The bonfire blazed in the night, dyeing a patch of sky a warm orange. Its flames danced merrily, as if celebrating the coming new world as well.
Clearly, these indigenous people, untouched by the clamor and pollution of modern industry, still retained the most primitive and purest customs.
They gathered around the bonfire, hand in hand and heart to heart, beginning an ancient yet passionate celebration. Every movement was filled with love and reverence for life.
Even little Beth,
the little girl who always carried a hint of shyness and curiosity,
was encouraged by her mother, whose face remained pale but whose eyes were full of tenderness. She bravely broke free of her restraints and ran into the celebrating crowd like a joyful fawn.
Joyce, witnessing this scene, was likewise infected by that pure happiness and happily joined the celebration.
The girl took Qin's hand and clasped Norma's tightly, imitating those simple yet powerful dances.
Before they realized it,
melodious singing carried in from beyond the sea breeze quietly joined them.
It was like wind drifting in from afar,
bearing the vastness and freedom of the sea, and like a stream welling up from the depths of the heart, telling of love and longing for life.
Su Wen heard those songs as well,
and a warm smile inevitably appeared on his face.
Yet he ultimately did not join the revelry.
He merely raised a glass of light beer, then turned toward an inconspicuous corner and gently placed a finger to his lips in a mild shushing gesture,
as though telling someone—or perhaps many beautiful deep-blue girls—
that he had already seen them.
(I really wish Miss Jiang were here right now.)
The night slowly passed amid laughter and melodious songs. Even time seemed to slow its pace, unwilling to disturb