Chapter Forty-Nine: A Ray of Sunshine

Although the sunlight on the autumn equinox cannot pierce through the clouds, there is a cave on the steepest cliff where Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains meet. It is said that the cave is home to the Wind Maiden, who died for love. She resents the mountain god for tormenting lovers in the human world, so at noon on the autumn equinox, while the mountain god naps, she steals the most radiant meter of sunlight blessed by love and hides it in the cave. When the mountain god awakens, he quickly discovers its absence and retrieves that meter of sunlight. Thus, it remains in the human world only for the duration of a brief nap before vanishing. If a pair of lovers happens to bathe in that fleeting, precious sunlight, they will be granted everlasting love.

Legend has it that when a meter-long beam of sunlight shines atop Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, the scene is tranquil and magnificent. At last, Xiao Xiao understood what the so-called "one meter of sunlight" truly meant. Perhaps it was not something tangible or real, but as long as hope and longing fill the heart, that most brilliant meter of sunlight will eventually shine within. Yet, because it is elusive and unattainable, that sole meter of sunlight may slip away in a moment, disappearing forever without a trace.

At this moment, what stood beside her was precisely the sunlight that had vanished from her life.

“How much truth is there in legends, who can say? No need to be so wistful.” She realized it was Ying speaking. Another language quickly flashed through her mind, and Xiao Xiao hurriedly concealed her accidentally exposed feelings.

Ying’s expression was gentle, as tranquil as the lake before them. She said, “At first, I thought there was no way I could ever be with A Han in this life. But now, we’re doing well.”

“What did you say?”

“A year ago, I came here traveling and met A Han. He was honest and passionate, and we knew from the first glance that we were meant for each other. On the night before I left, he told me he would come to my home and tell my parents how much he loved their daughter. But after I returned home and mentioned him to my parents, they strongly opposed our relationship, cut off all contact, and forced me to stay away. Desperate, I found a way to escape from home and rushed to A Han. Though we couldn’t speak each other’s language, I could see in his eyes how much he needed me.” The story took a turn, and Ying’s expression grew somber. “Just as our days together began, my family tracked me down. While A Han was away, they forcibly took me, brought me to Honghe, and then traveled by water from Guangxi back to Vietnam. When A Han discovered this, he followed me all the way—just as I arrived home, he arrived right after.” Ying’s eyes shone. “After that, it became what you see now. We are very happy.”

Another beautiful story. Xiao Xiao wondered how A Han ultimately won over Ying’s family, but as Ying said, the two were indeed very happy now.

As if recalling something, Ying suddenly said, “In fact, we owe our happiness to Lin Shuo. Without him, A Han could never have brought me back so easily. Now, A Han considers Lin Shuo his best brother—in your words, a bond forged through life and death.”

Ying’s lips were still moving, but Xiao Xiao’s gaze was already fixed on Lin Shuo in the distance. So he hadn’t lied to her, nor had he joked. He truly chased a woman all the way to Vietnam, and that woman was Ying.

Lonely Moments, Don’t Speak of Love, Chapter 49: One Meter of Sunlight—complete!