Chapter 7

Cheng Boyan was left at a loss for words by what he said.

I have no idea what is going on with you all. You haven't come this month either. I saw his people come, and I was wondering if it was... The boss looked worried and said, "My table has been smashed."

The poet of the void, Xiang Xi thought for a long time and then smiled, "You are merely a spectator; you do not know what life is like here. If you were to know, you would certainly wish you did not. There are those who achieve success through murder and arson, those who are unsuccessful and resort to petty theft, and those who are so ineffectual that they cannot even raise their voices."

Xiang Xi raised his head, wanting to say that he would give you three hundred more. Cheng Boyan squatted down in front of him, unzipped his down jacket, and stuffed the envelope into his clothes: "It's settled, don't come looking for me again"

As Cheng Boyan walked over, he casually glanced at the crowd, and his gaze met that of another person.

In fact, he also enjoys watching plays, mainly because he has nothing to do. Aside from providing offerings to Uncle Ping, he finds himself somewhat idle during the remaining time, so while others watch him, he also observes others.

Xiang Xi understood why the person with a donkey's face was chasing him to beat him; it was to seize his territory

For example, Cheng Boyan, but Cheng Boyan does not care to see him; he wants to see Cheng Boyan, yet others do not allow him to do so

Ah! The boss shouted in displeasure, and after Xiang Xi turned to leave, he added, "How come you people are not dead!"

The boss remained silent, standing still with a frying spatula in hand. Xiang Xi glanced at him, sighed, and walked over to pat him on the shoulder: "If you go now, you might get it. With a room full of people, if you ask him, he will give it to you."

However, they did not have the opportunity to chat further. Three days after their conversation, the photographer's money and cards were stolen, along with a box containing various aspects of life.

"No, are you sure it is muscle pain? If it is bone pain and it has been persistent without relief, you should come to the hospital for a check-up." Cheng Boyan straightened up, said nothing more, and turned to go up the escalator.

"Let's talk later, I'm leaving." Xiang Xi lifted the curtain and walked out.

I am hungry, on the 17th there were a bunch of inexplicable people, he couldn't get anything to eat, eating outside, and he doesn't have much money on him... Even if he had money, he wouldn't be willing to spend it on food

"Can you come back?" Mom answered the phone

Cheng Boyan looked down on him and was also annoyed by him, not wanting to see him again... Of course, he had no intention of seeking out Cheng Boyan again; he could understand this feeling, as he felt he particularly understood others' desire to avoid him.

Xiang Xi has a small room on the 17th, located right next to the corridor leading to the backyard. It is just big enough to fit a bed, and when the family of Uncle Ping comes over, all their luggage is placed in here

Xiang Xi stood up, stretched lazily, and strolled out of the large pit. At the fast food restaurant at the intersection, he ordered several meals to be delivered to No. 17.

When the last patient left, Cheng Boyan realized that it was already forty minutes past the end of his shift. He changed his clothes, opened the drawer to take a look, found a chocolate pie, took two bites, and walked out of the consultation room

"Who are you calling?" Xiang Xi turned around; he had seen this person once before, brought over by Er Pan. "Are you calling me?"

Received years ago. Cheng Boyan almost blurted out a thank you, but then remembered that the ID card was sent by Xiang Xi, yet it was also stolen by him, so he quickly held back his words

No need to bring it back, just hurry back. By the way, there's something I keep forgetting to tell you. Mom said on the phone, "Your ID card has been sent back home, what is going on?"

Today, there are quite a number of patients seeking medical attention. After the New Year, for one to two consecutive months, the number of patients in the gastroenterology department has been higher than usual, and those waiting to be called have filled all the chairs outside the consultation room

When Xiang Xi opened the door to the room, he saw several people sitting inside. In addition to Uncle Ping and Erpan, there were a few others he recognized but was not familiar with.

However, Cheng Boyan's words this time still left him feeling somewhat gloomy, unlike before when he could easily laugh it off. Perhaps it is because he hasn't interacted with "normal people" for quite a long time.

It is quite dull, this monotonous life that just repeats itself.

Cheng Boyan found it quite baffling; what significance could a mole possibly have in terms of fortune? However, he did not voice his thoughts.

Upon exiting the restroom, Xiang Xi remained seated in the same position, not moving. His complexion appeared rather poor, looking quite pale, which made the small adhesive bandage at the corner of his eye particularly conspicuous

In the afternoon, he went out for a stroll by himself, not venturing far, for he feared encountering someone with a donkey-like face

Upon reaching the second floor, to the left is the orthopedics department, and to the right is the gastroenterology department that Xiangxi intends to visit

Xiang Xi was momentarily taken aback, but after touching the corner of his eye, he smiled: "Yes, once it ripens, it can be picked, and it will grow again. Last time it was Hello Cat, and now it is Ding-Dang Cat"

The boss is quite an honest man, a middle-aged man. When Uncle Ping came to collect money from Xiangxi, he never scolded him. There was one time when he couldn't produce the money, and Xiangxi didn't demand it, so he just left. Because of this incident, Uncle Ping even slapped him twice.

Um," Xiang Xidian nodded, then took out a small packet of band-aids from his pocket, all of which were cartoon-themed. He picked out a small bear one and re-applied it, saying, "It's unlucky"

Cheng Boyan laughed at himself for quite a while, and finally turned around and walked towards the escalator, truly at a loss for words.

This adhesive bandage is surprisingly still attached? Decoration?

Are you hungry? Cheng Boyan looked at his expression and realized that he might indeed have a stomach ailment; even fabricating lies stems from a life that surpasses reality

He has no time to ponder, his stomach hurts. This stomach is quite remarkable; despite having no regular eating or resting habits, the frequency of pain is greater than when he is lying in bed all the time

The person leaned against the door and smiled: "So, is there anyone else?"

Xiang Xi frowned and clicked his tongue, indicating that he did not wish to know either

The skin next to that tear mole is very pale, showing a distinct difference from the surrounding skin, indicating that it has been in contact for a long time... What a miraculous reason

Then he didn't know what else to say. Just as he turned to leave, he stopped again. He couldn't help it and pointed at the band-aid at the corner of Xiang Xi's eye: "Did this thing grow out of your face?"

Moreover, Cheng Boyan's gaze was sharp enough; he realized it and had no time to stuff the wallet back in.

If this continues, I really need to go to the hospital for a check-up

The Donkey Face and Uncle Ping have always had a grudge against each other, though the specifics of their animosity remain unknown to anyone, perhaps even to themselves. It is simply a matter of you taking my job while I encroach upon your territory, you find me displeasing, and I think you are particularly irritating.

Because he is the same himself

Zhan Hong ... No, Xiang Xi is sitting in a chair, tilting his head and propping his forehead with his hand, looking at him

What? Xi picked an eyebrow and said, "Why didn't you tell me yesterday?"

The unequal items were opened to the west, and he stood up, turned around, and walked out of the store.

Xiang Xi is sitting in a chair with his head down, staring blankly at his phone

He decided to find a place to eat, so he went to the one where he hadn't paid last month's bill yet

Xiang Xi has been saving money, though he himself is unclear about the purpose of his savings. However, after such a long time, he has not accumulated much.

"Old Four," someone inside called out to him, "What are you doing? Drinking tea."

Cheng Boyan felt fortunate that he had not eaten lunch, so he quickly exited and jogged towards the end of the corridor

Uncle Ping did not let him know that he had already begun to guard against him

"Xiao Zhan, the payment from last time has not been settled yet." The boss looked at him with considerable reluctance

He also reflected for a while, realizing that life, as seen through the eyes of an audience member, can be erased in the blink of an eye

In the afternoon, there were many patients. Cheng Boyan was busy from feeling very hungry to not feeling hungry at all. By the time it was almost the end of the workday, he felt as if he was about to become an immortal.

Cheng Boyan is a bit confused: "Tear mole?"

After a few days of coming and going, Uncle Ping and Erpan suddenly calmed down

"You are quite interesting, different from others," the photographer said with great interest, "We should chat more when we have the chance"

I haven't eaten since yesterday," Xiang Xi smiled.

However, in the past, when people from both sides encountered each other, they did not simply pull up their pants and start fighting. Xi felt that there must be some other matters involved here, particularly recent events

A few days later, he saw Uncle Ping fiddling with the camera that was said to be worth around 100,000, of course, the life within it was already gone

Yes, it was sent back before the New Year. I have been so busy that I kept forgetting to tell you. Mom said, "Did someone pick it up and throw it in the mailbox?"

"That money..." the boss hesitated to ask

Uncle Ping was not surprised by this matter, and Xiang Xi did not ask much. The few people Uncle Ping called over were likely for this reason, but certainly not just for this. It was unnecessary for the thugs to gather with those few people to fight over territory.

Xiang Xi's stomachache had not subsided; he had not eaten anything for over a day, and his legs were starting to hurt a bit. He asked Uncle Ping for some money and went to the hospital early in the morning to buy some steamed buns.

The last person he spoke with regarding the "normal person" was a short-term tenant at No. 20 Dawa Li, a photographer in his thirties

Thus, he was forced to leave, and before departing, he gave Xiang Xi a business card, saying to keep in touch in the future

Oh. Xiangxi responded.

"I don't know who made such a mess," the elder sister said, "Doctor, you should go over there."

Xiang Xi placed the business card in that dilapidated house on Tongkui Hutong

After hanging up the phone with his mother, Cheng Boyan hesitated for a moment and walked over to Xiang Xi.

Xiang Xi lay in the cabin in utter boredom for several days, while people came and went outside. Uncle Ping and Erpan often went out, though it was unclear what they were plotting, or perhaps they had already begun to implement their plans

"You are not taking this correctly; it is not messy or chaotic at all," said Xiang Xi.

On the departmental distribution map, he found the gastroenterology department, discovering that it is on the same floor as the orthopedics department

But he will not undergo any physical examination, nor does he understand why Mantou must have a physical check-up, as if he were a normal person, eating, sleeping, working, and living, yet still needing a health check.

Hmm. He smiled.

"Ask Uncle Ping for it," Xiang Xi took a piece of meat from the plate and put it in his mouth, "It's not like I ate it."

Thank you, Uncle," Xiangxi said, his eyes fixed on the collar of Uncle Ping, where a section of red string was visible. He knew that beneath the red string hung a piece of jadeite ruyi with excellent water quality

"Where does it hurt? Here? Or here?" Cheng Boyan asked, "Is it muscle pain or bone pain? How long has it been hurting?"

Cheng Boyan sighed, stopped in his tracks, and turned back.

"Why ask Uncle Ping for money? Just look at the look in his eyes," Mantou said with a frown, limping slightly. "I have some here; I plan to get a comprehensive health check-up today..."

Ah, this stomach pain has even spread to my legs..." Before Xiang Xihua could finish speaking, Cheng Boyan suddenly bent down and pressed on his leg, startling him. "What happened?"

Xiang Xi felt that Ping Shu had grown old and was starting to contemplate matters related to death

He glanced at the people in the room; no one spoke. He turned and went out again, squatting by the wall to watch the wild cat on the opposite wall basking in the sun and scratching itself.

"Do not go out wandering around during this time," Uncle Ping said while holding the teapot, "Just stay at home and do not go far."

... perhaps, Cheng Boyan thought for a moment, "Just leave it, I have already used my new ID card."

"It's off work now," Cheng Boyan nodded, "That... my ID card, did you send it?"

What a load of nonsense! Xi turned around with a click of his tongue and went back into the store. He glanced at the cash register, straightened his clothes, put the envelope back into his inner pocket, and slowly walked out.

Xiang Xi is not unafraid of death; in fact, he is quite afraid of it. Having suffered from stomach pain for such a long time without relief, he too experiences fear, which is why he came to the hospital for a check-up

The results of the gastroscopy examination are not good

"Just came out, do you want me to bring anything back?" Cheng Boyan walked downstairs, there were not many patients left in the internal medicine department. After taking a few steps, he stopped at the escalator.

"I won't let you die." This was a curse uttered by the one called Lao Si as he turned back into the house behind Xiang Xi.

Xiang Xi walked over, tore off the band-aid from his face, and pointed to the corner of his eye: "Block this."

Xiang Xi was asked for a long time without being able to respond. After a while, he jumped in place and said: "It hurts, right? I might have been lying in bed for too long these past two days without moving... Are you suffering from occupational stress? Why are you so tense?"

Hmm? Cheng Boyan was taken aback, "My ID card?"

"I have a stomachache," Xiang Xi said, "I will wait for the gastroscopy."

That person has traveled to many places and taken numerous photos of locations similar to Zhaojiayao. Xiangxi has seen the Zhaojiayao in his notebook, and it hardly resembles the place where he has lived for nearly twenty years.

After their gazes met, Xiang Xi curled the corners of his mouth and smiled

Cheng Boyan kept looking at him. After he squatted down and remained silent for a while, he finally took out a card and handed it to the young cashier, saying: "Swipe the card, and once it's done, give me a call"

I don't know what has happened these past two days. It would be one thing to forget to refill the cup while talking nonsense, but to so easily take out a stolen wallet is quite another.

Four thousand yuan

"Xiao Zhan," Uncle Ping walked up to him, bent down, and stared at him for a while, "It hasn't been easy raising you to this age"

Dead? And yet...

I am here, and a part of my life is also contained within this. He said, "My life for a month here."

Xiang Xi smiled but did not speak

This is no small matter; this is not a place for the likes of him. Now, his people have suddenly come over to collect money, which is essentially a challenge to Uncle Ping.

The boss brought over two meat pies and placed them on the table in front of him. After watching him take a couple of bites, he quietly said, "What is going on with you all? The man with the donkey face just came by yesterday, collected the money, and even smashed two tables..."

Cheng Boyan stretched lazily, moved his arms a bit, took out his phone, and called his mother. His father is going on a business trip tomorrow for some meeting, and he promised to return home for dinner today

Doctor Cheng is off work now A little nurse ran past him

Ah," Cheng Boyan responded, "Are you here for a consultation?"

Ah... Oh..." Xiang Xi crouched down, holding his stomach. He himself did not know whether it was due to a stomachache or lamenting the fact that his image had plummeted into an abyss in Cheng Boyan's eyes. In the end, he elongated his voice and sighed, "Ah—

His complexion is still poor, and he seems quite depressed. Although he is quite tall, his long legs make him appear very thin.

Oh dear," Xiang Xi held his stomach and laughed, "A comprehensive physical examination? This sounds too unlike someone from Zhaojiayao.

"Go to hell, whoever wants to eat can make it themselves," Xiang Xi continued to smoke while watching the cat. Anyone who dares to come over, whether familiar or not, just tries to give him orders. "I have no time for this"

After the winter vacation ended, Uncle Ping's family left, and Xiangxi returned to No. 17.

"Shut up," Xiang Xi interrupted him, "You really don't mind yourself at all"

Please bring me two meat pies. Xiang Xi sat down in the corner

Especially, it can be understood

Xiang Xi glanced to the left and then turned right to walk away

After wandering aimlessly on the street for half a day, I finally ended up on the outskirts of Zhaojiayao, an area considered safe, where Uncle Ping has been collecting money for a long time

When Xiang Xi chased after him, he saw him get into a taxi, which disappeared at the end of the road in less than two minutes

After a while, the door behind Xiao Zhan opened, and someone poked their head out to call him, "Go get something to eat"

Received it? I can't believe it took so long to arrive?" Xiangxi clicked his tongue and said, "I had heard that if you throw your ID card in the mailbox, the postman can deliver it back to the address. It seems that it's true.

Ah? Xiang Xi raised his head and was somewhat surprised upon seeing him, "Doctor Cheng? I was wondering which fool was so bored as to stand by and watch me daydream..."

"Then you... just wait a little longer," Cheng Boyan thought of his wallet and the identification card and bank card that he didn't know where they had been thrown, and he lost the mood to continue the conversation. "I still have patients."

Uncle Ping adjusted his collar, patted his head a couple of times, and then took the teapot upstairs

Xiang Xi did not understand, staring at the photo for quite a long time: "Is my life also in here?"

"Is all you see filth, disorder, and poor conditions?" the photographer said, "What I see is just another way of life."

It is still quite early today, and I see that Dr. Liu is still busy. The little nurse ran into the elevator

"Damn!" That person couldn't hold it in any longer and kicked the door open to come out

"When his people come again, give me a call," Xiang Xi stood up holding a meat pie, walking out while saying, "Don't tell him that I know."

"Doctor Cheng." Xiang Xi turned off his laughter and called out to him from behind.

As he was about to speak, Xiang Xigong raised his leg, patted it a couple of times, and kicked it twice. This action prompted him to change his words to: "Is your leg hurting?"

Xiang Xi was quite absorbed in his daze, and Cheng Boyan stood beside him for quite a while without him looking up. Finally, Cheng Boyan cleared his throat and asked, "Have you finished your inspection?"

"You should also get a check-up; don't be so reckless," Mantou said with a serious expression. "Are you quite familiar with that doctor? See if he can help you arrange something..."

Cheng Boyan did not know whether he was encountering a scam again or seeking medical attention, and did not have time to pay him any mind, so he hurried to the restroom

He clicked his tongue, and Cheng Boyan's face flickered before him

Upon entering the hospital, Mantou went to the health examination center, while Xiangxi went to the gastroenterology department

"Doctor Cheng." Xiang Xi called out as he passed by him

Upon entering, he saw a few people eating. The boss, upon seeing him, approached with a wry smile and said, "Xiao Zhan?"

There is simply no place to reason with this

Cheng Boyan was busy all morning and didn't have time to eat at noon. Finally, he found a moment to go to the restroom, but as soon as he entered, he found the cleaning lady busy inside.

Xiang Xi was somewhat surprised; these individuals were not from the same circle as Uncle Ping. Uncle Ping belonged to the gangsters' circle, while those few were from a circle that was always on the verge of committing serious crimes

Xiang Xi considers himself to be quite a cautious person; compared to someone like Mantou, he is simply a mature, composed, and meticulous individual... a rogue

The examination is complete, and there are no tumors. Xiang Xichong smiled and stood up, asking, "Are you off work now?"