Explore Chapter 13 of 'The Story of the Golden Powder Family' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Ever since that ride home from the cinema together, Jin Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu had become friends. Using the Poetry Club as a pretext, they visited each other from time to time. Under the guise of teaching Song Runqing poetry, Jin Yanxi often called at the Leng Residence. After school, Leng Qingqiu would either review her lessons, assist her mother with household chores, or sort through the books her father had left behind, leading a very orderly life. When Jin Yanxi visited, he rarely initiated conversation with her directly. Instead, he would often discuss literature, both ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign, with Song Runqing. Leng Qingqiu, sitting quietly by and listening, gained no small amount of knowledge.
Time slipped away easily, and before they knew it, it was late spring. Jin Yanxi, who disliked the heat, proposed early on to organize a Summer Retreat Group to escape the summer at Fragrant Hills. His friends from the Poetry Club, all young gentlemen of leisure, were eager to agree. As for the members of the Poetry Club, some couldn't compose verse at all, while those who could were not particularly skilled. They merely used the name as an excuse to seek amusement. Seizing this opportunity, Jin Yanxi went to ask Leng Qingqiu if she would join. There was no real need for Leng Qingqiu to join such a group, but as Jin Yanxi pressed her repeatedly, and Mrs. Leng also said that young people ought to go out and broaden their horizons, Leng Qingqiu consented.
On the day of departure, everyone prepared travel provisions, boarded automobiles, and set off for Fragrant Hills. Jin Yanxi had booked out a small hotel. Once everyone had settled their luggage, he suggested touring the mountains. Having never been to Fragrant Hills before, Leng Qingqiu found the surrounding peaks and lush greenery enchanting, the fresh green of the mountain foliage glowing charmingly in the sunlight. Her heart filled with delight, she walked slowly up the mountain with Jin Yanxi, trailing behind the others. As they walked, Jin Yanxi pointed out the scenic spots, telling her the names of various peaks and temples. Leng Qingqiu listened carefully, committing each one to memory. When the two reached the Mid-Hill Pavilion and saw that the rest had gone far ahead, they sat down to rest.
At that moment, the mountain was profoundly quiet, devoid of any human sound. Only the chirping of birds could be heard from the woods. Jin Yanxi said, "This place is truly wonderful. I wish I could build a retreat here and devote myself to study." Leng Qingqiu replied, "But aren't you studying now?" Jin Yanxi laughed. "I mean true study, like the scholars of old, taking on disciples to lecture on the classics and discourse on philosophy and the classics." "That kind of life is certainly noble," said Leng Qingqiu, "but times are different now." Jin Yanxi said, "I've always felt such a life is far better than fooling around in the city." Hearing his words, Leng Qingqiu was somewhat moved and lowered her head.
Noticing her pensive air, Jin Yanxi asked, "Miss Leng, what are you thinking?" Leng Qingqiu looked up and smiled faintly. "I was thinking that people like us are just like the drifting clouds on this mountain-gathering one moment, dispersing the next, never certain of our own whereabouts." "I cannot agree," said Jin Yanxi. "Though we are friends, to me, this friendship is more precious than anything. If you don't believe me, I swear it before these green hills." So saying, he stood up. "There's no need for that," said Leng Qingqiu. "I want you to know my heart," Jin Yanxi insisted.
Seeing him so earnest, Leng Qingqiu felt rather embarrassed and said, "Let's go back down. They must have been waiting for us." "What's the hurry?" said Jin Yanxi. "I haven't finished what I wanted to say." He then took out a small brocade box and handed it to her. "I have a little token for you, a memento of our mountain outing today." Leng Qingqiu opened it and, finding a diamond ring inside, flushed instantly. "Such a valuable thing... how could I possibly accept it?" "It is of no great consequence," said Jin Yanxi. "It merely represents my sincerity. If you refuse it, it would mean you think little of me."
Leng Qingqiu hesitated for a moment. She thought that refusing would surely displease him, and his sincerity made it hard to reject his好意. "I shall keep it for you, then," she said. Hearing this, Jin Yanxi knew she had tacitly accepted, and his heart leapt with joy. "Then let me put it on for you," he said. Leng Qingqiu extended her hand, and Jin Yanxi slipped the ring onto her finger. Their eyes met, and they smiled faintly at each other.
When they descended the mountain and returned to the hotel, they found everyone else had already returned and were chatting and laughing. Seeing them enter, they all asked, "Where did you two go? We looked for you for quite a while." "We walked slowly," Jin Yanxi explained. "We lingered behind, absorbed in the mountain views." After more light-hearted banter, they prepared for dinner. The meal was served on the terrace, overlooking the mountain scenery. Under the electric lights, the atmosphere held a distinctive charm.
At the table, everyone was talking and laughing, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Jin Yanxi was in particularly high spirits, constantly urging the others to drink. Leng Qingqiu did not drink, but Jin Yanxi repeatedly persuaded her to try a small cup. Unable to decline further, she finally drank it. Soon, a rosy flush spread across her cheeks, enhancing the radiant loveliness of her features. Watching her, Jin Yanxi felt immensely pleased.
After dinner, the group scattered to relax. Some played music, others sang. Jin Yanxi quietly said to Leng Qingqiu, "Shall we take a stroll down below?" Leng Qingqiu nodded, and the two left the terrace, walking slowly along a gravel path. By now, a full moon had risen over the eastern hills, bathing the entire mountain in a silvery, liquid light. A gentle night breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and trees, refreshing both mind and spirit.
They walked until they reached a large tree. "This spot is perfect," said Jin Yanxi. "Let's sit here for a while." He sat down on a stone bench. Leng Qingqiu sat down as well. Jin Yanxi said, "I will never forget this day." "Neither will I," Leng Qingqiu replied. "Then let us always remain good friends," Jin Yanxi said. "Do you promise?" "I promise," Leng Qingqiu whispered.
Hearing this, Jin Yanxi, unable to restrain his feelings, took her hand. Leng Qingqiu let him hold it, not pulling away. They remained silent for a long while, feeling as though the moonlight and the shadows of the trees were there solely to deepen the quiet enchantment of the moment. Jin Yanxi said, "I have a presumptuous question. May I ask it?" "Go ahead," said Leng Qingqiu. "I feel our friendship should not remain merely that of friends," he said. "Could you..." He paused there.
"Could I what?" asked Leng Qingqiu. Summoning his courage, Jin Yanxi said, "Could you promise to share your life with me in the future?" Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu's heart began to pound wildly, and for a moment she could not answer. "I speak from the depths of my heart," Jin Yanxi continued. "If you agree, I would owe you a lifetime of gratitude." "This is no trivial matter," Leng Qingqiu whispered. "I must consult my mother." "Naturally," said Jin Yanxi. "As long as you yourself are willing, I doubt Mrs. Leng would object."
"Let me think it over," said Leng Qingqiu. "Very well," said Jin Yanxi. "I shall await your reply." Then he took a photograph from his pocket and handed it to her. "This is a recent picture of me. I'd like you to have it." Leng Qingqiu took it and saw it was a fine likeness. "Thank you," she said. "I have nothing to give you in return. I shall write a piece of calligraphy for you." Jin Yanxi was delighted. "That would be even better."
They talked a while longer until they heard someone calling them from the terrace, so they returned together. Everyone sat on the terrace a little longer before retiring to their rooms. Back in her room, Leng Qingqiu thought over the day's events, a mixture of joy and trepidation in her heart. She took Jin Yanxi's photograph, looked at it again and again, then carefully placed it between the pages of her diary. Reflecting on Jin Yanxi's words and manner, which clearly bespoke his ardent affection for her, a sweet feeling stirred within her. That night, she tossed and turned, unable to find proper sleep.