The wedding party for Xu Yongming and Li Siyuan was held at San Mao’s music store.
Located in the heart of City C, adjacent to the Youth Palace and the Arts School, the shop was filled mostly with alumni from C University and professional colleagues. About twenty or thirty young people had gathered, making for a lively atmosphere. Mai Shining and Zhang Jikang were naturally among the guests, while Xia Yinuo brought Liang Juejun and Li Mu along. Once New Year’s Day passed, Li Mu’s vacation would be coming to an end.
The music store spanned two floors. The first floor was divided into sections showcasing a wide array of instruments—Western, folk, classical, modern, and electronic. The second floor housed a main hall, several practice rooms, and a recording studio. The best part, however, was the rooftop terrace, which was equipped for both a stage and a barbecue.
Unfortunately, they hadn't accounted for the biting cold. As night fell, even with the heaters lit, the howling north wind on the terrace was enough to make anyone shiver. San Mao lamented, "Everyone wanted to pick this '1314' date to register their marriage, but who knew the weather wouldn't cooperate? I suppose life can’t be perfect in every way."
So, they moved the stage indoors. Fortunately, the second-floor hall was spacious enough. The stars of the evening were, of course, the newly minted couple.
The crowd began to cheer and heckle. Though they weren't decked out in traditional red robes and crowns, it was still the groom’s big day, and he was expected to say a few words for the occasion.
San Mao stepped onto the stage, beaming as he showed off the marriage certificate they had received that morning. "Do you have any idea how long the line was at the Civil Affairs Bureau today? I bet it could wrap around the earth a few times, just like that milk tea commercial. Thank God I’ve finally settled my life’s greatest milestone in the eyes of the law!"
The crowd laughed.
"I used to think marriage was just a formality," San Mao continued, taking Siyuan’s hand. He spoke to the room, but his eyes were fixed only on her. "But holding this little red book, it feels heavy—yet my heart has never felt more at peace. Today, I want to thank you all for taking the time to come. Eat, drink, and have fun! I have the setlist for tonight right here; if anyone’s interested, come up and take a look later. For now, I’ll start us off. My wife—hahaha, cough—and I will perform a song to warm up the room!"
San Mao and Siyuan sang a syrupy-sweet rendition of *Our Little World*. Below the stage, Mai Shining groaned, "San Mao is getting more mushy by the second. I’m getting goosebumps!"
Zhang Jikang, whether joking or serious, turned to Mai Shining and said, "When are you free? Let’s go grab a certificate ourselves!"
Mai Shining looked at him with pure disdain. "Don't tell me this is your idea of a proposal."
Zhang Jikang squinted with a grin. "How about I go up and sing a song for you instead?"
Mai Shining rolled her eyes. "People who are tone-deaf have no right to speak."
Zhang Jikang raised his hands in surrender and obediently shut his mouth.
Li Mu muttered, "I don't know, I think it’s pretty romantic!"
Mai Shining chuckled. "Oh, a young girl is a young girl after all, still carrying a heart full of girlish dreams!"
Xia Yinuo chimed in, "Oh, she’s just waiting for a Quixotic unrequited love."
Flustered and annoyed, Li Mu made a face at Xia Yinuo. "Hmph, I’m going to get something to drink!"
Liang Juejun brushed her hand against Xia Yinuo’s. Xia Yinuo secretly caught her fingers for a moment before letting go. Just then, Liang Juejun’s phone rang; she gestured to Xia Yinuo and walked to a quieter spot to take the call.
As soon as Liang Juejun left, Mai Shining dismissed Zhang Jikang. "The guys over there are waiting for you to play board games. Go on, I have things to discuss with Xiaobao."
Zhang Jikang nodded and walked away.
Mai Shining pulled Xia Yinuo into a corner, nodding toward Liang Juejun, who was standing by a floor-to-ceiling window not far away. "Is Professor Liang not going back to the States for Christmas or New Year?"
"No. She said she just went back recently, and she has too much on her plate right now. She’ll find another time to visit."
"Oh..."
"Actually, I wanted to tell you something," Xia Yinuo said. "We’re still on for the family portrait at your place tomorrow, right? After that, my mom and uncle will take Grandma back home. I want you to bring Jikang along, and I’ll keep my brother and Mumu there too. We need to sit down and talk."
Mai Shining pointed at Xia Yinuo, her eyes widening. "You don't mean you're going to..."
"Yes. Mumu already knows," Xia Yinuo replied with a slow, steady nod.
"Fair enough." Mai Shining’s tone shifted, her expression becoming uncharacteristically serious. "I have something to say to you."
"Go ahead."
Mai Shining cleared her throat. "I recall the words of Gu Long: 'There are many kinds of people in this world. Some like to reminisce about the past, others like to dream of the future. But some believe that the old days weren't necessarily the good days, and the future is unpredictable. Only the "now" is real, so one must cherish it.'"
Xia Yinuo smiled. "Mai-mai, what are you trying to say? You know you can tell me anything."
"Cough, that was just the opening monologue," Mai Shining muttered. "I’ll get straight to the point. When I was younger, I was arrogant and reckless. I did a lot of stupid things. Looking back, I was so thoughtless, and I’m lucky you all were so patient and understanding. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and can’t be so willful anymore, but lately, I’ve actually been thinking seriously about family and marriage."
At this, Mai Shining couldn't help but laugh. Xia Yinuo gently patted her shoulder. Mai Shining caught her hand and continued, "There are things I’m afraid no one else will have the chance to tell you if I don't, and I just want you to be happy. You know I hate preaching practical life lessons, but today, I want to talk to you about the so-called 'real now.'"
Xia Yinuo said, "I’m all ears."
"Have you thought about your future with Liang Juejun?" Mai Shining asked. "You heard San Mao just now—legally, he’s settled his life’s big event. But for you and Professor Liang, that’s impossible under domestic law. And you’re so stubborn. She spent the last decade or so centered abroad. You said her contract at C University is for three years, and this is the second year, right? Even if her family accepts you, they might not accept the two of you staying in China long-term. I want to know what you’re thinking."
Hearing this, Xia Yinuo’s eyes softened with warmth. She smiled. "That really hits the nail on the head."
Mai Shining huffed. "Idiot. I’m trying to have a heart-to-heart with you, and that’s your reaction? I’ve never been against this—you know that. In fact, I’m happy you found someone you love. You have to understand, I’m not questioning you; I’m just worried about you."
Xia Yinuo kept her smile, but her voice was resolute. "Mai-mai, don't worry. Nothing is a match for love, except love itself."
Mai Shining looked down, silent.
"I just feel for her. She doesn't have much family in City C, and not many friends..." After a moment’s pause, Xia Yinuo continued, "She is an only child, and she has one year left on her special appointment contract. Although she mentioned wanting to stay before, we haven't discussed it in detail. Besides, I have less than a year until graduation. It’s not like I can’t go with her. After all, my mom has my brother, and my dad has Xiao Yan..."
"Xiaobao! That’s easy to say, but—"
"We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Things will work out. We’ve only just begun; everything will be fine."
"If you say so, then I’ll stop worrying. What’s wrong with me? I’m just meddling."
"Not at all, Mai-mai. I understand."
"You’re good in every way, except for how you bottle things up. I’m a selfish person; I only care if you’re happy. Even when it comes to your Senior Liang, I will always be on your side. Do you understand?"
"I do."
As they spoke, Li Mu walked toward them with a drink. She looked around and noticed Liang Juejun was gone, so she seized the chance to ask Mai Shining, "Sister Mai, tell me—who chased whom? This stingy sister of mine won't say a word!"
Xia Yinuo looked at Mai Shining, smiling but saying nothing.
Mai Shining felt a whirlwind of emotions, but she put on her usual playful grin. "Oh, you have no idea. Back then, Xiaobao was crying to me every day about how much she liked Professor Liang, begging me to teach her my secret 'Art of Love' techniques. So, of course, it was your sister who chased Professor Liang!"
"Really?" Li Mu’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Give me more dirt!"
Mai Shining acted mysterious. "Shh! Keep it down!"
Li Mu nodded like a chick pecking at grain. "Yes! Yes! Tell me!"
Mai Shining nudged Xia Yinuo with her elbow. "Xiaobao is a classic 'closet-romantic' and awkward artsy type! Back then, even with a broken arm, she did that whole thing for her birthday... 'taking you to my grandma’s house, watching the sunset together until we both fall asleep,' that kind of thing! And who knows how many things I *don't* know about!"
Li Mu glanced at Xia Yinuo. "Exactly! She’s the queen of being a closet-romantic! Last time I wanted to tease her—it was Professor Liang’s birthday, and she just took her out for hotpot. But then it turns out her gift was a seal she carved herself! A total killer move! Incredible!"
Xia Yinuo crossed her arms. "Is there a problem with that?"
Mai Shining gave a thumbs up. "Top-tier!"
"Speaking of top-tier, Professor Liang isn't far behind," Li Mu remarked. "The fridge at her place is never without various kinds of milk, and there are two cans of powdered milk she actually brought back from the States last time she went! There’s spoiling a kid, and then there’s *this*!"
"Top-tier!" Mai Shining joked, though her heart felt settled and at ease.
Xia Yinuo just laughed, watching Li Mu and Mai Shining go back and forth.
Li Mu asked, "So, how did Professor Liang fall for my sister?"
Mai Shining replied, "Early on! And Professor Liang admitted it the moment she was asked—so straightforward! I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but back then, the way Professor Liang looked at Xiaobao... you could practically wring the tenderness out of her gaze."
At that moment, a sweet love song ended on stage. The bassist of the band, dressed in black, moved to the lead position and swapped his bass for an acoustic guitar. After nodding to the other members, he lowered his head and began to sing: "That day, at dusk, the white snow began to fall. Sorrow blooms across the hills, waiting for youth to end. Midnight movies, filled with ancient romances, singing for the young in the darkness..."
Li Mu tugged at Xia Yinuo’s sleeve. "Sis, who’s that?"
"The bassist for 'Flower Never Sleeps,' Su Xu," Xia Yinuo answered.
"Xiao Xia! Come here!" San Mao called out from the stairwell, waving a guitar. Xia Yinuo instinctively looked back toward the window where Liang Juejun was still on the phone.
Mai Shining swatted Xia Yinuo’s backside. "Go on, I’ll tell her."
Xia Yinuo gave Mai Shining a mock-glare before heading toward the stairs.
The man on stage continued his soft, low singing: "Dew hangs from the hair, frozen with transparent melancholy, the first confusion of my life... In the age of believing in love, the songs I couldn't sing for you leave me reminiscing often throughout my life..."
Li Mu asked Mai Shining casually, "What’s the story with this Su Xu?"
"Like Xiaobao said, he’s the current leader of 'Flower Never Sleeps,'" Mai Shining explained. "Ah-Xu is one of the founding members. Because of Xiaobao, I used to hang out at their club occasionally, which is how I met San Mao. Ah-Xu didn't talk much back then; he was shy and reserved, but very witty. After San Mao graduated, Ah-Xu took over the mantle. It’s been over seven years now."
"He’s been at C University that long?"
"Yeah, just like Xiaobao. But I don't know who he’ll hand the band over to after he graduates... Hey, don't distract me, I wasn't finished! Where was I? Oh! What did Professor Liang see in Xiaobao? Let me think... it feels like ages ago... hm..." Mai Shining rested her chin on her hand, thinking hard, then suddenly snapped her fingers. "I’ve got it! It must be because of Xiaobao’s perpetually submissive aura... Hahahaha!"
Someone suddenly leaned in between them and added, "Actually, back then, I also liked the way she looked sitting in the morning sun, wearing sunglasses and peeling edamame..."
Mai Shining, who had been gloating, jumped in fright. She clutched her chest and complained, "Professor Liang, that wasn't fair! You can't just sneak up like that! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
Liang Juejun shrugged innocently.
Savoring the implication of Liang Juejun’s words, Mai Shining’s smile turned even more mischievous, her face full of knowing amusement.
Li Mu had always held Liang Juejun in high regard; having been caught gossiping, she immediately zipped her lip, though she was still giggling internally. Just then, Li Siyuan walked by, and Li Mu pulled her over. "Sister Siyuan!"
"Yes?"
"After the current leader leaves, who will the band and the club be handed over to?"
Li Siyuan looked toward the stage and pointed. "The keyboardist behind Ah-Xu, Xiao Lai. She’s a formal music major, but she came to play with the non-professional 'Flower Never Sleeps.' Xiao Lai is hardworking and steady. Ah-Xu’s intention is for it to be her. Of course, the final decision rests with the band and the club members."
"Oh." Li Mu nodded.
Mai Shining glanced at what Siyuan was holding. "Is that tonight’s setlist?"
Li Siyuan smiled. "It is! Why? Interested?"
Liang Juejun asked, "May I take a look?"
"Of course!"
Meanwhile, San Mao and Xia Yinuo were in the practice room at the turn of the stairs.
San Mao gently wiped a guitar with a cotton cloth. "Feng Ye had someone bring this Fender over. Look at the inscription here."
Xia Yinuo leaned in and read the small words on the body of the guitar: *The scent of sunshine and seawater is the scent of youth and Flower Never Sleeps.*
"That’s right," San Mao said. "I’m keeping this guitar here for safekeeping. It belongs to every member of the band."
"That’s wonderful."
"Feng Ye also asked me to pass a message to you," San Mao teased. "He said if you’re still unwanted by the time you’re thirty, he can come back from City Q and reluctantly marry you."
Xia Yinuo’s hand, which had been strumming the strings, paused. She burst out laughing. "That would be far too much trouble for him!"
Her phone buzzed. She looked down at a text from Mai Shining: *Where are you? Come back quick!*
Startled, Xia Yinuo quickly set the guitar down and told San Mao she had to step out for a moment.
As she rounded the stairwell and searched for Liang Juejun and Mai Shining, a familiar voice drifted from the stage: "You are my sunshine."
Xia Yinuo followed the sound and froze in her tracks, unable to move another inch.
Liang Juejun was sitting on a chair behind a music stand and a microphone. A soft spotlight fell on her face, and all the light in the room seemed to gather in her eyes. Xia Yinuo felt dazed, as if cherry blossoms were fluttering down around her and the air was filled with an unknown, sweet fragrance.
With only a guitar accompanying her, Liang Juejun smiled in Xia Yinuo’s direction and began to sing softly:
"You are my sunshine,
my only sunshine,
you make me happy,
when skies are gray.
you'll never know dear,
how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.
you are my sunshine,
my only sunshine,
you make me happy,
when skies are gray.
you'll never know dear,
how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.
please don't take my sunshine away."
***
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
Cicada's Summer GL | Chapter 52 | A Serenade for Sunshine | Novela.app | Novela.app
