Chapter 64: Farewell, Farewell, Never to Meet Again

... Lin Shenlu hid alone in a quiet corner of Santorini. Leaning against the pristine white wall, she lit a cigarette gently. As she breathed in and out, Lin Shenlu looked up at the sky. It was finally time to leave.

In Dali, Lin Shenlu had left behind no regrets.

...

"Hello, distinguished Mr. Lin, may I assist you with anything..."

"Help me book a flight back to Chengdu this afternoon."

...

"If... you met someone you liked, would you stay in Dali and give up your journey?"

"If the one you like wanted to take you traveling together, would you go with him?"

...

But there were no 'ifs.'

Sometimes, Lin Shenlu thought those who wrote songs were truly remarkable. They must have experienced so much to be able to write such moving lyrics.

The first time you listen, you don't understand the meaning; when you hear it again, you are already living the song.

...

With her backpack on, Lin Shenlu returned the beloved little pink scooter to its owner.

Goodbye, my Dali.

Goodbye, my Erhai Lake.

Goodbye, my utopia.

Goodbye, Blue Whale.

...

Carrying a can of beer, Lin Shenlu wandered alone along the shores of Erhai Lake. A dazzling array of beautiful guesthouses lined the waterfront.

Lin Shenlu smiled.

About Dali.

It was all a dream.

...

She tossed away the empty beer can lightly...

Just as Lin Shenlu was about to flag down a taxi to the airport, her phone rang.

Who could it be?

Lin Shenlu glanced at the screen.

...

She took a sharp breath.

Her former boss...

Should she answer or not?

After a moment's hesitation, Lin Shenlu picked up.

"Hello... Sister Qingchen?"

"Mm... Little Lu, how was your time in Dali?" The voice on the other end was that of a cool, aloof woman.

"It was fine, it's over now... Sister Qingchen, is there something you need?" Lin Shenlu felt a bit awkward.

Her former boss's aura was overwhelming. Over the years, Lin Shenlu considered herself well-versed in many scenes, but only in front of this boss—who was like a sister—did she feel pressured.

"It's nothing important. There's an industry exchange conference coming up... suddenly thought of you. Little Lu, now that your trip is over, come back. I need a project leader for this exchange..."

"Uh... Sister Qingchen, you know that after I left, I can't just go back. Besides, my journey isn't over yet... Even though I just bought a return ticket from Dali, I have another destination... and I've signed a contract..."

"You've signed an exclusive with Lonely Planet, haven't you..."

Lin Shenlu was taken aback. How did she know about that?

...

There was a brief silence on the other end.

"I didn't really expect you to come back. But since you're returning, drop by. All the industry leaders will be there—it'll be good for you."

Lin Shenlu pressed her lips together but nodded.

She really couldn't refuse this former boss.

"Alright, Sister Qingchen, send me the location when the time comes. I'll definitely be there."

...

What was this all about...

She had left Tuyu.com with such flair, waving goodbye...

Only to turn around and attend another event!

Around three in the afternoon, Lin Shenlu arrived at the airport.

Her flight back to Chengdu was scheduled for five-thirty in the evening.

Once she checked in, she planned to rest in the first-class lounge.

After all, she hadn't slept a wink last night, having taken An Muxi to the airport.

Then she drove back and forth to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to fetch snow during a snowfall—a truly exhausting ordeal.

With her backpack, Lin Shenlu collected her boarding pass and headed toward security. Amid the bustling crowd, not far away, a figure stood.

A white dress.

Skin as fair as milk.

Long lashes fluttering.

Dreamlike eyes fixed intently on Lin Shenlu.

It was her...

...

"Why are you here?" Lin Shenlu walked over, somewhat embarrassed.

"If I hadn't come, were you planning to slip away on your own?" Blue Whale asked.

"Didn't you say you didn't want to see me on your birthday today?" Lin Shenlu laughed.

"So full of yourself... You think that just because you made it snow for me in Santorini, we're even?" Blue Whale looked at her seriously.

"Don't... don't say that. It wasn't me. After I left your room today, I never showed up again..." Lin Shenlu raised both hands in denial.

"I knew you wouldn't admit it, you coward... Look at this!" Blue Whale reached behind her and produced a photograph.

It was an overly enlarged, slightly blurry photo.

But it was clear enough to see Lin Shenlu hidden between two flowerpots on the rooftop, working hard to scatter snow over the edge...

"Damn it..." Lin Shenlu smacked her forehead.

...

"I once said, unless it snows in Dali now, I'll never believe in love... Thank you, Lin Shenlu. You've made me believe in love again." Blue Whale spoke earnestly.

"I just wanted to fulfill your wish, so you wouldn't have any regrets. And, of course, for myself too," Lin Shenlu replied nonchalantly.

"Oh, is that so? If that's what you think, it's alright. Lin Shenlu, you think this is enough to clear your conscience, enough not to feel guilty..." Blue Whale tilted her head, gazing into Lin Shenlu's eyes.

Lin Shenlu was truly at a loss.

"What exactly do you want?" she sighed.

"Nothing, just wanted to see you off. We met in Dali, who knows when we'll meet again? Let me walk you to the gate, so there are no regrets," Blue Whale smiled.

"Uh... Now that you've said goodbye, can I leave?" Lin Shenlu was skeptical.

"Of course, go ahead..."

After a pause, Blue Whale added, "By the way, where's your next stop? I remember you said you’re to write ten issues for Lonely Planet, so you're going to ten different places."

"Yeah, that's right. I was planning to go to Chaka Salt Lake, but now that's off. I'm heading to Lishui next—to a hidden paradise, to a small village with fishermen’s songs, flower wine, river breezes, and wooden houses. To live a while." Lin Shenlu smiled.

With her back to Blue Whale, Lin Shenlu waved and strode towards security.

Blue Whale watched her departing figure, a faint smile curving her lips.

"No matter what, thank you, Lin Shenlu."

"Of course, you made me believe in love again. Now... I feel quite impulsive about you..."

"So... our story won't end here."

Blue Whale rose on tiptoe, drawing a circle on the ground.

"So, goodbye for now!" she called softly, hands behind her back and left with a cheerful smile.

...

Lin Shenlu sat alone in the quiet comfort of the VIP lounge.

She replayed the farewell with Blue Whale in her mind.

Would that girl suddenly show up in Lishui to find her?

Probably not. After all, she was a big online celebrity, with an entire hotel business to manage.

No more thinking—just a little nap...