Liu Hui settled into the cheap motel, a price that made him uneasy. That evening, he called his parents, updating them on his day’s sightings, though he carefully omitted any mention of meeting Shu Yan.
Finally, Liu Hui cautiously broached the subject of the state-owned company job he’d lined up in Bashan City, tentatively telling his parents he might not take it. If possible, he would look for new work in Chuzhou instead.
Liu Hui’s father, who had spent his entire life working in a small collective enterprise in their town and deeply revered the idea of large state-owned corporations, was instantly furious when he heard his son was giving up the prestigious job in Bashan. Thankfully, his outburst was swiftly quelled by Liu Hui’s mother.
“Decheng, our son has grown up. He’s found his own ambitions, and we, as parents, should support him,” his mother stated. “He isn't our private property; we shouldn't interfere in every single decision. We need to trust our son; he will manage his own life. If he stumbles out there, he’ll come home.”
Hearing his wife speak, Liu Hui’s father quieted down, implicitly granting Liu Hui permission.
The next morning, Liu Hui ate the complimentary breakfast early and then hurried to Shu Yan’s doorstep. Yet, he hesitated to knock, pacing nervously in front of the entrance instead. Shu Yan, also an early riser, spotted him from her second-floor window. Maneuvering deftly around her parents' view, she hopped on one foot to the door and opened it.
“Yan Yan, how is your leg? Is it feeling better?” Liu Hui asked.
“Mm, it’s almost healed. I think it should be completely fine by tomorrow!” Shu Yan replied.
“Yan Yan, with your injured leg, will it affect your work?” Liu Hui asked with concern.
Shu Yan laughed. “It’s no problem. Chu Chu already helped me request leave. I rarely take time off, so a few days of rest shouldn't matter much.”
Liu Hui peered cautiously into Shu Yan’s yard and whispered, “Yan Yan, are your parents very strict that you have to sneak out to see me?”
Shu Yan smiled brightly. “How could they possibly be strict? My parents are incredibly kind and gentle. They didn’t have me until middle age; they dote on me.”
Liu Hui suddenly stared intently at Shu Yan and murmured, “Yan Yan, you look so beautiful when you smile like that. I really enjoy watching it.”
Shu Yan’s face immediately flushed crimson. She responded, “Hui Hui, the way you talk is quite handsome too!”
Liu Hui paused, then chuckled softly. “Yan Yan, ‘Hui Hui’ was my childhood nickname. But because it sounded too much like a girl’s name, no one called me that after I started primary school. I never expected to hear it again today.”
Shu Yan, her cheeks still rosy, said, “You call me Yan Yan, so I’ll call you Hui Hui. That’s perfectly fair! Is there anything wrong with that?”
Liu Hui laughed. “Haha, there’s nothing wrong with that at all. How about this? You call me Hui Hui from now on, and I’ll call you Yan Yan.”
Shu Yan called out, “Hui Hui…”
Liu Hui immediately responded, then called, “Yan Yan…”
Shu Yan answered in turn. In that moment, an unusual current sparked between them, causing both their hearts to race faster.
Liu Hui hesitated, then extended his hand. Shu Yan blinked in surprise but also reached out hers. Their hands met, and an immediate sensation, like an electric current, surged through both of them. In that jolt, Liu Hui felt Shu Yan’s nascent affection for him, and Shu Yan, in that same shock, felt the sincerity of Liu Hui’s feeling for her.
This strange sensation between them instantly generated a special, ineffable substance within their bodies. This substance carried the feeling, penetrating not only their hearts but every cell in their beings. Under the influence of this unique substance, neither of them could ever forget this blissful sensation.
“Yan Yan, who are you talking to?” Suddenly, an elderly man’s voice echoed from the yard.
Liu Hui startled, instantly dropping Shu Yan’s hand. Flustered, he stammered, “Yan Yan, I’ll go apply for work at your factory first, and then I’ll come back to find you.” With that, he bolted from Shu Yan’s house, running as if his life depended on it. As he rounded the corner of the street, Liu Hui tripped, scrambled up, and ran even faster.
Seeing Liu Hui’s frantic retreat, Shu Yan couldn’t help but let out an involuntary giggle. An elderly man who bore a striking resemblance to Shu Yan emerged from the yard, asking with confusion, “Yan Yan, who were you just talking to? And why are you laughing now?”
Shu Yan smiled. “Dad, I was just talking to the Idiot. And I’m laughing at the Idiot now too.”
Shu Yan’s father paused. “Idiot? Who is the Idiot? Does anyone on our street go by ‘Idiot’?”
Shu Yan blinked, then laughed suddenly. “Dad, you’re out of touch! You don’t even know the Idiots exist.”
Her father chuckled. “That’s my good girl. Since you know I’m out of touch, tell me all about this Idiot…”
Shu Yan replied cheerfully, “Dad, I’m going to write in my diary now. You can ponder the Idiot’s identity yourself.”
Then, Shu Yan happily hopped on one foot back to her room. She retrieved her brand-new diary and, on the second page, wrote: “July 16, 2007. When I woke up this morning, Liu Hui made an excuse to visit. He called me Yan Yan, and I called him Hui Hui. He mentioned that no one had called him ‘Hui Hui’ in ages, but I’ve decided—I will call him that for my entire life, because it is my unique term of endearment for him…”
Liu Hui took a bus to the factory where Shu Yan worked and confirmed they were indeed hiring production workers. Fortunately, Liu Hui had kept all his documents with him during his travels, so he quickly prepared his application and applied for the production worker position. Since this role had minimal educational requirements and Liu Hui performed exceptionally well during the on-site assessment, he was hired on the spot.
Because the factory was massive, housing numerous production workshops, Liu Hui, with Chu Chu’s assistance and his own proactive request, was successfully assigned to the same workshop as Shu Yan.
After sorting out his employment, Liu Hui, with Shu Yan’s help, found an incredibly cheap rental near her home. This modestly decorated two-room apartment, which included utilities, cost only fifty yuan a month. Such a low rent made Liu Hui marvel at his incredible luck and further convinced him that the people of Chuzhou were truly good Samaritans. However, in his excitement, Liu Hui failed to hear Shu Yan quietly thank the landlord, saying something like, “Uncle, thank you.”
Having secured both a job and housing, Liu Hui formally ended his nationwide travels and settled down in Chuzhou. Only once Liu Hui was truly established in Chuzhou did Shu Yan’s anxiety, which had been suspended in the air, finally dissipate.
Once Liu Hui and Shu Yan began working in the same factory and the same workshop, their relationship accelerated rapidly. They soon began frequenting places together as a confirmed couple. This development astonished Chu Chu, who worked in the same section, leaving her wide-eyed and confused about her usually reserved friend. How had this quiet girl gotten together with Liu Hui from Bashan so quickly?
However, Chu Chu was genuinely happy for Shu Yan. Through her own interactions with Liu Hui, she had gained a comprehensive understanding of him. Apart from clinging to some peculiar ideals that made him seem slightly out of step with society, he was fundamentally a good man and could well be the ideal partner for Shu Yan. Chu Chu slowly shed her initial reservations about Liu Hui and began to support his relationship with Shu Yan.
Under these circumstances, the bond between Liu Hui, Shu Yan, and Chu Chu grew increasingly close until they became inseparable, close friends who shared everything. Because the three of them were constantly together, Liu Hui had almost no interaction with the other production workers, who barely registered his presence in the workshop.
Liu Hui began his happy life in Chuzhou. One day after work, Chu Chu quietly informed him that Shu Yan’s birthday was in three days, urging him to prepare a celebration.
Hearing that Shu Yan’s birthday was approaching made Liu Hui immensely happy. This was their first birthday together as a couple, making it incredibly significant. He resolved to buy her a gift to thank her for all her care during this initial period. By now, he understood why his motel stays and the rent had been so unusually inexpensive.
Three days later, Shu Yan invited Liu Hui to her house for dinner, though she offered no specific reason. Liu Hui knew exactly why, so that evening, he walked to Shu Yan’s door carrying a bag.
Liu Hui knocked, and Shu Yan opened it, clearly delighted to see him. Noticing the bag in his hand, she asked curiously, “Hui Hui, what’s in the bag?”
Before Liu Hui could answer, an elderly man emerged from the yard, laughing. “Yan Yan, I heard you talking about the Idiot again. Is this person the Idiot you wanted me to guess earlier?”
Shu Yan flushed deep red and scolded him playfully, “Dad, this is my colleague, Liu Hui. He is certainly not any Idiot!”
Liu Hui was startled and quickly paid his respects. “Hello, Uncle. My name is Liu Hui, I’m Shu Yan’s colleague. This is my first time visiting, so please accept this small gift; it’s nothing much.” He then pulled a wrapped item from the bag and respectfully handed it to Shu Yan’s father.
Shu Yan’s father accepted the gift and chuckled. “Heh heh! I didn’t expect to receive a gift so soon. It seems you two need to speed things up; perhaps I’ll be attending your wedding banquet sooner than I think!”
Shu Yan exclaimed loudly, “Dad, what nonsense are you spouting! Hui Hui, let’s go inside and ignore him.”
“What? You called him ‘Hui Hui’?” Shu Yan’s father struggled to contain himself but eventually burst into laughter, causing Liu Hui immense embarrassment.
“Hmph, Liu Hui, let’s go up; let’s ignore this old prankster,” Shu Yan said, grabbing Liu Hui’s hand and leading him upstairs to her room.
This was Liu Hui’s first time in Shu Yan’s room. He looked around the impeccably tidy space and said with envy, “Yan Yan’s room is so much nicer; it’s not just neat, it smells wonderful too!”
Shu Yan laughed. “Stop hinting around. I’ll help you tidy up your dog kennel tomorrow. I truly don’t understand how you men can live in such a mess.”
Liu Hui chuckled. “That’s why, after creating men, God realized men didn't like cleaning, so He created women to help men tidy up.”
Shu Yan smiled. “Hui Hui, what kind of twisted logic is that? Are women only meant for cleaning rooms?”
Liu Hui looked at Shu Yan and replied, “Cleaning rooms is only a small function of women. In truth, women exist to be loved and to love. The world becomes infinitely more beautiful and full of hope precisely because women exist.”
Shu Yan was touched. She wrapped her arms around Liu Hui from behind and whispered, “Hui Hui, for me, the world in my eyes is more beautiful and hopeful because you exist.”
Liu Hui turned around and embraced Shu Yan fully. “Now that I think about it, I actually have the ancient city walls of Chuzhou to thank! If they hadn't been so magnificent, drawing my attention away, we never would have met, and we wouldn't have this happy life now.”
Shu Yan murmured into his embrace, “Hui Hui, if we end up together, those ancient city walls will be our matchmakers.”
Liu Hui felt the warmth radiating from Shu Yan in his arms. Emotion overwhelming him, he cupped her face and slowly leaned in to kiss her lips. Shu Yan closed her eyes, anticipating the moment.
Finally, their lips met. An intensely powerful electrical surge rushed from the point of contact throughout both their bodies. This sensation transformed again into that special substance, which was once more stored deep within their hearts and cellular structures, ensuring that neither of them could ever forget the feeling of that first kiss.
When they parted, Liu Hui asked, “Yan Yan, did you feel that strange sensation?”
Shu Yan blinked. “So you felt that strange sensation too? I thought it was absolutely thrilling.”
Liu Hui laughed. “If it’s that thrilling, should we try one more time?”
Shu Yan shook her head. “No.”
Liu Hui paused, then Shu Yan proactively kissed him. Again, the intense feeling erupted within them, storing itself in their hearts and cells. After a long moment, their lips separated, and Shu Yan declared, “One time isn’t enough. I want many more.”
Liu Hui was overjoyed and immediately pressed his lips to hers again.
Just as they were enveloped in passionate fervor, someone suddenly entered the room from outside. Upon seeing them kissing with such abandon, the person shrieked, “You adulterous pair! How dare you behave so wantonly, right here!”
Shu Yan quickly pulled away from Liu Hui, her face flushed. “Damn it, Chu Chu! You should knock before you barge in.”
Chu Chu laughed. “Are you mad that I interrupted your sweet moment? Should I leave right now?”
Shu Yan sighed. “Forget it; you’ve ruined the mood entirely. Anyway, it’s getting late; let’s go downstairs now. I think dinner is almost ready.”
So, Liu Hui, Shu Yan, and Chu Chu proceeded to the dining room, where Shu Yan’s mother was arranging a cake with lit candles stuck in it.
Shu Yan looked apologetically at Liu Hui. “Hui Hui, it’s actually my birthday today. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Liu Hui felt deeply moved. Knowing he had just started working and hadn’t received his first paycheck, Shu Yan hadn't mentioned her birthday, fearing he would feel awkward about not being able to afford a gift.
Liu Hui smiled. “Haha, Yan Yan, I actually knew today was your birthday all along. Look, I even prepared your birthday gift.” He took a ribbon-tied box from the bag he was carrying and presented it to Shu Yan. “Wishing our Yan Yan a happy birthday today and for all the years to come.”
Shu Yan accepted the gift, saying emotionally, “Thank you, Hui Hui!”
Shu Yan’s parents watched the young couple affectionately from the side, satisfied smiles gracing their faces. Chu Chu teased, “Yan Yan, stop talking; look at what Liu Hui got you first!”
Shu Yan opened the wrapping paper and lifted a home video camera from the box. She asked in surprise, “Hui Hui, how did you know I’ve always wanted a camera?”
Liu Hui affected a wise air. “Heh heh, because our hearts are connected!” As he said this, he glanced toward Chu Chu. If Chu Chu hadn’t leaked the secret to him beforehand, how would he have known Shu Yan’s secret desire?
Hearing his words, Shu Yan was overwhelmed with emotion and, ignoring her parents’ presence, threw herself into Liu Hui’s arms. Liu Hui naturally held her close, then bent down and kissed her softly on the mouth. In that kiss, both poured out their deepest affections; the feeling of profound love for each other sank deep into their hearts, and even their bodies seemed to memorize the sensation of this romance.
That evening, after Liu Hui and Chu Chu had left, Shu Yan returned to her diary: “August 8, 2007. Today is my birthday. I didn’t tell Liu Hui because I was afraid he wouldn't have money to buy me a gift, but he knew anyway, and he gave me a video camera. I feel so happy that we kissed right in front of our parents. That feeling of happiness drove me wild. I think, even if I lost my memory in the future, my body would still remember this earth-shattering, blissful sensation!”
After finishing the day’s entry, Shu Yan took out the video camera Liu Hui had given her and began filming herself. In front of the lens, she ceaselessly poured out her love for Liu Hui, detailing her feelings of happiness until the camera’s memory was completely full…
Once Shu Yan formally introduced Liu Hui to her family, her parents were also very pleased with him, and their relationship was thus settled. Consequently, Liu Hui not only stayed close to Shu Yan at work but rushed to her home immediately after shifts, taking over all the heavy chores, acting much like an live-in son-in-law, which made Shu Yan’s parents beam with joy.
Liu Hui and Shu Yan’s relationship advanced even further. When they were alone, they frequently engaged in intimate gestures. Over time, this became a habit; whenever they were unobserved, they would embrace and enjoy that miraculous electrical sensation. Gradually, this habitual action transformed into an instinct: whenever they touched, they would automatically hold each other and kiss.
During this period, Liu Hui also discovered Shu Yan’s daily habit of writing in her diary. Unfortunately, when he tried to see what she recorded, Shu Yan blocked him, saying the diary contained her deepest secrets, and no one was allowed to read it without her permission.
So, Liu Hui gave up the idea of reading her diaries, content instead to watch her diligently write every day. After Shu Yan received the home video camera for her birthday, she developed a new daily routine: constantly filming Liu Hui and voicing her yearning for him. She would then burn these videos onto DVDs, storing them in her metal box to rewatch and reminisce over from time to time.
By the end of 2007, Liu Hui and Shu Yan’s relationship had developed into an inseparable bond. After gaining the consent of Shu Yan’s parents, Liu Hui took Shu Yan back to his hometown—the small town of Pingding Mountain, near Bashan City.
Upon arriving at Liu Hui’s old home, he introduced Shu Yan to his parents. Liu Hui’s parents were simple, honest people. After spending a few days with Shu Yan, observing her consistently polite and filial behavior towards them, Liu Hui’s parents were extremely satisfied and inwardly accepted Shu Yan as their future daughter-in-law.
During the Chinese New Year holiday, Liu Hui took Shu Yan back to his childhood hometown, showing her around the familiar places and recounting amusing anecdotes from his youth. Shu Yan listened with rapt attention to every story. She meticulously documented all her thoughts and feelings about the small town of Pingdingshan in her diary, capturing everything on video to preserve the memories.
Liu Hui and Shu Yan stayed in Pingdingshan for over ten days. After the Spring Festival concluded, since Shu Yan had mentioned she had never left Chuzhou Province and desperately wanted to see the grandeur of China's landscapes, Liu Hui seized the rare opportunity to take her traveling in Shuzhou Province.
Shuzhou Province boasted numerous mountains, breathtaking scenery, and an abundance of historical sites. Liu Hui and Shu Yan enjoyed their journey immensely. Especially Shu Yan—with the man she loved by her side, complemented by the vast beauty of Shuzhou—she was absolutely radiant with joy. She spent her days exploring, and every night, she diligently recorded the day's emotions in detail, then edited the videos she had shot, determined to hold onto her happiness forever.
One day, the couple arrived at Shuzhou Province's most renowned Taoist scenic area. Upon entering, Shu Yan had a sudden whim: she decided they wouldn't follow the designated mountain paths. Liu Hui readily supported her idea. Thus, they left the main trail, traversing ridges and valleys, and after two hours, they miraculously found themselves on a secluded, stunningly beautiful platform overlooking a mountain gorge.
“Huihui, is what we are seeing real? Is this truly heaven on earth?” Shu Yan murmured dazedly, gazing at the gorge platform.
“Yanyan, of course, this place exists in this world. I never expected such beauty to be hidden here; the natural landscape is preserved so perfectly. In this age where the environment is so heavily damaged, this is truly rare,” Liu Hui admitted, equally stunned by the platform's exquisite panorama.
Shu Yan was in high spirits, pulling out her camera and continuously filming the magnificent views.
“Huihui, this place is too beautiful. If it were possible, I would truly want to live here for the rest of my life,” Shu Yan sighed sentimentally.
Liu Hui chuckled. “Yanyan, if you really lived here, you might quickly start missing your old life. Look around—aside from the better scenery, there’s nothing else. How could anyone possibly live here?”
Shu Yan’s eyes twinkled as she retorted playfully, “Huihui, since I can’t live here while I’m alive, you must promise to bury me right here after I die.”
Liu Hui laughed. “Deal! When you pass, I’ll bury you here, and then I’ll dig another hole right next to you and bury myself there too. That way, we can be a modern-day version of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai.”
Shu Yan laughed. “Huihui, what nonsense are you speaking? Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai’s story was a tragedy because their parents forbade their union. Our parents have no objections to us being together; we are far luckier than they were.”
As Shu Yan said this, a sudden, unsettling premonition washed over her heart. She said, “Huihui, if I truly leave you first, you must not do anything foolish. You have to quickly forget me and carry on with your life.”
Liu Hui laughed, “Fine! If you really leave me first, then I won't grieve. I’ll immediately go find another woman to forget you.”
Shu Yan paused, then heard Liu Hui continue, “I will search the entire world, looking for any newborn baby girl who gives me that electric spark of recognition. When I find her, I’ll know she is your reincarnation, and then we can reunite our destined connection.”
Shu Yan immediately felt an overwhelming sweetness in her heart and softly whispered, “Huihui…”
Liu Hui naturally draped an arm around Shu Yan, and driven by instinctual desire, they leaned in and kissed.
In that moment, both felt the profound truth of the other’s affection. This deeply etched, soul-binding love transformed once again into a unique, intangible substance. This substance, carrying the weight of their unforgettable devotion, was stored within their hearts and permeated every cell of their bodies, ensuring they could never forget the exquisite, profound joy of that feeling.