Chapter 114: The New Mural on the Small Wall by the Tree Is Not Ancient (Second Update Today!)

Page (1/3)

Yang Tian’s design for the streetscape greening of Zhongshan Road was as follows: first, the planting of tall trees lining both sides of the street. Originally, Yang Tian intended to plant French sycamores in the style of Tianjin streets from the 1970s and 80s. However, Deputy Mayor Lang Ping pointed out that the old district of Binhai had traditionally planted camphor trees, so he asked Yang Tian to replace the evergreens along Zhongshan Road with camphor instead. From a distance, the evergreens and camphor trees look quite similar, making this change more acceptable to the public.

Next came the renovation of the flower beds between the sidewalks and the buildings. These flower beds had existed before but were now in ruins, overrun with weeds. Elderly residents of Binhai recalled that these beds once bloomed with the “king of flowers,” the peony.

After some investigation, Yang Tian discovered that the people of Binhai favored the azalea more, known as the “beauty of flowers.” So, he replanted azaleas in the restored, rustic flower beds.

With the heritage design for the trees and flower beds settled, the next task was to renovate the sidewalks between them—the so-called shaded walkways. Since the founding of the nation, the sidewalks along Zhongshan Road had been renovated several times: first gravel, then cement, and later paved with tiles. The tiled sidewalks had a major flaw: when loosened, they became impassable in rain. Locals jokingly called walking on them in the rain a “landmine” experience.

Armed with this knowledge, Yang Tian had an idea: restore the sidewalks to their original gravel form, but instead of ordinary crushed stones, use smooth pebbles that would provide a natural foot massage.

This small innovation initially met with skepticism from the people of Binhai. Could walking also serve as therapeutic massage? But once a section was completed, many who walked on it were pleasantly surprised by its comfort, especially the elderly, who praised Yang Tian as a thoughtful young designer. Doubts about his youth and capability melted away. The entire city’s attention immediately focused on both the elevated bridge and Yang Tian, hoping these two projects would bring unprecedented charm to Binhai.

Next was the greening of the areas in front of buildings, where the French sycamore came into play again. Tall buildings were surrounded by sycamores, while the narrow alleys still featured camphor trees.

During the renovation, Yang Tian revived a cherished tradition among Binhai residents: the construction of green hedges. In the early days of the nation, Zhongshan Road was lined with hedges everywhere. But as merchants gathered, they found these hedges inconvenient and removed many of them.

This time, Yang Tian didn’t hesitate to restore the hedges, giving Zhongshan Road a look reminiscent of the early years—a simple and fresh atmosphere.

By early 1999, Yang Tian had only one renovation project left: the refurbishment of the central park, Zhongshan Park. Having meticulously designed the Dayushu Village Resort earlier, he found garden renovation a breeze.

Soon, Zhongshan Park exuded a fresh vitality. On weekends, residents and visiting relatives or friends all flocked there, drawn by its pleasant environment, thoughtful layout, and charming atmosphere.

In March, amid the burgeoning greenery and singing orioles, Yang Tian rode his motorcycle to Zhongshan Park. The overall design was complete, but some details still required careful consideration.

Unlike before, now almost everyone in Binhai seemed to recognize him. As he walked, many greeted him with waves, especially the elderly, which filled him with warmth. After months of hard work, his rewards were not only financial but also the memories and trust of the people of Binhai.

Page (2/3)

“Yang Tian, you’ve come at just the right time. We’re currently inspecting your renovation project!” Upon arriving at Zhongshan Park, Deputy Mayor Lang Ping and many city bureau leaders were already there. Today was the initial acceptance inspection of the Zhongshan Road renovation, otherwise Yang Tian wouldn’t have come on such a holiday.

“Mayor Lang!” Yang Tian smiled confidently. He had wanted to greet Mayor Luo Gao, who wasn’t far away, but reconsidered. Luo Gao was greedy and had made plenty of money in Binhai over the years. He was also unscrupulous and always spoke in official jargon. Yang Tian didn’t want to engage with him; after all, Luo Gao wouldn’t be in power much longer. At the end of the year, Lang Ping would become the Party Secretary, and Luo Gao would be transferred elsewhere. Yang Tian remembered this clearly.

“Oh, Yang Tian, I never expected you, such a young fellow, to have some real talent. The restoration of this road looks good! Old Luo, what do you think?” Lang Ping first patted Yang Tian on the shoulder, then smiled and asked Luo Gao nearby.

“Not bad, it’s somewhat interesting, but still falls short of my expectations. You need to work harder and not disappoint the city bureau’s high hopes!” Luo Gao replied slowly. The sycophants nearby chimed in agreement, while Lang Ping looked displeased.

Lang Ping was solely responsible for the Zhongshan Road renovation, waking early and resting late, constantly monitoring the design and construction. Hearing Luo Gao’s perfunctory remarks was disappointing. But Lang Ping had a higher vision; he soon smiled cheerfully. With his political awareness and team, he saw no need to stoop to Luo Gao’s level. Moreover, his status among Binhai’s people was not inferior to Luo Gao’s. Why bother?

“Yang Tian, do you feel like this road is missing something, but can’t quite put your finger on it?” Lang Ping parted ways with Luo Gao and, accompanied by construction bureau officials, walked with Yang Tian to the construction site, continuously observing before smiling and commenting.

“Liang Shiqiu once described something as ‘young trees, new walls, and fresh paintings’—meaning a place recently built where the saplings are small, walls are new, and it looks grand but lacks cultural depth. Mayor Lang, I think you understand what I mean,” Yang Tian said quietly with a smile.

“You little rascal, trying to give me the runaround! But that phrase really opened my eyes. Yes, this road indeed lacks something that proves its long history and rich culture. You’re the designer, so you must have a plan, right?” Lang Ping patted Yang Tian’s head and smiled.

“Yes. I propose planting several large trees at key locations. If you don’t mind, Mayor Lang, I’d like to bring a few towering Chinese pines from Huangshan, Anhui—several ten-meter-tall trees—and plant them around Zhongshan Park or at the entrances to Zhongshan Road. What do you think?” Yang Tian said confidently. The Chinese pine not only symbolizes Binhai’s culture but also embodies the soul of China, perfectly underscoring Zhongshan Road’s long history.

“Chinese pine... excellent, absolutely excellent! Yang Tian, at your young age, you already have such insight. Imagine when you grow up! Once the nostalgic renovation of Zhongshan Road is complete, I’ll personally treat you to a drink!” Lang Ping laughed heartily before leaving in a special car. Yang Tian smiled and headed home.

Accepting this project served multiple purposes. First, to ensure the smooth construction of the Dayushu Village Resort, he had to secure that land. He had already leased it, but without business and demand for planted trees, the government might soon take interest in the land again.

Conveniently, the nostalgic project required many plants and flowers, giving him his first business deal and substantial income. Even without the city bureau’s personal bonus, he earned profits of around one to two hundred thousand yuan.

Second, to establish his brand in landscaping. Once this road was completed, every Binhai resident would know the name Yang Tian, landscaping design expert.

Third, as a local, it was a nostalgic tribute to memories of old Binhai, with the once-familiar Zhongshan Road now perfectly restored before him.

Just as Yang Tian was about to go home, he suddenly spotted Huang Juan, Yang Xueling, and Zhang Xinyu appearing on Zhongshan Road. The three girls wore expressions of amazement, clearly surprised by the changes.

Page (3/3)

Huang Juan wore a sky-blue down jacket, well-fitted to highlight her blossoming figure. Her freshly curled hair from the New Year added a touch of charm.

Yang Xueling and Zhang Xinyu wore loose jackets. Yang Xueling bounced with lively energy, while Zhang Xinyu walked elegantly, like her mother Fang Li, fond of stage-like poise.

“You three girls, please move back quickly. Didn’t you see the sign ahead? No pedestrian access!” shouted several workers laying the pebbled stones. This was a late stage of construction; parts of the road were open, but the section near Xuefu Street was off-limits.

“Big sister Juan, Xinyu, come look! These pebbles are so cute. I really want to take some home to collect!” Huang Juan and Zhang Xinyu pulled Yang Xueling away, but Yang Xueling was too excited to leave. Seeing the uniquely shaped, smooth pebbles energized her.

“I ask you, you’re all high school students, right? Why are you still so unruly? I told you to leave, but you won’t?” The workers, irritable, worried that the roadbed might be damaged and cause costly repairs.

“Why so fierce? We’re here to find my brother!” Huang Juan and Zhang Xinyu were easiergoing, but Yang Xueling was different. Since Yang Tian’s rebirth, she felt protected by her brother and feared no one.

“Go find your brother at home!” a young worker got up and shooed them away.

At that moment, Yang Tian rode over on his bike. Yang Xueling immediately hid behind him and stuck out her tongue at the worker. Huang Juan and Zhang Xinyu gathered around him as well.

“Sorry, brothers, she’s my sister. They’re all family. I asked them to come see my design today!” Yang Tian explained with a smile.

“Oh, so you’re Designer Yang’s sister! Sorry, I didn’t know earlier; otherwise I wouldn’t have…” The worker hurriedly apologized, showing great respect. Everyone on this road knew Yang Tian—the genius young designer walking side by side with Mayor Lang to discuss renovation plans.

“No problem. But even if they weren’t my sisters, you shouldn’t stop citizens from visiting. After all, everyone eagerly awaits this road’s reopening. This road was renovated for the people of Binhai, for ourselves. Don’t let such attitudes dampen the public’s anticipation and love!” Yang Tian smiled.

“Designer Yang is right. We’ll change our approach!” The workers nodded repeatedly, genuinely admiring Yang Tian. Even if they didn’t, they dared not offend him, as he controlled their wages.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Yang Tian rode his bike, slowly leading the three girls toward Zhongshan Park. Yang Xueling was beyond delighted—having Yang Tian around meant she was safe from bullying anywhere.

P.S. Xiao Mo is very happy—this afternoon, she received nine monthly votes. Celebrating a bit, hehe. To be continued.