Chapter 66: Exchanging Gifts Before Departure

After spending a week in Chengdu, Lin Shenlu felt he had finally managed to empty his mind. It had been several days since he attended Lin Qingchen’s industry seminar. The following day, An Muxi returned from her hometown as well. In those last days in Chengdu, An Muxi often accompanied Lin Shenlu for dinner. It was, in truth, a rather pleasant way to spend time together. Yet both of them knew well enough that such days were numbered. Sooner or later, Lin Shenlu would have to set off once more.

For a fleeting moment, Lin Shenlu wondered: if he had never left this city, if he still held a stable job, and if he had then met An Muxi, would the two of them, like every couple in the world, have... Shared long days together, eating meals, watching films, strolling through the streets, staying at hotels. Doing those things that lovers do, then slowly marrying and having children. Traveling together when time allowed, renovating their home side by side, living out the rest of their lives together.

But now... All Lin Shenlu could do was savor these last moments of warmth before moving forward.

In his final days in Chengdu, Lin Shenlu finished organizing the manuscript he would soon submit to Lonely Planet, making up the last missing ending. For that conclusion, he once again sought out An Muxi; together, they took photos at the Rose Manor, checked in with the alpacas, as if they had spent all their happiest moments together. Of course, the mysterious photograph of the rainbow-colored clouds was also included in Lin Shenlu’s writing. After thoroughly reviewing the article several times, he finally sent it off to the Lonely Planet editorial team for review. Now, he simply had to wait for approval before he could set off again.

During those days, Lin Shenlu didn’t wander around much. He spent his days lying in bed, messaging An Muxi on WeChat, and continued chatting with her into the night—even dreaming of each other. Though he quite enjoyed visiting bars, having a drink, and listening to live music, the days spent with An Muxi by his side were equally fulfilling.

On his sixth day back in Chengdu, Lin Shenlu received an email from Lonely Planet. The editor responsible for his articles was a young woman named Tiger Tooth. Since receiving the initial invitation from Lonely Planet, Lin Shenlu had only added her contact information. After submitting the manuscript for the first issue a few days earlier, this was the first reply he received from the editor.

Tiger Tooth: “Your article has passed review and will be featured in the next issue’s spotlight section. We’ve published quite a few pieces on Dali before, but yours is truly refreshing—the angle and emotional thread stand out, and the photos are stunning. Looking forward to your next submission. By the way, where is your next journey taking you?”

Lin Shenlu smiled, lips pressed together. This editor was rather curious. He wondered what kind of young lady she was. Was she perhaps the kind whose smile revealed two small canine teeth?

Mr. Deer: “My next journey is already planned—Lishui. I expect to stay about half a month and will prepare the article in advance. Please rest assured.”

Tiger Tooth: “Great! Your travels sound fascinating, and your leading lady is beautiful in the photos. Keep up the good work.”

Lin Shenlu stretched, glancing at the payment notification for his article. It was fairly generous. Though he was a new writer for Lonely Planet, the payment wasn’t at all low. It gave him new motivation to keep traveling. Lishui awaited him.

Chengdu, Wide and Narrow Alleys.

Lin Shenlu sat across from An Muxi, sharing a meal together.

“Is it time for you to leave?” An Muxi asked.

Lin Shenlu nodded. After more than a week in Chengdu, he’d had a proper rest, but now it was time to begin a new journey.

An Muxi nodded as well, then reached for a bag beside her.

“This is for you—a gift,” she said with a smile.

Curious, Lin Shenlu accepted the bag and opened it, only to find a DJI drone inside.

“This is too much...” he said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“No need for formality... I can’t join you on this journey, can’t share those beautiful sights with you in person, so use this to capture them and share them with me,” An Muxi replied warmly.

A soft warmth blossomed in Lin Shenlu’s heart. Once upon a time, the woman before him had been so distant, as if she would never smile for anyone. Now, she was capable of gentle warmth.

He nodded, accepted the gift, and said, “I have something for you too...”

An Muxi was caught off guard. She had expected only a farewell meal, not a gift in return.

Lin Shenlu took a white gift box from his backpack.

“My payment for the first article came through yesterday. It wasn’t much, but I wanted to get you something. See if you like it,” he said, handing her the box.

An Muxi recognized the packaging at a glance—it was from Bulgari. Did he really pick up on her taste?

With a hint of anticipation and delight, An Muxi opened the box. Inside lay a Bulgari necklace: a rose-gold chain with a fan-shaped pendant inlaid with mother-of-pearl. It was beautiful, the lines elegantly curved.

Her eyes shone with surprise and joy.

“Last time by Erhai Lake, I accidentally broke your Van Cleef & Arpels necklace. I don’t know what it meant to you, but after I fixed it you wouldn’t take it back...” Lin Shenlu said with a smile. “I remember you told me that since I broke the necklace, I should take responsibility, right? If I’m not mistaken, the broken necklace symbolized saying goodbye to the past. So the one I’m giving you must represent a new beginning. Am I right?” he asked, looking at her intently.

An Muxi didn’t answer or refute him. She simply gazed at the necklace with earnest eyes.

“Put it on for me, Deer...” she said softly, looking up at Lin Shenlu.

“All right,” he replied, smiling.

The mother-of-pearl shimmered beautifully, especially when resting against An Muxi’s graceful, pale neck, its special beauty amplified a hundredfold.

“It’s stunning. I told you, I have great taste,” Lin Shenlu said with a laugh.

An Muxi smiled shyly, her lips pressed together.

“Give me your hand,” she said softly.

“Hm? What for?” Lin Shenlu asked, puzzled.

An Muxi gently took his hand and slipped off the black hair tie from her own wrist, looping it around his.

“What does this mean, Muxi? Why are you giving me your hair tie...?” Lin Shenlu asked, looking down at the black band now on his wrist.