藕断丝连 Broken lotus root, still connected by threads
Explanation
藕断丝连，形容藕虽然断了，但还有丝连着。比喻关系虽已断绝，但仍有牵连。
Literally, "broken lotus root, still connected by threads." It describes a situation where a relationship has ended, but there is still some connection.
Origin Story
很久以前，在一个古老的村庄里，住着一位名叫阿美的女子和一位名叫阿强的男子。他们曾经相爱，他们的爱情如同盛开的莲花般美丽。然而，命运弄人，由于种种原因，他们最终选择了分手。分手那天，阿美依依不舍地将一根根莲藕丝轻轻地拉断，但丝线却依旧藕断丝连，他们彼此的爱恋之情挥之不去。他们约定，今后即使天各一方，也要保持联系，永远是朋友。后来，他们真的遵照约定，时常通过书信来往，彼此分享生活中的点滴。尽管他们的爱情走到了尽头，但他们依然藕断丝连，这份友谊，胜过了爱情。
Long ago, in an ancient village, there lived a woman named Amei and a man named Aqiang. They once loved each other, their love as beautiful as a blooming lotus flower. However, fate played a cruel hand, and for various reasons, they eventually chose to separate. On the day of their separation, Amei reluctantly pulled apart the threads of a lotus root, one by one, but the fibers remained stubbornly connected—their love lingered. They agreed that even if they lived far apart, they would stay in touch, remaining friends forever. Later, they kept their promise, regularly exchanging letters to share the little things in life. Although their romance ended, they remained connected, their friendship surpassing the love they once shared.
Usage
表示虽然关系已经结束，但仍然存在某种联系。多用于形容男女之间的情感，也可用在其他方面。
It's used to express that although a relationship has ended, there is still some connection. It is mainly used for romantic relationships, but can also be applied to other areas.
Examples
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他们虽然分手了，但依然藕断丝连。
tāmen suīrán fēnshǒu le, dàn yīrán ǒu duàn sī lián
Although they broke up, they are still connected.
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两家公司虽然已经分家，但业务上仍然藕断丝连。
liǎng jiā gōngsī suīrán yǐjīng fēn jiā le, dàn yèwù shàng réngrán ǒu duàn sī lián
Although the two companies have already separated, they are still connected in business..