[Urban] My Flirtatious Wife (Complete) - 25-27

Chapter 14 of the second volume, "Three Rules,"

describes Xiaoxue angrily heading into the residential area, while I stood there for a long time. I initially thought of walking along Jiuzhou Avenue to let Xiaoxue cool down before going back, but then I reconsidered, fearing she might misunderstand and think I'd gone with someone else, so I reluctantly went back. Alas, it's true—"misfortune may lurk within fortune"!

I quietly opened the door and peeked in. No one was in the living room. I hurried through the living room, went into the bedroom, and looked back again, but still no Xiaoxue. She must be resting inside. I breathed a sigh of relief and turned on the light switch… Ugh!

Xiaoxue, like Sadako, sat silently on the edge of the bed, smiling at me. Suddenly, I felt a layer of goosebumps sprouting in my heart like spring grass…

"Wow! Big sister, you play this game all day long, you could scare the dead back to life!"

I patted my chest, saying irritably.

Xiaoxue was still smiling, staring at me…

“Hehe, what’s wrong? Getting off work so late?”

Coming back to my senses, I smiled and asked.

“Come here,” Xiaoxue beckoned to me, indicating that I should sit next to her.

I was startled and carefully examined her fingers. Fortunately, her nails weren’t very long and wouldn’t be strong enough to pierce my skin. I looked at her feet again; she had already changed out of her high heels… So I obediently came to the bedside and sat down next to her.

“Lie down on the bed,”

Xiaoxue said gently.

“Huh?”

I was startled. Could it be… “Xue, this isn’t right… Although we’ve known each other for a long time, and I know you like me a lot, and I like you a lot too, I always feel that something is missing between us. It doesn’t feel right to just let things happen like this. Besides, I haven’t met your parents yet. Even if your parents agree, won’t you regret it later?…”

I wanted to continue, but Xiaoxue suddenly pushed me down onto the bed.

My heart pounded wildly, but my body remained motionless, as if anesthetized. I watched helplessly as Xiaoxue pushed me down, then leaned over, pressing her fragrant head tightly against my chest. Facing me, her breath sweet as orchids, she said, "He Shi, I'm going to ask you a question now. You have to answer me honestly, no lying. I'm listening to your heartbeat. If your heartbeat is erratic, it means you're lying to me." Ugh…

where did she learn this trick? What did she want to ask? I held my breath, trying to calm my heartbeat, and nervously said, "Okay, ask away. Anyway, I didn't do anything."

Xiaoxue began to ask, "Was that woman in the car outside just now surnamed Xiao?"

"No,"

I blurted out. The woman she was referring to, surnamed Xiao, was probably Xiao Xiaoli? Sigh…I should have known better than to tell her these things. She's forgotten the pain of past hurts.

"Then who is she?"

Xiaoxue, still pressed against my chest, continued to ask.

"This? Isn't this the second question?"

I asked weakly.

Xiaoxue got a little angry and said urgently, "Never mind that! Answer my question!"

I felt awkward but could only hold back my temper and replied awkwardly, "She's a former client of mine, we often do business together."

Did my heart race? Seeing Xiaoxue look up at me suspiciously, then lean back against my chest, she asked, "Your client? How did you know you live here? Why did you bring her home? Is she really just a client? If she's a client, you're no longer a salesperson for that company, so what does she want from you?"

Ugh... I think it's a great loss to China's investigative profession that Xiaoxue isn't a detective.

"She came to me today because she wants me to help her get some orders. They're planning a new factory and haven't had time to buy some things yet, so she wanted my help. She asked if I knew anyone there, that's all, really nothing else,"

I explained, avoiding the main point.

"Really? You could have talked outside. How did she know you lived here?"

Seeing Xiaoxue's expression soften slightly, I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders.

"Hehe, we were supposed to talk outside, but she was in a hurry, so..."

Victory was within reach!

"What does she need your help with?"

Xiaoxue, true to her persistent nature, pressed on relentlessly.

I smiled and recounted my conversation with Yu Yanfang verbatim. Of course, this didn't include the initial exchange upon entering. After this explanation, Xiaoxue's pretty face relaxed. She sat up and said coolly, "From now on, no more bringing people in. Understand?" "Yes, yes, yes! I won't do it again." I said, trembling with fear,

"Yes, yes!" Perhaps my appearance was too comical, because Xiaoxue couldn't help but laugh. Suddenly, she stopped laughing, her eyes darting around, and she asked herself, "No, this isn't good. I'm not going to follow you around all day. How would I know if you're bringing people in?" She smiled slyly, then suddenly pinched me and said, "Hey, do you remember the TV series 'Justice Bao' that we watched when we were kids? People who committed crimes had to sign and put their fingerprints on the papers, right? So I've decided to make a three-point agreement, which I'll post on your door. You'll be like those people on TV, signing and putting your fingerprints on the papers. If you break it, you'll... Hmph!" Seeing Xiaoxue's clenched teeth and cold smile, I fainted again... She actually compared me to those criminals on TV! Am I really that bad? Before I could even feel sad, Xiaoxue went to my desk, flipped open my notebook, tore off a page with a "whoosh," and buried herself in writing. I lay in bed, both amused and exasperated… A moment later, Xiaoxue tossed the written “rules” at me and commanded, “Sign!” I grabbed them and examined them closely. Aside from Xiaoxue’s relatively neat handwriting, her proposed rules were utterly incomprehensible. Three Rules: 1. You are not allowed to bring strangers into our house. 3. You are not allowed to go to strangers’ homes. 4. You must call me immediately after work every day. 5. If you have to work overtime, you must also call me. 6. In case of any questions, rule number one shall prevail. If any of the above rules are violated, you must unconditionally accept any form of punishment I propose. Binding Person: Gu Hanxue Binding Person: He Shi (Signature/Fingerprint) Date: [Date] A formal agreement or contract should at least state the cause of the matter and clearly state both parties at the beginning. Wow, I really don’t know how Xiaoxue got into university? Is this all? I suppressed a fit of laughter and feigned distress, asking, "Can't I not sign? I promise I won't bring anyone else in." Xiaoxue shook her head, her expression resolute. "No, words are no proof, we need a written agreement." "Haha... okay, I'll sign, I'll sign." I quickly wrote my name on the paper, then looked around and asked, "What about my fingerprint? There's no ink pad. How about I use my saliva?" I then pretended to put my finger to my lips. Upon seeing this, Xiaoxue immediately snatched the paper and spat, "Ugh, you're disgusting! Humph! Where's the double-sided tape? I'm going to stick this on your door so you don't forget."

I pointed to the table, but I couldn't hold back any longer. As she turned away, I covered my mouth and burst into laughter. That brat! She can't even write properly, yet she tries to imitate others' rules. If this gets posted out there, people will laugh their heads off. But despite my thoughts, I couldn't stop Xiaoxue from sticking these so-called rules on the bedroom door. I glanced at them a few times, and they looked a bit like those annoying graffiti ads you see everywhere.

After showering, I was about to go to sleep after taking off my clothes when Xiaoxue suddenly barged in. I hurriedly pulled the blanket over myself (single men usually only sleep in their underwear. Married men? Well, let's leave that to the imagination). Seeing my embarrassment, Xiaoxue smiled and said, "I forgot to tell you, I found a really good seafood restaurant the other day. How about we go there for lunch tomorrow? Can you take tomorrow off?"

I thought about it carefully and replied, "I can't, but I can take a day off."

I have two days off a month.

"That's great! Let's go tomorrow then!"

Xiaoxue said happily, but then suddenly blushed and whispered, "Go to sleep now, make sure you're covered up properly, or you'll fly away."

"Huh? What flew away?"

I asked in surprise, only to hear Xiaoxue's door slam shut with a "bang." What flew away? Thinking about it carefully, I understood. That brat, she's getting more and more irresponsible; I shouldn't spoil her so much.

Sleeping in late has always been one of my greatest pleasures, so I never miss the chance. The glaring sunlight hadn't yet woken me when I heard a rapid knocking on the door. I poked my head out of bed and heard Xiaoxue shouting loudly outside, "Get up, lazybones! It's almost dark!" Is

she being polite today? She even knows to knock! Not bad, she's teachable. I need to guide her properly in the future. But after carefully examining the door lock, I broke out in a cold sweat. It turned out that after she went out last night, I had locked the door from the inside, and the poor lock was now being relentlessly abused by Xiaoxue, teetering on the verge of collapse…

In my opinion, for short distances, I prefer to use my own two feet. But I couldn't resist Xiaoxue's persistent pleading, so I drove her RAV4, which I thought was very cool, to a seafood restaurant near the border. It was lunchtime, and the restaurant was bustling with people. Eating is a major characteristic of China, isn't it? Like some people say, it's not about the most expensive, but the most luxurious!

"Will there be any seats left?"

Before entering, I hesitantly looked back at Xiaoxue.

"Hehe, don't worry, I booked it a long time ago."

Xiaoxue giggled and pushed me through the door from behind.

Although it was called a seafood restaurant, I didn't find the vulgar atmosphere I'd encountered in other seafood restaurants. The restaurant's decor was quite sophisticated, elegant yet luxurious, simple yet opulent. I thought that money alone couldn't buy this effect, because the manager's style was evident. But my biggest discovery was the extraordinary enthusiasm of the waiters. As soon as Xiaoxue and I entered, we were immediately ushered into a small private room by several waiters. What surprised me most was that after we were seated, all the waiters, male and female, disappeared completely. The next person to enter was a middle-aged woman, around 40 years old, with smooth, well-maintained skin, looking like a royal noblewoman. A woman.

Wow… this restaurant is so strange! How could they employ someone so old as a waitress? My surprise only lasted a moment before I understood. I figured the restaurant owner must be an incredibly kind person, and this “over-aged waitress” was a laid-off worker. A kind person naturally does good deeds, reducing employment pressure on society, so naturally they're happy to have her. Or perhaps this “over-aged waitress” is related to the restaurant, which is why they hired her—it wouldn't be surprising.

Being old brings its own problems; clumsiness is one of them.

Just as the “over-aged waitress” picked up the teapot to pour me tea, she suddenly lost her grip, and the teapot knocked over the teacup on the table. The chain reaction was that the teacup immediately tipped over, and the near-boiling-temperature tea spilled onto the table. Unfortunately, half of the tea… Water made intimate contact with my right hand, and an excruciating pain immediately shot through it—the pain is so intense!

Xiaoxue screamed and glared at the "over-aged waitress," but I couldn't discern any resentment in her eyes. Ah, kind people are different; even their angry gazes are so gentle. The "over-aged waitress," on the other hand, stood flustered to the side, seemingly afraid I'd erupt in anger and hurl insults.

Xiaoxue grabbed my right hand; the skin was already bright red, thankfully without blisters. She puffed out her cheeks, blew on it, and asked, "Does it hurt?"

Before I could answer, Xiaoxue scolded the "over-aged waitress," "How can you do this? Don't you pay attention?"

Ugh, her tone was still so gentle.

I shook my head and chuckled, "Never mind." "It's alright, you order first, I'll go rinse it with cold water, it'll be fine soon."

Sigh... She's so old, how could I blame her? Besides, if a pretty young girl had burned me like that, I wouldn't blame her either, ugh...

After washing my hands, aside from some redness and swelling, the pain wasn't so bad anymore, so I didn't pay much attention. Minor cuts and scrapes are inevitable. After sitting down, I noticed the "over-aged waitress" was gone; Xiaoxue must have replaced her. Sigh, these days, it's not easy for anyone.

I figured the meal itself wouldn't be anything special, just opening my mouth, putting food in, chewing, and swallowing. Repeating this until there was hardly anything left on the table. Xiaoxue, having finished eating, looked at the table full of shrimp shells, patted her belly contentedly, and said, "I'm full, let's go."

"Going? We haven't paid yet."

I asked in surprise, reaching for my wallet.

"Let's go, no need, I know this place well, I pay monthly."

Xiaoxue shoved my wallet back into her pocket.

"Wow, monthly? No way, this is the first time I've heard of that. I've only ever heard of government officials paying IOUs, never ordinary people paying monthly."

I was even more surprised. Xiaoxue didn't seem to eat out often.

"Why are you being so long-winded? You'll know once you're out the door! Let's go, I guarantee they won't stop you."

Seeing me standing there hesitant to leave, Xiaoxue went out alone. I nervously looked back every few steps, and sure enough, no one asked me for money until we reached the parking lot and started the car.

Haha, eating for free is pretty cool!

Xiaoxue suddenly decided she wanted to see the "Zhuhai Fisher Girl," so we drove north along Lovers' Road and soon arrived at one of Zhuhai's scenic spots—the Zhuhai Fisher Girl. It's said that there's a story behind the Zhuhai Fisher Girl: Legend has it that in ancient times, a fairy was captivated by the beautiful scenery of Xianglu Bay and disguised herself as a fisherwoman to descend to earth. With her skillful hands, beauty, and kindness, she was deeply loved by the fishermen and secretly pledged her life to the honest and simple fisherman Haipeng. But… Hai Peng, misled by slander, insisted that the fairy remove the bracelet that sustained her life, as a token of their love. To demonstrate her devotion, the fairy resolutely pulled off the bracelet, immediately fainting in her lover's arms. Hai Peng, filled with remorse, wept bitterly, wailing and lamenting. The Elder of the Nine Provinces, moved by their deep love, guided Hai Peng to gather a resurrection herb, which he watered with his own blood, reviving the fairy. From then on, the fairy became a true fisherwoman. On her wedding day, the fisherwoman presented the most precious pearl she had ever found to the highly respected Elder of the Nine Provinces.

It's just a story; sometimes we remember it after reading it, but this one is like a brand, indelible. It seems that since ancient times, tragic love stories have always been the most poignant. I stared blankly at the statue of the fisherwoman, her fishing net slung over her shoulders, her trousers rolled up, and her hand holding a pearl, a thought lingering in my mind…

I wondered if Xiaoxue had heard this legend and felt moved by it, because at this moment, she was unusually quiet, clinging tightly to my arm, silent. A sea breeze swept by, gently lifting a few strands of hair that hung down on her beautiful face, making Xiaoxue's already charming appearance even more alluring, making her seem even more pitiful. I thought, even if the beautiful Fisherwoman were reborn, she would have to give way to Xiaoxue, right? The terms "beauty that could make fish sink and geese fall from the sky" and "beauty that could shame the moon and flowers" were simply not worthy of describing her, ha…

A sharp screech of brakes shattered this harmonious moment of shared understanding. Xiaoxue and I turned around and saw a Honda Hyundai Suzuki suddenly stop by the roadside. Inside, a man wearing sunglasses was staring motionless at Xiaoxue and me. I subtly noticed Xiaoxue's hand tighten slightly.

The Suzuki didn't stay long; as soon as Xiaoxue and I turned around, it sped away. Recalling Xiaoxue's slightly overreaction, I asked doubtfully, "Xiaoxue, do you know this person?"

"Huh? No, you don't know him? I thought you did. This person is strange, definitely not a good person,"

Xiaoxue said indignantly.

The crowd gradually dispersed, and surprisingly, fog began to rise over the sea that afternoon.

(Chapter 15 of Volume 2: A Comfortable Life)

Every day, I eat lunch at the internet cafe because there's really no extra time to put effort into the food. However, there is still a break after lunch. I take turns with another colleague at the internet cafe for ten minutes.

Initially, I didn't know how to spend the break time; I simply sat in an empty seat, lit a cigarette, and watched the tobacco slowly burn, the ten minutes passing by in the swirling smoke. But recently, I discovered something interesting—in a small crack in the cement ground outside the door, there was a nest of ants.

I couldn't explain these tiny, deep red lives; I just felt a sense of warmth and familiarity when I looked at them. So every day, I would sweep the leftover rice grains from my lunchbox to a spot not far from the anthill, letting their scouts find them and then swarm out to carry the rice grains back to their nest. Over time, a consistent drag mark was left on the cement floor, and I made an interesting discovery: every day around lunchtime, a small group of ant soldiers would linger nearby. These little guys weren't so stupid after all. But this

peaceful period didn't last long. Guangdong soon entered its long summer, with frequent rumbling sounds from the sky, as if the heavens had eaten too many sweet potatoes and were constantly releasing some kind of gas. With each rumble came a torrential downpour. That noon, I deliberately left a lot of rice, intending to comfort the little creatures struggling in their harsh environment. When I went outside, I saw a dense, red ant line stretching all the way to the grass not far away—they were moving house.

I knew in my heart that with the rainy season approaching, the holes in the concrete floor, facing downwards, were far from enough to keep out the rain, forcing the ants to migrate en masse. I placed a grain of rice on the ground and carefully followed the ant trails, finding their new nest in just a few steps. However, when I returned to the doorway, I saw that the once orderly ant trails were now a chaotic mess. Someone had stepped on them as they entered, and countless ants were struggling in agony. Some had broken antennae, barely managing to support themselves, taking a few steps before collapsing again; some had lost their sense of direction, endlessly circling in place; and others were already pulverized.

I was stunned, standing there helplessly. What could I do in the face of these tiny lives, thinner than a hair? I looked up at the gray sky, a gloomy feeling settling over me, and suddenly felt an urge to shout.

In truth, the world is so vast; compared to these ants, we are not even as resilient. I recall one year, near the Spring Festival, I was taking a train south from Chenzhou. It was past 11 pm, and looking around, the vast train platform was empty except for me, all alone, waiting for the train to arrive. The north wind was biting, and fear and loneliness crept into my heart. I felt like a grain of sand in the world, a drop of water in the ocean, drifting with the wind—who would know?

The sound of the train breaking through the tracks grew clearer. I closed my eyes, then opened them again, only to find the platform suddenly filled with people. Some carried bags, some dragged suitcases, some comforted crying children—there was everyone. I no longer felt alone. The eyes are the windows to the heart; the heart gives rise to everything, and the eyes see everything, and the world comes to life.

However, my world is ultimately small. All I wanted to do was make those around me happier and help my father's condition improve as soon as possible.

Every other day, I would call home to ask my mother if my father's condition was improving. But how could I not feel pressured? Besides worrying about my father, the most pressing issue was money. My father needs over two hundred yuan worth of medicine every day, but his health won't recover in at least two or three years. Moreover, he's lost his ability to work, cutting off our meager source of income. Living expenses are another problem, especially considering the huge debt I'm already carrying.

The thing Yu asked me to do for her has been a week in the making, and it's still not done. I can't get in touch with J; has he already left Zhuhai? As soon as I got off work, I called J again. Thank goodness, this time it finally went through.

"Damn it, where have you been? I've called hundreds of times and you still can't answer!"

I jokingly started yelling as soon as the call connected.

"Haha... what's the rush, kid? I'm not your wife, why are you tracking my every move? I went to Shanghai a few days ago to visit a classmate, and I didn't want to be tied up with work, so I turned off my

phone. Damn! Why are you thinking of me again? Last time in Lvdu, you rushed off in such a hurry, leaving me to take care of two girls all by myself, I couldn't handle it all. Haha." J said smugly on the phone.

"Wow, you didn't end up with one emperor and two empresses, did you? Are you that capable?"

I broke out in a cold sweat. Could he really be with two girls at the same time?

"Damn, you underestimate me. One emperor and two empresses? What's that? A piece of cake. I'll throw you a sex party sometime, haha, let me show you my abilities."

J laughed wildly, his words getting more and more outrageous.

I chuckled, then replied, "Sure, don't leave me out then. Okay, let's get down to business. I have a client who needs your stuff, but they say they'll only accept it if I negotiate with them. How about we find a place to talk about it?"

"Who? Which company? They're so powerful?"

J asked, puzzled.

"Heh..."

I chuckled awkwardly, "You know them well, Weida. They have a new factory."

"Weida? I remember we quoted them. How did this get dragged into this?"

J muttered to himself, then suddenly seemed to understand, exclaiming, "Ha, I get it! It must be Yu Yanfang, right? Kid, you've lost your virginity again, haven't you? Haha."

"Damn it, stop rambling and get out here already,"

I spat.

J was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Well, wait a minute. I'll get Zhao Shigao involved. I can't make decisions about adjusting prices."

"Okay,"

I sighed. It seems J isn't doing too well over there.

After hanging up, Xiaoxue suddenly called again. "Hey, where are you? Are you coming home for dinner tonight? If so, I'll buy some groceries and bring them home."

"I... I'm meeting a friend tonight to discuss some things,"

I replied.

"Who? What friend?"

Xiaoxue immediately became alert. Sigh... I really dislike this feeling of being constrained. Why does everything I do seem to be misunderstood as something wrong by her?

I sighed helplessly and replied, "It's that friend I mentioned lending him money to last time."

"Really? Then I'll go too, I haven't eaten yet."

"That's not a good idea, you should find somewhere to eat first, I'll be back soon."

What man brings his family along when he's out on business?

"No way, you forgot you promised me you'd take me with you tonight, are you going to go back on your word?"

Xiaoxue questioned.

"Well… okay, I'm at the tea restaurant next to the Jinye Hotel."

I said coldly, feeling genuinely annoyed.

We met again, and J looked completely different from how I'd heard him on the phone. He looked even more haggard after several weeks apart. Sigh… it seems he hasn't yet recovered from the emotional turmoil of his divorce. I politely shook hands with Zhao Shigao, and the three of us sat down at the table. I teased J, "Why are you getting thinner and thinner? If you get any thinner, you could apply for a Guinness World Record!"

J grinned, about to answer me, when suddenly his eyes widened, staring intently behind me. I turned around and saw Xiaoxue smiling at me.

"Come on in, have a seat."

I gestured to the empty seat next to me. Xiaoxue sat down as instructed.

"And this is..."

J had never seen Xiaoxue before and asked curiously.

"Oh, she is... she is..."

I hesitated, unsure how to introduce her. Xiaoxue stared at me with wide eyes. I smiled awkwardly and continued to introduce her to J and the others, "This is my girlfriend, Xiaoxue. Hehe, Xiaoxue, these two are my friends, former colleagues."

Xiaoxue smiled happily and greeted them with "Hello."

After a few pleasantries, the conversation got down to business. I knew my target was no longer J, but his boss—Zhao Shigao.

“Mr. Zhao, J and I are such good brothers, let’s be frank. I think J has already told you the basics, so I won’t repeat them. My contact at Weida is the purchasing manager, Yu Yanfang. I think you should know her. She told me you have a quote for their new factory project, but she also told me that closing this deal isn’t just about price. That’s why we’re here today.”

I spoke calmly to Zhao Shigao.

Seeing Zhao Shigao frown, lower his head in thought for a moment, then raise his eyes, his sharp gaze piercing me, “So… if we want to close this deal, what does she want? Or rather, what do you think is necessary?”

“Heh, it’s simple. You quote 5% above the current price. But that 5% is her fee, nothing more.”

I felt a little nervous. Yu only wanted 3%, but I’ve increased it by 2%. If Zhao agrees, that 2% is mine; if Zhao decides to back out, I’ll get nothing.

“Mr. Zhao, have you thought this through carefully? This case is worth nearly three million.”

I added, afraid that Zhao might give up.

“I understand, but this would disrupt my market position in the industry. I distribute these small items, unlike large equipment, where pricing must be uniform. And if I adjust it like this, it will inevitably affect other clients’ order volumes.”

Zhao Shigao calmly analyzed.

“Hehe, I’ve thought about that too, but don’t worry, Manager Yu said that as long as your goods are of good quality, Weida will only ship to you from now on. I believe you know how much Weida needs each month. Also, if you think the price is too high, I’m confident I can persuade Manager Yu that you only need to raise it by 4 percent.”

Zhao’s composure made me secretly anxious. Lightness, indeed, is impetuousness.

“Hehe… I’ll think about it some more. Come on, let’s eat something first, the food is getting cold…”

Zhao didn’t answer me, but laughed heartily.

My heart was pounding with anxiety…

After dinner, Xiaoxue and I parted ways with them. We strolled slowly along Jiuzhou Avenue. I thought about it carefully, and it seemed I hadn't said anything wrong. Xiaoxue didn't seem very interested in any of this. She grabbed my hand and shook it from side to side, her face full of admiration. "Hehe, I didn't expect you to be so clumsy usually, but when you talk about things, you really make sense."

"Hehe…"

I gave a bitter smile.

"What are you grinning about? Did I say something wrong?"

Xiaoxue pouted and complained.

"No…"

Before I could finish speaking, the phone rang. It was J.

"Kid, you're really something. Old Zhao said it's settled. We'll talk about the rest. Hehe, this performance review is on me. Don't you dare cheat me."

The news from the other end of the phone was exhilarating.

"Really? Haha... Okay, damn it, when have I ever cheated you? After you get back to the company, send your company's registration information to Weida. I'll let you know the specific list and delivery dates later, okay?"

I was overjoyed. Now, I finally didn't have to worry about money anymore.

A comfortable life was just around the corner!

Chapter 16 of Volume 2: It was truly unexpected

that Weida's new factory case was finally settled. Yu and I received kickbacks of 1% and 3% respectively. Although the money wasn't exactly honorable and the amount wasn't huge, I'm not an insatiable person. Earning over 20,000 yuan by running errands was enough for me. In a daze, I seemed to return to those days of constant running around and navigating the business world at Xiaoli's company. I wonder how Xiaoli is doing now?

From my mother's increasingly cheerful tone, I learned that my father's illness had stabilized and showed signs of improvement. I was very relieved and returned all the 20,000 yuan I had received to Yu. But my mother also told me some bad news: her father was still secretly smoking, and she couldn't stop him; every time she mentioned it, they would argue. Sigh… I don't know what to do.

Overall, everything is transitioning smoothly and reasonably, including Xiaoxue and I. Xiaoxue has been acting strange lately; she always smiles at me, like a hapless character in a martial arts movie who's been tickled, always cheerful. Does she think I'll make money? That I'll be successful? But she doesn't know that I plan to move out after paying her back. This neighborhood is too troublesome; they check property certificates and stuff when you enter, and it's so high up that I'm always afraid the elevator will suddenly plummet. Most importantly, I feel like Xiaoxue and I are on completely different levels. She's flying in the sky, while I'm just babbling on the ground. Although I don't intend to take advantage of her, I think love is best when both people are on the same level.

I got off work late today because one of the guys on the night shift took a few hours off. By the time I left the internet cafe and walked onto Jiuzhou Avenue, it was already 8 PM. I suddenly realized I hadn't informed Xiaoxue earlier that I was leaving work so late. Just as I was about to call, I heard a sharp shout from behind, "Hey, you kid up there, stop!"

I was puzzled and looked around. Besides a person standing under a tree not far behind me, there wasn't a single mosquito in sight. I turned around, pointed to myself, and asked, "Did you...call me?"

"Of course, who else would I call?"

Standard Cantonese. (Explanation: Yes, who else would I call?)

Seeing the hostile intent, I didn't bother with him and turned back to continue walking.

"Hey, you bastard, I told you to stand there, not to leave!"

The harsh shout continued from behind, this time with a string of curses. (Explanation: You bastard, I told you to stand there, not to leave!)

I stopped to see what this man wanted. In the streetlights, I saw the stranger emerge from the shade and approach me. Short hair, small eyes, a flat nose, thick lips—a typical tropical aboriginal face. Surprisingly, he seemed strangely familiar. Where had I seen him before? After a moment's thought, I realized—this was the Honda driver who had stopped and stared at us when Xiaoxue and I were at the Zhuhai Fisher Girl statue.

"I don't know you,"

I said calmly, not angered by his insults. For an impolite idiot, using human wisdom is the wisest course of action; why be as foolish as him?

"You don't know me, you bastard! You're not qualified to know me!"

the Honda driver shouted arrogantly, pacing back and forth beside me with his arms crossed. (Explanation: Of course you wouldn't know me, you damn laborer, you're not even qualified to know me. "Labourer" is a derogatory term used by locals in Guangdong to refer to migrant workers, meaning outsiders who come here to make a living.

"Since I don't know you, what do you want?"

I asked curiously. He was driving a Honda, he shouldn't be trying to rob someone like me who had no money.

"Nothing, I just want to tell you, you damn laborer, to stop bothering Ah Xue. Ah Xue is mine, you hear me?"

the Honda man said, enunciating each word clearly. (Explanation: Nothing, just want to tell you to stop bothering Xiao Xue, Xiao Xue is mine, you hear me? Xiao Xue is his? Could he be the ex-boyfriend Xiao Xue told me about before?

"Nonsense."

I scoffed and turned to leave.)

"Hey!"

Just as I stood up, the Honda guy strode over and grabbed my clothes, saying, "I told you to stand still! You little rascal, you're really ill-mannered. Did your father die and no one taught you anything? You're trying to steal my woman here? You really have guts!"

(Explanation: I told you to stop right there, you bastard! Are you ill-mannered? Did your father die and no one raised you? Here you are, trying to steal my woman? You're asking for trouble!

Originally, he was just insulting me, or rather, telling me to leave Xiaoxue. I ignored it, didn't care much, and wouldn't punish myself for someone else's mistake. But I never expected him to insult my parents! This is like slapping me in the face in front of the whole world. Such a humiliation, how could I let it go?

Thinking of my bedridden father, I became enraged. With lightning speed, I grabbed his collar, turned around, clenched my right fist, and with all my might, slammed it into Honda's face...) The blow was fatal, the whole process taking only a second. The Honda man screamed, clutching his nose and crouching on the spot.

In truth, fighting has always been my weakness. Since childhood, I've never won a fight; back then, it was because I was too short and rather thin. But two years ago, when Yang Liu left, I bought weightlifting equipment, sandbags, resistance bands, and other fitness gear out of boredom, and exercised relentlessly every day to forget the pain of my lover's departure. Although I hadn't exercised in a long time, my six-pack abs had shrunk to four, but it was still more than enough to deal with the Honda man, who was only 1.7 meters tall. Therefore, it wasn't surprising that I could take him down with one punch. Simply put, my excellence isn't just because I'm a crane, but because I stand out among chickens.

"Hello? 110? I've been assaulted on Baishi Road in Qianshan, help!"

Hearing the Honda driver's voice calling the police, I realized my next move should be to run as fast as I could.

But it was too late. I don't know if the police were nearby or if they were just unusually efficient today, but I'd only run less than ten meters when two Honda 125cc motorcycles with flashing police lights came from the opposite direction. I slowed down, pretending to walk nonchalantly, watching the motorcycles pass behind me and head straight for the Honda driver. My heart pounded with anxiety.

Sure enough, I was taken to the police station…

I say "taken" because the police in Zhuhai are relatively polite compared to other places, lacking that menacing aura. Perhaps this is because Zhuhai is a tourist city.

"Name, gender, age, occupation,"

a rather clean-cut young policeman asked from the police station office.

I sat across from him and gave him my details truthfully. The Honda guy sat beside me, one hand clutching a white towel to his nose, the towel stained with red blood, the other clenched tightly, his eyes blazing with hatred, as if he wanted to punch me at any moment. I glanced at his comical appearance and suddenly felt like laughing. I hadn't realized my fists were so powerful; given time, I might even be able to challenge Mike Tyson.

"Hey, I'm talking to you. You injured someone and you're still laughing? Ask him if you can settle this privately,"

the young policeman called out when he saw the smile on my face.

"Settle this privately? Hey, I said, he insulted me first!"

I retorted angrily.

"Insulting you? Did he hurt you? Whoever struck first is at fault. If he sues you, you'll face criminal charges,"

the policeman spat.

I lowered my head, knowing I was in trouble. I only thought of momentary pleasure, but I didn't expect the consequences to be so serious. Now that I think about it, Honda must have a powerful background here, and how could he let me get away with it? Let alone criminal charges, even a small fine would be a huge loss for me.

But what's done is done, and the most painful thing in the world is that there's no going back. I turned my head and glared at Honda! If this guy hadn't provoked me, I would already be snuggled up on the sofa with Xiaoxue watching TV. Sigh... reminiscing about those warm and cozy moments.

Xiaoxue is truly the one who cares about me the most. Just as I was thinking about how to get away, her call came.

"Hey, why aren't you home yet? Where have you been gallivanting off to again?"

As soon as the call connected, Xiaoxue's voice was still that of a complaining woman.

"Sigh..."

I sighed and said pitifully, "I can't come home. I'm in the detention center."

"You bastard, trying to lie to me again! Come back right now, or else... hmph!"

Xiaoxue's teeth-grinding voice came through the phone.

"Hehe, I'm not lying to you. Seriously, I'm at the police station right now, fighting with someone,"

I said seriously.

Xiaoxue tensed up upon hearing this. "Huh? Really? With whom? Why did you fight?"

"Uh... actually, I don't know who he is. Last time when we were hanging out at the Fisher Girl's place, didn't some guy in a Honda stop to look at us? That guy, tonight when I got off work, inexplicably came to fight with me. So, that's how it happened."

As I spoke, I noticed the Honda guy's face turning dark. I guess he was very annoyed by my constant use of "guy."

"Huh? It was him? You fought? Was he hurt? What about you? Are you badly hurt?"

Xiaoxue exclaimed in surprise.

"Heh, I'm fine. It's just that his nostrils are sticking out like a train. Strange, why did you ask him if he was alright first?"

I asked, surprised. Could my earlier guess have been right? Maybe Xiaoxue cares more about him.

"Ugh, you're wrong about me! He's not seriously injured! What do we do now?"

Xiaoxue asked worriedly.

"I don't know. I don't know if this guy will sue me. If he doesn't, I'll pay him some medical expenses. Wait a minute..."

I turned to the Honda guy and asked, "Hey, are you going to sue me?"

The Honda man didn't answer, but glared at me fiercely and raised his head contemptuously. The young policeman beside him chuckled.

"Oh, he said he's going to sue me. This is troublesome. I don't know what to do. I'll just have to wait for the court summons,"

I said to Xiaoxue. The Honda man next to me picked up his phone and started talking in a low voice.

I ignored him and turned to the policeman, asking, "Can I leave now?"

The young policeman nodded, and I told Xiaoxue, "You can leave now. I'll talk to you when we get back,"

and hung up. Turning back, I saw that the Honda man had also finished his call, looking at me with a cold smile, the congealed blood above his lips trembling like two shaky plasters.

I got up to leave when a short, stout middle-aged man walked in through the door. Turning around, I saw the young policeman stand up and respectfully greet him, "Chief."

The chief's eyes were piercing, his sharp gaze fixed on me. He asked in a deep voice, "Your name is He Shi? You're the one who beat someone up tonight, right?"

I nodded, bewildered. Then the chief called to the young policeman behind me, "Xiao Wang, this man can't be released tonight. He'll be detained for forty-eight hours."

Huh? I was stunned for a few seconds, then immediately understood the Honda guy's intention on the phone. This guy was clearly using connections to try and kill me. At that moment, he was standing behind me, smiling smugly. Damn it, I should have punched him a few more times.

I quickly took out my phone and dialed Xiaoxue again. "Hey, Xiaoxue, they said they're going to detain him now. Can you help me think of a way? See if your mom knows anyone there?"

"Huh? Really? Okay, don't worry, I'll have a solution soon."

Xiaoxue finished speaking and hurriedly hung up the phone.

I was forced to hand over all my belongings and locked in a small, dark room with iron bars…

Chapter 17 of Volume 2: Another Unexpected Turn of Events.

Bored, I sat listlessly on the cold concrete bed. My heart was filled with sorrow; a moment of impulsiveness had brought tears of regret. But my regret wasn't because I had hit Honda, but because I thought of my parents, thousands of miles away. If something serious happened to me this time, it would add insult to injury to our already burdened family. Under such an unbearable weight, our family would inevitably collapse!

The world seemed to be asleep; everything was so silent. A bright ray of moonlight shone through the iron bars onto the windowsill, casting a bluish shadow on the floor. A rustling sound came from the window, and I suddenly saw a cockroach emerge from a small hole in the ground. After emerging, the cockroach paused at the entrance for a moment, seemingly surveying its surroundings, then darted around with its barbed little legs, crawling in a circle before stopping not far from where I was sitting. I looked down and saw that it was actually eating a small piece of torn clothing.

I was filled with dejection… If my life could be like Xiaoqiang's, content with whatever came my way, surviving on anything organic, what a beautiful sight that would be!

The moonlight was quickly hidden by dark clouds, and Xiaoqiang was nowhere to be seen. Silence returned… Judging by the time, it must be almost midnight now. I wondered if Xiaoxue was trying to save me, or if she was powerless to help. For the first time in my life, I felt so weak and helpless. My thoughts grew increasingly confused. I leaned against the wall and drifted off to sleep…

In my hazy state, I was awakened by the sound of metal clashing. I opened my tired eyes. The lights were on in the room, the small bulbs flickering a dim yellow light, as if they were about to break down at any moment. The iron gate was open, and a burly policeman walked in. “Hey, you can go now.”

“Huh?”

I was both surprised and delighted. I jumped to the ground in a panic and ran out.

Arriving at the police office and retrieving my belongings, Xiaoxue suddenly darted in through the door. Seeing me, she exclaimed excitedly, "He Shi..."

and rushed over. I hugged her tightly. Ah... it truly felt like escaping a disaster.

"Xiaoxue, how did you get me out? Did you call your mom?"

I asked as we left the police station and got into the car.

"Hehe, you're out now, why ask so many questions? Just remember not to get into fights again. You're usually such a quiet person, I never thought you could fight. Haha..."

Xiaoxue teased me as she drove.

I was furious and retorted sourly, "Hey, you're one to talk! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have gotten into a fight with that guy. And who exactly is that guy? Is he really your ex-lover? Are you still in contact? Why did you ask him if he was hurt before asking me?"

Xiaoxue stared at me intently for a moment, then laughed, "Haha...you? Are you jealous? Tell me, are you jealous? Haha..."

I felt a little embarrassed and waved my hand dismissively, saying, "Boring, I'm just drinking soy sauce, jealous..."

Xiaoxue laughed even more smugly, "Haha...you still won't admit it? If you're not jealous, then why are you so nervous?"

My scheme exposed, I simply ignored her, closed my eyes, and leaned back in my seat to rest. I then heard Xiaoxue slowly say, "Hehe...actually, that person was my ex-boyfriend, and I've already told you about everything that happened before. I don't understand you men. When you break up, you can't wait to separate, but when you want to get back together, you cling on desperately."

"You mean... he wants to come back? Wants to get back together with you?"

Sigh... I started to get nervous again.

"Hehe... Yeah, I've been getting messages from him all the time these past few months. I changed my number, I don't know how he found out. Sigh..."

Xiaoxue sighed helplessly, then said, "What do you think I should do now?"

This really stumped me. How was I supposed to know what she needed to do? "I... I don't know. It depends on what you think. Do you want to get back together with him?"

I was panicking, but I had to ask the question.

"That's why I'm asking you. I'm so confused, I don't know whether to choose you or him."

Xiaoxue blinked her bright eyes and pouted as she asked me.

"Oh, I see. Hehe, it's okay. Actually, no one can forget their first love. Even if you choose him, I can understand."

I said calmly, then closed my eyes in anguish. Yes, he's rich and powerful, he can give Xiaoxue what she needs. And what can a penniless fool like me give Xiaoxue? Without a house, I'm at the mercy of the wind and rain; without a car, I have to squeeze onto the bus every day, and my bag might get stolen if I'm not careful. My monthly salary isn't even enough for Xiaoxue's pocket money, let alone to support her or protect her. I thought, if I truly love her, I should make her happy and keep suffering far away from her.

Soon, we returned to the neighborhood. Before getting off the bus, Xiaoxue pinched me hard, yelling "Pig!"

and then ran home.

I stood there, stunned. Had I said something wrong?

I waited anxiously for a week, but I never received a court summons, nor did I hear from the Honda man demanding medical expenses or seeking revenge. Was this all going to end like this? This incident planted a seed of unease in my heart.

Sunday, another rare day off. I got up early, washed the clothes, and sat on the sofa watching TV. Xiaoxue's room was quiet; she must have gone to work at the restaurant. Strange, she usually stayed home on Sundays. After the Honda incident, I've been much more well-behaved. Sometimes, when I sit down and think things through, I realize I've actually done quite a few stupid things. Sigh… I always prided myself on being a very rational person; it seems I overestimated myself. The Weida case was settled this month, so I have to wait until next month. I've paid back almost half of the money I owe Yu Yanfang; at this rate, it should be settled in three months…

I was planning my beautiful life after paying off all my debts when the doorbell suddenly rang. Damn it, I hate it when people interrupt my thoughts! I wanted to ignore it, but then I worried that Xiaoxue might have forgotten her keys. So, with a listless gait, I went to the door, opened it, and froze.

Standing outside were two people, a man and a woman, both between 40 and 60 years old. Why? Because I honestly couldn't tell their ages. These days, any middle-aged person with a little money looks like a young man or woman. The man was wearing a dark yellow casual suit. To my unprofessional eyes, the suit was of excellent quality and certainly expensive. His appearance was rather ordinary, the kind of stereotypical face you see on TV, but his demeanor was absolutely first-rate. His eyes were piercing, his face held an imposing presence, yet his every move exuded a kind and approachable aura. To be specific, who did he resemble? Just like Zhuge Liang in the TV series "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" I watched as a child, the only difference is that Zhuge Liang had a full-length beard, while this person in front of me was fair-skinned and beardless. As for the woman, I really don't know how to describe her, because I was completely stunned. She was actually the "over-aged waitress" who burned my right hand when Xiaoxue and I were eating at the seafood restaurant that day, only she had changed into a gorgeous lady's outfit.

While I was still lost in thought, the two of them came in through the door. The "over-aged waitress" asked while changing her shoes, "Are you alone here? Where's Mao Mao?"

"Mao Mao? Who is Mao Mao? May I ask who you are looking for? Did you come to the wrong room?"

I asked in surprise, guessing in my mind: "The over-aged waitress" must also live here. Damn, that restaurant pays pretty high wages. Or did she not pay for the meal last time? Now she's here to collect the debt, and she even brought an accomplice. Maybe this accomplice is her boss.

Zhuge Kongming didn't speak, turned around and sat on the sofa, staring at me with a strange look, as if he were interviewing a company employee. The "over-aged waitress," however, chuckled and asked, "He Shi, you've lived here for so long, and you don't even know who Mao Mao is?"

"I..."

I was about to ask her why she knew my name when suddenly Xiao Xue's door opened, and Xiao Xue happily jumped out, leaping into the "over-aged waitress's" arms, pouting, "Mom...why are you so late? I thought you weren't coming!"

"Ah?"

I exclaimed in surprise, asking Xiao Xue, "Xiao Xue, your nickname is Mao Mao? This...is your mother?"

Xiao Xue grinned at me, while the "over-aged waitress" winked at me and asked with a smile, "How are you? He Shi, does your hand still hurt?"

Ugh...an unexpected turn of events, yet another unexpected turn of events. I felt a slight ache in my right hand, which had been healing… (02-06,

Volume 2, Chapter 18: Sitting on Pins and Needles)

Thinking back, Xiaoxue probably orchestrated all of this after meeting Yu Yanfang. The accidental burn at the seafood restaurant—was that a scheme devised by Xue's mother? Because the Xiaoxue I knew wasn't a scheming person. Looking back now, I feel ashamed. If I had stood up and made things difficult for Xue's mother then, wouldn't I have lost all face today? However, did she deliberately invite her parents over while I was on vacation? Or did her parents come unintentionally? I hope it's the latter.

“Hey?”

Xiaoxue nudged me, interrupting my thoughts. She pulled me towards Xue's mother and said, “This is my mother, you've met her before, hehe.”

“Hehe, hello Auntie!”

I blushed, smiled slightly, and nodded respectfully. I was a little surprised that I called her “Auntie” so naturally.

“Hello, hello.”

Xue's mother's face seemed to radiate appreciation as she smiled and answered me. Then she asked, "Xiao He, is your hand alright? I burned you the other day, don't mind."

Oh, isn't this hindsight? But I couldn't very well tear down this thin veil. I hurriedly replied, "Oh, it's alright, it's alright. It was just a little red, it's all healed now."

Actually, whether it hurt or not, we both knew the unspoken truth.

Xiao Xue pulled me to the sofa again, pointing at the people on it, about to speak. I preemptively said, "This must be Uncle Gu, right? Hehe, hello Uncle Gu."

Hey, I find my mind is still pretty sharp.

Xue's father also nodded slightly, replying calmly, "Hello."

I noticed that Xue's father's eyes were fixed on me, never leaving. Did I not wash my face properly this morning?

After introducing ourselves, everyone sat down on the sofa. While the father and daughter were chatting, I slipped into the bathroom, looked around for a while but couldn't find anything unusual on my face, so I became a little puzzled. What was he looking at? When I came out of the bathroom, I stood at the door and saw the three of them chatting and laughing intimately. I couldn't help but think, when will I be able to enjoy such a carefree and joyful reunion with my parents? I don't like noisy people, and I didn't want to disturb Xiaoxue's family reunion, so I quietly slipped into my room to watch the news.

A moment later, the door opened, and Xiaoxue jumped in, tugged at me, and complained, "What are you doing? Why did you hide in here?"

I looked up at her and smiled awkwardly, "Hehe, nothing, nothing. I'm watching something."

"Watching what?"

Xiaoxue pressed her face close to the computer screen and said, "Hmph! It's the news again. What's so interesting about that? It's on every day. Hey, I'm saying my dad only comes home once in a while, can't you give us the honor of coming out and sitting with us for a while? Don't you like them?"

"No, why would I? Heh, they're all very nice."

I said against my will. Because I really didn't like Xue's father's authoritative and domineering manner.

"Oh, then I'm relieved, hehe. Oh dear, it's almost noon. Should we go out to eat or eat at home?"

Xiaoxue asked.

"Hmm? Hehe, you guys go ahead, I'm not hungry. Your dad only comes home once in a while, you should keep him company."

What business is it of mine if their family is having a reunion dinner?

"No way!" Xiaoxue grabbed my hand, shaking it left and right, saying, "My mom said she burned you when she ate there last time, so she's treating you to dinner today as an apology. Whether you're hungry or not, you have to go. Are you being disrespectful?"

Sigh, she made it sound so serious; it seems I can't refuse. I smiled at her. "Okay, let's eat at home then."

Xiaoxue happily let go of my hand, walked to the door, then turned back and whispered in my ear, "My mom and I went out to buy groceries. If my dad comes in and asks you anything, you have to answer, okay? Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, last time you were at the police station, it was my dad who called them to get you released. Otherwise, you would have been in big trouble. So if my dad asks you anything later, just tell the truth."

I looked at her in alarm and asked timidly, "Really? Your dad is that powerful? What will he ask me?"

I suspected that Xiaoxue's father might be a mafia boss, the kind who operates behind the scenes, otherwise how could he have such personal power and such a strong family background?

"Don't worry, he won't ask any strange questions. Hehe..."

Xiaoxue chuckled mischievously, turned around and ran out.

I continued to stare blankly at the computer, the flickering text casting a blurry shadow on my eyes, my mind a complete blank. One minute, two minutes, three minutes… ten minutes passed, and Xue's father didn't come into my room to ask me anything as Xiaoxue had said. Had Xiaoxue misjudged? Although Xue's father didn't come in, I still felt it was rude to leave someone who had been kind to me unattended in the living room. So I went out… Xue's father was quietly watching TV.

I walked over, smiled at Xue's father, and sat down on the sofa next to him. But as soon as I sat down, that feeling of being watched, like a shadow hanging over my back, returned… I stared blankly at the TV for a while, then took out my phone to play with it. After a while, I got extremely bored and went back to watching TV. The air was thick with an unfamiliar atmosphere, and the atmosphere was incredibly awkward…

After a long while, Xue's father, in his deep, booming voice, asked me, “Xiao He, right? How long have you known Xue’er?”

Ha, finally he spoke. “Um, more than half a year,”

I replied with a slight smile.

“Oh? How did you meet? Were you Xue’er’s colleague?”

Xue’s father asked, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. It was top-grade Little Panda cigarettes! Damn, the underworld has money. Even more unexpectedly, he offered me one. I was about to wave my hand to indicate that I didn’t smoke. But looking at the cigarette butt I had thrown on the table not long ago, I hesitated for a moment, then took it with trembling hands. Facing such a prominent figure, I felt immense pressure.

I lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and forced a smile. "No, I wasn't originally Xiaoxue's colleague. We met when I was hospitalized at the Shenzhen Hospital."

Xue's father was clearly very interested in my hospitalization and inquired, "Why were you hospitalized? Did you get into a fight?"

"Huh?"

I was taken aback, almost choking on my cigarette. I coughed twice and quickly explained, "No, no, it wasn't a fight. I fell and ended up in the hospital."

Finally, I understood why he asked if I was hospitalized because of a fight; Xiaoxue must have told him about me hitting the Honda guy. I awkwardly said, "Uncle Gu, thank you for your help with my trip to the police station last time."

Xue's father waved his hand dismissively, "That? It's nothing, not worth mentioning. But Xiao He, I want to ask why you fought with Xiao Zhang? You should know that family has some influence in Zhuhai. If you don't have connections, it's best not to mess with them. Last time, if I hadn't had some connections with the police station and knew Xiao Zhang's family, things would have been much more complicated."

Sigh, how did it start as a trivial matter, and now it's like 9/11? The Xiao Zhang Xue's father was referring to was probably the Honda guy.

"Yes, yes, thank you so much, Uncle Gu. It's fortunate you have such good connections and influence, otherwise it would have been really troublesome,"

I said obsequiously. Although I wasn't entirely sure of Xue's father's preferences, I always believed that no one would refuse flattery.

"Hmm, Xiao He, why did you fight with him that day?"

Xue's father quickly finished his cigarette, tossed the butt into the ashtray, lit another, and asked.

How did we fight? What should I say? I remembered Xiao Xue telling me to tell the truth, so I guessed Xue's father would ask this question? I recounted the whole story, but I noticed a series of changes in Xue's father's expression. When he first heard me ignore Honda's words about leaving Xiao Xue, a look of doubt and contempt flashed in his eyes. Clearly, he thought my actions showed I didn't care about his daughter's feelings at all. But when I told him about how my boyfriend insulted my parents and I punched him to death, a fleeting look of admiration crossed Xue's father's face. It was brief, but I caught it.

Sure enough, his tone softened considerably after hearing my story. He nodded and said, "I understand. You're quite filial to your parents. These days, it's rare to see young people like you."

Just then, Xiao Xue's loud shout came from the doorway, "Haha, we're back! We bought so much groceries, I'm exhausted..."

Then, Xiao Xue and her mother entered, carrying large and small bags.

Xue's father and I turned to look at them, then back. Xue's father frowned and asked me, "Xiao He, can I ask you something? What's your father's surname?"

Huh? I was stunned. I hadn't expected him to ask that. It was Xue's mother, who came in through the door, who came to my rescue. She scolded me, "Old Gu... what kind of question is that? Xiao He's surname is He, what else could his father's surname be?"

Xue's father also paused for a moment, then feigned sudden realization, slapped his forehead, and laughed heartily, "Haha... oh right, look at the question I asked!"

This was the first time Xue's father had smiled since entering the house. I noticed that when he smiled, he resembled my father somewhat; his slightly wrinkled face exuded endless masculine charm, only his father looked much older than his fair complexion...

Xue's mother smiled kindly at me and said, "Xiao Shi, don't mind him. Our Old Gu is usually too busy with work, so he always forgets things when it comes to family matters." "

Hehe, it's alright, it's alright..."

I grinned. Family matters? Did they consider me a member of their family?

"Dad? Have you finished talking? If you're done, I'll transfer him. Come on, Pighead, let's cook together."

Xiao Xue came over and tugged at me. I hurriedly stood up, forcing a stiff smile, and followed Xiaoxue into the kitchen.

That brat, yelling like that in front of her own parents, isn't she ashamed?

In

the kitchen, my eyes were blank as I mechanically fiddled with the vegetables, silently wondering about Xue's father's question earlier. Was it just a slip of the tongue? Xiaoxue, standing beside me chopping vegetables, suddenly asked, "You pighead, what questions did my dad ask you?"

I rolled my eyes at her and sighed, "Please, your parents are here, don't call them pigheads, it sounds awful."

Xiaoxue laughed triumphantly, "Haha, are you embarrassed? What are you afraid of? You said they're my parents, not strangers."

"Even if they are your parents, don't call them that, it's improper!"

I noticed she was getting increasingly shameless. I hoped it wasn't something I had infected her with, but then again, I was even more shy than her.

Xiaoxue rolled her eyes at me, annoyed, and said, "Alright, alright, fine, don't call me then, you stingy thing. Tell me, what did my dad ask you just now?"

"Nothing much, just some ordinary things."

I placed the washed vegetables on the cutting board in front of her.

"Like what?"

Xiaoxue stopped chopping and looked at me seriously.

"Like what... um... like he asked me if we sleep separately or in the same room."

I suppressed a laugh and said thoughtfully.

Xiaoxue was stunned, her mouth wide open. "Huh? Really? What did you say?"

"Me? I didn't say anything, how am I supposed to answer that kind of question? I just..."

I said, lowering my head and laughing awkwardly, scratching the back of my head as if I wanted her to see the scene.

"No way? You're such a blockhead! If you do that, won't my dad think we're really living together?"

Xiaoxue said anxiously.

"We are living together."

I said innocently.

Xiaoxue brandished the kitchen knife in her hand and shouted, "Get lost! I meant living in the same house!"

I quickly took a step back and exclaimed, "Hey! Watch your knife! Don't touch that. Did I say something wrong? Aren't we living in the same house?"

"Ugh, I meant together... together..."

Xiaoxue put down the kitchen knife, rubbing her hands back and forth on her apron, her face flushed red. She was finally shy.

"Together what?"

I suppressed a laugh, widened my eyes, and raised an eyebrow to ask. "You brat, I don't believe you won't tell!

" After a moment's hesitation, as if she had made a huge decision, she said sharply, "Sleep together, you bastard, you're forcing me to tell. Now you're finished. If my dad really thinks that, you won't be able to escape."

With that, she turned and picked up the kitchen knife again, calling, "Come wash the vegetables quickly, don't let lunch be delayed until evening."

"You..."

I looked at her, making sure she was really focused on the vegetables on the cutting board, before slowly walking to her side. Thinking of her embarrassed and anxious expression, a smile unconsciously appeared on my lips.

"What are you laughing at again?" Xiaoxue noticed my smile and stopped wielding the knife.

I took a step back in alarm and explained, "N-nothing, hehe..."

"Bastard..."

Seeing my fear, Xiaoxue laughed sheepishly, cursed, and went back to dealing with the poor vegetables on the cutting board. Looking at my expression, she both loved and hated me.

Actually, I suspect she was secretly pleased, because no matter what, she assumed Xue's father had already accepted that we had that kind of relationship, which meant she had another layer of security—that I couldn't escape, as she said. Yes, her father was a gangster; if I wanted to leave his daughter, I might never see the sun rise again. Thankfully, I didn't do that, nor did I ever tell Xue's father about my relationship with Xiaoxue. But I always felt like I was carrying a huge burden, at least in front of Xiaoxue. Why should I say we had that kind of relationship when we clearly didn't?

Thinking about this, my long-suppressed lust suddenly awakened. I mustered my courage and asked, "Hey…when can we do what I just said?"

"What?"

Xiaoxue turned her head, staring at me with her beautiful big glasses, puzzled.

"Hehe…sleeping together."

Of course, I wasn't as reserved as she was when saying this. That must be the difference between men and women, right?

"You pervert…you just want to."

Xiaoxue blushed again, lowering her head, not daring to look at me.

"Hey, I'm serious. Look, even your dad knows, and he doesn't object."

I chuckled. Actually, I hadn't seriously considered having a physical relationship with her; it was just a test, nothing more.

"You rascal... I'm ignoring you, hmph!"

Xiaoxue chopped vegetables, but her pace noticeably slowed. She raised her hand to lightly brush a stray strand of hair from her forehead and whispered, "If you really want to, you'll have to wait until after we're married."

"Oh..."

I replied, seemingly understanding. I couldn't help but feel a little smug. It seemed this girl was truly a descendant of the "pure and innocent" school. Marrying her wouldn't be a bad thing. But that's another story. These days, marrying a beautiful woman without any real ability means the chances of being cuckolded are higher than China's unemployment rate.

I suddenly remembered the biggest question that hadn't been answered, so I lowered my voice and asked Xiaoxue, "Hey, what does your dad do? Why do I always feel a sense of pressure when I'm around him?"

Xiaoxue turned to look at me and whispered, "Hey, you think so too? Actually, I think so too, but he's my dad, I'm used to it, and besides, he spoils me so much, so it feels normal now. Maybe all people like that are like that?"

"So what does he actually do?"

Her words made the question in my heart even heavier.

"My dad is some kind of secretary in the municipal government of a city next door, I don't remember the exact position, and I don't care about those things. I think... he's in charge of urban construction or something in that city."

Xiaoxue said casually.

"Ah!"

I was taken aback.

A huge sense of disillusionment surged within me. I knew I wasn't wrong, he really was involved in organized crime, just the licensed kind. Isn't there a famous saying: the dirtiest things in the world are politics and prostitutes' vaginas? The officialdom is like a giant dye vat; once you're inside, you can never leave unscathed. Especially in this so-called "socialist country with Chinese characteristics," where all the laws are designed for the ruling class. I thought of Xiaoxue's house, car, and her mother's restaurant—was all of this obtained through legitimate means?

But he's Xiaoxue's father, what can I do? Even if he weren't, what could I do? Fine, I'll avoid contact with her father if possible. After all, it's Xiaoxue I'm with, not her father.

Knowing her father's special status, I kept glancing at him during the meal. Who knew he was staring at me too? Ugh… Did he think I already knew his identity and was deliberately pursuing Xiaoxue?

"Come on, Xiao He, eat more. You're so tall and not fat, you look even thinner,"

Xiaoxue's mother said warmly, constantly piling food into my bowl. It's true what they say about a mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law—the more she looks, the more interesting it becomes.

"Hehe, thank you, Auntie. Please have some too,"

I said sincerely. Then I noticed Xiaoxue beside me, eating and giggling, so I glared at her.

Hearing my polite reply, Xue's mother smiled and said, "Xiao He, what kind of work do you do now?"

"Me?"

I was about to answer when Xiao Xue answered for me, "He works at an internet cafe nearby, and he also does some sales for others. I asked him to come work with me at the restaurant where you live, but he refused."

Xue's mother exclaimed in surprise, "Oh? He has multiple jobs? Not bad, young people should have a pioneering spirit. Yes, Xiao He, why don't you go work at the restaurant with Xiao Xue?"

I put down my bowl, took a tissue from the paper roll to wipe my mouth, and said, "No, Auntie, it's not that I don't want to, it's just... I'm not familiar with that industry at all, I'm afraid I won't be able to do it. Hehe..."

"Hehe, it's okay if you're not familiar with it, you're not an outsider, you can learn slowly."

It seems that Xiao Xue and her mother have conspired to bring me under their watchful eyes. [·E-book Download Paradise—www.qisuu.com] I smiled awkwardly and replied, "Thank you, Auntie. Actually, learning isn't difficult. But I have a friend here, and we're doing sales together. I find customers, and he finds suppliers. Since we've just started, if I leave now, I'm afraid he won't be able to handle it alone, and we'll suffer huge losses. So, I'll go back to work at the restaurant after my friend takes over my work."

Xue's mother was definitely a smart woman. Even though she could tell I was making excuses, she didn't point it out. She still smiled and said, "Hehe, that's right, that's right. Helping a friend is the right thing to do."

Only Xiao Xue beside her gave a soft "humph."

After dinner, during tea time, everyone chatted for a while before Xiaoxue's parents left. As they were leaving, Xiaoxue's mother happily said to me, "Xiao He, Xiaoxue's dad rarely comes back. This time he's accompanying an investor to Zhuhai for a week. I've decided, how about we all go out for a barbecue in a few days?" "

Barbecue? Great! Great! I haven't had anything I grilled myself in ages! Mom, why didn't you tell me sooner? Why did you ask him? You've forgotten about me!"

Xiaoxue exclaimed excitedly from behind me.

I felt a wave of dizziness. Another one? I wish I could stay away from you... But seeing Xiaoxue's expectant eyes, I couldn't bear to refuse, so I pretended to be happy and smiled, "Okay, you decide on the time, just call me then. Thank you, Auntie, take care, Uncle Gu."

After seeing Xiaoxue's parents off, the weight on my heart finally lifted. Game over! But thinking about having to replay it in a few days, I sighed sincerely. As I sighed, Xiaoxue grabbed my ear, standing behind me and saying fiercely, "What are you sighing for? Huh? Aren't you happy to see my parents? Serves you right! Who told you to keep making excuses? I had no choice but to call them. Humph! Now they know everything. If you don't treat me well, you'll be sorry."

Me: "..."

Looks like I'm destined to be this prospective son-in-law.

With the arrival of summer, the weather grew hotter and hotter. The cicadas chirped incessantly from dawn till dusk, as night fell later and later. That day, I left the internet cafe, my mind a jumble of thoughts, and walked back with my head down. However, as if something was drawing me in, I walked past the pedestrian tunnel without realizing it. When I looked up, I found myself at the entrance of the Third Vocational School opposite Yinshi Yayuan.

I was utterly astonished. How did I end up in a place like this? Just as I was about to turn back, I glanced at the sky. The sun hadn't set yet; it was still early. Since I was already here, I might as well go in and explore. In my memory, five years after leaving school, I hadn't seen those vibrant, youthful faces on the playground again. I strolled over to the basketball court, found a clean spot, and sat down under the basketball hoop.

But as soon as I sat down, I regretted coming here. Seeing those figures leaping and bounding on the court, a deep pang of bitterness welled up inside me. What was that? Was it jealousy? Yes, that's right, jealousy. I envied their youthful energy, their carefree spirit, those faces that showed pain and anger, joy and laughter.

Had I ever experienced anything like that?

I have a scar the size of a coin on my leg. It was from my third year of junior high school, during a school basketball game. I came on as a substitute in the second half. But having neglected exercise in my daily life, I was even more out of sorts. Not long after I stepped onto the court, a classmate bumped into me, sending me flying. My pants ripped, and blood streamed down my leg. All that remained was this scar. Now, when I think back to how I looked then, a bittersweet feeling washes over me. It turns out that scars can sometimes be the trigger for beautiful memories; once left, they can never be erased… But what about the scars in my heart? Can they be the same?

Dusk fell promptly, and I reluctantly forgot to take one last look at the court before turning back to my lodgings.

It was ten o'clock at night, and I was still smoking, staring at the computer, wide awake. Something was strange today; my heart kept racing inexplicably, as if something was about to happen. My first thought was of my father, but calling him now would be inappropriate, as my parents were surely asleep, and I had told my mother to call me immediately if anything happened.

It was eleven o'clock. Worried about not having the energy for work the next day, I climbed into bed and forced myself to drift off to sleep amidst my anxieties…

Not long after I closed my eyes, the phone rang. I frantically grabbed

the phone from beside my pillow and pressed the answer button, “Hello?” However, it wasn't my mother's voice on the other end, but Yu Yanfang's. She chuckled and said, “Hello? Xiaoshi? Asleep? Haha… Why are you sleeping so early? Coming out now? I'll introduce you to someone…”

I sighed deeply, silently cursing, and coldly asked, “Sister Yu? I'm asleep. It's probably inconvenient to go out now.”

“Ah? Inconvenient? What's inconvenient? Come on over, I'm waiting for you at the Nanwan Hotel in Nanping. There's someone here you'll definitely want to meet,”

Yu said in an unquestionable tone.

“But… it's already very late, can we do it another day?”

I asked cautiously, afraid of accidentally angering her.

Yu, as expected, turned hostile and ordered, "No! I said no, you have to come! Remember, we're having a late-night snack at Taishan Room on the second floor. You have half an hour to be there, or you'll see what happens."

With that, Yu slammed down the phone.

"Damn it!"

I cursed under my breath, my mind filled with uncertainty...

Go? Or not?

(Chapter 20, Volume 2)

The red-colored taxi slowly drove along Kyushu Avenue. I sat inside, my mind a jumble of emotions. Looking up, I saw the shadows of the trees blurring past, and felt the air was rather hot. Looking down, I noticed the windows weren't locked, so I quietly said to the driver, "Sir, could you please open the window?"

The driver opened the window, and a cool, damp breeze, typical of the late night, blew in. Soon, my face became slightly moist, but with my heavy heart, I couldn't tell if it was tears or dew...

Just now in bed, after Yu hung up the phone, I was also restless. I turned off the phone, tucked it under my pillow, pulled the covers over my head, and tried to sleep. Sadly, I found myself tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep, all because of Yu's last words...

I realized I was like a kite adrift in the sky, often feeling perfect because I could fly high and see far, which made me feel elated, wanting to fly even further. But this was an illusion, because a kite is always held by a string. Only the person holding the string can control its rise and fall. The longer the string, the higher it flies; once the string is reeled in, it becomes a piece of rough, colorful paper. And in my life, it seems that Yu Yanfang is the one holding the string. Xiaoxue, too, is only a slightly more colorful kite; the difference is that she is carefree, without an invisible string tethering her. I am deeply troubled, for I cannot fly to the heavens, nor can I soar to distant lands. I long to break free from the tether and soar high, yet I fear vanishing without a trace.

The Buddha said, "To know the cause of your past life, look at what you

suffer in this life; to know the effect of your next life, look at what you do in this life." I ask myself honestly, I have not committed any heinous or despicable acts in this life, so I need not worry about suffering in the next. But what of my past life? Was I a heinous sinner? Otherwise, why has suffering relentlessly pursued me? To comfort myself, I often tell myself that today's hardships are merely preparation for future strength, quoting scriptures such as, "When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it first tests their mind, strains their muscles and bones, starves their body, and empties their resources..."

to bolster my argument. But now, I feel so tired. If such a program existed, I would simply format all unpleasant things from my life. I am so tired, I long to rest. But where is my safe harbor?

Without a second thought, I jumped out of bed, slipped out of the room, hailed a taxi, and headed straight for the Nanwan International Hotel. Despite repeatedly asking the driver to slow down, the journey was too short; in just ten minutes, I stood outside the Taishan room Yu had mentioned. I gently knocked, then pushed the door open…

Upon entering the room, I was stunned, frozen in place. All the way there, I had been wondering what kind of important person would warrant Yu's late-night company, but I couldn't quite grasp the answer. Now, seeing them, though my doubts vanished, I never imagined that the person dining with Yu was actually Xiao Xiaoli!

"Oh? Xiao Shi's here! Come, come, come... sit down, sit down. You're late, so here's three drinks as punishment. Haha!" Yu shouted incoherently as soon as she saw me. I found an empty seat at the large round table as instructed. She continued, "Xiao Shi, this person across from me, I don't need to introduce her, right? Haha..."

Yu's cheeks were flushed, and although she looked energetic, her eyes were unfocused. It wasn't hard to tell that she was drunk.

I faced Xiao Li, smiled awkwardly, and nodded, saying, "Manager Xiao, hello!"

Xiao Li also nodded and smiled, "Hello."

Yu immediately exclaimed, "Ugh! I can't stand you two anymore. You're clearly very close, but you have to act all formal, all sweet talk. Please, it's giving me goosebumps. I need to go to the restroom. You haven't seen each other in so long, have a proper chat!"

After saying that, she got up and staggered into the restroom.

A proper chat? What to talk about? She was someone I never thought I'd see again, yet today we met again. Was it fate, or human intervention? Did Xiaoli still have feelings for me? But she never had any feelings for me; all along, I was just a substitute. And me? I found myself facing this woman who once captivated me again. Though I couldn't remain completely unmoved, my heart wasn't stirred. It seemed that at this moment, we were just strangers passing by, no longer entangled in emotional turmoil because of a glance or a smile. Yet, deep down, I felt a strange sense of anticipation, glancing at Xiaoli out of the corner of my eye, hoping she was watching me too… After

a moment of silence, Xiaoli spoke, “He Shi, long time no see. How have you been?”

Hearing this, my hopeful heart sank slightly. She really was just a passerby; even her way of addressing me had changed. The "Xiao Shi" I used to hear seemed like an echo from ancient times, never to be heard again.

"Well, long time no see. I'm fine, thank you!"

I replied coldly. Since she'd completely forgotten the past, why should I demean myself and let her look down on me?

"You're welcome, He Shi. You should find a girlfriend by now, right?"

Xiao Li asked in her usual formulaic tone.

"Yes, I have a girlfriend, she lives in Zhuhai."

I was a little surprised. Why was she suddenly concerned about my private life? Did she feel guilty towards me and plan to introduce me to a girlfriend?

"Hehe, that's good."

She smiled, a charming, intoxicating smile. My heart fluttered, and I couldn't help but be captivated. That was the smile that had haunted my dreams for so many nights. Before I could finish looking, Xiao Li's face darkened, and she said in a low voice, "Actually... I've always wanted to apologize to you because of what happened before..."

Before Xiao Li could finish, I hurriedly interrupted her, smiling as I said, "No, Manager Xiao, don't apologize. These things were consensual, and where there's a meeting, there's a parting. I understand. I don't blame you, and I've never regretted it."

But as soon as the words left my mouth, I cursed myself for being so stupid! You see, in my heart, even if she didn't agree, I still wanted to call her "Sister Li" affectionately. I also wanted to tell her that I actually hated her. You stingy woman, you don't know, even if you had asked me to be your lover, I would have agreed without hesitation. But I've never regretted it, that's true.

Xiao Li seemed somewhat relieved upon hearing this, and sincerely said, "Thank you!"

My heart, which had just begun to warm, began to cool again. Did she apologize only because of her guilt, seeking some peace and relief for her own feelings? And not because she had, or still has, held me in her heart? If that's really the case, I'd rather never see her again, never let her find peace. At least she'll hold a grudge, remembering me forever…

“Hey? You two, are you ever going to stop thanking me like that?”

Yu, who had just come out of the restroom, started yelling again when she heard Xiao Li say thank you.

Xiao Li glanced at her watch and suddenly exclaimed, “Ah, it's really late! Hurry up and go rest.”

She looked at Yu, then turned to me and said, “You take Manager Yu home. She's drunk and can't drive.”

“What about you?”

I asked with some concern. Hadn't she been drinking?

Xiao Li smiled and said, “I'll stay here tonight, don't worry. You take Manager Yu home quickly, it's late. We can talk again later.”

After saying goodnight, I drove Yu's car and took her home. On the way, Yu chuckled strangely, glancing at me sideways, and said, "How was it? Xiao Shi, you didn't waste your time tonight, did you? You must be happy to see your old flame, right?"

"Huh?"

I feigned surprise, then gave an awkward laugh. "What are you talking about, haha..."

"Hey, Xiao Shi, you really underestimate me! Do you think I don't know about your little affair? You might not know, but Xiao Li and I are college classmates and best friends. What wouldn't I know about her? Even you..."

She suddenly stopped.

I was shocked, realizing that I had always been completely exposed in front of Yu Yanfang, with no privacy whatsoever.

"Also what?"

Now that she'd exposed me, there was no need to hide anything, so I continued to ask.

"Oh, it's nothing, we're here, stop the car."

Yu said, opening the car door and staggering out. Seeing her struggling to walk, I had no choice but to rush over and help her upstairs. I don't know what kind of wine they drank, but it seemed to have a strong aftereffect. As we went upstairs, Yu was practically lying on top of me, her curvaceous body making me feel all itchy... I opened the door, went

straight into the bedroom, threw her onto the bed, and turned to leave. But Yu grabbed my clothes and asked groggily, "Where are you going?"

"Where am I going? Home to sleep!"

If I didn't leave soon, I was really worried I wouldn't be able to control myself. Come to think of it, it's been half a year since I even remembered how to write the word "woman."

"Go? Xiaoshi, please don't go tonight, okay? Look how drunk I am, are you worried about me?"

Yu pouted pitifully, like a wounded little woman. Ugh, you're not my woman, what's there to worry about?

But even so, I couldn't just abandon her. I went to the bathroom, grabbed a damp towel, and wiped her face. Then I went out to the living room, poured a glass of water, placed it on the bedside table, sat on the edge of the bed, and smiled. "Hehe...you're drunk. There's water here, drink it if you're thirsty later. It's really getting late. I'm leaving, Sister Yu, thank you, I'm so grateful for your kindness, really."

Yu lay on her back on the bed, then suddenly her face turned cold, and she said unhappily, "Grateful? Grateful for what? If you're grateful, you must show it in practice. Xiaoshi, you're a smart person. Let me be frank with you, my kindness to you isn't without purpose, and my purpose is very simple: when I miss you, you have to be with me. Before, because of your father's matter, I knew you must be in a bad mood, so I didn't contact you. But now..." "It's all in the past. Think about it carefully. Without me, would you have been able to borrow money so easily? Ha... Don't forget, I know you inside and out."

I

was speechless, unsure of what to say.

She continued, "Xiao Shi, do you know why Xiao Xiaoli is here tonight? Because I got promoted. I'm now the company's Vice President of Finance. I believe you know about my past with that Hong Kong guy, but that's over. That guy's old and useless now, and I've taken control of the company's financial system. I don't need him anymore. Also, about those business deals I asked you to run, do you really think I need that little bit of money? Ha... What a joke! My monthly salary is several times higher. What's that little bit of money? The reason I asked you to run those deals was just to find an opportunity to help you with your family's financial difficulties. I knew you wouldn't dare accept the money, and only in this way would you feel at ease accepting it. Besides, even if I really needed that kickback, why would I specifically ask you to do it? There are plenty of people more capable than you waiting in line."

"I understand, thank you!"

I said sincerely.

"What are you thanking me for? I told you I didn't want to hear those words. Xiao Shi, I guessed before that you still had feelings for Xiao Li, and seeing you tonight only confirmed my suspicions. It's a pity... a pity she only treated you like a toy, using you and then throwing you away. Heh... to tell you the truth, the Weida board failure last year wasn't easy to resolve. Later, Xiao Li introduced you to me, saying you were quite nice, and that's why I agreed to make a small matter amicable. But now it seems Xiao Li should regret it. Maybe she doesn't understand you, but I know you're a rare man who values loyalty and righteousness."

Yu propped himself up, half-sitting on the bed, facing me.

"What did you say? You said she introduced me to you?"

I was stunned, my mind blank.

"Yeah, what do you think? You think Xiaoli loves you? Haha... When she talks about you, it's mostly about how good you are in bed... Hehe, you're too naive, aren't you? You really think she'll fall in love with you?"

Yu laughed smugly, then suddenly reached out and hugged me, whispering in my ear, "Xiaoshi, I understand you. I'll help you too. I'm different from Xiaoli; she already has a family, while I prefer to be single. But I'm a woman too, and I need you. So, let's be lovers, and not talk about anything else, okay?"

The smell of alcohol wafted from her breath, and my heart, which had been ashen, suddenly surged. I slowly stood up and asked coldly, "Do you have any alcohol here?"

"Yes, it's in the fridge."

She pointed to the kitchen.

Alcohol is the medium of lust. After a glass of strong liquor, we stripped off our clothes and intertwined naked. Gasps, desire, condensed, froze... and then burst forth with passionate intensity. Reaching the peak of pleasure, a deep sense of guilt also welled up, spreading like germs throughout my filthy body...

After the passion subsided, we fell asleep, our bodies languid. I dreamt again, dreaming that I had truly become a kite, leisurely drifting across the sky. Suddenly, the string snapped, and I struggled, flying farther and farther away, gradually disappearing... Chapter

21 of Volume 2: Private 007

I awoke with a start, wiping my face, which was covered in sweat. I looked up; the faint daylight had already seeped through the windowsill, and the clock pointed to 6 a.m. My mind was in turmoil. I shook my head blankly, but then I caught sight of the snow-white body lying beside me, and immediately realized where I was. My thoughts froze again...

Afraid of being caught by Xiaoxue if I went back too late, I jumped out of bed, grabbed my clothes from the floor, and hurriedly put them on. Without even washing up, I quietly opened the door and slipped out. I looked back at the sleeping woman on the bed and sighed silently. I didn't know why myself.

I opened the door and saw that Xiaoxue's bedroom door was still locked. I thought to myself, "Thank goodness!" and quickly slipped into the bathroom. When I came out after washing up, I ran into a sleepy-eyed Xiaoxue. I forced a smile and said, "Good morning."

Xiaoxue smiled back, replying, "Good morning."

Suddenly, she frowned and asked, "Didn't you sleep well? Your eyes are all bloodshot."

I was taken aback for a moment, then realized what she meant and said awkwardly, "Yeah, there were a few mosquitoes flying around last night, and I couldn't sleep well at all."

"Idiot, did you open the window? Of course there will be mosquitoes if you open it,"

Xiaoxue analyzed like an expert.

"Oh, but I can't leave it off. It's too stuffy,"

I said after a pause.

"Ugh, don't you know how to use the air conditioner? What's the point of having one then? Just for show?"

"...It uses too much electricity, and the air from the air conditioner is too dry,"

I argued.

Xiaoxue, upon hearing this, was both amused and exasperated. She reached out and pinched me, saying angrily, "Serves you right... Nobody told you to be so frugal. I'll let in a few more mosquitoes tonight, they'll bite you to death."

After pinching me, she laughed twice, then stared at my shirt as if she had discovered something new. After a few seconds, she laughed even more smugly.

I followed her gaze and looked down, my heart skipping a beat. It turned out that when I left Yu Yanfang's house, I was in such a hurry that I hadn't noticed my shirt buttons were out of place...

Just as I was about to leave, Xiaoxue came out of the bathroom. She called out, "Hey, you're not working overtime tonight, are you?"

"I probably won't, why?"

I turned around and replied.

"My mom said we're going to have a barbecue tomorrow, the one we talked about last time. You wait for me at Wanjia after work tonight, we'll buy some things,"

Xiaoxue happily instructed.

Hearing her repeatedly use the word "we," I felt as if I could hear my own heart breaking...

I quickly nodded and said, "Okay, no problem."

I forgot the disgust I felt for Xue's father just days before. Perhaps at this moment, my guilt towards Xiaoxue had already surpassed any other resentment. To accommodate Xiaoxue's longing for barbecue, I took a day off from the internet cafe. That evening, Xiaoxue and I went to the supermarket and bought a huge amount of ham, chicken wings, and barbecue seasonings.

The next morning, I was still dreaming when Xiaoxue chased me out of bed, urging me to hurry. After I quickly got everything ready, Xue's mother called to say they were downstairs. We rushed downstairs with our things, and when I saw Xue's father again, I gasped. I finally understood—the officials in socialist society are damn luxurious!

I had seen a news report before; although I haven't verified its authenticity, I'd rather believe it's true. The content was about the German Chancellor, who, in interviews, repeatedly said that the country was like a company, and he was just an ordinary employee whose job was to serve everyone and the company wholeheartedly, and he never referred to himself as Chancellor. His car was just a Volkswagen Passat, and he didn't have a chauffeur; he did everything himself, going to and from work. The reason I'm somewhat alarmed today is because I compared Xue's father to the content of this news story.

Xue's father drove here today in Audi's newly launched sports sedan—the A6L. This car was only officially launched last month, and I had seen prices online before; the V6 engine, 3200cc FSI Premium model, had a minimum price of 700,000 RMB. Even more outrageous, after I put everything in the trunk, Xue's mother smiled and said to me, "Xiao He, today is a private gathering. I asked Lao Gu to give the driver a long day off, so I'll have to trouble you to drive."

I was taken aback, then thought to myself, "That's fine too. Maybe I could never own such a luxurious car even if I worked my whole life. Consider this fulfilling my dream of owning a car."

So I smiled and nodded, replying, "Okay, no problem."

The four of us then drove, with Xiao Xue in the passenger seat and her parents in the back. We didn't talk much, with Xiao Xue giving directions. Half an hour later, we arrived at a leisure farm in the suburbs. As we entered the farm and got out of the car, we were warmly greeted by staff. It seemed they had arranged everything in advance. I sneered inwardly; it was all about money and power. But in reality, aren't we all striving for these things with our life's blood? Haven't I also suffered for money and even sold myself? Whom should I mock? Whom should I satirize? "Being poor is one thing, but why pretend to be high-minded? If I were truly capable, I wouldn't be accepting handouts and maintaining this air of superiority all the way..." My mood grew increasingly heavy.

I must say, although Xiaoxue is only half a year younger than me, she's incredibly inconsiderate. One minute she asked me to grill corn for her, and after grilling half of it, she forked a chicken leg over and commanded, "Hey, take this, hurry up, I'm hungry."

Facing her parents, I couldn't scold her, feeling quite embarrassed, so I just smiled helplessly. Looking up, I saw Xue's mother sitting opposite me, also smiling warmly at Xiaoxue, as if she were a precious treasure, her eyes gleaming with endless love... Ugh, I guess this bad temper is all because of her spoiling.

I suddenly remembered something and turned to ask, "Xiaoxue, did you bring your camera?"

"Yes, do you think I'm that stupid? Unlike you, I didn't bring anything."

Xiaoxue smiled at me proudly and took out her camera from her bag.

"Auntie, shall we take a picture together?"

I asked Xue's mother.

"Sure, that's exactly what I was thinking. Xiao He, go and ask one of the staff here to help take the picture," Xue's mother

agreed.

I got up and found a staff member. After taking three pictures, Xue's father, who had been silent all along, suddenly laughed. I was puzzled, but then I saw him, as if he had been waiting for this moment, take out his phone from his waist, look at the number, straighten his face, and say sternly, "Hello!"

There was a brief exchange on the other end of the line, but I was a bit far from Xue's father and couldn't hear what was said. Then I heard Xue's father chuckle and say, "Oh? It's Old Li. You're so busy, what brings you here? Is it about that land again? Haha... Didn't I tell you? The municipal government plans to use that land for a park, they won't approve it for you... What? Where am I? I'm at home, in Zhuhai. What? You want a face-to-face meeting? Haha... You, you, you're always sniffing around that land. Okay, come on over. Tonight? Sure... Okay, see you tonight."

Xue's father couldn't contain his excitement. His joy was palpable. He put down the phone and suddenly said to Xue's mother with a sheepish smile, "Um... Old Li, the one in real estate, he said we should have dinner together tonight, I think I might be home a little late."

I finally witnessed an amusing scene in the Xue family. He's henpecked, absolutely henpecked. It seems Xiao Xue learned all these skills from her mother.

Xue's mother looked at him suspiciously, then her eyes darted around before she said, "Alright, business is important, but how about this, you take Xiao He with you while you're at it, let him meet Old Li, a young man, let him broaden his horizons."

Xue's father was taken aback, then asked, "Huh?"

"What? Is there a problem?"

Xue's mother asked suspiciously.

"Oh, no, no, it seems inconvenient to discuss these things with outsiders present."

Xue's father said, glancing in my direction. I quickly turned my head away, looking around, pretending not to have noticed their conversation.

I heard Xue's mother question again, "Inconvenient? Xiao Shi isn't a businessman, nor is he an outsider. What's there to be afraid of?"

Only then did Xue's father nod and say, "Hehe... alright, I'll take him with me tonight."

Although I was deeply moved by Xue's mother's words "not an outsider," I was still a hundred times unwilling. They say nine out of ten businessmen are cunning, this was practically pushing me into a fire pit. Before I could protest, a sharp pain shot through my arm, and at the same time, I heard Xiaoxue yell in my ear, "You pighead, it's burnt!"

I turned around and, sure enough, the once orange-yellow chicken leg had been reduced to charcoal, and I could smell the burning fat. Ugh… I'd spent ages burning a whole charcoal stick; this was terrible. I glanced nervously at Xiaoxue; she was puffing out her cheeks, glaring at me with her big eyes, as if about to explode… when Xiaoxue's mother came to the rescue. She handed Xiaoxue a sausage, "Here, Mao Mao, don't be angry, eat this Mommy grilled."

Xiaoxue obediently took it, gave me one last glare, and took a big bite.

Xiaoxue's mother, seeing Xiaoxue's amused and exasperated expression, was also at a loss for words. A moment later, she asked me, "Xiao Shi, do you have the car keys with you? Come on, let's go to the car and get something."

"Okay."

I got up and followed Xiaoxue's mother to the parking space. Reaching the car, Xue's mother opened the door and pretended to rummage through it, but didn't take anything out. Instead, she whispered to me, "Xiao Shi, tonight you're going to dinner with Mao Mao's dad. Just remember not to talk too much. It's not a big deal, those big bosses aren't superhuman. Also, remember to remind Mao Mao's dad to go home after dinner. If he doesn't listen, call me immediately. Got it?"

"Oh, I understand."

I nodded.

I thought she was really giving me a chance to broaden my horizons, but it turns out she was just worried that Xue's father would cheat on her, and wanted me to be a 007...

Chapter 22 of Volume 2: Gathering of Merchants. The Emperor

Resort Hotel is located on Yingbin Avenue North Road. After passing through the tunnel exit, you can see the hotel's unique European-style architecture and magnificent stained-glass lights. As dusk was just falling, I drove here with Xue's father.

I parked the car in the parking lot in front of the hotel, opened the door, and got out. I glanced down casually and caught sight of a white object on the ground. Bending down, I saw it was a pure white lily, lying there. I wondered if someone had plucked it from the flowerbed and discarded it. It lay motionless, quietly on the ground, bathed in the cold moonlight, which made it appear even more lonely—a loneliness like my own, utterly alone… I suddenly realized I hadn't called home for several days. I wondered if the moonlight at home was as cold and desolate as here.

“Hey, Xiao He, let's go.”

From afar, Xue's father's voice called. I turned and saw he had already reached the hotel entrance. I quickly picked up the lily, put it in the car, and headed towards the hotel.

Upon entering the private room, a man in his forties, dressed in designer clothes, seemed to have been waiting for some time. Seeing Xue's father and me enter one after the other, he hurriedly stood up and said enthusiastically, "Oh, we've finally waited for our Brother Gu! You're really hard to get an invitation from, haha..."

Xue's father seemed quite familiar with them and politely replied, "Heh, no choice, busy, everyone's busy..."

The middle-aged man chuckled twice, then turned to see me standing behind Xue's father and asked in surprise, "Brother Gu, who is this behind you...?"

I was about to introduce myself when Xue's father said, "This is my daughter's friend, heh... young man, hasn't seen much of the world, just showing him around."

After saying this, Xue's father turned to me and said, "Xiao He, this is Li Dichang, a famous real estate tycoon in G City, nicknamed 'Li Real Estate.' Learn a lot from him in the future. If you can learn even a tenth of his skills, you'll be set for life."

"Yes, yes, hehe, I will,"

I nodded and replied with a smile. Learn from him? Ha... I don't know about anything else, but I noticed this guy is dressed quite well. He's burly, wearing a collarless Seven Brand suit with a casual shirt underneath, his trousers are perfectly straight, and his shoes are so shiny I can't tell what brand they are. He's practically the epitome of a successful man. I wonder what his inner qualities are like, but since Xue's father calls him a real estate tycoon, he's probably not simple either.

A fleeting look of surprise crossed Li Real Estate's eyes. He walked up to me with a smile, shook my hand warmly, and praised, "Oh, young man, you're so lucky to have won the favor of the Gu family's daughter. Keep it up! If you ever need my help, Li Di Chang, just let me know."

"Hehe, definitely, definitely. Mr. Li, you're too kind,"

I replied with a forced smile.

"Haha, come, come, don't be so polite."

Li Real Estate released my hand, turned around, and pulled Xue's father and me, one in each hand, to sit down at the large round table. "Brother Gu, come and see this," Li said, "These are hairy crabs that I had specially air-freighted from Yangcheng Lake this morning. They're just steamed, have a taste..."

As he spoke, Li lifted the lid of an aluminum pot on the round table. Inside the basin-sized pot were a dozen or so football-sized crabs, each a reddish-yellow color and the same size, seemingly carefully selected.

"You, you. Even though we're so close, you still spend so much money. This stuff must have cost a lot of money, right?"

Xue's father scolded, but there was no anger on his face.

Li Dichan casually picked up two crabs and placed them in front of Xue's father and me respectively, saying nonchalantly, "Not at all, not at all. Since I've invited Brother Gu to dinner, I can't be too casual. Actually, these crabs aren't expensive, only three hundred yuan each. I had someone bring fifteen over, and they're all here. Oh, right..."

Li Dichan seemed to remember something and turned to the waiter next to him, calling, "Go and get the box I brought this afternoon."

The waiter responded and went out. Then Li Dichan faced me and chuckled, "Xiao He, you can't eat crabs without wine. But you can't drink beer, it's too low-class; and you can't drink baijiu, because it's too strong, and you won't be able to taste the crab flavor." "My taste buds have been numbed by the alcohol; and I can't drink red wine either. First, red wine is too mild, and second, it's more suitable for romantic occasions. How can we be romantic with all this meat and fish? Haha… But then again, if I can't drink any alcohol, what can I drink? Please forgive me for keeping you in suspense."

After saying this, Li Real Estate turned to Xue's father and asked, "Brother Gu, why don't you guess what I sent someone to get?"

Xue's father, who had been smiling silently, finally spoke up, "You, Li Real Estate, never miss an opportunity to show off. I'm too lazy to guess. Just show it to me, whether it's something good or bad."

"Haha..."

Li Dichan chuckled smugly, replying, "Old ginger is indeed spicier. You already knew, but you insisted I say it. Fine, since you've asked, how could I refuse? What I just asked the waiter to get was authentic Shaoxing Shaoxing rice wine that I had a friend bring over. How about that? Did you get what you wanted? Eating hairy crabs and drinking Shaoxing rice wine is a perfect match."

He then turned to me and said, "Xiao He, remember, if you want to please your future father-in-law, go to Shaoxing to buy wine. Don't buy anything else, just Shaoxing rice wine. Your future father-in-law is addicted to Shaoxing rice wine like his own life."

I nodded awkwardly and praised, "Hehe... Mr. Li really knows his stuff when it comes to food."

"Not at all, not at all... it's all just experience. Oh... the wine's here, come on, waiter, fill up the glasses for the two across from us... Come on, everyone, cheers."

The waiter poured the wine, Li Dichan raised his glass in a toast, and the three of them drank it all in one gulp.

After a few rounds of drinks, Li Chandi coughed twice, cleared his throat, and said, "Brother Gu, we've known each other for five years now. I wouldn't have come all this way from G City, and you know why."

Xue's father smiled, put down his chopsticks, picked up a towel to wipe his greasy mouth, nodded, and slowly said, "Look at you... your true colors are showing, aren't you? I know why you came all this way, but I'll say it again: that piece of land is designated for green space in the city, and no one is allowed to touch it. You can't, and nobody else can either." Li Chandi was getting anxious. He frowned and asked, "Nobody can touch it?"

Xue's father nodded.

Li Real Estate fell silent, pondered for a moment, then suddenly raised his head, a cold glint in his eyes, and said, word by word, "Brother Gu, I've made a lot of money these past few years, and I'm grateful for your help along the way. But if you feel I've wronged you in any way, please just point it out, okay?"

Xue's father feigned anger, coldly replying, "You, Li Real Estate, have you gone mad from doing business? Do you think I, Gu Yuantao, am that kind of person? If I have a problem with you, I'll tell you clearly, I won't retaliate behind your back. Fine, I'll show you a way."

He exhaled a blue plume of smoke, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Now in the city... " Faced with two major problems, firstly, we frequently receive complaints from various districts criticizing the city for having too little green space, lacking even a decent park, which is why this land was designated as a park. Secondly, although our city doesn't have a large floating population and its manufacturing industry is just starting out, there are still some wage earners, especially local young people, who have housing needs. However, because you real estate developers set prices too high, many people only look at the property advertisements and then give up, with very few actually able to afford it. This is also a problem the city needs to solve. Do you understand what to do now?”

Li Real Estate looked blank and shook his head.

Xue's father laughed helplessly, then spat, "I really don't know where you got your title of real estate tycoon. Let me tell you straight, you write a report and submit it. It must address these two issues. First, find a new plot of land suitable for a park and explain its advantages. Second, after you get this land, you're not allowed to build villas. Even if you do, you must plan a small area for affordable housing so local young people can afford them. Even if it's just for show, you have to make it look real. Otherwise, don't even think about getting this land."

"Oh..."

Li Real Estate sighed, suddenly understanding. I almost laughed. I had already guessed the answer to such a simple question, yet he didn't know?

"Thank you, Brother Gu, I understand what to do. I'll definitely reduce your share..."

Li Real Estate was stopped halfway through his sentence by a stern look from Xue's father, and he fell silent, changing the subject.

Later, Li Real Estate was all smiles, his expression excited, constantly shouting "Cheers!" Two hours passed, and only a pile of crab shells and a few untouched pieces of fish remained on the table. After the meal, Li Real Estate paid the bill and then asked in a low voice, "Brother Gu, are you tired? How about... taking a bath and stretching your muscles? I heard the massage girls here are really good."

Xue's father looked at me worriedly, then turned to him and said, "This... isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Ha, it seems he knows I'm a spy sent by Xue's mother.

This time, Li Real Estate was smarter. He smiled, got up, and pulled me to the door, putting his hand on my shoulder like a brother, saying warmly, "Well... Xiao He, your future father-in-law rarely comes out, he should relax. Besides, if he's happy, marrying his daughter will be a piece of cake, right? Young man, you should understand."

To be honest, from the moment Xue's mother asked me to come with Xue's father, I knew this would happen. I chuckled. "Heh...it's alright, you guys go ahead, I'll pretend I don't know anything. I'll wait for you in the lobby."

"No need, no need, that would be too much of a hardship for you. You can come too, but don't come with us, I won't tell him. Here, take this, but don't stay too long, we'll be gone in about three hours."

Li Real Estate pulled a wad of cash from his pocket and tried to shove it into my hand.

I hurriedly stopped him, "No, I'm not going. You guys go ahead, I'll just wait for you in the lobby."

Li Real Estate seemed a little disappointed, reluctantly taking the money back, and said awkwardly, "Well...okay. You can wait for us in the lobby. If anything happens, find the lobby manager, he's an acquaintance of mine."

He turned and pulled Xue's father away. As he passed by me, I suddenly saw a grateful glance in Xue's father's eyes. Ugh...

I guess from today onwards, Xue's father will start to treat me like one of his own, at least we're keeping the same secret...
February 6th,

Volume 2, Chapter 23: The Beastly Man.

I finished a few cigarettes in the hotel lobby, feeling utterly bored, so I returned to my car, reclined the seat, and fell asleep. I don't know how much time passed before I was woken by Xue's father knocking on the window. I quickly got up, feeling aches all over. So sleeping in a luxury car can be just as tiring. Looking in the rearview mirror, Xue's father's face seemed much gentler than before, perhaps because he had just had his fun. I chuckled to myself; getting old, still indulging in this kind of thing. I wondered if the lady serving him could satisfy him. "Xiao He, your driving skills are quite good. Interested in coming to G City with me?"

Xue's father said kindly, his eyes slightly closed. "Heh… thank you, Uncle Gu, but I know this area well, and all my friends are here."

I politely declined. If you weren't Xiao Xue's father, I'd rather stay far away from you; why would I want to be with you day and night?

"Oh, then I won't force you. By the way, who else is in your family? Are your parents alright?"

Xue's father picked up a glass of water, took a couple of sips, and asked,

"I have an older sister, and my parents are in pretty good health."

As I spoke, the car had already exited the tunnel and reached the intersection. I stopped at a red light.

Xue's father seemed to sense something was wrong, opened his eyes, looked around, and asked suspiciously, "Why did you stop?"

"The red light."

I was also puzzled; did he not even know basic traffic rules?

"Heh, it's alright. It's so late now, and there aren't many cars. Keep driving; this red light takes two minutes."

Xue's father said dismissively.

"There are surveillance cameras here; if I get caught, I'll get a fine."

I thought for a moment, but still didn't start driving.

"Hey, Xiao He, I'm not trying to be mean, but a real man knows how to assess the situation. Don't be so cowardly. Did you see this car has government plates? Who would fine their own people? Even if you get fined, I can take the blame. Come on, it's late; I need to go home and rest."

After lecturing me, Xue's father closed his eyes again, pretending to sleep.

"Ha..."

I gave myself a bitter laugh and crossed the crossroads. Although I deeply despised Xue's father's actions, I had to admit that power in today's world, like money, can be exchanged for two words—dignity. If you have power, everyone will bow and scrape before you; no one dares to oppose you. Even a fart will be praised, "So fragrant! Your fart is truly extraordinary!"

Conversely, what if you're just a poor commoner? If you're robbed on the street, you report it, sign a report, and that's it. If you set up a street stall, you have to pay protection money first; if you disagree and a fight breaks out, if you kill him, he becomes a martyr; if he kills you, it's because you're physically weak and deserved it. Even if you don't die, crippled and unable to work, even cleaning toilets is too much trouble; if you beg on the streets, you'll be targeted, affecting the city's appearance, so you'll be thrown into the trash can like garbage, and someone might accidentally throw a cigarette butt in, mixing you with the trash and turning you to ashes... And so we disappear from this earth silently; or perhaps we don't disappear from the earth, but are transformed into another kind of existence, maybe air, maybe dust...

Maybe I'm wrong, money and power don't represent dignity, but first and foremost, survival.

Back at Yinshi Garden, it was almost midnight. Opening the door, I was surprised to find Xiaoxue still awake, excitedly watching TV on the sofa. Seeing me come in, Xiaoxue glared at me and scolded, "You're only back now? Why are you so late?"

"Heh...yes, waiting for your dad, he has a lot to discuss. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

I changed my shoes, walked behind the sofa, and rested my hands on the backrest.

"Watching TV? Why didn't you come back sooner? I've already finished watching it all. It was so touching, it almost made me cry."

Xiaoxue looked up at me, pouting, her eyes red.

"Really? What TV show? What happened to your eyes? Did you really cry?"

I asked with a smile.

"Um... I cried a little just now. It's really good, have you seen 'City of Angels'?"

she said softly, picking up a cushion, looking pitiful...

"What?"

I asked again. I don't know if my English is too bad, or if Xiaoxue's spoken English is too bad.

"Ugh... have you seen 'City of Angels'?"

She picked up the cushion and hit me.

"Oh, I've heard of it, it seems pretty good. By the way, do you have a vase?"

I turned around and sat down on the sofa, placing a flower I was holding on the coffee table. That flower was the lily I found at the hotel entrance; I took it out of the car and brought it back when I dropped Xue's father off at home.

"Wow, it's so pretty! Where did you buy it? Why is there only one?"

Xiaoxue happily picked up the white lily from the coffee table and smelled it.

"Don't put it on your face, it's dirty. I just found it outside, I didn't buy it."

I then told Xiaoxue how I found the flower and hid it in the car.

"Hehe... I didn't expect you to be so observant."

Xiaoxue chuckled after listening, looking at me intently.

I laughed and teased, "You only just noticed? Sigh... I guess I'm such a failure as a person, you've only discovered one of my many good points now. Actually, I'm even more observant than others."

"When?"

Xiaoxue fell for my trick, her eyes widening as she stared at me, forgetting all about the TV.

"Uh... just last time, when I washed your clothes with me, I saw 'thirty-six' written on your clothes. At first, I thought it was the price, but then I realized it was the size, and it seems to be quite a size. Haha..."

I finished speaking and laughed smugly.

"You...you big pervert!"

Xiaoxue, who had been quietly watching me and listening attentively, suddenly pounced on me like a tigress after hearing my words. I had expected her to pinch me, but I never imagined that she would stand up on the sofa, slip on the pillow she had just thrown down, and fall right into my arms. I quickly reached out to catch her, afraid she would fall to the ground.

Ugh, I shouldn't have caught her, because my outstretched hand landed squarely on her chest. Through the thin cotton nightgown, I could clearly feel her youthful fullness and the warmth emanating from her breasts. Time seemed to freeze; Xiaoxue and I were both stiff… After a long while, I heard her softly shout, “You rascal, let go…”

Hearing this, I released my grip, and she fell steadily into my arms, silent… I smelled the fragrance of her hair, held her soft body, and a sudden surge of emotion welled up inside me. I reached out and gently cupped Xiaoxue’s delicate face in my hands. She breathed softly, her face flushed, her lips slightly parted… I couldn’t resist and slowly kissed those alluring cherry lips…

The moment our lips touched, Xiaoxue’s body suddenly trembled slightly, then immediately quieted down, but she closed her lips even tighter, as if she didn’t want me to explore further… I was a little discouraged and was about to leave when suddenly Xiaoxue reached out and hugged me tightly, kissing me passionately. Those soft, fiery red lips almost suffocated me.

Suddenly, she opened her lips and slipped her tongue inside. I was startled and quickly met hers. Saliva flowed between us like the source of life, and I felt the dormant desire within me gradually awakening, quietly rising... My hands then restlessly slipped under the hem of her nightgown, caressing her smooth back. Xiaoxue didn't resist; her cheeks were flushed, and she remained curled up in my arms with her eyes tightly closed. To my surprise, I discovered that she wasn't wearing a bra. No wonder it felt so soft when I touched her earlier. My hands seemed to be guided, groping towards those pure, towering peaks...

I unbuttoned the first button. Xiaoxue looked flustered, as if she wanted to stop me but couldn't bear to, weakly calling out, "No..."

But this provocative moan undoubtedly made me, my mind already clouded by lust, even faster, unbutton all the buttons on her nightgown. I gasped. I swear, this was the most beautiful, the purest thing I had ever seen in the world—pure white, full, with a touch of cherry red in its lushness… I bent down and carefully kissed this perfect gift from heaven. Xiaoxue trembled slightly, like a white lily in the wind, swaying gently…

Xiaoxue, like a tranquil lake, was now stirred, rippling with gentle waves. She gasped softly, holding me tightly, and whispered in my ear, almost inaudibly, “No…not here, go…go inside…”

I got up, carried Xiaoxue into the room, placed her on the bed, and gently kissed her delicate nose and rosy cheeks again. I turned off the light, took off my clothes, lifted the blanket, covered us both, and embraced her tightly. My hands, like an evil ghost, roamed all over her body, my breath coming in ragged gasps, kissing her lips, nose, chest, and breasts... She seemed to become excited too, responding to me relentlessly. My hands continued to caress her, heading towards her most secret garden...

"Xue, is it okay?"

I asked softly.

"Mmm..."

Xiaoxue frowned and replied.

My body, as if receiving a royal decree, immediately bent down, ready to advance. However, I suddenly realized with dismay that I had become limp as a rag doll, utterly incapable of completing the task…

My heart trembled, and I said to Xiaoxue, “We…we…let’s wait until our wedding night.”

Then, I awkwardly got out of bed, grabbed my clothes from the floor, and hurriedly fled into the bathroom, turning on the tap and desperately splashing cold water on myself… Once I calmed down, I suddenly thought that a man is, after all, a man, and can never lose his wild nature.

But, am I really such a beastly man?

Chapter 24 of Volume 2: A Wrong Nature

In the internet cafe, I sat absentmindedly. On the table in front of me, in the blue ashtray, lay a whole, burnt cigarette. My distress, like those wisps of pale blue smoke, wouldn't go away.

For some reason, ever since that night when I had real physical intimacy with Xiaoxue, our relationship had become particularly sensitive. Every morning, when I left for work, I would always find breakfast prepared by her, sometimes millet porridge, sometimes a poached egg. Throughout the entire process, she didn't say a word, just watched quietly as I finished eating. Then, with a happy smile, she cleared away the dishes... When I came home from work and we bumped into each other, we still didn't say anything, just kept laughing, a laugh that made my heart ache. So I started laughing too, and in the end, the two of us ended up laughing like fools...

As I was thinking about this, I suddenly realized I was secretly laughing too. Sigh...

When I got off work, I realized I'd forgotten to call my mother. So, I walked home and dialed the phone.

"Hello?"

The phone connected, and my mother's familiar voice came from the other end.

"Hey, Mom, have you eaten?" "

Eating" was just a greeting on every phone call. I knew our family custom: dinner wasn't until 7 or 8 pm at the earliest.

"Not yet, just came back from the garden. I went to water the chili peppers; it hasn't rained for so long, they're almost dried out."

The static from the phone couldn't mask the weariness in my mother's voice.

"It's so hot, why water the vegetables? It's better to let them dry out."

I complained.

“Silly boy, since you’ve planted them, you have to take care of them. If they die, we won’t have any chili peppers to eat, and buying more will cost money. Watering the vegetables will kill you! People always have to do things in life.”

My mother immediately launched into a lecture, making me feel incredibly ashamed. From a young age, I couldn’t understand why my parents always had inexhaustible energy to farm, grow vegetables, harvest tea leaves, and so on… The cumulative value of each of these tasks over a year would never exceed my monthly salary, yet they were always tireless in their work. When I grew a little older, I asked her, and she always answered the same way: “People always have to do things in life.”

“Okay, okay, I know, haha… Mom, did you receive the photos I sent back the other day?”

I interrupted my mother’s lecture, changing the subject. A few days earlier, I remembered that last time I went home, I had promised my mother I would send some “family photos” taken with my girlfriend’s family to comfort my ailing father. Later, I thought about it and actually took the photos from Xiaoxue’s camera, had them printed, and sent them back.

"I received those photos yesterday. Are they real?"

my mother asked doubtfully.

I was both amused and exasperated, and immediately retorted, "Oh, Mom, how can you talk about your son like that? Why would I lie to you?"

"You, you, do you think I don't know you? You never do anything serious. Tell me, since you started school, how many girlfriends have you had? And how many of them ended up? But if this one is real, I think this family is nice, and the girl is very pretty. When are you going to bring her home for a visit and get married?"

My mother was indeed farsighted, and she immediately thought about marriage.

"Hehe... no rush, let's wait until I'm settled here."

I replied casually.

"Settled? You're settled now, after all these years away. Hurry up and bring her home, register the marriage, and we won't have to worry about it. By the way, your dad saw the photos too. He was quite happy at first, but then for some reason, he stopped talking."

my mother said.

"Oh? Is he feeling better these past few days? I'll try to bring her back to see you, at the latest by the New Year."

Mentioning my father, and thinking about how I couldn't be by his side, my heart ached.

Actually, I understood what my mother was saying all too well. How I longed to take root and flourish in this land, to blossom and bear fruit as soon as possible. But the reality was stark: I had no higher education, no special skills. Even now, barely making ends meet, I was like a caged sparrow, forever tethered by a thread of millet—not starving, but unable to escape the cage. And all of this depended on someone feeding me. If, unfortunately, I fell out of favor, I would be abandoned, forgotten, left to fend for myself… Right now, I was like a fly hovering before a windowpane, the future bright, but unable to find a way out. In such a state, how could I possibly discuss important matters of life?

After a few more words with my mother, I hung up the phone. Looking up, I realized I was already nearing my apartment complex. In the blink of an eye, I saw another car parked by the gate of the residential area. It looked quite familiar, and upon closer inspection, I realized it was Yu Yanfang's car… Yu must be waiting for me, and I was definitely already in her sights. There's only one gate to the residential area, and unless I don't go back, there's no way to avoid her. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly lowered my head, pretending to be in a hurry. As I brushed past her, I glanced at the car out of the corner of my eye and realized it was empty. I breathed a long sigh of relief. It was too dark, and I hadn't dared to look closely.

But as I approached the gate, I suddenly bumped into Yu Yanfang. Seeing me, she smiled happily, "Hi, why are you off work so late? I even went to your house to look for you, but no one was home. I thought you might still be at work."

"Oh…yes, it's quite late. You were looking for me? Is there something you need?"

I asked awkwardly. I really didn't know how to describe this woman. On one hand, she was my benefactor, having saved me from dire straits. On the other hand, she used this excuse to ask me to be her lover, but this was precisely what bothered me. Besides feeling threatened, I also felt it was more like a transaction.

Perhaps sensing my blunt answer, Yu immediately turned stern. "What? Can't I contact you for no reason?"

I was a little flustered, not daring to offend her, and hurriedly replied, "Hehe...no, that's not what I meant. I meant you're so busy, how come you have time to come over?" I

really didn't know if Yu was genuinely innocent or just pretending to be. Seeing my flustered explanation, she actually smiled again and said softly, "I wanted to have dinner with you, and also to reconcile the payments for the past two months."

I hesitated for a moment: dinner didn't matter, the important thing was the payments. If the figures were clear, it meant I could get my commission for the past two months. I smiled and said, "Wait for me a moment, I'll go upstairs and change my clothes."

"No need, why change clothes? It's not like I'm going to a party, let's go."

Yu pushed me and walked towards the door.

"Oh...let's go then."

I opened the car door and let her sit in the passenger seat, then got into the driver's seat myself.

Only after starting the car did I realize I hadn't asked her where she wanted to eat. As if knowing my thoughts, Yu immediately said, "Drive towards the border, let's go to Little Sheep Hot Pot."

Hot pot for two? How could she even think of that? And such a noisy place, how could we discuss business? I kept my doubts to myself, not daring to ask.

Only after I paid the bill did Yu Yanfang rummage through her purse, turn to me, and exclaim in surprise, "Oh no, I left my documents at home, I forgot to take them when I left, what should I do?"

"Oh, it's okay, we can exchange them next time,"

I said casually.

"I'm afraid that won't work, this month's orders are due soon, I need to give you the list first so you can have them quote you, otherwise it'll be too late. Why don't you take me home, and we can go to my house together to get them? Let's go."

Yu put away her purse and got up to leave.

I was unwilling, yet dared not object, so I reluctantly said, "Okay."

After passing countless traffic lights, I arrived at Yu's house again. I sniffed carefully; the air seemed to still carry my scent. Only then did I remember that I had stayed here a week ago, and had been intimate with the lady of the house. Deep down, I seemed to be consciously or unconsciously trying to treat that night as a dream. However, it was familiar territory; it was impossible not to be familiar. I poured myself a glass of water and sat down on the sofa to the side—a single armchair. Yu went into the study and soon returned with several sheets of A4 paper.

I thought she would hand me the documents, but instead she took them and sat down on the sofa facing the TV to watch them. Seeing that I didn't react, she glared at me and scolded, "There's only one document. Come sit here. What? It's like you're afraid of me?"

I smiled awkwardly, got up, and moved to sit next to her, saying, "What? I'm a grown man, why would I be afraid of you? Are you going to eat me? Heh..."

After I sat down, Yu put down the documents, suddenly frowned, and looked at me with interest, saying, "I'm a little curious. You said you don't have a girlfriend, and you said you're a grown man, so let me ask you, how do you solve your physical needs? Do you take care of them yourself? Or do you go to Lotus Street every night to find someone?"

"Huh?"

I opened my mouth in horror, not knowing how to answer. Her question was really sharp.

"What 'huh'? You... are a man, wouldn't you want one?"

Yu's eyes suddenly became infinitely tender, making my heart pound. I quickly lowered my head and avoided that piercing gaze.

"Heh...actually, I have a girlfriend, but things haven't progressed to that point yet,"

I said softly. Suddenly, I felt the atmosphere was strange, as if I'd experienced it somewhere before. After a moment's thought, I realized this was exactly the same scenario as when I was with Xiao Li. I was always the one answering, always in a position of being on the receiving end.

"Really? Who is it?"

Yu seemed surprised, but didn't show any nervousness. A strange sense of disappointment welled up inside me. Why would she be nervous? She wasn't Xiao Li, and even if she were, she probably wouldn't be nervous.

"The girl I live with,"

I said coldly.

"Oh..."

Yu feigned sudden realization, letting out a long "oh," then muttered to herself, "I knew it! A man and a woman living together, how could there not be something fishy going on?"

I smiled awkwardly and remained silent. Yu suddenly laughed again and slowly said, "Xiao Shi, remember what I said last time? Now it's even better. You have a girlfriend now, so our relationship is even more interesting. For you, it's a bit like having an affair, haha..." I was speechless, but I knew in my heart that I probably wouldn't be able to escape unscathed tonight. I couldn't even think of any way to clearly and directly reject Yu, to tell her that I would rather be friends with her than lovers.

Sure enough, Yu told me to go take a shower first. While I was showering, she walked in naked. In the hazy steam, the air in the bathroom became ambiguous... Yu and I became entangled again, impulsively and frantically engaging in our primal instincts, and went from the bathroom to the bedroom. I felt like a puppet, completely controlled by her strings, leaping and bounding about...

But then fear gripped me. Why was it that when I faced Xiaoxue's delicate body, my heart became a wild wolf, rampaging and ravaging her soul, while my body, like an old, aging horse, could only lie still, head bowed, repeating its basic functions, utterly useless? Yet, with Yu Yanfang, though my heart felt like an old steed, my body functioned like a brand-new car, accelerating and sprinting without hindrance?

There was only one answer: I cherished Xiaoxue too much, unwilling to defile her, yet I couldn't relinquish my male instincts. This internal conflict led to my inability to maintain my strength at crucial moments. I was also grateful that I hadn't possessed Xiaoxue. I truly didn't know what I could offer her.

When everything returned to calm, I resisted the lethargy that followed the passion, got up, picked up my clothes, and was about to put them on when Yu suddenly grabbed my arm. She glared at me and asked, "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah, it's too late. I have to go to work tomorrow. You should get some rest, hehe..."

I stopped, sat on the edge of the bed, and comforted her.

"Hmph! You did the same last time, sneaking off. Your job is better off not doing at all; a month's work is less than two days' work for me."

Yu complained twice, then her tone softened, saying gently, "Don't leave tonight, can you leave tomorrow morning? If you're worried about being late, take my car."

I hesitated for a moment, but still insisted, "Heh... I'm afraid not, I won't go. She'll be looking for me everywhere."

I knew Yu would understand who I was referring to.

"Her? Hmph! You're leaving? I'll call her right now and tell her not to wait until tomorrow."

Yu said, suddenly jumping out of bed, grabbing my phone from the bedside table, and flipping through it. This woman, she really meant what she said. My phone was full of messages from Xiaoxue and me. Afraid she might accidentally call, I tried to grab it, but she hid it under the covers and it was gone. She had a mischievous smile on her face.

"Okay, stop playing around. I won't leave. But turn off your phone first, quick." As soon as

I finished speaking, Yu happily turned off my phone. I lay back down on the bed, and Yu immediately snuggled into my arms, turned my right hand over, and used it as a pillow.

I, however, couldn't sleep a wink all night…

The next morning, I woke up early and checked my phone. There were twenty unread messages. My heart ached, and I was terrified. This time, it was really all over.

(Chapter 25, Volume 2: I Really Love You)

Message 1: Where are you? Why aren't you back yet?

Message 2: Why is your phone off? Where are you?

Message 3: Hey! Aren't you going to turn your phone back on? I'm locking the door! I'll make you sleep on the street later, hmph!

Message 4: He Shi, you bastard, turn your phone on now, I'm calling the police...

Message 5: ...

I sat in the taxi, scrolling through the messages on my phone one by one, my heart pounding with anxiety. Just now, I had refused Yu Yanfang's invitation to have breakfast together, rushed out the door, hailed a taxi, and headed towards Yinshi Yayuan. It was almost seven in the morning, and I thought I could get home before Xiaoxue woke up. Actually, I was wrong again; Xiaoxue had caught me red-handed.

I opened the door and peeked inside, then froze. Xiaoxue was hunched over the sofa, her hair disheveled and draped over her shoulders, staring at me with bloodshot eyes, looking like Sadako who had just crawled out of a well. Normally, seeing her like this would have made me tease her, but this time, I was certain no one would fail to understand that she had spent the entire night on the sofa.

I went inside, knelt down beside the sofa, and awkwardly, with a fawning smile, asked, "Why are you up so early today?"

Xiaoxue's face remained expressionless, her gaze fixed blankly on me.

"Hmm? Why are your hands so cold? Didn't you sleep well?"

I took her hand; she was holding the remote control, and the television screen opposite her was filled with flickering static. Her hands looked like they'd just been taken out of the refrigerator, making me wonder if it was really the hottest part of summer.

She remained silent, a deathly silence. Seeing her like this, I felt as if my own heart was breaking, the pain unbearable.

Xiaoxue must have been up all night, waiting for me on the sofa. I couldn't imagine how much expectation and disappointment she felt for me, but at that moment, she must have been heartbroken and utterly despondent. The greatest sorrow is a broken heart. I would rather she slap me or make a scene; perhaps then I would have a chance to make amends. But she didn't say a word. I could only silently curse myself to ease my guilt.

I feared that if this stalemate continued, Xiaoxue would fall ill. So I stood up, intending to carry her to the room to rest. But as soon as I picked her up, Xiaoxue immediately said, "Put me down! Don't touch me!"

Her tone was as cold as her hands.

I put her back on the sofa, then knelt in front of her, frowning, and asked, "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? Ask yourself, what's wrong? Tell me what's wrong with me?"

Xiaoxue suddenly screamed hysterically. Her expression turned extremely aggrieved, tears welled up in her eyes, and then, with a "plop," they fell, splashing everywhere...

Her crying made me completely flustered; the words of comfort I had prepared vanished from my mind instantly. I frantically wiped away her tears, forcing a self-deprecating laugh, and said guiltily, "Heh... I, I don't know! Tell me, what happened?"

Xiaoxue slapped my hand away from her tears, her face as cold as ice, and demanded loudly, "Tell me, where did you go last night?"

Finally, she got to the point; this meant there was still a chance to explain, I thought to myself. I paused, grinned, and said casually, "Hehe... so that's what you're asking about. It's nothing. I was drinking with that friend last night, the one you met last time. I got drunk and fell asleep at his house."

Xiaoxue stopped sobbing, wiped her eyes, and asked suspiciously, "Really? Then why was your phone off? Do you know how worried I was? Didn't you see my message?"

I took out my phone, waved it at her, and said, "It ran out of battery last night and turned off automatically. I only saw your message this morning after changing the battery."

Xiaoxue fell silent, stared at me for a moment, and then suddenly stretched out her hand and said, "Give me your phone."

"Huh? Why?"

I reflexively pulled my hand back.

"I said, give me your phone!"

Xiaoxue said, enunciating each word clearly.

I was startled and immediately realized that she must be going to call J to confirm. I hesitated for a moment, but still handed her the phone. The reason I dared to hand her the phone was because if Xiaoxue asked about these things, I believed J would definitely tell her that I spent the night at his place. Perhaps it's an unspoken understanding between men. Xiaoxue took the phone, flipped through the keys, and seemed to be looking for J's number. After finding it, she suddenly picked up the landline on the table and dialed. I was puzzled. What was she doing?

The call connected, and I stood aside, watching Xiaoxue talk to J with bated breath. "Hello, is this xxx (J's full name)? Hello, this is He Shi's girlfriend. I wanted to ask if He Shi is with you? Why hasn't he come home yet?... Oh, okay, I understand. Tell him to come back quickly, thank you."

Xiaoxue hung up the phone, looked at me coldly, and smiled without saying a word. I thought to myself, "I've been tricked..."

The call had barely ended when my phone rang. Xiaoxue answered, then turned on the speakerphone. Immediately, J's grating voice came through the phone: "You brat, where have you been gallivanting off to? Forgot to come home? Your wife's got you wanted all over the world! Come home! I just told her you're here. Remember to give her a proper statement when you get back... Hello? Why isn't anyone talking? Talk to me! Did you hurt yourself last night?..."

Before he could finish, my face turned ashen, and I yelled into the phone in Xiaoxue's hand, "Damn it, I'm right here at home! What the hell are you yelling about?"

The other end of the line went "..."

followed by a few beeps.

Xiaoxue, still sneering, said with a mocking expression, "Do you have anything else to say?"

I hesitated, lowered my head, and stammered, "Xiaoxue, I..."

"Don't say anything more! Get out of here! I don't want to see you!"

Seeing that I seemed determined to explain, Xiaoxue suddenly snapped, her voice sharp.

"Xiaoxue, listen to me! I didn't stay at his place last night, but I..."

I said anxiously, making a last-ditch effort.

"I hate being lied to! Get out! I told you to leave! I don't want to see you!"

Xiaoxue screamed, suddenly jumping off the sofa, running into the bedroom, and slamming the door shut, leaving me standing awkwardly in the living room.

Sigh... times change, and there are always trade-offs. Why is it that we only realize our mistakes after things have happened? But now it's all too late. My entanglement with Yu was merely because I thought I was repaying a debt of gratitude and for the huge sales commission I was owed. I didn't know when my father would recover, nor did I know whose path I would follow in, so I had to plan ahead and save money for the future. But with Xiaoxue, I had many conflicting feelings. I truly love her, I swear, but I've never been able to find a reason why she would love me, even though she has always been devoted to me.

I'm introverted and clueless about all the qualities a charming man should possess. I don't understand sports, and I still don't understand the rules of football; I'm not highly educated, I don't understand literature, and I even speak incoherently; I don't understand politics, the only political saying I remember is "water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it"; I'm not romantic, and I've never given anyone a rose; most tragically, I don't know how to earn money to make my family comfortable. Even now, we barely make ends meet, only because I've stumbled upon a few women blinded by romance who appreciate me and bestow favors upon me…

I can't think of anything I have that's worth keeping with Xiaoxue. Love? If it were just that one word, I think things would be much easier. Unfortunately, it's not possible. Just like when she told me to leave, could I not leave? This is her house, everything here is hers.

I quickly packed my things into a large bag and a box, and was about to leave when I suddenly remembered the most important thing. I went to Xiaoxue's bedroom door and knocked, but there was no response. I sighed and said softly, "Xiaoxue... I'm leaving. I'm sorry. I know you hate me, but I'm still very grateful to you. Without you, I don't think I would have made it this far. Maybe I would have collapsed more than half a year ago. Thank you, really. There's a card on the table with some money in it. It's the money you paid for my medical bills and the rent I've paid for living here for so long. The password is your birthday. Remember not to lose it. I've stored everything in there. Heh... If I lose it, I won't have any money left to give you. I'm leaving. Take care of yourself... Finally, I want to tell you, I really love you, really!"

I don't know why I can still laugh, because my tears are clearly hitting the floor, drop by drop.

Chapter 26 of Volume 2: Resurgence

A week has passed. In that week, an unprecedented sense of loss has been churning my thoughts. I feel lost and disoriented, having lost the anticipation I once felt for home, even though I know it's not my home.

Every day, after work, I board the No. 6 bus, toss a coin into the fare box, and board the upper deck. Starting from Kyushu Avenue, I gaze out the window, enjoying the cool night breeze, passing through Hong Kong, Wan Chai… traversing most of the city, before finally returning to my residence. But when the bus stops, I hesitate, unable to find a reason to get off. Only by watching the cars coming and going on the road do I realize I'm still alive, not yet devoid of feeling… And so, day after day, I use one dollar to repeatedly travel through this city that doesn't belong to me.

That evening, I sat on the bus again, staring blankly out the window. My phone suddenly rang, and my heart skipped a beat. Was it Xiaoxue? It hadn't rung since I left her. I frantically pulled it out, and to my surprise, it was Xue's mother…

"Xiao He? This is Mao Mao's mother."

Xue's mother's voice was as kind and gentle as ever.

"Oh, hello, Auntie,"

I greeted her respectfully.

"Hehe…why are you being so polite? Xiao He, I have something to ask you. You and Mao Mao…did you have a fight?"

Xue's mother asked with concern.

A pang of pain shot through my heart. I forced myself to put on a lighthearted tone, smiled, and said, "Oh...no, we're...all fine. What's wrong, Auntie?"

Xue's mother laughed too, sighing with a hint of reproach, "Sigh...Xiao He, don't be afraid of me. Actually, I know you two must have had a fight. Mao Mao has been staying here for several days now, and she hasn't said a word. She's been acting all confused, and she won't answer when I ask her. I'm a little worried about her. Xiao He, young people, everyone has a temper, especially a girl like Mao Mao who's been pampered since childhood. Her temper might be even bigger, so you have to be more tolerant."

I suddenly felt like crying because I was the one in the wrong, but Xue's mother thought it was Xiao Xue throwing a tantrum. How many mothers in this world are as kind and loving as Xue's mother? I felt guilty and answered softly, "Auntie...actually, it's my fault, not Xue'er's problem. I'm sorry to her, I..."

I suddenly choked up, my throat tight, unable to utter a single word.

Xue's mother seemed to sense my distress and comforted me, "Heh... Xiao He, don't worry. It's normal for couples to argue and bicker. Mao Mao's dad and I are both getting old, and we still argue all the time. But you can see that Mao Mao's dad always gives in to me, because he's a man, and you're a man too, right? So just be more understanding with Mao Mao, no matter who's right or wrong. Okay, I've said enough, you know what to do. Mao Mao is staying with me now. Come pick her up in a couple of days when she's in a better mood. Remember to comfort her."

"Okay, I understand, thank you, Auntie."

After hanging up, I felt incredibly lost. It's easy to say, but is it really that easy to do? Even if I lowered my pride and begged her, would she listen? The image of Xiao Xue's heartbroken expression from that day flashed before my eyes again. And then, without realizing it, I got off at the Yinshi Yayuan station...

How could this be? Was it fate's arrangement, or a subconscious habit, that led me to get off the bus here? The fountain, the red walls and gray tiles, the lush greenery—everything here was so familiar, yet it inexplicably ached. I slowly strolled around the entrance of the complex, my long, shadowy figure trailing in the lamplight. I found a clean stone step and sat down. From here, I could see Xiaoxue's window on the sixth floor, but now, the window, which should have been brightly lit, was pitch black…

Because of so many unforgettable wounds from the past, I felt my heart had been cocooned shut, no longer open to anyone, no longer able to be hurt by anyone. I remembered the last time Xiaoxue and I were deeply in love, I suddenly withered away, all because of a sentence someone had mentioned: "Before you understand your own love, don't treat her as a substitute for anyone else."

At that moment, it suddenly appeared in my mind, and I felt my body go limp, unable to muster any more passion. Did I really treat Xiaoxue as a substitute for my feelings?

I think I was wrong, utterly wrong. My mistake was not giving my heart fully, always holding back. I thought I had no reason for Xiaoxue to love me, but that was just self-deception, finding a reasonable excuse for my incomplete love to cover up my cowardice and fear. Now, without Xiaoxue, I'm like a dried-up corpse, hollowed out, a walking corpse all day long; my soul has vanished completely because of Xiaoxue's disappearance...

I fiercely lashed out at myself, waking up to reality. I suddenly stood up. I decided to go to Xiaoxue's mother's place and bring Xiaoxue back. Regardless of whether she forgives me or not, I must explain everything to her. Perhaps only in this way can I face her with a clear conscience, and even if I leave, I can leave with a clear conscience...

However, as I stood up and turned around, I suddenly saw a figure I had been longing for, walking with even steps towards the entrance of the community. Judging from her head down as she hurried along, she didn't seem to notice me standing not far ahead. I watched her walk towards me, growing closer and closer. When she was about ten meters away, I called softly, "Xiaoxue..." Startled

by my call, Xiaoxue stopped and looked up. A wave of sorrow washed over me. Only a few days had passed, yet her once beautiful face was now haggard, her hair disheveled and scattered in the wind. In the moonlight, an indescribable sadness emanated from her.

"Xiaoxue..."

I called again.

But Xiaoxue seemed not to hear me. She stood there for a moment, then lowered her head and walked towards me. Judging from her expression, she seemed determined to ignore me. "Try to comfort her," I thought, recalling her mother's words. I knew that if I didn't seize this opportunity, we might truly be separated forever. As she passed by, I grabbed her hand. She turned her head, glaring at me hatefully, then looked down at my hand holding hers. She struggled briefly, signaling me to let go.

I forced a smile and said shamelessly, "Hehe... Still angry? I've been waiting here for ages."

"Let go, I don't know you,"

Xiaoxue said coldly, stopping her struggle.

Her attitude of treating me like a stranger sent a chill down my spine, but I dared not show it on my face, still shamelessly smiling, "Hehe... It's okay if you don't know me, let me introduce myself. My name is He Shi, male, 23 years old, from Chenzhou, Hunan. Haha, do you recognize me now? Oh, right, and most importantly, I'm unmarried, heh..."

I felt my skin had thickened another layer, but as long as she calmed down, what did it matter how thick it became?

Seeing my grinning face, Xiaoxue fell silent. Later, her lips moved as if she wanted to laugh, but immediately she closed them tightly, letting out an angry "humph!"

...

Ugh... She's never been this hard to coax before. Is this time really a stubborn mule—determined to stick her neck out?

"Hehe... Don't look so gloomy. Frowning makes a woman age quickly,

you know. Look, I often frown too, and now look at me, I can't even straighten my brow." I raised my hand and pointed to my brow. But as soon as I let go, Xiaoxue immediately turned and walked away. I quickly chased after her... In the elevator, I tried telling a joke, but she remained unmoved, as if I were invisible. Sigh... I'm at my wit's end...

"Hey, beautiful, don't walk so fast..."

As we exited the elevator, I followed closely behind Xiaoxue, talking as we walked. Xiaoxue opened her handbag, found her key, and inserted it into the lock. Just as she was about to go inside, I stepped in front of her, blocking the doorway.

A familiar face, a strange expression—looking at this girl who couldn't be kinder, I felt utterly hopeless. I dropped my teasing facade, sighed, and said in a heavy, earnest voice, "Xiaoxue... I know you don't want to hear anything I say now. But I just want to tell you, I... I really love you. I'm so grateful to you for saving my life and my soul."

As I spoke, a strange pain pierced my heart, probably because of that romantic encounter before the New Year. I felt my eyes welling up, so I wiped them with my hand, forced an awkward smile, and said, "Heh... Actually, it's nothing. I just hope you're doing well. Go inside, I'm leaving. Take good care of yourself."

I stepped aside and started walking back. After a few steps, I heard Xiaoxue slam the door shut. My heart shattered with that sound. I didn't dare turn around, afraid I would impulsively crash into the door.

But then a fantasy suddenly popped into my head: Xiaoxue called out from behind me, "Bastard..."

I wiped away my tears and gave myself a bitter smile. It seems that when people are desperate, they can only fill their emptiness with fantasy. Is this what they call drawing a cake to satisfy hunger? Suddenly, another call came from behind me, "Hey, bastard!"

This time, I heard it clearly, and it didn't seem like a fantasy. I froze on the spot and slowly turned around...

I saw Xiaoxue pouting, looking at me with an unhappy expression. The door was locked; so she hadn't gone in.

"Did you... call me?"

I pointed to myself, secretly cursing myself for being so pathetic. Why did I have to pick such an indecent hat to wear?

Xiaoxue turned her head, looked around, and laughed. "Besides you, is there another jerk here?"

I swear, that smile was the sweetest, most beautiful smile I'd ever seen...

I laughed, like a child, and ran back to Xiaoxue's side, still a little shaken, and asked, "You? You're not angry anymore?"

Xiaoxue pouted again, angrily saying, "Not angry? Who said I'm not angry? It's just that I don't want to punish myself for your mistakes. That's not worth it. Getting old and sick from anger, and no one to care for you, while you live a carefree life, so I decided to keep you by my side and do everything I can to slowly torture you..."

Xiaoxue said, frowning and clenching her fists.

"Yes, yes, yes... torture me, torture me, hehe..."

I felt a little smug. She was clearly trying to save face, so I was happy to let her be smug. As long as she was happy, I was satisfied. I was about to say something flattering when the phone rang again. I picked it up and saw it was my mother calling.

Her voice was frantic. "Shizai," she said, "come home tomorrow. When I took your father to the hospital today, the doctor said there's a serious problem."

I felt like a piece of iron taken from a furnace and thrown into ice water; my heart pounded. I hurriedly asked, "Mom, don't panic, tell me slowly, what is it?"

"I don't know exactly how to say it," my mother said, calming her tone. "The doctor said something has spread, it's very dangerous. Also, I've noticed your father has lost a lot of weight recently, he's practically skin and bones. Anyway, please take some time off and come home.

"

Upon hearing this, I felt dizzy and my mind went blank. My head spun, and I leaned against the wall, painfully closing my eyes… After a long while, I felt Xiaoxue gently shaking me. She softly asked, “What’s wrong? What happened?”

I shook my head blankly, feeling as if I were in a dream. However, the tearing feeling in my heart told me that this was not a dream, and I had to get home as soon as possible. I opened my eyes and said to Xiaoxue, “Xiaoxue, I’m sorry, I have to go back. When I get back, I’ll let you torture me properly, okay?”

Xiaoxue was also somewhat frightened by my reaction. She asked with concern, “You’re going back? But it’s nighttime, there are no cars. What happened? Can’t you just tell me?”

I pressed my head painfully and said, “My father is seriously ill… I… I have to go back. I’ll go out and see if any taxis are willing to go that far.”

After saying that, I turned to leave.

Xiaoxue pulled me back, comforting me, "Don't rush, have you forgotten I have a car?"

"You? But it's nighttime now. It's over 600 kilometers back from here, that's too long. I'm only familiar with this part of the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway; I'm not very familiar with it outside of Guangzhou. I'm afraid I wo n't be able to drive that far myself."

Actually, I knew that having a car would be much more convenient.

"Silly girl, have you forgotten I can drive too? Heh… Let's go, don't delay, I'll pack my things first."

After Xiaoxue finished speaking, she opened the door and went inside, bustling about…

I was stunned. Did she mean she was going to come home with me?

(Chapter 27, Volume 2: A Desperate Heart)

After I returned to my residence and finished packing my clothes, it was already 10 PM. Time was of the essence, so we hurriedly got into the car, and Xiaoxue drove onto the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway, heading north.

The reason I let Xiaoxue drive was because she was quite familiar with the roads in the Pearl River Delta. My original intention was for her to drive out of Guangzhou and then return the car to me. However, I somehow fell asleep, and when I vaguely woke up, I found the car had stopped, and it was below the highway. I hurriedly asked, "Why did we stop? Where are we?"

Xiaoxue pulled the handbrake and replied, "We've reached Shaoguan, we're out of gas, let's fill up."

After saying that, she got out of the car. I turned around and looked, and sure enough, it was a gas station. I felt a little guilty; how could I have fallen asleep without realizing it? I had let her drive alone for more than three hours; she must be exhausted.

But then, I was also somewhat glad that I had rested, and I felt incredibly refreshed. Because the 106 National Highway north of Shaoguan is more dangerous than most people can imagine. Steep slopes, sharp bends, and the pitch-black night made me slow down to 20 miles per hour at one point, but my heart was burning with anxiety. Xiaoxue seemed to be in good spirits. Sitting in the passenger seat, she would glance out the dark window, then turn to stare blankly at me. She then pulled a CD from the glove compartment and put it on. The melody was strangely familiar—"Yesterday Once More." My heart grew heavier. Raindrops pattered on the windshield…

By the time we reached Ruxian County, the rain had stopped, but the car was splattered with mud. When I parked at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, it was already open. It was nine in the morning; I hadn't expected that a mere 600 kilometers would take almost ten hours. The deserted hospital felt suffocating. I took Xiaoxue to the ward where my father had stayed during our last visit, only to find a stranger on the bed. Turning around, I was about to ask him something when I bumped into a stout figure—it was Dr. Luo.

I blocked his way in the hallway and asked urgently, "Dr. Luo, do you still recognize me? Which ward is my father in?"

Perhaps my approach was a bit too abrupt, for Dr. Luo took a step back in surprise, looked up, pushed up his glasses with his right hand, squinted for a while, and then exclaimed with sudden realization, "Oh...it's you, you are..."

"Yes, yes, it's me, you remember me? Then where is my father?"

I was somewhat annoyed by his slow manner. Xiaoxue frowned beside me, clearly worried for me as well, even though she couldn't understand my hometown dialect.

"Oh...you're asking about your father? He went home, he went back yesterday,"

Dr. Luo said slowly after thinking for a moment.

I was stunned. Didn't my mother say his condition had changed? Why did they go home? I thought about calling to ask, but then I thought it would be better to ask the person in front of me.

"My mom called yesterday and told me that my dad's condition has changed. Did you examine him? Why did they go back?"

I frowned and asked worriedly.

"Sigh..."

Dr. Luo let out a sigh that sent chills down my spine, then lowered his voice and said, "Young man, please accept my condolences. It seems there's no cure for your father's illness."

"What!"

I roared, furious. I grabbed his collar and demanded, "Didn't you say last time you had some imported medicine that could cure him? Are you useless? Or were you lying to me?"

Dr. Luo's obese body trembled immediately, and he cried out, "Don't be agitated, don't be agitated, listen to me, listen to me finish."

Xiaoxue had never seen me angry before, and her face turned pale with fright. She hurriedly rushed forward to pry my hands off, and I had no choice but to suppress my anger, release him, and listen to his explanation. Sigh... what difference would an explanation make? He's a doctor; his words carry real authority. He's already said that my father's recovery is probably impossible. What good would an explanation do?

My throat felt like it was blocked with lead, so uncomfortable…

Dr. Luo adjusted the collar of his white coat, straightened his expression, and slowly said, “The medicine I mentioned last time has been prescribed for your father. It can indeed inhibit the spread of cancer cells, but no medicine can bring someone back from the dead; they all have limitations. It's only effective for early-stage patients. Furthermore, the patient must cooperate actively. For example, while taking the medication, he can't smoke, drink tea, or engage in high-intensity, prolonged physical labor, because strenuous physical activity will accelerate drug digestion, preventing full absorption.” "Young man, I want to help you, but your father, really..."

Dr. Luo paused, sighed, and continued, "The worst thing your father did was continue smoking and drinking tea. When he came here for a CT scan the day before yesterday, I discovered that the cancer cells in his lungs had spread exponentially. It's like a chronic disease turning into an acute one. I estimate that even if Hua Tuo were alive again, he couldn't save him. So I told your mother to go home and rest. Now, let's just take it one more day at a time."

I shook my head in disbelief, my legs went weak, and I slumped to the ground. Xiao Xue quickly helped me to a nearby bench. Seeing this, Dr. Luo sighed and left...

After leaving the hospital, I bought two steamed buns from a roadside shop and handed them to Xiao Xue. Xiao Xue wanted to share one with me, but I refused. At this point, let alone steamed buns, even dragon meat wouldn't appeal to me. Understanding and considerate, she didn't insist, nor did she say much, only silently watching me with encouraging eyes.

The road from the county town to the village was even more difficult, winding along mountain peaks, weaving through the clouds; one wrong step and we could plunge into an abyss. It was my first time driving on such a road, and despite my overwhelming grief, I dared not be careless, keeping my eyes fixed intently on the road ahead. Xiaoxue, terrified, closed her eyes and gripped the seatbelt tightly. And so, in the sweltering heat of summer, sweating profusely, I traveled over thirty kilometers of dirt road in just over two hours, finally returning to

my small village nestled among the mountains. This village, where I was born and raised, is one of many ordinary, impoverished villages in China. With about fifty households and over two hundred people, it occupies less than one square kilometer. You might bump into someone at any moment, even just for breakfast or to use the toilet; it's a classic case of "you see them all the time." Surrounded by mountains, the village is extremely isolated. As the saying goes, "transportation is basically by walking." The only connection to machinery in the entire village is a few hand-operated tractors parked in a small, roughly 100-meter square earthen area at the village entrance, usually used for transporting firewood. But now, they're deserted; the tractors lie idle on the ground, a far cry from their former vigor. The only thing unchanged is the group of children climbing on and off them—my childhood was spent like that too…

When they saw me get off the tractor, especially in a gleaming gold one, the children were stunned. Then, they were even more surprised to see Xiaoxue. You see, for a village like this to experience two such extraordinary things simultaneously is enough to make it into the village history. I got off the bus, took out my bag, and was about to leave when I suddenly remembered something. I looked towards the children and finally spotted a somewhat familiar face. I called out, "Hey, little fatty, come here..."

Hearing me call, the little fatty scrambled off the tractor and came running to me. I squatted down, looking at the boy, who looked about six or seven years old. He wiped his nose, seemingly unafraid of me. I asked, "Little fatty, do you still recognize me?"

"Yes, you're Uncle He Shi."

Surprisingly, the little fatty's childish voice was not only pleasant but also quite polite.

I took out my wallet, pulled out two yuan, and handed it to him. "Little fatty, Uncle will give you two yuan. Will you do something for me?"

"What?"

The little fatty hesitated, seemingly deciding whether to take it.

I pointed to the RAV4 behind me and said gently to the chubby boy, "You watch this car for me. If any kid tries to climb on it or throw mud at it, you run to my house and tell me, okay? If you can do that, I'll give you two yuan back tomorrow, and you'll watch the car for me too, okay?"

I deliberately spoke loudly so all the children present could hear.

The chubby boy thought for a moment, nodded seriously, took the money, and ran off. I was a little annoyed; he must be planning to take it home and show it off. Two yuan was undoubtedly a huge sum for a rural child. I remember when I was little, during summer vacation when the farm work was busy, I negotiated with my parents for one mao (0.1 yuan) a day to work in the fields. In the end, by the time the double harvest was over, I only got one yuan and fifty cents, but I was still very happy. In the end, I used all of that one yuan and fifty cents to buy a small bag of dried plums for one mao each, with Bao Zheng (a famous judge in Chinese history) printed on it.

"Hey, chubby boy, come back."

Seeing that he was about to run away, I quickly called him back. He was startled, then understood, and ran back, his face flushed. I smiled at him, patted his chubby cheeks, and turned to lead Xiaoxue home. On the way, Xiaoxue's smile remained, seemingly finding the scene from earlier quite amusing.

"Xiaoxue, how should I introduce you to my parents later?"

Actually, this question had been tormenting me all the way home. It wasn't that I intentionally avoided it, but I was afraid Xiaoxue would feel disgusted by my parents' presence and the family's past suffering.

"Introduce me however you like,"

Xiaoxue replied coldly, a hint of resentment in her voice.

"Heh…then I'll say you're my girlfriend, you don't mind, do you?"

I asked softly.

Xiaoxue seemed surprised by my answer, paused for a moment, then lowered her head and murmured "Mmm." Soon, the front door of our house came into view, but the windows and doors were tightly shut; it hardly resembled a home with a lively atmosphere.

My heart was filled with gloom. I nervously pushed open the half-closed door. The room was quiet, the tables and chairs in disarray. I smiled apologetically at Xiaoxue, tidied up a bit, and had her sit down. I went alone to my parents' bedroom. Pushing open the door, I saw my father's frail body leaning against the headboard on the wooden bed by the window. Perhaps startled by the sound of the door opening, he suddenly opened his eyes. That look pierced my heart.

My father, so thin and gaunt, was no longer the face I knew. Overwhelmed with grief, I knelt before the bed, silently weeping…

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