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墨書 Inktalez
Gu Yan had a chaotic dream.
The sky in the dream was filled with vibrant colors, like colorful bubbles under the sunlight, overflowing with soft hues. He knew very well that he was not in reality, as the outside sky was a clear blue, occasionally dotted with fluffy white clouds, but it could never be this dazzling. The air in this space was fragrant, mixed with the salty tang of seawater, but not overwhelming; it smelled like the mist of a summer morning, damp yet not cold.
Gu Yan ran forward, feeling as free as a child. The ground beneath his feet was soft, and even if he fell, there would be no pain—just what every mischievous child dreams of. It was also what he had longed for in his childhood.
Being born into a prominent family was, in some ways, a blessing because certain things were unattainable for others throughout their lives—luxurious homes in gated communities, the latest luxury goods, supercars, and a life filled with extravagance and lavish spending—all of these were not difficult for Gu Yan. Just like his grandfather, who could choose a private jet or a special train and occasionally enjoy the most comfortable room on a ship.
Money is omnipotent. This was something Gu Yan had known since childhood. Countless so-called adults would bring their beautiful daughters to Gu Yan during social gatherings; those delicate young ladies would compete for his attention in front of him. Gu Yan did not like it.
However, he had to maintain a gentlemanly facade; those superficial interactions made young Gu Yan feel frustrated. His favorite thing to do was hide in a small storage room at home—a place he had discovered by accident. It was dusty and dark all around, but Gu Yan was not afraid of the dark; he did not fear solitude either. In fact, he enjoyed being alone, which gave him a sense of security.
The only light inside came from a small strip of glass that let in rays of light, illuminating the dust particles that seemed to dance in the air. All dirt had nowhere to hide. Gu Yan loved the feeling of that beam of light on his face; he also enjoyed looking out through that piece of glass at the blue outside—a vast expanse of blue that was shallow and clear—that was the sky.
Whenever he left that small room, without exception, he would receive scolding from his etiquette teacher for getting dust all over his clothes. After leaving that little house, he transformed back into the young master of an upper-class family. Everyone presented things before Gu Yan; after seeing so much and getting used to it, it became tiresome. When everything is within reach, nothing holds any allure anymore.
There is a saying that surprises are like jellybeans in a box—you never know what flavor you will get next—but when someone has tasted all the flavors, no matter what comes next, it holds no significance for them. This is another aspect of being born into privilege; in another sense, it also means exhausting life's joys prematurely.
Gu Yan spent these fifteen years in an indifferent manner. Under his parents' guidance, he was disguised by good manners; everyone around him was monotonous.
Gu Yan read "The Decameron," where men and women dressed extravagantly yet engaged in actions unbefitting their appearances; beneath that layer of paint, their souls were decayed and foul, leading to wickedness. He recalled when he learned to walk; his grandfather held his hand as they walked along the Garden Path of the old house. That old house was where his grandfather had lived his entire life; Gu Yan had only visited once during childhood for a short holiday but it left a deep impression on him.
After his grandmother passed away, his grandfather had been lonely, guarding the last memories shared with her until his health deteriorated. His parents brought him to the most advanced hospital for treatment. However, an aging person cannot regain youth; death does not offer bargaining opportunities.
His grandfather's graying hair and layers of wrinkles made him seem wise—indeed, this was true.
In the last period of time, Grandfather's health seemed to revive, and he appeared spirited. He expressed a desire to return to the old house across the ocean. As the saying goes, "Return to One's Roots," to remain steadfast until the end. Being buried in his homeland, beside his beloved, was the only wish of this elderly man.
"Child, can you take this old body back for me?" Grandfather asked Gu Yan with a loving gaze. Looking at Grandfather's white hair, Gu Yan could not refuse. Thus, they embarked on this maritime journey.
Gu Yan pondered why Grandfather chose to sail as the means for this one-way trip. Later, he learned that Grandfather met Grandmother at sea; that young man encountered his second half during a muddled journey—a young and beautiful girl. They met, shared passionate kisses, made love, and had a child together before growing old—this was another story of the ocean.
Grandfather said, "Child, my child. You must endure loneliness." He had the right to teach him this because Grandfather had lived in solitude for decades. He wrote poems for his deceased wife repeatedly, inscribing his longing on paper.
Grandfather's deeds taught him that there are things money cannot buy, such as life and love. Fate played a trick on the two of them. The vast ocean once again captured a handsome young man. During the journey, Gu Yan encountered the Azure Tail Siren.
A wild longing engulfed him; he was immersed in it and unable to extricate himself until Grandfather passed away. When that box of ashes was buried in the backyard of the old house, fifteen-year-old Gu Yan suddenly felt an impulse. He did not want to leave this place.
To be honest, he was puzzled as to why he felt this way. His bond with Grandfather was not particularly deep; his memories of Grandfather were few—only encounters from childhood and their recent trip together. Yet Gu Yan felt that impulse; for the first time, he wanted to resist his parents' wishes. He did not want to go back; he wanted to stay here.
But what would he do here? Why stay in a simple house? The image of that beautiful figure with a blue fish tail floated in Gu Yan's mind. He no longer wanted to live life by routine.
Grandfather's pursuit and waiting for love awakened the passion within Gu Yan. That fleeting figure was like a drop of dew for a traveler in the desert, reviving his parched soul once more. He told his parents, "I want to arrange my own life from now on."
Thus, he escaped from that cage, searching for the legend of Siren around the world. Ten years passed, and his parents still loved their child; they vaguely knew what Gu Yan was searching for and had contributed significantly to his quest.
When Gu Yan returned to the villa where he had lived as a child, he once again sneaked into that small room when no one was around. Over the years, he had grown considerably, making the space feel somewhat cramped. He looked out through that small glass just as he did when he was young.
It seemed as if nothing had changed; it was still that blue expanse. But Gu Yan had changed. He was no longer the Gu Yan who would hide in the enclosed Storage Room. He had learned to pursue dreams, to chase passions, to seek Siren.
He shared the same blood as his grandfather. Now, his gaze was filled with blue, but he was not thinking of the sky; he was thinking of the sea. The clouds drifting were like surging waves. That vast scene slowly unfolded before Gu Yan.
He knew he had to endure loneliness. Upon returning this time, his father said he would tell him something important. As he brushed off the dust from himself, his father told him that the Patrol Team at sea had discovered traces of Siren.
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