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In August and September, the mountains of Guizhou are still often shrouded in mist, but Yuntouzhai and its surrounding villages are immersed in a busy and hopeful harvest scene.

Golden waves of rice ripple across the terraced fields as villagers seize the good weather to harvest and thresh the grain. The drying grounds are covered with golden corn, and the air is filled with the unique fragrance of grain and the enthusiasm of their labor.

The "Heartstrings in the Distant Mountains" program team did not stop because of the rainy season and busy farming season. Their footsteps extended to several more remote and difficult villages around Yuntouzhai.

In this process, Chu Yi demonstrated energy and influence far exceeding everyone's expectations.

He was not merely a detached observer or recorder.

With his clear logic, empathy, and precise expression, he quickly became the most effective communication bridge between the program team, local villagers, and subsequent local government staff.

Chu Yi would patiently squat by the edge of the field, listening to the old farmer ramble on about this year's harvest and his worries. He would also repeatedly choose to enter the dimly lit wooden house, inquiring in detail about the educational difficulties faced by left-behind children and the medical problems encountered by the elderly.

At the same time, they are attentive enough to keenly capture the core pain points that truly restrict the development of local villagers and affect their lives from the trivialities of conversations with them.

Subsequently, during coordination meetings with staff from the county government's poverty alleviation office, education bureau, health commission, and other departments, Chu Yi was able to transform those emotional and scattered demands into rational, systematic, and actionable suggestions.

"The sidewalk leading to the main road in Aoshang Village gets washed away every time it rains. It's not just a transportation problem, but a matter of economic lifeline. Could you consider including it in this year's 'Village-to-Village Road' paving project as a priority?"

"Several village teaching points are facing a severe shortage of teachers. In addition to donations of facilities, could we consider cooperating with provincial normal universities to establish a long-term mechanism for targeted training or short-term teaching support?"

"I have compiled a detailed list of the medication shortages at the health station where Dr. Li Fu works, especially for chronic diseases and common children's medications. Could you please ask the county hospital to prioritize and provide support during their next round of visits?"

Chu Yi's proposals are always specific and pragmatic, reflecting both a deep understanding of the current predicament and the feasibility of policy implementation.

Chu Yi's personality always allows him to maintain a calm tone, neither humble nor arrogant, and with a sincere attitude. He can clearly convey the villagers' urgent desires and fully understand the procedures and difficulties of the government's work, making communication extremely efficient.

Even the local officials who initially had reservations about his identity later had to admire him and exclaimed, "Professor Chu is truly here to get things done. The questions he raised were all on point, and the solutions he provided were very constructive."

The executive director repeatedly remarked to the producer privately, "You really can't judge a book by its cover. Chu Yi looks aloof and detached, like he's untouched by worldly affairs, but when he's among ordinary people, his sincerity and down-to-earth nature surpasses anyone else's. The villagers listen to him and trust him."

With the program team's continued follow-up and the effective promotion by Chu Yi and others, some tangible assistance has begun to take root.

In addition to the previously delivered stationery and schoolbags, the program team, together with caring enterprises, donated brand-new desks and chairs, reading corners, and a set of multimedia teaching equipment to teaching points in several villages.

The county education bureau also promised to include Yuntouzhai teaching point as a key target of the next batch of "Outstanding Teachers Rotation and Support" program.

Meanwhile, based on feedback from the program team and a list compiled by Chu Yi, the county health commission not only replenished the health stations' stock of commonly used medicines but also coordinated with the county people's hospital's mobile medical vehicle to increase the monthly rounds of medical visits to twice a month, with a focus on covering remote villages such as Yuntouzhai. The planned free clinic activities also received wider publicity and more meticulous arrangements.

In response to the difficulties in selling and the low prices of local high-quality agricultural products such as rice, corn, bamboo shoots, and local honey, the program team connected a well-known e-commerce platform to assist farmers. The platform came to inspect the products and signed a preliminary purchase agreement, laying the groundwork for a potential future distinctive industrial chain.

The muddy road at the village entrance, which is frequently mentioned and is crucial to the village's development, has been included in the county transportation bureau's on-site inspection plan. Although a complete solution will take time, at least a glimmer of hope for change has been seen.

These changes did not happen overnight, and they are far from solving all the problems, but the gradual progress, like a gentle rain soaking parched land, has brought tangible hope and warm changes to this beautiful mountainous area.

The villagers smiled more often, and their eyes, especially Chu Yi's, held genuine gratitude and trust when they looked at the production crew. They no longer saw these outsiders merely as filmmakers, but as true friends who were willing to listen and offer help.

Zhou Ai witnessed all of this. He, too, traveled to various villages, doing manual labor without complaint, cooperating with the filming. The production crew, including those from Zhou Ai's studio, were all surprised that this young master had been there for so long without uttering a single complaint.

Even when Zhou Song called several times to ask if he wanted to go back, Zhou Ai sternly refused.

This completely baffled Zhou Song. His younger brother, who had always been waited on hand and foot since childhood, had managed to stay in the mountains for so long without uttering a single complaint.

But Zhou Ai's gaze actually lingered more and more on Chu Yi, on that slender yet exceptionally focused and determined figure.

Every time Chu Yi was carefully recording the villagers' difficulties, or patiently communicating and coordinating with all parties in her clear and gentle voice, Zhou Ai would stand patiently behind her.

The vague flutter in Zhou Ai's heart gradually settled into a deeper appreciation and... indescribable heartache.

He saw the sense of responsibility beneath Chu Yi's aura, as well as the gentleness and strength hidden beneath his calm exterior.

At the same time, he also realized more clearly that Chu Yi's previous statement about "a relationship in stages" was not just being pretentious.

Their show recording will eventually end, and they will most likely leave and return to their original paths.

All that Chu Yi did was out of a genuine desire to leave something behind for this place, rather than a short-lived, performative "experience."

This realization made Zhou Ai's previous idea of ​​"making the process longer" seem somewhat naive and weak.

He stood at the edge of the threshing ground, watching Chu Yi carefully checking the free clinic procedures with the village chief in the distance. The mountain breeze blew the wisps of hair on his forehead, and the sunlight outlined a faint halo around him.

Zhou Ai silently clenched her hand in her pocket, and a clearer yet heavier thought gradually emerged.

Perhaps, what he should be thinking about is not how to prolong his "phase" with Chu Yi, but how to truly do more for this place, just like Chu Yi, during this limited time of inevitable separation.

---

Yuntou Village looked exceptionally fresh after the rain. The supplies sent by the government and the donations spontaneously prepared by the program team arrived on the same day. The program team set up a distribution point in a small open space in the village.

The villagers who came upon hearing the news had smiles on their faces, especially the children, who chattered excitedly around the new schoolbags and stationery, creating a lively atmosphere.

Chu Yi and Zhou Ai, like everyone else, got involved in the distribution work. Chu Yi was in charge of registering and distributing stationery. He patiently checked the lists, bent down to speak to the children at eye level, and spoke with an unusually gentle tone. Zhou Jiashu, on the other hand, was responsible for assigning the supplies to Chu Yi.

Zhou Ai, along with Xie Mo and Zhou Jingyi, was mainly responsible for moving heavy objects and maintaining order. He was strong and quick, and his broken local dialect, which he had just learned, would often make the villagers laugh.

Although the two were busy in the same place, they were like two parallel lines, each with their own trajectory and rarely intersecting.

Zhou Ai's gaze would occasionally follow Chu Yi, but whenever Chu Yi seemed to notice something and was about to look up, he would quickly look away to avoid causing any discomfort or pressure to the other party.

As the distribution of supplies was nearing its end, the executive director clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.

"Fellow villagers and teachers, there's more good news!" The director's voice was loud and clear, tinged with laughter. "This time, we've not only brought these school and daily necessities, but also, considering that our village is far from the town's hospital and it's not easy to see a doctor, after coordination between the program team and the local government, we've decided to take this opportunity to hold a free medical clinic in our Yuntou Village!"

Upon hearing this, the villagers present, especially the elderly, immediately showed expressions of surprise and gratitude.

"Once these busiest days in the fields are over," the director continued, "we'll invite a doctor from the county to come over at our local clinic... oh, you know, Dr. Li's clinic, to give everyone free medical checkups and examinations! If anyone feels unwell, just come over and let the doctor take a look!"

A burst of excited chatter and words of thanks erupted from the crowd.

"Dr. Li will be so happy to know!" an older woman said with a smile. "He's been running around doing everything, he can finally relax for a few days!"

"Yes, yes, this is great news!"

The executive director turned to the guests, "Our guests have been here for over a week and have gotten to know the villagers. During the free clinic, we might need everyone's help to maintain order, translate, assist the doctors, or pass things around. It's a way for us to do more practical things for Yuntouzhai."

The other guests all nodded in agreement, indicating that they would do their duty.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

As dusk fell, a huge bonfire was lit in the open space in the center of Yuntou Village. The orange-red flames leaped and crackled, dispelling the slight chill of the mountains and illuminating the faces of the villagers and the crew.

The air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat, the sweetness of rice wine, and a joyful and lively atmosphere. After a long period of busy farming, this party was undoubtedly a good opportunity to relax and socialize.

Everyone sat around the campfire, the villagers sang folk songs enthusiastically, and several guests were pulled into the dance. Laughter and applause rose and fell.

Zhou Ai sat on a wooden stake on the outer edge, holding a cup of rice wine that a local villager had insisted on giving him, but his gaze was uncontrollably following the aloof figure not far away.

Chu Yi did not integrate into the dance circle. He sat quietly next to an elderly woman with a full head of white hair, tilting his head slightly and listening attentively to what she was saying. He nodded occasionally, with a very faint but genuine and gentle smile on his lips.

The firelight cast a soft shadow on his delicate profile, making him appear less aloof and more down-to-earth.

Zhou Ai was somewhat lost in thought when Zhou Jiashu plopped down in the empty seat next to him and handed him a skewer of roasted corn.

"Brother Zhou, what are you looking at so intently?" Zhou Jiashu followed his gaze.

Just then, he saw Chu Yi patiently smoothing the wind-blown white hair of the old lady. He took a bite of the roasted potato in his hand and mumbled, "Teacher Chu is such a kind person. He is so patient with the elderly."

Zhou Ai gave a vague "hmm," took the corn, and took a bite without really tasting it.

Since their last parting under the umbrella, Zhou Ai belatedly realized that Chu Yi was intentionally avoiding her.

Chu Yi deliberately avoided eye contact with Zhou Ai each time, and would never speak unless necessary. Even when she did speak, it was in a concise, businesslike tone, with a clear sense of boundaries.

Zhou Ai could clearly feel that the invisible wall had risen again, even higher and thicker than before.

He tried several times to strike up a conversation naturally, but Chu Yi subtly avoided or ignored him.

Xie Mo took advantage of his strengths as a host and took the initiative to host the bonfire party.

"Hello everyone, I'm Xie Mo. It's an honor to stand here and host tonight's bonfire party. Let's cheer together for the start of the Yuntouzhai Bonfire Party!"

Xie Mo lived up to his reputation as a professional host, igniting the atmosphere of the bonfire party with just a few words. He opened the party with a high-pitched and melodious folk song, instantly winning applause from the audience.

Following that, Qin Yaoyao and several other talented girls from the village performed a traditional folk dance, which drew cheers from the crowd.

The atmosphere of the party grew increasingly lively, with the firelight illuminating every smiling face.

Amidst the peaceful and joyful atmosphere, a cheerful voice suddenly rang out, piercing the noise: "Teacher Chu! Give us one! Teacher Chu, please perform a talent!"

The shout immediately sparked cheers, with many villagers and program crew members joining in the good-natured encouragement: "Yes! Teacher Chu, give us a performance!" "Teacher Chu, sing one!"

Chu Yi, who was sitting quietly to the side, was caught off guard. A look of panic flashed across his face. He quickly waved his hand, his body unconsciously shrinking back. His ears turned red rapidly in the flickering firelight: "No, no, I really can't do this. I don't have any special talents..."

The more Chu Yi refused, the more enthusiastic everyone became.

Dr. Li Fu drank some rice wine, a relaxed smile on his face, and joined in the clapping and cheering.

He saw that Chu Yi had been working hard for the village lately, and he was under a lot of pressure. He sincerely hoped that this opportunity would allow Chu Yi to relax.

Zhou Ai sat not far away, holding a wine glass in her hand, her eyes fixed on Chu Yi. Seeing his helpless look, her heart tightened for no reason, and she subconsciously wanted to stand up and help him out, just like last time.

However, before Zhou Ai could make a move, the villagers' enthusiasm had already surrounded Chu Yi. Several enthusiastic old women even smiled and stepped forward to pull him along.

Looking at the simple and expectant faces around him, especially Dr. Li's encouraging gaze, Chu Yi slowly lowered his hand in refusal.

He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and the embarrassment on his face was gradually replaced by a helpless yet somewhat reckless tenderness.

"Okay..." Chu Yi stood up amidst the cheers, walked to the light by the campfire, and took a wooden guitar from the crew member.

The glow of the campfire cast a warm golden hue over him, strangely blending with his aloof demeanor.

He adjusted the strings slightly, his fingertips gliding across the strings, producing a few scattered notes. The room gradually quieted down, everyone watching him expectantly.

"I'll sing a song for everyone, 'I Choose You.'" Chu Yi's voice came through the night air, softer than usual, with a hint of barely perceptible nervousness. "Please forgive me if I don't sing well."

He lowered his head slightly, his wisps of hair obscuring part of his eyebrows and eyes, and his slender fingers gently pressed on the strings.

The next moment, a soothing and affectionate melody flowed from his fingertips, the prelude simple yet exceptionally moving.

"You're my always, you're my forever, you're my reality..."

As Chu Yi's singing began, unlike his cool and aloof demeanor when he spoke, his voice was warm and clear when he sang, carrying a delicate sense of narrative, and his English pronunciation was standard and gentle.

"You're my sunshine, you're my best times, you're my anomaly..."

"And I'd choose you..." "In a hundred lifetimes I'd choose you..."

He sang with great focus, his eyelashes occasionally trembling slightly with a little nervousness, but he quickly became immersed in the music.

The firelight danced in his clear eyes, and the lines of his profile appeared exceptionally soft in the interplay of light and shadow.

Zhou Ai was completely stunned. He had never heard Chu Yi sing before, and he never expected his voice to be so powerful.

That gentle voice, that focused expression, and the profound emotions hidden in the lyrics were like an invisible hand, gently gripping his heart, making him forget to breathe, and he could only stare blankly at the person who seemed to be shining in the firelight.

The surrounding noise completely faded away, and the world seemed to consist only of that bonfire and the person holding a guitar and singing softly by the bonfire.

"I choose you, over and over again… I promise to love you until the very end…"

As the music ended, the last note faded into the night sky.

Chu Yi gently pressed his fingers on the strings, stopping the lingering sound. He raised his head, a hint of relief and shyness on his face, and nodded slightly to the crowd.

After a brief silence, thunderous applause and cheers erupted, more enthusiastic than ever before.

The villagers may not fully understand the English lyrics, but the emotions in the music are universal; they truly felt Chu Yi's sincerity and gentleness.

"Teacher Chu sings so beautifully!" "This child is wonderful in every way!"

Chu Yi smiled sheepishly, returned the guitar to the staff member, her cheeks flushed, as if she had drunk too much.

Zhou Ai was still immersed in the singing when Zhou Jiashu nudged him hard and exclaimed excitedly, "Brother Zhou! Teacher Chu is a hidden talent! That singing was amazing! Did you see it just now?"

Zhou Ai snapped back to reality, her Adam's apple bobbing violently. She picked up the rice wine on the table and drank it all in one gulp. The spicy liquid slid down her throat, but it couldn't suppress the surging, burning waves in her heart.