Tales of the Parasol Tree

When they first met, he teased her: “The exquisite dice are speckled with red beans. Do you know how deep my longing runs?” He gently fanned himself with a paper fan, the very picture of a dashing young gentleman! When they grew acquainted, he said, “I am no parasol tree. How could I ever hope to draw a phoenix from the sun?” He folded his fan and stood proudly before her. A gentle breeze swept by, ruffling the hair on her forehead and scattering her thoughts. But then the tides of fate turned. Now she has returned to the place where it all began. Amid the unchanged scenery, she suddenly longs to see once more his indistinct silhouette in the sunlight, and hear him softly promise by her side to share a lifetime together...