Chapter 4, The Taxi Driver

Old Shen thought to himself, forget it, let this be a good deed, and asked the boss to grill an eggplant

At this moment, a cold wind swept through the street; winter had arrived. Although the wind was not strong, it made people feel chilly. Old Chen wrapped his clothes tightly around him

However, the taxi night market at Pier 13 has always been primarily focused on taxi business, and the number of ordinary people visiting is relatively low. By midnight, taxi drivers park their cars along the streets of Pier 13 and get out to grab a late-night snack at the stalls. Familiar car wash attendants, upon seeing the level of dirt on the vehicles, can tell when a driver needs a car wash. They quickly grab the spray nozzle to start rinsing.

Old Shen was about to light a fire when, at that moment, the man who had eaten his grilled fish was desperately knocking on his car window

The night market vendor was grilling lamb skewers over the fire, looking at the man and said: "You come here every day to bother me; after all, I am in business too, and I cannot support you."

The taxi driver mentioned is surnamed Shen

Hearing the conversations among my colleagues, the taxi drivers, it is natural that they discuss matters related to driving taxis

Old Shen looked on with compassion and thought to himself, since he was already planning to invite someone for a late-night snack today, he might as well invite him

Thus, my friend became aware of this bizarre incident

"Indeed, how did you know I am a starving ghost?" Although the man joked along with Old Chen's words, his tone remained very calm

"Let's see who is lucky enough to let me treat them to a meal," Old Shen thought happily. He planned to have a late-night snack and then go home, so he could get a good night's sleep tonight

It is said that a colleague had a misfortune a few days ago. The police found a taxi near Shahe. The taxi was parked in the grass by the side of the highway fork, very concealed, so it took a long time to discover it. The taxi driver was dead, having been strangled. The money and mobile phone on him had been stolen

The man hooked his finger to his mouth, yet he remained fixated on the food. However, he was indeed very refined, merely observing. Although his eyes sparkled with desire, he had no intention of stealthily grabbing a piece to eat. The owner likely knew him well, continuing to grill the barbecue without concern, aware that he would not steal any food

Old Shen looked at the refined beggar and found it amusing: "How can someone with such a clever mouth not even be able to afford a meal"

The boss said: "Would you like me to prepare some barbecue for you"

Old Shen greeted the man and invited him to come over and take a seat

But he was just here a moment ago, asking me to treat him to eggplant

The man is still pleading: "I want to eat roasted eggplant"

Old Shen thought that the man would leave after eating a bag of noodles

Old Shen looked in the rearview mirror to see if that man had fallen, but in the mirror, he saw nothing at all

However, no matter how he opened the hood, he could not find any faults. Old Shen felt puzzled, so he bent down and carefully inspected the underside of the car

Old Shen did not delay, and said to the night market owner: "Wait for me to come back and pay you. I will be back in about an hour."

Old Shen rolled down the car window and asked him, "Is there something wrong?"

Oh, it seems he has some issues with his nerves, mistaking your boss for his father

Old Shen said: "I owe someone an eggplant, and I am waiting for him to come and eat it."

Today, the eggplants are sold out. The boss is unsure whether he dislikes that man and does not want to give him roasted eggplants, or if there are truly no eggplants left

Old Shen sat down and, trembling with fear, asked the boss, "Where is the man who asked me for roasted eggplant today?"

Old Shen said, "Of course, why wouldn't we do it? Where are you going?"

My friend who drives a taxi asked why he orders eggplant every time but never eats it

At that time, Old Shen had a bit to drink and spoke with slurred speech

Old Shen cautiously turned his head and slowly drove back to the night market

Lao Shen, in his thirties, had been laid off and had struggled in society for several years without finding a way out. Consequently, he decided to obtain a driver's license and began working as a taxi driver. At that time, he did not own his own taxi, so he worked as a dirt hauler, specifically driving night shifts. He worked diligently every night and earned around 2,000 yuan a month. Lao Shen was quite content, as this was significantly more than what he earned in a regular job

Old Shen usually goes to the night market stalls for a late-night snack around 3 or 4 a.m. One reason is that he is hungry, and the other is that eating something can lift his spirits a bit, and he might even come across some business opportunities. Generally, taxi drivers gather at the night market to drink, play cards, or sleep after 2 a.m., and then return their cars in the morning. Unlike them, Old Shen is not so laid-back; he has a heavy family burden and wants to earn a little more money

One night, Old Shen finished collecting cars very early, at twelve o'clock. It was already winter, and there was just over a month until the Spring Festival. There were fewer people on the street than in autumn. Business was somewhat lacking. However, the reason Old Shen finished collecting cars early today was that he had just completed two large orders, taking two passengers to the Three Gorges. On the way back, he planned to pick up a few people at a low price at the reception center, but unexpectedly encountered someone who urgently needed to return to the city, and without discussing the price, he used the meter for the return trip. But the reason Old Shen finished collecting cars early today was that he had just completed two large orders, taking two passengers to the Three Gorges. On the way back, he planned to pick up a few people at a low price at the reception center, but unexpectedly encountered someone who urgently needed to return to the city, and without discussing the price, he used the meter for the return trip

I recalled a story that a taxi driver friend once told me after seeing the street-cleaning diary written by a farmer brother on the forum

However, none of the friends have the fortune to enjoy this, as Old Shen's food and drinks are all ready, yet no acquaintances have arrived. Indeed, it is still quite early, especially for taxi drivers. Old Shen is contemplating whether to pack the uneaten grilled fish.

However, just as the taxi was about to enter the tunnel, it suddenly came to a halt. Lao Shen, having some driving experience, quickly turned the steering wheel, causing the car to tilt slightly and stop not far from the steps of the train station. The people on the steps of the train station all looked at his car.

Do not let him eat eggplant, or he will become a starving ghost who cannot do business

However, he seems to be unable to understand, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and just left after eating. The worker said: "Therefore, the boss hasn't given him anything to eat these past two days. A young and lazy person, indulging in food without work..."

After getting off the car, Old Shen said to the night market vendor, "One grilled eggplant, no, make it three skewers"

The man remained silent, simply gazing at the meat in the clay pot. He muttered, "Boss, you are a good person, and good deeds will be rewarded. In due time, business will flourish..."

Old Shen asked when it happened

Old Shen felt a mix of emotions. He hurriedly ordered ten grilled eggplants, placing them on the table without eating, just leaving them there.

Old Shen looked at the hungry man, still standing in front of the clay pot, gazing sorrowfully.

The beggar stared blankly at the noodles in his bowl

I want to eat grilled eggplant

Tonight, Old Shen was not as extravagant as last night, reluctant to part with the grilled fish. He only ordered a bowl of noodles and a bottle of beer, drinking in a gloomy mood. It was very cold in winter, and it was raining again. As Old Shen drank the beer, each sip sent a chill from his throat straight down to his abdomen. His whole body felt icy cold

The boss just laughed at him for being tired from driving, his eyes blurry. Just a moment ago, he clearly saw Old Shen eating half a bun, and then he got into the car with three young people. There was no one there looking for him to ask for grilled eggplant.

Old Shen was frightened; could it be that man was truly a ghost

Old Shen did not respond, ignoring that man

The three young individuals were all jolted forward due to inertia. Old Shen quickly laid out a mat for them, suggesting that there might be an issue with the vehicle. While apologizing, he got out to assess the situation. However, after inspecting the car for a week, he found no particular problems. Upon opening the hood to check the engine and battery, everything appeared to be normal.

I didn't make any money today," Lao Shen said with a bitter smile, "I can't afford to treat you to fish

The taxi arrived at Yunjilu, waiting at the traffic light next to the shopping mall. When the green light turned on, Old Shen's taxi passed the intersection of Dongshan Avenue, preparing to enter the tunnel, heading directly to Fazhan Avenue, and then onto the highway

The man tightly grasped Lao Shen's car door, "I want to eat roasted eggplant..."

"No one is competing with you for it." Old Chen laughed, "You are like a starving ghost."

Old Shen started the car and said to the man: "I suppose I have to believe your nonsense! Alright, when I return, I will treat you to grilled eggplant"

Old Shen is still driving a taxi, having purchased a new car and taken over a license. He still works one-third of the night shifts.

Old Shen said there was no way around it and that the car needed repairs Three young men were very anxious, saying that Old Shen was delaying their important matters They got out of the car and looked for another place to hail a taxi Old Shen also felt embarrassed to ask them for money

Then I want to eat grilled eggplant The man still made unreasonable demands

It was the night he planned to take those three young men.

Old Shen thought that sending this car to the repair shop would cost at least several hundred, and since there had been no accident, the insurance company would not compensate. So he walked around the car, trying to see for himself what the problem was, hoping that he could fix it himself.

Upon hearing these words, the man suddenly lifted his head. One hand was still wiping the grease from his chin

There are several late-night taxi stalls in Yichang, with the one in Wujia Gang always being present. The one at the North Gate used to be a designated late-night spot for taxi drivers, but later it became popular and continued the lively atmosphere of Taozhu Road, turning into a night market favored by the general public

It was another evening, neither good nor bad for business. A rather ordinary night. Old Shen, as usual, went to the night market for a late-night snack at 3:00 AM. Before he had finished a bowl of noodles, three young men at the next table asked him if he was still in business.

Old Shen gradually pressed the accelerator, and the car drove away

It was better not to look, but after seeing it, Old Shen felt a chill run down his spine. Old Shen saw that the driving wheel of the taxi was tightly gripped by a hand, the hand was pale and white, with an arm extending up from the ground.

Old Shen hurriedly finished the remaining dumplings. He stood up, took out his money to settle the bill, and was about to drive home

The man stood in front of the barbecue stall at the night market, gazing at the ingredients displayed on the table, his eyes fixated on the clay pot beef and fatty intestines, as if saliva were about to drip from his mouth

Old Shen encountered a ghost, and he did not tell anyone. If this matter were to end just like that, he might consider it a very ordinary trivial event and forget about it. However, after half a month, when he went to the night market to have a meal and drank with his taxi companions.

However, although the car started and the wheels were turning, the taxi just wouldn't move. Lao Shen pressed the accelerator and the brake, yet the taxi began to spin in circles. Now, it was impossible to go anywhere.

The three young people whispered among themselves for a while, and finally said, "Let's hurry up. We are leaving"

Old Shen got into the car, two of the three young men sat in the back, and one sat beside him

On the second day, Lao Shen arrived at the night market very early again, but he didn't have the good mood as yesterday. His business was very bad today. He took a drunkard to Xiba, but the drunkard didn't pay after getting off the car and even wanted to hit him. Then he couldn't find any customers, and it started to rain again, with no one on the street. Lao Shen was in a bad mood, thinking that it was fortunate to have earned some money yesterday. He decided to have supper early today and go home to rest, as there would be no business in the second half of the night anyway.

Mr. Lao Shen was about to eat a steamed bun when he suddenly noticed that the beggar from last night had somehow sat down across from him.

When someone asked him why, Lao Shen unexpectedly cried.

I see that too. Just look at the way he speaks, so slow and unhurried, as if he is about to starve. The assistant continued, "The boss said to him, you have hands and feet, why not come wash cars? At least you will have something to do, and food will never be a problem."

Old Shen knew he had encountered a ghost, a starving ghost. The ghost that asked him for roasted eggplant to eat, a starving ghost.

Old Shen found it amusing; this beggar is truly peculiar, a madman, and has really latched onto him

The young man sitting in the passenger seat was annoyed, "You crazy person, what are you causing a fuss about! Get lost!"

Old Shen wondered why today's luck was so bad. He brought along a drunkard who didn't pay, and just when he finally had a big deal, the car broke down and he lost the order. Not only did he not receive the money, but he also had to pay for the car repair.

That man still had a gluttonous look and grunted without answering.

Old Shen then ordered a bowl of noodles and pushed it in front of the man.

The man joyfully sat down without any further ado and immediately devoured the grilled fish.

Old Shen thought to himself that taking the expressway from Development Avenue and going through Shahe would shorten the distance significantly. If he didn't use the meter, this business deal would be profitable today

Old Shen said, "It's so late, I definitely won't have any business when I come back. Forty."

The three young people said, "Let's go to the Xiaoxi Tower City sign, no meter, thirty yuan, is that alright"

As a result, today's income is more than double the usual amount. On such a cold day, it is estimated that there will be hardly anyone around in the middle of the night. So, I arrived early at the night market at Pier 13, comfortably sitting at a roadside stall, waiting for the owner to come and attend to me

It seems that this ghost, unable to enjoy his roasted eggplant, is deliberately making things difficult for him, preventing him from conducting his business properly

That's how it ended. Lao Shen still drives his taxi every night, earning hard-earned money.

Old Shen advised him: "Have you just been released from a starving prison? Eat slowly, or you might choke."

Old Shen has driven away

My friend asked why, after so many years, that person still hasn't come to eat

His peers laughed at him, wondering how he could be so oblivious as to not read the newspaper, and handed him a copy of the Three Gorges Evening News

Old Shen thought to himself that he could make a little money on this trip, so he said, "Hmm, leave a few skewers of lamb kebabs."

He has a habit of ordering a grilled eggplant for late-night snacks every time, yet he does not eat it

At this moment, a man around thirty years old arrived at the night market stall, dressed quite ordinarily. Although his attire was in line with current trends, it always appeared somewhat out of place, and the fabric of his clothing was of poor quality

The young worker who serves hot yellow wine to Lao Shen, I am very familiar with Lao Shen. When I saw Lao Shen looking at that man, I said to him, "This person came from somewhere unknown more than ten days ago. The first night, the boss gave him a bowl of soup to drink, and he remembered it. He has been coming continuously these past few days. The boss sees him as pitiful and gives him something to eat every time."

I want to eat grilled fish

If it were any other day, Old Shen would definitely have chased this beggar away. This man is truly thick-skinned; whoever offers him a favor, he clings to. However, today Old Shen's luck is quite poor. Seeing this man's hungry and pitiful appearance, he feels a sense of sympathy and shared suffering.

That man doesn't even use chopsticks; he simply lifts the bowl and pours it into his mouth. It is unclear whether he chews or not, as he finishes a bowl of dumpling noodles in just a few bites, drinking the soup completely clean.

Old Shen went to check the wheel again, but found that there was nothing under the wheel. Old Shen felt uneasy. He got back in the car and started it, and now the taxi had no issues at all. Everything was normal

The man fell silent, continuing to bury his head and chew vigorously.

He is in a very good mood today and specifically ordered grilled fish, along with some other barbecued dishes. While he was ordering, the owner brought him a pot of yellow wine infused with ginger. He intentionally ordered extra dishes, waiting to see if any of his friendly taxi driver friends would come for a late-night snack, planning to warmly invite them to join him for a drink.

Old Shen said, "Your boss is truly a good person"

The boss said: "That shameless glutton, I haven't seen him in a long time"

He read the report about the taxi driver being murdered. He carefully examined the time inferred by the police regarding when the homicide occurred

However, unexpectedly, the man remained seated steadily and said, "I want to eat grilled fish."

Mr. Shen got on the car again and said to the three young men, "It's alright, let's go now."