Chapter 70: Hard to Console the Sorrow of Longing

  Xie Ying wiped her eyes, a sour and wet streak, don't know why she had to do so, but couldn't help it.

  She quickly entered the hotel, rushed into the elevator, went up to the 18th floor, walked quickly, and knocked on her father's door. At that time, Lao Nan was half-reclining in a recliner, reading a book. He looked up at his daughter and smiled, asking: "Are you back? Did you have fun?"

  She had something to say, but swallowed it back, and sat down on the chair, dropping her bag. When she was about to ask something, she hesitated again. Seeing that his daughter didn't look happy, Zuo Nanxia smiled and said: "Huiying, what's wrong? You seem like you want to say something. If you don't want to go back, we can stay a few more days."

  "Never mind, I'll go back. If I stay a few more days, I'm afraid I won't want to leave." Zuo Xiying said gloomily, after all, this was just a relay station and not the final destination, she would have to leave eventually.

  Looking at his daughter's dejected appearance, Zuo Nan smiled and teased her, asking: "What's wrong, are you reluctant to part with me?"

  "Oh, Dad, what are you talking about? I asked you something, don't hide it from me." Zuo Xiying unhappily coaxed and questioned her father: "What did you do, Dad?"

  "Nothing much? Just reading a book and having some tea. I've cancelled all my plans for today." Zuo Nan threw up his hands in innocence.

  "You're done for, you didn't tell me when you invited them to Yin City." Zuo Xiying scolded.

  "Haha, then I'll test whether you have the fate to meet each other. " Zuo Nan laughed loudly with his head thrown back, and the result of the test was naturally that they did, and their hearts were connected."

  "What else?"

  "What did you mean?"

  "Going to the countryside to teach and being reported on TV...and some other things...is that you?"

  Zuo Xiying's own words were unclear, and just as Zhan Yong was about to speak, he became confused. The only thing that came to mind was that the father in front of him had helped.

  "Oh, this one, still my daughter is clever and figured it out at a glance."

  He looked down on Zhang Yong with disdain, saying: "Zhang Yong is young and arrogant, unaware of the consequences. If I didn't do this, his graduation would be in question, even if he could graduate, it would take some effort. Think about it, he led students to riot, caused trouble, and even brought down the head of the school's security department. Can there be no repercussions? Compared to those with connections in the education system, he has no backing at all. I just did something to make those people retreat, I don't dare to act rashly. Let's just do our part and leave it to fate. If he commits another offense and gets caught, I'll be powerless to help him."

  Saying that, there was no concealment from his daughter either. It wasn't difficult at all, just like informing the director to donate on her behalf. After a few phone calls, the news of teaching assistance was reported, and the video provided by Dahua Film and Television was readily available; The county education committee and town education committee received notifications from higher-level units and naturally cooperated fully. As for promoting Meili Luzhou, it's even simpler - which host unit doesn't listen to sponsors?

  After finishing, Zuo Nan looked at his daughter with great appreciation, seemingly praising her for being able to see through the trick. But unexpectedly, his daughter complained and glanced at him discontentedly, saying: "Then you should have told me about it."

  "Oh, no need to blame, just need to tell you, Zuo Nanxia smiled and explained: "People are different, this little rascal belongs to the kind of person who has a big temper but not much ability. To be strict, he's similar to Old Song's bad temper, won't easily accept others' help. Daughter, don't tell him, or he'll be unhappy."

  "Hmm, Dad, you're being a bit too clever this time." Zuo Xiying seemed pleased with herself as she retorted to her old man.

  "Really?" Zuo Nan was puzzled.

  "You think so, he figured it out, he thought it was me, and I'm still in the dark." Zuo Xiying recounted what had happened, and now Zuo Nan was shocked, stunned for a moment before commenting: "Wow, if that's the case, he's not entirely useless after all. Not bad, he has some insight... This trip wasn't in vain, I really wanted to bring someone along, and I was just about to ask my precious daughter for her opinion."

  "No way." Zu Xiying said firmly and decisively.

  "Huh? That's strange, why is that?" Zuo Nan teased his daughter.

  "My business, neither you nor my sister can intervene, otherwise I will ignore both of you." Zuo Xiying said.

  "Yes." Zuo Nanxia made a funny face, making his daughter laugh, but then said: "However, it's not the person you think it is, but this person..."

  Hand over the book that was just put down, "Folk Seeking Roots" a small book, Zuo Xiying took a look, the author is Si Xiaozhong, and there is also an essay in between. After another look, it suddenly became clear that Si Moxian, this father and son who have been studying Luzhou folk culture for two generations, had already discussed with Professor Song more than once, and were just waiting for an opportunity to absorb him into the folk culture museum project that was about to be established. With a smile, he said: "It's him, agreed. Among the three of them, only Si Moxian has real talent and learning."

  "It's not easy, I was amazed when I first saw this paper, only someone with deep feelings for this land can write it. Later, I found out that he is the son of Old Song's student, two generations, not easy." Zuo Nan let out a sigh, looking at his daughter, and thought of those guys' appearance again, couldn't help but smile. Who would have thought that among those foodies, there was a real talent hiding? Smiling, he asked his daughter: "Xiying, can you tell me why I'm not allowed to give him a hand? Even as friends, I think you should be willing to help him out?"

  This is also where Zuo Nanxia is entangled. As Zuo Xiying and Shan Yong get closer, he and his eldest daughter have inevitably discussed this matter, but there is still no result. If he insists on not helping, it seems wrong; if he helps, it seems wrong too. Finally, there is an opportunity to ask him, Zuo Xiying said tactfully, glancing at her daughter's reaction.

  But unexpectedly, Zuo Xiying shook her head and said decisively: "No need, he has his own ideals."

  "Is there? How come I didn't notice?" Zuo Nan was taken aback.

  "You're wrong, Dad. He has a grand ideal, he wants to take over a dozen hotels as big as the Lu Zhou Donkey Meat Hot Pot, and then establish an empire of foodies, haha, specializing in eating, drinking and having fun... He even said that when the time comes, he'll invite me to eat for free... I think it's quite interesting, more interesting than being a rigid and dogmatic white-collar worker or civil servant." Zuo Xiying repeated Shuang Yong's ideal with a smile, waving her hands and feet.

  But in Zuo Nan's view, this was like a child playing house, and from his daughter's excited expression, it could be seen that this precious daughter had probably fallen for that wild boy, and had even lost her judgment to the point of thinking such a stupid design was fun!

  "Hey, Xiying, you should take care of yourself even more... This illness of yours isn't a big deal, but it's still a problem. Next time your dad goes back, he'll take you to the Southern Hospital, your sister said their psychological treatment is very effective." Zuonan reminded her, his daughter had been neglecting her treatment while having fun, and it had become a worry for her father. But unexpectedly, Zu Xiying just smiled and said: "What kind of illness is this? Shanyong said he's had depression too."

  "What? You... He knew it? How did he know?" Zuo Nan was startled.

  "I told him, isn't it just insomnia and headaches, dizziness? Dad, you always treat me like a patient. I found his method to be quite good, every day he's crazy about playing, then eats a lot, and then laughs foolishly, and it's actually very effective... These two days I've been sleeping pretty well." Zuo Xiying's eyes were distant, thinking about the hilarious things that happened that day with the two of them.

  He was taken aback, feeling a chill run down his spine, and couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. This turn of events had clearly derailed from what he had expected, and its development was also beyond his expectations. He was bewildered, and asked his daughter, "Then why do you still want to go back? Can't you stay and play for a couple more days?"

  "I want to test whether it's the experience in Lu Zhou that's effective for my illness, or if it's the hospital treatment that's effective. Hmm, I also want to test whether I'll miss this place if I leave. And I want to test whether I really like this city, or just a little bit like him." Zuo Xiying said with a pleased expression, that self-confidence was a woman's nature.

  "Alright, the test officially starts tomorrow, so you should get some rest early." Zuo Nan said with a mischievous expression, advising his daughter. This sentence was most effective, and after saying just a few more words, Zuo Xiying happily picked up her bag and went back to her room to rest.

  The girl walked for a while, holding a book in her left hand, and after being dazed for half a day, she muttered to herself with a hum:

  "Foodie Empire!? Now there are many ways to coax women into happiness, can this even coax my daughter? He's really something to come up with this."

  Some things are always hard to come by. Zuo Xiying washed and lay down, preparing to rest early, but unexpectedly fell ill today, feeling very excited, her two bright eyes staring at the crystal chandelier on the ceiling, unable to fall asleep.

  Got up, walked around the room a few times, although played for a day, still no tiredness. Took out the camera and DV with me, flipped through the photos taken in Lanzhou, many of them were from the reservoir, sometimes Lei Da Peng's cute face, sometimes Si Mu Xian's sour look, every time I saw it made Zuo Xiying want to laugh, paused, subconsciously pressed pause, but it was unintentionally recorded during Father's lecture, Shanyong's appearance, sitting with his chin in his hand, legs crossed, at that time he was sitting beside me, looking at the picture, didn't expect him to be a diligent student.

  "I don't know why, but from the moment I saw you, I've been longing for an ideal love."

  "Don't get angry, I'm just discussing purely academic issues, with a very low desire."

  The two sentences that came from DV, were said by Shuang Yong at the time, Zuo Xiying burst out laughing, and at the time she really wanted to tease him, but didn't bother with him. However, she didn't expect his face to be thicker than usual people's, thick enough to actually chase after her for her phone number. Originally, she hadn't planned on bothering with him either, but unexpectedly, even a four-digit phone number couldn't stop him... Pressing the play button again, Zuo Xiying's eyes became distant, and the memories of that time were so clear. This wonderful experience that sometimes made her laugh out loud, she didn't know if it was love or not.

  Another photo, a hearty laugh, it's her own, taken by Shanyou, the natural and happy self in the photo, flipping to the next one, Zuo Xiying couldn't help but smile again, it's Shanyou posing as Haitang Chunshui, that photo he called a bit silly. The Shanyou in the photo is peeking at himself with his eyes slanted, that sly and cunning look, made Zuo Xiying laugh so hard, gently holding the DV, gently kissing the screen, pointing at the screen and scolding: "You idiot, you don't even dare to kiss me once, let you regret it for the rest of your life..."

  Zuo Xiying smiled, and every time she saw the affectionate gaze in Shuang Yong's eyes, she knew what the dense desire was. Every time she teased him, making his face turn bright red, Zuo Xiying, who had been enjoying this, only now realized that after holding back for so long, she didn't even dare to cross that boundary herself.

  She thought a lot, thinking of having a formal boyfriend, either a handsome guy with a scholarly air like her father; or tall and handsome, making everyone envy; she would unconsciously compare the ideal with the one by her side, but they were all far apart, so she always reminded herself calmly that he was just a passerby at a certain station in her life.

  Or is he just another passerby? After all, being with him was so relaxing and comfortable.

  Lost in these wonderful memories, time flew by unknowingly. When Yoo Hee-yeong was wide awake and picked up her phone to make a call, she unexpectedly found that it was already 2 o'clock in the morning.

  She put down her phone gloomily, not wanting to disturb him. But then she had a sudden thought and felt that she should disturb him after all; otherwise, it wouldn't be fair if she spent the whole night thinking about it. So Xiying's enthusiasm came back, and she edited a very uncreative text message: Are you asleep?

  A moment later, a similarly uncreative message came back: I fell asleep.

  Zuo Xiying's smile suddenly blossomed.

  In the afternoon, in the attic of Ma Village, Shanyong held his mobile phone and unexpectedly found a pile of flattened and straightened wheat straw on the table. A small, delicate package was being woven, which was the craftsmanship of the villagers. The vegetable baskets and seat cushions at home were almost all made of wheat straw and sorghum stalks. It was a good way for young wives and daughters-in-law to pass the time when they were bored. After Shanyong helped his mother weave a few times, he unexpectedly discovered that he had a great talent for it and learned it.

  Just as I was typing halfway through, I got interrupted and sent the message. Then another message came in, asking: "What did you dream about?" - Li Xiyin

  Dreaming of marrying a wife, silly and happy. Shanyong sent a short message and amused himself first.

  Did you get married? Who is it?... Zuo Xiying's text asked.

  She's texting me right now after I married her...… Shan Yong said with a sly smile, teasing him.

  After a moment of silence, Shanyong's eyes sparkled with thought. He wondered if this subtle teasing would anger his senior sister or not. Or rather, he felt it shouldn't, as from the way they interacted, he could sense that hint of affection.

  Can things in dreams come true? …… A message arrived.

  Perhaps this is the problem in Dan Yong's mind, making him think for a long time, slowly pressing the key and editing such text: If possible, happiness is by your side; if not, happiness is in dreams, isn't it all good?

  He let out a soft sigh, his face wore a smile, and his eyes were filled with affection. For Dan Yong, who had been chasing girls since high school, his understanding of love was no more than kissing, touching breasts, and going to bed. In comparison, being with Shifu Jie was incredibly pure, as if every glance and smile was enough, as if just looking at her elegant figure was enough, and the pleasure of appreciating beauty far exceeded his expectations for psychological satisfaction.

  Although he also looked forward to that kind of pleasure.

  What would the teacher sister answer to this question? Shanyong didn't know, it's not hard to touch a woman all over her body, but to understand a woman's thoughts is probably not that easy. Moreover, Shanyong couldn't even do it easily now. However, at this moment he expected a comforting word, even if it was a lie, so that in his memories there might be an added beautiful regret.

  After a long time, the message finally came back, but it was a great disappointment: Why haven't you rested yet?

  He dodged the same topic, glanced at the things on the table, and replied to the text message: I'm about to rest, you sleep well, if you don't rest well, you'll have a headache tomorrow.

  Waited for another moment, and then a reply came back in a single word: "Mm-hmm".

  Just one word, nice to hear, but seeing Dan Yong furrowed his brow.

  On the other end of the phone, Zuo Xiying was smiling slyly, her attitude cold and hot at the same time. She was sure that Shan Yong would not be able to sleep well, but she didn't know why she had such a mischievous mindset. However, this mindset was quite good, so she hugged her phone tightly and lay down on her bed, thinking that Shan Yong would definitely have a hard time sleeping after being teased by her all the time. Yesterday, Shan Yong had taught her that doing something that harmed others but not herself would give people a great sense of satisfaction and make them feel comfortable. This was called "stealing joy"... Zuo Xiying laughed for a long time, hugging her phone like it was a beautiful dream, with a smile still on her face as she fell asleep... Shan Yong looked at his phone for a long time but couldn't understand what kind of emotions were hidden in these nonsensical words. Maybe it was just boredom and teasing? However, this didn't have much of an impact on Shan Yong, who wasn't expecting much anyway.

  Put down the phone and picked up a half-finished small bag, golden in color, with two flower patterns woven on the edges like silk threads. I used to watch my neighbor, Auntie, knit but never learned how to do it before. But somehow today, I suddenly got the hang of it. Carefully licking the straw strips, flattening and straightening them, one by one, carefully inserting them into the half-finished product. From time to time, I would look at a template photo that was downloaded and printed from the internet - Hermès, 200 limited edition. It seems that using straw to imitate this world-renowned brand bag is not so easy after all. The parts of the woven bag that were not satisfactory had to be disassembled and re-done, making me feel frustrated.

  Every time he felt down, Dan Yong sat down, had a glass of water, opened the window to let in some air. On this quiet night, the cool breeze blew gently, and the stars twinkled like diamonds against the solemn sky, giving people who gazed up at it a sense of the vastness of heaven and earth, and the insignificance of life. Perhaps many things he wanted to do could only be achieved in his dreams, just like how he longed for a day when he could live happily ever after with Zuo Xiying in this paradise-like place. Maybe that was just a dream.

  But having a dream is always so beautiful, and since he almost touched the wings of his dreams, he sat down again, using a different technique, with tools such as hooks, knives, and awls moving at the same time, just like making a big eye-opening dish for his brothers who love to eat. Xiang Yong was digging out ideas to make a gift that would dazzle the girl he liked, not for any reason, maybe just to see her cheering and excited.

  Things done with care, made for people you like, are always a little better. One stitch, one knot, one cut, one push, this tedious work continues slowly until the east shows a pale light.

  It's daytime now.

  （）