Chapter 9, Withdrawal and Retreat

I hesitated for a moment, neither nodding nor speaking. He opened the car door and said, "Let's talk after you get in." I had no choice but to climb in and said, "Drop me off at Madian." He kept his eyes on the road and asked, "Where are you going?" I replied, "I rarely take a day off, and I want to go to Suning to buy a couple of small appliances. I saw in the Xin Jing Bao that Madian is opening today and has some activities going on." He did not say anything further. I had to ask, "So, what happened last night?" Only then did he remember to respond, "Oh, it was like this. Do you know someone named Li Xin?" It was indeed her; she has truly lost her mind and is determined to make things difficult for me! I said, "She is a colleague of mine, and we had some conflicts. She probably couldn't take it and sought someone to give me a hard time."

He glanced at me sideways, with a smile that was neither here nor there, almost as if he were flirting. I inexplicably felt my ears grow warm, surely I was just overheated. I noticed the different colored threads on the buttons of his shirt, and felt a twinge of guilt. The shirt he was wearing today was exactly the one I had sewn, ah, what a case of inferior goods being passed off as quality, I too am a rogue trader. At that time, under the light, I thought the colors matched quite well, but I did not expect such a significant difference; upon closer inspection, it became apparent. Perhaps it was my own guilt that made me overly sensitive; after all, he is such a busy person, how could he pay attention to these trivial matters. At that time, under the light, I thought the colors matched quite well, but I did not expect such a significant difference; upon closer inspection, it became apparent. Perhaps it was my own guilt that made me overly sensitive; after all, he is such a busy person, how could he pay attention to these trivial matters

Early in the morning, I got up, and the sun had already broken through the clouds and mist, shining on my face. I squinted and stretched lazily, thinking, well, what a rare good day it is, and the wind is not strong either. I nimbly jumped over a large pit, frowning, wondering what the urban management is doing; they should really fix this road. As I stepped out of the alley and turned onto the main road, I casually glanced over. Hmm, why does that car look so familiar? It was shiny black, spotless, glimmering with a metallic sheen under the sunlight, dazzling and striking. I couldn't help but take a couple more glances; seeing no one in the driver's seat, I shook my head and walked on.

I was staring blankly at his chest when he elongated his voice and asked, "Hey—where are you looking?" To cover up my embarrassment, I replied curtly, "Looking where? I think your tie and shirt don't match, what taste! And you're a general manager!" He laughed and scolded, "It's early in the morning, can't you say something nice?" I quickly said, "Sure, sure, how about welcoming Mr. Song's arrival?" I stood still in front of the Haier counter.

He nodded slightly and said, "Those people said they just wanted to scare you a little, but they didn't expect you to fight back, which made things spiral out of control." I scoffed, "So, it's still my fault? Is that really what they call scaring me? They've taken all the advantage! Why didn't you break their legs too?" He turned to look at me and said slowly, "How do you know I didn't break their legs?" I was taken aback and asked, "Did you really take action?" He shook his hair and replied, "Do I even need to take action?" I stared at him blankly for a while before saying, "Song Lingwei, what exactly do you do? Are you involved in the underworld?" He laughed and said, "Do I need to be involved in the underworld? I just need to know how to make money." Oh, indeed, money can make the devil push the mill. I looked at him with great disdain. Hmph, is having money really that impressive?

Since then, I have not encountered Song Lingwei on my way to and from work. Sometimes, when I see a similar silhouette or the same brand of luxury car, I instinctively dodge as if by reflex. Tch, what am I doing! Even if I were to run into him by chance, it would be a perfectly legitimate matter; at worst, I could greet him openly and confidently. I am not a thief, so why should I feel guilty! Then Cao Cao called, saying he was going to Hong Kong Polytechnic University to attend an academic seminar, reminding me to take care of my health and eat on time. Without his incessant chatter by my side, my life returned to its previous state—plain as water, calm and serene. However, one day I felt bored, as if something was always missing, as if there was a place that could not be filled, standing there in emptiness. Therefore, some things absolutely cannot be treated as if they never happened. The impact is so profound, how could one possibly ignore it!

Before leaving, he said: "Sister Mu, Brother Zhou asked me to tell you that if you have the chance, you should warn that kid Lin Bin to be careful." I felt a headache; I had no idea what good deeds Lin Bin was up to outside again. I nodded to indicate that I understood and took the elevator down with him. The reason Zhou Chuzhi did not personally remind Lin Bin, but instead had me warn him indirectly, was because Lin Bin and he were like fire and water.

Perhaps it was my awkward politeness that annoyed him. He swiftly lunged at me, trapping me between himself and the chair. There was anger in his eyes as he coldly asked, "Lin Ai, what are you really thinking?" I fell back in despair, looking into his eyes and asking, "Song Lingwei, what about you?" I thought he would be at a loss for words, so I continued speaking alone, "Song Lingwei, I don't know whether your feelings are genuine or feigned; after all, we are no longer teenagers. He had anger in his eyes as he coldly asked, 'Lin Ai, what are you really thinking?' I fell back in despair, looking into his eyes and asking, 'Song Lingwei, what about you?' I thought he would be at a loss for words, so I continued speaking alone, 'Song Lingwei, I don't know whether your feelings are genuine or feigned; after all, we are no longer teenagers. Adults have their own rules and games, and I understand that. However, I do not wish to proceed this way.' I do not want to play a game with no outcome; I can no longer afford to do so, and I must take this opportunity to withdraw. His expression was inscrutable, and I could not discern any of his true thoughts. Every time I faced him, I felt exhausted from the effort, and that was also because I cared too much. His expression was inscrutable, and I could not discern any of his true thoughts. Every time I faced him, I felt exhausted from the effort, and that was also because I cared too much.

He did not listen and still sent me home. He gentlemanly opened the car door for me. I walked down in a daze, almost forgetting the bag on the seat. It was he who reminded me, "Your bag." He bent down to help me take it out. I looked down and said "Thank you," pursing my lips as I quickly walked ahead. I almost tripped on the way and after stumbling again, I said, "Be careful, the road is bumpy and it's easy to fall." There was an obvious sense of guilt, and then no other words were spoken. Standing in front of the low corridor, I desperately tried to hide into the darkness, saying, "Just drop me off here, you can go back now." He replied, "Alright, I will leave then." I almost tripped on the way and after stumbling again, I said, "Be careful, the road is bumpy and it's easy to fall." There was an obvious sense of guilt, and then no other words were spoken. Standing in front of the low corridor, I desperately tried to hide into the darkness, saying, "Just drop me off here, you can go back now." He replied, "Alright, I will leave then."

Before I finished work, I called Song Lingwei to ask if he was off work yet, as I wanted to treat him to a drink. He parked his car beside me, and I handed him a large ice cream. He was surprised and said, "You said you would treat me to a drink? Is this what you meant? Eating ice cream in the middle of winter?" I shot him a glance and replied, "What, is this not acceptable? I specifically ran a whole street to buy this from the store. Are you going to eat it or not?" Of course, he shook his head. I said, "If you’re not going to eat it, then I’ll eat it all myself." Sitting in the warm car, I finished both ice creams. He then asked, "Lin Ai, if you have something to say, just say it directly." He really understands me

The new colleague is quiet and polite to everyone, and everyone likes her, making the atmosphere in the specialty store even more harmonious. After finishing my work in the morning, I washed my hands and went out for lunch. Just as I stepped out of the counter, someone called out: "Sister Mu!" I turned around, surprised, and said, "Oh—A Ping, what are you doing here?" A Ping is a young man in his twenties, with a buzz cut, wearing a black jacket, and a sturdy build. Although he is young, his face already shows signs of weariness.

He said slowly, "Lin Ai, do you not understand me at all?" I sighed, "What does it matter whether I understand or not? None of this is important; what matters is—" I changed the subject, "What matters is, if you cannot marry me, then do not come to provoke me!" It is impossible for him to marry me. Given the current status and position of the Song family, we cannot expect a good outcome. Since that is the case, it is better to end things sooner rather than later. When it comes to matching social status, everyone finds it trivial, but the reality is just that. Given the current status and position of the Song family, we cannot expect a good outcome. Since that is the case, it is better to end things sooner rather than later. When it comes to matching social status, everyone finds it trivial, but the reality is just that. If the Lin family were still as it used to be, I think I would not be able to marry a poor boy. The disparity in status is significant; I do not wish to climb higher, I am living very well as it is.

The next day at work, I was startled to see a new colleague suddenly appear in the store. I heard from Zhu Zhu that Li Xin had come to work yesterday, and the store manager had a conversation with her, indicating that she was not suited for this industry or something along those lines, which essentially meant she was dismissed. Therefore, the headquarters sent someone else over. I responded with an "oh" to indicate that I understood, but I felt puzzled inside. Zhu Zhu shrugged and said, "Although she doesn't usually behave well, seeing her like that yesterday made me feel quite bad inside." I remained silent and focused on my work.

He indeed walked in and casually glanced around. I pointed to one model and asked, "How about this one? It seems to have quite a few functions and good quality." It's just that the price is not cheap. The saleswoman kept introducing it beside us, and he said, "Alright, I'll take this one, please issue the invoice." I sighed, what a wealthy person. If I were to buy such a large item, I would have to think about it for a year and a half, unlike him who decided in half a minute. The saleswoman happily issued the invoice and eagerly led him to the cash register to pay, afraid that we might change our minds at the last minute, constantly chatting. I thought to myself, if I were to buy such a large item, I would have to think about it for a year and a half, unlike him who decided in half a minute. The saleswoman cheerfully issued the invoice and eagerly led him to the cash register to pay, afraid that we might change our minds at the last minute, constantly chatting, smiling and saying, "Are you buying this for your living room, sir and miss? Our machine has good quality, low noise, and its power consumption is one-third of that of a regular air conditioner..." He was quite relaxed, allowing the saleswoman to chatter on.

I tossed my head proudly and said, "Thank you for your kindness, but I'm taking a break today. You can go by yourself." He looked me up and down, smiled sideways, and said, "Oh really? No wonder you're dressed so beautifully. Where are you going?" I replied, "Isn't it okay to have a date?" He chuckled and said, "Lin Ai, I stopped you for a serious matter. I found out about what happened last night." My expression turned serious as I looked at him and asked, "Oh really? So soon? How did you find out?" He said, "That's none of your concern; I have my own methods. Do you want to know who is making things difficult for you?"

I remained as still as a mountain, looking directly into his eyes and said, "No." Since we are to part ways, there should be no retreat. I, Lin Ai, have always acted decisively and efficiently. He, too, was composed, reaching out to touch the corner of his lip that I had bitten, straightening his posture and saying, "I, Song Lingwei, never force women. Since that is the case, I will take you back." I quickly raised my head, looking at him in surprise. He truly only wanted to play with me! Today, without the support of the Lin family, what difference is there in me! He was still composed, reaching out to touch the corner of his lip that I had bitten, straightening his posture and saying, "I, Song Lingwei, never force women. Since that is the case, I will take you back." I quickly raised my head, looking at him in surprise. He truly only wanted to play with me! Today, without the support of the Lin family, what difference is there in me! I then said, "No need, I can walk back by myself."

He grabbed my hand and said, "Take care of yourself." Then he pushed through the crowd, forging a path into the surging mass of people. Upon reaching the second floor, the flow of people was noticeably less. I shook off his hand and said, "Let's go check the air conditioning first." My palms were sweaty and sticky; I was surprised he could still hold on. I felt hot all over; the heating was too strong, so I took off my coat and held it in my hand. He also unbuttoned his suit and tugged at the bow tie around his collar. I glanced at him and said, "Hey, isn't that outfit from our family? It looks quite nice, like a celebrity."

I said, "A Ping, thank you so much. Of course, also to Zhou—please thank him for me." He did not respond, but leaned over to look at my workspace and asked, "Mu Jie, have you always worked in a place like this?" I replied, "Yes, what do you mean by a place like this?! Is there anything wrong with working here?" He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Mu Jie, actually I arrived a little earlier, but I didn’t want to disturb you, so I just stood outside waiting." I felt a bit awkward; just moments ago, the store manager was criticizing me for not having printed records for the goods I had processed. He must have seen my flustered state. I forced a smile and said, "It’s fine, working for others always comes with some pressure."

After paying the money and filling in the address, they promised to deliver it immediately. I asked the young lady, "Is there a gift included?" She nodded and said, "Yes, yes, at your price point, you can receive a microwave oven. This is a special promotion today; we usually do not offer this." I took the receipt from Song Lingwei's hand and said, "Hey, do you still want this gift?" He raised his hand to check the time, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said, "No, no. What else do you want to buy? I will accompany you to buy it." I smiled broadly and said, "Song Lingwei, you said it yourself." Then I ran to the gift distribution area and said, "Hey, do you still want this gift?" He raised his hand to check the time, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said, "No, no. What else do you want to buy? I will accompany you to buy it." I smiled broadly and said, "Song Lingwei, you said it yourself." Then I ran to the gift distribution area, pointed to one of the microwave ovens, and said, "I want this one!" The lady replied, "Miss, that gift is only given for purchases over fifty thousand yuan. Your microwave oven is this one," pointing to a clearly inferior gift next to it.

I heard a steady sound of footsteps gradually fading away, and only then did I dare to step out of the darkness. I reached up to wipe the tears from my face, thinking, what am I crying for! How unworthy! Lin Ai, you did the right thing! I applauded and cheered for myself. Then I walked to the 24-hour "City God Temple" at the intersection to have a steaming late-night snack. After the scalding hot soup went down, my blood began to flow again. I ordered two servings of food and finished them all. With my stomach full, everything else became much easier, and I felt less discomfort. I walked back against the pitch-black night and the cold wind, thinking that there was nothing to worry about, and everything could be forgotten.

He suddenly smiled for a moment, but it stopped at the corner of his mouth, his gaze growing increasingly cold as he said mockingly: "Lin Ai, you are truly rational. Feelings are feelings, and marriage is marriage; you distinguish them so clearly, you really have some skill." I ignored his sharp sarcasm; how dare he say that about me! He pinched my chin and suddenly extended his tongue, licking and sucking. He forced me to loosen my teeth. I trembled all over, using all my strength to resist; this time I would not let him succeed again, so I bit down without hesitation. How dare he say that about me! He pinched my chin and suddenly extended his tongue, licking and sucking. He forced me to loosen my teeth. I trembled all over, using all my strength to resist; this time I would not let him succeed again, so I bit down without hesitation. His lip broke, and bright red blood seeped out. He extended his tongue to lick it, swallowed it, and asked in a deep voice: "Lin Ai, to be honest, do you really feel nothing at all?"

That night, I still needed to rely on sleeping pills to fall asleep. But I promise it won't be like this in the future. Later, I found myself drowsily wondering when I could stop depending on this cursed thing. Medicine is three parts poison; if this continues, there will come a day when I will die at its hands

Lin Ai! Someone called out to me, and when I turned around, what a misfortune! Song Lingwei came out from the snack shop next to the "City God Temple." I rolled my eyes and asked, "What are you doing here?" He wiped the white foam left at the corner of his mouth with a tissue and said, "I came here for breakfast. I found that this snack shop makes a really good breakfast, very unique, both nutritious and abundant." Nutritious and abundant! Is he advertising? Regardless of how he fabricates it, whether true or false, I don't want to waste my energy guessing. I just asked, "So why did you call out to me?" He replied, "Aren't you going to work? Since it's on the way, let's go together." See, the fox's tail has been revealed!

I shook my head and said, "Sister, I don't want that, I just want this." She emphasized with difficulty, "No, your price range only allows for this one." I ran over to her with a smile, pleading, "Sister, after all, these are just gifts for the guests, could you please make an exception? Even if the company checks the accounts, it wouldn't be unreasonable." I even took her hand and shook it a couple of times. I glanced at Song Lingwei, who was standing nearby with a smile, watching me without any signs of impatience. I pleaded again, "Sister, after all, these are just gifts for the guests, could you please make an exception? Even if the company checks the accounts, it wouldn't be unreasonable." I took her hand and shook it a couple of times. I glanced at Song Lingwei again; he was still standing there smiling at me, showing no signs of impatience. I didn't care how he looked at me; I wasn't asking him for anything. Eventually, the sister couldn't resist my persistence and really gave me the better microwave, but she specifically asked me to sign. I left with endless gratitude. I have done this many times; people see that I am cute and pretty, and as long as I don't violate any principles, they tend to soften their hearts and it usually works out. So, being good-looking does have its advantages.

He suddenly said, "Mu Jie, why do you have to endure this kind of treatment? Isn't it good to follow Brother Zhou?" I put on a stern face and reprimanded him, "A Ping, where did you learn to be so talkative?" He fell silent, and after a long while, he said, "Mu Jie, if you really want to find a job, you can certainly ask Brother Zhou to help you find a good one. These tasks of climbing up and down, being shouted at and ordered around, are not what you should be doing!" I sighed and then said, "Then who should do it? You? If others can do it, I can certainly do it too. Look, I am doing quite well. A Ping, you don't need to worry about me; I am doing just fine. I no longer have nightmares." He then nodded.

I asked, "Did he send you for any particular reason?" It was evident that Zhou Chu would not easily seek me out; considering he had been in Beijing for over six months, and I had not received any news from him, it was clear. I had already severed ties with the person I was back then. He took a small box from the paper bag he was holding, along with some books, and handed it to me, saying, "Brother Zhou asked me to deliver this to you." I was somewhat curious about what it could be.

However, being wealthy is indeed impressive. As the car pulled up to the entrance of the mall, I said, "You can drop me off here; there's no need to drive in." He ignored me, maneuvering left and right until he found a parking space. I crossed my arms and watched him get out of the car, saying, "Hey, aren't you supposed to be at work?" He tossed the car key into the air and caught it, replying, "I'm here to buy appliances! My office needs a standing air conditioner, so since I'm here, I might as well pick one up." I stood under a large colorful balloon, looking at the full-page poster. I crossed my arms again and watched him get out, saying, "Hey, aren't you supposed to be at work?" He tossed the car key into the air and caught it, saying, "I'm here to buy appliances! My office needs a standing air conditioner, so since I'm here, I might as well pick one up." I stood under a large colorful balloon, looking at the full-page poster. It had big red letters stating what you would receive for purchasing a certain amount. I saw that buying the latest Haier air conditioner came with a microwave, and my heart skipped a beat. I turned to him with a smile and said, "Then let's go inside." I also reminded him, "It's just opened, and there are quite a few people; be careful of pickpockets."

I thought for a moment and asked, "Was it you who interfered in the matter with Li Xin?" He did not deny it and replied, "What, are you sympathizing with her now?" I shook my head and said, "Although I do not sympathize with her, this is my business, and you should not have interfered." He raised his eyebrows and said, "This is your business? I got punched for nothing! My chest still hurts!" I was momentarily at a loss for words, and after a long while, I finally said, "Song Lingwei, I appreciate your help. I, Lin Ai, am not someone who does not know what is good for me. Regarding this matter, I still want to thank you. That's it, I will take my leave now." I turned to the side and was about to open the car door.

I opened it in front of him and was taken aback; it was actually the wallet that was stolen by the thief last time. I laughed and asked, "How did you find it?" He replied, "We found it by chance. Brother Zhou asked me to ask you if you are missing anything." I checked carefully, and the black-and-white family photo in the compartment was still there. I sincerely smiled and said, "Nothing is missing, not a single thing is missing." He said, "That's good."

I was carrying the microwave, drenched in sweat, and said, "Let's go." He asked, "Aren't you buying anything?" I gasped for breath, showing him my hand, which was full of sweat, and said, "What is there to buy? There are so many people, it feels like half my life is gone." I quickly stepped outside. It was the opening day, so naturally, there were a lot of people; I had anticipated this long ago. But everything I wanted to buy was given away, so what else was there to buy! He didn't say anything and followed behind me. I said I would take a taxi back. It was the opening day, so naturally, there were a lot of people; I had anticipated this long ago. But everything I wanted to buy was given away, so what else was there to buy! He didn't say anything and followed behind me. I said I would take a taxi back. He still turned the car around and drove me back. I waved my hand gratefully and said, "Thank you so much, next time I have the chance, I will treat you to a drink." As for a meal, I probably couldn't afford to treat him.

He respectfully said, "It was Brother Zhou who asked me to come." I replied with a sound of acknowledgment and asked, "How did you end up in Beijing? When did you arrive?" He answered, "We arrived in Beijing six months ago; Brother Zhou has come to Beijing to develop his career now." I responded with a sound of surprise and fell silent. It had been a long time since we last contacted each other, and we had grown distant regarding each other's circumstances. After a moment of thought, I asked, "Why did you choose Beijing? I remember you mentioned wanting to head south to Guangzhou before." He said, "That was the original plan. However, Brother Zhou said that Guangzhou was too chaotic, and there were opportunities here, so we came to Beijing instead." I thought to myself that Beijing is not an easy place to navigate either, as there are many powerful and influential people. However, I had long been disconnected from such matters, so I did not concern myself with it. Since Zhou dared to come, he must have his own reasons.