The Starry Sky, The Starry Sea: Chapter 14 Will you marry me

Chapter14 Will you marry me

Love can never be only sweet, pain is also a part of love, let us understand ourselves more clearly, and let us cherish the sweetness we get more.

I was having a good dream, and when I was sleeping soundly, the sound of ding ding dong dong music sounded, waking me up from my deep sleep.

In a daze, I covered my ears tightly with the quilt, just wanting to fall asleep again with sleepiness. But the familiar music is like a gentle hand, pulling me persistently, preventing me from falling asleep again.

Familiar?

Suddenly, I realized that the song that has been ringing in my ears and disturbing my dreams is my favorite "Summer Night Starry Sky Sea".

I couldn't help loosening the quilt slowly, and listened carefully.

It should be a piece played on the piano, which is different from the ethereal and quietness of the guqin. There is a little more lightness and joy in the melodious piece, as if a group of beautiful elves are dancing lightly on the sea full of stars, praising Looking at how vast and beautiful the sea is under the starry sky.

Jiang Yisheng can also play a little piano, but this is by no means what he played, it was Wu Julan!

He definitely didn't want me to have insomnia at night and sleep during the day, so he played the piano to wake me up.

I hurriedly put on my nightgown, ran out of the bedroom barefoot, stood in front of the railing on the second floor, and looked down condescendingly - in front of the French windows, the sun was shining brightly, Wu Julan was wearing a white shirt, sitting on the black grand piano Before, playing a tune. In the light morning light, his upper body was as perfect as a marble statue in front of an ancient Greek temple. His slender fingers nimbly caressed the black and white keys, and the melodious music flowed out like a clear spring in a mountain stream.

I leaned on the railing, staring at him quietly, staring at the most beautiful scenery this world can give me.

When the song was over, Wu Julan raised his head and looked at me.

Perhaps my gaze revealed too much emotion that was already overflowing in my heart. He stared at me for a moment before saying, "I'm ready for breakfast."

I smiled brightly at him and said, "I'm going to wash my face and brush my teeth, and I'll be down right away."

After breakfast, I asked Wu Jingjing about today's arrangements.

At first I thought that I would definitely meet Wu Jingjing's boss, but Wu Jingjing said that the boss has something to do and won't see me for the time being.

He sent two lawyers to the apartment, and I signed the contract while drinking the coffee made by Wu Julan. I entrusted the company to sell two stones, and the other party took a 30% commission from the selling price.

When the lawyer left, I asked Wu Jingjing, "Is it because your boss was angry because I didn't go to dinner last night and didn't want to see me?"

"He's not angry. As for why he doesn't want to see you now..." Wu Jingjing leaned against the bar and spread her hands helplessly, "The old man's thoughts are too weird, and I don't know what the boss is thinking."

"Will it affect my selling stones?"

"Absolutely not! However, those two stones did not sell out so quickly, I'm afraid you have to keep them for a few more days, can you?"

I thought about it for a while and said, "Okay! We just happened to be in New York for a few days." I originally planned to go home as soon as possible to accompany Wu Julan, so I didn't make any travel plans, but now that Wu Julan is also in New York, it just happens to change Make a plan. joke! After more than 20 hours of exhaustion, how can I be worthy of myself if I don’t have some fun?

In the next four days, I struggled with jet lag and followed the travel guides on the Internet. I went to Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Wall Street...all of them went.

The Statue of Liberty was completed in 1886, and the Metropolitan Museum was built in 1870, both after Wu Julan left the United States. Like me, it was his first time here. When Wu Julan and I stood in front of these buildings and took photos together, I felt very happy on the one hand. Wu Julan’s first memory of these places was being with me, and on the other hand I was a little sad for no reason. Come here again, will you still think of today?

We have basically been to all the tourist attractions in New York, only one Broadway is missing. Jiang Yisheng asked several times if he should book a ticket to watch a musical on Broadway. Wu Jingjing and I pretended not to be interested and were unwilling to go, so Jiang Yisheng could only give up resentfully.

In fact, of course, it’s not because I’m not interested, but because Wu Julan’s words about theaters made me pay more attention to Broadway theaters.

According to the information on the Internet, Broadway's first theater, Park Theater, was built in 1810, and the second theater, The Broadway, was built in 1821. Undoubtedly, when Wu Julan was in New York, many theaters on Broadway were already open. He had seen plays in them and left many good memories, so this is the place that impressed him the most.

I checked the information. From 1838 to 1865, the most popular musical on Broadway has not yet been born. It was the golden age of opera at that time. Around 1850, Verdi launched three classic operas handed down from generation to generation that are popular all over the world: Rigoletto, Troubadour and La Traviata. I believe that these three operas must be frequently performed in theaters in New York, given the admiration and pursuit of European culture by Americans at that time. Wu Julan lives in New York and likes to go to the theater, so he must have seen it.

I checked the information on the first two operas before I knew what they were about. I have read novels and movies about the latter one, and I am familiar with the story, so I chose it!

I quietly discussed with Wu Jingjing, hoping that she could find a way to arrange an opera performance at Park Theater or The Broadway.

Knowing that I am not a wasteful spender, Wu Jingjing said in amazement: "It costs a lot of money! The actor's fee can be saved a bit. Anyway, there are many talented young actors in New York, but the venue rental fee will not It's cheap, I'm afraid it will cost tens of thousands of dollars."

Thinking of the one-to-six exchange rate, I gritted my teeth and said, "I'm mentally prepared, and you can deduct it from the money I sell the stone. But remember to keep it secret, don't let Wu Julan know, I want to give him a Surprise."

Wu Jingjing stared at me for a moment, and promised, "I will help you arrange it and guarantee you an authentic nineteenth-century opera."

I said gratefully: "Thank you!"

Wu Jingjing shook her head, "My grandma said 'Love is the most magical witchcraft in the world, it can make the selfish people selfless, the cowardly brave, the greedy ones kind, and the cunning ones dull', all because of you Witchcraft."

I'm embarrassed, why is it as amazing as she said? It's just that I was unwilling to be reconciled to the absence of me in Wu Julan's previous time, and tried to use money to reshape a past time and engrave it in his memory.

Under Wu Jingjing's arrangement, the opera performance of "La Traviata" was scheduled for the afternoon of the day before the full moon in October.

The tradition of watching an opera is to wear formal attire. Naturally, Wu Julan wears a simple white shirt and black suit. I put on the dress I bought specially, a sea blue long gauze dress, very elegant and fluffy, like the sea in a summer afternoon. The first time I saw this dress, I thought Wu Julan would like it. When I meandered down the spiral staircase, the moment he saw me, from his eyes, I felt that my judgment was correct, and he really liked it.

Because it was reserved, when we arrived at the theater, the theater was deserted and there were only four of us. I took Wu Julan and chose the middle seat, and Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing sat two rows in front of us.

The lights gradually dimmed, and Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing in front of us were touching each other, whispering, while Wu Julan and I sat silently. I keenly felt that he seemed to be in a bad mood, and he kept looking at the empty seats around him with deep eyes and thoughtful thoughts.

I suddenly feel a little panicked, is it self-defeating?

The curtain slowly opened, the stage set was very retro, and the music was also very classical, which quickly brought people to Europe in the 19th century.

The first act is the Paris apartment of La Traviata. A group of men from the upper class showed their courtesies around the most beautiful courtesan in Paris at that time. The hero Amon was introduced to Marguerite the La Traviata. He eagerly expressed his love, but was rejected by the La Traviata.

Looking at the cumbersome and elegantly dressed men and women on the stage, I vaguely remembered that the novel "La Traviata" was published in 1848, and the opera "La Traviata" was first performed in 1853, which described the love of that era. I self-righteously pulled Wu Julan to sit beside me to watch an old love story, but I forgot to think about who was sitting next to him when he watched "La Traviata" back then?

I try to use money to participate in a long-gone time, but maybe, I let the past time participate in my present time. Wu Julan was sitting next to me, but he was obviously thinking like me, I was thinking about him, who was he thinking about?

A hundred years ago, the person who accompanied him to see "La Traviata" has disappeared; a few decades later, I will disappear too; a hundred years later, will there be a girl unwillingly trying to participate in the past time? ?

I also know that it is meaningless for me to think so. The past and the future are outside my time. In fact, I don’t exist at all. It can be said that it has nothing to do with me. And so greedy, not only want to own the present, but also jealous of the past and the future.

Wu Julan gradually returned to normal. He noticed my abnormality and asked softly, "What's wrong?"

I stared at the stage and shook my head, not knowing what I could say.

Wu Julan held my hand, "You don't like watching this?"

I tried to smile and said, "I want to see what you've seen. It should be very popular to watch opera at that time."

Wu Julan understood why there was this opera performance with only the four of us, he said: "You specially arranged it? For me?"

I nod.

Wu Julan pulled me to stand up, "Let's leave!"

I didn't bother to say hello to Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing, and I was dragged out of the theater by him in a daze.

Leaving that closed and dark environment, and not having to appreciate the love of the past, my mood suddenly became much easier.

Wu Julan took off his thin cashmere coat and put it on my shoulders. I know that he has a unique body and is not afraid of the cold, so he is not humble.

His coat had his unique cool smell, and I smiled and tightened it tighter. A thought suddenly flashed in my mind——a hundred years ago, a thousand years ago, was there someone who used to wear clothes in the bleak autumn wind? His coat for warmth? Will he think of her now?

Wu Julan led me to avoid the streets full of tourists, and walked towards the nearby park. It is the golden autumn season in October, and the colors on the streets of New York are strong and bright, like oil paintings full of color.

In autumn, the sky is blue and the clouds are white. On the long tree-lined road, there are tall trees, some are golden and gorgeous, some are crimson, and there is a thin layer of fallen leaves on the ground. Looking at it, we seem to be walking on a gorgeous brocade.

I was looking at the scenery in a trance, when suddenly I heard Wu Julan say: "I don't like the theater! My sense of hearing and smell are more sensitive than human beings. The sound in the theater is noisy, and a large group of people are sitting densely, which hurts my ears. And the nose is a torture.”

I was stupid, "But you said...you are most impressed by the theater, I thought you liked the theater."

Looking at the blue sky in the distance, Wu Julan said: "I told you, back then, I wanted to live in New York for a longer period of time, but because of a sudden accident, I had to leave New York ahead of schedule and returned to my hometown. Haili. The sudden accident was that I was discovered by someone and caught by design."

I let out an "ah" and almost cried out in shock. I knew that Wu Julan was standing in front of me perfectly, but I still felt scared and nervous. Regardless of the East or the West, the cruelty and bloodiness of human beings towards "other races" are exactly the same. I couldn't help asking: "Why are you so careless?"

Wu Julan said lightly: "The Civil War broke out in 1861. As the situation worsened, more and more men either voluntarily or were forced to join the war. Because I was the most suitable age on my certificate, I I and several friends were conscripted into the army. One of my friends’ lovers is my good friend. Before leaving, I promised her that I would try my best to save her lover’s life. There are too many uncontrollable accidents on the battlefield. In order to keep this In the fate of my friend, I had to reveal my extraordinary power. He didn't show any abnormalities at the time, pretending not to notice my peculiarity. In 1865, the South announced its surrender and the Civil War ended. Just as we celebrated the end of the war That night, he put poison in my meal and designed to catch me."

Another story about betrayal and betrayal, which has been repeated since the day of human existence, so that I was not surprised at all, but felt very heartbroken, "What happened next?"

"They put me in a special glass tank and wanted to show it in the theater and make me famous. I tell you that I was impressed by the theater in New York because I was on the stage, through Glass tank, watching them staring at me excitedly, while greedily discussing various plans after the success of the exhibition.”

I held my breath and asked, "What happened next?"

"On July 13, 1865, the day before the official exhibition, my people set fire to the theater called Barnum Museum, and rescued me in the chaos."

"Ah! BarnumMuseum? I... I... read the news when I searched the history of Broadway. It was a big event in those days!" The document emphasized that it was a four-story building The large entertainment center, located at the southwest corner of Broadway Street, gathered the most popular American pop culture at that time, but it was burned to ashes overnight. I also regret that it was burned down the year Wu Julan left, otherwise I could arrange the opera to be staged there.

Wu Julan smiled comfortingly at me, "It's more than a hundred years ago, it's all over!"

Yeah! It's all over, and he's by my side now! I breathed a sigh of relief, and then I was very guilty of my own self-assertion, "I... I didn't know about your theater... I thought... I'm sorry!"

Wu Julan half-jokingly said: "You tell me what you were sad about just now, and I will forgive you."

"How do you... know I'm sad?"

Wu Julan walked slowly while holding my hand, glanced at me, and said lightly: "Your emotions are very strong, and my feelings are not dull."

I bit my lip and said, "I'm thinking of the girl you liked before."

Wu Julan stopped suddenly and turned to look at me.

I didn't dare to look at him, lowered my head, and said embarrassedly: "Actually, it's normal to have a few ex-girlfriends and even get married! I just think about it casually, don't worry, I can Understand..."

Wu Julan held my chin with his hand, raised my head, and forced me to look at him, "No!"

"No, no?" My expression at the moment must look like a fool.

"There is no one, you are the only one."

If other men said this, I would just take it as a hypocritical sweet talk and laugh it off, but it was Wu Julan who said this. Although his expression was flat and his tone was flat, he was just stating a fact that he didn't want me to misunderstand, but that was the long time of a thousand years. I know that I am shallow, petty, selfish, and boring, but I know that no woman has ever held his cold hand, no woman has enjoyed his care and care, and I know that there is no shadow of anyone in his heart... My surprise is so powerful It was so intense that I couldn't help but burst into tears.

"You..." Wu Julan bent her fingers, and gently printed the teardrops on my eyelashes with the cold back of her fingers, as if she really didn't know what to do with me.

I turned my head in embarrassment, and like every girl who knows that she is loved, she asked for more with a blunt pretentiousness, "It's been such a long time, and there is no one? I don't believe it! Even if you If you haven't liked anyone, surely someone else has liked you?"

Wu Julan must have seen that I am arrogant because I am spoiled. He pinched my cheek and said with a half-smile: "Do you think every woman is as thick-skinned as you are, thicker than a turtle shell?"

I was really ashamed all of a sudden, and said unreasonably: "Where am I thick-skinned? You are thick-skinned!"

He smiled and said, "Okay, I have a thick skin! The skin of my Shen Luo is tenderer than oyster meat!"

I was so amused by his words "my family's Shenluo" that my heart was so crisp, I couldn't keep my face straight anymore, I lightly beat his chest with my fist, and muttered: "I'm thick-skinned because you forced me out! "

He stopped laughing and said softly, "I'm sorry!"

I froze for a moment, smiled and shook my head. I’m not sorry, I’m willing to do everything. As Gibran said, love can never be only sweet, and pain is also a part of love. It allows us to understand ourselves more clearly and also makes us cherish the sweetness we get.

Wu Julan stared into my eyes and said, "Before I met you, I never considered finding a human being as a partner. After all, in the eyes of human beings, I am an alien monster. When I don't know my true identity , they may have a good impression, but no one will really choose a monster as a partner."

I immediately said: "You are not a monster."

"Then what am I?" Wu Julan looked at me with a smile, she didn't seem to care about my answer very much, but she also showed a faint expectation.

I hugged his waist and said clearly: "You are my lover, my lifelong partner."

Wu Julan stood quietly for a moment, folded her arms, hugged me tightly, lowered her head, and kissed my hair lightly.

When Wu Julan and I returned to the apartment, it was past six o'clock.

Jiang Yisheng was playing on a tablet computer, and Wu Jingjing was watching TV, both of them looked bored.

I regretfully said to Wu Jingjing and Jiang Yisheng: "I'm sorry, we left halfway."

Wu Jingjing is not interested in pursuing what has happened, and said to me: "The two stones have been sold. As I guessed, the boss bought both stones. The total price is 3.5 million. , after deducting all kinds of paid fees, you finally got more than 1.9 million in your hands."

I am very satisfied with this windfall income, "Thank you, and thank you boss."

Wu Jingjing said: "I accept the first sentence. You can tell the boss about the second sentence yourself! My grandma arranged a reception for you to meet the boss formally."

"When?"

"Tonight."

I was surprised and said: "Tonight? Did you tell me now?"

Wu Jingjing shrugged and said, "It wasn't my idea, it was a message from the boss to my grandma in the afternoon. Who knows what happened to his old man, and he couldn't wait to see you all of a sudden?"

Jiang Yisheng lowered his head and said with a sneer while playing games, "I won't see you for a while, but I want to see you again, are you treating people like monkeys?"

Wu Jingjing kicked him, Jiang Yisheng fell silent. I laughed secretly, the queen's training was very successful!

I thought for a while and said: "Tonight is just tonight!"

I plan to return to China after the night of the full moon and Wu Julan's health is normal. I think I will have no chance to meet Wu Jingjing's boss again. Although it was just a business deal, they gave us warm hospitality, so I should also thank them in person.

I asked Wu Jingjing: "What are the dress codes for the reception?"

Wu Jingjing said: "My grandma has already prepared it for you, and it is in your bedroom."

Invite people to dinner, but also be responsible for preparing clothes? Which country's etiquette is this? I'm a little confused.

Wu Jingjing glanced at Wu Julan, stood up, and said to me sincerely: "This matter is very important to my grandma, she hopes you can dress up to attend, so... please!" I bent over and made a ninety-degree bow.

I was taken aback, and quickly said: "Okay, okay!" Wu Jingjing has always taken good care of us, and I decided that no matter what fancy clothes her grandma prepared, I would bite the bullet and put them on. Be colorful clothes to entertain relatives.

Walking into the bedroom and seeing the dress prepared by Wu Jingjing's grandma, I felt relieved. It wasn't some weird clothes, nor was it the bright and dazzling old man's aesthetic taste I imagined. A white jacquard waist-length princess dress with simple cut and clean workmanship, except for the jacquard fabric itself, there is no other decoration.

After I put it on, I realized that the tailoring and workmanship must be very knowledgeable. It looks very simple, but there is nothing wrong with the whole body. It makes me feel very comfortable to wear, and at the same time, it completely highlights the advantages of my figure. It can be said that I have never worn such comfortable and beautiful clothes. I wanted to check what brand it was, but I couldn't find anything, which made me suspect that it might be the legendary advanced private customization.

I walked out of the cloakroom and said to Wu Jingjing, "The skirt fits very well and looks very nice, thank you grandma!"

"As long as you like it."

Wu Jingjing asked me to sit in front of the dressing table. She stood behind me and helped me tie my hair up into a bun and put on a shiny diamond hair accessory. She has neat short hair herself, but she is quick to help people with long hair. After a while, she said: "OK, your hair is ready! Wait a moment, and then put on light makeup."

Only about ten minutes, Wu Jingjing said: "Put on those silver fish lip high heels, and go look in the mirror to see if you like it or not."

I put on my high heels, went to the mirror, and looked at myself in the mirror in amazement.

Wu Jingjing was very satisfied with my reaction. She smiled and put a diamond necklace on my neck, and helped me put on the matching diamond earrings, "This is the witchcraft of our women."

I have to admit that she is right, it really is witchcraft! A dress, a hairstyle, a makeup, and a few pieces of jewelry make me a completely different person. I feel that I look tall, slender, beautiful, and noble.

Women are the ones who please themselves! I immediately thought of Wu Julan, and hurried downstairs, "Wu Julan! Wu Julan..."

No one answered me, not only Wu Julan was not there, but Jiang Yisheng was also not there.

Wu Jingjing said behind me: "They have something to do, they left early, meet us at the reception later."

I said disappointedly: "What do they need to leave early?"

Wu Jingjing smiled and said, "Don't worry, Angkor will not miss your beauty tonight."

I was punctured, so I was embarrassed, so I quickly covered up and said: "Go and change your clothes and make up! I will wait for you."

In less than twenty minutes, Wu Jingjing changed into her dress and put on makeup, and walked out swayingly. She was wearing a rose-red long dress, slender and flamboyant, as if in the evening wind. The roses in full bloom, I couldn't help but marvel, "What is a beauty? You are just showing yourself!"

Wu Jingjing smiled and took my arm and said, "Let's go!"

When we arrived at the reception, I realized that it was not the small reception I had imagined.

The magnificent banquet hall, the waiters in white clothes, and the well-dressed guests, no matter how you look at it, it looks like a grand dinner party I saw in a Hollywood movie. No wonder Wu Jingjing’s grandma specially prepared clothes for me and jewelry.

Along the way, people have been looking at us. I was a little embarrassed and uncomfortable, but Wu Jingjing looked forward to her appearance and enjoyed the attention of everyone. She smiled and said, "Don't be nervous, they are just admiring your beauty." She took my arm affectionately and winked at me, "Who told us tonight that one is a fire rose, the other is a clear water lily, and the other is a sage Double opening, man's biggest dream!"

I smiled wryly, "Is this the little reception your grandma hastily prepared?"

Wu Jingjing said helplessly: "Tonight is very important to her. The old man pays great attention to the sense of ceremony! You should be thankful that she has limited time and invited guests. If you give her a few more days, it is estimated that even The chiefs of African tribes will come.”

I asked curiously: "Why do you keep saying that tonight is very important to your grandma..."

"Snail!"

A voice from behind interrupted me, I turned around and found that it was Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan. They stared at me in amazement and looked at me carefully from head to toe as if they had never seen me before.

I also looked at them unceremoniously. The two stood arm in arm, showing intimacy, obviously a pair of like-minded lovers. Just looking at the appearance, the gentle man and the beautiful woman are indeed a pair of lovers. But when I think of Zhou Buwen leaving his girlfriend behind and pretending to pursue me, and Zhou Buyan seeing his boyfriend flirting with other women, I feel a little sick.

Perhaps my eyes were too sarcasm, Zhou Buwen moved his body uncomfortably, trying to get a little distance from Zhou Buyan, but Zhou Buyan tightened his grip and looked at me demonstratively.

Zhou Buwen smiled and said, "Xiaoluo, why are you here?"

I seemed to be gentle and polite to him, but I was actually very uncomfortable with his superior tone. I imitated his tone and smiled and said: "No, why are you here?"

Zhou Buwen's smile froze, and he asked, "Didn't Wu Julan come with you?"

My tone softened, "He will come over later."

Zhou Buyan couldn't hold back any longer, and said sarcastically, "You bumpkin! You think you're rich if you sell two broken stones! You dare to come to New York to show off your wealth with a few million yuan, beware of your softie Fan's embroidered pillow boyfriend was spotted by a real rich woman and snatched away!"

Arguing? When I wanted to win, I never lost! I smiled and said: "Miss Zhou has time to worry about me, why don't you worry about yourself first, at least my boyfriend has never had a bad record of trying to cheat." "Big head, did you tell your girlfriend that you confessed to me and tried to kiss me forcefully, but I rejected you?"

Zhou Buyan turned blue with anger, "You...you...that's not true at all! Buwen is my fiancé, he's just pretending..."

"Shut up, shut up!" Zhou Buwen reprimanded with an ugly face, but it was already too late.

Because there is no evidence, I have been ostrich-like to refuse to face the fact spread out in front of me. I stared at Zhou Buwen, pinched his shoulder hard, and wanted to question him a lot, but I was too angry and sad, so I couldn't say a word.

It's really Zhou Buwen! Why? I can barely understand the car robbery and burglary, but how could he treat Jiang Yisheng's father like that? How can you send four gangsters to attack me? Isn't the friendship of many years not important in front of money?

A cold hand grabbed my wrist and pulled my hand away from Zhou Buwen's shoulder. Already familiar with the temperature of the bone marrow, I immediately held his hand instead before turning my head to look at him.

Under Wu Julan's deep and peaceful eyes, my anger and sadness gradually calmed down.

When Zhou Buwen saw Jiang Yisheng beside Wu Julan, his face became even more ugly.

Jiang Yisheng smiled, and said to Zhou Buwen: "I remember the first time I drank alcohol, I learned it from you, I thought it was very difficult to drink, I sipped it in small sips, and you laughed at me for not looking like a man .Big head, I'll toast you again!"

Jiang Yisheng casually took a bottle of strong foreign wine from the tray carried by the waiter, poured a glass full, and drank it all in one go with his head raised.

Zhou Buwen looked at him with ashen face.

The first drink is the beginning of a young friendship; the last drink is the end of a young friendship. Because of Li Datou back then, Jiang Yisheng no longer pursued Zhou Buwen for what he did, but after breaking up with him and drinking, Zhou Buwen committed another crime, and Jiang Yisheng will take revenge.

Recalling when we were young, the three of us hid on the deserted beach, secretly drinking and smoking, talking and laughing, and looking in front of me again, I felt very blocked in my heart. became meaningless. There is no "why", or "why" is not important at all. The important thing is that time has changed our appearance after all, turning us into strangers. Asking what happened in the past time has no meaning to strangers.

Jiang Yisheng smiled and handed the empty wine glass to Zhou Buwen, but Zhou Buwen didn't take it for a long time. Jiang Yisheng asked with a smile: "If you dare to do it, you must dare to admit it! Don't you even have the courage to drink a glass of wine?"

Zhou Buyan doesn't understand the charade between Jiang Yisheng and Zhou Buwen. Watching Jiang Yisheng drinking is probably like Lin Daiyu watching Grandma Liu drinking tea when she first entered the Grand View Garden. She said contemptuously: "You call this drinking? Even before meals Come to Violet's reception without knowing the English of the wine and after-dinner drinks, it's embarrassing! Don't smell it, let's go, ignore them!"

Zhou Buyan dragged Zhou Buwen away, Jiang Yisheng returned the empty wine glass to the waiter, I asked Jiang Yisheng worriedly, "Are you okay?"

Jiang Yisheng said: "Don't worry about me, and don't affect your mood because of Zhou Buwen, it's not worth it!" He glanced at Wu Julan and smiled meaningfully, "Xiao Luo, you are the protagonist tonight, the main event hasn't been played yet Let's start!"

I looked at his and Wu Julan's extraordinarily formal attire, and remembered that I came to see Wu Jingjing's boss tonight, but I'm really not in the mood to chat and laugh with strangers right now, I just want to finish the task quickly and return to the apartment.

"Liangliang, what's your boss's name and where is he?"

Wu Jingjing glanced at the hands I held with Wu Julan and said, "The boss' name is Regulus, which is Latin, meaning prince, and it also means the heart of a lion. My grandma will introduce him to you soon. Oh , my grandma is the Violet mentioned by Zhou Buyan just now, many people who don't know her think she is knowledgeable, mysterious, elegant, charming..."

Wu Jingjing didn't go any further, because of the sudden silence in the banquet hall, I followed everyone's enthusiastic gazes and saw her grandma, a well-dressed old lady who was talking and smiling charmingly. Come in. She wore a black evening dress, her hair was tied neatly behind her head, and her age could be seen at a glance, but time left elegance and demeanor on her, turning every wrinkle into a gift of time. In front of her, a room full of beautified and vying for beauty suddenly seemed to be reduced to a foil.

I couldn't help but look at her, and then at Wu Jingjing. Wu Jingjing's face is very Asian, but her grandma is very Western, not a Western blonde, but a Hispanic with black hair and honey-colored skin. The two faces are completely different, but they can find obvious similarities.

Wu Jingjing explained: "My grandma claims to be a gypsy with Spanish ancestry. I have Indian and Chinese ancestry."

I nodded to show that I understood.

Wu Jingjing's grandma stood in front of the microphone and delivered a welcome speech in English.

Her speech speed is not fast, and her pronunciation is also very standard. I basically understand her. The guests she invited tonight are all her friends who have a cooperative relationship with her. There are old partners who have cooperated for hundreds of years, and there are also new partners who are expanding business in Asia. Her business involves many fields, such as real estate, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, medical care, mining, new energy... Violet's way of doing business is different from the current business philosophy. None of her companies are listed, and all of them are privately owned, but none There is no doubt that this is a low-key but wealthy business kingdom.

The more I listened, the more curious I became, what kind of boss would such a smart and elegant lady serve? How attractive would it take to make her submit?

Violet suddenly looked in our direction, she stretched out her hand, and made a gesture of respectful invitation, "As I told you before, my family only runs all the business for my boss. Tonight, please allow me to offer you Introduce my boss, Regulus."

Everyone looked at us, to be precise, they all looked at Wu Julan following Violet's gaze. I realized something, but couldn't believe it, and looked around blankly, trying to find someone else who proved me wrong. However, there was no one else around, only Wu Julan.

What he said this afternoon suddenly came to my ears, "My people saved me". A hundred years ago, he was not alone. Someone followed him and protected him. Since the founding of the United States, except for a civil war between the North and the South, the political situation has been stable. As long as there are safe and reliable agents, it is very normal for the industries of the past to continue to the present.

Wu Julan squeezed my hand reassuringly, let go of me, and walked towards Violet.

Violet retreated to the side and clapped vigorously. In an instant, thunderous applause erupted in the entire banquet hall. Violet and several old people standing in front were so excited that their eyes were filled with tears, as if they were witnessing an incredible miracle.

Wu Julan just stood there indifferently, with no expression on his stern face, like a king who has everything and sees everything, no matter what happens, he takes it for granted.

The applause gradually died down, and Wu Julan said to Violet and the old people: "Goodevening, my friends, I'm back!"

They applauded excitedly again. It can be seen that they are all like Ms. Violet. They not only have outstanding personal charm, but also have outstanding financial resources and social status. Their every move will always attract others to follow and annoy the entire banquet hall There was another thunderous applause.

The only people who did not get excited were me, Jiang Yisheng, Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan.

Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan were staring at me with the most inconceivable gazes, with the expression of "I saw a person stepping on shit, but I didn't expect it to be a gold mine".

Actually, I am in the same mood as them. It feels really bad to see the people I adopted become people whom I cannot afford to support even if I sell them. Moreover, I have always more or less thought that I am Wu Julan's only one in this world, but now, I find that I am at most a fraction, or the fraction with the weakest ability, which makes me feel very useless sense of security.

The applause stopped, and those old guys who seemed to have a high social status stepped forward to greet Wu Julan one by one. They either brought their sons, grandsons, or daughters or granddaughters. Their ancestors should have immigrated to the United States from Europe. Although their homeland left early, their appearance and language still carry the shadow of their homeland. Hispanics, Germans, Italians, French... each of them uses The languages ​​are different, and Wu Julan also speaks to them in the languages ​​of different countries, with perfect etiquette in every move.

Wu Julan surrounded by the crowd made me feel a little strange. Although I always knew that he would not change his arrogance and pickiness when he was so poor that he didn’t even have shoes, but now I witnessed him like a returning king, accepting it calmly. The cheers and admiration of the crowd was another feeling. I couldn't understand what he said at all, I couldn't understand what he was doing at all, and I didn't know the people around him at all... He seemed very far away and strange. On that full moon night, even if he revealed his true body and told me that he was not human, I didn't feel that way, but now I feel that we are people from two worlds.

I said softly: "He really resembles his name, a prince!"

Wu Jingjing stared at Wu Julan and said without hesitation: "It's not very similar, Regulus is the prince!"

I was taken aback for a moment, and couldn't help thinking, if he is a prince, then what am I? Could it be Cinderella before twelve o'clock in the middle of the night, although she put on a beautiful princess dress and dressed up like a princess, but after all she had to take off the dress and return to her original shape?

Jiang Yisheng bumped me with his elbow, and under his signal, I saw Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan retreating quietly to the outside of the crowd and walking towards the door quietly. Staring at their backs, I even had a feeling of wanting to escape.

"Thank you for coming..." Wu Julan's voice suddenly sounded, it turned out to be in Chinese.

Both Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan subconsciously stopped and turned around to look, I also turned around and looked at Wu Julan strangely.

Wu Julan was staring at me sharply, colliding with his eyes, I couldn't help but feel guilty, he has seen through my thoughts! His eyes were a little angry, as if he was saying: How dare you run away? you try!

Wu Julan stared at me, and slowly said in Chinese: "I invite you here tonight not only to meet with you, but more importantly, to invite you to witness what I am about to do."

He walked through the crowd and walked towards me. Following his movements, everyone's eyes focused on me and him.

Since I was a child, I have never been the focus of the crowd, and I am not used to being the focus of the crowd, so I want to back away nervously. Wu Julan bent her knees and knelt down in front of me with one leg, holding a huge blue diamond ring in her hand, "Xiaoluo, will you marry me?"

As if I heard the immobilization spell, I was immediately fixed on the ground, and asked in shock: "What did you say?"

Fortunately, it wasn't just me who was frightened, the crowd also let out exclamations one after another, covering up my extremely impolite question.

Wu Julan stared into my eyes and repeated again: "Will you marry me?"

I listened with bated breath, and immediately smiled, and impatiently snatched the ring from him, "I am willing! I am willing!"

Jiang Yisheng coughed desperately, and I realized that I seemed to be too anxious. I should have held out my hand with tears in my eyes, and asked Wu Julan to put the ring on me. But, I have already snatched it in front of everyone, should I return it to Wu Julan?

I hold the ring, neither advancing nor retreating.

Wu Julan's originally sharp eyes softened, he stood up with a smile, took my hand very naturally, and put on the ring for me, as if the ceremony should be like this. Then, he held my ring-wearing hand, bent down, lowered his head, and kissed the back of my hand in a very gentlemanly manner.

It was as if an electric current hit my heart from the back of my hand, which made my heart beat faster and my blood flow retrogradely. At this moment, I was dizzy and really realized what happened: Wu Julan, to me proposed! It's a proposal! Proposal! Proposal!

Since the beginning of this relationship, I have always been the one who is struggling to move forward. Wu Julan has been very hesitant. It can even be said that he really wants to refuse, but he can't stand my thick skin. This thick-skinned guy didn't even dare to think about getting married, yet Wu Julan actually proposed to me!

What a strange thing! I am still me, and he is still him, but there is an extra stone on my **** that symbolizes his promise, but everything has changed! Even if he continues to say things I don't understand, do things I don't understand, and he is surrounded by people I don't know, so what? No matter how strange the world is, he will always be by my side! What's more, he would rather let everyone not understand, but also use Chinese, just so that I can understand.

Wu Julan held my hand, stared at Zhou Buwen and Zhou Buyan, and introduced to everyone in Chinese: "My fiancée, Shen Luo!"

Violet kindly helped him translate into English, but all the old people around her remained silent, as if they couldn't accept this fact at all.

Wu Julan watched them quietly. Violet was the first to raise her hand and started to applaud, and the others started to applaud one after another, and finally the entire banquet hall was filled with thunderous applause.

Wu Julan smiled slightly and said, "Thank you!"

The music started at the right time, and Violet gave Wu Jingjing a wink.

Wu Jingjing smiled and said to Jiang Yisheng: "Borrow your beauty!" Before Jiang Yisheng could react, she dragged Jiang Yisheng into the dance floor, and began to dance to the music.

Jiang Yisheng sluggishly moved for a moment, and soon followed her dance steps.

The two of them, the suave male and the glamorous female, danced in a variety of tricks and were surprisingly harmonious, attracting many people to dance too.

The people surrounding Wu Julan gradually dispersed, but Violet and those old people did not leave. She respectfully said to Wu Julan, "Please follow me."

We followed her into a lounge adjoining the banquet hall.

The waiter closed the door, the sound of music and human voices were shut out, and the room seemed very quiet. Wu Julan led me to sit down on the sofa, while everyone else stood.

Violet said to me very kindly: "I have heard Liangliang mention you many times, can I call you Xiaoluo?"

Chinese people respect the old and love the young. Violet must be regarded as an elder. I wanted to stand up, but Wu Julan held me down. I could only sit still and said with a smile, "Of course."

Violet smiled and introduced to me several old people around her. Everyone would step forward, take my hand, bend down and kiss the back of my hand lightly. From the beginning to the end, Wu Julan sat beside me without saying a word. I vaguely feel that this is not just a western etiquette, but more like a ceremony, but Wu Julan didn't explain what it means, and I didn't ask, but I just tried to maintain calm and dignified as much as possible, not seeking to be brilliant, just not error.

After everyone greeted me, Wu Julan held my hand, stood up, and said: "Shen Luo is my chosen life partner. From today onwards, we will share all the glory bestowed by life. And share all the suffering that life brings."

My heart was shaken and I stared blankly at Wu Julan.

Violet was almost shocked and said: "Regulus..."

Wu Julan stared at her sharply, Violet struggled for a moment, then bowed her head humbly.

Wu Julan repeated what he said just now in English. Under everyone's shocked eyes, he said: "I hope you will firmly remember what I said."

After speaking, he led me out of the lounge.

Wu Julan glanced at Jiang Yisheng and Wu Jingjing who were dancing, and asked me: "Do you want to play for a while? If you want to dance, I can accompany you."

I shook my head, "I want to go home."

He said that his hearing and sense of smell are far sharper than humans, so he definitely doesn't like such a place with noisy sounds and mixed smells, and it just so happens that I don't like it either.

Wu Julan smiled and said softly: "Okay, let's go home!"

After returning to the apartment, when I stood in front of the combination lock and entered the password, I suddenly realized why the password of this apartment is my birthday in the lunar calendar. It wasn't Wu Jingjing's password that asked someone to change it, but a password specially set by Wu Julan.

I asked: "Is this the house you lived in before?"

Wu Julan said: "Yes! However, every twenty years, they will help me re-apply for an ID card and redecorate the house. Except for the books on the bookshelves, there is basically no trace of the past. It looks like it."

I pushed open the door, bent my knees, made a playful gesture of inviting me in, and said to Wu Julan, "Welcome home!"

Wu Julan said: "It will be your home in the future. I didn't give you a birthday present for your birthday, but this house will be my birthday present."

What? Gave it to me? I froze.

Wu Julan pulled me into the apartment, "Don't think it's too expensive and you don't want to accept it. Back then, I just liked the dense vegetation and sparsely populated place, so I bought it at a very low price."

I came back to my senses and said with a hippie smile, "I don't think it's expensive! Only a fool thinks it's too much money! As long as it's from you, I'll accept it no matter how expensive it is! I just can't believe that there are such things in the world. Good thing, I was prepared to work hard and work hard to support my family, but I didn't expect you to be such a rich man, so that I would directly upgrade to a rice bug."

Wu Julan smiled slightly, stared at me and said: "Little Luo, you are really good like this!"

His gaze is deep and focused, and it can be described as "affectionate". I was embarrassed, and looked here and there with a blushing face, just because I was embarrassed to meet his eyes.

Wu Julan laughed lightly, and jokingly asked: "What are you looking at?"

I plausibly said: "Look at my house!" After finishing speaking, I really looked at my house carefully.

Suddenly, I saw two familiar things.

"Ah! They are here!" I ran over in surprise.

The coral stone of snailed jade is placed on the floor of the living room, with a pot of green bonsai on it, as in the old house on the island; the nautilus fossil is also used as decoration, as before, in the living room on the shelf.

Wu Julan said: "This is your grandfather's old things. If it is not for money, you would not want to sell it. Now that we are not short of money, let them still be with you!"

I looked at the coral stones and nautilus fossils, then looked around the room, staring at Wu Julan silently.

The very Chinese seasonings and ingredients in the kitchen, the conch decorations in the bedroom, the shampoo and shower gel I used to use in the bathroom, and even the Chinese channels that I can receive after turning on the TV... No wonder I always feel that the decoration of the house is very important. The person is so caring and thoughtful, taking care of almost all my needs.

Wu Julan walked up to me and asked with concern: "What's wrong?"

I said: "I thought Wu Jingjing arranged the things in this room, but it turned out that you arranged them yourself."

Wu Julan said: "Time is too tight. I only have half a day. I can only arrange it casually. Later, we will arrange it according to your wishes. When you come to New York in the future, you can live more comfortably."

I never thought that one day I would be put in the palm of my hand like this, cared for and pampered in every possible way.

My eyes were wet, and I couldn't help snuggling into his arms, hugging his neck tightly, and the dark blue diamond ring was shining brightly on my finger.

The person I love, from the blue ocean, gave me ocean-like affection! No matter what is ahead, glory or suffering, I am willing to bear it!