21

Inside the first-year gifted class classroom, homeroom teacher Yan Ruyu was reading aloud an essay written by Qiu Yaxin. Yaxin lowered her head shyly.

“Originally, I thought that not being able to hear sound was a test given to me by God. It wasn’t until I met the street performer Xi Yang, and heard the melodious sound of his violin, that I realized there are such beautiful sounds in this world. From then on, music became, in my silent world, a colorful skylight… I gradually came to believe what Father John once said—that when God closes one door for you, He will surely open another window for you…”

Yan Ruyu said to the whole class:

“Students, Yaxin’s essay describes her journey after losing her hearing—from discouragement to rekindling hope. Between the lines, it is filled with a spirit of striving upward. Although you may not have experienced something similar, I hope that when you encounter setbacks in reality in the future, you can be like Yaxin and have the courage to rise again from adversity… Please do not hesitate to give Yaxin your applause!”

Applause rang out. For the first time, Qiu Yaxin became the focus of her classmates’ attention. However, the group led by Zhang Xueye—the so-called “Princess Clique”—whispered among themselves below, wearing expressions of disdain.

Girl A said, “What’s the big deal! Who can’t write this kind of essay?”

Girl B said, “It’s like singing some overly dramatic opera lament—so unbearable!”

Yan Ruyu heard the noise and glared at the two girls.

Girl C reminded them, “Shh, the teacher is watching you!”

22

After class, the “Princess Clique” blocked Qiu Yaxin in the hallway.

Girl A mocked with insinuation, “Oh, our school’s great writer turns out to be a red-haired deaf-mute.”

Girl B echoed, “Yeah! It’s not like our class lacks talent. It’s not her turn to stand out, right?”

Girl C said, “In terms of talent, Xueye is the real gifted girl in our class. She plays the piano beautifully and can also play the violin. What can this deaf girl do? Deaf people just know how to obey!”

Girl A pointed at Yaxin and said, “Of course! Just being obedient and pretending to be well-behaved—that’s why teachers like her so much!”

Yaxin reached into her coat pocket and switched off her hearing aid. She turned to leave, but was blocked by the “Princess Clique” and even shoved.

Girl C said, “Didn’t you say you can’t hear? What’s this now—not just deaf, but mute too?”

Yaxin’s face flushed red. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end said nothing, lowered her head, and tried to walk around them.

Girl A said, “What, pretending to be a coward now?”

Xueye pretended to smooth things over, saying, “Don’t be like that. Don’t bully her. She has big ambitions, you know.”

Girl B said, “Xueye, don’t be too kind. We’re helping her learn to be strong through setbacks. She should thank us in the future, hahaha!”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Yaxin said, “You… are too much!”

“Too much? I’ll show you what ‘too much’ really means!” Girl C forcibly yanked Yaxin’s schoolbag off her shoulder and threw it forcefully onto the grass outside the corridor.

Teacher Yan Ruyu happened to pass by and immediately scolded:

“What are you doing? Bullying a classmate together?”

The “Princess Clique” all lowered their heads.

Yan Ruyu pointed at the grass and sternly said:

“Who? Who threw Yaxin’s bag just now?”

Xueye raised her hand and said, “Teacher, I threw it.”

Yan Ruyu’s face darkened.

“Xueye, all of you come with me to the office. Yaxin, you go back first.”

23

In the homeroom office, Yan Ruyu was reprimanding Zhang Xueye and the “Princess Clique.”

“Xueye, why are you bullying Yaxin?”

Xueye stammered, “Teacher, I…”

“Bullying a classmate with a physical disability is very unacceptable behavior.”

Xueye bowed and apologized:

“Teacher, I’m sorry…”

“You must say that to Yaxin in person. But since you took the lead in bullying, I need to inform your father and ask him to come to the school.”

Xueye pleaded, “Teacher, I know I was wrong.”

“The rest of you as well. I hope you will take the initiative to apologize to Yaxin and promise that this will not happen again.”

The group responded in unison, “Yes, teacher.”

“You may leave.”

Zhang Xueye and the “Princess Clique” lowered their heads, bowed once to Yaxin, then turned and left. In the hallway:

Girl C said, “So unlucky! We got caught by the teacher.”

Girl B blamed her, “It’s all your fault! Why did you throw her bag? You made Xueye take the blame for you.”

Girl C retorted, “You were involved too. How dare you say that?”

Xueye said helplessly, “Stop it, all of you.”

Girl A asked, “Hey, will your dad scold you, Xueye?”

Xueye said dejectedly, “Don’t ask.”

24

Qiu Yaxin was walking along the sidewalk of the old street when three delinquent youths rode past on motorcycles and saw that she was alone.

Red Monkey said, “This girl looks pretty tender. Let’s go make friends with her.”

Crow said, “Look at that green uniform—she studies at Taipei First Girls’ High. Why would she bother with you?”

Red Monkey said, “If we don’t try, how would we know?”

The three turned back and surrounded her.

Red Monkey said flirtatiously, “Miss, you’re very pretty. Let’s be friends. I’ll take you shopping and to a movie.”

Yaxin shrank back, covering her chest with both hands:

“No!”

Crow said, “Hey! She seems to be mute?”

Red Monkey said, “Even better. Then she won’t scream randomly.”

Wild Boar said, “Red Monkey, I’ll keep watch for you.”

The two reached out with lecherous hands to touch Yaxin, causing her to resist, and a struggle ensued.

At that moment, two teenagers wearing taekwondo uniforms rode past on bicycles.

Li Zixuan said, “That Red Monkey gang is bullying a girl again. Ribang, let’s go stop them.”

Qin Ribang said, “Alright.”

They parked their bicycles and stepped in.

Wild Boar recognized them as rivals and did not dare to block them, stepping aside.

“Second brother, Li is here—be careful!”

Li Zixuan shouted sternly:

“Red Monkey, you never change. We already taught you a lesson before, and you’re bullying girls again?”

Before he finished speaking, Zixuan and Ribang each delivered a side kick, knocking Red Monkey and Crow to the ground.

Red Monkey bluffed, “You want to meddle again? I’m not afraid of you!”

Qin Ribang cracked his knuckles:

“Looks like you haven’t learned your lesson. Want another beating?”

Crow said anxiously, “Second brother, a wise man avoids immediate danger. Let’s go.”

Red Monkey shouted angrily, “Just you wait!”

Qin Ribang pointed at a nearby sign:

“No problem—leave it on the license plate. Come back anytime.”

Li Zixuan said, “You three punks, get lost!”

Red Monkey said, “Hmph! Let’s go.”

The three left.

Li Zixuan asked with concern:

“Classmate, are you alright?”

Yaxin nodded, still shaken, said nothing, and walked away.

Qin Ribang said, “President, she’s from Taipei First Girls’ High, but she seems unfriendly—didn’t even thank us.”

Zixuan said, “She has a hearing impairment. I noticed she wears a hearing aid.”

25

Qiu Yuling had just walked out of the alley when Father John approached.

John recognized her immediately:

“Yuling, Yuling, it’s me—John.”

Yuling stared at him and hesitated:

“You’re John? How did you become like this?”

John looked at her with eager eyes:

“I am John.”

Yuling said sorrowfully:

“Your comrades said you were injured in an accident and returned to the U.S. I thought you abandoned me and our daughter.”

John said:

“All these years, I never gave up searching for you and our daughter Vivian. A few days ago, I found our daughter—but I haven’t acknowledged her yet.”

Yuling said:

“So Vivian told you. But you’ve already become a priest. Now that you’ve come back, what can you change?”

John sighed:

“When I couldn’t find you, I lost all hope and turned to God. I know I can’t change anything, but I owe you and our daughter so much. I want to do something for you.”

Yuling said:

“That thought is enough. I’m living okay now.”

John asked:

“Can I tell Vivian that I am her father?”

Yuling said:

“Although you are her father, you were absent during her upbringing. She has always longed for fatherly love.”

John said:

“I understand your resentment toward me. I want to do something for her. Give me some time to be with Vivian, alright?”

Yuling recalled the hardships of the past years and said emotionally:

“It’s better not to disturb her life. If you truly love her—she has already gotten used to growing up without a father.”

John pleaded:

“Yuling, please don’t be like this!”

Yuling finally softened:

“Alright. But you must not disturb her peaceful life.”

John said, deeply moved:

“I will be careful not to disturb her.”

“I have to go to work.”

“Can I visit you and Vivian often?”

“Better not. After you left, I remarried and had two children. Your presence would make them uneasy.”

John said, unable to hide his disappointment:

“I understand your concerns…”

“I’m leaving. Take care.”

John watched her departing figure, recalling in his mind the sweet moments he once shared with her and their daughter.

26
Inside the rehearsal classroom of the Catholic church, Candy is guiding Ya-Hsin’s piano fingering. At this moment, Li Zixuan appears at the doorway.

Candy asks, “Hey, kid, is your choir on break?”
Zixuan says, “Yeah, Cousin, I came over here to take a look…”

Ya-Hsin lifts her head.
Zixuan says in surprise, “Huh? It’s you? What a coincidence!”

Candy asks, “What? You two know each other?”
Zixuan says, “We just met. She was being bullied by a few punks on the street. My classmate and I happened to pass by on our bikes, and we drove them away.”

Ya-Hsin says, “Thank you!”
Zixuan says, “You’re welcome!”

Candy says, “She is my student, Qiu Ya-Hsin. Zixuan is my cousin. He plays the violin quite well—you can take him as a role model.”
Zixuan says, “Cousin, if you praise me like that, I’ll feel embarrassed.”

Candy says, “Ya-Hsin is learning violin from Xi Yang. She’s very diligent.”
Zixuan praises, “Brother Xi Yang can definitely be considered professional level. Ya-Hsin, you’ve got good judgment.”

Ya-Hsin smiles and nods.

Candy asks, “The Yamaha Cup music competition for the Taipei region will be held next week. How’s your preparation?”
Zixuan says, “For the Taipei regional preliminaries, the main opponents are probably Zhang Xueye and Zhu Qingxiu, right?”

Ya-Hsin asks, “Zhang Xueye?”
Zixuan asks curiously, “Do you know her?”
Ya-Hsin nods and says, “She’s my classmate.”

Zixuan says, “What a coincidence? I heard her father is a current city councilor.”
Ya-Hsin says, “Mm.”

Zixuan says, “Her ability is pretty good. She’s stood out since before. I regard her as my number one hypothetical opponent.”
Ya-Hsin asks in confusion, “Hypothetical opponent?”

Zixuan says, “That’s right. Only when your strength can surpass your hypothetical opponent will you become stronger!”

These words echo in Ya-Hsin’s heart: “Only when your strength can surpass your hypothetical opponent will you become stronger!”
Ya-Hsin asks herself inwardly, “In the future, is it possible for me to surpass Zhang Xueye?”

Candy says, “When the competition comes, Ya-Hsin, you should go observe as well.”
Ya-Hsin says, “Can I go?”
Candy says, “You should go. In the future, it will be your turn to go on stage.”

Zixuan says, “Yeah! Then that day we’ll meet here, how about it?”
Candy says, “Sure! I’ll drive you all to the competition venue.”

27
In the living room of Zhang Yingming’s luxurious house, Zhang Xueye has just come in from outside when Yingming calls out to her: “Stop. Xueye, come here.”

“Dad.” Zhang Xueye lowers her head and walks to the sofa, standing in front of Yingming. Seeing the displeased look on her father’s face, she already has a bad premonition.

Yingming sternly asks, “Your teacher Yan called me. You know what you’ve done, right?”
Xueye says, “Dad, I’m sorry.”

Yingming says, “You need to watch your words and actions outside. Don’t ruin the good image that I’ve worked so hard to build. I’m a public figure.”

Xueye hesitates, “Dad…”

Yingming says, “Tomorrow your teacher Yan has asked me to go to school. I have to clean up the mess you made. This kind of matter can be big or small. If it gets stirred up into social news, outsiders will think there’s a problem with my family education, that I indulge my daughter in bullying a disabled classmate at school.”

Xueye says with a wronged expression, “Dad, I already said I’m sorry.”

The housekeeper, Uncle A-Shan, pleads on her behalf, “Master, the young lady has already admitted her mistake. Please don’t blame her anymore.”

Yingming says, “A-Shan, you don’t need to plead for her. She’s already in high school, not some ignorant child.”

Yingming points at Xueye’s face and says, “Xueye, I hope you seriously reflect on your behavior.”
Xueye says, “Dad, I know.”

Xueye turns and goes back to her room. Sitting on the sofa, Zhang Yingming shakes his head and sighs, thinking, “Have I neglected this child? Sigh…”

28
Zhang Yingming enters the homeroom teachers’ office of Taipei First Girls High School. Yan Ruyu greets him, “Councilor Zhang, hello.”

Yingming says apologetically, “I’m really sorry, Teacher Yan. I’ve spoiled that daughter of mine.”

Ruyu says, “Councilor Zhang, let’s talk in the reception room. Please follow me.”

Zhang Yingming follows Teacher Yan into the reception room.

Ruyu says, “Councilor Zhang, please sit.”
Yingming bows and says, “Teacher Yan, I apologize to you for my daughter’s inappropriate words and actions at school.”

Ruyu says, “Councilor Zhang, Xueye is an outstanding child. I have high expectations for her. I won’t change my impression of her because of this lapse.”

Yingming says, “Teacher, thank you for your tolerance toward my daughter.”

Ruyu says, “Councilor Zhang, from the student records I know that Xueye’s mother passed away early. You raised her single-handedly, taking on both father and mother roles. It hasn’t been easy.”

Yingming says, moved, “Teacher, my daughter lost her mother’s love from a young age, and I’ve been busy with public duties. Inevitably I’ve neglected her somewhat, but I am definitely not a father who spoils his child, nor do I shield her faults.”

Ruyu says, “Councilor Zhang, you are a reasonable person. I hope similar incidents will not happen again.”
Yingming says, “Teacher, I will discipline my daughter well. Thank you for understanding me as a negligent father.”

Ruyu says, “Councilor Zhang, I have also invited Qiu Ya-Hsin’s mother to come. If it’s convenient for you, you might as well meet her and apologize in person, so that this matter can come to a satisfactory close. However, if you feel it’s inconvenient to meet the other parent now, I will respect you and won’t force it.”

Yingming says, “Teacher, for my daughter’s outrageous behavior at school, I, as her father, must take responsibility. I am willing to meet the other parent and apologize in person to gain her understanding.”

At this moment, another teacher brings Qiu Yuling in.

Ruyu says, “Ya-Hsin’s mother, I’m her homeroom teacher, Teacher Yan. Please sit.”

Yuling sits down and says, “Teacher Yan, only after receiving your call did I learn about this matter.”

Ruyu says, “Ya-Hsin’s mother, this is Zhang Xueye’s father, Councilor Zhang. This is Ya-Hsin’s mother, Ms. Qiu.”

Yingming bows and says, “Mrs. Qiu, I sincerely apologize to you for my daughter Xueye’s inappropriate behavior.”

Yuling sighs and says, “Sigh! Teacher Yan, Mr. Zhang, this kind of thing happening to Ya-Hsin at school isn’t the first time. I only hope Ya-Hsin herself will be strong. I don’t want to pursue this matter.”

Ruyu says, “Ya-Hsin’s mother, Ya-Hsin is a strong child. Thank you for your tolerance.”

Yingming feels that the mother before him looks very familiar. The name “Qiu Yuling” surfaces in his mind, so he tentatively asks, “Mrs. Qiu, may I ask if you graduated from Tamsui Junior High? You look somewhat familiar.”

Yuling says, “Yes, I went to junior high in Tamsui.”

Yingming says excitedly, “Do you still recognize me? I was the vice class monitor, Zhang Yingming. You were the arts representative, Qiu Yuling, right?”

Yuling also recognizes him and says, “Oh! I remember now. No wonder I thought you looked familiar.”

Ruyu says, “So you two are old classmates. Then this matter can be considered satisfactorily resolved.”

Yingming says with emotion, “Sigh! Time really flies! In the blink of an eye, it’s been twenty years since graduation. Later I’ll treat you to coffee, and we can catch up. Please do me the honor.”

Yuling readily says, “Alright.”

29
On Tamsui Old Street, inside a café, a waiter comes over with a menu: “Sir, ma’am, are you ready to order?”

Yingming says, “Mocha coffee, with creamer, no sugar. And you, Yuling?”
Yuling says, “Orange juice, thank you.”

Waiter: “Alright, please wait a moment.”

Yingming says, “I never expected to run into you at school. That was really embarrassing just now!”
Yuling smiles and says, “I was surprised too! Your daughter and my daughter are actually classmates—what a coincidence.”

Yingming says, “After you left Tamsui and went up to Taipei, we exchanged a few letters. Then you just disappeared like a kite with its string cut.”

Yuling says, “Yingming, I’m sorry. We can only say that our fate at that time was shallow.”

Yingming sighs, “Sigh! Actually, I can only blame myself. Back then I yielded to my elders’ wishes, accepted their arrangements, and married Xueye’s mother.”

Yuling says, “Don’t say that. Elders having the concept of matching family backgrounds is normal. It was I who wasn’t worthy.”

Yingming says, “Later, I heard from classmates that you were performing ‘nakasi’ in Taipei, living a drifting life.”

Yuling says, “To make a living, I actually did many jobs. I worked as a salesperson selling insurance, served dishes in restaurants, and even sold tickets at a cinema. Later, when I was singing in a nightclub, I met my first husband. He was an American, an Air Force pilot. He gave me money to produce two records. The record company arranged for me to promote them on the radio. After gaining a bit of fame, I began performing in several venues.”

Yingming says with pity, “So your life was so hard.”

Yuling says, “That’s all in the past now, Yingming. We can only say it was all fated.”

Yingming asks, “Now that you’ve returned to Tamsui, are you living well?”
A trace of a bitter smile flashes across Yuling’s face as she says, “I don’t have any special skills, and I have to raise three children. It’s still the same—I make a living singing along in bars.”

Yingming reaches out to hold Yuling’s hand and says earnestly, “Yuling, I owe you. Give me a chance to make it up to you, okay?”

Yuling withdraws her hand, “The children are grown now, Yingming. Let’s not talk about this, alright?”

Yingming says, “With my ability, I can take care of you and the children.”

Yuling says, “I have a deep fear of marriage.”

Yingming says firmly, “Please trust me. I will definitely give you and the children a happy life.”

Yuling says, “Let’s not talk about this for now, okay? We’ve only just met again.”

Yingming says, “Sorry, Yuling. Maybe I’m being too hasty, but I’m sincere.”

Yuling smiles and nods, indicating understanding, “I know, but you’ve already given me pressure.”

30
Inside the “Old Love Lingering” karaoke restaurant, at a drinking table, Yuling is being forced to drink by several customers.

Chairman Zhang raises his glass and says, “Supervisor, cheers! I know your drinking capacity.”
Yuling says, “Chairman Zhang, your drinking capacity is really good.”

Boss Wang says, “Chairman Zhang already finished his glass, and you’ve only taken two sips. That’s very rude to the customer.”

Yuling says, “Boss Wang, I’m really sorry. I’m not feeling well today, so I can’t drink too much.”

Boss Wang says with displeasure, “If you’re not feeling well, then I’m not feeling well either. If you’re afraid to drink big, then don’t work in this kind of place.”

Wu Tairan sees the situation and comes over to smooth things over, “Boss Wang, don’t make things difficult for her. I apologize to you.”

Boss Wang angrily scolds, “What the hell are you talking about—making things difficult? I’m the one paying money, that’s already difficult enough. Don’t mess around with me. When I pay money, it’s not to buy dissatisfaction.”

Wu Tairan says, “Boss Wang, don’t be angry. I’ll find a younger one for you. This bottle of liquor is on me.”

Boss Wang points at Yuling and says, “I want her to drink.”

Chairman Zhang says, “Alright, alright, the boss has spoken! Hurry up and go!”

Wu Tairan calls over another young waitress and has Yuling taken away.

Yuling says apologetically, “Boss, I’m really sorry. I made the customer unhappy just now.”

Wu Tairan says, “You’ve been wronged, Yuling. Go back and rest for two days.”

Yuling forces herself to cheer up, “Boss, it’s not necessary. I’ll be fine after a short rest.”

Yuling walks toward the staff lounge. Tairan looks at her back, his eyes filled with tenderness.