Chapter 4: Find a Suitable Woman

It is what my master once said! I suddenly understand why the phrase "Everything will pass" from the plateau sounds so familiar! That is my master Zhong Renzhi's catchphrase

I merely said I cannot remember, not that I have forgotten

At that time, I was indeed contemplating kissing her, so I could not discern right from wrong in what she said. If what she said were true, that I was merely infatuated with her body, it would indeed be somewhat despicable, and thus I dared not speak further

After finishing the drink, Gao Yuan went to the hotel where Chen Juan was staying. I went home alone

At this point, they had arrived at the hotel where she was staying

Well. Please tell me about your situation, Old Deng. Is there any news about Liu Yan?

Is it frightening to have a habit of disregarding others' feelings? Chen Juan smiled at him, saying, "After all, that is towards those who have lost their lives, while some people ignore those who are very much alive"

"This is even more disgusting, without a head!" I chuckled and said

Enough of this, let's not talk about it. Cheers! I raised my glass and clinked it against his, then downed the drink in one go.

"How is it? Is my sense of perception still quite sharp? Can someone like me become an excellent forensic doctor?" Chen Juan chuckled.

Chen Juan works in Nanshan City, which is about 100 kilometers away from here. She often comes to visit the Plateau on weekends when she has time. The Plateau refers to her visit as coming to "deliver warmth".

I am thinking that Liu Yan has left nothing behind. Could it be because she does not love me? No, that cannot be the reason! I can feel how much I love her; she should not be indifferent to me! Moreover, I can clearly sense her love. Ever since the accident, I have been so confident in my ability to feel emotions. However, for me, this love is abstract, lacking any concrete form. If someone were to ask how I perceive it, I would be unable to provide examples. It is like air; I can clearly feel it, yet I cannot touch it or describe it. This makes me very distressed.

"Then what do you want me to do with her?" Gao Yuan retorted, "Should I coax her every day, weaving fairy tales that are utterly enchanting?"

Gao Yuan ordered a bottle of white liquor, poured two glasses, and started drinking with me

Chen Juan stared at Gao Yuan for a few seconds. Gao Yuan maintained an indifferent expression, drinking alone from his cup.

We are merely acquaintances, and you hardly know me at all Liu Yan avoided my gaze

We do have principles! I said with a smile

How can I help

"San Tong" was a male classmate from our previous class. I remember his messy hair, casual attire, and his perpetually disheveled appearance. What was even more intolerable were his three habitual actions: spitting, blowing his nose, and farting. As a result, Gao Yuan gave him the nickname "San Tong." During school, "San Tong" often faced ridicule from the girls in our class, and Chen Juan even asserted in front of Gao Yuan and me that he would never find a girlfriend

Chen Juan's eyes gradually turned red, and she suddenly grabbed the drink on the table, standing up and walking towards the door

How is the master doing now? I suddenly feel very concerned about him

Then I should help you order a plate of pig's head meat! "The plateau chuckled.

Your flaw is that you are too serious she said

Neither of them spoke

Gao Yuan called and asked if I was done with my work

Forgetting might be a good thing, don't you think

Chen Juan suddenly smiled, looking at me and said: "Old Deng, you are a good man, truly! You are different from Gao Yuan. I think you should find a woman who is suitable for you!"

"Is there any distinction in this?" Chen Juan asked me curiously

"Alright, I will come over as soon as I finish my work," I promised.

Liu Yan refers to herself as a woman, which gives me a sense of being old-fashioned. As Gao Yuan mentioned, girls are always more mature than boys when it comes to dating

I do not want to bear too heavy a burden

Do not take his words to heart

"It is more than sufficient," I said. "Being a forensic expert is actually quite simple! One only needs to infer and demonstrate based on objective physical evidence; it does not require the complexity and elusiveness of human emotions."

"Not just wealthy, but extremely wealthy!" The plateau is once again filled with wine, "Can you guess who it is? Zhang Guisheng! However, when the time comes, brother, you must lend a helping hand."

You know I hate this the most! She wore a stern expression

Chen Juan walked silently, shedding tears quietly. I accompanied her to the hotel, where she had already booked a room in advance.

"What is there? As long as you need, I can always act as a comforting angel," I said

Later, I invited the couple to dinner. Reflecting on how I had treated him in the past, I felt quite guilty about it. During the meal, San Tong even asked me if I was married yet. Chen Juan continued, "I said, 'Almost.'"

I cannot help but forgive him! What could possibly prevent a woman who has been with a man for over 10 years from forgiving him for a few words?

But I believe you are the most suitable one!

We are already an old couple, what kind of world for two is there!" Gao Yuan said, "We will wait for you at Wangjiang Tower.

Is it really necessary to be so heartless?

I force myself not to think about Liu Yan.

Finally, Gao Yuan mentioned that he has a cousin who will be coming to stay with us for a while, and he also said that his cousin is very beautiful

Women are very sensitive to matters between men and women, and I must admire that. I said, I indeed liked her

"I will not violate your principles," Gao Yuan said, half-jokingly and half-seriously. "To be honest, Old Deng, when are you going to resign? How about we work together? With your abilities, our law firm will definitely thrive and have a bright future."

Look how terrifying the forces of habit are!" Gao Yuan said with a smile, "When a person dies, even the 'living dead' cannot be counted as such; they merely become tools!

This is not being heartless! I just want her to understand that since she has chosen to be with me, she must face the realities. Men are meant to venture out into the world; coaxing women is the work of those who rely on others for support

The "A Jing" she mentioned is the class beauty in our class. It is a common trait for men to be attracted to such beautiful and charming females, and I am no exception. However, A Jing is fond of a male classmate who excels academically. Later, I heard that they both worked in the same city and got together, but after getting married, for reasons unknown, they separated.

I was at a loss for words, and after a long pause, I finally said: "You two are both my old classmates, and I regard your brother as my equal, so I must treat Chen Juan like a sister! She is serious about you! Moreover, what you did today doesn't quite resemble the actions of a man..." The more I spoke, the more I felt that my words were weak and powerless.

Chen Juan fell silent for a moment and said: "Old Deng, what I said about that master's offer is true! But I rejected him, saying that I have a boyfriend. ... ... I don't need particularly good conditions; I just want to spend my life with the man I love, and that is enough for me. But Gao Yuan, he has never even given me a promise. ... ... We women all need love, we need dreams, but he always seems to let me down!"

What can I help with? I smiled

I looked at her and felt an impulse to kiss her

Don't be so realistic! Is material wealth really that important? Don't we still have spiritual civilization? ... ... I just wanted to make a joke to lighten the mood

Hehe, I don't believe it! I can see that you are very interested in A Jing; I can easily understand a man's little tricks.

"Old Deng, our unit has hired a male assistant this time." After a moment of silence, Chen Juan turned to look at me and said, "He graduated with a master's degree in literature and is helping me with planning. He is very talented. He is pursuing me! What do you think I should do?"

"Alright, I'll go up by myself. Thank you for chatting with me for so long!" Chen Juan said

"Are you implying that we are manipulating the law? You are just insulting me indirectly!" said Gaoyuan with a laugh.

Sure, do as you wish! If you want to be with him, then go ahead; this is your own matter, and I have no objections. This way, you won't have to awkwardly answer 'San Tong' next time when he asks if you are married...

Hmm? I paused, thought for a moment, and then looked at her and said, "I suppose it's just a habit! In the eyes of us forensic experts, a corpse is merely a tool for discovering clues. Nothing more than that!"

Thus, it is licentious! Just like infatuated animals! Are Zhao Feiyan and Pan Jinlian not the same? The local people of the plateau say, "They are all role models among your women"

I stood there for a moment, watching her walk into the hotel, reflecting on the words she had spoken. Her words seemed to carry some deeper meaning

How could I forget those moments spent with Liu Yan? My head has started to ache again; it seems to hurt more severely than before these past few days. I recall that I haven't visited the psychologist in two weeks. I need to find time to go soon

"Don't you find it disgusting?" Chen Juan laughed and scolded Gao Yuan.

At any time

"You are a good man. If it weren't for the plateau, I can't guarantee that I would fall in love with you." Chen Juan smiled ambiguously, "To be honest, there were a few girls in our class who had a crush on you back then, but you looked like such a fool, didn't you?"

"Alright, no more talking! Let's drink." Gaoyuan interrupted me, filling my cup to the brim. "Everything will pass. Brother, let's finish this cup together!" With that, he downed the drink in his glass.

Later, we talked about our school days and discussed the recent situations of some classmates. Chen Juan said, "Do you know? Last week I saw our classmate 'San Tong.' I didn't expect he got married too. He brought his wife to my place for a trip, and we happened to run into each other. He looked so happy." As she said this, Chen Juan glanced at Gao Yuan. Last week I saw our classmate 'San Tong.' I didn't expect he got married too. He brought his wife to my place for a trip, and we happened to run into each other. He looked so happy." As she said this, Chen Juan glanced at Gao Yuan.

Gao Yuan said that he had to go on a business trip the next day due to taking on a case, so he couldn't drink much. However, as the night went on, he drank more and more wildly. Under the influence of alcohol, Gao Yuan spoke many drunken words and expressed how much he felt he had wronged Chen Juan. This was indeed quite unusual

I did not respond, and my head started to hurt again

"Do you know that what you are saying is very boring?" Tears welled up in Chen Juan's eyes

Gao Yuan lowered his head and took a sip of wine, remaining silent

At this moment, the waiter brought the dishes to the table. Indeed, there was a plate of pig intestines!

In fact, I believe that Chen Juan only wants a promise! I said as I looked at him

The plateau remains silent

Is that so? It seems the client is quite wealthy, I said

"Do you mean I should agree to him?" Chen Juan turned to Gao Yuan, her tone shifting, "As long as you, Gao Yuan, say a word, I will leave immediately and never bother you again"

I do not like being serious, yet I detest being cynical. Later, when I was with Liu Yan, I felt lost and did not know what to do. It was not until we officially established our romantic relationship that I asked her about this issue, and she smiled and said that I just needed to be myself

Complete the remaining work, as it is already evening

Does being serious burden a person?

How could I possibly disturb your world of two

Yesterday, I took on a case introduced by Zhang Beibei. After finishing the drinks, Gaoyuan said to me, "The difficulty is quite high! But if we succeed, we will have a good life ahead!"

I do not know either. Some things are in my mind, but I cannot recall them. It is like watching something fall into a lake; I know it is there, but I just cannot find it, and what is worse is that I cannot remember what that thing looks like

You say I am very naive? I laughed

I am quite surprised by her opinion of me: "To be honest, I do not like the word 'pure', even though it seems to have a positive connotation"

Eat vegetables, eat vegetables! I am waving my chopsticks alone, picking up the dishes from the plate on the table, trying to ease the atmosphere. Today's braised pork with potatoes is quite good, but the potatoes are slightly overcooked; if they had been stewed for two minutes less, it would have been perfect

"That must be because one does not cherish such things," Chen Juan said. "If one truly cares about it, one would never forget its appearance, no matter the time."

Liu Yan has also said the same thing to me

"How can you treat Chen Juan this way?" I reproached him.

On that occasion, we sat in the grass on a hillside, whispering softly while watching the sun set in the west. That day, she wore a white long shirt, with a cream-colored scarf wrapped around her head. The dark red sunlight cast on her face made her appear particularly enchanting

"That is because you think these two words seem to imply failure in relation to books!" she said, "In fact, girls like your kind of innocence."

You are not wrong; women cannot do without men. Chen Juan looked at him and said, "Because women are emotional beings, unlike men who can be so heartless! Which woman does not need care?"

Old Deng, in fact, when it comes to matters of the heart, you are completely like a child!" Seeing me lost in thought, Chen Juan said with a smile

Some men keep love in their hearts; although they do not make any promises, what they often wish to give to women is the best

What is Gao Yuan saying! I hurriedly interrupted him. Yet I knew that in such a situation, I had already lost control of the situation

If a woman loves a man, she will not disappear so completely. She will surely leave something behind

Take your time, it's alright. Everything will pass! This is what Zhong Renzhi often says to me

"Chen Juan has come over, let's have dinner together!" said Gao Yuan

Yes! She looked at me and said very seriously

I also pretended to be foolish and took a sip of wine

Chen Juan glanced at my expression and said, "I am sorry! Old Deng, I should not have brought up your matter"

In fact, the people of the plateau are tough on the outside but soft on the inside, I understand him. Do not pay attention to what he says

What more is there to understand? I asked, In a boy's mind, he is constantly occupied by a girl, her shadow appearing even in his dreams, fearing to forget her for even a moment. Isn't that enough?

I am just such a boring person! " said Gao Yuan as he downed the drink in his cup, "With nothing to do, I am utterly useless! Go find that master's degree holder! If you find someone knowledgeable and competent, you won't be bored!"

May I borrow your expertise

It may be that I developed a bit slowly, which is why I became understanding later and cannot comprehend the thoughts of girls

"You are merely attached to a woman's body. Once you encounter other women, you will no longer care for me like this!" After a moment of silence, Liu Yan said

Do not pretend to be cynical; you are not that kind of person at heart! Chen Juan also smiled

I hope it is as you say! I said with a smile, "But if someone tells me how to be less innocent, I will definitely not be innocent!"

I really like you! I said

Anytime

"Have you looked at the intestines? If not, I can order a plate for you, and we can study it while eating!" Gao Yuan joked.

"Why are you acting so effeminate today?" Gao Yuan suddenly tilted his head and smiled at me, "What’s it to you if I play the role of a comforting angel? And talking about promises! Which woman have you ever made a promise to?"

Have you forgiven the plateau? I asked after a moment of silence

After completing my work, I hurried to Wangjiang Tower

It doesn't matter. Let her go!" said Gaoyuan

No, I said

He doesn't find it disgusting at all! I'm just asking what is disgusting?" said Gaoyuan with a smile

I did not respond verbally; I merely questioned myself internally, is it really like this? After some thought, I denied my own doubts.

The promise is placed here! The plateau beats its chest, how can I make a promise to her in my current state? What do I have to marry her?

Heaven and earth have a conscience! Your sister is also my sister, how can that be! I said

In such circumstances, I certainly cannot just let her walk alone without concern. The sky outside has already darkened, and it is very unsafe for a girl to be walking alone

Returning to the tavern, Gao Yuan was still waiting there.

"To be honest, Old Deng, how are you able to eat these after dissecting a corpse without a care?" Chen Juan asked. She did not pick up her chopsticks, merely looking at me with a complex expression as I ate the pig intestines, "Just listening to it makes me lose my appetite!"

In such an atmosphere, the most awkward person is me

Perhaps so... I don't know! I just feel lost at times, as if I can't see a destination. Do you understand my feelings, Old Deng? That feeling is just like waiting for Liu Yan!

I do not know whether my current self is still the same as my original self

Chen Juan was very pleased to see me: "What’s going on? Is Doctor Deng examining someone else's internal organs again?"

I feel that everything in the world is like this, complex and elusive!" Chen Juan sighed, "What one desires is often unattainable, while what is easily obtained is instead hard to cherish!

Hey, Gaoyuan, call her!

I paused with the chopsticks in my hand, awkwardly looking at the plateau

Gao Yuan chuckled softly as he lowered his head to drink.

I also drank from the cup. Thinking back, I find the words that Gao Yuan just said very familiar; that phrase "Everything will pass" seems to have been said by someone before.

It’s nothing, I’m used to it

I can hardly remember things from the past. I didn't know how to speak to Chen Juan, so I found an excuse.

This does not signify anything! Perhaps I am not the girl most suitable for you; you should find a woman who is right for you

It is like this for me

Surely, you can help with this

I told him, "I really dislike playing with the law." You mustn't scold me for speaking the truth.

At that time, she and I had just met not long ago. Regarding our relationship, she was very ambiguous; when faced with inquiries from others, she neither stated that we were in a romantic relationship nor denied it. However, she never refused the dates I proposed.

Is that so? You don't like serious people? I asked

Congratulations to you! Before I could say anything, Gao Yuan took over the conversation, "In fact, women are just like us men; they cannot do without the opposite sex! Old Deng, just like you and I have a preference for women! They will always have a preference for men, and when they are together, they discuss how long and hard men's things are!"

"It's almost done. What is it?" I asked

I know my words have hurt her, but it is too late to take them back. She must have thought of her parents!

"Hey, Old Deng, I can introduce you. But don't think you can take advantage of my sister for free!" Gaoyuan said, slightly intoxicated, "I know your flirtatious nature."

Gao Yuan also took a sip, finishing the wine in his own cup

"Do you mean that I should be cynical, or that I should toy with the feelings between men and women?" I asked with a smile

Thus, Chen Juan also fell silent, quietly sipping the juice on the table. Among all the beverages I have seen her drink, it has always been that particular brand