The Intertwining of Old Objects and Time: Memories and Bonds at a Wonton Stall
Chapter 1: The Afterglow of the Wonton Stall at the Alleyway Entrance: The hustle and bustle of the city seems to ease a bit at the alleyway entrance, a corner favored by time, filled with a unique, warm atmosphere. Grandma Wang's wonton stall sits here, like a kind old man, quietly witnessing the changing years and carrying countless warm memories.
As evening fell, the setting sun, like a ripe orange, generously cast its last rays upon the alleyway entrance. Ayu and Zhonghua, hand in hand, strolled here as usual. Ayu, cheerful and kind-hearted, saw Grandma Wang busily preparing to pack up her stall and offered to help. She gently picked up an enamel basin, ready to wipe it clean.
The enamel basin gleamed with an old yet warm luster, and the chipped rim seemed to be a unique mark left by time. Ayu paused involuntarily, the chipped rim seemingly possessing an invisible magic that drew her gaze. Zhong Hua, noticing Ayu's unusual expression, followed her gaze and his own eyes were fixed on the chipped rim.
Chapter Two: Memories of the Pebbles of Qinghai Lake
In an instant, Zhong Hua's thoughts, like a wild horse, drifted towards the distant Qinghai Lake. It was an unforgettable moment from their journey. Back then, they strolled along the shores of Qinghai Lake, its waters a deep, clear blue, like the purest gemstone, merging perfectly with the sky, blurring the lines between them. On the lakeshore, colorful prayer flags fluttered in the wind, rustling softly, as if whispering ancient and mysterious blessings.
The sand beneath his feet was fine and soft, covered with pebbles of various shapes. Zhong Hua bent down and picked one up; the edge of the pebble had a curve remarkably similar to the chipped edge of the enamel basin. Sunlight fell on the stone, refracting a warm glow, as if draping it in a golden veil. In the distance, the lake rippled, shimmering like scattered gold under the sunlight, as if also marveling at the stone's uniqueness. Zhong Hua remembered that A Yu had stood beside him then, the sea breeze gently ruffling her hair, her smile brighter than the sunlight. They had played by the lake, tossing the pebble into the air, watching it trace a graceful arc before landing in the lake, splashing up tiny droplets.
Chapter 3: The Crimson Background of Jokhang Temple
Ayu gently turned the enamel basin over, revealing the red "囍" (double happiness) character written on the bottom. Though weathered and partially peeled, the character still exuded a strong festive atmosphere. The underlying color, revealed by the peeling paint, was a rich and solemn saffron. This saffron, like an invisible bond, instantly switched their memories to the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Before the Jokhang Temple, a bustling crowd of believers from all over thronged, prostrating themselves with devout hearts, their faces radiating unwavering faith and reverence. The temple walls were adorned with brightly colored prayer flags, fluttering in the gentle breeze, as if engaged in a sacred dialogue with heaven and earth. The crimson background, like the flame of faith, burned brightly through the ages, never extinguished. Ayu and Zhonghua, immersed in this atmosphere, were deeply moved by the profound religious fervor. They saw an elderly Tibetan woman, turning a prayer wheel, murmuring mantras, her face etched with the marks of time and unwavering faith. At that moment, their hearts were filled with awe and love for this land, and they felt the immense power of faith.
Chapter Four: The Smoky Aroma of a Wonton Stall
At this moment, the lingering steam from the stove, carrying the aroma of scallions, drifted slowly through the bamboo shed like a light veil. That aroma was unique to wonton stalls, a blend of the wheaty scent of flour, the savory fragrance of pork, and the delicate scent of scallions—the taste of home, the taste of life. Ayu and Zhonghua, amidst this fragrance, glanced inadvertently at the bowl.
The water in the basin, bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, resembled a mirror, reflecting a soft glow. The moon's reflection was clearly visible in the mirror. The moon, round and bright, radiated a gentle light, as if telling an ancient story. This moon reflected in the water was the same moon they had seen in Milk Lake in Daocheng Yading.
Chapter 5: The Moon Reflected in the Milky Sea of Daocheng Yading
Daocheng Yading, a place hailed as "the last pure land on the blue planet," has always been a sacred place in their hearts. Milk Lake, like a sapphire inlaid among snow-capped mountains, is pure and beautiful. The surrounding snow-capped mountains stand majestically, their peaks shimmering silver under the sunlight, as if they were works of art meticulously sculpted by the master craftsman of nature.
They traversed a rugged mountain path, enduring hardships until they finally arrived at Milk Lake. Along the way, they had felt unwell due to altitude sickness and were exhausted from the long journey, but all their fatigue vanished the moment Milk Lake appeared before them. As Ayu and Zhonghua leaned down to look at Milk Lake, the reflection of the moon in the water came into view. At that moment, time seemed to stand still; only the tranquil lake and the moon reflected in its water existed between heaven and earth. A gentle breeze rippled across the surface, causing the moon's reflection to sway, dreamlike and ethereal. They gazed at it silently, as if the entire world had shrunk to just them and the lake, becoming an eternal image in their hearts.
Chapter Six: The Intertwining of Memories and Life
At this small wonton stall, old objects and memories are wonderfully intertwined. The chipped enamel basin, the double happiness symbol on the bottom, the aroma of scallions in the steam, and the reflection of the moon in the water all act as bonds of memory, closely connecting their travel experiences with their ordinary lives. These seemingly insignificant details carry their laughter, tears, emotions, and growth.
Ayu and Zhonghua exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with nostalgia for the past and anticipation for the future. They recalled the various people and events they had encountered on their journey, the difficulties and challenges they had faced together, and the beautiful scenery they had enjoyed together. The wonton stall before them, though ordinary, was full of the authenticity and warmth of life.
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