Chapter 7 Chapter VII

Dr. Deng said softly: "Half a year later, Zhuo Yuanzong's old illness relapsed and unfortunately passed away." But it was like being slapped vigorously a few times, there was a buzzing sound in the ear, and there were golden stars dancing in front of my eyes. Dr. Deng continued: "The three of us put in all our efforts, and then I also lost contact with the Zhuo family." Ming Xin stretched out his hand to support the lifting corner to stand firmly. All of a sudden, her head was so heavy that her neck could not support it, she leaned to the side, Ming Xin tried again and again, but she couldn't lift her head.

"Miss Xia, the most important thing is that we have done our best." Dr. Deng sighed a few more words, but couldn't get Mingxin's response. He turned to her and noticed that her complexion was pale. " "Miss Xia," he helped her to sit down, "are you okay?" She finally raised her head, and Dr. Deng saw the despair in her eyes. Dr. Deng has seen this look on the face of a patient's close relatives before, and knows how the patient is feeling. He gently comforted: "You didn't know the news until today? I only recently learned that the hometown has changed hands..."

There was not a day when she didn't think of him, but it turned out that he was no longer in this world, and Ming Xin felt so sad that words can't describe it. "Their brothers have outstanding talents and are indeed unforgettable characters." After a while, Xia Mingxin stood up, "Deng Yiniu, I wish you a bright future." Dr. Deng gave her a business card, "I hope we can keep in touch." "yes." "Zhuo Yuanzong's resting place is in Queensland Cemetery." "Thank you, Doctor Deng." "Miss Xia, your hands are shaking, so we have always discouraged donors from meeting patients."

Ming Xin quietly left. When I walked to the door and saw the car, my steps suddenly staggered, my heart was at a loss, and I didn't know how many words I had prepared to say when I wanted to meet again, but at this moment it was all in vain. "Cells have memory, have you been contaminated with my habits?" "How's life going these few years, you're still single?" "I forgot to ask you before, which subject did you study in school?" Ming Xin got into the car and drove to Queensland. The administrator looked up the location for her: "To the northeast, there is a row of cherry trees, B12."

Ming Xin looked up and saw a row of dozens of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, a sea of ​​fragrant snow like waves of flowers, approaching, cherry petals fell on pedestrians like snow flakes, this is the soul of Yamato, symbolizing the splendor of life passed away. Beyond the hills is the sea, extremely quiet, Yuan Zong would like it here. Ming Xin found the location. His name was engraved on a small flat marble tablet. Ming stared at it for a long time. At this time, her head and shoulders were covered with petals, and Ming Xin had no time to shake off. When she turned around, she saw a pair of old people.

Isn't this Lao Lu and his wife? Oh, I finally met an acquaintance. Lao Lu supported his wife, and Lu's mother knelt down, lowered the flowers, and wept secretly. Ming Xin asked in a low voice: "Mom Lu, do you remember me?" Mama Lu raised her head, she was much older, she murmured, "I went out that day, but he didn't come back." Ming Xin was surprised, Lu Ma's thinking has been confused, the changes in the past five years are really unexpected. Lao Lu said apologetically, "I'm sorry, she misses her dead son too much..." "Old Lu, I'm Xia Mingxin."

Lao Lu looked at her and shook his head, "Do we know each other?" He has forgotten the former guests of his hometown. "Actually, our children are not resting here." "Old Lu, where is Yuan Sheng? Where is he?" Lao Lu stopped answering, and helped his wife to sit down on a nearby bench. Ming Xin only saw their white hair fluttering in the wind. She couldn't bear to disturb them any more. Back home that day, Ming Xin only felt that the four walls of the small room closed towards her like a box. She wept bitterly. When I went to school the next day, even the children asked, "Is Miss Xia sick?" Her head and face were swollen and haggard, and she finally called the substitute teacher to help.

She went to the newspaper to advertise. "Looking for someone: Yuan Sheng has been missing him since he left in the summer five years ago, please contact me as soon as possible, remember." The person in charge of the advertising department is a red-haired young man, and he was moved by a few short sentences in the letter. He kept pestering, "You haven't found anyone else for five years?" Ming Xin was silent. His colleagues warned him: "Peter don't harass the guests." But Peter is still very shaken, "In this era where you can form a relationship while drinking a cup of coffee, it's sad to look for the old love five years ago. After thousands of days, haven't you found a better one?"

Suddenly Ming Xin decided to answer the stranger: "No." She shed tears. The advertisement was published for three days in a row. Although the area is not large, the people who should see it will definitely see it. However, Xia Mingxin was still disappointed. Every day she went to the newspaper office to ask for news, and the red-haired young man greeted her hospitablely. "Perhaps, he no longer lives in this city." Of course Ming Xin knew there was a possibility. "I hope a friend will tell him." Ming Xin lowered her head in melancholy. "You've been waiting for him?"

Ming Xin asked, "Would it be better to publish my own phone number?" "In a big city, it's very dangerous for a woman to publish her phone number in a newspaper." "you are right." "Look, it's lunch time, how about we eat next door?" Ming Xin shook his head, "I'm not hungry, thank you." The young man was a little helpless. A week later, Ming Xin no longer had time to go to the newspaper office to inquire about the news, she needed to prepare the student report card. But the redhead called. "Group Xia, someone personally delivered a package to the newspaper office for you."

"Who?" "According to my colleagues, it was a young man of Chinese descent." "Whose name is it?" "I didn't leave my name and didn't say much, I left it in my bag and left." "I'll come right away." Redhead Peter was waiting for her. The bag is not big, and you can tell it's a painting at a glance. Ming couldn't wait any longer, so he took it apart to look at it in front of outsiders. As soon as the oil paper was opened, she froze. Ah, the one in the watercolor painting is exactly Xia Mingxin, sitting on a stone bench with his back in the flowers, this is Zhuo Yuanzong's work. There are countless precious furniture and miscellaneous items in the hometown, and someone brought only this insignificant work out in a hurry. It can be seen that Xia Mingxin is not alone in his affection these days. Ming Xin patted the painting in silence. Peter asked: "Is it you in the painting? You can tell it at a glance." "Who sent the painting?" "The man left no message." Ming Xin shook his head anxiously. "Or, he hasn't planned to see you yet, but one day, he will be ready." Ming Xin was depressed. "Let me buy you a cup of coffee." This time, Ming Xin followed him to a nearby coffee shop. He ordered a cup of hot cocoa for her. Then he asked in bewilderment, "Why did it take five years?" Great question. For the sake of self-esteem, since she was swept away, she wanted to forget the whole thing, but she didn't expect to overestimate her ability. Peter said: "I work in the advertising department, but I also do close-ups all the time. If you want to tell a story, I have a good ear." Ming Xin just nodded. After drinking the cocoa, she said goodbye. Ming Xin kept holding the small watercolor painting to her chest, and when she passed by a gallery, she opened the door and went in. A middle-aged lady came up to greet her: "What do you want to see, Miss?" "I'll do the painting." "Oh, our service will satisfy you." Xia Mingxin gently opened the painting. The lady saw it, couldn't help but look again, and then asked: "How about a wooden shelf? Please come here to choose. We have anti-ultraviolet and non-reflective glass, and the painting will not fade." Then, she went back to the small office at the back of the store, talked to someone, and Ming Xin chose the oak shelf. When she looked up, she saw an old gentleman standing in front of her. He introduced himself, "I'm Stone, the owner of the gallery." Ming Xin nodded. "Can I see the painting in your hand?" Ming Xin showed him. "Well," said the silver-haired old man, "the person in the painting is you." It's strange, it's just a small back view, everyone can see it. "Your hairstyle and clothing haven't changed much." What does he have to say? Finally, he coughed, "Miss, the artist Zhuo Yuanzong is your good friend." Ming Xin was startled, "How did you know Zhuo Yuanzong?" Old Shi Dong was even more surprised than her, "I am the proprietor of a gallery, so I naturally know who Zhuo Yuanzong is." Ming Xin didn't understand for a moment. The old man laughed and said, "Although I haven't met Zhuo Yuanzong, he is a very famous painter. That is a fact that everyone knows." Ming was stunned. No, no, but she didn't know, she clenched her fists tightly, her heart was sore, and before she had time to get to know him well, he had already left this world. "Zhuo Yuanzong's paintings are very gentle and sentimental, with delicate brushstrokes, and are highly appreciated. Unfortunately, the artist died young four years ago. Today, many people are willing to pay high prices for his works." The old man's tone was very excited. Ming Xin never knew that Zhuo Yuanzong had a successful career. She always thought that sketching was just his hobby. "Miss, would you like to sell this painting?" Ming Xin took a step back. "No." "Miss, I can offer you a good price." "Never." Ming Xin picked up the painting and immediately walked out of the gallery without looking back. There are many things not for sale in everyone's life. Someone once asked Xia Mingxin how much his bone marrow is worth. It is priceless. How much is this sketch worth?Also priceless. The next day, Mingxin asked Peter to publish a classified advertisement for her again. "Yuan Sheng, the painting has been received, please contact me further." This time, there was no news at all, and there was no news for more than a month. Ever since leaving his hometown, Xia Mingxin's crystal clear eyes had become more thoughtful, and they were even more melancholy these days. She searched for Zhuo Yuanzong's information and found that he is a very important figure in the painting circle. He has held private art exhibitions since he was 18 years old and received good reviews. Xia Mingxin, who is ignorant and ignorant, does not know Mount Tai. When she met him, he was seriously ill and his achievements were not mentioned at all by his family. She had no idea who he was. It is only now that the puzzle pieces are put together and the outline of the picture is known. Ming Xin sighed deeply. She hadn't expected Peter to write a feature about it in the paper. The title is: "Looking for the Love of the Past". Using simple style of writing and rich emotion, he narrated the process of a certain young woman's two missing person advertisements. His advice is: "Grab the other person's arm, today, now, love him immediately, don't let go of the opportunity, and regret for life." Readers were obviously moved. It is said that the newspaper's e-mail box was filled with testimonials and expressed sympathy. Half of the people who don't want to love actively are very eager to be loved, so love stories will always be popular. Peter said, "Maybe he'll see this close-up." Ming Xin also hopes so. "Ever thought about hiring a private investigator?" "He won't like it." "you are right." "I did my best." "The TV station would like to interview you." "what?" Peter said: "Please tell your story yourself and post his picture, someone must have seen him." Ming Xin let out a breath, "He is not a fugitive." Peter said, "You're right." "Write your story, don't you be angry." Ming Xin smiled, "No, that's not my story, it's just your feeling after seeing the missing person notice." "Still friends?" "Yes, but you have to be mentally prepared: you can write anything." Peter laughed, "That's why writers lament loneliness, and no one dares to be friends with us." Ming Xin was amused by him. "It's really inconvenient for you to appear on TV, the parents of the students will recognize you." This is also the same?No, Xia Mingxin was just afraid that Zhuo Yuansheng would be unhappy. If it was her, she was also afraid of being chased and beaten, so she insisted on dragging her out to meet him. During the summer vacation, Ming Xin was not free, so she volunteered to teach the summer class. When picking up their daughter from school, a parent asked, "Mr. Xia, are you willing to teach the children Mandarin?" Xia Ming was startled: "How do you know I can speak Mandarin?" "It seems to be what Mrs. Zhou said." "What do you suggest?" "We have ten children. I would like to use the sitting room as a classroom. I go to barley every afternoon from 2 to 4 pm. I hope I can learn to speak in the summer vacation." "How old are the children?" "From six to sixteen years old, I also want to listen in, Mr. Xia, if you don't know Mandarin at this time, you really don't have to go anywhere." Ming Xin lowered his head and thought, "Alright." Mrs. Xu, the parent, said: "Thank you, Teacher Xia. In terms of remuneration—" "I am willing to fulfill my obligations, regardless of these." Mrs. Xu left happily. Ming Xin lowered her head. Ah, I still remember teaching Mandarin Chinese. Her footsteps immediately became heavy. Two days later, Mrs. Xu has come to make an appointment. Many housewives are very organized. The study schedule is very simple. Each class is 35 minutes, and there is a half hour for snacks and restrooms. There are also questionnaires for students. Eat and drink whatever you like. It's really rare to work so hard to recruit a waiter for free. Mrs. Xu explained: "Next time it is Mrs. Zhou's turn to host the tennis class." What a puzzle, after three to five years, children can learn all martial arts. "Miss Xia, eight weeks, each according to his talent, learn as much as possible, students have no complaints." Ming Xin did not dare to neglect, and prepared interesting and attractive handouts. The environment of Xu's family is very good. The basement of nearly 1,000 square feet was used as a classroom, with two table tennis tables lined up, a bucket of pens, and a stack of pads. Ming Xin was amazed, in her time, what she wanted to learn was a hard pursuit, which is much better than now, everything is well prepared, please sit down. The students were all punctual, but the number of students was much more than that. When one counted, there were a total of eighteen students. Of course Xia Mingxin couldn't be troubled, her professors are humorous, concise and quick, ah, five years have passed, and her workmanship is certainly ten times better than it was more than a thousand days ago. Fortunately, her enthusiasm has not diminished in the past, and the cohesion of her energy has touched students aged six to sixteen. During the break, she sat aside and drank mineral water, and Mrs. Xu went to accompany her. "Miss Xia doesn't have a boyfriend." Ming Xin shook his head. "How can such a talent be possible?" Ming Xin smiled, "It can be seen that men look at women, and women look at women, and their perspectives are completely different." It was Mrs. Xu's turn to shake her head, "No, you don't need to be modest, there is a story here." Ming Xin laughed, "Talk about it." "Long my heart, there is no one else, only because of the king, I have pondered it so far." When Ming Xin heard this, her eyes widened in surprise, and she changed her view of housewives from then on. She originally thought that all unemployed young women were blind, and it seemed that there was room for discussion. Ming Xin wryly smiled. Mrs. Xu continued, "I would like to introduce you to a boyfriend." "I'm so grateful, I'm not ready yet mentally." Unexpectedly, Mrs. Xu said frankly: "Marriage is like having a child. How do you prepare? Just learn and do it. When you are ready, this life is over." This primitive philosophy is called Mind Shock. It also makes sense. A few days later, a few more students were added to the class, all of whom were adults in their twenties, doctoral candidates from a certain school, trainee doctors from a certain hospital, and certified accountants. Ming Xin knew that it was Mrs. Xu's kindness, but he felt even more distressed and missed Zhuo Yuanzong even more. The children tried their best to talk to Mingxin in Mandarin. The best thing in the world is for children to speak Mandarin and French. Xia Mingxin is Chinese, so of course he thinks Mandarin is the most beautiful language in the world. Adult students chatted with her while they were taking a break. Among them, lawyer Wang Bai said: "I have a colleague who can speak Mandarin very well. I came to study to give her a surprise." Ming Xin just laughed along. "I heard that she also studied with a governess." It's almost a new business. "There is also a heart word in your names." Ming Xin raised his head suddenly, "What's her last name?" "Surname area." Ming Xin relaxed again, and saw that the boy had a nostalgic feeling when he mentioned his colleague, so he couldn't help smiling and said, "You two must be able to talk." "Yes," he admitted, "I really like her." "Then what's the obstacle?" "Mr. Xia, you are so smart, but she was married once and had a child, and her mother was not happy." what. "That's really hard for me to do." Ming Xin nodded, "Will you work hard to overcome difficulties?" "I hope time will dilute my mother's prejudice." "I'm happy for her." Lawyer Wang left happily, and his girlfriend picked him up outside, driving a small German car. The woman was dressed in white, only a corner of her figure could be seen. However, you don’t need to read the whole novel. You already know whether the content is brilliant or not after the first ten thousand characters. Xia Mingxin was sure that the mother of the son was a very outstanding woman. The students already knew how to recite "Isn't it a joy to have friends coming from afar", "Isn't it a gentleman who doesn't know but not stunned", Mrs. Zhou was moved to tears, and the requirements of a good mother are as low as humility. One day during a short break, Ming Xin saw a small German Beetle waiting at the door, the driver's hand was outside the car, Ming Xin was attracted, and walked out step by step. She recognized the hands, she knew the man. She just wished she remembered her too. Xia Mingxin probed over and greeted softly: "Yuanxin, hello." The driver was stunned, and raised his head. Most of her childishness had faded, but she was as beautiful as before. Ming Xin's hypothesis was confirmed in an instant, his nose was sour, and he tried to calm down, "Yuan Xin, we meet again." Yuan Xin was more surprised than her, "Mr. Xia," she opened the car door and got out of the car, "You are here..." She couldn't continue. She shook her clothes, brushed her hair, and then pointed to the inside of the car. There is a toddler car seat in the back seat, and a baby is sleeping soundly. Xia Mingxin opened his arms, "Yuan Xin." Yuan Xin's eyelashes filled with tears, and she hugged her with a smile. "Ming Xin, we finally meet again." "Where's Yuan Sheng?" Yuan Xin was taken aback, "I don't have any news from him." "Why, he's so friendly." "After he ran away from home that day, he did not contact us again." "I have been to my hometown──" Yuan Xin was not so sad, "The hometown is in the past." Ming Xin quickly said: "Give me the phone address quickly, for fear of getting lost again. "Ming Xin, it's convenient to come down and have a cup of tea." "Great, let's go now." Yuan Xin smiled, "I have to pick up one more person." Ah yes, that Lawyer Wang. "Is there anything you can't say to him?" Yuan Xin replied, "You can say it all." "you're very lucky." "I think so too." "Yuan Xin, I miss you." "Me too, I didn't expect you to be a handsome old man." "He's learning Mandarin for you." "Listen to him, his clients are all Chinese, won't he learn how to do it?" "Yuan Xin, you seem to handle your new life well." She didn't make a sound, and only answered after a while: "Anything that is too painful to remember, it's better to forget it." Wang Bai is really a good male companion, he took care of the baby meticulously so that the female companion can catch up with friends. Zhuo Yuan's heart has completely changed. She seeks truth from facts and has no tricks at all. While chatting, she kept washing all the milk bottles and ironing the clothes. After five years of seeing each other, she has trained herself to be like a strong man. It seemed that Xia Mingxin was the only one who was saddened by the spring and autumn. Ming Xin was a little disappointed with Yuan Xin. "How is Yuan Hua?" "Very well, thank you. Her husband is very good at business. She is the mother of three children at the moment, and her status is honorable and stable." The pampering of the past has long since evaporated. "Yuan Xin, remember those silver photo frames you put on the window sill, they are all with me now." But Yuan Xin took the baby from her boyfriend with one hand, and asked casually, "What silver photo frame?" Mingxin kept silent. The client really doesn't want to remember, so she has to be sensible. Yuan Xin showed her a recent photo of the baby. This time, the photo was only placed in the photo section of the five-yuan book. Yuan Xin's hands are rough, and there are tears in the corners of her eyes when she smiles. She has been reborn as a human being, and has completely forgotten the things of her previous life. How could she look like the girl Zhuo Yuanxin who hand-painted roses on the wooden floor. However, a person has to change his personality to adapt to the living environment, and others think it is useless. After a while, Ming Xin bid farewell. "Please stop," Lawyer Wang smiled, "Mr. Xia, it would be great to have dinner together. I have an appointment with a nanny to take care of the child. We can leave immediately." "You're welcome, I have something else to do. Yuan Xin walks her to the door. Ming Xin finally said: "Yuan Xin, you have changed a lot." "Growing up," she happily admits. Ming Xin nodded. "You should be happy for me." Ming Xin had no choice but to say: "Yes", and shook her hand. "Do you have something to do?" She laughed, "I have been working at Leimen Computer for more than two years, otherwise, how can I pay for my living expenses?" There were many, many things that happened in it, and enough was enough, and I stopped asking questions. She finally said goodbye to Yuan Xin. That night, she wrote in the Notes Department: "Good news! I found Zhuo Yuanxin", and then Mingxin wrote: "Is that really Zhuo Yuanxin? She has no memory of her hometown, and she doesn't want to mention it." "After all, I'm just the tutor she met for a few weeks during a certain summer vacation. She has long since forgotten me. How can I talk about it?" "It looks like it's time for me to forget my hometown." Ming Xin carefully looked at the silver photo frame that was auctioned in the hometown. She suddenly felt tired and couldn't help leaning on the back of the sofa and closing her eyes. There was laughter in my ears. Ah, it's the girl Zhuo Yuanxin, looking at her mischievously and asking: "What, you want to forget us?" Behind them stood Yuanzong and Yuansheng, dressed in white clothes and trousers, as if preparing to go to sea. Yuan Sheng laughed and said, "Ming Xin, don't come here without any problems." But Ming Xin said to Yuan Zong: "I have received your painting." Yuan Sheng said aggrievedly: "I rescued it in a crisis and preserved it until now." "Thank you, Yuan Sheng." "You only have Yuanzong in your heart." "No, I miss each of you, even Yuan Hua." A chuckle came from behind, "Even Yuan Hua, what do you mean?" Yuan Hua folded his arms in front of his chest, always looking at Ming Xin with a sneer with hostility. "Yuanhua, hello." Yuan Sheng said: "What are you waiting for, let's get on the boat and have a good time together." He stretched out his hand to pull Ming Xin. Ming Xin shed tears quietly, even in a dream, she knew it was a dream. She has lost them forever. The ringing of the phone woke her up. Open your eyes, your cheeks are moist. Lin Xuqi was on the other end of the phone. "Miss Xia, did I bother you?" Lin is the most efficient and practical modern career woman, she will definitely not just dial the phone to chat. "I am convenient." "Miss Xia, have you been looking for old friends from your hometown?" "yes." "I have news about Zhuo Yuansheng." Ming Xin was suddenly speechless. "A guest mentioned him and said he had seen him in Toronto." "I'll come to your office immediately for an interview." "Welcome, is five o'clock right?" Ming Xin washed his face and rushed away. Lin Xuqi greeted her with a smile, "Miss Xia, let me introduce you. This one is Mr. Huang Jiqiang, and he also knows Zhuo Yuansheng." Ming Xin looked at the unattractive boy in front of him, but he didn't remember anything. People know who she is. "Miss Xia is the family teacher of the hometown, but we have met before, and only Miss Xia is polite to me. When she sees me outside the small parlor, she always smiles." He is one of the many Avalokitesvara soldiers in the hometown. He often waits in the reception room for three or two hours, while Miss Zhuo has already slipped away by the side door. At this time, Xia Mingxin realized that despite his ordinary appearance, he was not bad in appearance, he was vigorous and sincere, which made people like him. "Do you know where Zhuo Yuansheng is?" At this time Lin Xuqi led them to a small conference room, poured out coffee, "Talk slowly." Huang Jun said with a smile: "Miss Lin has nothing to say to the guests." Lin Xuqi smiled and closed the door. Ming Xin knew at a glance that Huang Jun planned to pursue Miss Lin. The two were very suitable, and they were drawn together because of their hometown. "To be honest, I was once one of Zhuo Yuanxin's many suitors." Ming Xin smiled, "Everyone was young then." A look of confusion suddenly appeared on Huang Jun's face, and he said softly: "The hometown has a magical power to attract people." Ming Xin raised her head, why didn't she think of that. "Those who have been in the hometown can't help it, and they will never forget her." So true. "For me, my hometown is the most profound experience in my life, but the owner of my hometown, do you remember me? No." Huang Jun's words are simply from the bottom of his heart. He said: "Zhuo Yuanxin lives in this port, do you know?" Ming Xin nodded. "I've seen her." It turned out that Xia Mingxin was not the only one looking for an old friend. "She worked for a small computer company and had a business with me without knowing who I was." Ming Xin let out a sigh of relief. "Did you reveal your identity?" "No, why bother, I believe she can't remember even if I remind her, think about it, there are boys waiting in the hometown every day at midnight and three o'clock." Ming Xin let out a laugh. "Yuan Xin is no longer the lovely girl like a little fairy in the forest." There was infinite melancholy in Huang Jiqiang's voice. We have all changed a lot. " "No, Miss Xia, you haven't changed at all. I recognized you at a glance. You are still sincere, serious and amiable." "Thank you." "The Zhuo family has fallen, and the hometown auction, I can bid for all the lamps." That's how I met Lin Xuqi. Ming Xin smiled, "Do you need so many lights?" Huang Jun took out his business card, "Miss Xia, I deal in antiques." I see. "Sell it after repairing, I believe the profit is not bad." "Zhuo family, I don't know if there is a chance to start again." Huang Jun shook his head, "As the economy recovers, it's the turn of another group of upstarts." "Do you have the whereabouts of Yuan Sheng?"