陳清揚短篇小說集英文版
〈Beitou. Na-ka-xi〉(北投。那卡西)

1

Lin Ge walked through the streets of Beitou with a slightly limping step, accompanied by the afterglow of the setting sun, moving slowly forward. The orange-red sunset descended from the distant mountain ridges, and its gentle light dyed the worn-out façades of the old restaurants, as if a nostalgic filter had been placed over them, making every dim little tavern appear especially mysterious. A breeze passed by, carrying the mixed scents of tobacco, alcohol, and dishes served in these drinking establishments, filling the air and creating a strange sense of intoxication. Although these places were somewhat shabby, whenever night fell, neon lights would illuminate the streets, transforming Beitou into a dreamland that never slept.

Lin Ge held his guitar tightly, his fingers sliding across the neck of the instrument, feeling the cold texture of the wood grain. Deep in his heart, he knew that this was everything in his life. His lame leg brought a slight pain with every step, but over the years he had already become accustomed to it. The days of wandering with the band had made him understand clearly that he was destined to be a musician walking between lights and smoke. To him, these dim corners and noisy bars were his true stage, the place where he could freely sing out his heart.

The loneliness inside him would occasionally surge up, like the faint sound of bass strings echoing quietly in the stillness of night. Lin Ge knew that this kind of life could hardly be called wealthy, and some people might even mock him as a “wandering performer.” Yet he always persisted, believing that music could bring moments of emotion. Even if it only moved one or two drunken customers, it was still a kind of achievement. Deep inside, he quietly said to himself:

“Perhaps this path was not the one I chose, but this music is my choice. No matter how difficult it becomes, as long as I can still play the guitar and sing, I will continue pursuing the dream in my heart.”

The nights at Melody Bar floated in thick smoke. Dim yellow lights scattered over the wooden tables, reflecting faint halos. Inside the bar, voices were loud and lively, mixed with the smells of cigarettes and alcohol. But when her singing began, the noise suddenly seemed to be lowered, and everyone quickly became silent, listening to that trace of gentle sorrow.

Her name was Chen Mei-yin. She was the lead singer of “The Voice of Angels.” The moment she stepped onto the stage, she attracted everyone’s attention. She wore a simple qipao, revealing an elegant beauty that seemed completely out of place in this noisy bar. When she sang “I Only Care About You,” her clear voice flowed across everyone’s hearts like gentle waves, carrying both tenderness and a hint of sorrow.

Lin Ge stood in a corner, quietly watching her. He felt something inside him had been touched. He was drawn to the sense of hardship and age contained within her singing, as if he could feel a resonance between their souls. Lin Ge sensed that he had fallen into a strange yet profound emotion.

Over all these years, he had wandered everywhere with the band, seen countless faces, and heard all kinds of voices, but never had anyone like her made him lose himself with only one song. Her voice contained the loneliness and struggle that he was familiar with, as if she were fighting against some invisible force. His eyes were deeply attracted to her, almost unable to move away.

Amid the mist and lights, their eyes briefly met.

At that moment, he seemed to see the gentle sorrow and vulnerability deep within her eyes, exactly like some emotion buried deeply inside his own heart. Lin Ge silently said to himself:

“This is someone I can never possess, but my heart has already been captured by her singing.”

2

At night, Beitou was illuminated by the faint glow of yellow neon lights. In the narrow alleyways, Lin Ge and Mei-yin walked side by side. The gentle breeze brushed past them, while the quietness at the street corners made the distant noise seem far away. Their shadows were stretched long by the lights and overlapped, as if their hearts had drawn closer to each other at that moment.

“Lin Ge, have you ever thought about how much longer this wandering life can continue?”

Mei-yin asked softly, with a hint of uneasiness in her voice.

Lin Ge lowered his head and thought for a moment. Then he gently held her hand, his eyes showing tenderness and determination.

“I know our days are not easy. But as long as you are with me, I am willing to keep walking forward. This is our stage, isn’t it? No matter how difficult it is, as long as we are together, it cannot be called wandering.”

Mei-yin smiled slightly and leaned against his shoulder, feeling his warmth.

“Sometimes, I really hope that time could stop at this moment, just like now. No matter how the outside world changes, we only need each other, and that is enough.”

However, the neon lights flashing in the distance seemed to foretell that some kind of turbulence was about to arrive. This peaceful moment was eventually torn apart mercilessly by reality.

Mei-yin’s stepmother, Zhao Yu-lan, stood by the window, gazing at the lights deep in the streets, her emotions complicated. Images from her past seemed to appear before her eyes again—once, she had been a glamorous singer, someone who knew how to maneuver skillfully in the games of men’s power and money. She had also seen too many men like Lin Ge, men who possessed talent but could never achieve greatness.

She gave a cold laugh and thought:

“Men’s promises are nothing more than lies used to deceive women. I will not let Mei-yin fall into the same difficult situation I once experienced.”

Whenever Zhao Yu-lan thought of that lame musician, a feeling of disdain mixed with worry rose in her heart.

“A man like Lin Ge cannot give Mei-yin the life she wants. He is nothing more than a wandering musician. What can he possibly give her for happiness?”

She secretly made up her mind that, no matter what, she must make Mei-yin leave Lin Ge and find someone who could provide her with a future.

The next day, Zhao Yu-lan’s conversation with Mei-yin took place in the small living room of their home. Her eyes were sharp as she looked directly at Mei-yin, her tone cold and determined.

“Mei-yin, you know that everything I do is for your own good, right?”

Zhao Yu-lan said this, a trace of authority showing in her eyes.

Mei-yin felt somewhat helpless, but she still nodded.

“Mom, I know you care about me… but Lin Ge is different from other men. He truly loves me.”

Zhao Yu-lan sneered and said coldly:

“True love? Can true love be eaten like food? You are still young. You don’t understand how men think. I have seen too many men. They say they love you, but in reality, they cannot give you anything. What about Guo Jia-ming? He is young, successful, comes from a wealthy family, and he is the one who truly matches you in social status.”

Mei-yin shook her head stubbornly.

“Mom, Jia-ming is indeed excellent, but I have no feelings for him. The person I love is Lin Ge. Whether he has money or not, I am willing to be with him.”

Zhao Yu-lan frowned slightly. Her anxiety grew deeper, and she even became somewhat restless.

She thought silently:

“This child is too foolish. She completely does not understand the world. I cannot just watch her follow my old path and spend her whole life being dragged down by a man with no future.”

She gritted her teeth and decided that, no matter what price she had to pay, she would make Mei-yin stay away from Lin Ge.

Even if this caused a crack between mother and daughter, she would not hesitate.

3

A few days later, Mei-yin was arranged to meet Guo Jia-ming. The lights in the bar swayed gently. Jia-ming held a glass of champagne, and confidence and arrogance could be seen between his brows.

“Mei-yin, I heard that you really enjoy singing. If you have time, you can come perform at my private club. The sound equipment there is top-class.”

He smiled, his tone carrying a subtle hint of flirtation.

Mei-yin smiled politely, but her eyes unconsciously drifted toward the window, as if her thoughts had already flown somewhere far away. She secretly thought:

“What is Lin Ge doing now? Is he thinking about me too?”

Lin Ge’s image became increasingly clear in her heart, while Jia-ming’s luxurious clothes and wealthy lifestyle seemed more and more empty and hollow.

The night of Beitou was as gentle as flowing water. The faint lights outside the window illuminated the furnishings inside the room. The wooden furniture carried traces of passing years, and several old black-and-white photographs hung on the wall, seemingly telling the story of Zhao Yu-lan’s elegance and glory in her youth.

She sat on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other, coldly observing Chen Mei-yin sitting opposite her. Holding a cup of tea in her hand, she sipped it slowly and unhurriedly. A silent pressure emanated from her eyes.

“Mei-yin, think about it carefully one more time.”

Zhao Yu-lan put down her teacup. Her voice carried a trace of contempt and determination.

“A person like Lin Ge, besides that broken guitar of his, what else does he have? What kind of future can he give you? You are still young. You still do not understand what real life is.”

Mei-yin lowered her head silently. Her fingers unconsciously rubbed the corner of her clothes, while a wave of bitterness rose inside her heart.

The image of Lin Ge playing on stage appeared before her eyes. His gaze was focused and sincere, as if every note flowed out from the deepest part of his soul.

And what about Guo Jia-ming?

Although his smile was confident and brilliant, it made her feel that it was superficial and without warmth.

“Mom…”

Mei-yin raised her head, her eyes filled with determination.

“I love Lin Ge. He truly treats me sincerely. Although our life is simple, he has dreams, and he gives me his true feelings. I do not need great wealth or luxury. As long as I can be with him, I feel satisfied.”

Zhao Yu-lan let out a cold laugh when she heard this. A trace of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

“True feelings? Do you know how many times I have heard words like that?”

“When those men pursued me back then, they tried every possible way to please me. They were all full of promises of true love. But what happened afterward? How many of them were truly sincere? In the end, once they grew tired of me, they simply turned around and left.”

“I have seen too much of this, Mei-yin. Do you really think Lin Ge is different from them?”

Mei-yin remained silent. Yet inside her heart, a feeling of resistance and conflict surged.

She understood her adoptive mother’s past, and she knew the strength and struggles Zhao Yu-lan had endured throughout these years. But she also deeply understood that Lin Ge was different from those superficial men.

His devotion to music and his calm attitude toward life gave her an indescribable attraction. It was a kind of genuine emotion that no amount of money could replace.

“Mei-yin…”

Zhao Yu-lan sighed. Her tone was no longer harsh and became gentler, as she tried to persuade this stubborn child.

“You should know very clearly what kind of conditions Guo Jia-ming’s family has. He can give you a good life. You will no longer have to struggle every day over food, clothing, and daily necessities.”

“As long as you agree to this marriage, your future days will be smooth and successful. Wealth and honor will be within easy reach.”

Mei-yin remained silent for a moment, but waves had already risen inside her heart.

She could not deny that Zhao Yu-lan’s words made sense. Guo Jia-ming’s conditions were indeed excellent. After marriage, her life would be comfortable and wealthy, and she would even have more opportunities and resources.

But being with Lin Ge meant that the future was full of uncertainty. Life might always remain a journey of hardship and wandering, like drifting musical notes, unable to predict where the next destination would be.

She lowered her head, feeling her heart wavering. She wandered between two different worlds, unable to find a way out.

She could not help but secretly think:

“Should I really give up Lin Ge and pursue the stable life my mother talks about? But if I leave Lin Ge, what meaning would such a life have?”

Zhao Yu-lan looked at her expression and seemed to notice Mei-yin’s hesitation. She gave a cold laugh, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.

“Do not think that love is everything in life. When you truly fall into hardship, can love be eaten like food?”

Mei-yin raised her head and looked helplessly at her mother. Her lips trembled slightly, but she could not say a word.

She knew that Zhao Yu-lan’s words carried a cruel reality. Yet her heart still leaned toward that lame man who played the guitar, toward that poor but warm dream.

At this moment, Chen Mei-yin was trapped in deep contradiction. She was shaken by Zhao Yu-lan’s words, yet at the same time deeply bound by her love for Lin Ge.

4

The night had grown deep. The lights of the old restaurant were dim and faint. Lin Ge sat alone on a chair in the corner, lowering his head and gently touching his guitar. It was his faithful companion.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a cold and rigid figure appeared before him—Zhao Yu-lan.

She wore an elegant qipao. Heavy makeup concealed the traces left by time, but her eyes remained as sharp as ever. She slowly walked toward him, carrying a faint cold smile, and stopped in front of Lin Ge.

Zhao Yu-lan crossed her arms and said coldly:

“Lin Ge, do you really think you can give Mei-yin anything? She is my daughter. I will not let her spend her whole life suffering with a poor musician like you.”

Lin Ge raised his head. A sharp pain pierced his heart, but he still replied firmly:

“Mei-yin is free. She has the right to choose who she wants to be with.”

Zhao Yu-lan let out a cold snort and shook her head disdainfully.

“You are truly naïve. Mei-yin has already decided to marry Guo Jia-ming. That is the path she should take. Do you know how wealthy the Guo family is? How many women dream of marrying into that family?”

“She no longer needs meaningless feelings like yours. What she needs is true stability and prosperity.”

Lin Ge’s heart felt as if it had been carved open by a knife, but he still tried to remain calm.

“Mei-yin has never said anything like that. The prosperity you speak of is only your idea, not her choice.”

Zhao Yu-lan gave a cold laugh, her voice filled with contempt.

“Do you think she does not want to live a good life? She simply cannot bear to tell you herself. I have spent so many years in the world of men and women, and I have seen through countless games played by men.”

“A poor musician like you is nothing more than a temporary amusement. Sooner or later, you will be abandoned.”

“Chairman Guo has already told Mei-yin that he will not allow you to approach her again. If you continue clinging on and refuse to let go, do not blame me and Chairman Guo for being ruthless.”

Zhao Yu-lan’s words were like a sharp blade, cutting through the hope buried deep inside Lin Ge’s heart.

His fists slowly tightened. His knuckles turned white, yet he did not say a word in response.

His eyes lowered as he stared at the ground. The intense conflict and pain inside him surged violently.

Lin Ge silently thought:

“Should I let go now? Am I truly not worthy of Mei-yin? During this time, what I have given her… was it really so insignificant?”

A deep sense of helplessness overwhelmed him. It seemed that all his efforts and sincerity had become a joke.

Lin Ge clenched his hands tightly, struggling within his heart.

His gaze fell upon Zhao Yu-lan, as if trying to find some trace of truth hidden in her words. Yet waves of pain and contradiction continued stabbing at him.

“I do not believe Mei-yin would look down on me just because I am a poor musician.”

“Mrs. Zhao, the feelings between her and me cannot be measured by money.”

“I only want one answer—the answer that truly belongs to Mei-yin.”

Zhao Yu-lan smiled faintly and shook her head with contempt.

“You are truly naïve. In this world, love and poverty cannot exist together.”

“Mei-yin will understand this truth sooner or later.”

She turned away and left behind one final sentence:

“You know it yourself. You are not worthy of her.”

In the end, Lin Ge raised his head and forced himself to suppress the bitterness in his heart. In a low voice, he said:

“If Mei-yin truly chooses this, then I will respect her decision.”

His voice trembled slightly, but his eyes still carried a trace of unwillingness to let go.

“Only… please tell her that I will always remember her singing.”

Zhao Yu-lan looked at Lin Ge, smiled slightly, appearing confident that she had already won.

Then she turned and walked away.

Lin Ge watched Zhao Yu-lan’s departing figure. His heart was filled with pain, yet also anger.

His heart gradually became filled with disappointment.

In his mind appeared the nights when he and Mei-yin had wandered around performing together, the moments when they leaned against each other. Yet now, those memories were torn into fragments by Zhao Yu-lan’s words.

His hand unconsciously touched the guitar. His fingertips trembled slightly.

“Mei-yin, do you really think this way?”

“Do you also want to leave me and walk toward that kind of life that is beautiful on the outside but empty within?”

Lin Ge took a deep breath, suppressing the uneasiness and pain inside him.

He quietly left the bar, determined to meet Mei-yin privately and hear her explain everything directly.

His heart was filled with contradiction. He feared facing the truth, yet he longed to hear a denial from her own mouth.

He lowered his head in thought and walked heavily into the night.

The night wind brushed across his face, and his heart felt as if it had become a barren wasteland.

“If all of this is a lie, then I will never disturb her again.”

He said silently to himself.

Yet a crystal-like tear appeared at the corner of his eye.

He buried his longing deep inside his heart, while his footsteps became increasingly lonely in the fading darkness.

6

The pavilion in Beitou Park appeared especially gentle under the reflection of the setting sun. Golden rays passed through the gaps between the leaves and scattered onto the small paths paved with blue stone.

Lin Ge sat on the wooden bench inside the pavilion, his heart filled with nervousness and anticipation. From time to time, he looked toward the road from which he had come, repeatedly thinking about Mei-yin’s face and the promise they had made to each other.

This time, he hoped to hear her true feelings, yet he also felt uneasy about what the future might bring.

Just as Lin Ge was about to stand up, he saw Mei-yin walking toward him from a distance.

Her long hair fluttered gently in the breeze, and her light-colored dress made her appear especially fresh and charming.

Lin Ge stood up, and his heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

“Mei-yin!”

Lin Ge hurried forward to greet her, his eyes filled with expectation and concern.

“Lin Ge, I’m here. I’m sorry for making you wait so long.”

Mei-yin smiled slightly, but a trace of sorrow was hidden within her expression.

The two of them sat inside the pavilion. The surroundings were completely quiet. The only sound was the rustling of the wind brushing against the treetops.

Lin Ge looked at Mei-yin, but his heart suddenly tightened.

“Mei-yin, I heard that your adoptive mother came to see me. She warned me that I could not get close to you anymore.”

Mei-yin frowned slightly, then lowered her head.

“I have been under a great deal of pressure. My adoptive mother has been actively arranging meetings between me and Guo Jia-ming. What she means is…”

She paused for a moment, then raised her head. A firm light shone in her eyes.

“But I have seen clearly now. Guo Jia-ming is nothing more than a playboy who toys with people’s feelings. I do not want to be pushed into that kind of fire pit.”

After hearing this, Lin Ge felt a surge of emotion in his heart. Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms.

“Mei-yin, I will work hard. I will save enough money and bring a generous betrothal gift to formally ask for your hand in marriage. I will never let you suffer any more grievances.”

At that moment, suddenly, a shadow appeared at the entrance of the pavilion.

Guo Jia-ming walked over with several men following behind him.

His gaze shot toward Lin Ge like a sharp sword, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

“So you are that cripple who overestimates himself?”

He asked coldly, then immediately signaled his men to pull Lin Ge away.

“What are you doing here?”

Lin Ge’s heart tightened, and he vaguely sensed an ominous atmosphere approaching.

Guo Jia-ming gave a cold snort.

“Looks like you still do not understand your own position.”

“A person like you is not worthy of being with Mei-yin.”

He turned toward his men.

“Teach this kid a lesson. Let him know what it means to understand his own limitations!”

Several men immediately rushed toward Lin Ge and surrounded him in an instant.

Lin Ge tried to resist, but he was brutally forced to the ground by several people. Their fists and kicks fell upon him like a violent rainstorm, and pain swept through his entire body.

He could not believe what was happening before his eyes.

He could only watch helplessly as Mei-yin was forcibly dragged away by Guo Jia-ming.

His heart felt as if it had been cut apart by a knife.

“Mei-yin!”

He cried out desperately, but he could only watch her gradually disappear into the silhouette of the setting sun.

At that moment, the hope and love in his heart shattered into pieces.

7

Covered in wounds, Lin Ge sat in the living room of an old hot spring hotel. A faint smell of sulfur filled the air, and warm steam surrounded the room. His figure appeared especially exhausted.

His arms and chest were covered with bruises from the beating. Every movement caused a sharp, piercing pain.

Standing before him was a middle-aged man with a distinctive presence. He had a strong build and a resolute expression.

He was Lin Tian-liang, known by everyone as “Brother Liang,” the chairman of the Beitou Hot Spring Hotel Association.

Tian-liang had once struggled in the underworld. After leaving that life behind and turning over a new leaf, he began protecting the local community and became a guardian figure in the hearts of the people in the area.

Tian-liang looked at Lin Ge. His eyes contained both anger and compassion.

He slowly spoke:

“Lin Ge, I heard that you were taught a lesson by that rich kid and his men? Tell me what happened.”

Lin Ge sighed. A trace of helplessness could be heard in his voice.

“Brother Liang, it was because of Mei-yin…”

“She is the girl I love. But her adoptive mother does not like me and insists on sending her to that wealthy young man, Zhao Jia-ming.”

“I only wanted to explain things clearly to Mei-yin. Who would have thought they would suddenly come after me…”

He paused for a moment and lowered his head, looking at his arm. He could still feel the weight of those fists and kicks.

Tian-liang frowned deeply and patted Lin Ge on the shoulder.

“Kid, there is nothing wrong with liking a woman. But you cannot carry something like this alone!”

“A person like Zhao Jia-ming relies on his family background to act arrogantly and bully others. Honest people like us in this small place have been bullied by him enough already.”

He remained silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice:

“No matter what, Brother Liang will help you settle this matter.”

He immediately turned around and instructed the subordinate standing nearby:

“Ah Cheng, make some arrangements. We need to let Zhao Jia-ming know that Beitou is not his territory.”

Lin Ge looked somewhat uneasy. He wanted to refuse because he was worried that Brother Liang would get himself into trouble.

So he spoke softly:

“Brother Liang, this… forget it. I don’t want things to become more complicated.”

But Tian-liang waved his hand and said firmly:

“Lin Ge, a person must have backbone!”

“When something like this happens to you, if I do not stand up for you, people will look down on me in the future.”

“Besides, although Beitou is not a big place, it is not somewhere anyone can come and bully honest people.”

Lin Ge looked up at Brother Liang. His eyes were filled with admiration and gratitude.

After hesitating for a moment, he said softly:

“Thank you, Brother Liang. I only wanted to focus on singing. I truly never thought about other things.”

Brother Liang smiled, and his eyes became much gentler.

“Lin Ge, I have heard you sing before. You truly have talent.”

“A person like you should not be buried in those small restaurants in Beitou.”

As he spoke, he handed Lin Ge a business card.

“This is my old friend Xu Dong-jin. His record company is looking for new talents like you. Go find him and see if there is an opportunity.”

Lin Ge was stunned for a moment.

He excitedly accepted the business card, and warmth surged through his heart.

“Brother Liang, I truly do not know how I can thank you…”

Tian-liang patted him on the shoulder and said earnestly:

“Little brother, do not waste your talent for singing. Give yourself a chance to shine and show what you are capable of. That will be the best way to thank me.”

He smiled slightly and added:

“Remember, if you run into trouble in the future, do not keep it all to yourself. Here in Beitou, you still have brothers who stand with you.”

8

Inside the New World Restaurant, the magnificent private room was filled with lively singing and laughter. The atmosphere was full of noise and excitement.

Guo Jia-ming sat surrounded by women, with two hostesses sitting beside him. One poured wine for him, while the other laughed coquettishly and entertained him. The strong smell of alcohol filled the air.

He narrowed his eyes. Although slightly drunk, his arrogance was still obvious. From time to time, he ordered Chen Mei-yin, who was performing on stage, to sing for him and his friends to amuse them.

Chen Mei-yin’s face was pale, and her eyes were filled with helplessness.

She tried to maintain a smile, forcing herself to suppress the humiliation inside her heart. But with every line she sang, it felt as if another drop of blood was flowing from her heart.

She glanced toward the entrance, but she could only stand there helplessly, enduring Guo Jia-ming’s unreasonable commands.

At that moment, the door of the private room was suddenly kicked open.

Lin Tian-liang walked in with large strides, followed by several of his brothers. Veins bulged on his face, showing his anger.

The entire private room instantly fell silent.

The hostesses hurriedly stepped aside in fear.

Guo Jia-ming looked up. A trace of disdain flashed in his eyes.

Lin Tian-liang stared coldly at Guo Jia-ming and said:

“Guo Jia-ming, you really have some courage. You actually came to Beitou and messed with my people?”

Guo Jia-ming gave a disdainful laugh. He raised his wine glass, signaling the people beside him to fill it again. With a carefree and arrogant expression, he replied:

“Lin Tian-liang, you are nothing more than a hotel security man. Do you really think you are some important figure in the underworld?”

“A small-time character like Lin Ge offended me. He deserved to be beaten.”

“If you dare to stand up for him, then you and your people had better be prepared to pay the price.”

After hearing this, Lin Tian-liang’s anger burned fiercely.

He slammed his hand onto the table. His voice thundered:

“Guo Jia-ming, do you think Beitou is a place where you can run wild?”

“Today, I am going to seek justice for Lin Ge!”

After saying this, he stepped forward.

With swift movement, he grabbed Guo Jia-ming by the collar and pulled him up from the sofa.

His eyes were as cold as a blade.

Guo Jia-ming struggled.

He grabbed Lin Tian-liang’s wrist with both hands, trying to break free, but he discovered that he was completely no match for the other man’s strength.

He glared fiercely at Lin Tian-liang and threatened through clenched teeth:

“Lin Tian-liang, you dare touch me?”

“Do you know who my father is?”

“Today, if you lay a hand on me, I guarantee that tomorrow you will no longer be able to survive in Beitou!”

Lin Tian-liang let out a cold snort, completely unmoved.

The strength in his hand increased as he forced Guo Jia-ming down onto the sofa.

Then, punch after punch landed heavily on Guo Jia-ming’s face and head.

The younger men standing nearby were eager to step forward and help, but Lin Tian-liang waved his hand, signaling them not to interfere.

He fought alone.

Without mercy, he struck repeatedly, completely defeating Guo Jia-ming until he had no ability to fight back.

Guo Jia-ming’s face became bruised and swollen. Blood flowed from his nose and mouth.

The arrogance in his eyes gradually changed into fear.

Finally, all his confidence and aggression disappeared.

Lin Tian-liang grabbed him, dragged him out of the private room, brought him outside the restaurant onto the roadside, and threw him heavily onto the ground.

Lin Tian-liang looked down at Guo Jia-ming lying on the ground.

His voice was cold and filled with threat:

“Guo Jia-ming, if you dare come to Beitou and cause trouble again, I don’t care who your father is.”

“I will break these legs of yours and make you spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair.”

After saying this, he coldly glanced at him and turned away.

When Lin Tian-liang returned to the private room, he saw Chen Mei-yin standing nearby, her face pale with fear.

A trace of tenderness and sympathy appeared in his eyes.

He spoke softly:

“Mei-yin, don’t be afraid. I have driven that spoiled young master away for you.”

“You do not need to humiliate yourself for others. Pursuing the happiness that truly belongs to you is what matters most.”

He paused for a moment and gently encouraged her:

“That kid Lin Ge is not bad. Not only is he willing to work hard and improve himself, he also truly cares about you.”

“Don’t let anyone control your life anymore.”

Listening to his words, tears filled Chen Mei-yin’s eyes.

She looked at Lin Tian-liang gratefully and gently nodded.

She whispered:

“Thank you, Brother Liang. I…I understand now.”

Lin Tian-liang smiled slightly and gestured to the subordinate beside him.

“Ah Cheng, send Mei-yin home. Be careful on the way.”

He watched as Ah Cheng helped Mei-yin leave the private room.

A satisfied smile appeared on his face.

Deep inside, he silently prayed for the future of Mei-yin and Lin Ge, hoping that they would eventually walk out of the shadows and find the happiness that truly belonged to them.

9

At night, Ximending was filled with flashing neon lights and a sea of people. The noise and excitement of the streets highlighted a trace of loneliness that did not belong to this bustling world.

Lin Ge stood at the entrance of a quiet alley. With an old guitar in his hands and his low, hoarse voice, he carried a weathered and melancholic sadness.

His singing penetrated the noise of the crowd and attracted passing pedestrians to stop and listen.

Yet his eyes appeared empty, as if he had hidden his heart somewhere far away.

At that moment, a figure slowly approached.

It was Chen Mei-yin.

Her eyes were filled with complicated emotions and tenderness. Her lips trembled slightly as she looked at Lin Ge not far away. Her gaze was filled with determination and longing.

Lin Ge’s singing gradually stopped.

He looked toward Mei-yin. A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, along with a tenderness that was difficult to describe.

The two of them silently looked at each other for a moment.

It seemed as if all the noise around them had disappeared, leaving only the two of them.

It was as though time had stopped at that moment.

Mei-yin took a deep breath and softly called out:

“Lin Ge…”

Lin Ge’s throat moved slightly.

He withdrew his gaze, lowered his head, and looked at the guitar in his hands. His voice carried a hint of self-mockery.

“Mei-yin, how did you find this place?”

“Didn’t you already decide… to go and live a better life?”

Mei-yin stepped forward.

Tears had already quietly fallen from her eyes.

She gently held Lin Ge’s hand. Her gaze was firm yet tender.

“Lin Ge, I never gave up on you.”

“During that period of time, I followed the life my adoptive mother arranged for me, but my heart never truly left you.”

Lin Ge looked up at her.

His eyes were filled with complicated emotions, mixed with surprise and a trace of uneasiness.

“But… you could have had a better life.”

“I am only a… street singer.”

“I cannot give you a stable future.”

Mei-yin shook her head.

Tears shimmered in her eyes as she spoke gently:

“Lin Ge, I do not care about those things.”

“You are the only kind of stability I truly want.”

“No matter how difficult life may become, I only want to face it together with you.”

She gently tightened her grip on his hand.

“Your sincerity toward me has never been inferior to those superficial luxuries and empty honors.”

“Only by your side do I feel that I am truly myself.”

Lin Ge’s hand trembled slightly.

Slowly, he placed his hand over Mei-yin’s.

A trace of moisture appeared in his eyes.

He lowered his voice and said:

“Mei-yin, I…”

“I am afraid that I cannot give you happiness.”

“I am afraid that one day you will regret choosing me.”

Mei-yin smiled through her tears and firmly shook her head.

“I will not regret it, Lin Ge.”

“You are the only thing I have held on to throughout my entire life.”

Lin Ge gazed at her.

The love in his heart surged like a tide.

He gently touched her face and smiled softly.

“Alright, then let us walk forward together.”

“I will work hard.”

“Even if I have to start from singing on the streets, one day I will let you live a stable life.”

Mei-yin nodded firmly.

She leaned into his arms.

Her eyes were filled with peace and satisfaction.

Under the neon lights, they quietly embraced each other.

It seemed as if time had stopped only for them.

10

On the first night after returning to Beitou, Lin Ge and Mei-yin walked along the familiar streets.

The lights of the night illuminated their faces.

Mei-yin looked up at the neon lights filling the streets and sighed softly.

“I used to think that the lights here were a little too dazzling, but now, I actually feel that they are especially warm.”

Lin Ge held her hand and smiled.

“Perhaps it is because we have now found the place that truly belongs to us.”

He gently rubbed the back of her hand, his voice tender yet firm.

“Mei-yin, from now on, our music and our life will both be here.”

Several months later, under Lin Tian-liang’s arrangement, the band formed by the young couple gradually became accepted by Beitou’s nightlife scene.

In the smoky atmosphere of the old restaurants, and inside the lively dining establishments, the couple’s singing echoed beautifully, becoming the theme song of every night.

Lin Ge played the guitar. His voice was deep and powerful, carrying a sense of hardship and experience.

Mei-yin’s voice was graceful, sweet, and full of strength.

The two of them had perfect chemistry. Their melodies seemed naturally destined to blend together.

After one performance ended, a newlywed couple came to find them.

With excitement written all over their faces, they said:

“Lin Ge, Mei-yin, could you perform at our wedding?”

“Your singing is just like our love story—it is so touching.”

Lin Ge smiled slightly and nodded in agreement.

“Of course we are willing.”

“To use our music to witness your happiness is our honor.”

Mei-yin also smiled gently and said softly:

“We will bring you the most beautiful blessing through our singing.”

11

Several months later, in Lin Tian-liang’s office, he smiled and patted Lin Ge on the shoulder.

“Little brother, your singing has truly touched many people. Your first album is already ready.”

He handed Lin Ge a newly printed album cover.

On the cover were Lin Ge and Mei-yin standing side by side in front of the night view of Beitou, with the flashing neon lights forming the background.

Holding the album, Lin Ge was overwhelmed with excitement.

He looked at Mei-yin, his eyes filled with tenderness.

“Mei-yin, our efforts were not in vain.”

“This album is the proof of what we have accomplished together.”

Mei-yin held Lin Ge’s hand tightly.

Her eyes became slightly moist, and she smiled.

“Lin Ge, we really did it.”

“No matter what happens in the future, I am willing to continue walking forward with you.”

Lin Tian-liang laughed heartily.

“You two really are a perfect match.”

“Get yourselves ready. This is only the beginning.”

“Your songs will be carried even farther and sung by more people!”

With arrangements made by the record company, the couple appeared on a television singing program for the first time.

Backstage, the staff members were busy adjusting the equipment.

Mei-yin held Lin Ge’s hand nervously.

“Lin Ge, being able to perform on television still feels a little unbelievable.”

Lin Ge gently held her hand tighter and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry. You are the best singer.”

“I will accompany you beside you. We are just like when we performed on the stage in Beitou.”

“We only need to sing out the melodies from our hearts.”

When the program began, they stood in the center of the stage.

The lights shone upon them.

At that instant, it seemed as if the entire world had become still.

The sound of Lin Ge’s guitar gently began.

Mei-yin started singing the song that belonged to them, filled with sincerity and tenderness.

The audience below held their breath and listened.

Accompanied by their singing, their hearts slowly became immersed in the night scenery of Beitou.

Lin Ge and Mei-yin’s music had already taken root on this land.

Whenever many old Na-ka-xi musicians mentioned them, they would reveal approving smiles.

Tea houses, restaurants, streets, and alleys—even travelers who had just arrived in Beitou had heard their story.

People gathered in old restaurants, drinking and chatting, and they always loved to say:

“Do you know? That couple of singers from Beitou—they sing with their true hearts.”

Lin Ge and Mei-yin walked through the familiar night scenery of Beitou.

Mei-yin leaned against Lin Ge’s shoulder and softly said:

“We have walked through so many hardships together.”

“Lin Ge, I am truly happy now.”

Lin Ge slightly lowered his head and kissed her forehead.

He gently replied:

“Mei-yin, I am happy too.”

“Being able to stay by your side and use music to touch people’s hearts is the life I want most.”