The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

Just as the four of them were pondering what to do, Qi Tong suddenly appeared from some corner, a rose in his mouth, and jumped into Li Zichun's arms.

The dead cat disappeared as soon as it was released from its cage today. Li Zichun even suspected that it was in heat, since it hadn't been appearing in front of him much lately. It must have found a lover outside.

Qitong put the rose in her mouth on the table, meowed, and obediently nestled in his arms, yawning to herself.

Zhao Jinmai's eyes lit up. If Li Zichun hadn't seen it clearly, this cat certainly had. He was someone who could understand animal language and see things that could purify the world and the yin and yang realms. It was a good opportunity to get close to it.

Zhao Jinmai tried to hug it, but it bared its teeth and shooed her away. So she asked Zhao Qianfan for help, but the latter was thinking about something and didn't see her look.

Jin Dili, standing nearby, recognized the cat's origin and smiled as she looked at it. Their eyes met, as if they had a thousand words unspoken. Jin Dili hugged the silver-white cat tightly, and the cat obediently enjoyed her petting in her arms.

Zhao Qianfan knew that the two were having a silent conversation.

Jin Dili smiled as she looked at the Seven Bamboo in her arms: "Oh, the dignified Cat Ghost God is actually more miserable than me. But then again, there are no more offerings to you in this world. Your life is not as good as that cute and lucky cat outside the island."

Seven-Card Meow responded: "Didn't the Heavenly Maiden also only have a remnant soul left? In the battle of the heavens, many gods fell, and there are probably not many who can still have a remnant soul."

Jin Dili scoffed, "I wish I were dead. No one speaks my true feelings to me, the whole world doesn't know me, and I still have to rely on a mortal body to be reborn. What's the point of living?"

Seven-Card also fell silent. For a creature like it, immortality was all that mattered. It would encounter the same creature again anyway, and at worst, it could get to know it all over again.

But for immortals, it seems not to be the case. In terms of their own experiences, even with the same spirit, the same person, and the same setting, their states of mind are vastly different. For example, for them, drinking tea here together is a first, but for us, who have lived for countless ages, it's far more than just drinking tea here; we've read books and painted together, discussed everything from poetry and songs to the philosophy of life, from childhood sweethearts to gray-haired elders—all those experiences have simply become drinking tea.

What's even more frightening is that I made slips of the tongue every now and then. For example, it was clearly the first time for him, but I blurted out, "Do you remember that day?" I felt ridiculous after saying it and had to painstakingly change the subject.

The other person might feel that even though you're talking to me, it's as if you're looking through me at someone else.

Qitong, who had served alongside Lord Li Wansui in guarding the River of Time, had witnessed far too many similar events. It had never understood why those deities went to such lengths to recreate their friends from the past; wouldn't it have been simpler to let them be reborn and get to know each other again?

Li Wansui smiled but didn't answer directly. Instead, he casually recited, "Meeting you for the first time feels like meeting an old friend... An old friend doesn't recognize you, so I ask, who are you...?"

Qi Tong, unwilling to give up, asked them about their final fate, only to learn that it was nothing more than a vain attempt to relive their past. But can there ever be two people in the same world? The idea of ​​"you in this life" and "him in the next" sounds absurd and wrong. In the end, there will only be a temporal and spatial distortion; you will not be you, and he will not be him, lost at the end of the wasteland of time.

Qi Tong snuggled closer to Jin Dili, pulling her out of her long memories, and just meowed.

The four of them strolled around in the crowd, and even though people around them knew they were celebrities, they didn't bother them much. At most, they would take pictures from a distance. After all, what kind of people hadn't they seen who were invited into the park on the first day?

The four of them strolled around, lost in their own thoughts, while Qi Tong quietly yawned, perched on Li Zichun's shoulder.

Li Zichun wondered if this guy had gotten fat again. No matter how much he swung, he wouldn't fall off. As a proper little kitten, he should learn to maintain his figure. He'd hire a trainer for him to work out tomorrow.

When they got tired, the four of them parted ways and went their separate ways.

When Li Zichun woke up in bed the next day, he thought about it carefully but couldn't figure out how he fell asleep last night. His mind was filled with the fleeting image of her from yesterday. Could it be her?

How could that be? According to the records of the Underworld Divine Wheel, shouldn't his reincarnated wife be in the Immortal Realm? As he thought about it, he forgot.

What he didn't know was that after he fell asleep last night, Qi Tong had sneaked out and was having a secret talk with three other people.

Zhao Qianfan said to Jin Dili with a serious expression, "Is that tribulation related to you?"

Jin Dili said speechlessly, "I don't have such great abilities. I'm just a phantom of a rose sent down by the Heavenly Dao. Right, Seven of Bamboo?"

Seven-Card responded with a "meow," then pointed to the rose beside it.

Zhao Jinmai stroked the rose it had brought him. After a barely perceptible flash of light, he slowly said, "That's right, it does indeed retain the aura of the Heavenly Dao. It seems the tribulation of love has come early."

After she finished speaking, she noticed that the two people and the cat beside her were looking at her speechlessly, so she explained aggrievedly, "Those people who transmigrated before didn't last until the Love Tribulation appeared. As long as the pretty pink skeleton showed a little affection, just by showing off her shoulders and lifting her skirt, she could bewitch them. They didn't even need the Heavenly Dao to intervene; they were all completely infatuated and, like madmen, they married the locals and got trapped. Who has persisted like him until now?"

Before Zhao Qianfan could speak, he picked up the rose again and slowly said, "The women around him now are of all kinds: the demure Liu Xueqi, the unique beauty Li Jiawei, the housewife Xu Lanfang, the mature middle-aged Fan Liwen, the domineering older sister Xing Yiling, the exotic Xu Meiqin, the twin sisters Xue Qingrou and Feng Zhennian, and even a voluptuous little girl like me and a celestial being like my mother. There are so many different types of women, yet he hasn't been moved at all. I've long suspected that he's been corrupted by his father, that his tastes have broadened, and that he's started to like men."

Zhao Qianfan slapped her on the head in an annoyed tone: "I already said it's friendship, don't be like those ignorant people who blindly ship people."

Zhao Jinmai rubbed his head and said, "Yes, yes, yes, friendship that involves sharing a bed, 'love' that lasts for ten lifetimes..."

Jin Dili stroked the obedient Seven of Bamboo and said, "So, the Three Tribulations Trial has now skipped the order and gone straight to the final tribulation, the Tribulation of Love?"

Zhao Jinmai said speechlessly, "It's not exactly a jump, it's just that he cleverly avoided it, so the Heavenly Dao couldn't bring down the calamity."

Seven-Card Meowed a few times. Zhao Qianfan, Jin Dili, and Zhao Jinmai were slightly taken aback. Zhao Qianfan said knowingly, "I see. It seems we need to have a good look at this 'Youjian Detective Agency'."

Jin Dili sighed and said, "He didn't break any rules. This is a reasonable way for him to avoid it after he realized his mistake. The demon race is just following the rules of the human world. We can't interfere."

Zhao Qianfan nodded and said, "Yes, yes, the betrayal by those who supported us in the 'Moon Emperor's Fall' incident can be considered as overcoming the tribulation of friendship. Actively seeking adoption and registration can be considered as cleverly avoiding the tribulation of family. All that's left is this tribulation of love."

Zhao Jinmai yawned and said, "It's also the hardest to get through. The word 'love' is the graveyard of heroes."

After saying that, she glanced at Zhao Qianfan seemingly casually. He really is a lover who has been devoted for ten lifetimes. However, this love is bisexual and reciprocal, involving both women and him. But as the chosen one, I cannot elaborate. You two will have to experience it for yourselves when the time comes.

----------

Because yesterday's opening performance was so amazing, Li Zichun and Zhao Qianfan felt much more relaxed afterwards.

Most of the people in the park came to see the roses. The fiery red color of the roses seemed to go with any outfit, and the rose garden quickly became a popular spot for taking photos.

The most numerous item was the plaque with the inscription "Giving roses leaves a lingering fragrance" handwritten by Li Zichun at the entrance of the Rose Manor. This was also at Lin Xuehua's request, who even gave him an extra 100,000 yuan. How could he refuse money that was offered to him? What he didn't know was that this underhanded move would later make it one of the Lin family's private collections.

For the next ten days until the middle of the month, Li Zichun and Zhao Qianfan don't need to stay here all the time. They only need to do a live stream when there are fewer people to generate some traffic. The rest of the time is their own business.

On the seventh day, the peach blossoms bloomed, and Li Zichun arranged for a song called "Peach Blossoms in Full Bloom":

I'm waiting here for you to come back, waiting for you to come back and see the peach blossoms bloom.

I'm waiting for you to come back.

Waiting for you to come back and pick those flowers.

A warm spring breeze blows in my face, and peach blossoms are in full bloom.

Birds on the branches are in pairs, and lovers' hearts are filled with blooming flowers.

Oh my, you are more beautiful than flowers, I can never forget you.

Oh dear, oh dear, autumn goes and spring comes again, remember my love.

......

I'm waiting for you to come back here.

Waiting for you to come back, so I can put flowers on your head.

I'm waiting for you to come back.

Waiting for you to come back, to taste the dishes of our hometown, and to reunite with joy.

......"

Although the song is a standard pop song, it is simple and lively, creating a strong sense of spring and love. It is festive and beautiful, and the lyrics are catchy. Li Zichun also filmed a music video for the park, trying to be as similar as possible to the original version, and had Zhao Qianfan cooperate. The two got more and more into the performance, competing to see who could make the uglier look.

The two were having a blast, but their fans were completely bewildered. My incredibly handsome duo, please stop this nonsense! It's unbearable to watch!

The duo's series of outrageous antics also made the specialty clothing store in the scenic area a hit, and a trend of quirky antics swept through the area.

The public is also confused. Where is that handsome young nobleman who sang "The Song of Peony"? Where is that musical artist who sang "La Vie en Rose"? You can have fun, but don't let us see it. Your image is completely ruined. Can't you learn from those sneaky young idols? It's really an eyesore. Have some self-cultivation as an idol!

Ignoring the gossip, the second performance in the middle of the month arrived quickly.

Unlike the first performance, this one was for the general public, with no special railings or partitions, and all the flowers in the garden were in full bloom. Lin Xuehua hoped that he could move beyond the first three types of flowers and sing more songs about different kinds of flowers.

Different kinds? Let me show you.

Li Zichun and Zhao Qianfan stood on the stage, looking at the huge crowd of people below who were taking pictures with their phones. It really is true that people do the same thing no matter what era they live in: record the present moment.

Li Zichun and Zhao Qianfan exchanged a glance, then nodded to the band and began singing "Waiting for Love's Rose" to the rhythm of the music: "I walk in the desolate desert..."

I hid in a deserted corner.

I heard a faint legend

Who is singing the song of freedom?

The wind blows, carrying a sky full of loneliness.

Love without roots, withered flowers

I pray for an unchanging promise.

Who is comforting the thirst in my heart?

I want to fly forward

I am a rose waiting for love.

A flower bud, waiting to bloom, lies hidden in my heart.

If you give me true comfort

I am willing to show you my beauty.

Once blown by the wind

I am a wounded rose

Hot tears welled up in her eyes.

There are too many illusory comforts in this world.

Behind the perfection, I saw heartbreak.

Who dried up the tenderness?

Give me a reason to look forward

How many people have been for love?

devout prayers

Who doesn't yearn for

天长地久

I fear the splendor will fade away.

Mirage

......

Who has never been hurt?

But we will continue to search for our true love.

Emotions are complex, and failures are inevitable.

The future holds even greater promise for us.

Don't be afraid, I'm here with you, comforting you and caring for you.

Until you find the true meaning of love

You who have found happiness

You'll realize that all the sacrifices were worthwhile.

I will fly forward; I am a rose waiting for love.

......

There are too many illusory comforts in this world; behind perfection lies heartbreak.

Li Zichun chose Phoenix Legend's "Waiting for Love's Rose" mainly because their songs seem to ignite the atmosphere no matter the occasion, even their previous song "Lotus Pond Moonlight" could quickly raise the temperature of the venue.

The audience seemed to be ignited by the duo's performance, nodding along to the rhythm.

After finishing a song, Li Zichun noticed many children in the front row and said with a smile, "Wow, so many children! Are you all doing well at school?"

The camera pans to the children, a group of little ones saying in their sweet, childish voices, "Okay."

Li Zichun said with a smile, "Then this next song is for you all. It's called 'Sending You a Little Red Flower,' and it's dedicated to everyone who's working hard."

He smiled as he looked at the large group of little brats in front of him; their clear-eyed yet shrewd foolishness was most evident in their childhood. Then, he slowly began to sing "I'll Give You a Little Red Flower" to the music:

Here's a little red flower for you / Here's a little red flower for you

Blooming on the new branches you grew yesterday

You deserve a reward for having the courage to speak to me first.

Icy water, a sworn enemy; and strong liquor, a force to be reckoned with.

You have overcome even the most difficult days.

Here's a little red flower to cover up your new scar from today.

I'm rewarding you for taking me home in the rain.

The snowstorms of Colorado, the sudden downpours of the Himalayas...

If you believe me, you can reach our destination even with your eyes closed.

I'll send you a little red flower that blooms on the horizon where cattle and sheep roam freely.

I'll reward you so you won't forget me no matter where you go!

The sandy beaches were as white as snow, and the lake water was as calm as a tranquil lake.

Those real illusions are the longings I give you.

I'll send you a little red flower that blooms in the deepest mud and sand of your heart.

The reward is that you can feel the struggle of every destiny.

Who squandered their time? Who yearned so desperately?

This is not a question, nor does it require your answer.

Here's a little red flower for you... Here's a little red flower for you.

Although Zhao Yingjun recorded "Sending You a Little Red Flower" at home after taking painkillers, the song contains neither self-pity nor heroic grandeur, but only the simple warmth of an old friend, carrying the energy of carrying burdens yet letting go freely, deeply touching the hearts of listeners. This simple song is full of power; it observes life with a realistic spirit and romantic sentiment, using light to dispel darkness, allowing people to see beauty, hope, and that dreams are just ahead.

To myself who has strived to live to this day, to all of us who never give up, let's give ourselves a flower.

PS: Data is from the internet.

"Peach Blossoms in Full Bloom" is a song with lyrics by Ah Niu and You Di, music composed and sung by Ah Niu. It is included in Ah Niu's album of the same name, released on January 13, 2006. The song won the Song of the Year Award at the 2006 Beijing Pop Music Awards.

"Waiting for Love's Rose" is a song with lyrics and music by Long Jun and sung by Phoenix Legend. It is included in Phoenix Legend's album "Good Fortune and Prosperity" released on July 1, 2007.

《送你一朵小红花》是由赵英俊创作词曲并演唱的歌曲，亦是同名电影《送你一朵小红花》的主题曲，收录于赵英俊和厦门六中合唱团2020年12月31日发行的音乐EP《送你一朵小红花 电影歌曲专辑》中。2021年，该歌曲先后提名第30届华鼎奖中国电影最佳歌曲奖、第31届华鼎奖全球电影最佳电影歌曲奖。这也是赵英俊生前写的最后一首歌。