Chapter 4, so near yet so far

Dad, you cooked especially well today! ... ... I have duty tonight, so I won't be able to help you. '' Jianfan smiled as he put down his chopsticks.

The group of people just now carried the aura of a big city! That was also a life that Jianfan once experienced, albeit only as an observer during university, and it still feels out of reach for him now! He once thought he would become one of them, but as soon as he stepped out of the campus, issues such as household registration, employment, salary, bonuses, cars, and houses—matters he had never considered in 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 campus, issues such as household registration, employment, salary, bonuses, cars, and houses—matters he had never considered in 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.

Jianfan hoped to find a more respectable job, and he indeed found one. He worked for a newly established branch of Southern Telecom in the North, and after two months of diligently familiarizing 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 Jianfan, 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, Jianfan was assigned to charge fees at the service center. This was only because he was good-looking; otherwise, he would have had to go out to develop business. If he failed to meet the marketing targets, even his salary would be at risk. Individuals like Jianfan were like scattered soldiers, initially promised the title of business manager, but things only got worse. Once the new service center was completed, Jianfan was assigned to charge fees at the service center. This was only because he was good-looking; otherwise, he would have had to go out to develop business. If he failed to meet the marketing targets, even his salary would be at risk.

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 hibiscus winery's corn yellow!"" Jian Fan was taken aback, slightly surprised, and suddenly recited a few lines in a somewhat inappropriate manner with a smile

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 out the candles

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

Ah... I suppose I don't need an introduction! Jian Fan, with 'Jian' meaning simplicity and 'Fan' meaning extraordinary! 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. She was a bit flustered as she 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!

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

The restaurant was quiet, and the police station was not on duty, which meant it was leisure time. Jianfan returned home to a community in the city, but his mother was not there, probably at school for work. He absentmindedly turned on his computer, a domestic brand Hasee laptop he bought during university, which was already somewhat outdated. Its noise was even louder than that of a desktop computer, and it often 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.

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

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

"Oh, no, no, I am going to the countryside now, and I might stay in Wulong County for a few days. I just needed to know that you are here. I will come back when I return." said the light beauty, politely declining.

A smile from her brings forth a hundred charms, and the simple-hearted Jianfan feels his heart pounding! This smile is indeed beautiful, but could it be hiding a dagger? 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?

Go ahead! Come home early

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 a few 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.

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 light beauty approached gracefully, her presence as delicate as a flower, dressed in white that was whiter than 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 left your things here, have you?"

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!

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

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

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

No problem, you speak!

After the fleeting glimpse of beauty, everything returned to tranquility

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 company, and no need to frequently change residences like a field mouse...! Even without a job, even if just working as a waiter here, Jianfan feels that life here is quite pleasant and well-suited to his laid-back nature

Reality not only stifles a person's individuality 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 video chat 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 irregular night shifts, their communication gradually loosened. Passion can never withstand the test of time. After hearing the news that Xiang Xiang was about to be officially confirmed in her position, Jiang Fan felt it was indeed time to make a trip to the city.

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 and sweet in taste, yet the price is very low. Unfortunately, the production is not large. The first batch sold in the store 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.

Is it also from your family? Jiang Dijia understood

Upon graduation, those with capabilities started their own businesses, those with connections secured early employment, 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 a few words indicating "the Xth branch," 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 a few words indicating "the Xth branch," 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. Those with third-tier bachelor's degrees were directly ignored by recruiters. Occasionally, there were some obscure small enterprises that sought these individuals, primarily hiring salespeople for counterfeit products.

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.

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

No problem, you are always welcome

... ...

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

"Weren't you all just calling each other? One is Chairman Chen, the other 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 said with a smile, noting that aside from struggling to remember English words and mathematical formulas, she had a particularly good memory for dishes and people.

Jiang Dijia couldn't help but smile again! He found this sunny boy in the small county town quite amusing!

Work, work ... ...

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

Jianfan observed that Journalist Jiang did not seem to be there to seek accountability, but rather the tone of his words was laced with a hint of sarcasm

Father did not lift his head, adding firewood to the stove, and 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, as these beautiful women seem as unattainable to me as the coveted administrative position and the desire for a respectable job.

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!

I... Sister Jiang? The beautiful girl was momentarily taken aback and asked, "How do you know my surname is Jiang?"

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

... ...

The dishes were extremely delicious, and the hospitality was exceptionally attentive yet simple. Journalist Jiang also seemed immensely pleased, smiling gently as he bid farewell to Jianfan. This time, the car truly departed. It seems that the scare was merely a false alarm.

In the restaurant, one can encounter all kinds of people. Daily life unfolds in this manner, with comings and goings—those who are plump, those who are thin, the handsome, the beautiful, the ugly, the imposing, and the sordid, each with their own distinct 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 mooch, who is a government official dining on reimbursement, and who is merely passing through without distinction. There are not many who leave a lasting impression! Today was somewhat unexpected; it was not about how much money was spent, but rather the figure in a flowing white dress, a graceful silhouette that lingered in my mind. ... Over time, one can easily discern, as soon as someone enters, who is flaunting wealth, who is there to mooch, who is a government official dining on reimbursement, and who is merely passing through without distinction. There are not many who leave a lasting impression! Today was somewhat unexpected; it was not about how much money was spent, but rather the figure in a flowing white dress, a graceful silhouette that lingered in my mind. ... With every frown and smile, almond-shaped eyes and delicate brows ...! ... Oh dear, even more beautiful than my mother by a few degrees!

From the beautiful woman, he thought of the city; from city life, he recalled his university days; from university days, he reflected on his own circumstances, and then thought of his current life. Jian Fan was a bit ferocious, devouring his food like a wolf or a tiger. The large bowl from his hometown was different from others, with a square mouth and a round bottom. In no time, he had finished a big bowl. When he looked up again, he saw his father, Jian Zhongshi, staring at him in astonishment: "Xiao Fan, what's wrong with you today? I haven't seen you eat like this before!"

Jian Fan smiled, a smile that radiated from the depths of his heart. While delicious food is often available, beautiful women are a rare sight! If it were a few years ago in high school, encountering such a beauty, Jian Fan would most likely whistle to flirt, approach her with a cheeky grin, and not care even if he received a few disdainful looks or some scornful remarks! ... If it were during university, it would be even more extraordinary; he might even rack his brain thinking about how to get to know this girl, how to extract her phone number, and how to plan a date...

But now, it is very calm. This kind of woman, adorned with items that surpass those in the store, sitting atop a car that exceeds this old establishment, belongs to a class that is simply out of reach for oneself

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