Cicada's Summer GL | Chapter 63 | To You | Novela.app

For a five-year medical student, the time when their four-year peers graduate is usually spent rotating through hospital internships, leaving little room for sentimentality. When the moment of parting finally arrives, it is often a frantic, sudden scramble—one group goes abroad, another enters grad school, and another starts working. Yet, for those graduating with a doctorate five years later, everything seems to follow a set pace, falling into place as naturally as flowing water. Xia Yinuo felt an immense sense of peace. With her defense over, her handover work at the lab was nearly finished. All that remained was to wait quietly for June to receive her graduation certificate and degree. Consequently, she suddenly found herself with a wealth of free time before officially leaving campus. Before she was with Liang Juejun, Xia Yinuo’s schedule—aside from experiments—was filled with accompanying family and friends, or staying at home reading, surfing the web, and playing with LoVo. Perhaps the thing science and engineering students envied most about those in the arts and humanities was that they didn't have to soak in a lab all day and had plenty of discretionary time. For instance, Ms. Cheng Wuyue, also known as May, seemed to be free every single day. Fortunately, Ms. Cheng was someone who knew how to find her own fun and possessed a warm heart. After running into Xia Yinuo at the elevator several days in a row, Ms. Cheng extended an invitation: "Xia, if you're bored, you can come to the gym with me." Xia Yinuo waved her off. "Forget it. For me, exercise is best in moderation. Besides, you're going there to see your Professor Yan. It would be awkward if I tagged along!" Ms. Cheng chuckled and slapped Xia Yinuo on the back, as if to say, *Hey, you really get it!* Despite both being teachers, Ms. Cheng truly didn't seem to grasp the concept of acting like a dignified role model. Xia Yinuo said helplessly, "Speaking of which, don't you have to lead students in painting lately? Are you done researching Western art history?" At the mention of art, Ms. Cheng grew animated. "Art is free! Actually, I’ve been working on a new piece lately. By the way, are you interested in being my model? I think you have excellent features!" Seeing the way Ms. Cheng was sizing her up, Xia Yinuo quickly interjected, "Whoa, I'll pass!" Ms. Cheng laughed loudly. "Why so nervous? It’s not like I’m asking you to take your clothes off!" Three lines of cold sweat formed on Xia Yinuo’s forehead. "I’ll introduce you to an artist friend of mine another day. I think you two would get along; she’s a photography major." The eldest Miss Cheng readily agreed. In truth, Xia Yinuo didn't find her slower pace of life boring at all; instead, she had fallen in love with cooking. It is said that if a memory is etched in the mind, it can easily become muddled, but if it is scalded onto the tongue, it becomes an instinct. All the good men and women of the world should be tempered in the kitchen. Whether it is stir-frying, braising, simmering, boiling, searing, steaming, deep-frying, or stewing—having a skill in the kitchen is a crowning grace. On an ordinary weekend, you can go to the market, return home, slip into slippers, tie on an apron, and light the stove. Food nourishes our hearts and lungs, much like a lover; only when prepared with heart can it leave a lingering fragrance on the lips. So, on a certain weekday afternoon, when Xia Yinuo showed up at Barley Photography Studio carrying a pot of fine soup, Mai Shining nearly dropped her jaw to the floor. "Oh my, what’s happened here?! Is our little Yinuo working full-time as a Snail Maiden now?!" Xia Yinuo smiled without a word. "Look at that little housewife expression, tsk tsk!" Mai Shining circled Xia Yinuo, pinching her cheek. "What’s in this pot? Are you using me as a guinea pig?" Xia Yinuo brushed Mai Shining’s hand away. "Excuse me, I have absolute confidence in my culinary skills. Furthermore, Senior Sister already appraised my handiwork last night." Mai Shining let out a howl and leaned in close to Xia Yinuo with a devious look. "Oh! Last night... Professor Liang appraised... which of your 'handiworks'?! Hmm?!" Xia Yinuo wasn't bothered. She simply sat on the sofa and flipped through a magazine. Mai Shining finally stopped laughing. As she unscrewed the thermos, she grumbled, "You're no fun at all! Boring! I happen to be hungry, let's see what we have." Xia Yinuo glanced up at her and said leisurely, "Eat slowly, no one’s going to snatch it from you." Mai Shining didn't forget to mumble even while drinking the soup. "When do you plan to start working? Aren't you going on a graduation trip during this time?" Without thinking, Xia Yinuo said, "No." Liang Juejun had asked this question long ago, and Xia Yinuo’s answer was simple: travel requires an impulse. The weather in C City was lovely in May, and her current state of life was perfect, so she didn't want to leave. Mai Shining: "Haha, you're addicted to being a little housewife at home, aren't you?" Xia Yinuo shrugged; she could say whatever she wanted. Mai Shining: "What’s the plan for the afternoon?" Xia Yinuo: "I’m going to the publishing house later. I have an appointment with my uncle to consult him about opening a shop on North Street." Mai Shining: "Is it settled?" Xia Yinuo: "Not yet. I saw two storefronts that looked decent, so I’m going to ask my uncle for his opinion." Mai Shining nodded, looking thoughtful. Xia Yinuo: "Why that face? It’s not like you didn't know I’ve always wanted to do this." North Street was located at the northernmost edge of the C University campus, adjacent to the faculty housing area. It was a quiet corner where peaceful shops were scattered along a tranquil street, forming a sharp contrast to the bustling snack street on the south side of the school. After Zhang Jikang and Mai Shining’s families moved away from the faculty area, Xia Yinuo had said that because she loved North Street, she would open a shop there in the future. "You were young then; I thought you were just joking. Hearing you bring it up again, I suppose it’s for Professor Liang!" Mai Shining said softly. Xia Yinuo laughed. "As they say, you should still have dreams—what if they come true?" Mai Shining sighed. "You, oh you! If you need any help, just tell me." Xia Yinuo: "I know. I’ll definitely need your ideas for the renovation." The storefronts on North Street belonged to the university's property department and were only for rent, not for sale. After hearing Xia Yinuo’s plan, Li Qingfeng said, "You’ve certainly asked the right person. I know Secretary Wang from the university property department; he can give you some information regarding property leases. Also, the owner of the North Street Bookstore, Ms. Lin, is an old friend of our publishing house. She should be able to help." Xia Yinuo clapped her hands. "I knew Uncle would have the best solutions!" Li Qingfeng said seriously, "However, I must also remind you, Yinuo—it’s easy to think, but hard to do. Many young people claim they want to start a business, only to return in defeat. You can't get real work done relying solely on novel ideas. Especially since you're a layman when it comes to business. Then there’s the issue of capital. Where will the money come from? Nothing can be accomplished without money." "Uncle, you know I’ve been a 'parasite' living off my parents for so many years," Xia Yinuo joked. "Actually, I couldn't even spend all the money my parents gave me over the years. Most of it was saved, and I bought some funds and wealth management products. Combined with my doctoral stipend and scholarships, I’ve scraped enough together. The money isn't an issue." Li Qingfeng laughed at this. "It seems your former brother-in-law gave you quite a bit of pocket money. Why did you suddenly think of opening a coffee shop?" Xia Yinuo: "It wasn't sudden; I’ve had the idea for a long time. Anyway, I don't want to be a parasite forever!" Li Qingfeng nodded. "And the renovation? That part alone is enough to cause a headache." Xia Yinuo: "Don't worry about that. Once I have the lease, I’ll go to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to apply for the coffee shop’s trademark. I already have a rough plan for fire safety, water, electricity, gas, furniture, equipment, and even the removal of construction waste. I expect the electrical power will exceed the original meter's load, so I’ll need to apply to the power bureau for a high-capacity meter. As for the renovation details—how to handle the air conditioning drainage and vents, how to arrange the furniture, what wallpaper to choose—those will have to be decided after an on-site survey and communication with the contractors. Mai Mai has experience in this area; I can ask her when the time comes." Li Qingfeng said approvingly, "Good! I know you're a reliable person. In that case, go ahead and do it boldly." Xia Yinuo nodded obediently. Li Qingfeng asked casually, "Does your mother agree?" "I mentioned it before, but nothing was finalized. I can't think of a reason why Mom wouldn't support it," Xia Yinuo smiled. "Besides, won't I have you to speak up for me, Uncle?" Li Qingfeng was momentarily speechless before laughing. "I see! You really are a clever little ghost!" Xia Yinuo: "Well, a niece takes after her uncle!" The uncle and niece had a pleasant conversation, and the topic naturally drifted to Li Mu. After returning to the country, Li Mu was currently interning at the Yuxiu Law Firm in C City. Li Qingfeng: "Has Mu Mu mentioned anything about work to you lately?" Xia Yinuo: "I visited their firm a few days ago. Everything is going well. I even told her that if I don't understand any procedures later on, I’ll just ask my live-in legal consultant." Li Qingfeng: "A while ago, she mentioned wanting to go and teach in a rural area again. Sigh, let’s not speak of that for now. We’ll see how she performs during her internship at the firm first." Xia Yinuo: "Don't worry, Mu Mu knows what she's doing." Li Qingfeng: "I hope so." In May, the band *Flowers Unsleeping* reached its eighth year. Lately, whenever she wasn't working, Li Mu appeared frequently at C University, looking radiant. When Liang Juejun asked why, Li Mu was hesitant and kept her lips sealed. Xia Yinuo, on the other hand, said mysteriously, "There will be a surprise at this year’s *Flowers Unsleeping* concert!" Liang Juejun stared at Xia Yinuo with a suspicious look. Knowing Liang Juejun’s temperament, Xia Yinuo only had to act a little spoiled: "It’s still in the secret stage. Won't we find out when we go to the performance together?" This year’s concert was held in the school’s small auditorium, which could hold several hundred people. That evening, besides Xia and Liang, San Mao, Li Siyuan, Mai Shining, Zhang Jikang, and Li Mu all came. This was also Su Xu’s final performance representing *Flowers Unsleeping* before graduation. Xia Yinuo and Liang Juejun didn't choose the front row; instead, they sat in the middle-back of the auditorium. Liang Juejun remained very quiet, and Xia Yinuo secretly took her hand in the darkness. Liang Juejun turned to look at Xia Yinuo; neither spoke, but they looked at each other and smiled. With a lover by one's side, every breath was filled with sweetness. Reminiscing about the past, the taste was mellow. The mystery of the song "Encounter" from last year’s outdoor concert had now been solved, and the meaning of holding hands at this moment was self-evident. As the concert neared its end, Li Mu, in the front row, kept turning back to look at Xia Yinuo. Xia Yinuo laughed inwardly; children really couldn't keep their composure. She admired Liang Juejun’s patience, as she hadn't asked about the surprise again. After the second encore, the audience had mostly dispersed, but the group of friends and the band members stayed on stage in a tacit understanding, neither packing up the instruments nor showing any intention of leaving. Mai Shining found it strange and was about to ask about the celebration dinner when Xia Yinuo pulled her away, saying they should go to the restroom together. Mai Shining looked at Xia Yinuo with disdain. "Xia Yinuo, how old are you? You still need someone to accompany you to the toilet!" Xia Yinuo didn't care. "Sister! Look, the path to the backstage is so dark, I’m a little scared..." Mai Shining was speechless. She shot a look at Liang Juejun, as if to say, *Professor Liang, aren't you going to do something about her?* Xia Yinuo quickly winked at Liang Juejun. Liang Juejun curled her lips into a smile, her long fingers lightly and rhythmically tapping her folded arms. All the way back from the restroom, Mai Shining complained about Xia Yinuo’s bizarre behavior of going to the restroom just to wash her hands. As the two stepped back into the small auditorium, the lights suddenly went out. The projector in the center of the stage lit up. Then, accompanied by the band’s soft music, photos began to appear on the wall, like frames from a movie. Mai Shining was stunned, staring at the projection in surprise because those were all her own works. Some had never been publicly released, including early pieces from when she first started photography. Mai Shining instinctively looked around. Xia Yinuo pressed her hands on Mai Shining’s shoulders, guiding her to the front of the projection, and whispered in her ear, "Please, enjoy the show." Then came photos of Mai Shining from various stages of her life, from childhood to the present. Her as a newborn in swaddling clothes; her as a child playing in the faculty courtyard; her in her youth wearing a lady-like dress; her in high school watching him play basketball from the sidelines; her standing beside him, laughing heartlessly; her secretly sleeping in class; her making faces at the camera; her eating with her mouth full; her raising her camera time and time again... In the flickering light of the auditorium, Zhang Jikang appeared at the very edge of the stage. A beam of light hit his young, resolute face. He raised the microphone and said to Mai Shining below, word by word: "Mai Mai, do you know? You are always taking photos, capturing fleeting moments of landscapes and people. Behind every photo is a story, given life and meaning by the photographer. I don't understand photography, and I don't even want to care about the vast world or the various states of existence. I only want to selfishly possess that photographer. Only by having her can I have the whole world." Xia Yinuo quietly returned to Liang Juejun’s side and whispered with downcast eyes, "This is the surprise I mentioned earlier." Liang Juejun smiled. "Not necessarily." Xia Yinuo looked up suspiciously, but saw that Liang Juejun was merely focusing on the person on stage. Zhang Jikang looked at Mai Shining with a burning gaze and said, "You said you like photography because you like the eternity of a moment; nothing is more real or meaningful than the moment it is frozen. What I want to say to you is that we are also an eternity. We grew up together, experienced every stage of each other's lives, accompanied each other, and relied on each other. The hourglass of time and the shutter in your hand record the moments and the eternity that belong to us." Faced with such a heartfelt confession without any warning, Mai Shining covered her face. Li Mu stood behind her and lightly patted her shoulder. Everyone present held their breath. Zhang Jikang smiled faintly and continued, "We’ve been together for many years, and in between, there were mistakes made due to youthful impulsiveness and stubbornness. Fortunately, the earth is round. People destined to be together will always return to each other, no matter how large a circle they travel." Two photos of them, taken twenty years apart, were projected onto the wall, illustrating the meaning of childhood sweethearts. Zhang Jikang’s voice trembled with emotion: "I’ve waited a long time for today. Do you still remember that little boy who boastfully said he would marry you when he grew up? He is standing here now, asking you seriously: Mai Mai, will you marry me?" Applause, whistles, and cheering erupted incessantly. Mai Shining kept her face buried in her palms. Zhang Jikang took a few steps forward, jumped off the stage, and hugged her. To everyone's surprise, Mai Shining bit Zhang Jikang’s shoulder and said resentfully, "Zhang Jikang, you idiot! If you dare mention *that* incident, you're dead!" Her warm breath brushed against Zhang Jikang’s face. He couldn't help but double over in laughter, coaxing her in a low voice, "So many people are watching! if you don't want me to say it, then hurry up and say yes!" Under the expectant eyes of the crowd, Mai Shining looked up with a fierce expression of "do or die" and spat out one word: "Fine!" The band played their instruments wildly, and someone set off a small party popper. Li Mu ran to the band, and Su Xu picked up the microphone to tease, "Last year it was San Mao, this year it’s Jikang. I think we can change the name of *Flowers Unsleeping* to *Flowers as Matchmakers*." Everyone clapped vigorously, especially San Mao, who shouted his approval. Su Xu smiled and said, "Then, next, please allow the 'Matchmakers' to give the bride and groom-to-be a song. The title is—'To You'." Li Mu and Su Xu stood side by side in the center of the stage and exchanged a look. The band’s accompaniment began, and the two sang: *He will be your groom* *From now on, he is your partner for life* *Everything of his will be closely tied to you* *Through fortune and misfortune, you shall stand together* *She will be your bride* *She is someone’s heart entrusted into your hands* *You must use your whole life to care for and treat her well* *Through bitterness or joy, you shall share together* *It must be a special destiny* *That allowed us to walk this path and become a family* *However much more he loves you* *Return that much more to him* *Finding the possibility of happiness* *From now on, you are no longer alone* *In every place and moment, our thoughts must be of 'us'* *However much you have given* *That is how much love will be fulfilled* *It must be a special destiny* *That allowed us to walk this path and become a family* *However much more he loves you* *Return that much more to him* *Finding the possibility of happiness* *From now on, you are no longer alone* *In every place and moment, our thoughts must be of 'us'* *However much you have given* *That is how much love will be fulfilled* As the song ended, thunderous applause followed, and everyone’s eyes were fixed on Mai Shining and Zhang Jikang. However, Xia Yinuo’s right hand was gently taken by someone. Then, a metal ring, warmed by the heat of a palm, was slipped onto Xia Yinuo’s ring finger. *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation ---|---|--- 田螺姑娘 | Snail Maiden / Field Snail Girl | A figure from Chinese folklore who secretly performs domestic chores for a kind man. Used here to describe Xia Yinuo's newfound domesticity. 啃老族 | Parasite / NEET / Kenlaozu | Literally "gnaw-on-the-old tribe," referring to young adults who live off their parents. 花未眠 | Flowers Unsleeping | The name of the band (Hua Weimian). 花为媒 | Flowers as Matchmakers | A pun on the band's name (Hua Wei Mei). 给你们 | To You / For You | A famous Mandopop wedding song by Phil Chang. 北街 | North Street | A quiet area near C University where Xia Yinuo wants to open her cafe. 毓秀律师事务所 | Yuxiu Law Firm | The law firm where Li Mu is interning.