As Before

1.

At the end of a deep alley in an old Beijing hutong stands a siheyuan that has been deserted for years. The courtyard is spacious, and climbing roses bloom year-round over the gray bricks.

Pink blossoms spill over the walls, turning the entire brick wall into something romantic and poetic.

The neighbors notice that the courtyard, quiet for years, has suddenly come to life.

The roses on the wall have been pruned, the gray-brick house and roof seem newly renovated, and even the two dusty characters spelling "Chu Residence" on the gate have been polished until they shine.

2.

Food lovers in Beijing's social circles have recently discovered a new private restaurant with especially unusual rules.

From Monday to Saturday, it serves one signature dish that never changes, while the rest of each day's menu depends on what the owner buys that day.

Sunday's menu is chosen by the last table of guests to dine there on Saturday night.

The restaurant welcomes guests only from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Arrive early and wait; arrive late and come back tomorrow.

The daily signature dishes are limited in quantity, and advance reservations are not accepted. The restaurant doesn't open every day, and often closes for a day or two, a week or two, or even a month or two.

The owner's capriciousness is on full display.

3.

Ever since Chu Residence opened, its reputation has steadily grown, drawing in food lovers from far and wide.

Guests who arrive early can always see the owner reclining on a chaise longue in the courtyard, a book in her hands and a cup of steaming tea on the dark wooden table beside her.

The owner is a beautiful young woman with shoulder-length, slightly wavy hair, a small oval face, fair skin, a high nose, and rosy lips and pearly teeth.

What leaves the deepest impression is her lovely, almond-shaped eyes. Though they show no emotion, their natural tenderness doesn't make her seem frivolous. Instead, there is an air of aloof elegance hidden within them.

She is like an immortal who has withdrawn into the mountains, untouched by worldly desires and indifferent to mortal concerns.

4.

A bar, nearly two in the morning.

The laser lights overhead are dazzling, the music meant to set the mood is deafening, and the people swaying and bobbing their heads on the dance floor are far from graceful.

Chu Yin finds a gap and slips outside, then stands by the washbasin smoking.

The girl's delicate makeup further accentuates her already striking features, lending her a particularly unruly, rebellious air.

Her almond-shaped eyes lazily lift at the corners, seeming disdainful and contemptuous, yet touched with an unconscious allure that falls somewhere between girlhood and womanhood.

She is like a demon who roams the night, feeding on the hearts and minds she beguiles.

She lights her cigarette and takes a slow first drag, exhaling a ring of smoke. When she looks up, she meets a pair of deep, dark eyes. Their owner seems not to have expected her to raise her head so suddenly, and he freezes too.

Chu Yin is the first to recover. Without a sound, she mouths two words:

"What a coincidence."

After washing his hands, Qin Xiaoxian walks over to her and slowly dries the water from them. Taking advantage of his height, he looks down at her.

"Miss, do you have a split personality or something? You really know how to let loose."

*

Green mountains, snowy hair, stars in the night sky, the bustle of everyday life.

None of it compares to your eyes and brows.

*

Thanks to the photographer of the original cover image: overwater

Theme: Through the decades ahead, may your eyes and brows remain just as they are