind, straightened his body, and tried to make him lean on you more comfortably.
Qionghua fetched the jade flute, and the others in the courtyard gathered. Xiao Xiangyue leaned against Luo Guyun, eyes slightly closed, and held the flute to her lips. The deep, rhythmic sound of the flute rang out, as if instantly transporting everyone back to the days of war and displacement. The mournful melody conveyed the deep sorrow and pain of a broken country and a ruined family, yet it also possessed a resounding dignity. Amidst the pain of separation, she yearned for her distant family and yearned for a better and happier life...
The children clapped their hands and cheered. Ximei shouted, "It's so beautiful! Uncle Yue'er is so amazing! Ximei wants to hear more!" Jianmei raised her eyebrows and scolded, "Uncle is tired! Go play somewhere else!"
The jade flute fell to the grass. Unable to hold on any longer, Xiao Xiangyue slumped against Luo Guyun's chest, tears streaming down her face. "Yue'er... you must have forgotten something very important..." Heartbroken, Luo Guyun embraced her, saying, "Don't be sad, Yue'er... I'm here..." Touching her back, he saw cold sweat soaking through her underwear. He hurriedly carried her to the second-floor bedroom. He then instructed the guards to call Sun Mu, who was in the hospital, to return as soon as possible. With no better options, he sat on the edge of the bed, resting Xiao Xiangyue's head on his lap, and gently massaged his head using the massage techniques Sun Mu had taught him.
The hospital was very close, and Sun Mu and Kobe quickly rushed over. Sun Mu took out the silver needles and said anxiously, "This massage technique is effective for common dizziness and headaches, but with this kind of severe pain, I'm afraid Yue'er won't be able to endure it. I'd better give him a few needles to make him sleep better..."
Xiao Xiangyue propped herself up and said with difficulty: "No... Don't fall asleep... Yue'er is sure that today's song was composed by me, but I can't remember why I composed such a song..." Luo Guyun leaned against the head of the bed and let him lean against it, coaxing him: "If you can't remember, don't think about it, it doesn't matter..." Xiao Xiangyue shed tears: "... Although I can't remember, my feelings won't lie... Brother Yun... Yue'er is so scared, so terrified..." She put her backhand around Luo Guyun tightly, trembling all over.
Sun Mu, beside him, was also deeply distressed and kept comforting her, "Don't be afraid, Yue'er... Big Brother will definitely cure you..." Kobe pondered, "Doctors shouldn't discuss a patient's condition in front of their patients, but I've noticed that Mr. Xiangyue has an extraordinary willpower. I have something to say to you, sir, that may be of help." Sun Mu was about to stop her when Xiao Xiangyue raised her head from Luo Guyun's chest. Her voice was weak but firm, "Sir, please speak. Xiangyue can bear it."
Kobe said, "Based on the cases I've studied in the past, most cases of amnesia are caused by unbearable painful experiences. The brain excludes those memories from consciousness and selectively forgets them. This is actually a form of self-protection for the human body. From a psychological point of view, your playing of the music today is an attempt to face your fear, break it, and heal yourself. Kobe admires Mr. Xiangyue's strong willpower. However, the power of pain and fear is too strong. Once touched, you may go crazy, or you may be unable to bear it and commit self-harm or suicide... So, Xiangyue, don't try it lightly in the future, so as not to suffer the consequences..."
Luo Guyun asked in confusion, "So Yue'er insisted on playing the flute to heal herself?"
Kobe said, "Yes, it's human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm. Mr. Xiangyue is courageous. But these melodies are like a flood or a beast to you, and you avoid them as much as possible. Don't take risks and experiment with your body again! ... My friend, Dr. Jefferson, is the world's foremost expert on brain nerves. I have compiled Xiangyue's medical records into detailed information and sent them to him for his professional advice. Until a treatment plan is developed, the only way is to stay away from factors that can stimulate brain nerves."
Sun Mu also said, "When I accompanied Yue'er on a visit to the United States that year, I specifically visited Dr. Jefferson's laboratory. He was the first to invent and use many advanced medical devices and the most cutting-edge technologies in the field of brain nerves. Perhaps Dr. Jefferson can find a treatment for Yue'er's condition..."
By evening, Xiao Xiangyue's headache had eased somewhat, but his spirits remained poor. Sun Mu ordered the kitchen to prepare a calming and soothing bath. Luo Guyun removed his sweat-soaked clothes and carried him into the tub filled with hot water. He remained dazed, as if lost in thought.
Steam rose as Luo Guyun scooped up the medicinal soup with a wooden ladle and carefully poured it over his shoulders. His fingertips gently and delicately brushed across his slightly reddened skin. Xiao Xiangyue stared at the crabapple blossoms on his back reflected in the mirror, lost in thought. Suddenly, he said, "Brother Yun, the crabapple blossoms are so beautiful, why do I feel scared..." Luo Guyun quickly took a large towel and covered his back, smiling, "I begged Brother Sun to prick these crabapple blossoms. Maybe it hurt too much, so I feel this way..."
Xiao Xiangyue stared at a tattoo on his arm for a long while, repeatedly stroking the uneven parts, and gently kissed it with her lips, her eyes filled with tears: "Brother Yun, are you injured? Does it hurt? Was Yue'er by your side when you were injured..." Back then, Luo Guyun's arm was injured by shrapnel, leaving a big scar. Later, he tattooed a crescent moon on the scar, with a pattern of auspicious clouds lying on the crescent moon.
Xiao Xiangyue was depressed all night and didn't eat dinner. She reluctantly drank a sip of the Tianma pigeon soup that the cook, Ah Fu, brought her, then refused it, saying she had no appetite. She lay there listlessly, not saying a word.
Luo Guyun was apprehensive, tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep. In the middle of the night, he quietly got up and went to the adjacent study to light a cigarette, puffing away with a frown on his face. After two puffs, he felt uneasy about Xiao Xiangyue being alone in the bedroom, so he tiptoed back to his room and lay down on the bed. He tossed and turned until dawn, barely managing to drift off. He was supposed to get up at six o'clock to practice martial arts, but he'd missed the time.
It was already dawn. Luo Guyun turned over and touched his side as usual. It was empty. He was startled and immediately sat up, shouting, "Yue'er!" He rubbed his eyes and saw Xiao Xiangyue sitting on the edge of the bed. She was wearing an elegant moon-white short robe and looked at him softly: "Brother Yun, are you awake? You didn't sleep well last night. Have some ginseng tea to refresh yourself..." She picked up the warm teacup and handed it to him.
Luo Guyun was a little confused: "Yue'er...what's wrong? Is your head still hurting?" Xiao Xiangyue said playfully: "Brother Yun, drink the ginseng tea first and then talk to Yue'er." Luo Guyun took the teacup and drank it all in one gulp. Seeing that he was only wearing a pair of thin home pants, he quickly lifted the quilt: "It's still cold this morning, get in the quilt and cover your legs."
The two of them leaned against the headboard of the bed. Xiao Xiangyue hung her arm on Luo Guyun's neck, buried her head in the crook of his neck, rubbed it, found a comfortable position, and murmured softly: "Brother Yun treats Yue'er like a pearl and a treasure, but Yue'er doesn't know what's good for her..." Luo Guyun pinched his cheek and said angrily: "You and I are one, why are you talking nonsense?" Xiao Xiangyue said again: "Yue'er was wrong, please forgive me, Brother Yun." Luo Guyun simply sat up, supported his shoulders, and teased: "What's the matter today? So early in the morning, are you planning to hold a review meeting..."
Xiao Xiangyue looked at him with clear eyes and said in one breath: "Yue'er has seen all the worries that Brother Yun has had these days. I wanted to use those melodies to regain my previous memories and figure out what happened... But Yue'er was wrong! If I were troubled by the past, indulge in my own emotions, and make you worry in vain, wouldn't that be stupid! Yue'er may have forgotten some very important things, but no matter what they are, it is not as important as me being with Brother Yun now... Yue'er has figured it out. From now on, if you can't hear the melodies, just cover your ears! If you can't touch things, stay away from them! If you can't figure it out, don't think about it, there's no need to dwell on it! So... please relax, Brother Yun, don't be so nervous, and don't worry day and night... Yue'er will take care of herself! Because... nothing in this world is as important as you and me being together!"
Luo Guyun was so happy that he hugged her tightly: "That's right! Yue'er's words have touched my heart..."
Xiao Xiangyue continued, "Mr. Kobe said Yue'er was putting herself in danger, but that's only half right. Actually, when I was playing the flute yesterday, leaning against you, I knew that no matter what I thought of, I wouldn't go crazy. Because... the strength Brother Yun gave Yue'er was enough to withstand all pain and fear... But Yue'er deeply regrets her own confusion! Now I know that the right attitude towards amnesia is not to deliberately look for it, nor to be afraid to mention it, but to let it go naturally..."
Luo Guyun had been living in constant fear for some time. Xiao Xiangyue's amnesia was like a time bomb, and he was afraid it would explode at any moment. But now that he saw him being so open and honest, and that he had let it go, he felt incredibly relieved, a huge weight lifted from his heart.
"Yue'er didn't eat last night, so she must be hungry now," he said caringly. Xiao Xiangyue playfully said, "My stomach has been growling for a long time! Let's go! Let's go eat together!"
The restaurant was located in a row of bungalows in the southeast corner of the courtyard. Sun Mu was having breakfast with Xiao Xu when he saw them walk in hand in hand. Sun Xu hurried over, grabbed Xiao Xiangyue, and said, "Mom scolded Xiao Xu last night, saying that you were ignorant and made your uncle sick... Are you feeling better now?" Xiao Xiangyue grimaced. "Xu'er, do you think your uncle looks sick? Mom was just trying to scare you!" Sun Xu chuckled.
Sun Mu also stood up and looked at them suspiciously: "Yue'er didn't eat anything last night, so I specially made lotus seed and lily porridge and said I would bring it to you after breakfast..." Luo Guyun smiled happily: "Thank you, big brother! Sit down and eat together!" He then ordered the servant standing beside him: "Bring more of the various snacks that the young master likes to eat... Oh, and make a bowl of shrimp wontons."
Xiao Xiangyue sat down next to Sun Mu and whispered, "Yue'er is so unpredictable. I'm sorry to have worried you, big brother." Sun Mu habitually took her hand and began to feel her pulse. After a moment, he said with relief, "Yue'er is recovering well. As long as she follows Mr. Kobe's advice and stays away from factors that might stimulate her brain nerves, she should be fine."
Luo Guyun said happily, "Yue'er has gotten over her amnesia, so there's no need to worry too much, brother. Oh, by the way... Brother Yishui is going to Chongqing to attend the victory celebration for me and will be back tomorrow. Mid-Autumn Festival is in a few days, so why don't we all have a reunion dinner together and have some fun?"
Sun Mu said, "That's fine. After Yue'er came back, Xiao Qin has been in Jincheng preparing to build a hospital, so we haven't been able to meet yet. He can come back to Hanchang the day after tomorrow, so we can get together."
Xiao Xu clapped and cheered, "Great, great! We have mooncakes to eat!"
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