Chapter 47: As Fate Comes and Goes

The project had indeed come to an end, but the people of the Hidden Immortal Valley were given the choice to stay.

As this news spread and was subsequently confirmed by the accompanying staff of the project team, the entire valley was filled with people discussing the matter the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Leng Zhiheng and several staff members set up a platform at the threshing ground, requesting all residents of the valley to complete their registration by the end of the day while also answering any questions they might have.

For those who chose to leave directly, nothing much needed to be said; everything would be handled according to the original contracts.

Not only would they receive the compensation promised in the contract, but their household registration records would also be restored, and various information such as their native place would be modified. The project team would properly handle everything, even providing corresponding additional housing.

Those who chose to stay would not leave empty-handed either; the funds promised in the contract would still be provided.

They could designate an account or have a trusted person claim the funds on their behalf, and their household registration records would be restored to their places of origin. Of course, choosing to forfeit these things was also an option.

Beyond that, there was nothing else, because the entire project team would only maintain oversight until the end of the current lunar month.

After that, the Shattering Illusions Project team would be completely disbanded, and the vast majority of archives would be destroyed.

Yes, the archives would be destroyed, with only a few original copies of the confidentiality agreements being retained. This was because all project participants were required to maintain confidentiality not only during the project but also for ten years after its conclusion.

This clause was originally designed to prevent Liu Hongyu from learning the truth too early after waking from his dream, which might trigger recurring psychological problems, but it was retained nonetheless.

Everyone needed to make a choice, either individually or as a family unit.

People throughout the valley were talking about this subject.

Participating in the Shattering Illusions Project and surviving the elimination rounds to become an actor was no easy feat. No one here was truly a fool; clear logic and complete thinking abilities were beyond doubt.

Therefore, most people were able to figure out many things on their own.

The project team would no longer be responsible for the Hidden Immortal Valley after the end of the month. If one chose to stay in the Hidden Immortal Valley and leave at a later date, many troubles would have to be resolved independently, plus they would be losing a house!

Yes, for those who chose an identity outside their place of origin, the project team's resettlement plan included housing. Although unstated, this housing would most likely not be deducted from their financial compensation.

Moreover, as wonderful as the Hidden Immortal Valley was, it was ultimately artificial. Living here meant eventually returning to society—this was the sentiment shared by many.

Of course, there were also those who rejoiced.

Some people had expected that the Hidden Immortal Valley, much like the outer perimeter stations, would have most of its buildings dismantled and be converted back into economic forests, or perhaps designated as a private resort by the Liu family, no longer belonging to them in any case.

Yet now, it seemed the Hidden Immortal Valley would continue to exist, and perhaps this place would remain their home!

At the threshing ground, where Leng Zhiheng and the others were stationed, staff members continuously registered information amidst the clamor of conversations and even arguments among the villagers, while also bearing the responsibility of comforting and explaining.

Some people who had just finished signing were still sighing, only to be chided by their family members right beside them.

"Ah, I really hate to leave..." "Hate to leave what? Haven't you had enough of staying here?"

"Hurry home, there are still so many things to pack!" "Mom, can I not leave..."

"If you don't leave, how will you make a living in the future? Master has great scholarship and can make a living through classical literature, do you have that kind of skill?"

...

An elderly craftsman inquired of the staff members.

"Who among you is in charge? Who is responsible?" "I am, I am. My surname is Leng, and I can represent the Liu Group!"

"Then young man, tell me, if we stay here, will there come a day when someone suddenly comes to drive us away again?"

"Of course not, rest assured, Elder. The project team will dissolve by the end of the month. Even if you don't trust me, surely you trust Master Zhuang?"

"Oh, oh, that's right. Master Zhuang isn't leaving either?"

"Yes, Master Zhuang is not leaving..."

Leng Zhiheng had lost count of how many times he had explained such matters. After enduring a morning of torture, he had grown wise by now, discovering that simply mentioning Master Zhuang's name was usually enough to pacify those who wished to stay.

"Hey, hey, don't start a fight over there, don't start a fight—"

Hearing this, Leng Zhiheng immediately vaulted over the platform to maintain order.

The people of the valley had always been harmonious, but as they reached the final day or two, some conflicts had emerged, many of which even occurred among family members.

Of course, there were also those who had agreed to change their household registrations to settle down in the same place, while some young men and women had privately betrothed themselves to each other with their families' tacit approval.

Although only one wedding had been held inside the Hidden Immortal Valley so far, the bonds forged here were perhaps purer than those outside, and the families chosen as in-laws here were unlikely to be lacking in financial standing.

By the afternoon, shortly before sunset, the registration of information was basically completed. Leng Zhiheng was thoroughly exhausted, lacking even the opportunity to smoke a cigarette.

Fortunately, sustained by the meal from the previous night, Leng Zhiheng felt full of energy today.

And tonight would also be the very last night for many residents in the Hidden Immortal Valley.

That night, almost everyone who had registered their information—regardless of whether they chose to stay or leave—suffered from insomnia, including the children.

In Duan Yonghua's household, their eight-year-old child did not sleep in his own room tonight, but lay between his parents.

"Is your master truly not leaving? What about Xiaowen?"

"Xiaowen is young, so living here for a few years is fine. When he comes out in the future, I can help settle him down... As for Master, he wants to spend his twilight years here, the environment is good..."

"That's true, I suppose."

"Oh my, what am I going to do about the medicine gardens I cultivated with Master in the mountains? Those herbs are growing so gratifyingly, and some of the preserved heirloom seeds have already sprouted..."

"Isn't the old master still there? Is that something for you to worry about?"

"Master is getting old!" "I think he looks as robust as ever!"

At this moment, the child also looked up at his parents.

"Mom and Dad, I don't want to leave..."

"Talking nonsense, at your age you should be entering the third grade of primary school. If you fall behind any further, you won't catch up with the curriculum!"

"Then can I go say goodbye to Master tomorrow..."

"That goes without saying. Go to sleep now, we still have a lot to do tomorrow." "Yes, tomorrow we'll finish packing and leave with the vehicle convoy..."

In Elder Mu's household, Mu Hongwen was also sleeping with his grandfather, continuously asking about what would come next.

These were merely a microcosm of the entire valley.

Just as Zhuang Lin had anticipated, those who were meant to leave would eventually leave, and those who were meant to stay would certainly stay.

Zhuang Lin also remained awake all night, though he did not toss and turn out of sleeplessness, nor was he intoxicated by cultivation.

That night, Zhuang Lin sat quietly in the schoolhouse.

Under the light of an oil lamp, using a large piece of timber and a small carving knife, he cut and carved small personal seals one by one.

His students were still children, not yet old enough to have courtesy names, and perhaps they never would out in the wider world.

As their teacher and elder, Zhuang Lin was qualified to bestow courtesy names upon the younger generation. Regardless of their learning or age, tonight he carved a seal for every single student, upon which was inscribed the courtesy name he had prepared for them in advance.

Qianping, Gongbo, Yi'an, Zixuan, Mingtang, Xiaoling, Suining...

Zhuang Lin remembered the personality of every student, and each courtesy name was tailored to their individual nature combined with his own expectations for them...

...

At dawn the next morning, amidst the crowing of roosters, everyone in the valley woke up early. Countless families were packing their luggage, and even their pet dogs had to be brought along.

Some residents who had decided to stay volunteered to help.

Zhuang Lin had also been standing in the front courtyard of the schoolhouse since the first crow of the rooster, and many people came to the schoolhouse in a steady stream to bid him farewell.

Some children came by themselves, while others were accompanied by their parents; some wore smiles, while others broke down in tears.

A student ran over alone and bowed deeply to Zhuang Lin.

"Master, the student is leaving. Please take care of yourself!"

Having said that, he turned and fled as if escaping.

Others were groups of children who came together. Usually, the Master was a figure of authority, but today they all gathered around Zhuang Lin. When Zhuang Lin proactively opened his arms to embrace them, the children broke down their usual reserve and rushed into his hug.

"Master, take care!" "Master, will we still be able to listen to your lectures in the future?"

"Master, I don't want to leave..."

...

Naturally, the children felt sorrow not only at parting with their Master but also at leaving their playmates who were staying behind, and they mutually promised to find opportunities to meet again in the outside world.

When some children lingered in the schoolhouse for too long, their parents would come looking for them, resulting in a bout of tug-of-war.

Either children cried and shouted "I don't want to leave," or they were coaxed and pressured into departing...

Yet, whether it was the children who lingered a while longer in the schoolhouse or the youths who fled immediately after saying goodbye, Zhuang Lin had either personally or through someone else deliver the carved seals to their rightful owners.

Naturally, apart from the children, quite a few adults came to bid farewell as well.

There was still a stretch of mountain road ahead of them. The people of the valley packed their belongings onto horse-drawn and donkey-drawn carts, and soon set off toward the outside of the valley.

Those who chose to remain in the Hidden Immortal Valley were, after all, a minority, accounting for less than a third of the population.

Starting from early morning, these people helped out together and eventually accompanied Zhuang Lin to send the vehicle convoy all the way up to the mountain pass overlooking the valley.

Everyone exchanged farewells, spoke a few final words, and then, as the convoy moved forward, they had no choice but to catch up with the carriages carrying their luggage.

This place was truly a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the world—a shared little secret in the hearts of the valley's inhabitants.

People had been fortunate enough to live together here for a considerable length of time, but parting ways had come at last!

Zhuang Lin stood alongside Elder Mu, with the remaining schoolhouse students gathered around them. Whenever departing friends passed by, the group would bid them farewell together.

Sometimes smiling cheerfully, sometimes weeping tearfully...

Leng Zhiheng was undoubtedly the busiest person, but by this point, he could finally let out a sigh of relief.

As the convoy of carriages and horses departed from the pass, Leng Zhiheng wiped the sweat from his brow and walked over to Zhuang Lin and the others. Looking at the group still standing there, he smiled and said,

"Master Zhuang, it's time for me to say goodbye as well. You have the resources here; if you ever truly plan to enter the entertainment industry in the future, don't forget to give me your autograph!"

Zhuang Lin smiled and merely returned a clasped-fist salute.

"Thank you for your care, we part ways here! I hope you'll take good care of our neighbors from the valley along the road!"

"You can rest assured about that. At the very least, I have to give my boss an answer, right? Alright, goodbye everyone—though we might hardly ever see each other again! Elder Mu, I'm off!"

Mu Chen also returned a clasped-fist salute without speaking, his gaze following the distant figure of his disciple's family as they receded into the distance.

Leng Zhiheng laughed heartily. He initially wanted to wave, but hesitating for a moment, he followed the "local custom" and made a slightly awkward ritual bow before breaking into a light jog to catch up with the leading convoy.

The entire convoy would pass by Muling Primary School, where they would rendezvous with the final batch of outer-station staff and leave the reserve together...

On the small hill at the valley entrance, Zhuang Lin and the others stood watching the convoy gradually recede into the distance, seeing them descend the mountain, cross the orchard, enter the mountain trail, and finally vanish from sight.

Zhuang Lin withdrew his gaze and looked back at the remaining people in the valley.

At this moment, the people left behind in the valley stood in twos and threes forming a long line along the edge of the valley, most of their gazes still fixed on the direction where the convoy had disappeared.

Aside from a small number of children, the majority were older individuals, with very few complete families having chosen to stay.

Young people like Fu Zeyang were also in the minority, yet remarkably, all those who had journeyed to the Jin Dynasty together had chosen to remain in the crowd, which came as a mild surprise to Zhuang Lin.

He had thought that Tang Bin, at the very least, would surely leave—didn't he seem to have confessed his feelings to a young woman just last night?

Thinking thus, Zhuang Lin had no intention of seeking out verification to spare the young man any embarrassment.

"Ah, the valley is going to feel a lot lonelier now..."

Elder Mu's remark effectively broke the surrounding silence.

Zhuang Lin looked around him; there was no sorrow on his face, only a smile as gentle as a spring breeze, imparting a sense of inexplicable calm to the children nearby.

"Where encounters begin and end, to live together here for a time and leave behind fond memories is quite good enough!"

With that, Zhuang Lin nodded to those around him and took the lead along the mountain path back into the valley, while the children instinctively followed their master.

"People have their own aspirations. We knew this day would come from the very beginning; on the contrary, the fact that we can stay is an unexpected blessing!"

As Fu Zeyang spoke, he stretched lazily and worked out his legs and feet, which were slightly sore from helping with the heavy lifting.

Tang Bin also wandered over at this moment.

"That's true, but after all, this is a reserve, isn't it? Without the project team here anymore, if the state eventually discovers we're living here, wouldn't that be considered illegal?"

Old Man Qiao over there chuckled.

"Then you're worrying needlessly. The economic forest land is leased for seventy years; by the time that rolls around, old bones like us will long be gone, and as for you young folks, with so much money outside, will you really be able to endure the temperament to stay cooped up here forever?"

"That's right, and these children will eventually have to leave anyway... Scatter, scatter!"

"Say, can I change to a different place to live?" "Oh right, there are so many empty houses!"

"Hey, hey, hey, I've already talked to Aunt Wang's family, the courtyard they left behind is mine!"

"Then I need to change my dwelling too!"

The villagers chatted among themselves to cheer each other up and then dispersed.

Yet upon returning to the valley and facing the quiet and solitary Hidden Immortal Valley, a sense of melancholy still lingered in their hearts, and some even found themselves harboring a trace of subtle regret...