The sea-ringing road on the island has vast blue waves and warm sunshine.

The rustling of the tide against the shore, the whistling of the sea breeze in your ears, and the hum of the electric donkey's engine when you sit down. All the sounds are perfectly blended with the scenery in front of you, giving you a refreshing experience.

Cao Aiqing held He Tianran's waist with both hands and indulged in this atmosphere unconsciously.

It seemed that human anxiety could not keep up with the electric car's speed of more than thirty yards. She took out a hand and smoothed her hair that was flying in the wind.

On the roadside, rows of white power-generating windmills kept disappearing, retreating and reappearing, as if they were the most conspicuous signposts on this road. However, there was no indication of the destination of this road.

He Tianran couldn't see Cao Aiqing's expression behind him, but he seemed to feel something and said loudly:

"Hey, where did you choose the art museum of yours?"

"Keep driving, we will get there eventually."

"What?"

The wind in his ears was too strong and he couldn't hear clearly.

"Keep driving."

Afterwards, following Cao Aiqing's instructions, He Tianran finally drove the small electric donkey to a headland at the southern end of the island bay. Compared with some popular attractions on the island, this place is still undeveloped.

The altitude of this island promontory is about a hundred meters above the sea level. It is an excellent location to view the sea. However, the surrounding area is bare, with only stones and sea, and there are no traces of any construction. He Tianran couldn't help but ask:

"Work hasn't started yet?"

Cao Aiqing got out of the car and did not answer his question immediately. She walked silently to the edge, raised her hands and stretched.

Her dress originally exposed her shoulders and half of her back, and with her movement, He Tianran could clearly appreciate the graceful butterfly bones that slowly stretched out.

She turned her head and said to He Tianran, who was still standing there: "How can it be so fast? The establishment of the art museum is also an important part of Nanyan Island's tourism development. Various approvals and docking work have not been completed yet. It is estimated that it will be completed

It will take several years of work. By the way, what do you think of this place?"

"here?"

"Um."

He Tianran stepped forward, stood side by side with her, looked at the vast sea, thought for a while, and replied seriously:

"I feel very lonely, including in this place you chose."

"You feel bad?"

He Tianran shook his head: "I know that in the field of architecture, designs that can be called 'lonely' generally have unique beauty, so I don't feel bad..."

As the boy spoke, he looked at Cao Aiqing, who was also looking at him. He was a little embarrassed and continued:

"I can't say anything too professional about architecture, but I can help you analyze my perception from a director's perspective. For example, I want to take a panoramic shot, and the main subject in the shot is an art gallery. Ignore your overall view.

Design aside, if you change the current season to winter, the waves, rocks, and art museums, all these elements are combined together, and there is no need to use any skills, and it will already have enough charm...but..."

"But what?"

"But beauty for the sake of beauty is not the first priority that you architects pursue. You told me that architecture will nourish the unique culture of the region after years of precipitation. This is the charm of architecture, and I think

, Nanzhi Island is so focused on developing tourism, and what it wants is definitely not loneliness." He Tianran said slowly.

After hearing his opinion, Cao Aiqing found it a bit incredible. It coincided with her point of view, but she said:

"I never told you this."

"Hahaha, yes, it is indeed not what you told me." He Tianran laughed dryly.

"But you are right. Your mother passed this plan before it was given to the leaders of Nanzhi Island...I...what else did she tell you?"

The "she" Cao Aiqing mentioned of course refers to Cao Aiqing in another world.

"What? Are you afraid that I will copy the answer?" He Tianran joked.

Cao Aiqing laughed angrily, "Of course not, it's just that after listening to your words, I was very curious about whether the me thirteen years ago and the me now will still be consistent in treating the things I love."

Can this be the same? Besides architecture, she also loves me!

He Tianran slandered, but such words were inappropriate and impossible to say to the Cao Aiqing in front of him. He said seriously:

"Her favorite architect is Tadao Ando, ​​and her favorite work is also his Church of Light. She believes that architecture should become a part of nature. Reinforced concrete will one day weather and disappear over time, so without material

Instead of letting it exist in people's hearts forever as a kind of memory, this is her long-standing professional pursuit. Do you think so now?"

After hearing this familiar ideal and original intention, Cao Aiqing could only remain silent.

He Tianran realized that the other party's mood was not right, and comforted: "Her idea is very noble, but she does not have any practical experience. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is just talk on paper. But unlike her, you already have enough ability to realize it."

The original ideal, but there is always a difference between thought and practice. Even if you don’t think so now, it’s understandable. People will always change..."

"People can change, but not this thing! Her persistence has always been right!"

Cao Aiqing interrupted He Tianran's consolation. Rather than saying she was refuting, it was more like she was giving confidence to her other self.

He Tianran was speechless for a moment, but after a moment, he smiled again and nodded.

He Tianran has always known that Cao Aiqing is actually a very stubborn person under her meek appearance. She has her own persistence. Once she decides on something, it is difficult to have any room for maneuver.

After she decided to study the Department of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong, she had never had a second choice. She was so desperate that even the teachers could not persuade her.

She likes He Tianran, but when she knows that He Tianran doesn't want to fall in love yet, she will immediately withdraw and say something like "I'm not sad at all, you love your moon, you pick your stars."

Later, she learned that He Tianran still couldn't let go of Wen Liang, so she resolutely chose not to interact with him.

If the boy hadn't woken up and confessed his love, there might have been a different outcome between them.

Thinking of this, He Tianran felt sad. Cao Aiqing, who was walking here with a cold arrow on his back, might only become more stubborn at this point.

After all, the ideal of becoming an architect is already the most complete and pure thing in her heart.

It's just that time has changed, and when ideals are reflected in reality, the trivial details are revealed, which may be the reason why she interrupts her secular speech after being silent.

He Tianran didn't understand society, but he understood "Cao Aiqing." From the first time he saw Cao Aiqing in this world, he knew that she lived a very tiring life.

"Ah~~~~"

He Tianran suddenly clasped his hands and shouted loudly to the calm sea.

This move stunned Cao Aiqing.

"It's very spacious here. It's a good place to free your mind and relax yourself." The boy turned and grinned at Cao Aiqing, who was in a daze at the side: "You want to try it too?"

Cao Aiqing rarely refused immediately. She stared at the sea and took a deep breath.

"Ah~~~~"

The high-pitched voice startled two or three seagulls, accompanied by the ever-changing waves, which continued for a long time.

Within a minute, Cao Aiqing roared intermittently two or three more times. He Tianran looked at her quietly. A kind of reddish color after lack of oxygen appeared on her cheeks. The humid air at the seaside made her eyelashes and hair twitch.

The tips were stained with a little bit of moisture.

This image is so similar to when they were watching the sunrise at the beach.

Perhaps this gaze was too direct. Cao Aiqing gasped, stared back at him, and then said to himself:

"The theme of 'solitude' is really not suitable for Nanyan Island. To study architecture, you must actually visit the place and experience the space with your own five senses. I have spent most of my time on the island recently. This meager personal experience made me realize

Come on, Nanzhi Island has changed. It is no longer the deserted island fishing village in the impression of the locals in the former port city. It no longer needs loneliness. It desperately wants to change. However, I can’t be very precise about what it really needs.

In summary, I... haven't figured it out yet."

Somehow, Cao Aiqing accidentally revealed her confusion at work. Maybe it was because she was careless after yelling twice, maybe...she also hoped in her heart that this eighteen-year-old He Tianran could understand her.

What are you talking about.

He is still so young and sometimes so naive. Does he really not understand anything?

No, Cao Aiqing could tell that He Tianran actually knew a lot of things, but he just didn't want to do it.

The same is true for the other He Tianran, but all of that is patience for revenge.

And this He Tianran is purely because he likes to maintain this state.

He did not have the habit of hiding his true nature as a social person, and the boy's straightforwardness and innocence were written on his face without any worries. In this unfamiliar world, this was a very fatal point, and it was something that Cao Aiqing had abandoned long ago.

Something, but for such a boy, Cao Aiqing felt a rare sense of relaxation during the short half-day he spent with him.

Cao Aiqing didn't need any answers to what she said to him. Just saying it out loud made her feel better inexplicably.

He Tianran lowered his head and thought for a while. When he raised his head again, he said in a deep voice:

"I think what Nanzhi Island wants is 'rebirth'..."

Cao Aiqing's bright eyes shone slightly.

"go on."

"Well... you just said that the local people's impression of Nanzhi Island is desolate. Even if local policies strongly support it, the concept is deeply rooted. If you want to break the shackles of the old impression, you have to present a brand new one.

The appearance of the island is where the concept of 'rebirth' comes from. If the building you design can allow tourists to re-understand the island, feel the vigorous vitality and communicate with it, then doesn't it fit in with your philosophy of studying architecture?

Is it your original intention?”

"And this is an unmistakable theme. Whether it is my mother or the local government, when they see this proposal, even if they will not accept it, they will not reject it immediately because the concept is right but also false.

, it’s just a concept, as for how to express it and how to fill the frame and flesh, that’s your business.”

After He Tianran said this, he had mixed feelings. He did not expect that his experience could be so similar to that of an island.

It is true that his words are not good advice, but Cao Aiqing did get a lot of inspiration after listening to it. He can empathize with an island and extract emotions from it to explain. The person who can do this is undoubtedly

superior.

In fact, Cao Aiqing had had similar thoughts for a long time, but as she said, she hadn't figured it out yet, and the word "new life" just woke her up.

"Thank you for your advice, it's very useful to me."

Cao Aiqing turned around, faced He Tianran, and said sincerely.

She originally thought that He Tianran would take the opportunity to tease her a few words, but unexpectedly, the boy stretched out his hand and said this -

"I am your friend now, right? Although I am not a good friend yet, I will become a good friend one day!"

This sentence was what Cao Aiqing said when he and Cao Aiqing went on their first date.

This is their beginning.

Cao Aiqing hesitated for two seconds, and finally stretched out his hand...

The two hands were originally supposed to be holding each other in mid-air, but at this moment, Cao Aiqing's hand strangely passed through He Tianran's hand, and the hold was empty.

This incredible thing happened so suddenly. The young man's palm was still in that position, but it seemed to have turned into a shadow.

He Tianran quickly retracted his arm, shook it twice angrily, and joked:

"Hey, I didn't eat tofu, it's a pity, it's a pity..."

"you……"

"It's okay, it's just the sequelae of the time traveler. It will be fine after a while." He Tianran gave the answer casually.

He didn't seem to want to continue this topic and said, "By the way, take a picture of me!"

After saying that, He Tianran didn't wait for Cao Aiqing to agree, so he put the phone into her hand, then ran to his little electric donkey and struck a pose that he thought was cool.

Cao Aiqing was still shocked by the scene just now, but the boy said impatiently: "Hey, don't be stunned, my face is frozen with laughter."

When the woman came back to her senses, she turned on the camera and recorded the moment with a click.

He Tianran ran over and looked at the photo for a few seconds. He was very satisfied with his appearance. There was an indescribable tenderness in his eyes and he said:

"Wen Liang told me that she wanted to teach me how to ride a motorcycle. Now that I have learned how to ride a small electric donkey, I don't think she needs to teach me how to ride a motorcycle. Hahaha, I want to send this photo to her to tease her on purpose.

.”

"Does she... know about your situation?"

"Ah? What's going on?"

Seeing He Tianran pretending to be stupid, Cao Aiqing stopped asking any more questions.

…

The message sent by the boy did not receive an immediate reply. It is estimated that Wen Liang was also very busy. In the following time, the two of them rode a small electric donkey and wandered around the island, eating, drinking, playing, and watching the clouds.

The curlers are relaxing, which is really a joy to behold.

However, the beautiful time was short-lived after all. When the sun went down, they also boarded the small ferry back to the port city.

Cao Aiqing is going to the hotel where the wedding will be held tomorrow for a rehearsal, so He Tianran naturally has no reason to stay on the island.

"Really...don't you go and see your mother? I know where she lives on the island."

Before boarding the boat, Cao Aiqing stopped and asked He Tianran.

"No, go back. If you don't want to see someone, even if you do, it won't mean much."

He Tianran excused himself lightly, silently looked back at the entire island, and walked into the cabin.

Cao Aiqing hesitated for a moment, then followed him in and sat next to him.

The sun sank into the sea little by little, and as night fell, the ferry slowly began its voyage.

The blueness and silence of the sea made people feel particularly peaceful. Cao Aiqing turned his head and watched He Tianran pick up his cell phone to send messages from time to time, as if he was having a lively chat with someone.

A trace of sadness flashed in her eyes.

"Aren't you... planning to settle accounts with another He Tianran?"

"Ah? Ah...yes."

"Then what are your plans next?"

"There are indeed many plans, but..." He Tianran hesitated.

"Just what?"

He Tianran sighed and put the phone aside.

"It's nothing, I just don't want you to be involved in the matter between me and him."

"If you need anything, you can..."

"Happy wedding."

"..."

He Tianran's blessing brought Cao Aiqing, who had forgotten his troubles all day, back to reality.

Yes, as soon as the day after tomorrow, she will be a wife and live a good life with her husband. From then on, the focus of her life will be towards her family, no matter whether the two He Tianran love Wen Liang or not.

Hate it or not, it is someone else’s love story after all.

Thinking about it, Cao Aiqing suddenly smiled.

"Thank you, He Tianran. Today, I have truly experienced the happiness of another myself."

The young man sniffed and leaned back on his seat. He shook his head, his voice a little tired:

"It's nothing... This is the only thing I can do for you in this world, and I also hope that through today's performance, I can make you understand that even if I am not Guo Huai, I can still use my own way,

Protect the Cao Aiqing who belongs to me."

"But... what if you can't return to the world that belongs to you? Or will you stay here forever?"

The woman looked at him worriedly, but she still couldn't help but ask.

"If I stay here and can't go back, then I will always stay by Wen Liang's side."

The mobile phone at He Tianran's hand kept vibrating. He picked it up again and looked at the received message. The dim light of the screen hit his weak face, and he didn't know what content he saw. There was always a smile on his lips.

.

And this smile finally made Cao Aiqing ask something he had been holding in his heart all day.

"Wen Liang or...the other me, who do you like more?"

The boy's finger, which was about to send the message, stopped.

Wen Liang in this world won't ask this question, because she loves herself, and she doesn't want to see herself in trouble. She just wants to enjoy the hard-won time with He Tianran; Cao Aiqing in another world won't ask either, because she knows

, the warmth and coolness that He Tianran loved has become a thing of the past, and now they only have each other in their hearts.

Therefore, it is only natural for this question to be asked from the mouth of the outsider Cao Aiqing.

She had witnessed everything and knew everything, so she asked this question.

In fact, not only her, but anyone who knows these two past events of He Tianran may have this question.

He Tianran, who do you love more?

Is it one person who changes you; or another person who accompanies you.

Just like a coin will always end up with heads and tails, the same goes for feelings. Of course, a person can fall in love with two people at the same time, but when two equally precious loves are placed in front of him, the human heart is not a scale after all, it does not

It will always stay in the middle, it will deviate.

And this bias is very obvious to people.

Fortunately, He Tianran has never encountered such a situation. He just freed himself from one relationship and devoted himself to another relationship. He did not feel sorry for anyone and always put his heart first.

In the correct position, he could answer this with confidence:

"When Wen Liang was still there, I loved Wen Liang more; after Ai Qing was with me, I loved Ai Qing even more. So if you ask me who I love more deeply, I can only say that I love the people around me more. This is not an excuse.

I’m not pretending to be confused, this is a fact. I am lucky because these two situations will not exist at the same time. Maybe one day I really need to make a choice. I may hesitate, but my heart will definitely not

.”

He Tianran gave a last forced smile and closed his eyes tiredly.

After hearing his answer, Cao Aiqing was silent for a long time.

Unconsciously, her shoulders sank, He Tianran's head rested weakly on her shoulders, and the mobile phone in his hand fell to the ground.

"Can we... still meet?" she asked softly, not daring to look at him.

"Is it at your wedding the day after tomorrow... Let's forget it... Even though I know you are not the one I love... But my mind is not so open-minded... Saying happy wedding to you is already my love for you

The greatest blessing...because I really...hope you have a happy life..."

The boy's voice became weaker and weaker, as if he was about to fall asleep.

"Didn't we agree that we could become good friends in the future?"

Cao Aiqing asked stubbornly again, but this time, she never heard a response.

In this way, Cao Aiqing silently felt the weight gradually disappearing on her shoulders. She felt that her vision was a little blurred. She reached out and touched it carefully, and there were more tears on her fingertips.

Originally, one should not feel sad for a stranger.

"So, I got scammed again...right?"

Such words echoed in the cabin.

I don’t know how long it took, but the boat docked.

On the shore, the bustling port city is brightly lit.

There was no one else around Cao Aiqing.

There were two more things in her hand.

One thing was He Tianran's cell phone that fell to the ground. In the chat box between him and Wen Liang, there was a message that had not been sent successfully. It said this line -

"I really want to see you now."

The other item is the string of bodhi seeds that He Tianran always wears on his wrist.

Cao Aiqing looked at these two things stupidly and did not move for a long time.

Warm messages are still being sent continuously.

"Why don't you speak? Are you crazy and ignoring me?"

"How was your chat with Cao Aiqing today? I'm warning you, someone else is getting married soon, so don't make any wrong ideas!! You must wait for me to come back!!"

"What's wrong...you haven't replied to me...I'm really angry!"

"What happened to the photo you sent me? Why are you not in the photo?"

Cao Aiqing looked at the messages that kept popping up. Her finger hovered over the send button, but when she was about to press it, she hesitated...

Then, she made a move that even she couldn't explain...

She completely deleted the unsent sentence...

At this time, the phone rang, and Cao Aiqing was startled. The name noted on the screen was very strange, called "Old Classmate".

"He Tianran!! You bastard!! Don't scare me on purpose! Why don't you reply to my message? Do you know how worried I am about you! I almost booked a flight to come back to you, don't..."

"Hello?"

Maybe it was the connection of the phone that made Wen Liang feel relieved on the other end of the phone. There was a cry in her tone, and she was scolding her regardless of it. However, when she heard that the person who answered the phone was not He Tianran, her voice,

It stopped immediately.

"Are you...Ai Qing? He Tianran...he...he is where you are, right?"

On the phone, the warm voice trembled.

"he's gone."

"You're... you're home, right? Ah... I'm sorry, I... will call home later. He must have left his cell phone with you..."

"He left and disappeared. Maybe... he returned to his own world..."

Cao Aiqing looked at the string of Buddhist beads in her hand, and she knew that if the young man He Tianran said what he said before, maybe... he would not return to his original world.

"No...no...he won't leave without saying goodbye...he must have left a message for you before he left, asking you to tell me something, right?"

Facing Wen Liang's out-of-control questioning, Cao Aiqing lowered his eyes and said two words coldly:

"No."

The third volume has officially come to an end, with about 10,000 to 20,000 words left.
Chapter completed!