ATLAS TRANSLATES

On the second morning after arriving in Suzhou, the small courtyard had a faint sense of tranquility. The dew on the leaves was so clear and bright, you could see it at a glance.

When I came out of my room, Fu Junyan was wearing a beige trench coat, his head slightly raised, silently looking at the wind chime in the corner of the door. His slender figure was warmed by the sunlight, indescribably enchanting, with a calm and serene aura surrounding him like ink.

I stared at his back from the corridor for a long time before stepping towards him. Hearing the sound, he turned his head. The corner of his beautiful lips curved into a smile as he looked at me with his hands in his pockets. I already knew he had a stunningly beautiful face, but now, just because of that slight smile, he was so handsome that even the sunlight seemed to sigh.

We left early, and the air felt fresh. There were fewer people on the old street than yesterday, the bustle had not yet appeared, and most of the shops along the road were still closed. The whole of Pingjiang Road had an especially charming and refreshing atmosphere. We walked into a breakfast shop. It was very clean, and the waiter wearing a uniform with a white towel made me smile. When he saw us, he was also very surprised, his jaw almost dropping as he pointed at Fu Junyan and me, his mouth wide open, unable to speak for a while. I playfully put my finger to my lips, signaling him to be quiet. The waiter was quite funny too. Like a secret agent, he glanced left and right, and then lowered his voice to ask us, “What would the young master and goddess like to eat?”

Hearing the titles he used, I tilted my head and giggled. In the end, Fu Junyan ordered milk pudding and durian pastries for me. The durian pastries had just come out of the oven and were still steaming. I ate them with great delight, they were incredibly delicious. However, when I got carried away and tried to grab a durian pastry with my hand, Fu Junyan lightly tapped the back of my hand with his chopsticks… but it didn’t hurt, it felt warm…

After breakfast, we strolled to the riverside and sat on a stone bench under the green willows, embracing each other as we looked at the calm Pingjiang River. I patted my belly, thinking of An’an’s silly expression every time he ate too much and stretched out his tummy for me to rub. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Fu Junyan had one arm around my shoulder. He leaned against me, lowered his gaze, and asked, “What are you laughing at?”

I kept my head down, giggled a couple of times, and said, “Thinking of An’an makes me want to laugh.” Fu Junyan nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up, “We bought a piano but haven’t played it once. When we go back, shall we play together as a family of four?” I nodded, thinking off-topic that Xiao Qi was really lucky to be included in the family of four.

At ten in the morning, painted boats started to appear on the river. Fu Junyan and I were also in the mood to call for a small painted boat.

At first, we just sat at the bow of the boat, silently looking at the scenery on the shore. The white walls and black tiles of the ancient street were beautifully arranged. To be honest, there was no breathtaking scenery here, just a faint, simple beauty that seamlessly blended into one’s heart, making people feel calm all over, feeling only peace.

I leaned in Fu Junyan’s arms, listening to his strong and steady heartbeat. Our intertwined hands rested in front of us, his scent surrounding me, light and pleasant. I don’t know how long it had been when a small painted boat came from the other side of the stone bridge. In the boat sat an elderly couple in their fifties. They were cuddling, the old woman with graying hair and a kind face, holding her husband’s hand. In the gentle river breeze, she sang a soft tune: “When you come to Gusu, you’ll see houses nestled by the river. Few idle grounds in the old palace, many small bridges over water alleys. It’s still like the old days in the upper garden, carriages flow like water, horses like dragons. Flowers and moon in the spring breeze.” Her husband was tapping the rhythm on the side of the boat, smiling as he looked at her, his eyes full of undying affection.

Seeing this scene, Fu Junyan and I exchanged a knowing glance. He smiled softly, his exquisite chin nuzzling my hair. I snuggled closer into his arms, thinking of a perfect poem. Smiling, I recited softly in his embrace:

“When you are old and grey and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true, But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face…”

I reached out my hand, looking up at him in his arms, caressing his exquisite face.

He curved his lips, his jade-like palm covering the back of my hand, gently caressing. Then he lowered his gaze to meet mine, just smiling faintly, and softly repeated:

“When you are old, your hair tinged with frost; Alone by the fireside, weariness lightly rippling; Please take this book, and sing in a leisurely voice.

Think back to those years, your spirited self; Eyes deep and profound, glances flowing with light; Like flowers attracting butterflies, all beings infatuated.

They loved your appearance, not your heart; Only I alone, love your inner fragrance; Knowing your soul, pure and sweet.

When you are old, disheartened and dejected; Only I alone, with enduring affection.”

I closed my eyes, his gentle voice passing by my ear, passionate and devoted.

I nestled in his arms, holding his hand in return. In such beautiful words, my heart melted completely. I felt that being with him like this, cuddling and talking, silently depending on each other, even as the years pile up, it would all be wonderful moments.

I slowly tightened my grip on his hand, my heart beating wildly with shyness and happiness. I looked up at him eagerly and finally said, “Fu Junyan, I want to have children with you, I want to grow old with you.”

Hearing this, he was stunned for a moment. He remained silent for a while, just lowering his gaze and staring at me intently. I saw his throat move, and after a long time, he responded with a very heavy “Okay!” This response was deep, so heavy, carrying an undisguisable choke.

A tear fell unexpectedly on my eyelashes. He looked down at me, his eyes clear but slightly red-rimmed. He was actually crying. I was dazed for a moment before tilting my face up to kiss his eyes. I don’t know why, maybe it was just an illusion, but I felt an aura of pain and despair surrounding him, so fragile, so heartbreaking. Feeling sorry for this gentle yet bewitching man, I couldn’t help but shed tears for him too.

I stroked his back repeatedly, just as he usually comforts me. I said, “Fu Junyan, what’s wrong? I just said something very ordinary…”

He shook his head vigorously, saying no, then suddenly became quiet. He turned his face slightly to look at the trees by the river. I couldn’t see his expression, only heard him say in a very low voice, “This is very important to me…” That voice, so weathered and fragile, couldn’t withstand a blow…

Then he held me tightly and said, “For a woman to spend her life with a man, to have children for him, how much determination must that take? How devoted must she be?” He used a questioning tone, but it didn’t seem like a question. His voice trembled slightly, filled with bewilderment.

“Did I pressure you?” I felt a bit anxious and asked softly.

He shook his head, still facing sideways, and said, “No, I’m very happy.” His tone was so solemn, so sincere.

But even so, I really didn’t like seeing him so heavy in his happiness. I thought for a moment, then pushed Fu Junyan and struggled out of his arms. I ran a few steps on the painted boat and reached out to take the pole from the boatman’s hand to steer the boat. The boatman was a middle-aged man with an honest face. He had been facing away from us, silent all this time. When he saw me wanting to try steering the boat, he stepped back and handed me the pole without a word.

I rubbed my hands together, raised my chin at Fu Junyan, winked, and called out, “Baobei is very capable, you know! Watch me!”

Fu Junyan finally turned his face back, sitting at the bow of the boat, looking at me softly. He waved at me, nodding slightly to signal me.

I squinted and smiled, cleared my throat, and with great poise, pushed a few times, then a few more times. How could I not handle something as simple as steering a boat!

But after one, two, three, countless attempts, the painted boat still didn’t move an inch. I was embarrassed. I looked up, and Fu Junyan’s face already had a faint smile. His clear eyes looked at me as he shrugged innocently.

I was so frustrated, I shook my wrist. I wanted to be capable to make him happy, not to make him laugh with my physical comedy. A goddess shouldn’t go down this route, right? So this time, I put my head down and paddled with all my might… The painted boat finally moved, but it just spun in a circle on the spot…

Fu Junyan had already started chuckling softly. He stood up from the bow of the boat, his eyes warm as he tilted his head slightly to look at me.

I was angry and embarrassed. I wrinkled my nose and said, “Well, you come and do it then!”

“That’s not impossible,” he said with a nod, then came over and took the pole from my hand. I watched as he seemed to effortlessly slide it a couple of times, his posture relaxed, his expression gentle, and slowly the painted boat actually started moving…

I swallowed and lowered my head, secretly peeking at his now calm expression, then imagining myself tragically making the painted boat spin in circles. I sniffled and looked down at my fingers. I said, “Fu Junyan, what am I good at besides eating?”

The boatman nearby burst into laughter. I glanced at him, and this middle-aged man’s face was red as he turned away, trying to hold back his laughter. I ignored him and turned to look pitifully at Fu Junyan, seeking comfort. Fu Junyan handed the pole back to the boatman, came over to pat my head, pulled me to sit back down, and said with a smile, “Physical labor is supposed to be done by men, why are you competing?” Hearing this, I suddenly understood… He looked at me gently again, reached out to hug me, and said in a low voice, “Thank you, Baobei.”

“Hm?” I couldn’t quite follow. He just stroked my hair and smiled at me.

Not long after, my phone rang. I lowered my head and rummaged through my bag for a while. There were too many small items in my bag, I could hear the ringtone but couldn’t find the phone for a long time. I was getting so anxious I was about to get angry. Because Fu Junyan reminded me from the side, “Don’t rush, the more anxious you are, the more chaotic it gets,” I patiently searched slowly. Just as I answered the call, Wan Qing started shouting on the other end, her voice as excited as if she had won a prize, stammering, “Xiao’ai! Xiao’ai! We got it! We got it!”

Leaning in Fu Junyan’s arms, I raised my eyebrows in surprise, “Wan Qing, did you win a lottery?” To be this ecstatic…

“We got it! We got it!” The other end was still shouting excitedly. I was speechless… Could it really be that she won the lottery? I helplessly turned my face to look at Fu Junyan. He was closing my bag for me, smiling reassuringly at me, pointing at the phone, telling me to listen patiently.

“Sister Qing, speak slower. What exactly did you get? You’re killing me with suspense.” I puffed out my cheeks and sighed.

“The leading role! We got it! The leading role in Director Huai’an’s new movie! I’ve already signed the contract for you! Xiao’ai! What Fang Qing said was right, it really came true!”

“What? What did you say?” Her speech was too fast, I was confused, but I had vaguely understood some of it. I excitedly jumped up from Fu Junyan’s arms and shouted back, “What did you say?”

“That’s right, you’ve been chosen as the female lead for Huai’an’s new film! Xiao’ai, you’re going to make your big screen debut! I’ve checked your schedule, there’s no conflict at all. You can join Huai’an’s crew right after you finish shooting the promotional video in Suzhou! The timing couldn’t be more perfect! It’s like you were destined to be the female lead in his new film!”

I smiled too, grinning happily as I jumped around on the painted boat. Fu Junyan quickly stood up to hold me, pulling me into his arms saying, “Alright, alright, you’re going to fall into the water.”

I turned around happily to look at him, laughing out loud. I tilted my face up and said, “Huai’an’s new film! I’m the female lead! They really chose me! Hehe!”

He looked at me helplessly but lovingly, leaned his forehead against mine affectionately, patted my back to calm me down, then said against my lips, “Yes, female lead, and here’s something even more exciting for you, I’m your male lead.”

“Really?” I widened my eyes.

He nodded, winking at me.

“No wonder you went to the audition…” Being able to film a new movie and be with Fu Junyan, it’s so great! I was even more excited, dancing around in Fu Junyan’s arms. As I raised my hand, it slipped, and unexpectedly, my phone slid directly into the Pingjiang River… It happened so fast, I couldn’t even stop it!

I was stunned, frozen in Fu Junyan’s arms. I licked my lips and said in a muffled voice, “Fu Junyan, I think I’ve gone from extreme joy to sorrow…”

He nodded heavily, following my gaze to look at the water surface that only had a few ripples.

“What should we do, Fu Junyan?” I wilted, no longer excited, shaking Fu Junyan’s hand and looking at him pitifully.

He pulled me to sit down, held me in his arms and thought for a moment, then solemnly took out a key from his pocket. I thought he had a solution and looked up at him expectantly. Then I saw him very seriously lower his head and say to me, “Baobei, let’s mark the boat and search for the sword…” I was dumbfounded…

“I find you so shameless, Fu Junyan…” I looked at him disapprovingly, patting his hand and pushing the key in his hand with my finger. Couldn’t you just say it can’t be retrieved?…

But he calmly touched his face and seriously answered me, “If you’re not thick-skinned, you can’t act well, Baobei.”

Faced with my lost, unsalvageable phone that had drifted away with the Pingjiang River, Fu Junyan calmly held my hand and said, “Baobei, now you have to stick even closer to me.” That tone, with a hint of childish gloating… making one both fond and annoyed…

At noon, Fu Junyan led me through several alleys before finally finding a small restaurant with a European-style sign. On the wall outside the restaurant was a painting of a mischievous cat, squinting one eye and sticking out its tongue. I turned to Fu Junyan and imitated this expression. He tapped my nose and imitated a “Meow…” making me laugh out loud, holding my stomach.

The restaurant was playing soothing piano music. There weren’t many seats, the walls were painted a light yellow-green color, everything exuded a slightly sophisticated atmosphere, and the flower arrangements in the corridor were beautifully arranged. We sat down in a corner by the window. The small window had European-style patterns, and a European-style hanging candle holder was hung beside it. I poked my head out to look, and two middle-aged men were setting up a small table in the alley to play chess, both resting their chins on their hands, looking very solemn.

I glanced at the menu, ordered a durian pomelo sago dessert, then passed it to Fu Junyan to order the rest. After looking through the guide, he had become like the king of Pingjiang Road, knowing all the best places to eat and play. As I looked at the chessboard, I couldn’t help but think of the scene where Fu Junyan easily solved the chess problem in the study that day, and the embarrassed look on Daddy’s face – something I rarely see in all my years.

So, I lazily lay on the table, resting my chin on my hand, and called out, “Fu Junyan…” He looked up at me, responding softly, and reached out to rinse my cup with tea. I pouted and asked the question I had been wanting to ask for a long time: “Fu Junyan, do you really not know how to play Go? How were you so smart to solve that dead-end situation just by Daddy looking at a porcelain vase?”

He raised the corner of his eyes, glanced at me softly, and reached out to pat my head without saying a word.

I pouted, shaking my head and whining, “I’ve been curious for a long time, tell me! Tell me! How did you think of it…” I rested my face on my hands, blinking innocently at him.

“That night after I went back to my room, I spent the whole night reading ‘Introduction to Go’,” he said, gently tapping my nose.

“‘Introduction to Go’?” I exclaimed, my mind racing, “Does an introductory book teach that move? But Daddy said it was from an ancient chess manual! And a rare incomplete one at that! If that’s the case, why is Daddy still studying it? Is my Daddy really a chess dunce?” I snorted. Suddenly, I felt that my guess from many years ago could be confirmed. Back then, Daddy loved playing chess, carrying a chess manual wherever he went, with various chessboards all over his room – jade ones, agate ones. At that time, I thought Daddy would eventually become a chess dunce…

But Fu Junyan shook his head, smiling and denying, “The ‘Introduction to Go’ didn’t teach that. It’s just that when I was searching for this book online, I accidentally came across the chapter ‘Xu Zhu Breaks the Ling Long Zhen Ju’ from ‘The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils’, so I read it a bit. It talks about how Xu Zhu randomly placed a piece, and everyone laughed at him for being reckless. But upon closer inspection, that move actually used the method of ‘placing oneself in a desperate situation to find life’. Although it damaged one area, it saved the entire game.” He chuckled lightly and said, “I just didn’t expect it to be such a coincidence. Reading books all night didn’t help much, but casually flipping through a chapter of a novel turned out to be useful.”

What a mind-blowing truth… My mouth formed an “O” shape, thinking that if Daddy knew the truth, he would spit blood…

The osmanthus cake that Fu Junyan ordered was especially delicious, sweet but not cloying. Because I ate too quickly, crumbs kept sticking to the corners of my mouth. Fu Junyan patiently wiped my mouth again and again with a napkin. Later, when he saw me about to press the service button to order another plate, he held my hand, not allowing me to eat more. He gently persuaded, “Eating too much of this can cause indigestion. We’re going to the filming location by car this afternoon, you might feel unwell later.” Seeing me pout and struggle, he squinted his eyes, then gently released my hand, just looked at me once, sighed and said, “Baobei, if you want to eat, go ahead and order more. Actually, you look quite good with a little extra weight.”

Thunderbolt from a clear sky! Hearing this, I wilted… obediently wiped my hands and drank water.

What’s a woman’s Achilles’ heel? Isn’t it being called fat?… I bit my lip, thinking to myself, I’m just a little pufferfish that can’t flip over Young Master Mountain…