STT – Chapter 77

From now on, unless parted by death, there will be no more separation in life.

Hengshan is the highest mountain in Linzhou, nationally renowned for its beautiful scenery. However, it is most famous for its “uniqueness, danger, and steepness.” On Hengshan, there is a plank path, known far and wide, composed of narrow wooden boards suspended over a thousand-meter-deep cliff, embedded in a sheer rock face. It is called “Lingkong” (Sky Walking). The plank path is about thirty meters long and no more than thirty centimeters wide. On one side is a smooth cliff face with fixed ropes for handholds, while the other side is open air without any railings. Above the fixed ropes is an iron chain covered with silk pouches and locks. Legend has it that this “Lingkong” plank path was built by an ancient immortal for spiritual cultivation. Later, this immortal ascended to heaven, blessing this place, making wishes made here extremely efficacious.

It is said that if couples, undaunted by the challenge, walk this plank path together and hang a love lock on the iron chain in the middle of the path, they will be able to face the storms of life without fear. Even if they occasionally encounter difficulties, they will be able to walk together until their hair turns white.

After getting together with Jiang Huaixi, Lu Zizheng had planned many trips with her and longed for various love pilgrimage sites. However, for this nearby sacred place, she was apprehensive and kept her distance.

After all, she was someone who would feel terrified, dizzy, and weak in her hands and feet just by looking at pictures of the Lingkong plank path.

Yet today, Lu Zizheng stood with flowing robes, calm and composed, at the entrance of the Lingkong plank path suspended above the thousand-meter-deep cliff.

After finishing his discussion with the pre-arranged photographer, Jiang Huaichuan couldn’t help but run to Lu Zizheng’s side with a worried expression, asking her for what seemed like the umpteenth time: “Sister Zizheng, are you really sure you want to walk this plank path? Can’t we choose another way instead?”

Even though Jiang Huaichuan was known for his bravery, looking at this wooden plank path suspended over a thousand-meter-deep abyss made him feel dizzy and hesitant. He found it hard to feel at ease, let alone imagine how terrified Jiang Huaixi would be upon seeing this scene.

Lu Zizheng forced herself to look directly at the deep abyss, her expression calm as she insisted steadily: “Huaichuan, you don’t need to try to persuade me anymore. Let’s begin when you’re ready.” Her tone was full of composure, but her left hand clutched her right arm, and her right hand, hanging by her side, was trembling almost imperceptibly.

She admitted to herself that she was still somewhat afraid. But she knew that this fear was merely an instinctive response born of reverence. Once, she had thought this fear was insurmountable.

The photographer finally finished his preparations, connecting the computer, setting up the camera, and implementing safety measures. He took his position behind Lu Zizheng, ready to begin.

Lu Zizheng allowed the security personnel to perform a final check of her safety harness. Once confirmed to be secure, she stepped onto the plank path, turned her head back, flashed a faint smile, and nodded to Jiang Huaichuan.

Jiang Huaichuan, frowning with a pained expression, watched Lu Zizheng. He gritted his teeth but still followed Lu Zizheng’s previous instructions, taking out his phone and dialing Jiang Huaixi’s number.

As soon as the call connected, Jiang Huaichuan, without any pleasantries or preamble, immediately told Jiang Huaixi to turn on her computer and start a video call.

Jiang Huaixi was slightly confused and surprised but didn’t ask any questions. She simply got out of bed, retrieved her laptop from a nearby desk, returned to bed, turned it on, and followed the instructions.

When the screen lit up, Lu Zizheng’s figure standing above the thousand-meter-deep cliff appeared through the video window. The moment this image entered Jiang Huaixi’s view, her heart felt as if it had been violently wrung, almost unable to beat. In the next instant, Jiang Huaixi cried out involuntarily, “Zizheng!”

Jiang Huaixi’s typically cool and pleasant voice, distorted by the loudspeaker and carried by the gusty mountain wind, reached Lu Zizheng’s ears. Though it had only been one night since she last heard Jiang Huaixi’s voice, at this moment, amidst the howling wind, it felt as if a century had passed.

Her eyes fixed on the camera lens, tender and devout, as if gazing at Jiang Huaixi through the screen. With a radiant smile, her voice calm and clear, she said, “Huaixi, remember when we went to pray on the mountain in Ji’an? You teased me, saying that if we were so sincere, why go so far when we could come to the Lingkong plank path in Linzhou and hang a love lock together. I replied that if it truly worked, I’d be willing to walk it once. I guess you thought I was joking, as you were, and didn’t take it to heart.”

She heard Jiang Huaixi’s voice faintly through the wind, seemingly scolding Jiang Huaichuan harshly: “Huaichuan, how could you go along with Zizheng’s recklessness? Don’t you know she’s afraid of heights? Jiang Huaichuan, now, immediately! Right now! Bring Zizheng down, do you hear me?!”

As expected, Jiang Huaichuan turned to Lu Zizheng with a dejected face, silently pleading for help. Lu Zizheng shook her hand, giving him an apologetic smile, and continued addressing the camera: “Huaixi, I forced Huaichuan to help me. Don’t blame him. And the reason I’m here is because you forced me to come up.” Her gaze suddenly turned calm yet sharp: “Huaixi, let me ask you, did you give Lian Xuan my address in X City? Did you ever think that choosing Lian Xuan might be better for me than being with you? Did you ever consider quietly stepping aside if I wanted to rekindle my relationship with Lian Xuan? Jiang Huaixi, is that true?”

On the hospital bed, Jiang Huaixi’s face turned as white as paper and as cold as ice. Her eyes were fixed on the laptop screen on her knees, her bloodless thin lips pressed into a tight line. Faced with Lu Zizheng’s series of cold and piercing questions, she clenched her jaw, unable to respond.

So, she knew everything. In an instant, Jiang Huaixi felt deflated.

Lu Zizheng faced the camera, her beautiful face devoid of any smile: “It seems I was right about everything. Huaixi, do you think this is what’s best for me? Do you believe that everything you’ve done was for my own good?” She stared intently at the camera, as if gazing into Jiang Huaixi’s eyes, as deep and beautiful as an ancient pond: “But do you really know what I want? Huaixi, I’m not as strong as you think, but I’m also not as fragile as you imagine. I’m not as noble as you, but I’m also not as selfish as you believe.”

Jiang Huaixi’s eyes began to redden, her hand on the keyboard clenched into a fist, trembling slightly.

Lu Zizheng declared, enunciating each word for Jiang Huaixi to hear: “Jiang Huaixi, listen carefully. Yes, I was once a coward, but I’ve become brave because of my love for you. Because of you, because you’re in my heart, I no longer fear mountains, I’m no longer afraid of death, I’m no longer scared of all the malice in this world. Do you believe that?” She turned around resolutely, leaving a cold statement: “If I can’t walk across this plank path, then consider my love for you insincere, and I won’t have the face to see you again.”

With that, she reached out and suddenly unclipped the safety harness attached to the fixed rope, eliciting a chorus of gasps from Jiang Huaixi and those present. “(Zizheng), it’s dangerous!”

Jiang Huaixi was terrified and shocked. For the first time, she felt helpless and at a loss. Overwhelmed with anxiety, her tears began to fall uncontrollably, soaking the bedsheet. Her voice, hoarse with crying, could only manage an angry yet powerless shout: “Jiang Huaichuan, what are you doing? Hurry up and bring her back!”

Lu Zizheng faced the cliff wall, her hands reaching up, tightly gripping the fixed rope. Step by step, she walked with her heart pounding, her limbs trembling, yet careful and steady in her footing. Seemingly anticipating Jiang Huaixi’s emotional turmoil, when she reached the most perilous turning point in the middle section, she reached into her shoulder bag and securely fastened two love locks to the fixed rope. Then, she tilted her head slightly towards the camera, flashing a brilliant smile, and said firmly: “Huaixi, trust me…”

Jiang Huaixi’s face, initially as pale as paper, now flushed an unnatural red from crying. Her hair clung messily to her cheeks, displaying an unprecedented haggardness and dishevelment. Her voice had long since gone hoarse, and she no longer futilely demanded that Jiang Huaichuan bring Lu Zizheng back. She simply stared unblinkingly at the screen, watching Lu Zizheng’s small, frail figure inch forward in the vast emptiness, her heart racing with each step taken and placed, forgetting to breathe. Hearing Lu Zizheng’s request, she covered her mouth, sobbing and hiccuping, repeatedly answering: “I trust you, I trust you… I trust you…”

Though it was only for a little over a minute, for Jiang Huaixi, Lu Zizheng, and even Jiang Huaichuan, it felt as long as a century.

Finally, Lu Zizheng safely crossed the Lingkong plank path, her feet firmly planted on the wide, flat ground.

Everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. Jiang Huaixi collapsed weakly onto her pillow, her eyes still fixed unblinkingly on the screen.

Lu Zizheng’s heart was racing uncontrollably, her hands hanging at her sides trembling uncontrollably. However, facing the camera, she still managed to flash a bright smile: “Huaixi, you see? You thought I couldn’t do it, but actually, I can.” Although her voice was shaking uncontrollably, her tone remained composed and determined. “Huaixi, do you know? After Mom passed away, the path I had to walk alone in this world seemed a thousand times more treacherous than this plank path. I once thought I couldn’t persevere, that I might as well just jump off, since I was bound to fall into that endless abyss sooner or later. But you saved me. Because you were always by my side, I found the courage to believe. And now, on this plank path, without you physically beside me, I’ve managed to cross it on my own, gritting my teeth and mustering my strength. That’s because you’re always in my heart, accompanying me through every storm, giving me the courage to believe and be brave again.”

Her trembling voice gradually steadied, becoming more and more stable and natural: “Huaixi, even if we live to be a hundred, we must eventually part. I’ve always known that one day we’ll be separated, whether sooner or later. But in this life, to have known and loved you like this, regardless of how long, I already have no regrets. So, don’t be sorry, don’t feel guilty. Being loved by you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me in this life. So, trust me, lean on me, and please, don’t push me away anymore, okay?”

Jiang Huaixi stared blankly at that exquisite smiling face she adored so much, biting her hand hard to keep from sobbing out loud, tears streaming down her face. Idiot, fool, dummy… Lu Zizheng, you mixed-up mess who makes me feel touched, annoyed, like crying and laughing all at once…

After resting for a while, Lu Zizheng took a deep breath and once again stepped onto the Lingkong plank path to make her return journey.

Just as she stepped onto the wooden planks, she heard Jiang Huaichuan shouting from across the cliff with heart-wrenching intensity: “Sister Zizheng! Fasten your safety harness! The safety harness! My sister says! She believes you! She believes you, you don’t need to prove anything! Just come back safely!! She believes you completely!”

Hearing this, Lu Zizheng finally broke into a genuine, satisfied smile, revealing her neat white teeth, beautiful and adorable. She obediently adjusted her safety harness, fastening it properly, and then, facing the camera, said with a beaming smile: “See? As long as you don’t make me sad or upset, I can’t bear to cause you even a moment of worry or concern.”

On the hospital bed, Jiang Huaixi sniffled, her eyes red. Hearing Lu Zizheng’s words, she wished Lu Zizheng was right in front of her so she could pin her to the bed and give her a hard bite, to see if she could still smile then.

The return journey was much smoother, faster, and more stable than the first crossing. In less than a minute, Lu Zizheng had safely landed. Jiang Huaichuan immediately ran up with the phone, trying to appease Jiang Huaixi as he approached: “Sis, did you see? Sister Zizheng came down safely…” As he spoke, he hurriedly handed the phone to Lu Zizheng, hoping she could help calm his sister’s anger and maybe even put in a good word for him.

Lu Zizheng took the phone. Facing the camera, her hair was disheveled by the wind, but her expression remained composed and calm. Suddenly, she pulled out a ring box from her shoulder bag, took out the ring, and knelt on one knee. With eyes full of joy, she said in a gentle voice: “Huaixi, Lu Zizheng is a coward, but the Lu Zizheng who loves Jiang Huaixi is a fearless brave soul. Would you be willing to marry this Lu Zizheng, to let her take care of you and love you for a lifetime?” The ring was one she had secretly bought earlier in X City, originally planning to surprise Jiang Huaixi when she arrived there.

The other end of the line remained silent. After a long while, the call was suddenly disconnected, and the phone emitted a rapid “beep-beep-beep” busy signal…

Jiang Huaichuan’s face instantly crumpled like a bitter melon: “What should we do, Sister Zizheng? It seems my sister is very angry…”

Lu Zizheng’s smile froze on her lips as she and Jiang Huaichuan exchanged bewildered looks.

In the hospital, Jiang Huaixi watched Lu Zizheng’s devout posture as she knelt on one knee. Her eyes were misted with tears, but a smile played at the corners of her lips. However, Lu Zizheng had made her shed more tears today than she had in her entire 20-some years of life. She couldn’t simply indulge such dangerous and outrageous behavior; she had to make Lu Zizheng feel anxious, fearful, and reflective.

She hung up the phone, wiped away her tears, and despite her body still feeling weak from the aftershock, she insisted on getting out of bed. She calmly went to the bathroom to shower, wash her hair, and change clothes. She applied light makeup and then sat on the edge of the bed, radiant and composed, waiting for Lu Zizheng’s return.

On her way back, Lu Zizheng wasn’t as anxious or regretful as Jiang Huaixi had anticipated, nor was she seriously reflecting on her actions. She had a certain confidence, believing she hadn’t done anything wrong.

However, when she entered the hospital and stepped into Jiang Huaixi’s room, she saw Jiang Huaixi sitting elegantly in a white long dress, her makeup impeccable, head lowered as she read a book. Her long eyelashes cast beautiful shadows on her face. Hearing footsteps, Jiang Huaixi looked up, giving Lu Zizheng a cold glance, as chilling as an ice blade. Lu Zizheng’s heart suddenly trembled.

Unable to look away, she stared at Jiang Huaixi, approaching her step by step. She noticed that Jiang Huaixi had lost a lot of weight, and despite her makeup, her eyes still showed traces of redness. Suddenly, Lu Zizheng felt both heartache and guilt, beginning to doubt whether she had done the right thing. She must have made her cry earlier…

Like a child who had done something wrong, she suddenly couldn’t bear to look at Jiang Huaixi’s face. Lowering her head, she called out softly and gently: “Huaixi…”

Seeing Lu Zizheng’s obedient and somewhat guilty demeanor, Jiang Huaixi felt half of her anger dissipate involuntarily. Still, she maintained a cold tone as she asked: “Now you’re afraid to look at me? Weren’t you so bold and impressive when you unclipped your safety harness earlier?”

Lu Zizheng nervously fidgeted with her fingers. It had been a long time since Jiang Huaixi had spoken to her in such a tone since they got together. She bit her lip and decided to apologize first, saying softly, “I’m sorry…”

Jiang Huaixi let out a cold, light snort, then suddenly changed the subject: “Are your legs still weak? Can you stand properly?”

Lu Zizheng was taken aback. She looked down at her legs, thinking that they didn’t seem to be shaking anymore…

Suddenly, she heard Jiang Huaixi say in a calm voice: “Do you want to lean on my shoulder for a bit?”

Lu Zizheng abruptly looked up in delighted surprise, only to see Jiang Huaixi slightly opening her arms. Though her expression remained neutral, her eyes couldn’t hide the tender smile within. Lu Zizheng’s face immediately broke into a radiant smile as she threw herself into Jiang Huaixi’s embrace, tightly hugging Jiang Huaixi’s thin, somewhat bony back. She buried her face in the crook of Jiang Huaixi’s neck, gently nuzzling her, and asked in a muffled voice: “You’re not angry anymore, are you?”

Jiang Huaixi tightened her hold on Lu Zizheng’s waist, her eyes full of tenderness. However, her mouth curled into a cold smile as she said, “We’ll settle accounts after autumn.”

Lu Zizheng acted as if she hadn’t heard, treating it as if she’d received a special pardon. She happily nuzzled Jiang Huaixi’s neck several more times before lifting her head and nervously asking with caution, “Huaixi, you still haven’t answered me. Will you accept?”

Jiang Huaixi feigned ignorance and asked, “Accept what?”

Lu Zizheng bit her lip, suddenly feeling inexplicably nervous. Stammering, she finally managed to ask again, “Accept… accept marrying me. From now on, no matter what we encounter, you can’t push me away anymore. Are you willing to be with me, to share joys and sorrows, to never part in life or death? Huaixi, are you willing to marry me, to let me protect you and take care of you?”

Jiang Huaixi’s hand around Lu Zizheng’s waist tightened slightly, but she didn’t verbally respond.

Just as Lu Zizheng’s heart was twisting into a tight knot of anxiety, Jiang Huaixi finally responded softly in a calm voice: “I do.”

Lu Zizheng was overjoyed. She slightly pulled away from Jiang Huaixi’s embrace and gazed at her beautiful, delicate face. She saw Jiang Huaixi looking at her with intense eyes, enunciating each word clearly and firmly:

“Zizheng, I promise you, from this day forward, unless parted by death, there will be no separation in life. Even if you regret it later, I won’t allow it.”

Lu Zizheng smiled through her tears and leaned in to seal the promise with a kiss. “I will never regret it, not in this life, the next life, or the life after that!”

LP: Re-translated on October 21, 2024