Rebirth 2010, the best

Chapter 335 Finale
Spring comes and winter goes, summer solstice and autumn departs...

"In short, looking back at the history of FinFET (Fin Field-Effect Transistor), it's not hard to see that it's one of the most important innovations in the 21st-century semiconductor industry. I can even assert that from 22nm to the future, 7nm, 5nm... it will remain a crucial component and a chip performance engine capable of bringing about technological leaps..."

On the stage.

Lu Yao, who had somehow started wearing glasses, was speaking eloquently to the students below the classroom.

There are quite a lot of people.

Someone is listening.

Someone is dozing off.

Someone was sitting in the back row, playing with crickets.

A girl holding a phone handed it to the girl next to her:

"Here, take a look."

Another girl glanced at the photo on her phone and then subconsciously looked up...

"Wow, he's so handsome? Is that him?"

The girl's eyes were filled with shock, as if she had seen some kind of monster in disbelief.

In the photo, Lu Yao, wearing only a vest, stands on a stage holding a microphone and appears to be singing.

The veins on his neck were bulging, and he was drenched in sweat.

The sheer amount of male hormones emanating from him was so intense that it made people blush even through the screen.

But... he looks exactly the same in the photo.

What about Lu Yao in real life...?

His once muscular physique is gone, replaced by a protruding belly and a round chin.

In addition, he was wearing glasses.

He does look rather greasy.

"It's practically...two different people."

"Yeah. I didn't believe it at first either, but everyone said that Professor Lu, who used to give this open lecture, was really handsome, but now he's become a greasy guy. Looking at it now... it's true."

The girl looked saddened.
"Men have such a short shelf life."

"...He's only 26 this year, right?"

"Yes, this photo is from 12. In just four years, the flower withered like this."

"Tsk tsk tsk..."

The two girls continued to chirp at the back of the open class, completely unaware of the twitching corner of Xu Gongzi's mouth beside them.

He heard their conversation clearly, but for a moment he didn't know what to say.

And just then...

"And I heard he's gay."

"Oh my god! Is this for real?!"

"I don't know, that's what people online are saying. They're saying that a rock band's lead singer hasn't had a girlfriend in all these years, there must be something wrong... What could be wrong? He probably doesn't like women..."

"..."

Young Master Xu couldn't bear to listen any longer and coughed lightly:
"Hey, classmate, Professor Lu... Professor Lu only teaches a few classes a year, and this is the first time he's giving a public lecture to the summer program. We should pay attention in class, after all... it's a really rare opportunity to attend his class."

"!"

"Ah, I'm sorry."

One girl instinctively turned her head away, while the other quickly apologized and shut her mouth.

Even if I can't stand listening to it... it's better not to bother others.

The girl who turned her head looked at Mr. Xu, who was wearing a mask, and suddenly paused, asking:

"Excuse me, are you also in this summer program? I've never seen you before."

Xu Gongzi, who was wearing a mask, shook his head and pointed ahead when he heard this. His hair was permed in a very trendy foil perm.

It means: You should pay attention in class.

Seriously... what's wrong with graduate students these days?
When Lao Lu gives lectures, the lowest-ranking audience members are all PhDs; PhDs have to line up to listen.

This year, because of the severe situation in the domestic semiconductor industry, he promised his superiors to do some publicity work, so he came here to give you new recruits a public lecture... His resume is on the small screen on the side. Didn't you see how amazing he is from those titles like "Beidou satellite chip expert", "RDSS radio frequency chip expert", and "key researcher of Kirin chip"?

Do you still have time to gossip?
What's most infuriating is... being gay?

Which bastard started spreading this false information?

Is there something wrong?

Didn't you notice he was wearing a ring on his hand...?

As if he had thought of something, Young Master Xu's gaze instantly fell on Lu Yao's left ring finger.

His eyes flickered, then dimmed.

At that moment, a man on stage, indeed a larger version of Lu Yao, said:
"Of course, it is not irreplaceable. For example, the latest international research result, GAAFET, is an example. But just like its progress, these technologies will eventually be engraved in history, and the name FinFET, the 'savior of Moore's Law,' will eventually shine in the galaxy of science and technology... Okay, that's all for today's class. I hope to meet you all again in the graduate field in four years. Thank you."

"Crash..."

applause.

A teacher in the audience immediately clapped and walked onto the stage. After politely shaking hands with Lu Yao, he stood in front of the podium and spoke into the microphone:

"Being able to attend Professor Lu's lectures has truly benefited me immensely..."

He began to summarize and offer praise.

This is considered a necessary process when some well-known professors give lectures.

That's just polite talk.

Lu Yao didn't listen at all; he simply walked out of the lecture hall accompanied by several people.

Seeing this, Young Master Xu also got up and walked out through the back door.

As soon as he came out, he saw Lu Yao standing among a group of people, chatting with some middle-aged men.

I could still vaguely hear the other person saying things like "I've listened to you" or "You've got it all figured out."

Lu Yao simply smiled politely and nodded.

Until I saw Young Master Xu.

He was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and nodded, continuing to chat with the people next to him, while subtly making a "walking" gesture to Young Master Xu.

Young Master Xu understood immediately and left the auditorium.

An Audi A6 was already waiting at the entrance.

Young Master Xu went directly to the car and smiled at the driver:

"Hello, driver Liu."

The driver nodded politely.

"Hello, Xu Yan."

"Okay, I'll get in the car first."

The driver was taken aback, then opened the door for him.

Inside the car, the air conditioning was already on. Sitting behind the driver, Mr. Xu casually pulled out his Huawei phone, glanced at it, and then put it directly into the microphone:

"Let me tell you something interesting. I came to see Lao Lu today, but he's giving a public lecture..."

After he recounted the amusing incident, the car door was opened.

Young Master Xu heard Lu Yao politely greeting others, and as he did so, he sat down inside.

Meanwhile, the man with a buzz cut who had been following Lu Yao got into the passenger seat.

Finally, under the curious gaze of the other party fixed on Young Master Xu, Lu Yao rolled down the car window and waved his hand:
Goodbye, goodbye...

The car finally started.

Lu Yao only breathed a sigh of relief after he had walked out of the distance where the group had seen him off.

"call……"

He turned to look at Young Master Xu and asked speechlessly:

"Why are you here? Wasn't I supposed to be looking for you?"

"I had nothing to do at work. Unlike you, I don't stay in the research institute. It's so boring and pointless, so I ran away. Hey, look at the group chat."

"What group?"

"A group of band members."

"oh oh."

Lu Yao responded, opened his phone, and saw the voice message Xu Gongzi sent in the group, as well as the village girl's "hahahaha" chat. He curiously put the microphone to his ear.

As he listened, he fell silent.

But he didn't say anything, just shook his head with amusement:
"These graduate students nowadays..."

"It's much more interesting than what we had back then."

"what."

Lu Yao chuckled softly.

After checking the time, he asked:
"What do you want to eat for lunch?"

"Driver Liu, to the Bund."

Young Master Xu gave an address directly, the driver nodded, while Lu Yao asked curiously:
What cuisine?

"Shandong cuisine. I've been really enjoying their sea cucumber lately... And are you coming to the gym with me this afternoon?"

"Don't go."

"Still not going?"

Young Master Xu pinched his stomach speechlessly:
"It's already like this, why aren't you going?"

"I have to go back to school this afternoon."

"Busy my ass, why are you so busy every day?"

"Otherwise, how do you think I got all this fat? Besides... I have to go to southern Tibet the day after tomorrow."

"..."

Young Master Xu's lips twitched.

But after calculating the days, he asked helplessly:
"Even Sister Li isn't coming back, what are you going to do in southern Tibet?"

"Go see Master Jeb and bring him two buckets of ghee. Then go see Little Bu... consider it a trip to relax."

Upon hearing Hu Li's name, he remained completely calm.

No ripples.

Upon hearing this, Young Master Xu could only shake his head helplessly.
"Alright, do you want me to go with you?"

"Need not."

"I was originally planning to take you out for some fun."

"Haha, please don't. I can't stand your carefree attitude. I'd better go back to school."

"..."

Young Master Xu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly sighed:
"Sigh... How did things suddenly become gay?"

"what."

Lu Yao chuckled softly, took out a cigarette case from his pocket, lit one for himself, and handed one to him.

Smoke filled the car.

Driver Liu quietly opened the sunroof.

The man with the buzz cut in the passenger seat kept his eyes straight ahead and remained silent.

……

After having lunch with Young Master Xu, Lu Yao waved his hand:
"gone."

"Ah."

The two parted ways.

Escorted by a driver and bodyguards, he returned to Shengshi Garden.

As soon as I entered the house, I saw a child crawling all over the floor.

So, he smiled and scooped up the chubby-cheeked little guy:

"Come on, do you miss your uncle?"

The little guy can't speak yet, he just keeps laughing as he looks at Lu Yao.

Just then, a little girl of about three or four years old ran over:

"Uncle, uncle! Mom's going to hit me!"

"Uh……"

Lu Yao looked up and saw Lu Qing standing with her hands on her hips, a cold smile on her face:
"Wu Keke! Get your ass over here!"

"Uncle, help me!!!"

Seeing her niece constantly hiding behind her, Lu Yao rolled her eyes.
"Alright, what kind of skill is it to hit a child?"

"Then I'll hit you?"

Lu Qing countered with a question.

Lu Yao's lips twitched.

"Don't make me angry in front of the children."

"Oh dear, you're getting angry now. What's wrong? Great Magician, is your pent-up anger from being single going to turn into a fireball and smash it in my face?"

"..."

Lu Yao felt awkward.

She glanced at Wu Nan, who was sitting on the sofa chuckling, with a hint of annoyance:

"Aren't you going to do anything about this? This is outrageous!"

"I dare not interfere, or she'll beat me up too."

Wu Nan smiled and got up, taking her youngest son out of Lu Yao's arms.

Then he said to Lu Yao:
"Dad and Mom went to get some things. Are you free tonight?"

“…What?”

Lu Qing spoke up before Wu Nan could answer his question:

"What can you do? You're coming out to dinner with me tonight; we've already made plans. She graduated from Princeton University, her mom is a gold dealer, and her dad works in the government..."

"roll roll roll."

Lu Yao interrupted her sister directly:
"Stop it for a bit, are you addicted to being a matchmaker for others?"

"Anyway, Mom and Dad went to buy gifts. You dare not go and try it, see if they beat you when they come back."

"..."

……

"You're here... What's up?"

"Don't ask, I'm just here to find some peace and quiet."

Seeing Lu Yao squeeze in, Young Master Xu was taken aback and asked:

"Are you being pressured by your family to go on blind dates again?"

"Ugh, this is so annoying."

Lu Yao slumped onto the sofa, looking utterly helpless.

"what."

Young Master Xu chuckled, took a bottle of water from the refrigerator, handed it to him, and asked:
"Shall we find somewhere to have some fun tonight?"

"I'm not going... Forget it, I'll just book a flight and leave first thing tomorrow morning. I can't stay at this house anymore. My mom just called me and got really angry... If they call you, just say I'm not at your house, understand?"

As he spoke, Lu Yao stood up again and walked directly into his dressing room.

Young Master Xu's lips twitched, but he didn't stop him. Instead, he said:

"You're wearing my underwear?"

"The original flavor?"

"Get out of here."

Upon hearing Lu Yao's words, Young Master Xu, who had gotten goosebumps, rolled his eyes.

Soon, Lu Yao came out with two boxes of underwear. She went to the laundry room, opened the boxes, and threw the underwear into the washing machine.

Young Master Xu leaned against the door, thought for a moment, and then said;

"What are you after... They might already have kids over there."

"..."

Lu Yao paused in the act of pouring laundry detergent.

It then returned to normal:
"She's married?"

"Who knows? I can't leave the country anyway."

"She hasn't contacted your sister?"

“You contact my sister more often than I do. If she gets in touch with Sister Li, you’ll definitely know before I do.”

"..."

Lu Yao didn't say anything, tightened the cap on the laundry detergent, and walked past him.

Young Master Xu followed him and sat down on the sofa.

After glancing at his hands, he shook his head.

"This ring is almost worn smooth... You've already moved on, why are you trapping yourself in this?"

"No ah."

Lu Yao casually shrugged:

"I'm just used to wearing it. This ring costs over 200,000 yuan."

"laugh."

Young Master Xu chuckled:
"You talk as if you're short of 200,000. What, you have over 3 billion in cash in your bank account and can't even afford a ring?"

“It’s not in my card, the old lady has it. I live off that little bit of salary every month, that’s all I need.”

"Oh right, right, a monthly salary of one million is considered 'that much,' right? You're way ahead of the competition, my friend."

"are you crazy?"

Lu Yao was somewhat speechless:
"Why does he act like a great Yin-Yang Master?"

"I just can't stand your character. Other people might be living a carefree life in England, but you're like an ascetic every day."

"..."

"Why are you looking at me like that? Say something."

"Say no nonsense."

Lu Yao rolled her eyes, got up, picked up her suitcase, and walked out.

"Why go?"

"Go to southern Tibet."

"...Not tomorrow?"

"I'm tired of staying at your place, now get out of here."

"Damn it! ...What about my underwear?"

"No longer."

With a bang, the door slammed shut.

Young Master Xu was taken aback, but he didn't offer it.

He simply shook his head helplessly.

He let out a long sigh:
"Ugh……"

……

Southern Tibet, LS.

Is there anything missing?

After helping Lu Yao load several buckets of ghee, along with some fruits and pastries, into the car, You Tan asked.

"That's enough, thanks, Tan."

Hearing Lu Yao's words, You Tan smiled and shook his head:
"It's alright, just give my regards to the master when you see him."

"Whether we'll even get to see each other is uncertain. Just bring the things."

"……Give."

You Run handed him a dagger:
"For self-defense."

"No need, I'll close the car door, and not even a bear can get in, let alone a wolf."

Lu Yao smiled and patted his Unimog.

He spent over seven million yuan on this car, from purchase to modifications.

It was because of this car that his mother confiscated his savings, which consisted entirely of the proceeds from the sale of his Ele.me shares.

To take charge for him.

There's nothing we can do; the kid is just too extravagant.

Upon hearing this, You Run said nothing more, but simply placed the dagger into his arms:
Be careful when walking at night.

"Ah."

Lu Yao responded and got into the car.

We drove towards the Qudengnima Glacier.

When he arrived in southern Tibet, it was a little after 6 p.m., and it was still not dark. But when he got to Gamba, it was already past 10 p.m.

Apart from a few lights in the village, there was nothing else.

Lu Yao stopped walking and parked the car on the spot.

First, the bed was made, then the canopy was opened, and the dust net was put up.

However, due to a lack of exercise in recent years, he is already panting heavily.

Just as I was about to rest, there was a knock on the car door, and a voice speaking broken Mandarin rang out:
"Is that Brother Lu Yao?"

Lu Yao's lips twitched, and he quickly put on his shoes and opened the door. Looking at the Tibetans at the door, he smiled and called out:
"Brother Renji."

"Ha ha ha ha."

The Tibetan man smiled and hugged him, saying in broken Mandarin:

"When the dog barked, I came out to check. This car looks like yours, so I came to take a look... Good brother, let's go for a drink!"

"I thought it was getting late, so I didn't want to bother you... How about tomorrow? I was planning to rest anyway."

"No, I'll have Ah Zhuo make it: beef and butter tea. Let's go, let's drink!"

"That's...ok."

Lu Yao followed the Tibetan man, who had given him a ride when his motorcycle broke down a few years ago, all the way into the village.

Soon, steaming hot butter tea, yak meat, and barley wine were served.

As the cow dung stove roared to life, Lu Yao raised his wine bowl.

A little reverence for Heaven, a little reverence for Earth, a little reverence for all living beings.

Then Renji and I downed a big bowl of soup together.

Barley wine is strong, but it tastes very mellow.

Yak jerky has a primal flavor, yet it's also bursting with meaty aroma.

Lu Yao's face immediately turned red.

Next, we talked about everyone's recent situation.

Renji bought a few more yaks, and Luyao has gained a few pounds recently...

After a few cups of barley wine, he was already slightly drunk.

Without realizing it, I asked:

"Brother Renji, have you seen the woman I'm talking about?"

Renji put down his wine bowl and shook his head:

“Never seen it before. Since last year, there have been more tourists. There are also many people at Dargo Lake. I fenced off the dog's grave. I told them, ‘It's my family’s grave, tourists can't go there, or I’ll bring a knife!’ The grave is nice, there are many women, I can’t recognize them.”

"Uh……"

Lu Yao went over his words several times before he understood their meaning.

So he smiled and picked up the wine bowl:
"Thank you, brother."

"Brother, no thanks needed, cheers!"

After another bowl of barley wine, Lu Yao felt even more lightheaded.

Actually, his alcohol tolerance had increased over the years, but this barley wine was too strong, and he drank it too quickly, so he was a bit dazed at the moment.

They are so drunk that they don't even realize when they've gotten drunk.

But then Renji's words were heard:
"Brother, pray to the snow mountain. The Bodhisattva will protect you, and you will surely see her."

"Uh... ok."

Lu Yao smiled and nodded.

He had heard this many times before.

But... it has never come true.

No hope anymore.

Before we knew it, we had drunk enough and were exhausted.

Then go to sleep.

When he woke up again, Tsering Gyaltsen's wife, Drolma, was already making butter tea.

After his hangover, he wasn't too upset; in fact, he was starting to feel better. He asked Droma where her husband had gone and, upon learning that he had gone to feed the yaks, said hello and headed straight out of the village to his car.

They drove the car all the way to Renji's house and unloaded half of the ghee from the car.

Zhuoma accepted it calmly.

The husband is his brother, so it's normal for him to accept things from his brother.

It's just a pity... Lu Yao didn't like to eat yak.

Last time I offered to kill a yak for him, but he absolutely refused...

Then, Lu Yao said goodbye to Zhuoma and drove towards Dargo.

In recent years... Dargoco has changed a lot.

Just as Renji said, there has indeed been an increase in backpackers coming here.

Clearly, more and more people are discovering the tears left behind by this Qudengnima Glacier.

Upon arriving at their destination, Lu Yao looked at the yaks by the lush lake and knew that they belonged to the herders in the village.

He didn't disturb them, but started unloading the ghee from the truck.

There were three barrels of ghee, a jar of barley flour, and various fried cakes and other snacks.

He placed it by the lake and then took a monk's robe from the car.

This is the robe of that Master Jebtsok. Lu Yao met him several times over the years and was quite happy to learn that Jebtsok had received two portions of yak butter that Lu Yao had left behind. But the other yak butter was probably taken by some Tibetans.

So Jeb left behind a monk's robe.

If Lu Yao doesn't circumambulate the lake when he delivers the yak butter again, or if the two don't meet, then cover the yak butter with the monk's robe.

These herders all recognized his monk's robes, and when they saw them, they would take them to the temple.

No one will steal it.

In this place... the power of faith has deeply penetrated people's hearts.

By the time Lu Yao had prepared all of this, he was already out of breath.

He sat on the ground for a while, feeling somewhat helpless, and sighed... He wondered if his beer belly missed his once well-defined abs.

After a while, he got up again and walked towards the ridgeline.

From a distance, you can see a small area surrounded by prayer flags.

That was clearly a "land enclosure" left by Renji.

He temporarily removed the wooden stakes surrounding the prayer flags and went to Xiao Bu's grave.

Actually, he didn't have any special feelings for the dog.

But... he really missed Bubu.

I wonder if Bubu will still remember... that scumbag.

and……

This was the only place he could think of where he might run into Hu Li.

Unfortunately... I never met him.

But that’s fine too.

Perhaps this means she is very happy?
Thinking about it, Lu Yao sat down, then picked up the pieces of shale and began to build mani stones.

There are many of these small hills next to Little Bu's grave.

Actually, he did all of this every year when he came.

Anyway, you can just stack a few pieces of shale together and it won't take much effort.

It can be considered...

Let's take a look at it for Hu Li.

He quickly piled up a small mound of stones about ten centimeters high and then stopped.

He took out a few bone-shaped cookies from his pocket.

This is a dog biscuit from the UK.

He didn't know if Little Brown liked this when he was alive, but thinking about it... British dog biscuits paired with British dogs could be considered a good match.

He calmed down after placing the stones in front of or behind the pile.

I gazed quietly at the distant Dargo Lake, completely emptying my mind.

Actually... he has changed quite a bit in the past few years.

Or rather, the changes around us have been quite significant.

He has achieved many accomplishments and made many breakthroughs.

The "revenge of Hu Li" that Luo Xuewei mentioned did not fall on him.

But... after that "Get lost" text message, Hu Li completely disappeared from his world.

After Zheng Xiaofan went to England, he did not see Hu Li.

Hu Li refused to see him.

He simply left a letter explaining the whole story.

Then... Hu Li disappeared without a trace.

This is also the reason why he and Xu Ruochu broke up.

He didn't believe Xu Ruochu wouldn't know, nor did he know whether Xu Ruochu actually knew or not.

But... when she proposed to him, he rejected her.

then……

The two broke up amicably.

There was no arguing, no hatred; in her words, everything was "the moment I saw your eyes, I knew the outcome."

Therefore, the separation was very peaceful.

They're even friends.

As for Bai Yao... after learning that Chu Jie had broken up with her, she proposed to start a formal relationship.

Lu Yao also refused.

then……

All I can say is that she really hates herself.

She is also characterized by her strong love and hate.

Then... she went to Yanjing.

He never came back.

Lu Yao didn't ask either, so let's just leave it at that.

As for Shen Wan... that girl who used to drink Erguotou disappeared very suddenly.

After successfully starting their business together with Xue Mingyue, both of them quietly disappeared from her and Xu Gongzi's world.

Young Master Xu did not go to look for him.

Lu Yao himself was too lazy to ask.

That's just how people are. Like an ironclad camp with ever-changing soldiers, Shanghai remains Shanghai, but the joys and sorrows beneath the city's neon lights are each person's own life story.

Everyone has the right to choose a better life.

Mr. Xu agrees with this.

Lu Yao, who initially thought of it as finding a stray cat or dog, also felt the same way.

Everyone is even, that's good.

That girl's life was very hard.

They deserve a better life.

As for Yang Ying... he has changed too.

After getting married, she's now a superstar.

The schedule is always busy.

What's more, she also had a baby.

On the day of her wedding, Lu Yao took the initiative to cut off all ties with her, after all, he would not be someone who would destroy someone else's family.

The two are currently on pretty good terms.

They are very good friends.

However, occasionally, when Yang Ying was drunk, he would still choose to have a moment of pleasure with him.

But ever since his girlfriend left, Lu Yao, who has been living like an ascetic, has never been completely drunk again.

Everyone seems to have changed.

But according to Young Master Xu, it is:

"Only you are standing still."

"Xiao Bu, do you think I'm standing still? I feel like I've changed quite a bit."

he murmured.

No one answered him.

Only a gentle breeze caresses you.

Like a lover's hand.

Without realizing it, Lu Yao put his arms on his knees and rested his head on them.

He was enjoying this moment in nature.

My emotions gradually emptied.

I don't want to think about Hu Li, even though I miss her a lot.

But at that moment, he didn't think about it.

They did not offer any prayers to the snow-capped mountains.

I pray that I can reunite with her.

Nothing at all.

He simply buried his head between his knees, feeling the lake, the snow-capped mountains behind him, the surrounding green grass... and the gentle warmth of the sunlight.

No job, no endless blind dates.

There is no intrigue.

Nothing at all.

Good.

He completely let go of himself.

I just sat there next to Little Bu's grave.

I gradually began to feel lonely.

After emptying one's mind, there is only endless loneliness.

He has always been a person who is content with the status quo.

I finally mustered up the courage to take that first step, but I messed it up myself.

So he shrank back.

It's like a past life.

He locked himself up again.

Of course, it doesn't mean that this life has been lived in vain.

On the contrary, 17 years ago, SMIC was still researching 28nm.

Now, thanks to his own efforts, although the lithography machine has not yet been successfully developed, at least the technology is not completely out of reach.

He and his team are trying to overtake others by taking a shortcut.

This is what he considers the most meaningful thing.

This proves that he did not live in vain.

So what if you're sleepy?

Actually, being alone is quite nice, isn't it?

But... why do I miss her so much?

He looked at the few Jeep Wranglers driving over there... those must be backpackers coming here.

He didn't pay any attention; he simply raised his head and continued gazing at the distant Dargo Lake.

At this moment, the sun is gradually rising.

The shadow of the ridgeline fell precisely on him.

And the sunlight is just inches away.

You can feel it as long as he moves down about a meter.

But he remained motionless.

I just sat there in the shadows, watching the vehicles that had stopped opposite Dargo Lake.

There are men and women.

A lot of people.

That's normal... June and July are the most beautiful months in southern Tibet.

Looking at the group of people in their colorful windbreakers, for some reason, memories of the past surfaced in Lu Yao's eyes.

That was in the summer of 2010.

He, Hu Li, Young Master Xu, Xu Ruochu...

The four of them came here on their own recommendation.

At that time, Dargo Co was a sparsely populated area.

We came here simply to give Xiaobu a peaceful home to rest in.

The moment Hu Li saw this lake, she fell in love with it.

And so, Little Bu rests here in eternal sleep.

And every time she came with him, what she liked most was to sit here with him, keeping Xiao Bu company, and staring blankly at the lake.

Lu Yao particularly dislikes hearing a certain phrase now, which seems to be a lyric from a song: "What's the point of cherishing something only after you've lost it?"

He really hates that lyric.

And he often fantasizes, if... he were hit by a truck again, would he be able to be reborn?
Will I meet her again this time?
If we could meet, then... there wouldn't be Xu Ruochu, there wouldn't be Shen Wan... there wouldn't be Bai Yao... there wouldn't be anyone.

He has a million ways to expose Luo Xuewei.

There are a million ways to make Hu Li fall in love with him again.

If only I could be reborn!

Before he knew it, his vision was becoming blurry.

It wasn't crying, but rather a complete loss of focus.

The world became blurred.

Just then, he vaguely heard the sound of a car engine.

But he still ignored it, his gaze fixed on the colorful lake, completely emptying his mind.

until……

He noticed footsteps.

And... I was momentarily blinded by a ray of light.

He squinted instinctively, then his eyes quickly focused. He looked down the mountain.

A person wearing a dust cap and a colorful windbreaker was looking at him.

But he didn't know what the thing that had just dazzled his eyes was.

But I didn’t think much about it.

After glancing at the other person, he turned his head away.

He rested his head on his arm again and yawned.

The sun was now shining on his feet.

It's still quite warm.

Very comfortable.

Let's stay a little longer.

We'll just soak up some sun and then leave.

Until he heard footsteps.

He subconsciously looked up and saw that the person who had been at the foot of the mountain was now about ten steps in front of him.

Judging from her figure, she is a woman.

Unfortunately, the sand mask and sunglasses made it impossible for him to see his face.

Lu Yao subconsciously looked around.

Some doubts.

After thinking about it, he took the initiative to ask:

"Hello?"

"..."

The person didn't say anything.

"?"

Lu Yao was somewhat puzzled.

He looked the other person up and down.

Suddenly his eyes narrowed!
"???"

He was stunned.

Instinctively, I looked at the other person's left hand.

On the ring finger of her left hand... she was also wearing a diamond ring.

An indescribable emotion suddenly surged up to Lu Yao's head.

He opened his mouth instinctively.

But reason immediately rejected his idea.

Will not.

impossible.

Instinctively, he covered his left hand.

I wanted to say something, but it felt like my throat was blocked.

I can't make a sound no matter what I do.

illusion?

Did I misread it?

still is……

Just then, perhaps because his stunned expression was too exaggerated, the man suddenly shook his head and asked:
"That Unimog, is it yours?"

"!"

The moment Lu Yao heard that voice, his eyes widened instantly.

Did I hear that right?

resemblance?

still is……

His lips began to tremble inexplicably.

But looking at the other person's calm demeanor... a sense of doubt arose in her heart.

Is it really her?

"Sister Hu... Li?"

He didn't answer, but asked in a strained tone.

"?"

The man tilted his head, expressing his confusion, then turned and pointed to the Unimog by the lake at the foot of the mountain:
Is it yours?

"Uh……"

Her initial excitement vanished like a flame meeting an iceberg when she pressed for more information.

It went out in an instant.

He had fantasized many times about reuniting with Hu Li.

But based on his understanding of her, he would never be so calm in any situation.

It turned out to be the case.

Was it all just wishful thinking?

Even though I didn't even see the other person's face...

But he also lost the desire to see her true face.

So he nodded:
"Well, it's mine."

"Oh, he's quite handsome."

"……Thanks."

Lu Yao thanked him politely, but he was completely disheartened.

He withdrew his gaze, his interest waning.

Until they realized the other person hadn't left.

"?"

He looked at the other person again and asked:
"Anything else?"

"That's all. Did you come alone?"

"..."

Lu Yao was somewhat speechless, but still nodded:
"Hmm. Where are you from?"

"us?"

The man tilted his head again, glanced at it, and seemed to understand something. He then asked:

"Are you nearsighted?"

Lu Yao thought to himself, "You're quite rude."

Can't you see I'm wearing my glasses?

So he didn't bother with any more words and stood up from the ground.

After re-inserting the wooden stake, he said:
"Just a heads up, this place belongs to the herders. Don't touch it, or they'll get angry."

"Then why can you move?"

"Because the herdsman who made this is my older brother."

As Lu Yao spoke, he nodded to her and headed straight down the mountain.

He brushed past her and never looked back.

Until... I heard a sentence:

"You've gained weight."

"..."

He paused in his steps.

My limbs suddenly stiffened.

But his head kept twisting uncontrollably.

Twisting, turning around.

Like a rusted gear, it struggled to turn its head.

Then the man continued to ask:

"I didn't recognize him from a distance."

"Uh...clunk...click..."

Lu Yao wanted to say something again, but he couldn't get the words out.

Until I heard the next sentence.

"you are married?"

"..."

Instinctively, Lu Yao shook his head silently.

His mind was completely blank at that moment.

A surge of ecstasy mixed with a variety of emotions left him momentarily at a loss.

But at this moment...

"I am married."

"!"

Boom.

The flames that were about to reignite were struck again by an even larger iceberg.

Especially when I saw her raised left hand.

In the sunlight, the dazzling light of the diamond ring pierced his heart like a sharp sword.

No bloodshed.

No pain.

There was only this... inexplicable desolation.

You got married...

"Congratulations."

Instinctively, he uttered a completely unremarkable statement.

Then... he turned around and started walking down the mountain again.

One step later.

The pain was soul-crushing and bone-chilling.

Anxious.

It was a pain that felt like your heart had been hollowed out.

Unforgettable.

But he held back.

Also good.

That can be considered the end of it.

Good.

Isn't it great...?

They got married...how wonderful...

The pain pierced my nerves, and it felt as if all the bones in my body were being crushed by a thousand pounds.

You need to crush him into powder.

Two steps.

pain.

It hurts even more now.

Anxious.

Three steps...

Does it hurt your heart?

The voice sounded again.

This time, Lu Yao didn't turn around, and then he heard the next sentence:

"I was in even more pain then."

"..."

"It took me a long time to get over this pain."

"..."

Lu Yao did not turn back.

No words were spoken.

There wasn't even an explanation.

All the naive fantasies of the past have vanished into nothingness at this moment.

No matter how many times he fantasized about reuniting with you, when he actually faced it, he found...

In the end, all I felt was guilt.

Guilt without regret.

as well as……

"sorry."

Lu Yao did not turn back.

He uttered three words.

These three words had been weighing on his mind for 5 years, 2 months, and 11 days.

But in response to his words, the voice behind him asked again:
"Does it hurt?"

"..."

Lu Yao remained silent.

"Although I saw Zheng Xiaofan's explanation."

"..."

"But I'm in more pain."

"..."

"So, I got married. I have a husband who loves me very much. It took him a long time to heal me. It was his encouragement that helped me get out of the shadows. And this time, I'm here to take Xiaobu away. I know you leave a mani stone pile every year. But you have no feelings for Xiaobu. You're more like reminding me, right?"

"..."

"Don't do that again. It's pointless."

"..."

"He's better than you..."

Suddenly, the words behind me stopped.

Footsteps started.

Then, a question that had already been asked twice was brought up again:

"Does it hurt?"

"Ah."

This time, Lu Yao finally answered her.

But he still didn't turn around.

Blurred eyes looked ahead.

The sunlight was colorful.

But the wind from the snow-capped mountains reached deep into my heart.

It was so cold it chilled you to the bone.

Amidst this chill, he said:
"But it doesn't hurt as much as it does for you. I'm sorry."

After saying that, he continued walking down the mountain.

But after taking just one step, he suddenly stumbled.

Someone grabbed the hood of his windbreaker from behind.

It takes a lot of force.

He was pulled backward and fell to the ground.

Before they could react, their bodies were already pinned down.

No, woman.

Hu Li simply straddled his lap.

Looking down at Lu Yao, whose eyes were blurry with tears, she shook her head.

"I've cried for you so many times, you know that?"

"..."

"So many times. So many times, when I got up, my pillow was already soaked with sweat."

"..."

“I don’t understand, I don’t understand why you would do this. I especially don’t understand why it had to be Vesna… and those twins. I can’t believe that a man who claims to love me would do something like this behind my back… Do you know how much I hate you? I gave you my whole heart.”

Her tone was completely calm.

Lu Yao couldn't bring himself to speak.

At this moment, no words could express how utterly desolate his feelings were.

"So, I swore that I would make you taste what real pain is... You know, if I wanted to... I could do it. But... in the end, I found that I still couldn't."

As she spoke, she finally took off her sunglasses.

His eyes, which Lu Yao had longed for day and night and were incredibly familiar to him, were revealed.

Her eyes also reddened.

Looking down at his former lover from his high vantage point:
"Even just now, when I saw a figure sitting next to Xiaobu, I was still wondering if it was you. And if it was you... I wanted to tear your heart out!"

She gritted her teeth.

But tears welled up in his eyes and fell drop by drop onto Lu Yao's face.

So cold.

"I wanted to use the most vicious words to provoke you, to disappoint you, to make you despair, to leave you unable to live or die... I had already planned it all out, but... in the end... I realized... sob... I still... see you... sad, and I... am even sadder... I... sob... don't want you... to hurt... don't want to hurt... sob sob... you..."

Her emotions just collapsed.

The collapse was sudden.

The collapse came without warning.

Until Lu Yao pulled her directly into his arms.

The soft sobbing turned into a wail.

All Lu Yao could do was repeat that line over and over again:

"sorry."

Just then, he felt his hand being grasped.

Clasp your fingers together and press your palms together.

You can even feel the texture of the ring.

then……

She removed the sandproof headgear herself.

The black hair hangs down.

It has already reached his back.

With teary eyes, she looked at Lu Yao and asked, word by word:

"Are you married?"

"...No. Are you...married?"

When Lu Yao brought up the matter that had already been discussed earlier, Hu Li shook her head:
"No."

"Then let's get married."

"..."

Hu Li was stunned.

He suddenly laughed:

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure. In this life, it's you, and only you."

"Really?"

"real."

"There won't be a second time?"

"never."

"..."

So, the mature woman tilted her head.

He asked with a hint of uncertainty:
"Really? Are you sure?"

"Really, I'm sure."

"Ha~"

She chuckled softly.

The glistening tears fell like rainbow raindrops.

It's laughable, yet it's as vibrant as a kaleidoscope of colors.

Lowered his head.

She kissed him.

That life

I circle the mountains, the waters, and the stupas.
Not for the sake of the next life

Just to meet you on the way
That life

I searched all over the 100,000 mountains

Not for the sake of the next life

Just so I can meet you on the road.

(End of the book)

(End of this chapter)