Fourth page
The warm sunshine of early winter gently shines on the stone-paved roads of the Jiangnan water towns, and the mottled light and shadow are like brocade woven by time.
Xu Li was sitting on the bluestone steps, holding a copy of "Stray Birds," letting her thoughts drift among Tagore's philosophical ideas. Her slightly wavy long hair swayed gently in the breeze, like golden threads kissed by the sunlight.
The ginkgo trees on the street corner were shedding their yellow leaves, which danced in the air like butterflies singing a farewell song of autumn. In this tranquil scene, Tan Yuze's figure quietly appeared.
He wore a dark blue cotton-linen shirt and dark brown casual trousers, his upright figure appearing even more striking in the winter sunlight. His leather shoes were polished to a shine, each step taken with a firm and composed air.
He held Xu Li's favorite osmanthus cake in his hand. The cake shone with an enticing luster in the sunlight, like a ray of warm sunshine in winter.
Tan Yuze sat down next to Xu Li, turning slightly to the side so he could see the stars in her eyes more clearly.
His voice was deep and warm, like a gentle winter breeze: "Xu Li, the snow is coming to the north, shall we go see the snow together?"
His eyes were full of anticipation, as if the snowflakes had already fallen all over his heart. Xu Li looked up, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by excitement.
She gently bit her lower lip, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the unknown: "Okay, when are we going? Let's set a time."
"Let's add each other on WeChat, that way it'll be easier for me to contact you later, right?"
"Okay." He was even happier to hear her say that.
Xu Li found a QR code and handed it to him, saying, "Then scan my code."
They quickly added each other on WeChat, just as Tan Yuze had hoped.
Tan Yuze chuckled, the warmth of his palm seeping through the thin sweater: "I'll take you to see the most beautiful snow."
Xu Li was touched by those words, and a resolute look flashed in her eyes: "Okay, I promise you."
A hint of surprise flashed in Tan Yuze's eyes, as if afraid she might suddenly change her mind. His smile blossomed in the sunlight, like a ray of warm sunshine in winter: "Then let's set off tomorrow."
Xu Li nodded slightly.
In the evening, Tan Yuze changed Xu Li's WeChat nickname to "Little Li".
The next morning, Xu Li got up early. She stood by the window, looking at the light rain in Jiangnan outside, feeling both excited and a little apprehensive.
She knew that the snowflakes had already fallen in the north, and she was about to set foot on that snow-covered land.
Tan Yuze was already waiting downstairs, his eyes full of anticipation. When Xu Li came downstairs, he immediately went to greet her, taking her luggage from her hands with gentle and delicate movements.
He said softly, "Xu Li, are you ready?"
Xu Li smiled slightly and nodded. Tan Yuze pulled her luggage and they walked together towards the car parked not far away.
The car belonged to Xu Li; it was a spacious and comfortable Mercedes-Benz S500. Her father bought it for her when she was 15 years old.
The car interior is lined with soft velvet, and the heated seats keep Xu Li warm even in the cold wind.
Uncle Wang skillfully started the car, the wheels gently rolling over the wet road surface, making a soft rustling sound. As he drove, he chatted with Xu Li, his voice low and gentle: "Miss, guess what snowflakes look like in the north?"
Xu Li rested her chin on her hand, gazing out the window: "I think it must be very, very big, like a feather falling from the sky, gently landing on the earth."
Tan Yuze chuckled and replied, "Yes, the snowflakes in the north are very large and beautiful."
There was a hint of mystery in his eyes. Along the way, they passed many beautiful landscapes. The ancient buildings of the small towns in Jiangnan appeared and disappeared in the morning mist, as if they were in a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Uncle Wang would stop the car from time to time so that Xu Li could enjoy the beautiful scenery. He would quietly stay by her side, looking at her eyes, which were red from the winter wind but still bright and lively, and his heart would be filled with tenderness.
As night fell, they entered a small town in the north. The town's night view was breathtakingly beautiful, with streetlights casting soft halos of light on the snow-covered ground.
Tan Yuze got out of the car and took Xu Li's hand to help her out. After getting out of the car, she hurriedly let go of his hand and walked into a small restaurant.
The restaurant's signboard swayed gently in the wind and snow, and a red lantern hung on the wooden door frame, casting a warm glow. They ordered several northern specialties, and the steaming dishes were served, their aroma filling the air.
Xu Li picked up a piece of braised pork, put it in her mouth, and found the meat tender and juicy with a rich and mellow flavor. Tan Yuze watched her with a smile, his eyes full of doting affection.
They ate and chatted, sharing their joys and sorrows. Xu Li talked about the rime ice she had seen in the south when she was a child, the ice crystals hanging on the branches like pieces of white dreams.
Tan Yuze then recounted his winters in the north, reminiscing about the wonderful memories of rolling in the snow and building snowmen. Xu Li listened intently, as if she were already in that silvery-white world. After dinner, Tan Yuze took Xu Li for a stroll through the streets of the small town.
Snowflakes had already fallen, gently landing on their shoulders and hair, draping them in a thin layer of silver gauze. Xu Li stretched out her hands, trying to catch a snowflake.
The snowflakes melted on her palms, bringing a touch of coolness. She jumped up excitedly and ran through the snow like a child. Tan Yuze followed behind, his eyes full of doting smiles.
They found a hot spring inn and decided to spend the winter night there. The inn's exterior was rustic and elegant, and the wooden building looked especially cozy against the snowy backdrop.
They entered the lobby, where the front desk staff warmly greeted them, offering them hot tea and towels. Tan Yuze completed the check-in process and led Xu Li to their room.
The room wasn't large, but it was decorated very warmly. A thick carpet covered the wooden floor, and a wall lamp by the bed emitted a soft glow. Tan Yuze placed his luggage aside.
"Xu Li, are you tired?" she asked softly. "No, I'm very happy." Her eyes sparkled with happiness.
That evening, they went to soak in a hot spring together. The hot spring pool was in an open-air garden, surrounded by snow, with only a patch of steaming water visible. Xu Li took off her heavy winter clothes and carefully stepped into the hot spring pool.
The warm spring water enveloped her body, bringing a comforting sensation. Tan Yuze followed her into the water, sat beside her, and gently took her hand: "Xu Li, look over there." He pointed to the sky, where a few stars were twinkling, as if witnessing this beautiful moment for the two friends.
Xu Li looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "It's so beautiful." Tan Yuze chuckled: "Yes, this winter night in the north is truly beautiful."
He turned to watch her playing in the water. They soaked in the hot spring, enjoying this peaceful and beautiful time. Snowflakes continued to fall, gently landing on their shoulders and hair, as if weaving a white dream dress for them.
Tan Yuze said softly, "Xu Li, I will always be with you, no matter where we go." This was what he truly thought.
A hint of emotion flashed in Xu Li's eyes: "Tan Yuze, can you come again tomorrow?"
"Of course, whatever you like."
Night had fallen, and the snow was still falling. Xu Li and Tan Yuze returned to their hotel room, where a fire had been lit in the fireplace, the red flames leaping and crackling softly.
Xu Li, wrapped in a soft wool blanket, sat on the sofa in front of the fireplace, holding a cup of hot cocoa in her hands, with wisps of steam rising from the rim.
Tan Yuze sat beside her, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand. The two exchanged tender glances from time to time. Xu Li said softly, "Tan Yuze, the snow in the north is so beautiful."
Her eyes sparkled with love for this silvery-white world. Tan Yuze smiled slightly: "Yes, I love seeing you so happy in this snow."
Xu Li's face flushed slightly. She lowered her head and gently stirred the cocoa in her hand. Tan Yuze took out a delicate little box from his backpack and placed it in front of her: "Xu Li, this is for you."
Xu Li looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "What is this?" Tan Yuze said softly, "Open it and take a look." Xu Li carefully opened the box, and a silver snowflake-shaped necklace appeared before her eyes.
The necklace's pendant was a delicate snowflake, shimmering with a soft light. A hint of surprise flashed in Xu Li's eyes: "It's so beautiful, Tan Yuze, thank you!"
Tan Yuze said softly, "I like seeing you wear it." Xu Li gently put the necklace around her neck. The snowflake pendant shimmered under the light, like a star in the winter night.
Tan Yuze stood up, walked behind her, and gently tidied her hair. "It looks great, I really like it, thank you so much, Tan Yuze." Xu Li blushed and said softly, "Tan Yuze, I want to give you a gift too."
Tan Yuze smiled slightly: "What gift?" Xu Li took out a scarf from her backpack. The scarf was dark blue with white snowflake patterns embroidered on it. She gently wrapped the scarf around Tan Yuze's neck: "I hope you like it."
A hint of emotion flashed in Tan Yuze's eyes, and he said softly, "I like it very much, Xu Li." The two sat on the sofa, the firelight from the fireplace reflecting on their faces, adding a touch of warmth to the winter night.
Xu Li said softly, "Tan Yuze, I think we should go wherever we want and see the most beautiful scenery together." Tan Yuze nodded gently, "I will always be with you, Xu Li." His eyes were full of determination.
The snow fell heavier and heavier, as if the entire town was gently covered by a silvery-white veil. Snowflakes danced in the air, like messengers from heaven, bringing endless tranquility and beauty to this land.
Xu Li and Tan Yuze sat by the window, looking at the snow scene outside. Xu Li said softly, "Tan Yuze, look at those snowflakes, they're just like you. Though fleeting, they're incredibly beautiful."
Tan Yuze chuckled: "I won't be that short-lived. I'll make the snowflakes last forever."
A flicker of emotion crossed Xu Li's eyes. She held his hand tightly, as if wanting to hold onto that warmth forever. As time passed, the snow outside the window gradually stopped.
The entire town seemed to be covered by a layer of white velvet; the streets, rooftops, and trees were all draped in silver. Xu Li and Tan Yuze stepped out of the hotel and onto this pristine white land.
Their footprints left a deep trail in the snow, as if bearing witness to their presence. She said softly, "Xu Li, let's go take a look over there."
He pointed to a small hill in the distance, its summit covered with a thick layer of snow, resembling a beautiful painting. They followed the winding path towards the hill. Xu Li, wearing thick snow boots, struggled to walk in the snow.
Tan Yuze supported her, occasionally brushing the snowflakes off her clothes. Xu Li looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Tan Yuze, it's so good to have you by my side." Tan Yuze said softly, "I will always be by your side, Xu Li."
His gaze was firm yet gentle. When they reached the summit, the sight before them astonished Xu Li. The entire town stretched out before them, houses, streets, and trees all draped in a silvery-white cloak.
The distant mountains stretched endlessly, their peaks blanketed in white snow, resembling a delicate ink painting. Snowflakes continued to drift gently down, adding a touch of dynamism to the scene. Xu Li stretched out her hands, trying to catch a snowflake.
Snowflakes gently landed on her palm, melting instantly and leaving a cool sensation. She jumped up excitedly, running through the snow like a child. Tan Yuze followed behind, his eyes filled with doting smiles.
Xu Li ran to Tan Yuze's side and said to him, "Tan Yuze, look at this snow, how beautiful it is!" Tan Yuze smiled slightly and reached out to pull her into his arms: "Yes, because you are here, this snow is even more beautiful."
Xu Li's face flushed slightly, and she said softly, "Tan Yuze, I like moments like this." Tan Yuze said softly, "Me too, Xu Li."
His eyes were filled with deep affection. They strolled through this silvery-white world, enjoying each other's company. Snowflakes gently drifted around them, as if weaving a beautiful dream for them. Xu Li looked up at Tan Yuze and said softly.
"Tan Yuze, let's come to see the snow together every winter from now on, okay?" Tan Yuze smiled slightly: "Of course, I will always be with you."
Although Xu Li and Tan Yuze are friends, they still made a promise to come see the snow again next year.
His voice was deep and firm. As night fell again, Xu Li and Tan Yuze returned to the hotel. They washed away their fatigue and prepared to spend a pleasant night in the warm room. Tan Yuze took a book out of his backpack and sat on the sofa, gently flipping through it.
Xu Li lay on the bed, phone in hand, sending photos and messages to family and friends far away, sharing her joy. Outside, snow fell silently again, adding a touch of tranquility to the winter night.
Xu Li and Tan Yuze smiled at each other, knowing that this winter had become exceptionally warm and beautiful. On this northern winter night, the snowflakes witnessed their friendship, and their friendship, like the snowflakes, was pure and beautiful.
No matter how bumpy the road ahead may be, they believe that as long as they stay together, they can get through every cold winter and welcome every warm spring.
After a day's stay, they were ready to head back.
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