Beneath the Woods [Republican Era]

The title comes from "Drumming" in the Book of Songs.

A Republican-era novella of about 200,000 words.

[Reason for pausing updates: First, the current section I've gotten stuck on is very thin in terms of plot and can't support the upcoming plot twists. Second, after watching some films in the Shanghai dialect, I realized this story doesn't have the "feel" I wanted. In Shanghainese, you might say it just doesn't work. I haven't gathered enough materials, and my observations of everyday life aren't detailed enough. Third, while writing this story, I was generally in a low mood. To take care of myself emotionally, I chose to pause updates.]

Happy ending, one-on-one, both leads' first relationship. Updates around 6 p.m. every day.

An independent, sharp-tongued office clerk x a young master (boss) recently returned from studying abroad.

Shanghai in 1928 was just like every year: chaotic, modern, dangerous, and steeped in luxury and decadence.

Gao Manqing and Lin Bingjun met again on the first day of the Lunar New Year. It was raining that day.

Lin Bingjun had been Gao Manqing's youthful dream, one that ended abruptly and disastrously.

After four years studying abroad, Lin Bingjun returned home. Driving his car, he came across Gao Manqing going to the movies with a male companion. Silence was the smoke rings of a cigar, the haze of the rain.

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Gao Manqing was an open wound in Lin Bingjun's heart, aching faintly whenever he had a moment to spare during his four years abroad. The most painful moment must have been when he decided to return home and invest in industry, only to see Gao Manqing on the street, smiling and chatting happily with someone else.

Theme: Pursue a beautiful life