第七十九章 妙语如环人情同弱柳 此心匪石境地逊浮鸥 (Chapter Seventy-Nine: Witty Words Like Rings, Human Ties as Fragile as Willows; A Heart Not of Stone, a Realm Inferior to Floating Gulls)

Now, Yang Xingyuan and Hua Boping were walking along, chatting as they made their way into Dasenli. With Hua Boping in front and Yang Xingyuan behind, they had just started when a charming voice called out from behind, saying, "Hey! Mr. Yang." Yang Xingyuan turned to look and saw it was Amao from Li Yun's troupe. He smiled and nodded. Hua Boping asked, "Who is it?" Yang Xingyuan said, "An acquaintance." Amao stepped closer and said to Yang Xingyuan, "It's rare for you to come today. Please visit our place and sit for a while." Yang Xingyuan said, "I have things to do today. I'll come another day." Amao said, "If you're busy, I won't insist. But do come tomorrow." Yang Xingyuan smiled in agreement, and he and Hua Boping walked away.

Hua Boping laughed and said, "That must be your dear acquaintance." Yang Xingyuan said, "No, just an acquaintance. She's an innocent and lively girl. Even though she's in the demimonde, she hasn't lost her true nature. That's why I'm quite familiar with her." Hua Boping said, "I think she's quite taken with you." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's just a passing fancy, nothing more."

As they talked, they passed another doorway. A round face peeked out from behind a glass window, smiling and nodding at Yang Xingyuan. Yang Xingyuan smiled back and nodded in return. Hua Boping asked, "And who is this?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Another acquaintance." Hua Boping said, "You're quite popular, with acquaintances everywhere." Yang Xingyuan said, "It's nothing special. I just come around often."

As they spoke, they reached their destination. The electric light at the entrance shone brightly. A brass plaque hung on the doorframe, bearing the words "Lanxiang House." Hua Boping whispered, "Lanxiang House." Yang Xingyuan smiled and said, "Keep your voice down. Be careful they don't hear you." Hua Boping laughed and said, "It's fine. But coming here feels a bit like Jia Baoyu first entering Qin Keqing's room in Dream of the Red Chamber. I can't help but feel a little carried away." Yang Xingyuan smiled and said, "You're right about that."

Just then, an older maid inside lifted the door curtain and let them in. As soon as Yang Xingyuan entered, a fragrant scent wafted toward him. Hua Boping noticed it too and asked softly, "What is this fragrance?" Yang Xingyuan said, "It's the orchid incense they burn in their rooms."

The two walked into the room. A young woman in her twenties, dressed in light blue clothes with a glossy braid, didn't seem like a courtesan at all. Seeing them enter, she stood up, smiling, and gestured for them to sit. Yang Xingyuan said to Hua Boping, "This is Lan Xiang." Then he said to Lan Xiang, "This is my friend, Mr. Hua." Lan Xiang smiled and bowed to Hua Boping, who returned the courtesy.

Lan Xiang poured two cups of tea and brought them over. Yang Xingyuan smiled and said, "Why so polite today?" Lan Xiang said, "Master Yang rarely visits, and Master Hua is here for the first time. How could I not be polite?" Yang Xingyuan said, "That makes sense."

Hua Boping chatted with Lan Xiang for a bit, finding her quite witty and taking a liking to her. After sitting for a while, Yang Xingyuan said to Hua Boping, "Let's go." Hua Boping said, "What's the hurry?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I still have things to do."

Seeing they were about to leave, Lan Xiang took Yang Xingyuan's hand and said, "Will you come tomorrow?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I'm afraid I can't tomorrow." Lan Xiang said, "What about the day after?" Yang Xingyuan said, "We'll see then." With that, he and Hua Boping left the room.

Lan Xiang saw them to the door and said to Yang Xingyuan, "Master Yang, if you're free tomorrow, please do come." Yang Xingyuan smiled and agreed, then he and Hua Boping walked out of Dasenli.

Hua Boping laughed and said, "This Lan Xiang seems quite fond of you." Yang Xingyuan said, "It's just a courtesan's tactic, nothing more." Hua Boping said, "You see through them quite clearly." Yang Xingyuan said, "Once you see through it, there's no charm left."

As they talked, they reached the newspaper office. Yang Xingyuan parted ways with Hua Boping and went about his business. That evening, he discussed the day's events with He Jianchen. He Jianchen said, "What's your real attitude toward Lan Xiang?" Yang Xingyuan said, "She's just a casual acquaintance for fun." He Jianchen said, "I think otherwise. You seem to have genuine feelings for Li Yun." Yang Xingyuan said, "Not entirely. It's just that Li Yun is so innocent and lively, it's pitiable."

He Jianchen smiled and said, "That's interesting." They chatted a bit more, then each went home.

When Yang Xingyuan returned to the Guild Hall, it was already midnight. The attendant handed him a letter. Yang Xingyuan took it and saw it was from Li Yun. The letter read: "Master Yang: Why haven't you come these past few days? I miss you. If you're free tomorrow, please come to our place. I have something to tell you. Li Yun."

Reading the letter, Yang Xingyuan felt a stir in his heart. He thought, "This child Li Yun is really something." Then he thought, "If I go often, it might cause trouble. But if I don't go, I'd feel sorry for her." He pondered back and forth, unable to decide.

The next day, Yang Xingyuan was very busy and had no time until evening. Another day passed before he found a moment to visit Pine and Bamboo House. As soon as he entered, Amao greeted him with a smile and said, "Master Yang, you've come. Seventh Miss has been thinking of you."

Yang Xingyuan smiled and walked into Li Yun's room. He saw Li Yun sitting by the table, holding a book and reading. Seeing him enter, she put the book down and said with a smile, "You're a hard guest to invite." Yang Xingyuan said, "I've been truly busy these past two days, so I couldn't come."

Li Yun said, "Sit down." Yang Xingyuan sat opposite her. Li Yun said, "I asked you to come for no particular reason. I've just been feeling very bored and wanted to talk with you." Yang Xingyuan said, "Why are you bored?" Li Yun said, "Every day is like this. How could I not be bored?"

Yang Xingyuan said, "You could find something to do, like reading or writing. That would ease the boredom." Li Yun said, "I like reading, but no one teaches me. As for writing, I don't know how." Yang Xingyuan said, "If you're willing to learn, I can teach you."

Hearing this, Li Yun was delighted and said, "If you're willing to teach me, that would be wonderful." Yang Xingyuan said, "But learning isn't a matter of a day or two. You need patience." Li Yun said, "As long as you're willing to teach, I'll be patient."

Seeing her sincerity, Yang Xingyuan agreed. From then on, he often visited Pine and Bamboo House to teach Li Yun reading and writing. Li Yun studied hard and progressed quickly. Yang Xingyuan, seeing her intelligence, grew even fonder of her.

One day, while Yang Xingyuan was teaching Li Yun to write, He Jianchen suddenly arrived. Yang Xingyuan smiled and said to He Jianchen, "Look, I'm playing teacher here." He Jianchen laughed and said, "You've found yourself a good pastime."

Li Yun, seeing He Jianchen, smiled and greeted him. He Jianchen sat down, exchanged a few words with Yang Xingyuan, then said to him, "I have something to discuss with you." Yang Xingyuan said, "What is it?" He Jianchen said, "Let's talk outside."

Yang Xingyuan and He Jianchen left the room and went out to the courtyard. He Jianchen said, "Did you know Chen Ruokuang has died?" Yang Xingyuan exclaimed in surprise, "Really? I had no idea." He Jianchen said, "He died several days ago. Huang Bieshan handled the funeral arrangements."

Yang Xingyuan said, "What did he die of?" He Jianchen said, "I heard it was syphilis." Yang Xingyuan sighed and said, "He brought it upon himself." He Jianchen said, "Not only did he die, but he left behind a pile of debts. Now his creditors are making a scene at the newspaper office every day."

Yang Xingyuan said, "That's truly unexpected." He Jianchen said, "I came to you because our newspaper office wants to publish a short biography of him. You were his friend, so you must know about him. Could you write one for him?"

Yang Xingyuan said, "Although we were friends, I don't know much about his affairs. But since you ask, I'll try to write something." He Jianchen said, "That's excellent. I'll come for the draft tomorrow."

Agreeing, Yang Xingyuan chatted a bit more with He Jianchen, who then left. Yang Xingyuan returned to the room. Li Yun asked, "What did Master He talk to you about?" Yang Xingyuan said, "Matters at the newspaper office." Li Yun said, "You seem a bit upset." Yang Xingyuan said, "It's nothing."

Li Yun said, "If something's on your mind, don't force yourself to teach me." Yang Xingyuan said, "It's fine. Let's continue with the writing."

But Yang Xingyuan felt somewhat unsettled. He recalled how lively Chen Ruokuang had been when they used to roam the hutong together. Now he was gone. Life was truly impermanent. He thought of himself, drifting through the world, unsure of his own fate. At this, he couldn't help but sigh.

Li Yun, seeing him sigh, asked, "Why are you sighing?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I'm thinking of a friend who died." Li Yun said, "When someone dies, that's that. Why dwell on it?"

Yang Xingyuan said, "That's a philosophical view." Li Yun said, "For people like us, who don't know what tomorrow brings, if we think too much, how can we cope?"

Hearing her words, Yang Xingyuan felt that, though she was a courtesan, she had keen insight. He smiled and said to her, "I didn't expect you to have such perspective." Li Yun said, "It's just necessity, forcing me to think this way."

Yang Xingyuan taught her a few more characters, then said, "I'm a bit tired today. I'd like to go back and rest early." Li Yun said, "Will you come tomorrow?" Yang Xingyuan said, "We'll see."

Li Yun saw him to the door and urged, "If you're free tomorrow, please do come." Yang Xingyuan nodded and went home.

The next day, Yang Xingyuan wrote a short biography for Chen Ruokuang at the newspaper office. He Jianchen read it and was very satisfied. Yang Xingyuan said, "I've done my bit as a friend for him."

He Jianchen said, "That's how life is. When someone dies, having a few friends write a biography is not bad." Yang Xingyuan said, "That's true."

A few days later, Yang Xingyuan visited Pine and Bamboo House again. Li Yun was delighted to see him. Yang Xingyuan, noticing she looked somewhat haggard, asked, "You seem to have lost weight." Li Yun said, "I haven't been feeling well these past few days."

Yang Xingyuan said, "Have you seen a doctor?" Li Yun said, "I have, but it hasn't helped." Yang Xingyuan said, "What exactly is wrong?" Li Yun said, "It's hard to say. I just feel unwell in my heart."

Yang Xingyuan said, "You must take good care of yourself." Li Yun said, "Thank you for caring about me."

Seeing her like this, Yang Xingyuan felt sorry for her. But his own power was limited. He could only offer a few words of comfort.

From then on, Yang Xingyuan often visited Li Yun. But her illness showed no sign of improvement. Yang Xingyuan grew anxious, yet there was nothing he could do.

One day, while Yang Xingyuan was working at the newspaper office, he suddenly received a phone call from Amao, saying that Li Yun was critically ill and he should come quickly. Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan hurried to Pine and Bamboo House.

He saw Li Yun lying in bed, her face pale and emaciated beyond recognition. Seeing him, she shed tears. Yang Xingyuan asked, "How do you feel?" Li Yun said, "My heart aches terribly."

Yang Xingyuan said, "Have you called a doctor?" Li Yun said, "I have. The doctor couldn't identify the illness either."

Yang Xingyuan sat by the bed and comforted her. Li Yun said, "Master Yang, I fear I'm beyond help." Yang Xingyuan said, "Don't talk nonsense. Rest well, and you'll recover naturally."

Li Yun said, "I know myself. This illness won't get better. When I die, I have no regrets, except that I'll miss you."

Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan felt a pang of sorrow, almost bringing tears to his eyes. He said, "Don't think that way. You're still young. How could you die?"

Li Yun shook her head and said, "When I die, I only ask that you think of me sometimes. I would be endlessly grateful."

Yang Xingyuan said, "Don't say such things. I'll find a way to treat your illness." Li Yun said, "I'm afraid it's too late."

Yang Xingyuan sat a while longer. Seeing Li Yun was very tired, he told her to rest well and left. Amao saw him out. Yang Xingyuan asked Amao, "What exactly is her illness?" Amao said, "The doctor says it's tuberculosis."

Hearing this, Yang Xingyuan's heart sank. He knew tuberculosis was hard to cure, especially for someone in her circumstances. He said to Amao, "Take good care of her." Amao agreed.

Returning to the Guild Hall, Yang Xingyuan felt deeply depressed. He thought of how Li Yun, such an innocent and lively girl, had contracted this illness. It was truly pitiable. Reflecting on life, he realized it was like floating gulls-today uncertain of tomorrow. He couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

A few days later, Yang Xingyuan visited Li Yun again. She had grown even thinner. Seeing him, she took his hand and said, "Master Yang, I fear I won't see you again."

Yang Xingyuan said, "Don't say that. I'll come see you every day." Li Yun said, "If you really come every day, then I can die in peace."

Yang Xingyuan, heart aching, forced a smile and said, "Don't talk about dying. I still have many things for you to do." Li Yun said, "What things?" Yang Xingyuan said, "I still need to teach you reading and writing."

Li Yun smiled faintly and said, "I'm afraid I can't learn anymore."

Yang Xingyuan sat a bit longer. Seeing Li Yun was listless, he bid farewell and left. Walking on the road, he recalled her words and felt deeply sorrowful.