The Old Photo (旧照片)

Chapter 7

Translator: MysticRain

07.

However, no matter what, the old monk after all barely passed as a qualified charlatan, not a complete swindler. Perhaps because he was stung by his conscience, after muttered a string of nonsenses, he suddenly became serious as he said "Amitabha Buddha", then looked at Li Yu's face and sighed, "Young man, you asked me whether ghost exist......This matter, as a swindler who becoming a monk halfway in life like me also half believe and half not. But I know, the gods are only three feet above your head......therefore it will be how it should be, life is unpredictable, it also can't be forced."

At this moment, the charlatan really resembled a little bit of a monk. Li Yu thought his own eyes were deceived him, the old charlatan, with pitiful expression in his eyes, faced Li Yu and said "Amitabha Buddha", then put the money in his pocket, patted his butt and walk away.

.

Predestined fate, this thing, how can it be able to follow your personal desire? When the red string snapped, even if there were thousands of strings of emotions, it can only be an ill-fated relationship.

"Fend for yourself." Said the old charlatan unhurriedly as he walked away.

Li Yu lowered his head.

Fend for yourself.

.

After returned from the temple, Li Yu began to dream again.

The contents of the dream were always unclear and in utter disorder. Sometimes he would dream about treading the green together with Zhao Mu, another time he would dream about Zhao Mu looked at him infatuatedly while plugged one tune after another, there were also once he dreamt about going to the movies cinema——Which cinema did they go to? In that ridiculous and shabby dreamland, Li Yu and Zhao Mu sat on a short plastic stool with a giant television set in front of them——He probably thought that was what the cinema looked like.

.

How lamentable.

But Li Yu was very happy, his heart even wanted to fly.

In front of them was a coffee table, it was filled with Zhao Mu's favorite foods. Zhao Mu would take one bite after another, occasionally, he would act like a spoiled child, he felt extremely happy.

His palm was sweaty, Zhao Mu would use the hem of his clothes to carefully wiped it for him. Their story, big or small was shown in the film, from the beginning, the whole 11 years. Every quarrel, every kisses, also those countless expressions of adoration. Zhao Mu had softly whispered or loudly shouted "I loved you" numerous times, some he still had an impression of, while some he already had no recognition of.

Finally, Zhao Mu smiled on the hospital bed, breathing weakly.

Li Yu cried in silence.

"I......love, love you." Zhao Mu trembled as he spoke out those final words, "Don't forget, *cough* *cough*......forget me......Ah Yu."

Li Yu smiled as he cried, the scene froze——this was the end.

Zhao Mu died.

.

Li Yu always wept silently at the end, Zhao Mu would kiss him on his forehead and gently said: "Perhaps if we watch the ending one more time, it will be different."

.

Perhaps.

Deceived him, coaxed him, loved him.

.

He watched it over and over again, thinking the ending could change, but every time it was all a disappointment. Li Yu cowardly wanted to escape from such memories, the sweeter the memory, the more it resembled a sharp knife, stabbing his heart with a thousand cuts again and again.