In the afternoon, Xu Yiyuan arrived carrying a phonograph.
He was dressed simply in a shirt and black trousers. His ink-black hair gleamed under the sunlight, and his refined features exuded a soft glow, like a black-and-white painting from the last century.
In his hands was a vintage phonograph. Its body bore a faint yellowish-brown hue, exuding a classic and elegant aura.
Tian Sangsang gazed at it as though she were looking at an antique. She caressed the phonograph’s exterior like a treasure and exclaimed, "I’ve only ever seen phonographs in movies before. This is such a nostalgic vibe! It reminds me of old Shanghai during the Republic era, a feeling almost like I’ve traveled back in time."
Xu Yiyuan raised an eyebrow slightly at her overly animated expression. "Traveled back in time?"
"Exactly, like stepping into old Shanghai. The bustling docks, wartime romances, the splendor of the city, and star-crossed lovers. Just like in Zhang Ailing’s novels—not possessing kingdoms or cities, but capturing hearts and souls."
"Yes, when I’m free, I enjoy quietly reading books."
"So do I." Xu Yiyuan smiled lightly. "This is for you to use as you wish. Just let me know when you’re done with it, and I’ll come to take it back."
"Thank you." Tian Sangsang offered her heartfelt thanks, but then hesitated. "How’s Qianqian? Is she doing okay?"
"She’s just being childish; she’ll get over it soon," Xu Yiyuan replied casually.
Tian Sangsang knew he was downplaying it. She took the phonograph inside and then brought out a glass bottle. "I made some watermelon juice; it’s refreshing in this heat. It’s for Qianqian."
Xu Yiyuan accepted it with a faint chuckle. "It seems like whatever you touch, you always manage to turn it into something unique."
Tian Sangsang lowered her gaze. Of course, that was true. To capture someone’s heart, you first had to capture their stomach. She didn’t have good looks or money to flaunt, but she prided herself on her cooking skills. She never compromised when it came to food.
"Yanyan, come here. Soon, we’ll hear the music that Zhao Chun and Susu recorded for you!" Tian Sangsang called out to Meng Shuyan, who was sitting in the corner, her excitement evident as she fiddled with the phonograph.
An antique, an antique—it piqued her curiosity about its playback quality.
Meng Shuyan’s dull eyes brightened slightly at the mention of "Zhao Chun and Susu." She slowly shuffled over with her short little legs.
Tian Sangsang removed the protective cover from the needle, placed the record on the smooth turntable, and, noticing Meng Shuyan acting differently, gently asked, "What’s wrong, Yanyan? Are you feeling down?"
"No," Meng Shuyan shook her head, lowering it. She whispered, "I’m fine, Mama."
Actually, I’m not fine. I need comfort.
Tian Sangsang had long seen through his little thoughts. She planted a quick kiss on his tender young cheek and pinched it lightly. "Oh, really? If you’re fine, why are you pouting?"
Surprised by the sudden kiss, Meng Shuyan froze for a moment but then immediately perked up, all traces of jealousy vanishing.
He squinted his eyes into a smile and gave Tian Sangsang a kiss on her cheek in return. The two exchanged kisses, one after another, until they burst into laughter together.
"From now on, whenever you’re upset, take a deep breath and laugh out loud three times—ha ha ha—and those unhappy feelings will go away!"
"That would make me look silly," Meng Shuyan hesitated, his voice soft and sweet.
Son, what you don’t know is that Mama used to do that all the time.
Tian Sangsang placed the needle onto the record. "Let’s go, my son. Let’s witness the invention of the great Edison and this miraculous moment!"
Meng Shuyan blinked curiously. "Mama, who’s Edison?"
Tian Sangsang suddenly felt a lump in her throat. "Edison, ah, he was a very great man. He brought more light to humanity. Look at the electric lights we have now; they were his invention. Without electric lights, we’d still be using candles or kerosene lamps like in the old days. Wouldn’t that be inconvenient? This phonograph was also one of his inventions."
Edison was truly a remarkable inventor who fundamentally changed how humans live.
Meng Shuyan nodded earnestly, his bright eyes full of admiration. "He’s amazing. I want to be someone amazing too."
"Then work hard." Tian Sangsang patted his head. "You can do it, my son."
The record slowly began spinning on the turntable.
A hauntingly beautiful melody began to play. It was instrumental music, with no vocals, yet it immediately transported Tian Sangsang into the song’s world. She even unconsciously began humming the lyrics to Daybreak. However, parts of it felt a little different. Tian Sangsang closed her eyes, entered the space in her mind, searched for some song information, and then pulled out a sheet of white paper to write a reply to Zhao Chun.
Zhao Chun had previously written to ask if the composition needed any modifications and if she would consider singing "Daybreak" herself.
Tian Sangsang outlined the needed changes for Zhao Chun, listed the various instruments required, and stated that she wouldn’t perform the vocals herself. Instead, she suggested finding a singer with a clean voice, a good timbre, and the ability to hit high notes. If there were any profits, she didn’t mind authorizing someone else to sing but insisted on receiving royalties for the lyrics.
Before long, she received Zhao Chun’s reply.
Zhao Chun agreed, affirming that the lyrics royalties would go to her. Though they had composed the music together, Zhao Chun generously offered her a share since the inspiration for the song came from her. The proposal was quite considerate, and Tian Sangsang gladly accepted.
The phonograph was only used for a few days. Not wanting to keep it for too long, she dressed up carefully, carried it to Xu Yiyuan’s home, and returned it.
It wasn’t easy to communicate at the time—no simple WeChat message to notify someone you were coming.
When she arrived at Xu Yiyuan’s house, the gate was closed. The garden inside was vibrant and full of life. It stirred Tian Sangsang’s emotions—when would she have a garden ? Not one hidden in space, but one that could see the light of day.
"Mr. Xu, are you home?" Tian Sangsang called out in a measured tone, loud enough to be heard but not too loud.
Soon, Xu Yiyuan came out. He was dressed casually. When he saw her, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes. Upon spotting the phonograph, his surprise faded into understanding.
He opened the gate, took the phonograph from her arms, and smiled faintly. "You went to the trouble of bringing it back yourself."
Tian Sangsang shook her head.
"Would you care to come in?" he asked in his clear, melodic voice.
Tian Sangsang thought of Xu Xixi and shook her head again. "No, I’ve got some things to do at home. Thank you so much for letting me borrow the phonograph."
"Wait here; I’ll walk you back," Xu Yiyuan said.
Tian Sangsang watched him intently as he walked away.
Sensing her gaze, he turned and smiled. "Hold on, I’ll be quick."
Some people are shallow, while others are all flash with no substance. But one day, you’ll meet someone dazzling who will make everyone else you’ve met seem insignificant.
For a fleeting moment, Tian Sangsang thought of that line, and her heart skipped a beat. When she met Xu Yiyuan, she felt that all the other men she had encountered before were just passing clouds.
She didn’t know if she would ever feel this way again in the future. But in this moment, her heart beat for Xu Yiyuan.