Chapter 6, The Rain of a Captivating City
Later, I have always wanted to know, Qiao Chu, have you ever regretted it
When I lowered my head, unsure of what to say, she suddenly asked me: "Zhao Jue, is Jian Chen Ye the person you like the most in this world?"
Be cautious on the way out, oh swallow
She poked her head out of the kitchen and said, "Ah... are you talking about the house? I bought it myself."
Min Lang's tavern has never had an official name, but because it is conveniently located at No. 79 Baihuai Li in the old town, people have taken to referring to it by its address, saying "let's go to No. 79 for a drink." Over time, this has become the customary name for the tavern
When spring has just arrived, oh swallow
After sending that girl away, Min Lang sat with us for a while until the clock on the wall pointed to 11:00. He then got up to turn off the music, picked up the guitar, and sat down on the small stage
A middle-aged female doctor, appearing dignified, stepped forward and introduced the scale of the hospital and the surgical process to the audience in Mandarin with a strong accent. In the end, she forced a smile that clearly lacked good intentions and said: "If you are unexpectedly pregnant, do not worry, XX Hospital is here to help you"
When Qiao Chu opened the door, I did not anticipate that this chance visit would become so heavy. The juice in the cup was finished, and I decided to go home
It may be because the people who usually come here are all acquaintances, and everyone greets each other casually, with very few people being so serious and polite. He was momentarily taken aback, but ultimately replied, "Hello"
A few minutes later, Qiao Chu came out of the kitchen with two cups of juice, handing one to me. Before she had a chance to speak, I eagerly asked, "Qiao Chu, to be honest, are you a second-generation rich kid?"
As I got up to leave, I suddenly thought of the gathering in a couple of days and decided to invite Qiao Chu to join us: "By the way, Qiao Chu, Jian Chenye and I plan to go to his childhood friend's place the night after tomorrow, and I will also invite Shao Qingyu. If you are free, would you like to come along?"
Qiao Chu raised his eyes and said, "Let's go take a look"
Alright, alright, I am not of this world, so please do not take it to heart... Next Thursday, I will take you to the interview. Don't be nervous, I will make the necessary arrangements in advance, and it will just be a formality.
After Jian Chenye and I returned home and took a shower, we fell into a deep sleep. He was preoccupied with matters concerning the gallery, while I was anxious about the interview next week. Unbeknownst to us, on the other side of the wall, Qiao Chu, upon returning home, immediately opened her computer to search for that song
"Alright, alright, alright—" I couldn't be bothered to continue discussing these boring topics with him. "This is Shao Qingyu, someone you know. Let me introduce you to this new friend, Qiao Chu." I turned back to Qiao Chu and said, "This is, um, Min Lang."
We were chatting casually when a girl around eighteen or nineteen ran over from the adjacent table. She wore a deep V-neck top, and her mascara was applied in a way that resembled fly legs. She leaned against Min Lang in a delicate manner and said in a high-pitched voice, "Min Lang, brother, sing a song for us to hear."
"Well, we are also good friends," I thought seriously again, "but in fact, I don't really know him that well. Sometimes when I see him with others, I always feel... that he seems not to be the Min Lang I know."
I wish to grasp something, yet I possess nothing. I have no confidence in anything, and I dare not harbor expectations for the so-called beautiful life. I fear disappointment; I fear that after exhausting all my energy and efforts, I will still be like a clumsy alien unable to integrate into earthly life
How can the disparity be so great among people who are essentially the same
Shao Qingyu casually informed me while reversing the car, "By the way, I inquired for you; the advertising company has an opening, but it's just a regular staff position. Are you interested?"
Speaking of that advertisement, I am truly at a loss for words. It appears almost ten thousand times a day on a channel I watch daily. From the creativity to the post-production, it can only be described as "poor." It is evident that a random amateur team was hastily hired to save costs.
Such words are best taken with a grain of salt
In the blink of an eye, a quarter is about to pass. Just thinking about the landlord's wife not receiving the rent and the resentful expression on her face, and imagining the harsh words that will come out of her sharp mouth... I am so anxious that I feel like I might spontaneously combust
In the photograph, Qiao Chu is wearing a Greek-style long dress, standing expressionlessly in a wilderness. The strong wind has tousled her flowing hair, with one eye concealed behind her hair and the other exposed, revealing a deep gaze that seems to harbor infinite pain, both beautiful and sorrowful
As soon as my bottom touched her family's sofa, I wanted to shout, "This is so comfortable!" Why is Qiao Chu's landlord so good to her? It truly is a society that judges people by their appearance
The car fell silent for three seconds, and Shao Qingyu and I almost simultaneously shouted: "That fool is you!"
He quietly replied to me: "I think all the young ladies present tonight think the same way as you do."
When I was very young, I already understood that throughout my life, the help I could receive from my family was almost zero. In other words, I never had any unrealistic expectations—such as when I was on the brink of despair, who would suddenly extend a hand to me
Indeed, I looked around the room, and every girl's expression was the same, filled with rapture, their gazes equally fervent and dreamy... Ah, wait a moment, Jian Chenye misspoke; it is not everyone.
Qiao Chu, who was touching up her makeup with a Guerlain powder compact in front of the mirror, snapped the compact shut with an impatient expression, saying: "Alright, alright, I admit it, you all have scared me, haven’t you..."
Qiao Chu simply said, "Alright"
Why is it that the enchanting evolution of creation is irrevocable
Indeed, even a fool can see that this girl is not innocent, yet I can never forget the scene when she held her phone, speaking word by word, with a resonant and powerful voice, angrily denouncing those who wrongfully accused her of being a mistress
Good friends all know that No. 79, Baihui Li, is the inheritance left to Min Lang by his grandmother
Min Langshun took the opportunity to put his arm around my shoulder and said to the girl who was acting coy: "Sister-in-law is upset, why don't you quickly apologize to her."
The room is not lacking in luxurious ornaments, and even someone of my humble means can recognize the origins of one or two items. However, what is remarkable is that she does not simply pile them up; rather, she makes subtle embellishments in the unassuming details. These seemingly random accents precisely enhance the overall character of the room, serving as a finishing touch.
Since we have some free time, one day after dinner, Jian Chenye suddenly suggested, "Let's go find Min Lang to hang out!"
I whispered in Jian Chenye's ear: "I am almost in love with Min Lang."
At this moment, the girl who had not used the restroom for an entire day appeared with a relieved expression after finishing her business, spinning around joyfully as she said: "It really doesn't hurt at all, hehe."
The rain of the city, the rain of the city, pours down in torrents beneath the forged wings
Number 79 is located in an old two-story house, with a bar on the ground floor and a place where Min Lang usually sleeps on the upper floor. Sometimes he also clears a space in front of the house to project an old movie for everyone to watch, without any mandatory charges. A small wooden box is placed at the entrance, and you can throw in whatever amount you wish, creating a very casual atmosphere
How much is your rent per month? I asked indignantly
But I know that the feelings that a partner cannot understand can be understood by those of the same kind
It was only after a long time that I understood that the calmness displayed by Qiao Chu that night was, in fact, a deliberate facade of composure, an intentional illusion crafted to confuse those around her. One could even say it was the heaviness and oppression that precede an impending storm.
If that girl had been somewhat skeptical before Min Lang spoke, at this moment, she had completely come to believe in the lie that Min Lang and I had concocted just a minute ago without any prior discussion
It is not that he is unreliable, but rather that I know the only way to find peace of mind is to quickly secure a job for myself
He happily took out his phone and ran to the balcony while talking. Although I couldn't hear clearly what he said, I could tell from his silhouette: he is so happy!
I have noticed that ever since the incident of her catching me in the act, she has matured overnight. Of course, this may also include feelings of guilt stemming from my broken leg and unemployment. In any case, after knowing her for so many years, I have never seen her so gentle and accommodating.
The sound of coming and going, oh how cold it is
Is it my illusion, or did I see Qiao Chu tremble slightly unconsciously? Their voice sounded a bit heavier than usual: "Hello"
I did not expect that Min Lang would refuse to agree no matter what; not only did he disagree, but he also had a quarrel with his grandmother. Even after the old lady passed away, many people came to inquire, but each time they were driven away by Min Lang. I believe he would rather die than sell this old residence.
Shao Qingyu interjected and asked: "Why? Does he still want to keep it for further appreciation?"
... ...
I have always been unable to tolerate girls acting coy and flirtatious, and today this young lady has certainly crossed the line
In her apartment, the single "The Rain of the City" played on a loop throughout the entire night
The candle on the wooden table casts flickering shadows on the walls, and in the profound silence, Min Lang's deep singing voice begins to resonate throughout Tavern No. 79
Min Lang did not care at all about how I introduced him, and casually nodded to the two of them
It is difficult to understand; beautiful, wealthy, and able to read English books, a normal girl would be able to walk with her head held high with just one of these traits. However, Qiao Chu, who possesses all three, is so sorrowful.
Next week, I will start a new job, and Jian Chenye is also negotiating a collaboration with that gallery. It seems that our lives are truly moving in a positive direction.
That night, when we returned, everything was perfectly normal, without the slightest hint of anything unusual. Min Lang didn't even see us off.
What are the secrets that make her sad? Perhaps it will take a long time before I come to know them.
Now sunny, now rainy, now dark, now bright, suddenly the setting sun has descended in the west
In this not-so-spacious living room, Qiao Chu and I exchanged glances, silently conveying a certain message through our eyes, which was both an act of mutual honesty and a means of building trust, as well as an unspoken understanding that words could not articulate.
Since we are all good friends, I will play the role of a busybody this time
Qiao Chu sighed: "A few years ago, I filmed an advertisement for a private hospital for a painless abortion."
My favorite thing is money
For many years, I have felt very lonely, as lonely as an alien who, after accidentally arriving on this planet, finds their spaceship damaged and unable to return to their home planet
I shook my head: "It shouldn't be like this. Jian Chenye said that Min Lang lost his parents in an accident when he was very young, and none of the other relatives wanted to take care of him. It was his grandmother, an elderly woman, who raised him. This old house represents all his memories and emotions. I think this is probably the reason why he is unwilling to sell it."
I do not have a sense of belonging, and it is also difficult for me to genuinely trust someone. However, one must believe in something throughout life, so I can only choose to believe in money
Shao Qingyu made a gesture to interrupt me: "No, I had this feeling the first time I saw her..."
Perhaps I am being rather arbitrary, but I have a feeling that, deep down, she is actually a person of genuine character
One life, just this once, oh swallow
I no longer know how to express my admiration—beauty is indeed a tremendous asset
The young woman became flustered and stammered, "Sister-in-law, I’m sorry... but I heard... I heard that Brother Minlang is single..."
As soon as I got into the car, I expressed my admiration for her: "You have really made a lot of progress, classmate Shao Qingyu"
Please do not ask such impractical questions. I need to earn a living; what is interest anyway
Jian Chenye, awakened by the sound of the computer, got out of bed and, without saying a word, forcefully shut it down
After losing my job, I live in anxiety every day. As soon as I lie down in bed, I start to experience auditory hallucinations, hearing money flowing out of my bank account like a rushing stream. The moment this sound resonates in my mind, I feel an overwhelming urge to run outside naked to distract myself.
Later, the elderly man’s health deteriorated increasingly. Fearing that he had little time left, he discussed with Min Lang the possibility of selling the house at a good price, and then purchasing a smaller new house. The remaining money would be saved for his future marriage.
Jian Chenye immediately became as excited as if he had won the lottery: "Great, then I will call him right away!"
It is truly unbelievable that such a low, deep, and emotional voice actually comes from Min Lang
Although it seems that my life and Qiao Chu's are vastly different, my intuition tells me that she is my kindred spirit
On the evening two days later, Shao Qingyu drove over to pick us up
The originally noisy crowd suddenly fell silent, and everyone turned their gaze towards our table, especially the girls, whose eyes seemed to be glued to Qiao Chu—there was little kindness in their gaze
I rolled my eyes: "Yes, you haven't come to see me in two months. How much do you hate me?"
Have you found your home once again
It is true that even in such dim light, where everyone's features are blurred, Qiao Chu remains distinct from the rest
The candlelight highlighted the exquisite contours of her face and the graceful curve of her neck, and her gaze fell upon Min Lang, but unlike others, hers was calm, a kind of calm that approached indifference
At 2:00 AM, I was still holding my computer, submitting resumes online, and the light from the screen cast a glow on my face, creating a rather eerie scene
Well, he is a childhood friend of Jian Chenye. When they were young, the few of them learned to paint together, but later Min Lang became interested in music and stopped painting. I heard Jian Chenye say that he formed an underground band, and sometimes he has small performances here as well
In fact, at the beginning, I had no particular purpose; I was just bored at home and wanted to chat with her
She did not speak; she was waiting for me to finish this sentence on my own
While waiting for Shao Qingyu, Qiao Chu and I chatted casually. Her lips, painted with orange lipstick, opened and closed as she squinted her eyes, gazing at the bustling traffic. The scene was truly beautiful; if I were a photographer, Qiao Chu would undoubtedly be my ideal model
I furrowed my brow as I looked at him, wanting to say something, but ultimately I remained silent
Oh," Qiao Chu asked, "Are you also on good terms with him?"
"Hmph, look at Qiao Chu, so composed," I said triumphantly in Jian Chenye's ear, feeling utterly proud.
I patted Shao Qingyu's seat back with a sense of sadness: "Stop chatting aimlessly, drive quickly, Min Lang is still waiting for us."
I truly cannot associate Qiao Chu with that advertisement which I have despised for a long time. She must have resorted to such actions because she was in debt to loan sharks and had no money to repay.
Have you ever experienced it
The girl was taken aback by my intimidation, immediately bouncing back to her normal posture from being closely pressed against Min Lang's body. She stared wide-eyed at Min Lang, then glanced at me, momentarily at a loss as to how to position her hands and feet.
No
She understood my meaning and directly answered my question: "The money I earn myself"
But since I have nothing to do, I might as well go
I poked him proudly and whispered, "Qiao Chu is not like them, lacking ambition."
The comings and goings of people in this world are like the distant horizon
So I repeated what I had heard from Jian Chenye to Qiao Chu: "Min Lang has lived here with his grandmother since he was young. As you all know, with the expansion of the city and the rise of the tourism industry, the land on this side of Baihui has become increasingly valuable. A few years ago, many people inquired about the price, wanting to convert it into a storefront for business, but all were refused by his grandmother.
Shao Qingyu went to find a parking spot, while Jin Chenye couldn't wait to leave us behind and went to look for Min Lang. Seeing his anxious demeanor, I understood the weight of my position in his heart compared to Min Lang.
On the way to the small tavern in Minlang, the four of us were joking around with some nonsensical humor, the neon lights along the roadside reflecting on our faces, and the entire city appeared so vibrant in my eyes
When Qiao Chu visited my home for the first time, she jokingly remarked that she was very skilled at accumulating wealth. Although it was said in a joking tone, it was evident that there was a kernel of truth in her words
Oh, the lonely and solitary swallow flying alone
Those things that Jian Chenye does not understand, she is able to comprehend
It seems that he is in a good mood today, and I estimate it is because he met Jian Chenye.
The screen first shows a girl who seems to have been holding in her need to use the restroom all day. Then, a close-up of her anxious and uneasy face appears. Next, a young man, seemingly recruited from a barbershop, appears, holding a flyer and cheerfully addressing the camera, saying: "Dear, you don't have to worry anymore"
I never expected it, I truly did not expect it, that this pervert would actually pretend to be shy and say to me: "Hmm, I'm so happy!"
One life, just this once, oh swallow
I glanced around again, noticing that many girls' gazes converged on them, and I let out a soft huff through my nostrils
This song was originally quite melancholic, but after he sang it, it became even more poignant and moving. I am truly someone who lacks artistic sensibility, yet I found myself filled with deep sorrow, inexplicably wanting to cry.
After we all took our seats, Min Lang and the others immediately came over
When she said this, there was a hint of sadness in her tone, and I was quite surprised, though I did not show it
Shao Qingyu found a spot to sit down, but Qiao Chu stood motionless beside me. I tugged at her and said, "What are you daydreaming about? Go sit down."
Qiao Chu opened the door and saw me, showing no surprise at all. Instead, I was taken aback by the entirely English book "From Deep Within" that she was holding, and then I tragically realized that I could not understand anything except for the title.
Although Jian Chenye has softened his attitude towards her somewhat, he still privately maintains his original opinion. From time to time, he still advises me that Qiao Chu's social background must be quite complex, and even if we become friends, it is better to keep a certain distance.
After Jian Chenye hung up the phone, he said to me with a beaming smile, "It's settled, we will go find him the day after tomorrow"
Let her transform into a butterfly at the dawn of her romantic feelings
Everyone is waiting, waiting for you to come home
I even specifically called Shao Qingyu to say: "Please keep an eye on whether your father's company is hiring. If not, could you ask your dad if he can create a position for me? After all, I lost my job, and you have a part in that, haha!"
Taking advantage of Jian Chenye washing the dishes in the kitchen, I limped over to knock on Qiao Chu's door
My response seemed to startle Qiao Chu: "Isn't he your first love?"
I fixed my gaze firmly on Qiao Chu, perhaps I was infected by her sentimentality. This is the first time in my life that I have expressed my innermost thoughts: "The second person I like the most in this world is Jian Chen Ye..."
Not only did Shao Qingyu and I hold our breath, but even Jian Chenye widened his eyes in anticipation of what would come next
Hmph, my hostility towards this world deepens every day
He, who has always been low-key, surprisingly opened his mouth: "A few good friends came tonight, and I am quite happy, but what makes me even happier is that my good friends brought beautiful women. To give the beautiful women some face, let me show off a little."
This understanding allows us to temporarily forget our "rival" relationship, enabling us to set aside our prejudices and collaborate together in a short period of time
As I sipped my juice, I glanced around her home, and I must say, Qiao Chu is indeed a girl of some taste
I sincerely exclaim: "You are truly the most beautiful girl I have ever seen in real life"
However, I swear I will never work in such a despicable place that casually dismisses employees again; if I am to work, it will be for a conscientious company, one where the boss is not a beast.
Qiao Chu raised an eyebrow and said, "I was too foolish back then; they just gave me 2,000 yuan to fool me. It wasn't even enough to buy a Gucci wallet, which made me wear sunglasses on rainy days during that period. It's a time I cannot bear to look back on."
In fact, it is I who am too shortsighted
That is a face with a story
We will be able to see your boyfriend the day after tomorrow, are you happy? I couldn't help but tease him
Yes, she replied to me almost without consideration, saying, "Okay"
It is Min Lang! It is that super sarcastic person who enjoys flirting with younger girls, and the one I can never win an argument against, Min Lang!
Upon entering door number 79, we found quite a number of people inside. However, our eyes were immediately drawn to Jian Chenye and Min Lang, who were standing by the bar. Each of them held a bottle of Corona, laughing and chatting about something, truly a delightful couple to behold
When I was studying, I took part-time jobs and never encountered anything as easy and high-paying as shooting advertisements. What I came across were jobs like promoting yogurt in supermarkets or cooking new flavors of instant noodles for consumers to taste for free in public. I would stand there for an entire day, and by the time I finished work, my legs would be numb, and my whole body would be filled with the smell of seasonings
Although she possesses an extraordinarily beautiful appearance, she does not exude any repulsive or malevolent aura.
At that time, the topic changed quickly, and we were not very familiar with each other, so I naturally did not continue to ask further. However, during my time at home, I indeed encountered Qiao Chu entering and exiting different cars more than once. Sometimes she would take the initiative to greet me, and although I initially felt a bit awkward, her generous and natural demeanor alleviated that feeling.
Youth ultimately does not seek the answers of the world
At the moment when the serene beauty and pain in your pupils are completely consumed by the raging flames, at the moment when you personally destroy the most cherished thing in your life, at the moment when you recall accepting this invitation that has profoundly impacted your life with a sparse and ordinary tone, have you ever felt even the slightest regret
Min Lang was somewhat surprised
Over the years, I have never doubted that Jian Chenye would flirt with some girl behind my back, but I have darkly speculated more than once: who does he truly love, me or Min Lang
I have a sense of trust in Qiao Chu that I cannot even identify the source of myself
Although Min Lang and I tease and even mock each other every time we meet, whenever I want to play a prank, a natural understanding forms between us.
That being said, I actually do not have high hopes for Shao Qingyu. Hmph, the wealthy indulge in their excesses while the streets are littered with the bones of the frozen dead; how could she possibly understand the hardships of us people from the lower strata of society
Fading further and further away, beyond your warm home
The rain of the city, the rain of the city, pours down in torrents beneath the forged wings
I can't help but be moved to tears: "You are truly my good friend!"
It was only after her reminder that I recalled I had once felt the same way
She was taken aback for a moment, then smiled again: "Do you think everyone is like your good friend Shao Qingyu"
The rain of the city, the rain of the city, pours down in torrents beneath the forged wings
I scoffed, "Are you suffering from dementia? Of course, I have seen her at my home."
I glanced at him with my eyes half-closed, noticing the smug expression on his face; my speechlessness towards him could silence the entire universe
"I heard you have been a person with disabilities for two months, congratulations." Although it has been a long time since we last met, Min Lang is still as infuriating as ever
Hearing the name Min Lang evokes a myriad of emotions within me. On one hand, he is indeed a very interesting and amusing person; on the other hand, he always bullies me every time we meet, which leaves me quite displeased
My head rests against the car window, and for the first time in years, I truly feel what it means to be at ease
As he poured us wine, he smiled slightly and said, "You understand, we are rivals in love, right? I wish you could lie in bed for another two months."
At this point, Qiao Chu, who had been silent all along, suddenly interrupted us: "We've arrived, stop gossiping."
Finally, the scene freezes on the enormous sign of the × × Hospital, and it is over
Since Shao Qingyu learned that I had lost my means of livelihood, he felt even more guilty: "Alright, I will do my utmost to inquire. I will ask about every uncle, aunt, and their companies, and I will not fail in my mission."
As for Qiao Chu, she did not look at anyone, slightly turned her head to pour herself a glass of wine, leaving only half of her profile to the world
She followed my gaze and, after a moment of silence, responded with an answer that did not address the question: "That is my favorite photo. I have thought about it, and if I were to die one day, I would want this one to be my posthumous portrait"
I deliberately pretended to be more serious: "Who told you that Min Lang is single? Have him come and confront me. I haven't been around for a while, and these little girls are trying to usurp my position."
After she finished speaking, her head retreated back into the kitchen, and immediately the sound of the juicer crushing the fruit pulp followed—but I felt that it was my heart that was being crushed.
She asked somewhat casually, "Is the owner of this little tavern your friend?"
The rain of the city, the rain of the city, pours down in torrents beneath the forged wings
Although the person she is flirting with is not my boyfriend, I am the guest of honor today, so I still feel quite displeased: "Hey, miss, do you think my husband is a singer?"
I often wake up suddenly in the middle of the night, my eyes wide open for no reason, vigilantly staring into the empty darkness, feeling as if I am slowly sliding down an endless black tunnel
I certainly would not know that next week's interview is not as simple and easy as I imagine it to be at this moment
From the doorway of the bedroom, one can see a black and white photograph that is as large as half of a wall
Min Lang raised his glass and presented it to me, saying: "Sister-in-law, be magnanimous and don't hold it against them. If you must blame someone, blame your husband for being too charming, alright?"
I do care about Jian Chenye's advice, but how should I put it...
I am not a second-generation rich person, but... I know that if I ask further, it will seem that I lack upbringing and manners, yet I still want to ask: "How is it that you, at such a young age, have bought a house on your own..."
She turned to the side to let me in, gesturing for me to find a place to sit at my leisure
The Rain of the City, The Rain of the City, I am grateful that you have returned home in peace
After she finished speaking, she turned her gaze to Qiao Chu's face and said, "Hey, Qiao Chu, I always feel like I've seen you somewhere before"
She shot me a glance in the rearview mirror: "Don't act all high and mighty just because I gave you a little face. I'm only here to serve you because of your inconvenient legs and feet."
The situation became increasingly absurd, and I saw that the scoundrel Jian Chenye had turned his face towards the wall and was laughing.
This feeling is one that even Jian Chenye, who is with me day and night, would not understand
I had not yet had the chance to scold him when he was already gritting his teeth and holding my head, saying: "Ye Zhao Jue, what are you in such a hurry for? Don't you still have me!"
I smiled, indeed, if you were to ask me who the person I like the most in this world is, without a doubt I would say it is Jian Chenye, but if the scope is broadened a bit, it may not be the case.