Chapter 8: Road Trip
This vast landscape stretches endlessly. To the left of the road, a rugged rocky mountain rises, its red rocks glowing like embers. Scattered dry shrubs cling stubbornly to the sand, while occasional green patches punctuate the barren expanse of yellow sand and red soil. On the right side of the road lies a lush valley, where the red earth gives way to a vibrant green. Beyond the rocky terrain, the horizon is lined with green trees, blending seamlessly into the blue sky—a breathtaking panorama.
At this moment, the highway that seems to stretch into infinity divides the sky into two distinct halves. To the left, the sky is a dramatic blend of blood red and deep brown, with sandstorms sweeping across the desolate plains. The sky here looks ominous and unstable. To the right, the sky remains a serene blue, clear and tranquil, with wisps of gauzy clouds suggesting a sense of freedom and calm.
The stark contrast between the intense gloom on one side and the serene brightness on the other is striking, much like the black-and-white of a Tai Chi diagram—vividly contrasting yet seamlessly merged. This scene evokes a sense of awe at nature's artistry, leaving even Evan Bell, who has lived through many experiences, deeply impressed.
Around four in the afternoon, Evan Bell was driving his old but reliable Chevrolet on Interstate 70. He slowed down as Blake Lively, excited, snapped photos with his point-and-shoot camera. Both were mesmerized by the magnificent scene before them, speechless until Evan, regaining his composure, took the camera and asked Blake to take more pictures.
Since setting out from New York, their journey had been filled with wonders—endless farms, serene towns, snow-capped Rocky Mountains in midsummer, picturesque valleys, and the stark beauty of deserts. This road trip had been the highlight of Evan Bell's life.
There's a line from the classic film Cinema Paradiso: "If you don't go out and take a walk, you'll think this is the whole world." Evan Bell wholeheartedly agreed.
Despite the stunning scenery along the way, the wonder before them still left both Evan Bell and Blake Lively in awe. The beauty they had witnessed seemed almost otherworldly, and the two young people finally found their voices.
"Did you get a picture?" Evan asked, his words barely escaping as he struggled to find the right thing to say.
Blake Lively didn't respond immediately. She seemed preoccupied with checking the film's remaining shots. After a moment, she burst out with excited shouts, "Wow, Bell, can you believe it? Can you believe it?" Even with pictures, the scene seemed almost too incredible to be true.
Blake grabbed Evan's hand, unable to contain her excitement, repeating her amazement over and over. Evan initially joined in the excitement, but soon realized the car was veering off course. He quickly refocused, but Blake continued to celebrate, leading Evan to shout, "Lively, we're going to flip over!"
The steering wheel suddenly jerked, pulling the car sharply to the right. Blake lost her balance and fell onto the seat. Evan, with a steady grip on the wheel, corrected the course with precise movements. He shifted gears smoothly, regaining control of the car.
As the vehicle finally steadied, Evan realized his back was drenched in sweat. He glanced at Blake, who was now awkwardly sprawled on the passenger seat.
The adrenaline rush made Evan laugh heartily. For him, escaping danger was both a relief and an exhilarating thrill. Having lived through so much, he wanted to embrace life fully, savoring every moment. For Evan, this close call felt more like a thrilling ride than a real danger.
Blake soon joined in the laughter, despite her trembling hands and feet. At just eighteen, the roller-coaster of emotions she experienced—first the awe-inspiring scenery, then the near-accident—had been intensely thrilling.
As the effects of adrenaline wore off, Blake noticed her T-shirt was soaked. If Evan hadn't kept his composure, or if the road had been more treacherous, the outcome could have been different.
Feeling a bit shaken, Blake remained silent for a moment before laughing nervously and gazing blankly ahead. Evan, noticing the change in her expression, sighed. Despite her bravery, she was still young, and the recent events left her rattled.
Evan hesitated, unsure of how to comfort her. They had only known each other for a short time. Although he could offer a warm hug, he felt uncertain about what else to say.
"Do you feel cold and helpless? You hope in vain, but all you have is vain hope. Remember the sadness and frustration, then let it go," Evan sang softly. His voice was clear and moving, with a slight edge of roughness, blending seamlessly with the stunning midsummer sunset—a sight that, while not as grand as before, was still magnificent.
Blake, listening to the soothing voice, felt a warm wave of calm wash over her, melting away her fears and anxieties. As Evan sang the last lines, "Just let it go," her trembling subsided, and everything felt normal again.
"What song is that?" Blake Lively asked without thinking, paused, and added, "Your singing voice, It's really beautiful." In her heart, she emphasized, "Sincerely."
"I don't know," Evan replied with a smile, not turning around. He had been humming a tune he called "Iridescent," which felt like a gift from the sky. "Maybe those who see the light from the sky will be blessed," he said with a chuckle, his tone easing the tension in the car.
"Skylight," Blake whispered, finding the word perfect. The metaphor illuminated her heart, dispelling the darkness.
"You just made it up, didn't you? It's amazing. Can you write the whole song and sing it for me?" she asked eagerly.
Evan shrugged casually. "These are the only two lines I have right now. I'll write more and sing it for you later." Having learned from past mistakes, he knew that great songs needed more than just a melody—they required careful composition and lyrics.
Therefore, Evan Bell began teaching himself to compose music and write lyrics. Relying on his experiences from two lifetimes, the countless high-quality songs he'd encountered, and perhaps his innate talent, he found a strong footing in songwriting. He started self-learning at just six years old and has since developed a creator's rhythm. One of his dreams as a musician is to participate in the Eagle Rock Music Festival.
"Ha, it sounds grand. Can you really complete it without some sort of inspiration?" Blake asked, her tone now relaxed.
"Are you questioning my ability?" Evan raised an eyebrow with a roguish smile. "Darling, don't be overwhelmed by my charm when the time comes." His playful narcissism made Blake giggle in the passenger seat, easing back into the comfort of the journey.