Chapter 10, New Year

A familiar figure suddenly intruded into my view, causing my heart to skip a beat.

Gu Xinhong entertained a group and sat down beside Chen Zhiyu. The two raised their glasses and took a sip. Chen Zhiyu asked him: "How old is your wife, Mr. Gu, this year? She hasn't reached the legal age yet, has she?"

The words spoken from your mouth truly lack any persuasive power

What about the elementary school homeroom teacher

The person on the podium instinctively took two steps back, descended from the podium, and returned to his seat in the first row, as he had mandated.

Chen Zhiyu listened in silence

His mood instantly improved as he stepped forward towards the podium

Chen Zhiyu smiled and said, "Alright, first I wish you a lifetime of happiness together—when is the wedding scheduled?"

The Chen family lives close to each other, and they usually celebrate the New Year together. Including Chen Zhiyu's uncle, aunt, cousin, brother-in-law, and his three-year-old niece, there are nearly a dozen people in total.

Now she has embarked on a political career, yet it has no connection whatsoever with those grand ambitions; all that remains are intrigues and calculations of interests

I didn't dare to breathe, just blinked twice, "... ... Am I late?"

Struggling to get through the New Year, Su Nan went to the bathroom to wash up. While tying her hair, she heard her mother in the living room pleadingly advising Su Jing.

Just as I finished half a pack of cigarettes, I saw a figure flash out from the shadow of the tree in front of the building, running swiftly like the wind. The corners of her trench coat fluttered up and down with her movements, rising and falling.

Su Nan turned on the showerhead without paying attention, and the first burst was cold water, splashing onto his hand, icy and piercing.

Chen Zhiyu was afraid that she would fall into the toilet, so he knocked on the door. A voice responded from inside, followed by the sound of flushing.

Then why didn't you send it to me

Skillfully turned on the computer, connected his laptop, tested the audio equipment, then took his water cup to the corner of the corridor to the tea room to help him get hot water

"Why are you here so early?" he asked with a smile

The warmth derived from a life of indulgence is too superficial, dissipating after just one night

He instantly collected his thoughts and, feeling somewhat irritated, reached for the cigarettes in his pocket.

October, the capital. You must honor us with your presence at that time

Why didn't you send me an email last Saturday

Cheng Wan, if you still consider me your brother, then heed my advice: cut ties with those chaotic individuals

Arrived at 7 o'clock

Footsteps echoed in the corridor

That is different

Have you sent New Year greetings to Teacher Lin

The sky is about to brighten, and a faint warm hue emerges on the rooftops of the distant buildings. The wind is cold, seeping in through the window, still carrying the dampness from last night. He lit a cigarette, flicking the lighter twice before it ignited

The heart at night resembles a street; when one thinks of a matter, a light is illuminated. When one thinks too much, the lights are all aglow.

This year for Chen Zhiyu is quite ordinary

He abruptly broke the cigarette he had just taken out, adjusted his collar, and stood solemnly.

Even if I have a house full of students, I must still come to support you, Master Gu

What about the high school homeroom teacher

Pushing the door open, Cheng Wan was sitting on the cold tiled floor leaning against the toilet, raising her hand to ask him for a cigarette

Let’s get a divorce. Ning Ning still has me, her mother, to take care of her. As long as I have something to eat, how could she possibly go hungry? ... You should find a job at the supermarket, earning about a thousand yuan a month. Plus, Nan Nan also sends some money home. If the three of us work together, there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome

The smile momentarily faltered, "You didn't mention that the New Year also has to..."

At the age of twenty-two, he appears quite youthful

Boss Gu reserved the venue, and the place was filled with familiar faces. The music played was still Bob Dylan, with no blinding lights and no girls with exaggerated features, but rather a proper setting for reminiscing.

Well

Come over and turn on the equipment Her ears turned red as she hurriedly averted her gaze lowered her head and quickly searched for a seat to place her bag

Gu Xinhong flicked the cigarette in the ashtray and glanced at Chen Zhiyu, "What about you?"

Cheng Wan finally fell asleep, and Chen Zhiyu quietly closed the door as he left

The respectable young lady of the family, though small in stature, is very understanding and is aware of the warmth and coldness around her

Having gone through the standard procedure countless times before, this time each step was accompanied by an uncontrollable excitement, a kind of secret sweetness

I have heard that there has been no one by your side all these years. So, are you planning to retreat into a life of solitude?

How do I ?

For a moment, realizing something: "You... you are quite early as well"

The voice carried a smile, "I am not late. However, I could have arrived even earlier."

Like watching parrots through a cage when I was a child, holding a meat bone to tease a Pekingese, or pinching a feather to play with a palm-sized kitten

Su Nan walked up to the podium, opening his computer while glancing out of the corner of his eye at the figure standing by the window, "When did you arrive?"

Isn't Cheng Wan still accompanying you?

Teacher Chen

The figure heard the sound of the door opening and turned around

7:30, leave the dormitory, go to the office classroom

Mr. Gu, why are you still discussing the details

I opened my eyes at six in the morning, got up in a hurry, washed my face and brushed my teeth, had breakfast, and only when I was organizing my backpack for the third time did I realize how slowly time was passing

... ... also ... ... has been sent.

She walked faster than usual, arriving at the classroom at only 7:40. The staff had already come and opened the door, leaving it slightly ajar.

Gu Xinhong expressed his disapproval, "The great cause of education does not lack for someone like you. You are only thirty-four; is this all you have prepared for your entire life?"

From his position, he could see her movements clearly.

"It's over. You should hurry and take a shower and go to sleep." He bent down to assist her.

"Boss Gu," Chen Zhiyu chuckled, "Don't start off by resorting to the three vulgarities. If I have this need, am I still worried about not finding someone?"

Those with impure senses are not accepted by the Buddhist community

This year's New Year was spent by Su Nan in a uniquely desolate atmosphere. The television played cheerful programs filled with joy, while the three women sat silently in front of it, with only Ning Ning occasionally crying out. The child did not understand the concepts of New Year or old year, did not comprehend the joys and sorrows of parting and reunion, nor did she grasp how some families were joyful while others were sorrowful; she only knew to cry when hungry and to laugh when full

Sent

She opened her notebook, somewhat flustered as she grabbed a pen from her pencil case, and then, as if just realizing that class had not yet started, paused for a moment before putting it down again

Life is a disc filled with haphazard and casual content, pressed into slow motion by someone, never reaching that important point.

Sunan placed the cup in a position that was convenient for him to reach with his right hand and looked up at Chen Zhiyu

... ... has gone too far and cannot return. I also do not know where to go.

Can it be settled

Gu Xinhong's expression was serious, "I only now realize that whether one likes something or not, that feeling is truly different"

Amidst the clamor and noise, the gathering did not disperse until two o'clock in the morning. Chen Zhiyu and Cheng Wan were preparing to return to rest when Gu Xinhong called them out for drinks. Gu Xinhong grew up in the same courtyard as Cheng Wan, served in the military for several years, and after retiring, he engaged in business in the north, thriving remarkably well. Now, everyone refers to him as 'Boss Gu'.

Hmm. I will wait for you to set up the equipment for me

When she was young, she always called him "brother". Wherever he went, she followed him, saying she wanted to accompany him in conquering the world. At that time, he would become the emperor, and she would be the general, as the two of them expanded their territory and pacified the land.

Chen Zhiyu ignored her, grabbed her arm and pulled her up, then pressed her down onto the plate, wiping her face. He dragged her to the bedroom, set down a glass of water on the table, and left a small lamp for her.

The white shirt, with the sleeves rolled up and the buttons fastened meticulously. The smile on the face, however, is at odds with this serious and formal attire

Cheng Wan waved his hand dismissively and laughed, "Brother, what do you think is the meaning of life?"

What about the middle school homeroom teacher

Upon meeting, Gu Xinhong first brought someone over to greet everyone, "Boss Gu's wife."

Cheng Wan turned over, her arm covering her eyes. "I saw her last month; the child is about five or six years old, holding her hand. Not shy at all, the child called out to me, 'Auntie,' and asked if I wanted some candy. She smiled at me, a truly beautiful smile, just like fifteen years ago"

Sent

Su Nan smiled faintly and said, "That's good."

In the eyes of a foolish student, there is only the bright reflection of oneself and the bright smile.

Thinking that no one was there, he suddenly pushed hard

Zhuge Nao Nao

Restless and irritable, as if compelled to do something... When he had smoked halfway through a cigarette, he finally realized that he wanted to make a phone call

Gu Xinhong patted him on the shoulder, speaking earnestly like an elder brother, "To put it bluntly, half of your life has already passed; don't stay trapped in a dead end."

Cheng Wan drank a bit too much and as soon as she entered the room, she vomited uncontrollably

... has been sent

Teacher Chen, it is done

The screen is dark, and pressing it has no response; only then do I remember that it has long been out of battery.

The coat was thrown at the entrance; I walked over to pick it up and took out my phone from my pocket

She was taken aback, flustered and at a loss, quickly blinked her eyes, and after a moment, lowered her gaze to apologize, "... ... I am sorry"

She can accompany you for meals and drinks, can she accompany you to bed

Madam Gu, gentle and demure, is quite young and somewhat shy, yet she is meticulously protected by Gu Xinhong. It is evident that she harbors genuine intentions of settling down.

"Following closely behind you."

Finally, it is Wednesday morning, the first class of "An Exploration of Empirical Research in Communication Studies"

After finishing the gathering, dawn is approaching.

In the first few days of the new semester, Su Nan felt restless and uneasy. She understood what she was longing for, yet subconsciously denied this longing. In her anxiety, however, the truth became increasingly evident, leaving her with no way to hide.