Stars Fall Into The Sea, Love Never Fades Chapter 21

Chapter 22 The blooming of charity flowers and the resonance of the soul

In the third year after the publication of “Stars Falling to the Horizon”, “Qi Charity Foundation” has become an influential depression relief organization in China.

Ah Zhi is no longer limited to offline companionship. He has teamed up with a team of psychological experts to develop an online consultation platform so that patients in remote areas can also receive professional help. He launched the “Starry Sky Studio” project and set up public welfare studios in more than ten cities across the country. He invited art lovers to teach patients with depression to draw for free and use art to heal the soul. This was what Qi wanted to do most during his lifetime. He once said that “the paintbrush can draw the light in the heart.”

On this day, Azhi came to the charity studio located on the outskirts of the city.The studio is filled with patients’ paintings, mostly of starry sky, sea, and warm sun, with bright colors and full of desire for life.A little girl with pigtails was drawing a picture. The picture showed two figures holding hands, standing under the bright starry sky, with “Brother Qi and Brother Azhi” written next to them.

“Kid, why did you draw them?” Ah Zhi squatted beside her and asked softly.

The little girl raised her head with bright eyes: “The teacher said that Brother Qi is a very gentle painter, and Brother Azhi is a great hero who helps many people. I want to paint them, and thank them for giving me the courage.”

Ah Zhi’s eyes were slightly red, and his fingertips lightly brushed the drawing paper: “You draw so well, Brother Qi will be very happy when he sees it.”

The little girl nodded with a smile and continued coloring intently.Ah Zhi stood up and looked at the corner of the studio – there was a replica of “Stars Falling on the Sea” hanging there, with a yellowed note attached next to it. It was exactly what Qi wrote back then, “I want to see the world with my love.”

There seemed to be a breeze blowing around, carrying a faint, vague smell of cedar.Azhi knew that this was Qi’s response and his joy when he saw the flower of charity blooming.

“Qi, look,” he whispered into the void, “your studio has opened in many cities. Because of you, many people have picked up the paintbrush again and rediscovered the light of life.”

There was no sound in response, but there was a warm feeling lingering in his heart, like Qi’s hand gently resting on his shoulder.

The person in charge of the studio walked up to Ah Zhi and handed him a report: “Mr. Ah, this is the project summary for the first half of the year. We have helped more than 2,000 patients, and more than 300 of them have basically recovered and returned to normal life. There are also many companies who have seen our project and want to join charity cooperation.”

Azhi opened the report and looked at the string of data, feeling an indescribable warmth in his heart.He thought of himself who collapsed at the beach, of the empty villa after Qi left, and of those late-night cries and regrets.Now, these pains have turned into the strength to move forward and the light that illuminates others.

“Thank you.” Ah Zhi closed the report and said softly, “Keep doing it and let more people feel the warmth.”

When I left the studio, the sun was setting just right.Ah Zhi drove to Qi’s mother’s house, with the audiobook “Stars Falling on the Horizon” playing in the car. Qi’s voice came through the stereo, gentle and clear, as if he had never left.

Over the years, Qi’s mother has remained in good health, but her hair has gradually turned gray.She goes for a walk in the garden of the community every day, chats with neighbors, and occasionally helps in the charity art studio and teaches patients to do handicrafts.She often said: “Xiao Qi is gone, but I want to see more of the world for him and help those in need.”

When A Zhi walked into the house, Qi’s mother was making dumplings – A Zhi’s favorite stuffed cabbage and pork.”Azhi is here, sit down quickly.” She said with a smile, “Today I made your favorite dumplings and your favorite mango pancake. They were just taken out of the refrigerator.”

Ah Zhi sat at the dining table and looked at Qi’s mother’s busy figure, feeling a sense of solid warmth in his heart.In the past few years, they have been like a real mother and son, accompanying each other, supporting each other, and living a peaceful and stable life.

“Auntie, there is a kid in the studio who painted Xiao Qi and me. He did a great job.” A Zhi said with a smile and handed her a photo of the little girl’s painting.

Qi’s mother put on her reading glasses and looked at the photo carefully, her eyes gradually getting moist: “It’s so good, so good. If Xiao Qi sees it, he will definitely smile from ear to ear.”

The dumplings are cooked and served piping hot.Ah Zhi picked up the chopsticks and took a bite of the dumpling. The familiar taste melted in his mouth, bringing with it the warmth of home.He knew that this was the life Qi wanted to see – stable, warm, full of love and hope.