Chapter 04: Close Yet Distant

Ah... I suppose I don't need an introduction! Jian Fan, the simplicity of 'Jian' and the extraordinary of 'Fan'! Oh, Sister Jiang, your surname is quite nice, just like the Chairman's. Jian Fan smiled as she took the business card, glanced at it, and carefully tucked it into her jacket pocket. A bit flustered, she gently shook hands with the delicate, almost boneless hand of Reporter Jiang, which was very fair and smooth. In that moment, it felt as if she had been electrocuted; fortunately, the current was not too strong, and she managed to hold herself up without falling! However, her face turned a deep shade of red, as if she were still somewhat shy.

Is it also from your family? Jiang Dijia understood

But now, it is very calm. This kind of woman carries the kind of items that can be found in the store, and the car she sits on is the kind that belongs to this old establishment. This social class is not something one can easily reach!

It is easy to speak lightly, yet my heart is in turmoil. In any case, it is the same old routine; find a topic to discuss. If you challenge me, I will not hesitate to refund you immediately. If you are not asking for money from me, I will definitely play dumb

A smile from her brings forth a hundred charms, and it makes Jianfan's heart pound with a thump-thump! This smile is indeed beautiful, but could it be hiding a dagger behind it? The reporter, does he not know whether the police station is corrupt? Is he trying to intimidate me? Why does he know me? Could it be that he is captivated by my handsome appearance akin to the legendary Pan An?

At 18:00, Jian Fan, dressed in a crisp police uniform with an "Auxiliary Police" armband, emerged from the residential area of No. 1 Middle School. This honorable temporary job has been held by Jian Fan for five months and twenty-three days as of today

Reality not only devastates a person's character but also their emotions. The once close relationship between Jiang Fan and Xiang Xiang has now become distant. When Jiang Fan first returned to Wulong County, they would have video chats at night, and without Jiang Fan needing to say a word, Xiang Xiang would sweet-talk while exposing certain parts of her body on camera, dazzlingly white and enticing, constantly luring Jiang Fan to the city every few days. However, once the pre-job training began and work got busy, along with Jiang Fan's night shifts every few days, their communication gradually loosened. Passion can never withstand the test of time. After hearing the news that Xiang Xiang was about to be officially employed, Jiang Fan felt that it was indeed time to make a trip to the city.

Sister Jiang, what is this... why have you come back again! Are you here to interview me or to report on the first pot of blunders!

After the fleeting glimpse of beauty, everything returned to tranquility

In the restaurant, one can encounter all kinds of people. Daily life is like this, with comings and goings: the plump, the thin, the handsome, the beautiful, the ugly, the imposing, and the despicable, each with their own unique characteristics. Having mingled in the restaurant from childhood to adulthood, over time, one can easily discern, as soon as someone enters, who is flaunting wealth, who is there to take advantage, who is a government official dining on reimbursement, and who is just passing through without distinction. There are not many who leave a lasting impression! Today was somewhat unexpected; it wasn't about how much money was spent, but rather that figure in a flowing white dress, her graceful silhouette lingering in my mind. ... Over time, one can easily discern, as soon as someone enters, who is flaunting wealth, who is there to take advantage, who is a government official dining on reimbursement, and who is just passing through without distinction. There are not many who leave a lasting impression! Today was somewhat unexpected; it wasn't about how much money was spent, but rather that figure in a flowing white dress, her graceful silhouette lingering in my mind. ... With every frown and smile, her almond-shaped eyes and delicate brows ...! ... Oh dear, she is even a few points more beautiful than my mother!

Dad, the food you made today is especially delicious! ... ... I have duty tonight, so I won't be able to help you. " Jianfan smiled as he put down his chopsticks.

Father did not even lift his head, as he filled the stove with firewood; after simmering for a few more hours, the soup pot would be ready for the evening

The reckless years have passed; I have graduated and become unemployed. Not only have I become more realistic about life, but my perception of beautiful women has also become more pragmatic. The feeling of self-deprecation has grown increasingly stronger. Such beauty feels as unattainable to me as the coveted administrative position and the desire for a respectable job, both of which are longed for yet out of reach.

Hehe... you have a good memory. Let me introduce myself, my name is Jiang Dajia, a reporter for the Shida Yuan Daily! Jiang Dajia handed Jian Fan a business card and extended her hand confidently.

Jianfan said with sincere attentiveness: "Sister Jiang, just tell me how much you need, and I will transfer it to you immediately! There are twelve wine jars in the backyard, and currently half of them are still full"

Jian Fan hoped to find a more respectable job, and indeed, he once found such a position. He eagerly joined the newly established branch of Southern Telecom in the North, and after two months of hard work to familiarize himself with the business, the company was fully formed. The upper management was predetermined, the middle management consisted of those who had switched jobs, and the lower tier was filled with individuals like Jian Fan, who were like scattered soldiers. Initially, he was promised the title of business manager, but things only got worse. Once the new service center was completed, Jian Fan was assigned to the billing department! Fortunately, his good looks afforded him some leniency; otherwise, he would have had to go out to generate business. Failing to meet marketing targets could even jeopardize his salary! Individuals like Jian Fan in the lower tier were indeed like scattered soldiers, initially promised the title of business manager, but things only got worse. Once the new service center was completed, Jian Fan was assigned to the billing department! Fortunately, his good looks afforded him some leniency; otherwise, he would have had to go out to generate business. Failing to meet marketing targets could even jeopardize his salary!

No problem, you say

Go ahead! Return home early

Upon graduation, those with capabilities started their own businesses, those with connections found jobs early, and even those without skills or connections, but with a bit of capital, remained in the provincial capital. Meanwhile, I wandered around the provincial capital like a headless fly for several months. It was not that I did not want to stay, nor that I was unwilling to stay; I even tried to find a few jobs. However, that diploma was quite inadequate. It was from a third-tier university, labeled as a bachelor's degree, but it merely carried the name of a certain university, followed by the words "Department No. X," which was disheartening. Just before graduation, employers set up recruitment tables on campus, with large companies and enterprises present. It was not that I did not want to stay, nor that I was unwilling to stay; I even tried to find a few jobs. However, that diploma was quite inadequate. It was from a third-tier university, labeled as a bachelor's degree, but it merely carried the name of a certain university, followed by the words "Department No. X," which was disheartening. Just before graduation, employers set up recruitment tables on campus, with large companies and enterprises such as China Mobile, China Netcom, Sinopec, major steel companies, and coal transport companies, but they only recruited graduates from first-tier and second-tier universities. For third-tier bachelor's degrees, recruiters would directly overlook them. Occasionally, there were some obscure small enterprises that sought these individuals, primarily hiring salespeople for counterfeit products.

... ...

Jian Fan smiled, a smile that radiated from the depths of his heart. While delicious food is often available, beautiful women are not so common! If it had been a few years ago in high school, encountering such a beauty, Jian Fan would most likely have whistled to flirt, approached her with a cheeky grin, and even if he received a few disdainful glances or some scornful remarks, he wouldn't have cared! ... If it had been during university, it would have been even more extraordinary; he might have racked his brain thinking about how to get to know this girl, how to obtain her phone number, and how to plan a date...

The group of people just now carried the aura of a big city! That was also a life that Jianfan had once experienced, albeit only as an observer during university, and even now it remains out of reach for him! He once thought he would become one of them, but as soon as he stepped out of the school and the library, issues such as household registration, employment, salary, bonuses, cars, and houses—matters he had never considered during university—suddenly confronted him overnight. It was then that he realized he was completely unprepared and in a state of chaos, still having nothing to his name. He once thought he would become one of them, but as soon as he stepped out of the school and the library, issues such as household registration, employment, salary, bonuses, cars, and houses—matters he had never considered during university—suddenly confronted him overnight. It was then that he realized he was completely unprepared and in a state of chaos, still having nothing to his name.

Although Wulong County is small, at least one does not have to wake up every day and check if there is still money in the pocket, or worry about whether there will be issues with meals today; there is no need to anxiously await payday, no need to fear being informed of termination upon entering the office, and no need to frequently change residences like a field mouse... Even without a job, even while working as a waiter here, Jianfan feels that life here is quite pleasant and well-suited to his laid-back nature

In a fit of anger, Jian Fan rolled up his bedding and returned to his hometown! It was not that he could not endure the suffering, but rather that he could not tolerate the disdainful glances. Every day, he had to bow and scrape in front of his superiors and grovel before clients! Earning a salary of three to five thousand yuan a month could be considered acceptable, but one cannot devalue oneself for just over a thousand yuan.

Empathy is a universal experience; who among us is not born of a mother and raised by a father? However, when it comes to comparing salaries, one may not even be considered a person in their own right

Feeling a bit disgruntled, I took a short nap under the blanket

No problem, you are always welcome

The restaurant was quiet, and the police station was not on duty, which meant it was a leisurely break. Jianfan returned home to a community in the city, but his mother was not there, probably at school for work. Upon arriving home, he absentmindedly turned on his computer, an outdated domestic brand Hasee laptop he had purchased during university. It was somewhat obsolete, louder than a desktop, and frequently crashed, but it was still usable. He opened QQ and noticed that Xiangxiang's QQ icon was dark, indicating she was not online. He sent a text message, and Xiangxiang replied that she was in a business training session and had no time.

Wasn't the liquor in your store corn liquor? ... ... The best type of corn liquor in Wulong County is called Furong Corn Yellow. My father asked me to bring a few bottles back this time I came to Wulong County. Can this liquor be purchased in the county town? I would like to ask you, an expert, to avoid making a wasted trip.

From beautiful women, I thought of the city; from city life, I recalled my university days; from university days, I reflected on my own circumstances; and then I thought of my current life. Jian Fan was a bit ferocious, devouring her food like a wolf. The large bowl from her hometown was different from others, with a square mouth and a round bottom. In no time, she had finished a big bowl. When she looked up again, she saw her father, Jian Zhongshi, staring at her in astonishment: "Xiao Fan, what's wrong with you today? I've never seen you eat like this before!"

The beautiful woman clapped her hands with delight: "That's wonderful! I was just worried about not being able to find time to go to Maple Town! This saves me the trouble."

Jianfan observed that Reporter Jiang did not seem to be coming to accuse him, but the tone of his words was rather mocking

"Weren't you all just calling each other? One is Chairman Chen, another is Director Yu, the tall one is Deputy Director Xu, and the short one is Secretary Li, along with two drivers, Xiao Guo and Da Li... They didn't call you Reporter Jiang, did they?" Jian Fan laughed, noting that aside from struggling to remember English words and mathematical formulas, she had a particularly good memory for dishes and people.

You... you actually know about the corn yellow of hibiscus, do you know this couplet: "The fragrance emerges from the maple forest, suspected to be a celestial maiden delivering nectar, a thousand steams and hundreds of boils from the clear spring, the corn yellow of the hibiscus winery!"" Jian Fan was taken aback, slightly surprised, and suddenly recited a few lines in a rather incongruous manner with a smile

I... Sister Jiang? The beautiful girl was momentarily taken aback by my gaze: "How do you know my surname is Jiang?"

The midsummer afternoon sun climbed atop the small hill, peering down, while the small county town, nestled among the green trees and mountains, resembled a lazy sleeping beauty. As Jian Fan stepped outside, the brightness was blinding! The sunlight was dazzling, and a graceful beauty approached with light steps, delicate as a flower, dressed in white as snow, even more blinding! This brightness made Jian Fan beam with joy, and he eagerly asked in the direction of the approaching lady, "Sister Jiang, you haven't brought your things here, have you?"

It is not about expressing heartfelt feelings to each other; one must go and see if it is time to light the lamps and pull the candles out

Yes, Jian Fang is my grandfather! This distillery has a history of over one hundred years, originally called Fenglin Distillery, with the owner having the surname Liu. It was closed for a period during the Cultural Revolution and reopened after seven or eight years, and now it has been nearly thirty years since then! My grandmother's name is Liu Furong, and the name of the distillery was derived from my grandfather using my grandmother's name. This is the legendary Furong Distillery, which has an elegant name, with the liquor being golden in color, sweet and mellow in taste, yet priced very low. Unfortunately, the production is not large. The first batch sold in the shop is all self-produced Furong corn liquor!" Jian Fan said with a smile, his words filled with pride. After my grandfather married into the Liu family, this century-old distillery took on the surname Jian, marking the most successful marriage alliance for the Jian family.

"Oh, no, no, I am going to the countryside now and may stay in Wulong County for a few days. I just needed to know that you are here. I will come by on my way back." said the light beauty, gently declining.

... ...

Watching the car leave with a direct gaze, Jianfan smiled and shook her head, feeling somewhat lost. There was a hint of beauty in her glance, yet the loss she felt was not of her own making.

Jiang Dijia said with a gentle smile, "Hehe... it's not that, I want to ask you something!"

In the store, my cousin Taohua was not looking for the accounts, and she let out a long sigh, feeling somewhat relieved; it was already past three o'clock. Shuisheng and Sanqiang began to tidy up the tables and sweep the floor. Taohua carried several stacked bowls to the kitchen, and soon the sounds of clanging pots and pans echoed. After washing and drying them, she started preparing dinner. At this time, Jianfan could finally relax, casually scooping a few of her favorite dishes into a coarse porcelain bowl and squatting in the backyard to eat.

Jiang Dijia chuckled again! It seems that a sunny boy like him in such a small county town is quite amusing indeed

Work, work ... ...

Hehe... Sister Jiang, the corn wine we just had at the table is produced by the Furong Winery in Fenglin Town! The person who opened the Furong Winery is surnamed Jian, named Jian Fang! Didn't Uncle mention it?" Jian Fan playfully teased, looking at the beautiful woman's surprised eyes, which widened exceptionally, and as joy was evident on her face, she appeared even more radiant in Jiang Dajia's presence.

Well then, goodbye, Brother Jian, haha... The people of Wulong County are truly wonderful

The dishes were extremely delicious, and the hospitality was both simple and attentive. Journalist Jiang appeared to be exceedingly pleased, smiling gently as he bid farewell to Jianfan. This time, the car truly departed. It seems it was just a momentary scare.

Jiang Dijia was both surprised and delighted to hear these few words: "Ah!? How do you know these lines too? My dad used to say the same thing!"