Chapter Four: The Red Mill

Liu Zichen muttered to herself, “What a coincidence, to run into him twice like this.”

“What’s so coincidental about it? Maybe he’s following you around. Who told you to be so generous?” Chen Tianyu replied nonchalantly.

“Nonsense!” Liu Zichen curled her lip. “There you go again, being petty and jealous, right? Admit it!”

Chen Tianyu gave a wry smile. “Dear Miss Zichen, would you please use your head? You’re not usually this clueless. The route we’re on is a famous travel recommendation—why should only you and I be allowed to backpack here? Can’t others do the same?”

He continued his analysis, “A few days ago I noticed that the guy playing the Monkey King looked pretty amateurish. Look at the way he twirled that golden staff—his stance was so unstable, like he was drunk. Yet, you were the one who took a liking to him and insisted on paying for a photo together.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Liu Zichen glared at him, “Typical backseat driver.”

“But now that you mention it, I do remember that so-called Great Sage. Though he was dressed flamboyantly, there was a clear white mark from something having pressed against the back of his neck. No wonder he looked familiar to me,” Liu Zichen realized.

Chen Tianyu nodded. “Your observation skills aren’t bad—just a little off lately. The distinct mark on his neck, the contrast of black and white, shows he’s often had something hanging there. It must be that DSLR camera. And if you look, his shoes are a pair of Camel hiking boots—the heels and toes are seriously worn, with plenty of old dust. Who wears a pair of battered shoes on a trip? It only means he’s used to long treks and doesn’t have time to care for them. Maybe he’s really broke, but does he talk like a poor man? And the way he handles a camera, the quality of his shots, the way he manages lighting—all very professional. Especially the steadiness of his hands, hardly even a tremor. That’s not something you can do without serious training. So I’m guessing his job is probably photographer or journalist…”

He was about to go on, when he noticed Liu Zichen pouting, clearly displeased.

“What’s wrong, Zichen?” he asked with concern.

“Hmph, are you slipping into detective mode again?” Liu Zichen said angrily. “Have you forgotten our agreement before we set off?”

Chen Tianyu scratched his head helplessly. “Did I? I was just unconsciously observing.”

“Unconsciously? I’m sure you’re deliberately sizing everyone up as a suspect.” Liu Zichen said aggrievedly. “We’re on vacation, you know! It’s been years since we’ve had a chance to get away. Can’t you just relax and treat everyone like ordinary people?”

“Uh… Zichen, don’t be mad.” Chen Tianyu suddenly felt guilty. “Maybe it’s just a professional habit, but I can change. I’ll stop immediately, I promise there won’t be a next time.” For this girl who had quietly stood by him through thick and thin, he dared not show the slightest temper.

“I swear, we’re here to travel this time, and I won’t care about anything else.” Seeing that Zichen was still upset, Chen Tianyu hurried to play along.

“Yeah right, as if!” Liu Zichen’s expression softened a little. “I’ll forgive you this time, but you’re being punished: you have to carry my backpack for the entire trip, no smoking allowed, and you must take a photo at every place we visit.”

“What?!” Chen Tianyu complained inwardly, but managed a cheerful face. “No problem at all! What’s the point of a trip if you don’t take photos? Here, give me your backpack and your handbag…” He made room in his own pack. “Sigh, I was too careless, didn’t notice a thing.”

Liu Zichen suddenly relented, “Forget it, my bag is light. With your leg, I don’t want you to end up injured again. But even if you don’t carry the bag, you still have to keep your word.”

Chen Tianyu smiled bitterly, “Then I’d rather carry the bag…”

“What did you say?!” Liu Zichen snapped.

Chen Tianyu quickly shrank his neck. “I said: ‘A real man never goes back on his word!’”

——————————————————————————————————————

True to his word, the “Great Sage” sent the photos over before dinner. Chen Tianyu flipped through them: casual as the shots were, they were still a cut above what amateurs could manage. But he frowned: why did the guy send along his own photo, too? With glasses, looking every bit the artistic type. Just as he was about to delete this accidental extra, Liu Zichen snatched the phone away.

Helpless, Chen Tianyu asked, “Hey, princess, shall we go for an evening walk?”

“Hmm… what?” Liu Zichen didn’t even look up, still scrolling through the phone.

Chen Tianyu clicked his tongue. “I never realized you had this hobby—you’re quite the phone addict now.”

“Alien, you wouldn’t get it even if I explained. I’m making an album to post on my feed,” Liu Zichen replied, engrossed. “Traveling costs so much, I need at least some spiritual reward to show for it. Besides, it’s actually pretty fun.”

Chen Tianyu looked at this “true colors revealed” Zichen, his gaze softening with affection.

“How about I buy you a drink?” he suggested on a whim.

“Where to?” Liu Zichen looked up curiously—this wasn’t on their itinerary.

Chen Tianyu answered seriously, “I heard about a place called Moulin Rouge earlier today. Supposed to be lively. It’s still early; we shouldn’t waste the night, right?”

“You’re getting adventurous?” Liu Zichen laughed. “Isn’t Moulin Rouge just a bar street? Didn’t we say we’d save our three-day drinking spree for Lijiang’s bar street?”

“Wouldn’t it be fun to try a preview?” Chen Tianyu insisted. “I haven’t been to bars much, so I’m curious. I’ve heard each city’s bars have their own flavor—I’d like to see for myself.”

“Haven’t been to bars much—have you really been at all?” Liu Zichen handed the phone back. “Moulin Rouge isn’t that famous, don’t be disappointed. But it’s good to try different places—build up some street smarts.”

“That makes it sound like I’m totally sheltered. Don’t forget where you met me,” Chen Tianyu said with a wry smile. “But after years of lying low, even my memories are fading.”

Over the years, Liu Zichen, tagging along with Shen Mingyue, had gotten quite a lot of exposure to the bustling world.

“The world changes fast. Come on! Let your big sister take you out for some fun at the bar.” Liu Zichen stood up, delighted. Carrying only a handbag, she turned to see Chen Tianyu empty-handed and let him take her bag, laughing as she agreed.

“At least you know what’s good for you,” she said, beaming as she stepped out the door.

——————————————————————————————————————

The Moulin Rouge Bar Street was rather hard to find—you even had to go through a cave to get in, which lent it an air of mystery.

But to their disappointment, the street was quite deserted.

Perhaps it was the off-season, they thought. Each small bar had only a handful of people inside, and there weren’t many live music acts—just a few lazy drum beats here and there, or sometimes just some background music to liven the place up.

Chen Tianyu joked, “Pretty desolate—could there be an economic crisis lately?”

“Could Lijiang be like this too?” Liu Zichen asked, a little worried.

Chen Tianyu quickly shook his head, “No way. It’s probably the off-season and everyone’s gone to the main attractions… Shall we still have a drink?”

“No, let’s just take a walk. No need to waste money,” Liu Zichen said, ever the frugal one.

“You sure know how to save me money,” Chen Tianyu laughed. “So generous when it’s time to be thrifty, and stingy when it’s time to spend… Fine, just kidding. The night is beautiful, why don’t we stroll along the Moulin Rouge under the moon?”

“Hmm… Hey, do you think the moon here is any different from the moon over Erhai Lake?” Liu Zichen suddenly wondered aloud.

Chen Tianyu thought for a moment, “Maybe not that different.”

“Nonsense,” Liu Zichen scoffed, then laughed. “Honestly, I think the moon is always the same, but over Erhai it’s pure and flawless, while here it’s dazzling and mysterious.”

“Totally illogical, but full of wisdom,” Chen Tianyu chuckled. “Come, let me be generous and walk with you under this dazzling, mysterious moon.”

Liu Zichen was taken aback, her cheeks flushing, but she quickly slipped her arm through his, her heart filled with an inexplicable joy. In that moment, she was as gentle as a lamb.

The two of them walked on in silence. Chen Tianyu was a bit stiff, and ended up stepping on Liu Zichen’s foot. She burst out laughing, “Honestly, can’t you say something sweet to me?”

Chen Tianyu coughed awkwardly to cover his embarrassment. “What do you want to hear?”

“Anything,” Liu Zichen replied softly, already completely immersed in the sudden wave of happiness.