Abstinence Pei, don't be too sweet when chasing your wife

The Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage and Creative Products Expo was held at the Provincial Capital International Convention and Exhibition Center. The three-day expo brought together intangible cultural heritage projects and creative products from all over the province.

The Qingning Kiln booth is located in the core area of ​​the convention center, and its design is full of intangible cultural heritage features.

The exhibition features a predominantly green color scheme paired with murals depicting kiln fire and osmanthus blossoms. The display stand is neatly arranged with restored Song Dynasty celadon ewers, exquisite wood-fired celadon pieces, kiln-patterned cultural and creative products, and Aunt Zhang's osmanthus cake intangible cultural heritage gift boxes.

The small kiln pattern rubbing experience area in the corner attracted many visitors as soon as it was set up.

On the first day of the event, the Qingning Kiln booth was packed with visitors.

Gu Fanxing, dressed in a light blue dress and wearing a celadon ring, was introducing a Song Dynasty celadon ewer to the gathered audience.

"This ewer was restored based on Song Dynasty fragments we found at the archaeological site. It was made using the traditional wood-fired technique of Qingning Kiln, and the glaze and patterns have been restored to the style of the Song Dynasty. It is the result of the combination of archaeology and intangible cultural heritage techniques."

The audience picked up the teapot to examine it closely and couldn't help but admire it.

"It's so exquisite, it's exactly the same as the real thing!"

"I never imagined that archaeology could be combined so well with the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage. It's truly eye-opening."

Pei Luonan was busy in the cultural and creative product exhibition area, introducing products to the audience.

"This Osmanthus Kiln Fragrance Balm is made with local osmanthus flowers from Qinglongpo and natural beeswax. The lid of the box is printed with the unique intertwined vine pattern of Qingning Kiln, making it both practical and collectible."

This set of kiln-patterned stationery allows everyone to experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage in their daily lives.

Ling Jiu'er, Su Ya, and Zhou Ming patiently guided visitors in making rubbings in the experience area.

"Everyone can transfer the patterns of the pottery shards on the display stand onto rice paper to create their own decorative paintings and experience the fun of intangible cultural heritage techniques."

Aunt Zhang was handing out sample packs at the osmanthus cake gift box display area.

"Try it, this is our Qinglongpo Osmanthus Cake, made with fresh osmanthus flowers and local glutinous rice flour, without any additives, sweet but not greasy."

An elderly man with white hair took a bite, and his eyes welled up with tears.

"This tastes exactly the same as what I ate when I was a child. I never thought I could still taste such authentic traditional flavor now."

The elderly man bought ten boxes on the spot, saying he wanted to give them to his relatives and friends to share this long-lost taste.

At 10:00 a.m., leaders from the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism arrived at the Qingning Kiln booth.

Looking at the dazzling array of exhibits and the bustling experience area, the leader nodded in satisfaction.

"Qingning Kiln's intangible cultural heritage inheritance model is very distinctive, integrating archaeology, porcelain making, research and study, and cultural and creative industries. It not only protects traditional culture but also achieves market-oriented operation, which is worth promoting."

We plan to designate Qingning Kiln as a 'Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Demonstration Base,' providing it with policy and financial support. We hope you will continue your efforts to revitalize more intangible cultural heritage projects.

Gu Fanxing and Pei Luonan quickly expressed their gratitude: "Thank you for your support, leaders. We will definitely continue our efforts to inherit and develop the Qingning Kiln culture."

On the second day of the exhibition, a sample of the documentary "Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritors" was played on a loop on the big screen at the booth.

The cleaning of pottery shards at the archaeological site, Master Chen's ingenuity in restoring the teapot, the emergency response to temperature fluctuations in the wood-fired kiln, and the laughter of the children at the study camp—each authentic scene deeply moved the audience.

Many viewers said they wanted to visit Qinglongpo to experience it firsthand: "I really want to visit Qingning Kiln, experience archaeology and porcelain firing, and even eat authentic osmanthus cake."

"The documentary was so well made that it showed me the dedication and hard work behind the preservation of intangible cultural heritage."

During the exhibition, Qingning Kiln cultural and creative products consistently led in sales.

A cultural and creative store owner from a first-tier city signed an agency agreement on the spot: "Your products are both culturally rich and practical. My customers will definitely like them. Let's cooperate for a long time."

Several schools and training institutions also contacted Pei Luonan and reached long-term cooperation agreements on study tours.

On the last day of the expo, Pei Luonan took out an exquisite celadon box from his pocket and handed it to Gu Fanxing.

“Xingxing, this is something I specially asked Master Chen to make. There’s something inside that I wanted to give to you.”

Gu Fanxing opened the box, and a celadon ring with delicate intertwined floral patterns and a tiny pearl in the center came into view, its texture warm and exquisite.

Pei Luonan's eyes were full of affection: "Xingxing, seeing your silent dedication to archaeology and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, I was deeply moved by your perseverance and passion. We went through the initial stages of the study camp, the development of cultural and creative products, and the filming of the documentary together. We faced doubts and difficulties together, and we also reaped success and joy together. The kiln fires of Qinglongpo witnessed our love, and the pottery shards of Qingning Kiln recorded our time together. I want to pass on this culture with you and spend the rest of my life with you."

Colleagues and merchants gathered around, with Su Ya and Zhou Ming leading the applause and cheers: "So romantic!" Gu Fanxing's eyes welled up with tears. Looking into Pei Luonan's sincere eyes, she thought of the kiln fire, osmanthus flowers, and archaeological site in Qinglongpo, and of the villagers and friends who had worked together with her. She choked up and nodded: "Luonan, I am willing to work with you to keep the kiln fire of Qingning Kiln burning forever, and to pass on our love and cultural heritage from generation to generation."

Pei Luonan put the ring on Gu Fanxing's ring finger and hugged her tightly.

The camera captured this happy moment, and enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted from all around.

On the day they returned to Qinglongpo, the villagers were already waiting at the village entrance. Red lanterns hung along the osmanthus path, and fresh flowers and fruits were laid out in front of the dragon kiln. Seeing the two return, Aunt Zhang handed them a basket of freshly made osmanthus cakes: "Wishing you success in your work and sweetness in your love." Craftsman Chen presented them with a celadon vase: "This was specially made for you; wishing you happiness and fulfillment."

In the days that followed, Gu Fanxing and Pei Luonan prepared to establish the Qingning Kiln Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum.

Su Ya was in charge of the design, which incorporated elements of kiln patterns, osmanthus, and kiln fire into the Song Dynasty-style architecture. The interior is divided into four exhibition areas: archaeology, porcelain making, research and study, and cultural and creative products.

The villagers volunteered to help move bricks and tiles and organize archaeological data.

Kong Haoyu carefully moved the pottery shards, afraid of causing the slightest bump or knock.

Pei Luochuan is in charge of the digital display, allowing visitors to learn about the details of each exhibit by scanning a QR code.

On the day the museum was completed, Qinglongpo was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and tables and chairs were set up in the osmanthus grove, where villagers gathered together.

Pei Luonan looked at Gu Fanxing: "Today, the kiln fire of Qingning Kiln bears witness for us, the exhibits in the museum bear witness for us, and all our relatives and friends bear witness for us. I will protect you for the rest of my life, protect the archaeological career you love, and accompany you to shine in this field."

With tears in her eyes, Gu Fanxing replied, "Luo Nan, thank you for your continued support and companionship. May our future be as fiery and enduring as a kiln fire, and as warm and pure as celadon."

Afterwards, craftsman Chen, along with several veteran kiln workers, lit the kiln fire in the dragon kiln.

The blazing kiln fire illuminated everyone's smiling faces, and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms filled the air, intertwining with the warmth of the kiln fire to create a most beautiful scene.

The following day, the Qingning Kiln Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum officially opened to the public.

Visitors entered the museum, admiring the precious exhibits, listening to the stories of Qingning Kiln's heritage, and experiencing the charm of intangible cultural heritage. Gu Fanxing and Pei Luonan stood side by side in the exhibition hall, watching the visitors come and go, listening to the children's laughter, their hearts filled with a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Pei Luonan gripped Gu Fanxing's hand tightly: "Xingxing, we did it."

Gu Fanxing smiled and nodded: "This is a new beginning. In the future, we will take Qingning Kiln culture abroad and to the world."

As the sun sets, the museum's glass curtain wall reflects golden light, the kiln fire in the dragon kiln still flickers, and the fragrance of osmanthus grows ever stronger.

The story of Qinglongpo continues.

This intangible cultural heritage, imbued with love, family affection, and hometown sentiment, will forever shine like a kiln fire and forever be fragrant like osmanthus blossoms, continuing through the long river of time for Pei Luonan and Gu Fanxing.