Chapter 10: The Nerd
"Hmm, Brother Bai, are you going out?" Liu Zhixi expressed some disappointment, as he originally wanted to discuss the ancient book in his hands with Bai Yi, as he had made some new discoveries.
The person who emerged was Bai Yi. If Tang San were still around, he would surely be astonished. Fifty years had left no trace on Bai Yi; his features were exactly the same as they were fifty years ago, though there was an inexplicable hint of melancholy. His figure remained tall and slender, and that air of elegance was inescapable. Upon seeing Liu Zhixi, he did not display much emotion: "You have arrived"
Liu Zhixi sneered: "What secrets of the heavens? These fortune-tellers only know how to create illusions! mhetushu.com"
Liu Zhixi displayed a look of disdain and scoffed, "What do you know?" He excitedly walked towards the right side of the street, where there was someone who understood his worth, his mentor.
Time flies, and it has now reached the year 1981. In this year, the "New Marriage Law" was promulgated and implemented, the Yangtze River Gezhouba Dam was completed, and the Jiang Qing counter-revolutionary case finally came to a conclusion. Throughout the streets and alleys, the rhythm and melody of "On the Fields of Hope" were wafting through the air. Outside, the song floated, while inside, the entire family gathered in front of the black-and-white television, eagerly awaiting the scheduled broadcast of the television drama.
Two people were walking on the bluestone path in this narrow alley, momentarily at a loss for words. Liu Zhixi felt that Bai Yi was particularly different today, lacking the usual vitality and exuding an unusual sense of melancholy. Liu Zhixi did not dare to ask questions, merely accompanying Bai Yi, quietly taking steps beside him.
Liu Zhixi pressed the doorbell. According to previous customs, someone would open the door for him in about twenty seconds. However, today he waited for thirty seconds and still heard no response; the two large doors remained tightly closed. "Could it be that no one is home?" Liu Zhixi felt somewhat disappointed and was just about to leave with his book when the door opened, and a man stepped out. Liu Zhixi smiled foolishly and said, "Brother Bai, are you home?"
In the lively and powerful rhythm of "On the Fields of Hope," Liu Zhixi, often referred to as a bookworm, pushed up the glasses on his nose and walked out of the door of the old bookstore, holding a thick, worn book. A young man riding a bicycle sped past him and casually shouted, "Hey, Liu the Fool!"
The two arrived at the most bustling area nearby, and the noise made Bai Yi feel somewhat better. Liu Zhixi was even more excited: "Brother Bai, look, it's really lively today..." Suddenly, Liu Zhixi spotted a man with a fortune-telling booth by the roadside. The man was squinting his eyes and sleeping, and above the booth were two prominent characters...! ... Heavenly Secrets! The man was squinting his eyes and sleeping, and above the booth were two prominent characters...! ... Heavenly Secrets!
This is an ancient siheyuan, which is not particularly prominent in the bustling city of Beijing that is in need of revitalization. There are many such siheyuan in Beijing. The owner of this siheyuan has studied abroad and subsequently engaged in business; he is a person of exceptional intellect. In Liu Zhixi's eyes, he is his patron, the only one who understands the value of his dedication to books and those remarkable inventions.
"Yes, let's go together." Bai Yi sighed, "I want to go out for a walk."
Liu Zhixi felt a twinge of envy towards mhetushucomcom, as he possessed a handsome face that captivated women, along with the allure of a mature man. Liu Zhixi adjusted his glasses, lamenting that he could not emulate such qualities. In the eyes of others, he was merely a bookworm engrossed in ancient texts.
Following Liu Zhixi's gaze, Bai Yi's eyes suddenly burst forth with a different light, akin to a ferocious beast spotting a lively rabbit, filled with incredulity! He suddenly lunged at the fortune-teller, overturning the makeshift stall and pinning the fortune-teller to the ground. Breathing heavily, his voice became hoarse: "Is it you? Ah! Are you Tang Sancheng!"