Han Han didn't directly mention the small beauty mark on A Lai's face, but she responded with deep affection, "No matter how you disguise yourself, I can always recognize you. Your presence, your aura—I can feel it. You've opened a magical door for me into an incredible world."
A Lai was surprised and laughed, "You still remember the nonsense I said to you at the market?"
Han Han nodded, "Of course. Everything you said, I remember. Lei Tianlai, from the heavens, right?"
A warmth spread through A Lai's heart. Embarrassed, he replied, "The name 'Lei Tianlai' is real, but the street magic tricks I used to draw in customers—that was just nonsense. You shouldn't take it seriously."
"If you're interested, I could teach you some tricks. During holidays, you can show off a bit to your friends and family. It's a fun way to lighten the mood."
Han Han nodded excitedly, "That sounds great! Then I'll officially become your disciple."
A Lai burst into laughter. "In every profession, the skilled are masters. Alright, I accept. I'll teach you whenever I can." He looked her over and added with a grin, "But you'll need to strengthen up. Otherwise, your hands won't be fast enough."
Han Han's expression turned sorrowful, and she murmured, "I was born premature, almost didn't make it. I grew up sickly, always with medicine by my side. My nanny has taken care of me since I was little. I've lived a sheltered life, eating vegetarian, praying daily, and frequently visiting temples to burn incense. That's how I've made it this far." As she spoke, she choked up, unable to continue.
"Sigh, such a hard fate," A Lai sighed. He didn't know what words of comfort to offer, but a tender protective feeling welled up in his heart.
Han Han asked earnestly, "I'm an only child, seventeen years old, with no brothers. Could I call you 'brother'?"
A Lai was taken aback. He looked her over again—about 165 cm tall, delicate and emotional like a pear blossom in the rain, evoking a sense of elegance, sadness, and vulnerability. Her presence stirred a deep sympathy within him, especially after the recent setbacks he had faced.
Thinking it over, A Lai nodded.
"So you agree?" Han Han asked.
A Lai nodded again.
"Brother," Han Han said softly, calling out to him.
A Lai nodded once more.
Han Han tiptoed and planted a gentle kiss on A Lai's forehead, her action filling the air with the scent of osmanthus that seemed to seep into his very being.
A Lai used his sleeve to gently wipe away the tears from the corners of Han Han's eyes.
"Brother, you have a scent," Han Han said, puzzled.
"Sweat?" A Lai joked, smiling.
"No, it's a strong scent of osmanthus. I noticed it the first time we met," Han Han replied.
"Oh, really?" A Lai explained proudly, "It's from a century-old osmanthus tree at my house. The fragrance must have rubbed off on me."
Han Han reached into her bag and took out a sleek Apple phone, offering it to A Lai. "This doesn't need a screen protector—I've already set it up. I even got the SIM card ready."
A Lai was taken aback and hesitated to accept it. "I haven't done anything to deserve this. I can't just take something like this from you."
Sadness filled Han Han's face as she stared into A Lai's eyes. "You nodded three times earlier, didn't you? Were you lying to me?"
Seeing her pained expression, A Lai felt a pang in his heart. Still, he tried to keep things light. "Even if I took it, I wouldn't have money to pay for it. Besides, I don't have anyone's number to call."
Han Han explained that the phone had 3,000 yuan of prepaid credit, and she had already saved her number in it. "With this, we can stay in touch no matter where we are," she said, gently placing the phone in A Lai's hand.
A Lai stared at the phone, unsure what to do. Han Han looked up at him, her eyes wide with expectation. "You're my teacher and my brother. Why are you hesitating? Are you going to break your word and refuse me?"
Holding the phone, A Lai felt the warmth of Han Han's hand lingering on it. He realized there was no point in overthinking this. "Alright, as your teacher and your brother, I'll accept it," he said, carefully slipping the phone into his pocket.
He then looked toward Wu Ma, who was standing in the distance, and asked, "Is she your mother?"
"Her name is Wu Ying, but I call her Wu Ma. She's from my grandmother's village. She's single and has raised me like her own child. I see her as family," Han Han explained.
Curious, A Lai asked, "How did Wu Ma find me? Did you tell her who I am?"
Han Han shook her head, finally revealing, "I didn't tell her directly. I just said the little monk who wrote the wish for me has a small beauty mark on his left eyebrow. I was too weak to walk around, so I asked her to search the temple."
"Oh." A Lai smiled, realizing how observant she was. "You noticed that little mark on my face? Even in the temple, you recognized me but didn't say anything, afraid that Wu Ma might misunderstand?"
Han Han smiled faintly, "Not entirely. Even without that mark, I could recognize your presence anywhere."
She then pulled out the two stuffed dolls from her bag. "Do you remember these two?"
A Lai recognized them immediately. "Of course, they came from me."
Han Han grinned, "These are a perfect pair, a priceless treasure. I've kept them with me ever since."
A Lai understood that Han Han had developed genuine feelings for him. It's often said that if a man pursues a woman, it's like crossing a mountain, but if a woman pursues a man, it's just a thin veil. But even if someone's heart seems within reach, it's not always easy to break through that barrier.
Han Han noticed A Lai drifting off into thought and asked, "Brother, what are you thinking about?"
A Lai snapped out of it and replied, "I'm thinking about how I can repay your kindness in the future."
Han Han blushed, looking down. "As long as you wish for my health and happiness, like you wrote in that wish, that's enough for me. Please don't feel burdened, or I'll feel like a sinner."
Feeling relieved, A Lai laughed, "You sure know how to talk. Don't worry, I understand."
…
Han Han then explained that she and Wu Ma had been staying in the temple's guesthouse for several days but now needed to return to the city. She promised to visit A Lai again after taking care of some matters and said they could stay in touch now that he had a phone.
Wu Ma soon returned, addressing Han Han, "My dear, your injuries are healed, and our mission here is complete. We've fulfilled our vow, so we can leave now."
"Fulfilled your vow?" A Lai realized that Wu Ma had come to the temple with Han Han to fulfill a vow. It seemed she still didn't know his true identity; otherwise, she would have reacted very differently.
"Ha ha…" A Lai chuckled to himself, seeing that they had both succeeded in their wish.
Life is like a journey on a train. Some people leave your side, while others quietly take a seat beside you. Relationships are about mutual willingness, about relying on each other—just like Han Han and Wu Ma, or his grandfather and himself. This was how A Lai saw things.
After bidding farewell to Han Han, A Lai pondered whether he should share this experience with his grandfather when he returned to the courtyard.