Chapter 4: The Difficulty of Unresolved Feelings
"I have something to discuss with him," she said unhappily
But you still treat me like a child. He gazed into the depths of her pupils with a burning look
Dong Quan expressed no objections and willingly accepted the punishment
Do not say that. My mother told me that when I was born, our family was extremely poor, and we could not even afford milk powder, yet I still grew up just fine, no worse than anyone else
She felt quite embarrassed, not expecting him to be so particular. Reluctantly, she said, "Alright, I will do my best." She looked at the exquisitely designed invitation in her hand and softly remarked, "I will be twenty-two soon, I am an adult now"
He was talking to a sweet-looking girl, one hand propped on the table while the other casually rested in his pants pocket. She rarely saw him in such a relaxed state
His mother knows that I am pregnant, yet she has not sent me anything
Xie was stunned by her calm demeanor; he first froze, remained dazed for a while, and then sat down again. The band, noticing their argument, stopped playing. He angrily said, "Why have you stopped singing?" It was clearly a case of misplaced anger. The band members exchanged glances, and had no choice but to start playing again.
Xie turned his head away, pretending not to have heard
It turned out that she had overthought it! She silently scolded herself for being unclear. Initially, she was unsure how to face him, but now it was enough to just be the same as before
She noticed a crowd outside the auditorium and inquired about the event.
I did not know when you would leave today, so I came early in the morning. He saw her dressed neatly and hesitated to say: I hope I did not disturb you.
He scoffed, "If everyone could do as they please, then this world in which I exist would certainly not be the case"
How can I raise a child? My monthly salary is only 3,000 yuan, and I still have to send 800 yuan home every month. I don't even know where he works; am I supposed to let the child grow up on nothing but the cold wind from the northwest?
Ah, no. Do you have something to discuss?" Xin Yitian did not intend to let him in, but upon hearing his firm reply of "Yes," she had no choice but to step aside, "Oh, then come in and we can talk.
When Wang Yishi arrived at the bar, it was empty, with not a single person in sight. The lighting was dim, and a band was playing soft music, with the lead singer performing an English song in a gentle and low voice
He must be under a lot of pressure, Xin Yitian thought. She had not slept well on the train all night and soon fell asleep on He Zhen's bed. When she woke up, it was already dusk. After dinner, the two took a walk in the park. Looking at the crimson sunset in the western sky, the lush trees in the distance, and the blooming lotus flowers in the water, Xin Yitian couldn't help but exclaim: "The park is still so beautiful." Year after year, the flowers remain the same, but the people change.
Xin Yitian originally planned to eat alone at the desk, but now had no choice but to unfold the folding dining table behind the door and place it on the floor. He offered his chair to him and then moved a plastic stool from the corner over, awkwardly saying: "The space is too small. You sit first, I will go serve the porridge"
After he left, Xin Yitian leaned weakly against the door. It was not that she was unclear about her feelings, nor was it that she thought too much—how could she respond to him when he looked at her with such fervent yet sorrowful eyes? He was so contradictory, both strong and fragile, indifferent yet persistent. She could not give him any hope, otherwise, things would become irretrievable
I see! She forced a cold smile, not fearing to provoke him—"She doesn't love you anyway; no matter how much you think about her, it is of no use."
Xinyi Tian has recently been busy with the renovation of her house. First, she needs to find a reliable renovation company; secondly, she must personally oversee the materials used for the renovation. Additionally, she has to decide on the style of the house—whether it should be Chinese, Western, classical, or modern. These matters have left her overwhelmed, leaving no time to contemplate what exactly happened that night. Or perhaps she simply does not wish to think about it.
She rummaged through the kitchen and found nothing but a small bag of salted radishes. How is that enough for two people? Really, coming here so early in the morning without any prior notice
She and Wei Xian had a disagreement regarding the style of the house renovation. Wei Xian wanted a European style, while she preferred a Chinese style. Neither of them could persuade the other, and they jokingly suggested deciding the matter by rock-paper-scissors. Over the weekend, they were looking at interior design renderings together when she received a call from Wang Yishi, who said she would be moving in today to be "next door" to her
The decision was made on the spur of the moment, and without booking a flight in advance, she had no choice but to take an overnight train back to Shanglin. When He Zhen came to the train station to pick her up, she was so startled that she stared at her belly and asked, "Is everything alright? There are so many people here; what if something happens and I bump into someone?"
The next day, He Zhen had to go to the hospital for a prenatal check-up. She got up early, and since Lu Shaofeng was accompanying her, Xin Yitian did not go along. As for the child, it was best for them to make their own decisions. She rarely got up this early, so she cooked a pot of plain congee, planning to finish her meal before heading to the Shen family to see her mother
It is not a matter of liking or disliking, but rather a question of whether one can afford it
Wang Yishi tried to call Xie De, but the call could not be connected. At first, she thought he was in a meeting, but by evening, his phone was still turned off. She had no choice but to call Dong Quan's mobile phone. Dong Quan was unsure whether he should inform her of Xie De's whereabouts and hesitated in silence.
Congratulations on achieving your wish he said the words of congratulations but his face showed no expression at all
He thought for a moment and said, "The impact is not good"
He quickly said, "I am not picky about food"
Why are you still here if you are not going home
What happened to him? Did the business deal fall through, or has his father's condition worsened? she asked Dong Quan in a low voice
He expressed his dissatisfaction and said in a reproachful tone: "Did you not also come to see Teacher He Zhen?"
I know it is difficult, but it is not necessarily impossible; it all depends on human effort. For example, during school, reading extracurricular novels was not allowed, yet I managed to do so without any issues, and I was never caught by the teachers. As long as one pays attention to methods and techniques, it can be done. Xin Yitian spoke eloquently, reminiscing about her middle school days, and she couldn't help but smile, feeling quite pleased with herself.
Get lost! Thank you for hitting her sore spot, suddenly becoming enraged, her expression turned extremely terrifying
Xie De looked at her in silence
Sure! I was just worrying about it; there are too many things, and I can't carry them all by myself. If you are willing to help, I would be extremely grateful, it would be like sending charcoal in snowy weather. The other party was not at all polite with her.
Dong Quan sighed and said, "Miss Wang, please persuade Mr. Xie. He has been drinking too much these past two days, which is not good for his health"
It has been nearly a month since she last saw Xie De. Whether she misunderstood the situation or he is indeed as she thinks, this current state of affairs is the wisest choice. He is young and accomplished, while she is about to get married, so it is only natural to avoid any misunderstandings. However, she cannot help but feel melancholy about her emotions. What kind of person is Xie De today? He goes to great lengths to please her. Even when joking, he leaves her pleasantly surprised and unable to forget. What kind of person is Xie De today? He goes to great lengths to please her. Even when joking, he leaves her pleasantly surprised and unable to forget.
"Do not carry such a heavy burden of thought. If you are poor, raise your children in a way that reflects that; if you are rich, raise them accordingly. Children will grow up strong regardless, and in twenty years, they will become pillars of society," Xin Yitian comforted her
Wang Yishi suddenly lost his temper, saying, "What are you singing? Haven't you heard that their voices are all hoarse? Get down, get down, everyone get down." The members of the orchestra waited for a moment, and seeing that he did not object, they hurriedly packed their things and left the stage.
Thankful to see her, without even greeting, he raised his glass and drank it all after finishing a song. Wang Yishi moved a chair and sat down opposite him, softly saying: "I got divorced today, and Li Shenming agreed to give me the apartment in Songlu Garden."
From then on, the interactions between the two increased. Wang Yishi was very warm towards her, and Xin Yitian did not want to appear too indifferent, so the three often went out to eat together on weekends
The one she least wishes to hurt is him
When I was a child, let alone milk powder, it was already good enough to have some rice porridge. But the past is the past, and the present is the present. Back then, everyone was poor; the difference was merely between drinking porridge and eating rice. However, now, only your child is the child of a poor family, and the disparity—I've had enough of that feeling!" He Zhen was very emotional, and after venting hysterically, he began to sob into the phone.
How about I come to see you this weekend, and we can all think about what to do together
Suddenly, I remembered my childhood, when I would share a salted duck egg with my brother in the same way. He would always fuss over which half had more yolk, and he would throw away the egg white every time.
I don't know either," she said, crying
Where is Lu Shaofeng
Can't sleep, won't run two laps
Three people arrived at a Hunan restaurant near the community. Wang Yishi was very eloquent and had traveled extensively, sharing various peculiar customs from different places as well as amusing anecdotes from his own experiences, which delighted everyone and even caught the attention of the people at the neighboring table, who couldn't help but interject, asking, "What happened next?"
Wake up!
Are you cooking?" Smelling the aroma, he curiously glanced towards the kitchen
Xie De looked at her with a furrowed brow and did not explain
Xie De appeared somewhat stunned
Wang Yishi was fully aware that he was a powder keg at this moment, ready to explode with the slightest provocation, yet she had no choice but to brace herself and proceed
Wei was in charge of the large items, while the two ladies carried numerous packages and paper bags, stopping intermittently as they walked. After much effort, they finally entered the elevator, and all three let out a sigh of relief. Wang Yishi took out the keys to unlock the door, indicating that they could just drop their things on the floor. The house had been newly renovated, with all the furniture and appliances being brand new; there were more than ten different types of lights on the ceiling alone in the living room.
Xie looked at her and said, "That day was Saturday"
She laughed and said, "In our hometown, there is a custom that newcomers should make a gesture towards their neighbors, so that in the future, we can help each other when needed. As the saying goes, 'Distant relatives are not as helpful as close neighbors.' If you don't eat my food, it means you are unwilling to be my neighbors."
She suddenly felt a headache and had no choice but to ask: "Do you want to eat together? However, there are no dishes, only salted radish, and the porridge is plain porridge, there is nothing at all..."
He said nothing, picking up chopsticks to drink the porridge. She was not discouraged and went to rummage through the cardboard box where He Zhen kept miscellaneous items. Inside, there was a bag of eggs and a box of salted duck eggs wrapped in cling film, but only one was left. She picked up the salted duck egg as if it were a treasure, ran to the kitchen, cut it in half, and handed one half to him, smiling as she said, "Here, let's share it."
Well... do what you like!
"It doesn't count as cooking, I just made a little plain porridge." With the principle of politeness, Xin Yitian asked as usual, "Have you eaten?"
"I watched the evening gala yesterday, it was very wonderful. Why didn't you perform on stage?" Xin Yitian chose this topic to lighten the atmosphere at the dining table. His expression was too serious, which made her feel a lot of pressure
How much did you spend on the renovation of this house? Which renovation company did you hire? Xin Yitian wanted to seek her advice.
Deduct one month's salary. Do you have any objections
Wang Yishi saw his face was pale, with dark circles under his eyes, and his eyes were bloodshot. He sat up straight, like a lonely and stubborn child, and her heart felt a twinge of pain. "Why are you treating yourself so badly?" Seeing that he remained unresponsive, she tentatively asked, "Is it because of a setback in your feelings?"
"Dong Quan!" he suddenly shouted. Dong Quan responded and ran in. He looked at him with a serious expression, but spoke to another person: "Do you know where you went wrong?" Dong Quan, feeling guilty, glanced at Wang Yishi and nodded.
Wei Xian smiled and said, "Since you have this rule, we can only respectfully comply."
Xin Yitian hurriedly said: "No need, it's just a small matter."
"Success depends on human effort," he repeated. "Do you really believe that?"
He Zhen, relying on her identity as a teacher, made her way smoothly to the backstage. There, she saw Xie De. The two encountered each other once again unexpectedly
He waved to her, signaling her to come over, and said that he had secured two good seats
Indeed, you should participate more in group activities. This way, your subordinates in the company will like you more, and work will become more efficient, haha
Xie raised his head and glared at her with a fierce look in his eyes
Xin Yitian looked at them with great interest and couldn't help but exclaim: "Being young is truly wonderful!" The vibrant energy of the youth is the most aging force.
She smiled at him and waved hello
He walked over with the girl and introduced her as Tang Yi. Xin Yitian jokingly referred to her as "junior" and laughed, saying, "Wow, your name is the same as mine; we both have the character 'Yi' in our names." The girl seemed quite surprised by this, turned to look at Xie De, her gaze carrying significant meaning, and teased him, saying, "This must be the reason why the senior favors me, right?"
All of this is thanks to you. However, instead of lending her a bodyguard as she wished, he asked her to sit down and have a calm and open discussion with Li Shenming. After all, a night as husband and wife brings a hundred days of affection; it is better for everyone to part on good terms rather than to end up in a situation of mutual destruction and enmity.
She asked Dong Quan, who was guarding the door, "Where is he?" Dong Quan pointed her in the direction. Xie was sitting with his back to her in a corner where the light did not reach, his silhouette lonely.
Xinyi Tian was left speechless. "So what do you want to do, get rid of the child?"
Spring quickly passed, and the begonia flowers downstairs, radiant like clouds at sunset, were suddenly laden with green fruits. The weather grew warmer, and the streets were filled with people in tank tops and ultra-short skirts. Everyone was busy with weight loss, skin whitening, and dating. On a day in June, Xin Yitian received a call from He Zhen, who said she was pregnant
Wow! You all are really quick!" Xin Yitian exclaimed, and upon noticing that her attitude was off, hurriedly asked, "What's wrong? Don't you like children?"
"A person does not feel much, but with a child, it feels extremely tragic." She looked at her small dwelling and sighed.
Please, it has only been a little over a month, I am not that delicate yet
No need
"Saturday, sometimes I have to work overtime on Saturdays, not to mention that Beijing is so far from Shanglin..." She noticed his obvious displeasure and quickly changed her words: "If I have time, I will definitely come."
He Zhen's dormitory conditions are quite simple, with a single table that serves as both a desk and a dining table. There is no place to store books, so they have to be piled on the floor. The bathroom is so small that it is almost impossible to turn around, and the only advantage is the presence of a small kitchen. She rarely eats out and often settles for a bowl of noodles.
"No, nothing has happened recently." That is why he is even more worried. "Mr. Xie has been acting a bit off since he returned from Beijing. For the past few days, he has been working overtime, not coming home until two or three in the morning; and for the last few nights, he has been going out to drink. He told the lead singer that for every song he sings, he will have a drink. I counted, and he has sung over thirty songs. I can see that the others don't want to sing anymore; their voices are hoarse. Miss Wang, since you are here, please go and persuade him." He told the lead singer that for every song he sings, he will have a drink. I counted, and he has sung over thirty songs. I can see that the others don't want to sing anymore; their voices are hoarse. Miss Wang, since you are here, please go and persuade him.
The two individuals descended the stairs, exited the community, and crossed the road, arriving at the entrance of the "Truffle Garden" community. Wang Yishi stood at the door with a pile of belongings, and upon seeing them, she excitedly began waving from a distance. "The moving company came by once, and I didn't have my friends deliver the remaining bits and pieces. I didn't expect that something happened recently, and now taxis are not allowed to enter the community."
"Do you take me for a fool? From the very first moment I saw you at the airport, I knew who she was," Wang Yishi said, shaking off his hand and looking at him with a calm tone.
Do not worry, Lu Shaofeng has found a job, so you will not have to work so hard anymore
He looked up at her and asked seriously, "So how can one relax?"
Xin Yitian did not respond, but simply stood up to clear the dishes.
Xie De discovered her
"What do you know? Mind your own business!" He stood up and rudely pushed her out.
Hearing the knock on the door, she, busy in the kitchen, repeatedly said, "Coming, coming." Grabbing the ladle used for stirring the porridge, she ran out, opening the door while saying, "You all returned so quickly..." Upon looking up, she was surprised to find it was Xie De. She was taken aback by his sudden visit.
He did not speak, but took an envelope from his jacket pocket and handed it to her, then lowered his head to finish the porridge in his bowl, and went to the kitchen to get another bowl for himself
However, compared to the tumultuous lives of some individuals, what she desires is still a normal, calm, and orderly life like the one she has now. Ordinary people doing ordinary things
I haven't had such a simple yet delicious breakfast in a long time, which brings back fond memories. He thanked her and before leaving, he added, "I hope you can come that day." His tone was so sincere and full of anticipation
"I can't sleep even when I get home," he said coldly
I went to look for a job
The encounter between the two individuals once again came to a hurried end
Wang Yishi shrugged and shook her head, "I don't know, it's the money spent by my ex-husband." She wanted to invite Xin Yitian and Wei Xian to dinner to express her gratitude for their help
It is not only beauty that defines a person, but more importantly, it is the profound feminine charm. Xin Yitian secretly evaluated her. She resembled a magnet, drawing in anyone with a similar magnetic field. Observing her, young yet rich in experience, Xin Yitian suddenly questioned whether her own life had been too monotonous and dull. Throughout her life, she had always adhered to the rules, never once stepping out of line.
Wang Yishi looked on coldly, knowing that he was trying to intimidate her, and left in anger
Looking at the bare plate of salted radishes on the table, it was truly disheartening! She felt a deep sense of unease, "I didn't know you were coming, so I haven't made any preparations..." Given his status, he probably had never been treated so perfunctorily before
Do not be like this; one should occasionally relax. The way of literature and martial arts requires both tension and release
Xinyi Tian naturally expressed her welcome and, upon learning that she was moving, politely asked, "Do you need our help?"
The graduation party of the undergraduates. Come on, let's join in the fun
Xin Yitian felt quite uncomfortable upon learning that she had come by bus. "You are not alone now, so you should pay attention to everything," she said, handing her a bag. "These are some supplements that are very good for pregnant women; you must remember to take them."
Xinyi Tian opened it, and at first glance, it looked like a wedding invitation. However, upon closer inspection of the words on it, he realized it was an invitation to his birthday party at the end of this month. "I have an event to attend, I don't know if I can make it in time."