Chapter 62: In the Name of Love, the Next Snowfall

Lin Shenlu had imagined countless times what the colored clouds might look like. Were they like a rainbow? Or perhaps like a shimmering lake under sunlight? After all, nature holds more than one way to reflect the spectrum of sunlight and produce such vibrant hues. But when she finally saw the seven-colored clouds with her own eyes, Lin Shenlu was truly left speechless with awe.

She hurriedly took out her phone to capture this rare sight. At last, she had really encountered the colored clouds herself. This could be called a true meeting with the “South of the Colored Clouds.”

Lin Shenlu posted the video to her social feed. “Hello, South of the Colored Clouds.”

At that moment, the sun was hiding just behind the left end of the first cloud band, only half of its round brilliance peeking out. Lin Shenlu couldn’t fathom the physics behind this reflection and refraction, but to meet such a cloud of seven colors on this path—now, her trip to Dali felt complete. The Lonely Planet chapter on Dali now carried its most mysterious hue!

This photo would surely go viral!

Lin Shenlu took a deep breath. This time she slowed down, took off her sunglasses, and drove forward, facing the dazzling, many-hued clouds.

…

This rare beauty, however, lasted only about half an hour. She watched as the colors gradually faded, eventually blending back into ordinary white bands of cloud. Lin Shenlu smiled. She felt no regrets.

To see the beauty of these colored clouds with her own eyes, and to capture it so clearly—this was the best part of her trip to Dali.

Silently, she sent the photo to An Muxi. The best scenery should always be shared with someone you love.

Though she regretted that An Muxi hadn’t seen it in person, sharing was, after all, one of the world’s finest virtues.

Yes.

Her last chat with An Muxi had been two hours ago—a short video. But at that time, Lin Shenlu had been collecting snow at the mountaintop and hadn’t noticed. In the video, An Muxi was already on her flight, sitting alone in first class, no one before or behind her. She’d sent a smiley face, as if to say, “See, no one next to me this time, so no one will pick up my phone by mistake.”

Lin Shenlu put her phone away and stepped on the accelerator.

…

Dali Santorini Ideal Land.

Jinglu Hotel.

After a morning of rest, Hailan Jing’s condition had improved noticeably. Though still a bit weak, she could now get out of bed and walk, and her fever had nearly subsided. This put everyone’s mind at ease.

By now, her friends and family had already begun preparing for her birthday party. Around the wishing pool, tables and chairs were set, and piles of drinks and snacks filled the space. Both hotel guests and people drawn by the hotel’s reputation were welcome to join. A few daring girls had even changed into bikinis and jumped into the “Time Pool” and “Encounter Pool”—they had originally been swimming pools, after all. The courtyard on the first floor buzzed with energy.

Ye Yaochen, in beach shorts, lounged beneath a parasol by the pool, eyes following the graceful figures in the water. With Xiao Ai not yet on shift, he indulged in the view. If nothing else, perhaps he’d strip down and join the fun in the water himself.

At another table, Old Qin and Mengmeng were happily drinking.

“Brother Qin, coming all this way to Dali for a party… you must have spent a fortune on drinks today, huh?” Mengmeng grinned, nodding at the tables covered in every sort of drink.

“Come on, we’re all friends—what’s a little money? Besides, those five models you brought in for the party weren’t cheap either…” Old Qin’s gaze drifted to the leopard-print-clad models dancing to the music.

“I did it for the atmosphere! The party will go on into the night; without a good vibe, nobody has fun…” Mengmeng laughed.

…

Hailan Jing sat at the back of the crowd, hands wrapped around a cup of hot tea. As warmth spread through her, she felt her strength return. She scanned the crowd—sure enough, Lin Shenlu was nowhere to be seen.

Could he really have just left? Where had he gone?

Still, today’s birthday party was wonderfully lively. Flowers and balloons were everywhere. She couldn’t remember the last time so many people had celebrated her birthday together.

If the heavens had decided to let unhappy things fade, then she ought to welcome happiness with courage, not let down her friends’ kindness. At least today, she would have a joyful and unforgettable birthday.

…

“Today is the birthday of our beautiful boss Hailan Jing—let’s turn up the music and the cheers!” shouted the DJ, and the crowd erupted.

“Everyone, enjoy yourselves—drinks are on the house…”

“Let’s give the loudest cheer and welcome our star of the day!”

As the crowd shouted and champagne sprayed, Hailan Jing walked smiling to the center.

The receptionist wheeled out a huge cake.

“Today I turn twenty-five. I’m so grateful to have all of you with me on this special day, and to my two dear friends who traveled so far to celebrate with me!” Her gaze found Old Qin and Mengmeng.

Old Qin smiled and nodded; Mengmeng raised her glass in salute.

“So, let’s all have fun today. Thank you for the birthday wishes!” Hailan Jing said.

Tonight, she was strikingly beautiful—a kind of fragile beauty. Her complexion was luminously pale, not a shade any foundation could achieve; her body, after all, hadn’t fully recovered.

Mr. Bao was in the back, camera in hand, eager to capture the moment. In this white fairy-tale kingdom of Santorini, friends gathered around a princess seemingly escaped from a Disney film—the scene was truly enchanting. He had to preserve it in a photograph.

“Hurry, the candles are lit! Make a wish and blow them out, Sister Jing!” the receptionist said, beaming.

Hailan Jing nodded, bowed her head, and closed her eyes. Her long lashes quivered as she made a small wish to the chorus of “Happy Birthday.”

“Another wish… What should I wish for? Oh heavens, if it’s possible, my wish is still the same: please, let it snow in Dali’s Santorini this hot August. Only then will I believe in love…”

She prayed in her heart.

Then, as the song faded, she opened her eyes, parted her lips, and with a gentle breath blew out the candles.

She lifted her gaze to the sky.

Azure, clear.

The sunlight was dazzling and warm.

Hailan Jing smiled softly.

She was used to it by now.

And then…

A sudden chill brushed her left cheek—a sensation unlike any other.

She blinked in surprise. What was that just now?

Gently, she touched her cheek.

She looked up again.

A single, crystalline snowflake drifted down from the sky.