Old Tales of Jincheng

South of Jincheng, ivy climbs high walls. Childhood sweethearts, carefree days. In 2004, she sat on the branch of a towering parasol tree, swinging her legs as she waited for fate to arrive. She said, “I believe that some people, some things, and some loves are destined to bind us for life from the very first moment we meet again.” In 2012, dressed in finery, she leaned against Mu Jinyan. He asked, “Mrs. Mu, will you marry me?” Tong Wan smiled faintly. “Mr. Mu, I would be delighted.” When the water is full, it overflows; when the moon is full, it wanes. Half a life of happiness, half a life adrift. In 2015, she stood at the entrance to a vast estate and asked him coldly, “Do you believe me?” Mu Jinyan fell silent. She gave a quiet laugh, her gaze blurring as it settled on the gilded nameplate. After a long while, she turned and walked away without looking back. That same year, she suffered a devastating blow. Everyone, including him, believed she was... dead. In 2016, she sought refuge by Erhai Lake, where a small courtyard offered peace and quiet. She often reclined in a bamboo rocking chair, letting sunlight fall across her insensate right hand, calm and untroubled. In 2018, the wheels of fate turned. Those destined to meet would always meet again. He traveled a thousand miles to find her at last. But years had passed, and countless tides had come and gone. She was cold and distant, every word cutting to the heart; he was shocked and flustered, utterly undone.