Luo Tianlin's remark was quite humorous, and Zhang Tianbao, Liu Zhizhong, and Luo Shuxiu all burst into laughter.
Liu Zhizhong stood up and said, "Just now I watched Sister Xiu work the sound system, and there's Bluetooth here that can be connected, right? May I try to connect?"
"Of course, go ahead and connect. The Bluetooth password is randomized; just follow the prompts to enter it," Luo Shuxiu nodded in response, immediately replying.
Tonight, for the first time in a long while, she was genuinely happy. The small gift from the man she loved, she definitely wanted to witness it.
In no time, Liu Zhizhong had connected to the Bluetooth and then opened an audio file on his phone.
The file was one he had recorded at home (okay, he was given the rights to the villa there, so it was his home!), choosing background music that featured a violin accompaniment.
Soon, as soon as the recording started playing, the speakers filled the room with the light and airy strains of a violin piece.
As soon as the melody began, Luo Tianlin and Zhang Tianbao, both holding cigarettes, were captivated by the enchanting and elegant style of the music. As a skilled violinist, how could Zhang Tianbao not recognize its charm?
Luo Shuxiu also showed a face full of enjoyment, propping her chin with one hand, listening intently.
Less than ten seconds in, Mr. L's original voice resounded: "I have not seen my father for more than two years now, but what I cannot forget the most is his shadow…"
Upon hearing this, the Luo family was stunned, and Zhang Tianbao felt an inner turmoil.
Mr. L's voice had a unique magnetism, warm and clear yet mixed with a profound sense of depth. As soon as it began, it washed over the eardrums, striking at the heart.
All three turned their astonished gazes toward Liu Zhizhong, their eyes shining with astonishment, appreciation.
Liu Zhizhong wore a slight smile, gently nodding, then closed his eyes.
The Luo father and Zhang Tianbao couldn't help but close their eyes almost immediately, as if only in this way could they fully immerse themselves in such a beautifully narrated essay.
An essay about a father, titled "Shadow," unfolded gently within the skillful violin accompaniment. Fresh chapters posted on 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅✦𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾✦𝗇𝖾𝗍
"That winter, when my grandfather died, my father also relinquished his official post; it was a time of compounded misfortunes…"
"He looked outside the train and said, 'I'm going to buy some oranges. You stay right here, don't move.' I stared at the fence on the platform…"
"At that moment, I saw his shadow, and my tears quickly began to flow. I hastily wiped them dry for fear that he would see, and that others would see. When I looked outside again…"
"When I read to this point, through the glistening tears, I once again saw that stout figure, wrapped in a cotton-padded jacket and black cloth overcoat. Alas... I do not know when I will be able to see him again…"
Mr. L's voice gradually faded, and in the whole dining room, there was no other sound; the violin accompaniment still echoed with lingering tones.
Luo Tianlin leaned on the table with one elbow, covering his eyes with one hand, his fingers wet with old tears.
Zhang Tianbao bowed his head, his hands cradling his forehead, tears streaming down his face.
Luo Shuxiu, at some point, had moved to sit beside her father, leaning her shoulder against his somewhat broad back, already sobbing uncontrollably, a picture of poignancy.
Liu Zhizhong, however, now stood by the dining room window, gazing out over the brilliantly lit city beyond the garden community, his back straight, his expression solemn, his eyes like two bright stars. As the violin's residual sound faded, Mr. L's original voice slowly returned.
"I've never met my father, nor my mother. Perhaps they had no other choice; this is my misfortune. I am well aware of life's hardships. To have the opportunity this evening, to meal here, with elders, with a brother, with a sister, is again my good fortune. Thank you all, thank you to fate—tomorrow will surely be better! I hope when I become a father, my child will be able to taste the oranges I buy for them..."
After finishing, Liu Zhizhong wiped the acids from his eyes and turned back around.
Greeting him were the tear-streaked faces of the Luo family and Zhang Tianbao, along with the warmth of their applause, filled with admiration, emotion, resonance, and a deep appreciation…