Chapter 2, So Close, Yet So Far

Xin Yitian raised an eyebrow at Wei Xian and smiled teasingly

When Xin Yitian smiles, she says, "I still prefer Chinese people." What French men call romantic and passionate can also be described negatively as fickle and irresponsible, though it certainly varies from person to person

Xie Deting frowned deeply and said, "Borrow a few people? Do you take me for someone involved in the underworld? What a mess, utterly chaotic! You might as well seek someone more capable!"

Xin Yitian suddenly smiled, recalling some events from his youth. At that time, he was still a boy, barely able to be called a teenager, and like other boys, he was obsessed with various mechanical devices

She smiled faintly upon hearing this, "I haven't been a child for many years."

The two of them went downstairs and walked side by side to a large supermarket near the community. Upon smelling the aroma of the bakery wafting from inside, Xin Yitian realized that he was hungry. "I haven't eaten yet, have you?"

"Change to another one." She relied on him with such a trusting gaze that he felt he had become a hero

"What are you in such a hurry for? You are already thirty and should know better," Fan Xiaoyun admonished her son, then turned to Xinyi Tian and smiled, saying, "According to scientific statistics, the optimal age for women to bear children is between 24 and 30 years old. Once this age is surpassed, one becomes a geriatric mother, which is very dangerous."

Wang Yishi's outstretched hand suddenly froze in mid-air, slowly retracting as if shocked, revealing a self-deprecating smile, "Am I really that frightening?"

A rest home near Wanyuan in Haidian, are you aware of it

Xin Yitian took a few steps, but either bumped into this or collided with that, leaving her to sit idly in the dark room, lost in thought. Her phone notified her of a new text message. Upon opening it, she found it was from Xie De, asking if she had fixed the light. She replied that she had not, and shortly after, his call came in—"What happened?"

He stopped in his tracks, tilted his head to listen, his expression seemingly contemplative. Suddenly, the phone in his pocket vibrated. He quickly took it out, pressed the call button without even looking at it

"Are you free tonight? Would you like to have dinner together?" The voice of Wang Yishi came through the phone.

Why do you want to return to your home country after working in France for two years? Don't the French work for six months and then take six months off? They can travel to other European countries, relax, and enjoy life. How pleasant and comfortable that sounds

Fan Xiaoyun patted her son's hand in a protective manner and said, "Don't be afraid, our son is also exceptional! Right?"

Thank you for the weekend meeting in Beijing, the car was stuck in traffic near Guomao. Outside the window stood a row of skyscrapers, their massive glass walls reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling manner. The square in front featured a square stone monument inscribed with the words "Jianwai SOHO" in large characters. Thinking of Xin Yitian working in one of the offices there, he hesitated for a moment, but ultimately dialed her number.

Xin Yitian was lost in thought while eating. Wei first said it was still early, no need to rush

Seeing this, Xin Yitian wanted to laugh but held it back. Wang Yishi greeted her and sat down beside her. The two began to chat, with Wang Yishi asking most of the questions and Xin Yitian answering.

After walking a few steps, his phone vibrated, and the words "Xin Yi" flickered and jumped on the screen. Still feeling displeased, he took a deep breath, pressed a button, and held the phone to his ear

Indeed. However, I currently reside in Sanyuanqiao, and I may possibly move back there in the future

At this point in the conversation, it was difficult for Xie to refuse. "Let's skip the meal. At 7:15 PM, at the Intercontinental Hotel on Financial Street." After saying this, he realized it was inappropriate, fearing she might go straight upstairs to find him, so he hurriedly added, "In the lobby."

In less than ten minutes, Xiao Guo ran back, panting, and as soon as he reached the door, he repeatedly asked, "Has the call come in, has the call come in?" The response he received was a room filled with darkness.

Working in France is not necessarily that great; compared to French employees, the salary is not high, and there is little career advancement. There are more opportunities to return to one's home country, where at least there is no discrimination and the prospect of promotion and salary increases.

He furrowed his brows and did not respond

Between two identical high-rise buildings stands a carousel, its colors dulled by the ravages of wind and rain, yet this does not hinder the children from joyfully riding on it. Cheerful nursery rhymes drift in the wind, "Please take my song back to your home, please leave your smile behind..."

Clearly it has nothing to do with him, yet he was forcibly dragged into it by her; it is still a matter between the couple. This made Xie feel very irritated, and he flatly refused, saying: "I have no way to help."

The light bulb has blown, and there are no spares at home. I have to go downstairs to buy one, and I will call you back later. " She hurriedly finished speaking and hung up the phone. When she came out, she realized that the entire house was shrouded in darkness, and the light from the opposite building was shining through the kitchen window, indicating that it was not an unexpected power outage.

The head of the family, Wei Zhiqing, cleared his throat and said: "You are not young anymore, and it is time for you to consider marriage. The house in Shaoyaoju can be your wedding home, and you can decorate it yourselves. We will buy you a set of furniture, how does that sound?"

Among the people I know, only you can help me obtain what I deserve. Her voice was filled with both sorrow and indignation, but more so with the embarrassment of facing an old lover. Throughout her speech, she did not look at him, but instead gazed at the green plant on his left.

The girl Xiao Guo, who shares the apartment with her, jumped out of her room, exclaiming, "Why is there no electricity? Why is there no electricity? I was just at the climax of my anime, and my computer suddenly went black!"

Nonsense! She always asks me why I don't come home for dinner

After boarding the plane, Xin Yitian took her assigned seat. Next to her was a corpulent middle-aged man, resembling a massive obstacle blocking the space between the seats, forcing her to continuously shrink inward. Xin Yitian asked if he could move his legs a little, but he merely rolled his eyes and remained indifferent. Wang Yishi gracefully walked over, smiled sweetly at him, and asked if he could switch seats with her. His eyes lit up, and he immediately replied that it was no problem. Supporting himself on the armrests, he stood up with great difficulty, and even as he walked away, he couldn't help but look back at Wang Yishi. Wang Yishi gracefully walked over, smiled sweetly at him, and asked if he could switch seats with her. His eyes lit up, and he immediately replied that it was no problem. Supporting himself on the armrests, he stood up with great difficulty, and even as he walked away, he couldn't help but look back at Wang Yishi.

That being said, Xin Yitian obediently went to the Wei family for lunch. She diligently helped her future mother-in-law by selecting vegetables, washing them, peeling garlic, and serving dishes, striving to leave a good impression as a virtuous wife and devoted mother on the elderly couple of the Wei family. At the dining table, Wei Xian's mother, Fan Xiaoyun, asked them when they planned to get married

The next day, the staff from the telecommunications bureau came to replace the new electric meter and discovered during the inspection that the branch chandelier in her room had short-circuited

She turned her head to look directly at him, and the expression on his face was one of utter indifference. A moment of sadness flickered in her heart as she softly said, "Of course you do, it's just that you are unwilling."

Where do you live? Thank you, I was about to return to my room, but at this moment, I took the car keys and went out

She lit the candles she had bought and tidied up the living room a bit before Xie De arrived. After he went upstairs, he did not enter the room immediately; instead, he first checked the electric meter and asked her for a pair of scissors. With a few snips, he removed the screws from the four corners of the cover. Xin Yitian held the candle close to him for illumination, standing on tiptoe and tilting her face up to ask, "Did you find the fuse?" She caught a faint, sweet fragrance emanating from him, subtle and elusive. She had been in a daze, trying to figure out what it was; the scent of shampoo or body wash could not be this pleasant, and perfume would not be so light and ethereal.

He slowly stood up and said, "I haven't been able to help with anything."

"I know!" Wang Yishi clapped her hands and said with a smile, "The family quarters of the Armed Police Headquarters, right? I used to live across from it."

What should we do?" Xin Yitian looked at him with a face full of disappointment

She arrived at 7:00, ordered a serving of ice cream, and slowly enjoyed it. At 7:15, Xie appeared before her on time, pulled out a chair, and sat down opposite her. He was dressed casually, wearing a black and white striped T-shirt with a gray V-neck cardigan over it, and navy blue casual pants that were perfectly tailored, fitting snugly over his shoes. His simple and elegant attire exuded the air of a young gentleman.

Is it sold at the supermarket outside

Xin Yitian thought for a moment and said, "How about we go together? I don't know what model to buy." His gaze was filled with hope and anticipation.

How did you come to know each other

The two walked along while eating. Xin Yitian asked him what he was doing in Beijing. He answered truthfully, saying that he wanted to develop a property in Beijing, and that he was currently in the discussion stage. The procedures were complicated, and he needed to balance various relationships. He feared that he would have to come to Beijing for business trips frequently in the future

Thank you for replacing the newly purchased fuse; the light flickered briefly and then went out. He sighed, "There is no other way; the electric meter has blown, and it can only be replaced."

As I watch my son, whom I have raised with my own hands, about to be taken away by someone else, which woman would feel at ease? I certainly do not want to deliver him to others and make a fool of myself

The more Xie De listened, the worse his expression became, and he coldly shouted: "Are you a female thug? Always resorting to violence!"

What is a fuse? Where is the switch? She listened in confusion

It is possible that the current is too high, causing the fuse to trip automatically. Please turn off the switch.

She had no choice but to skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point. After negotiating the divorce terms with her ex-husband Li Shenming, she discovered when processing the paperwork that the alimony he was supposed to pay her was missing a zero on the divorce agreement. Li Shenming, furious and humiliated, tore off the facade and revealed his true, beastly nature. Not only did he go back on his word, but he even resorted to physical violence against her. His loathsome demeanor and shameless behavior made her unwilling to have any further dealings with him. Li Shenming arrogantly stated that the divorce was acceptable, but she should not expect to take a single cent from him.

The two exchanged phone numbers. Xin Yitian instructed the driver to stop the car at the entrance of the community, thanked her once more, and then got out. As the car sped away, she finally noticed that the license plate number began with the letter V.

Regardless of whether this scientific statistic is correct, Xin Yitian can only respond with a nod of "mm-hmm".

Her words were so polite that the distance between the two suddenly widened. The surroundings were silent, and her shadow, cast by the candlelight, transformed into a giant, stretching from the floor to the ceiling. Xie looked at her in silence, and finally said softly, "I am leaving." Xin Yitian wanted to see him off downstairs, but he decisively replied, "No need," and left, closing the door behind him.

We probably used a lot this time. There is an Industrial and Commercial Bank ATM outside the community where I can pay the electricity bill, so I will go pay it. I must finish watching this anime tonight; rather than being left in suspense, it would be better to die.

Wang Yishi picked up the drink menu from the table and handed it to him, asking what he would like to drink. He did not take it, but instead stared at her, penetrating deep into her eyes, and calmly asked: "What do you want?"

No, your mother does not like me

Xie stood up, looking down at her coldly, then turned and walked away

However, it is not an antonym! Xin Yitian muttered to himself, you have plenty of houses, so of course you cannot understand the desolation of those of us who are homeless and dependent on others. Therefore, he changed the subject, that day when I got off the plane, it was Wang Yishi who took me back, I haven't properly thanked her yet

She helplessly dialed Xie De's phone number. "It seems there is no way out. Forget it, I might as well wash up and go to bed early." Thinking about taking a shower, she suddenly remembered that the water heater also requires electricity. Sitting in the darkness, she deeply appreciated the greatness of Edison.

She pressed the switch in each room, yet there was still not a glimmer of light. Xiao Guo followed her and asked, "Is it because the electricity bill hasn't been paid?"

Faced with such sharp and direct accusations, Xie did not deny them. He thought for a moment and, seemingly perplexed, said: "You went to great lengths to marry him, and now you are fighting desperately to get a divorce..."

"You can find a handsome French guy, and all your problems will be solved," Wang Yishi said in a teasing tone.

Xin Yitian finished the ice cream in a few bites, found a paper cup, and poured him a glass of water, saying, "It's cold, there is no hot water." She made an awkward expression, rubbed her hands together, and said, "I really appreciate your trouble tonight"

"What does it matter if one can afford it? A house and happiness are not synonymous." He disagreed.

Wei returned from a business trip and invited Xin Yitian to his home for dinner. Xin Yitian, buried under the blanket, refused to get up and said playfully, "I don't want to go"

Sister Xin, I am going to stay at a friend's place for one night. She left while carrying her laptop bag

No trouble, it will be here soon. You go buy a candle first, as for dismantling the electric meter, I am quite skilled at it

Wang Yishi, seeing that he was resolutely unwilling, became anxious at once, "I have no choice but to be forced into this situation; otherwise, I would not resort to such a desperate measure. Li Shenming is such a bastard, he deserves a beating. Those two behind, let me borrow them for a while, and I guarantee I won't cause you any trouble at all." She pointed to the bodyguards following Xie De not far away.

Xie De noticed her unusual behavior and asked what was wrong

Listening to the sound of his footsteps descending the stairs, Xin Yitian was deeply ensconced in the sofa he had just occupied. A faint light flickered, illuminating the space like a small bean, which made her feel disoriented about whether Xie had actually been there moments ago. However, a call from Wei Xian brought her back to reality.

Despite having flipped the switch up, the light in the room still did not respond. He pondered for a moment, then skillfully took down a tube about the thickness of a chopstick and two to three centimeters long, glanced at it in the candlelight, and said: "The fuse has blown"

Wang Yishi asked her how old she was, "I don't know whether I should address you as elder sister or younger sister"

Wang Yishi suddenly stood up, unable to bear it any longer, and raised her voice, saying: "Isn't this all because of you!" She appeared to be greatly insulted, her face flushed, but soon calmed down and slowly sat back down.

There is indeed a way," said Xiedun after a pause, "we can just remove the cover from the outside." He had no idea how many household appliances he had broken when he was a child.

I do not know, all the lights in the rooms are off. The property management has also closed for the day, so I can only wait until tomorrow to address it

I do not know how to dismantle it. Xin Yitian looked at the electric meter hanging on the wall, its metal frame faintly glowing with a cold light

Wang Yishi let out a cold laugh, feeling the urge to mock him for being so guarded against her. However, realizing that she needed something from him, she could only suppress her indignation and said, "Understood!"

Wang Yishi imagined his expression at this moment: his lips tightly pressed, his gaze turning cold, looking expressionlessly at a certain point ahead—this was a look she was all too familiar with. She sighed softly and said: "We have known each other for a while; surely we still have this bit of friendship, right?"

Not at all, it is my own ineptitude. In the past, it was Wei who handled matters such as electricity and water. I feel truly sorry that you didn't get to eat and had to go home on an empty stomach after a busy night

With nothing to do, he sat on the sofa, bored, watching her eat. The night enveloped him from all directions, and the flickering flames of the candle danced before his eyes, resembling a writhing mouth or a beating heart

Xin Yitian listened to him speak of these matters as casually and naturally as discussing the weather or food, neither boasting nor complaining. She couldn't help but stop and scrutinize him, feeling a mix of emotions in her heart, and smiled as she said, "Oh la la—what a wealthy person! I can't even afford a house." The person before her, still young, was both rich and noble, no longer the ill-tempered boy she once knew. The thought that he had actually deigned to remove the electric meter for her made her feel a sudden sense of panic, and amidst that panic, there was also a hint of pride. After all, not everyone has the privilege of such an experience, even if it came unexpectedly.

What does this have to do with me? She has no interest in her matters at all, nor any intention to seek justice.

We got to know each other while chatting, and when we return to Beijing, we will sit together

"It doesn't matter, it won't take much of a detour. Where do you live?" Wang Yishi asked her

Be good, I will be back after having a meal

She found her words quite enjoyable. Upon learning that she was the same age as Xie, she covered her mouth and laughed, "I am a full five years older than you, little friends"

Eh?

He let out an "oh" and said nothing more. The darkness of the night obscured Xin Yitian's view of his expression, and she silently reflected on whether she had stepped on a landmine, inadvertently bringing up a sensitive topic. She quickly tried to salvage the situation by pointing to a small shop ahead and said, "I want to eat ice cream." After entering and buying a box, she buried her head in eating, feeling certain that she wouldn't say anything wrong this time.

He hardly ate anything in the evening and has been busy just now, so he is a bit hungry now. Xin Yitian noticed that he was silent and took the initiative to grab two pieces of cake, paid for them, and handed one of them to him wrapped in a plastic bag, saying, "Have this to fill your stomach first. Once the electricity is fixed, I will cook for you. I happened to buy some vegetables on my way back from work." After saying this, she smiled apologetically at him.

After all the fuss, Xin Yitian was no longer as anxious as before. If there was no electricity, so be it; they would deal with it tomorrow. She stood there, eating the unfinished ice cream by the faint candlelight.

No way? Last time I submitted over 600 degrees of electricity at once

Wei Xianxiao playfully scratched her nose, "Nonsense, you are so troublesome! Clearly, you are just too lazy to get up."

Xie did not express a clear opinion

"I left my phone on the sofa in the living room while I was at work, and only saw your call when I returned," explained Xin Yitian. As she spoke, she walked towards the bedroom, groping to press the light switch on the wall. Suddenly, a dazzling bright light flashed, and with a squeak, the light went out.

Wang Yishi's face changed from white to red, then from red to green, and she said in a low voice: "Then what about him hitting me? How can I seek justice for this? The reason you say this is simply because you have never loved me!"

The phone rang for a long time without anyone answering. The long line of cars outside showed no signs of movement. He opened the car door, and the assistant and bodyguard from the car behind quickly scrambled out upon seeing him get out. He raised his right index finger in the air, signaling them not to follow.

Xin Yitian naturally did not dare to voice any objections. Wei thought for a moment and said, "This matter still needs to be discussed with Tiantian's mother." After a pause, he joked, "She might not even want to let her daughter marry me." He had the typical appearance of a northern man: a square face, thick eyebrows, and a tall, strong physique, which instilled a sense of security in others

As the two conversed, the airplane arrived swiftly. Wang Yishi learned that no one was there to pick her up and earnestly invited her to share a ride with her friend's car. Xin Yitian noticed that the line for taxis had wound around several times, extending to the outer corridor, and not knowing how long the wait would be, she had no choice but to accept the other's kindness, asking them to drop her off at the subway station in the city.

"Have you come to Beijing?" Xin Yitian asked in surprise, and then added, "It's nothing, just a night without electricity. The property management will come by tomorrow. You don't need to come over at this late hour."

Xie asked her to open the electric meter. She arrived at the stairway in the dark, and there was a lock on the cover of the electric meter, but the landlord had not given her the key. Xie asked her if she had any tools like pliers to pry open the lock. She shook her head, "No, but I can ask the neighbors to borrow some." The family of three living across from her were locals, and they should have such tools at home. She knocked on the door, but no one answered; they probably took their child out for the weekend. She shook her head, "No, but I can ask the neighbors to borrow some." The family of three living across from her were locals, and they should have such tools at home. She knocked on the door, but no one answered; they probably took their child out for the weekend.

"I know you have your difficulties," she said softly. "However, there is no need for you to intervene. Li Shenming is a scoundrel; reasoning with him is futile. Extraordinary situations call for extraordinary measures. Do not be deceived by his outward display of power and arrogance; deep down, he is most afraid of trouble, all show and no substance, even less than a paper tiger. All you need to do is lend me a few people to intimidate him, and he will naturally comply without resistance."

Truffle Garden is the most renowned upscale community in the Wanyou area, featuring buildings in European architectural style, complemented by large floor-to-ceiling windows and strict security measures

There was no significant reaction from Xie, as he raised his left wrist to check his watch in her presence, the meaning was quite clear

He was unclear, thus he remained silent