Rebirth from the Ashes

Li Yuan took a bite. The luscious taste of the potatoes pleased his taste buds. Its sweetness warmed the cockles of his heart, like the young girl’s voice.

The girl loved to eat and talk at the same time. Her mouth was stuffed to the brim. She looked like a hamster with its bulging cheek pouches.

Li Yuan listened to her quietly. He enjoyed doing so and could listen to her for days.

Shen Xi told him about the filming of the TV show and sighed. There were a lot of concerns on her mind.

What if nobody wanted to purchase the show?

If they managed to sell it, what would they do if the ratings were poor?

What if it was a waste of the investor’s money?

Li Yuan said, “That won’t happen.”

Shen Xi chewed on the sweet potato and mumbled, “Are you sure?”

Li Yuan nodded. “Yes.”

“You must be right, Brother.” Shen Xi smiled. Holding the piece of potato in her hand, she offered him a fist bump. “All the best!”

Li Yuan’s hand stopped moving for a while and he met the girl’s expectant gaze. He imitated her gesture. “All the best!”

Shen Xi had a lot to say. She talked about the celebrities signed by her company, screenwriter, director and her idea of signing Yu Yuanxi as one of the actors.

“Brother, he’s the shunned student at school whom I told you about. I think he has the potential and is born to be a celebrity.” Shen Xi showed Li Yuan his photo.

She got it from the school forum. Among the students at Capital No. 4 High School, Yu Yuanxi was better-looking than Su Mushi and Pei Xu. Photos of Yu Yuanxi were posted on the forum boards anonymously and many students fawned over his beauty.

Li Yuan muttered a low “Mm” in response. He merely glanced at the photo and his gaze darkened.

“Brother, I came here to inform you that I have a dance competition tomorrow and I need to get up early. The last rehearsal will take place at 5:00 am.” Shen Xi clapped her hands, propped herself on the wall and continued, “So I won’t see you tomorrow morning.”

“Alright.” Li Yuan nodded. “Good night.”

“Brother, you forgot to say something to me!” Shen Xi refused to leave and stared at him.

Li Yuan said, “Good luck with your competition.”

Shen Xi shook her head. “No, not this.”

This time, a subtle smile appeared on Li Yuan’s face. “I hope you’re the champion.”

At last, Shen Xi smiled. “Have a good rest, Brother. Good night!”

Li Yuan watched as the girl climbed down the wall and heard the pitter-patter of her feet. When her footsteps grew fainter and he overheard her calling her parents, he remained on the spot for a short while before leaving.

The next morning, the sky was still dark and it had started to drizzle.

The man in the wheelchair was shrouded in the darkness of the attic. He fixed his hard, inscrutable gaze onto the courtyard next door.

Soon, the lamps next door were turned on and he heard the young girl’s voice.

Every time, she left home in a boisterous manner, as if she had an excess of energy in her body. She was just like a little sun, forever radiating warmth and energy to those around her.

Today, the girl wore a large, white down jacket and a pair of boots. She looked as round as a ball.

She was unlike other girls who wore skimpy clothing to look attractive. Every day, she put on thick outfits, so he did not have to worry about her catching a cold.

The girl ran out of the house, then stood still and cried, “Quickly, Old Shen, you’re too slow.”

“I’m coming, I’m coming. Slow down, it’s raining. Don’t slip and fall.”

A fat man came running out of the house.

“Wait, wait, your scarf, you haven’t worn your scarf!”

A woman chased after the girl with a scarf in her hands. She reminded her tenderly and wrapped the scarf around her daughter’s neck.

The family chatted happily and reached the gate.

Li Yuan observed the girl, who stood still beside the car. She looked at his villa and waved her hand. The coldness in the man’s gaze disappeared, and all that was left was warmth and gratitude. He parted his lips slowly. “Good morning.”