Siheyuan: Silly Pillar is Kind

At the conference, Ah Xing presented the development history of the mountain village observatory and told the story of how he and the children overcame difficulties and persisted in astronomical exploration. His story moved everyone present and won warm applause and praise. The children's research results were also recognized by the experts present, who highly praised the talents and potential of these young explorers.

This international conference not only made the names of Ah Xing and the mountain village observatory known around the world, but also brought Ah Xing new thoughts and inspirations. He realized that astronomical exploration is a common cause for all mankind, regardless of national boundaries or regions. He decided to bring this new knowledge and ideas back to the mountain village to share with the children and grow together.

After returning to the village, Ah Xing shared his experience and gains from the conference with the villagers. He talked about the latest developments in the international astronomical community and introduced the experiences and practices of astronomical education in other countries and regions. The villagers were deeply inspired. They saw the potential and hope of the mountain village observatory and became more determined to support astronomical education.

Axing and Amy began to reform the teaching methods of the astronomy education center, introducing more interactive and practical sessions to encourage children to use their imagination and creativity. They also plan to establish partnerships with foreign astronomical institutions to provide children with more learning and communication opportunities.

The call of the starry sky has brought Ah Xing and the mountain village observatory to a broader stage. Their story has inspired more people to pay attention to astronomy education and to support those children who have astronomical dreams. Ah Xing believes that as long as they persevere, the mountain village observatory will be able to cultivate more astronomical talents and contribute to the astronomical cause of mankind.

In the promise under the starry sky, Ah Xing proved with his actions that even the most remote mountain village can have the dream of exploring the universe. The story of him and the children has become a legend, inspiring more people to chase the stars and explore the unknown world. And the mountain village observatory will continue to write its glorious chapter under the illumination of the starry sky.

### Chapter 10: Eternal Starlight

Years have passed like shooting stars, and Ah Xing's hair has turned silver, but his love for astronomy and his commitment to the children have never changed. The observatory is not only a symbol of the village, but also a symbol of knowledge and dreams. Whenever night falls, he still stands on the terrace of the observatory, looking up at the stars with the children, sharing their infinite curiosity and yearning for the universe.

As time went by, Ah Xing gradually handed over more responsibilities to his young successors, but he remained the soul of the observatory. His story and achievements became a legend in the village, inspiring generations of children to pursue their dreams.

Under Axing's leadership, the observatory has become an important base for scientific research and education. It not only has the most advanced observation equipment, but also a group of enthusiastic and talented young astronomers. They continue Axing's work and develop the observatory into an internationally renowned astronomical research center.

In his later years, Ah Xing devoted most of his time to compiling astronomy textbooks and guiding young astronomers. He hoped that through his efforts, he could help more children understand astronomy and inspire their love for science. His textbooks are easy to understand and are deeply loved by children, becoming must-read books in mountain village schools.

During a special astronomical observation activity, Ah Xing led the children to observe a rare meteor shower. They sat quietly on the terrace, looking up at the sky, waiting for the meteors to appear. When the first meteor streaked across the night sky, the children cheered one after another. Ah Xing looked at them with a smile, her heart filled with warmth and satisfaction.

"Every shooting star carries a dream," Ah Xing said softly, "Just like you, there are infinite possibilities."

The children sat around Ah Xing, listening to his words and feeling his wisdom and kindness. They knew that Ah Xing was not only their mentor, but also their friend and family.

As the night deepened, Ah Xing felt a little tired. He knew that his time was running out, but he was not afraid. Because he believed that he had completed his mission and passed on the flame of knowledge to the next generation.

On a quiet night, Ah Xing closed his eyes peacefully. He dedicated his whole life to astronomy and education. But his spirit and knowledge, like stars, will always shine in the mountain village. The children continued his work and developed the observatory into an important base for scientific research and education.

The departure of Ah Xing plunged the entire mountain village into deep mourning. But they knew that what Ah Xing wanted most was for them to continue pursuing their dreams and exploring the mysteries of the universe. So, they turned their grief into strength, continued to study and research in the observatory, and continued to carry on Ah Xing's spirit.

In the promise under the starry sky, Ah Xing used his life to interpret what persistence and dedication are. His story, like those twinkling stars, will always illuminate the night sky of the mountain village and inspire generations of children to pursue their dreams. The mountain village observatory has also become an eternal landmark, witnessing Ah Xing and the children's love for astronomy and pursuit of knowledge.

**Team Leader Wang Xu**: (jokingly) Chef He, are you holding a blind date meeting with the middle-aged ladies?

**Shazhu**: (Smiling and waving his hands) How can that be possible, squad leader? I am just learning the cooking skills from the aunties.

**Auntie A**: (Turning around) Go away, Old Wang, don't interrupt. We are just giving some advice to Chef He.

**Auntie B**: (seriously) Chef He, you really need to think about it. My niece is really good.

**Squad Leader Wang Xu**: (joking) Hey, I have a good girl ready-made, why don’t you consider my daughter first?

**Auntie C**: (teasing) Old Wang, your daughter is still young, Chef He can’t wait.

**Silly Zhu**: (awkwardly) Haha, squad leader, stop joking.

**Auntie A**: (curious) Speaking of which, Old Wang, isn't your daughter studying in another city? Does she have a boyfriend?

**Class monitor Wang Xu**: (shaking his head) No, that girl has high standards and doesn’t like those guys in school.

**Auntie B**: (Nods) Kids nowadays all have their own ideas.

**Shazhu**: (Changing the subject) Monitor, what dish are we going to make today?

**Team Leader Wang Xu**: (serious) Oh, today we are going to make braised pork and stir-fried seasonal vegetables. Chef He, get ready to start.

**Silly Zhu**: (Agrees) Okay, I’ll go prepare the ingredients right away.

**Auntie C**: (Reminding) Chef He, don’t forget about your niece. We all remember it.

**Shazhu**: (laughing) I can’t forget it, I can’t forget it.

**Auntie A**: (urging) Okay, okay, let’s get to work and stop chatting here.

**Wang Xu**: (Walks into the kitchen and sees Sha Zhu tidying up the stove) Chef He, you came so early today?

**Silly Zhu**: (Looks up, smiles) Good morning, squad leader Wang. I couldn't sleep, so I came early to get ready.

**Wang Xu**: (Nods) Well, it’s a good thing that young people are motivated. By the way, the taste of the braised pork yesterday needs to be adjusted. The leader said it was a bit salty.

**傻柱**: (seriously) Is it salty? It was okay when I tasted it yesterday. I will make some adjustments and try to do better today.

**Wang Xu**: (Sits down and takes out his pipe) Chef He, your cooking skills are good, but you need to listen to everyone's opinions more so that you can improve.

**Shazhu**: (picks up the seasoning box) Yes, the monitor is right. I need to learn more and try more.

**Wang Xu**: (lights his pipe) By the way, I heard that you have been thinking about personal issues recently?

**傻柱**: (awkward) Uh...the aunties told you that, right?

**Wang Xu**: (smiles) You can't hide anything about this hospital from me. If you need help, just tell me. I know a lot of people and I might be able to introduce you to someone suitable.

**Silly Zhu**: (grateful) Thank you, squad leader. I really want to find someone to live with.

**Wang Xu**: (exhaling smoke) Find a good girl who can help you take care of the family, so you can work with greater peace of mind.

**傻柱**: (nods) Yes, my sister is still young and needs someone to take care of her. I hope to find someone who can take in our whole family.

**Wang Xu**: (seriously) There is no rush, take your time. Finding someone who is kind-hearted and capable is better than anything else.

**Silly Zhu**: (sighs) That’s right, this isn’t easy to find. I still need to think about it carefully.

**Wang Xu**: (Standing up) Okay, don't think too much. Focus on work first, and let the relationship take its course. I'm going to the office now, you get ready, there will be more people here soon.

**Shazhu**: (Stands up straight) Okay, squad leader, take care.

**Wang Xu**: (turning back) Chef He, how is your sister? Is she still adapting?

**Silly Zhu**: (Nods) Well, she has adapted well. Thanks to the care of the lady and neighbors.

**Wang Xu**: (Smiles) That's good. Your sister is a sensible child, and it's not easy for you either.

**Shazhu**: (bitter smile) Yes, sometimes I really feel that the burden on my shoulders is quite heavy.

**Wang Xu**: (patting Sha Zhu on the shoulder) Don't worry, just take it one step at a time. You've done pretty well.

**Shazhu**: (looking at Wang Xu gratefully) Thank you, squad leader. I feel much more at ease with your words.

**Wang Xu**: (seriously) By the way, when it comes to matchmakers, don’t take it too seriously. There are many free love relationships in today’s society.

**Silly**: (curious) Free love? Class leader, you mean...

**Wang Xu**: (Explanation) It means two people get to know each other and decide on their own whether to be together or not, without the need for a matchmaker.

**Silly Zhu**: (Surprised) Is this possible?

**Wang Xu**: (Nods) Of course. Look at the young people nowadays, many of them find their own partners.

**傻朱**: (Thinking) That’s a good idea, but where can I meet the right girl?

**Wang Xu**: (joking) Chef He, you're busy in the kitchen every day, and the only people you meet are aunties and grandmas, so you have to think of a solution.

**Shazhu**: (laughing helplessly) You are right, squad leader. I need to broaden my circle of friends.

**Wang Xu**: (Encouraging) Right, take part in more social activities, or ask your friends to introduce people to you.

**Silly Zhu**: (Nods) Yes, I will. Thank you for the advice, monitor.

**Wang Xu**: (Looking out the window) It’s almost time, get ready to fire, we’ll be busy soon.

**Shazhu**: (Standing up straight) OK, squad leader. I'll get ready right away.

**Wang Xu**: (before leaving) Chef He, remember, work is important, but personal life is also important. Don't work too hard, your health is important.

**Shazhu**: (smiles) Got it, squad leader. You too, don't work too hard.

**Wang Xu**: (returns to the kitchen and looks at the busy Sha Zhu) Chef He, what special dishes are you going to make today?

**Shazhu**: (cutting vegetables) I want to try making a dish of fish-flavored eggplant. What do you think, squad leader?

**Wang Xu**: (Nods) Fish-flavored eggplant? Not bad, sweet and sour, everyone should like it. Remember to fry the eggplant until it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

**Silly Zhu**: (confidently) Don't worry, monitor. I even practiced it several times last night.

**Wang Xu**: (Laughing) That’s good. I have confidence in your cooking skills, Chef He.

**Silly Zhu**: (suddenly remembered) By the way, monitor, do you have any recommendations for the social activities you mentioned yesterday?

**Wang Xu**: (Thinking) Well, doesn’t our factory often organize dances? You might consider attending one.

**傻柱**: (Surprised) Dance? I've never danced before.

**Wang Xu**: (encouraging) It’s nothing to worry about if you haven’t danced before, young people learn quickly. Besides, there are so many girls at the dance, it’s a good opportunity to meet some people.

**Silly**: (hesitates) I...I may not be very good at dancing.

**Wang Xu**: (jokingly) Chef He, you can even make such a complicated dish, so why are you afraid of simple dance steps?

**Shazhu**: (bitter smile) Cooking is different from dancing, monitor.

**Wang Xu**: (seriously) Yes, but you can go and take a look first and feel the atmosphere. You don’t have to dance, just chatting is fine.

**Silly Zhu**: (nods) That’s a good idea, I’ll think about it.

**Wang Xu**: (Looking towards the door) Hey, the aunties are here, your chance has come.

**Auntie A**: (Walks into the kitchen) Chef He, we would like to try your new dishes today.

**Silly Zhu**: (smiles) Okay, auntie, I promise you will be satisfied.

Auntie B: (curious) I heard you're going to a dance? Young people should go out more often.

**傻柱**: (awkward) Uh, I'm still thinking...

Auntie C: (encouragingly) Go ahead, Chef He. You might meet the right person.

**傻柱**: (convinced) Okay, I'll go. Thanks for the advice, aunties.

**Wang Xu**: (Laughing) Look, the aunties all support you. Don't hesitate.

**Silly Zhu**: (Determined) Okay, I'll go! Maybe this is really an opportunity.

**Auntie A**: (Satisfied) That's right. Chef He, we are looking forward to eating your fish-flavored eggplant.

**傻朱**: (nods) It will be ready soon, please wait a moment, ladies.

**Wang Xu**: (Watching Sha Zhu preparing the ingredients) Chef He, you cut the eggplant very skillfully. It looks like you put a lot of effort into it.

**Shazhu**: (smiles) You’re too kind, squad leader. I always feel that I can cook easily if I have good knife skills.

**Wang Xu**: (Nods) That’s right, knife skills are the basis. By the way, speaking of the prom, what are you going to wear?

**傻柱**: (hesitates) Just... the clothes I usually wear.

**Wang Xu**: (shakes his head) That won’t work. A dance is a formal occasion and you have to dress decently.

**傻柱**: (confused) More respectable? I don't really understand this.

**Wang Xu**: (Suggestion) At least wear a clean and neat shirt, and your pants should also be neat. Do you want me to give you some advice?

**傻朱**: (grateful) That’s great, squad leader, thank you!

**Auntie A**: (comes closer) Chef He, you have to dress up nicely to leave a good impression on the girls.

**Silly Zhu**: (awkward laugh) Auntie, I’ll try my best.

Chef He, would you like me to lend you some hair oil? I guarantee your hair will be shiny.

**Silly Zhu**: (refusing with a smile) No thanks, Auntie, I don’t have much hair anyway.

**Auntie C**: (seriously) Silly, you have to be serious. This is related to your lifelong event.

**Silly Zhu**: (Nods) I know, I know, I will prepare well.

**Wang Xu**: (looking out the window) It’s almost time, get ready to cook, the guests are coming soon.

**傻柱**: (Standing up) OK, squad leader. I'll go light the fire right away.

**Auntie A**: (speaking to the other aunties) Let’s not make trouble here and let Chef He focus on cooking.