Rebirth of Bloody Romance

Dong Yu and Zhong Yuemin walked out of the school gate side by side, and the air was filled with an indescribable subtle atmosphere. Dong Yu bit her lower lip lightly, and a trace of imperceptible worry flashed in her eyes. Finally, she mustered up the courage and suggested to Zhong Yuemin beside her, "Teacher Zhong, why don't we go to the front? We are really tired of eating in the restaurants here, and want to change our taste."

Hearing this, Zhong Yuemin's gaze lingered on Dong Yu's face for a moment. There seemed to be an unfinished story hidden in those clear eyes.

Zhong Yuemin sighed inwardly. Dong Yu's beauty was like a rose with thorns, which made people yearn for her but had to keep their distance. She was probably not completely unaware of the rumors about her in school, but she never thought that these gossips would make her feel so reluctant to avoid them.

Women! Being too beautiful is a problem if you don’t have someone to back you up.

"That's fine. Changing the environment will make me feel different." Zhong Yuemin agreed with a smile, but he felt mixed emotions in his heart.

Zhong Yuemin was also willing to go farther away. The people who often had dinner together at the school gate were teachers and even leaders in groups of three or four. It would be a bit embarrassing to be caught.

The two walked through the bustling streets, but just two intersections away, they seemed to have crossed the boundary between noise and tranquility. An inconspicuous Sichuan restaurant came into view, with two red lanterns hanging on the lintel, swaying in the twilight, exuding a warm and simple atmosphere.

"Let's try this. It tastes great and is very authentic." Dong Yu was the first to step into the store, followed closely by Zhong Yuemin. The two men's figures gradually lengthened under the dim light.

The interior of the store was simple and clean, with a few wooden tables, bamboo chairs, and a few ink paintings on the wall, adding a touch of elegance. Dong Yu found a seat by the window and sat down. The wind outside the window was a little cool, but also very fresh.

"Teacher Zhong, have you been here?" There was a hint of curiosity in Dong Yu's voice, and his eyes were shining with anticipation for this Sichuan restaurant.

"Really not. What's the matter? You are from Sichuan and you have a special liking for the food here?" Zhong Yuemin asked with a smile, his tone somewhat relaxed and teasing.

Dong Yu nodded, with a hint of pride in his smile. "Yes, Mr. Zhong, can you eat spicy food? If not, we can go to another restaurant so as not to hurt your stomach."

When Zhong Yuemin heard this, he immediately put on a "heroic sacrifice" look and said, "You have to do it even if you can't. How can a man say he can't do it? Besides, with you here, even if it's so spicy that I cry and snot, it's still a different kind of enjoyment."

Dong Yu was amused by his words, and the corners of her eyes curved into crescent shapes. "Well, I'll order the dishes. I'll let you taste the characteristics of our Sichuan cuisine. I guarantee that it will leave you with an unforgettable aftertaste."

Dong Yu turned to the restaurant owner and said, "Boss, give us some shredded pork with fish flavor, Kung Pao chicken, and..." Dong Yu named several dishes in one breath, obviously wanting Zhong Yuemin to experience the charm of Sichuan cuisine.

"Boiled fish, boiled pork slices, husband and wife lung slices, spicy chicken cubes..." Zhong Yuemin couldn't help but feel nervous when he heard the names of these dishes, but he remained calm and just interrupted Dong Yu's enthusiasm at the right time. "Okay, okay, we can't finish them if we order too much. Let's take it easy and try these classic dishes first. If they taste good, it won't be too late to come back next time."

Dong Yu smiled and nodded, with a cunning light in his eyes. "Okay, I'll listen to you. But, Mr. Zhong, you have to be mentally prepared. These dishes are authentic Sichuan cuisine, and they are very spicy."

Zhong Yuemin smiled calmly, but secretly thought about how to maintain his demeanor in this "spicy challenge". As the dishes were served one by one, the whole room was filled with a strong spicy aroma, which made people salivate.

"Teacher Zhong, shall we have a drink?"

"Hiss.....Let's just forget it."

"How is it? Is it spicy enough? How about some beer?" Dong Yu didn't wait for Zhong Yuemin to agree and asked the boss to bring beer.

"Teacher Zhong, you know? Sometimes I really envy you for being able to face everything so calmly." Dong Yu suddenly said, his eyes flashing with seriousness and expectation.

Zhong Yuemin was slightly stunned when he heard this, then he smiled and said, "There is no such thing as calmness. It's just that I have experienced a lot and learned to adjust myself. There will be a day when you are strong enough and you will not be afraid of any storm."

Dong Yu smiled bitterly. "Women and men are different."

Zhong Yuemin didn't know what to say, so he just picked up the beer and started drinking.

The meal was almost over, and the lights in the restaurant shone softly on the two of them, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Dong Yu put down his chopsticks, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, but he finally mustered up the courage to ask, "Teacher Zhong, do you really not want to go abroad? I heard that you had several opportunities, but you gave up."

Hearing this, Zhong Yuemin smiled faintly, shook his head gently, and answered in a relaxed but sincere tone. "As the old saying goes, 'stay where it's cool', I think this place is cool, so I plan to stay here forever. In fact, going abroad is not very attractive to me. I have been to many places in Europe and the United States and experienced the local customs and practices there, but in the end I still feel that my hometown is the land that makes me feel most at ease."

After hearing this, Dong Yu's eyes flashed with a complex emotion, and she said softly, "Teacher Zhong, you are really funny. But I know that you gave up those opportunities not only because of these reasons."

Zhong Yuemin looked at Dong Yu's eyes full of concern. He understood that Dong Yu was a smart and sensitive girl who could see through the deeper meaning behind his apparent ease.

So, Zhong Yue said directly and frankly, "Going abroad is really not very attractive to me. Moreover, I prefer to leave opportunities to those who need them, such as you. You have outstanding talents and potential, and you should go to a broader world to display them. So, you don't need to thank me, this is my own choice."

Dong Yu's eyes slightly reddened after hearing Zhong Yuemin's words. She didn't expect that Zhong Yuemin would express his thoughts so directly, and she didn't expect that he would consider her so selflessly. She said softly, "Teacher Zhong, thank you."

"Teacher Dong, if you continue like this, we can't get along anymore. My friends and buddies never say thank you."

Dong Yu smiled. "Teacher Zhong, do you think of me as a friend when you say this?"

Zhong Yuemin scratched his head. How could these two people become friends after just one meal? Seeing Dong Yu looking at him, Zhong Yuemin was too embarrassed to say anything else. "Of course, you treated me to a meal, so what are we if not friends? Do you think anyone is qualified to treat me to a meal?"

"Teacher Zhong, you are really different from others."

"Oh! I won't talk to you any more. I've finished my meal and I'm going home." Then the two of them parted ways at the door of the hotel.

New Year's Day in 1985 was a special and warm day for Zhang Haiyang and Li Ting. At the beginning of this hopeful new year, they chose to formally announce their marriage with a low-key and warm banquet.

The wedding of the two people had no grand ceremony or ostentatious noise. Only the closest family members and a few close friends of both parties were invited to celebrate this important moment in an extremely low-key and warm way.

Such a choice may seem unexpected to outsiders, but for Zhang Haiyang and Li Ting, it is the way that best suits their wishes.

As a good friend of the two, Zhong Yuemin speculated about this. He believed that such a low profile might be related to the nature of Li Ting's work.

In this day and age, many professions have certain restrictions or considerations on the private lives of employees. Especially those who work in public office or sensitive fields may prefer to keep a low profile and avoid unnecessary public attention.

Therefore, Li Ting may have chosen such a simple and private wedding format in order to protect the privacy of herself and her family.

On the other hand, Zhong Yuemin also speculated that this might be a joint decision of both families.

In Zui Xiang Lou, laughter and joy interweave into a warm scene. Zhong Yuemin and Zhou Xiaobai led the lively and lovely Xiao Shihua and Xiao Haichen into this place full of festive atmosphere, adding some childishness and joy to Zhang Haiyang and Li Ting's newlyweds.

Little Shihua was skipping and jumping in front, tightly holding an exquisite little red envelope in her hand. It was the wedding gift she prepared for Aunt Li Ting.

Xiao Shihua ran to Li Ting, looked up, and said in her clear and pleasant voice, "Uncle and aunt, happy wedding! This is my blessing to you!" As she spoke, she carefully handed the red envelope to Li Ting, with innocent joy flashing in her eyes.

Li Ting took the red envelope and smiled from ear to ear. She quickly bent down to pick up Xiao Shihua and kissed her on the cheek. "Oh, thank you, Xiao Shihua, you are so cute!"

Seeing this, Zhong Yuemin couldn't help but laugh and tease Zhang Haiyang. "Haiyang, Haiyang, your wedding is too low-key, isn't it? I am at least half of the bride's family, aren't you afraid that I will really take the bride away if I get unhappy?"

Zhang Haiyang shook his head in a helpless manner and said with a smile, "Yuemin, stop messing around. What kind of family are you? You are clearly here to mess things up, right?"

At this time, Yuan Jun, Lin Yue and his wife, and Zheng Tong and Jiang Biyun also arrived one after another. As soon as they entered the door, they joined the joyful conversation.

Yuan Jun patted Zhang Haiyang on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Haiyang, Yuemin is right. Your wedding is indeed a little simple. You must let Yuemin be the master of ceremonies for you. His eloquence and singing voice will definitely add a lot of color to this wedding."

Zheng Tong echoed, "Yes, yes, yes. The last time Li Kuiyong got married, Yuemin's two songs immediately lit up the atmosphere. If you don't let him show off his skills today, we won't agree."

Jiang Biyun also interrupted with a smile. "Yuemin, don't be so modest. This is a great opportunity for you to show your charm."

Zhong Yuemin was teased by everyone and sighed in a wronged manner. "You two bastards, are you planning to use me like a donkey? But, seeing that you are so sincere, I will reluctantly perform a piece to liven up your mood."

As soon as he finished speaking, laughter and applause broke out in the banquet hall, and the atmosphere became even more lively.

Zhong Yuemin, Yuan Jun and Zheng Tong chatted with each other as if they were really performing crosstalk on the stage, making the guests laugh and adding countless laughter to the wedding.

Zhong Yuemin stood on the podium, his eyes revealing a seriousness and deep thought that could not be ignored. His words echoed in the classroom, and every word was like a heavy hammer, striking everyone's heart.

"Students, I understand that everyone has the right to dream and look forward to the future. But scientific learning is not just an expression of interest or emotion, it is rigorous and systematic. It requires us to be down-to-earth and climb the peak of knowledge step by step." Zhong Yuemin's voice was steady and powerful. He looked around the classroom, his eyes showing both blame and expectation.

"Some people say that literature and dreams are freedom, they are the wings of the soul, and anyone can spread their wings and fly. This is true, but I want to emphasize that any flight needs a solid foundation. Just like the economic base determines the superstructure, without solid knowledge and skills as support, no matter how grand the ideal is, it can only be a castle in the air and difficult to reach."

Zhong Yuemin paused for a moment, his gaze seemed to penetrate the wall of the classroom and fall on the group of "vagrants" in the Department of Literature whom he often mentioned, although they were not present.

"I have seen some people who may not be able to complete their studies for various reasons, but this is by no means a reason to give up self-improvement. Ideals are not decorations to be talked about, but flowers that need to be watered with actions. If you have a dream, please take action, learn, practice, and overcome those difficulties of 'not being able to do this, not being able to do that'. Because real life begins with not fearing challenges and having the courage to explore the unknown."

“Remember, no matter where you start, as long as you are willing to work hard and make sacrifices, nothing is impossible. Let us learn with a scientific attitude, pursue our dreams with perseverance, and let the flower of life bloom brilliantly in the ocean of knowledge.”

In recent years, a building in the Chinese Department of Yanda University has become a hot spot for cultural exchange, attracting poets, writers and literature lovers from all over the world. It is bustling with people talking and discussing every day, and there are endless activities such as poetry gatherings, literary gatherings, auditing, and training classes, which add a bit of literary and artistic atmosphere to the campus.

However, in the midst of this excitement, Zhong Yuemin felt inexplicably irritated.

Zhong Yuemin does not dislike literature and art, but he is puzzled and curious about the lifestyle of this group of people. Many of them seem to be outside the traditional work and income system, relying on their eloquence and passion to wander in the world of literature.

Zhong Yuemin couldn't help but wonder, how do these people make a living without a stable job and source of income? Don't be ridiculous about royalties? 99.9% of people can't get them.

What surprised Zhong Yuemin even more was that these poets and writers always seemed to easily get opportunities to study abroad, sometimes being invited by this university and sometimes getting sponsorship from that foundation.

They seem to have become cultural celebrities overnight. However, in Zhong Yuemin's view, behind these glamorous appearances, there are many embarrassing realities.

Zhong Yuemin privately observed that some people could not even recognize basic English words, so how could they speak fluently on the international stage? This made him deeply question this phenomenon.