Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Shake Down

"I've been wanting to ask since just now," I made up my mind to ask, "What the hell is this?" The black store manager stared at me with his big eyes like black chess pieces.His white work cap features the store's mascot, Chick, who blinks in an exaggerated "pazz" sound.The comic-like cute pattern and the cold-eyed attitude of the black clerk really don't match up to the extreme. "I don't know either." As if indulging in philosophical thoughts, his thick lips were still bent into a "︿" shape in displeasure, and his chin was pointing towards the object I was pointing at. "I heard it's a shelter."

"Sanctuary?" This unexpected answer made me almost drop my French fries on the counter. "Does the shelter mean the kind used to hide in the event of a nuclear war?" "It should be!" The clerk shrugged his shoulders, and there was a sense of jerky in that movement; maybe he was actually very young. "A nuclear war, or an earthquake." I looked at the "object" again.A nuclear war shelter nestled in a burger joint...what a surreal combination! On December 20, 199×, a shopping plaza in S City, California filled with Christmas atmosphere. I'm sitting at the counter of a burger joint called Fresh Chicken House next door to a studio that's showing six movies at once.Between the wide movie theater entrance and the brand-name jeans showroom, there is a long and narrow shop like a long house. If you are a shopper who is passing by, you will definitely miss it.

In fact, if I hadn't been so depressed, I'm afraid I wouldn't have discovered this place.In order to change my mood, I rented a trolley and went to the shopping plaza to relax, but I sat on the bench in the entrance rest area as large as a baseball field thinking about what to do, and I was stunned for a while. In front of you is the entrance of the movie theater, with a promotional photo of the movie in theaters.Long-running literary and artistic romance films, new sci-fi films, super B-grade low-budget murder horror films that will definitely be released next week, action films with muscular actors lined up, and nonsensical comedy films that have been sold as spoofs, etc. .Normally, such a rich and complete lineup would definitely make me scream with joy, but today I don't even understand the meaning of the title.In fact, I'm really not in the mood for movies; I always feel that no matter which one I watch, I'm only going to end up more depressed.

Having said that, I don't think wandering around a sprawling mall will improve your mood either.Although I just came here, let’s go back to the hotel——Just as I was thinking so and got up, the small signboard of “Fresh Chicken House”, which seemed unusually low-key in the huge shopping plaza, came into view. Yes!It's rare to come, why don't you have something to eat before leaving?After thinking about it, I walked into the store.At first, I thought that since it was called Fresh Chicken House, it might be a shop selling fried chicken... But when I entered the store, I was surprised after reading the menu. It turned out that "Fresh Chicken House" is a chicken burger shop.That's fine, but don't be surprised if you say it - that's the only item on their menu.That's right, only chicken burgers.Although there are barely chips, there is no choice of large or small.

More classic is the drink.There are no sodas at all, just iced black tea, no sugar or creamer, and of course no choice of size.As for dim sum, don't even think about it. What a careless shop!The size of the store is particularly large. Although the size of the signboard and the entrance is already known, it is actually smaller than expected. There are only two tables, the size of which is comparable to that of a chessboard.Although there are two chairs attached to each table, if only one person sits, it will be full.And there is a bar in the store... just like a Japanese izakaya, with two benches in front of the counter.This is the first time I have seen a bar in a hamburger restaurant in the United States, at least I have never seen it in McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's Burger, KFC and Little Knight.

These alone filled me with a strange feeling of being strayed into a different world, and what is more worthy of special mention in this store is the "object". How to describe "it"?The height is from the ground to the ceiling, and the width can accommodate two people walking side by side; it is like a huge tea pot half-embedded on the wall in front of the dressing room in the store, forming a protruding semicircle, which seems somewhat The smell of a restaurant revolving door. There is a rectangular groove in the center of the tea pot, which becomes the door.No, actually I'm not sure if it's a door or not, but there are two old leaf locks on it, it should be something like a door leaf!

If someone told me that it was a statue of a god, I would definitely believe it; because it exudes a wave, which can cause the beholder to have a strange illusion like straying into a cemetery. Without a sign or a menu, no one would think it was a burger joint.The moment I stepped into the store, I couldn't help shrinking, and I felt that I had done an unwise move.In fact, there were no other customers in the store, only a black man who looked like a clerk stood in the kitchen at the other end of the counter. It seemed that he was responsible for everything from reception to handyman.To put it nicely, it is streamlined, and to put it badly, it is to let it run its course. In short, the atmosphere is strangely desolate.

I just thought about going back, but it was a step too late - my eyes met the male clerk.Although he didn't stare at me or threaten me, I always felt bad about turning back.At times like this, I always curse myself for being indecisive.In fact, if I turned around and left at this point, I wouldn't be involved in that stupid commotion— Since I have to buy it anyway, it’s okay to take it away, but I sat down in front of the counter indifferently.One of the reasons is the uncontrollable curiosity about that "object". The surprisingly tasty chicken burger I received fueled my spirits, so I mustered up the courage to ask the black clerk why.After asking, I got the unexpected answer of "shelter".

"The owner of this store is really cautious! He even prepared this kind of thing for a nuclear war." "Boss?" The clerk still had a straight face, as if he would lose a piece of meat if he smiled, but maybe he was flustered because he was idle, and he opened up: "No, no! This is already there, not for this family. The shop was specially built." "What's the meaning?" "I don't know either. I heard that this place used to be a military facility." "Huh? How did it turn into this kind of shopping mall?" "Probably because there is no need for it! After all, the Cold War is over." Don't look at my virtues, I'm well educated, don't put your stereotypes on the working class on me——he put on airs as if he wanted to say that some. "This area has become so prosperous in recent years. I heard that it used to be a wilderness where chickens did not lay eggs and birds did not shit. It was only after the current governor took office that it developed in one go. More and more state houses were built. , The population has more than doubled, and the shopping plaza has settled in such a remote rural place because of the pockets of these people."

"So the original military facilities built here have also been demolished?" "Yes, this thing is a relic of that time. It is said to be a shelter, but in fact there is no food or facilities in it, so even if something happens, it is useless to hide in it." "In that case," I sip the completely unsweetened iced tea through a straw. "Why not just demolish this shelter?" "Who knows? It's probably because the cover is too strong, and it can't be removed even if you want to remove it!" "I see. By the way," I lifted the plastic cup after removing my mouth from the straw. "No sugar or creamer, is it your rule? Is it for religious reasons?"

"You..." Although it was blocked by the counter, the clerk seemed to stop doing chores and stared at me. "You are from?" "Are you asking about nationality? I'm Japanese." "You speak English really well!" While he was frowning, he raised the corners of his mouth again, showing his first smile, with a rather complicated expression. "I thought you were American." "I spent about eight years, in and out, all over the United States." "for work?" "No, it's university and graduate school." "Ouch," he whistled. "So it's Mr. Doctor?" "No, it fell short, and I only got a master's degree." "So where do you live now?" He seemed to be really idle. He had just walked out of the kitchen, and he sat down at the table swaggeringly, and took out a Marlboro cigarette from the apron of his uniform and handed it to me. "No, I don't smoke." "My name is Bobby." The clerk, speaking with a negro accent and raising the end of each syllable, introduced himself in a more vulgar tone. "Bobby Webb." "My name is Jiang Lifu (えりおErio), Tomato (とまToma) Jiang Lifu." "Elio?" "I can pronounce it like this—no, I don't live here now." Let me reply to the unanswered question just now. "I work for a general motor manufacturer in Japan." "Toshiba? Or Panasonic?" "Neither. It's a little smaller, but it's about the same." "Then you are here on a business trip this time?" "No……" In fact, it doesn’t hurt to let an outsider like Bobby know the reason, but I just can’t help being shaken in my heart.Besides, I came to relax, and it would be unreasonable for me to recall the cause of my sorrow in such a place. "—to do some private business." "Sightseeing?" "almost!" "I knew you weren't from here." Bobby let out a sharp giggle while blowing smoke towards the ceiling. "Otherwise, why would you come to this kind of shop just looking for trouble?" "Don't the locals come here to eat?" "You can tell by looking at it? You are the second customer to visit today." I couldn't help but glance at my watch.It is now seven o'clock in the evening, and several stores in the square have been closed; the latest movie is about to start, so the gate is still open, but the lights on the passage have gradually turned off.The business hours are about to end, and there are only two customers in the store? "That's... really amazing!" "Right? Well, then I'll answer your question just now! Why doesn't this store use sugar or creamer? By the way, why are there so few menus for you? The answer is simple, because there is no money." "So that's it. The rent of a store in this kind of place should be very expensive, right?" "No, no store rent was paid." "Arrears of rent?" "No, no! You don't have to pay. Not only do you not have to pay, but you also get paid!" "I don't understand what you mean." I put down the half-eaten chicken burger and couldn't help leaning out. "What's going on?" "This restaurant belongs to my uncle, but it's not his business. My uncle opened a grilled chicken restaurant in the city, and recently started selling chicken burgers, but the sales were not as good as expected; because the customers came to the door for the grilled chicken, Didn't even notice there was an extra chicken burger on the menu." “Roast chicken must be delicious!” "Yeah! No. 1 in the United States, the name of the store is Baizi·Q, come back and try it! Anyway, my uncle thinks this is not the way to go, so he decided to find another store to sell chicken burgers. At that time, I heard that there were vacancies here, downtown There are still empty stores in the shopping plaza, it’s like winning a lottery! My uncle was so happy at first. Of course, he also knows that the rent is definitely not cheap, but anyway, the roast chicken business is very good, and the funds are not a problem ;If it goes well, we can use this place as a base to expand our business in one go. My uncle was gearing up for it at the time!" "I see." "But in reality, as you can see, this place is too small to even be used as a dog house. Besides, the location is terrible. It's next to the movie theater. People who watch movies will definitely eat something in the movie theater. It's better. People who have a good meal will go to bigger shops, because there are so many cafeterias in the square. And there is such a strange thing here—" He pointed at the "tea caddy" with the tip of a cigarette. "Blocking the view. So my uncle said no once." "Then why did you open the shop again in the end?" Bobby, who was about to answer, turned his eyes to the side; after a glance, it turned out that a man and a woman entered the store together.In terms of time, it should be the couple who watched the penultimate movie and stopped by to eat. Oh!That's strange—Bobby winked at me like that, and went back to the kitchen.As for me, I have completely lost my appetite. Because the woman of that couple is an oriental.Of course, she may not be Japanese, even if she is Japanese, she is a face I have never seen before, and it is reasonable to say that she has nothing to do with it; however, I still think of Miyuki. ——Damn, are you really here? ...Just over ten hours ago, the words Miyuki threw at me reappeared in my mind. ——Really, why are you like this?I can't even understand the joke... What is a joke?I should have answered her like this. Now that I think about it, that's how I feel.I was called an "indecisive man" before, but now I am decisive, and say that I don't understand jokes, what should I do? However, I failed to answer her a single word, and could only blankly and defenselessly expose my whole body to her contempt and disgust. The man who was with Miyuki also seemed confused and didn't know how to deal with it.Would I feel better if the man joined her and treated me with contempt?I have no idea. Perhaps the man also began to realize that he was just playing a one-man show with Miyuki, just a pawn in her script.so-- After forcefully expelling the afterimage of Miyuki's face from my mind, I quietly looked at the pair of new guests who came together.The oriental-style woman has short curly hair, like countless round rings; her round face is matched with slender phoenix eyes, and she makes a smiling expression from time to time.The scarf, which was probably twice as long as his own body, was hanging around his neck recklessly. Her male partner had close-shaven brown hair, a long, thin Western European, with a pointed jaw and prominent cheekbones, and his features were extremely sharp.Perhaps the female companion has a flat face unique to people of the yellow race, which emphasizes his sharpness; the outline is not so much deep, but rather sickly like a skeleton. The young couple finished ordering in blunt English as if they were reading aloud a text.Looking at it this way, regardless of the place of origin of the woman, the man does not seem to be a native of an English-speaking country. "—Okay!" After watching the couple take their seats with the plate, Bobby spoke to me across the counter. "Uh, where did you just say?" "Speaking of clearly rejecting it once, why did you finally open this store again?" "Yes, yes. My uncle didn't plan to open a store in this kind of place at all, but after a while, a wonderful proposal came to him." "Wonderful proposal?" "It is said that the rent will be considered very cheap, and I hope he can use this place." "Whose proposal?" "have no idea." "Why don't you know?" "At first I thought it was someone from the shopping mall, but every time I came back to convince my uncle, it was a different face. Sometimes it was real estate, sometimes it was a state government official, and sometimes it was someone who seemed 'not a good person at all. ' Guy." "It seems that 'absolutely not kind', what does it mean?" "I don't know, I haven't seen it directly. But my uncle seemed to realize that those people are not easy to mess with, so he decided to respect ghosts and gods and stay away. He insisted that no matter how cheap the rent is, he would not open a shop here. As a result, those people even said that they would Free loan." "Sounds incredible!" "You think so too? How can there be such a good thing in the world! So, my uncle is not fooled by the word "free", but he agreed to it because he couldn't persuade them again and again." "Who are those people?" "Eighty percent have something to do with the military." "About the army?" "That's it!" Bobby pointed his chin at the "object" that looked like half a tea caddy. "This is my imagination. I think that shelter should not be a simple shelter. There must be some kind of newly developed device in it." "What newly developed device?" "What it actually is, of course I don't know; probably it's no longer useful, or it's something that can't be known to other countries. But it's too strong, and it can't be broken or taken away, just as they are still worrying about what to do. When how to deal with it, the development of the city street has made great progress. There is no other way but to build a shopping mall directly on top of it. However, no one wants to pick up this hot potato. The ball is thrown around, and finally it becomes this kind of nondescript place—— —That's probably what happened!" "That's how it is. If this storefront is vacant, it's not easy to hide the secret quietly." Like this kind of "agricultural land between high-rise buildings", if there are shops stationed there, it will not be conspicuous.If the appearance of the "field" is maintained, I am afraid that even those who pass directly by usually will stop and look around. This is what the "those people" are worried about! "——In this way, my uncle reluctantly opened the store, but as expected, no customers came to the door at all. Even if the rent is waived, there is still a loss that does not need to be lost! So my uncle cried and begged them Let him close the store, but the other party actually gave him money in the name of a subsidy." "It's almost like a joke!" At the moment of whispering like this, I suddenly thought—maybe this is really just a joke, maybe it’s just a big cowhide blown out of the shelter by Bobby in order to relieve boredom—what’s the matter!It turned out to be the case.Luckily I caught it early and almost took it seriously. "However, even if you receive the subsidy, it still cannot change the fact that you can't make money." However, Bobby always made a serious conclusion. "Since you can't expect to make money, at least it's better to save a little more; therefore, no investment is made here, no materials are prepared, and there is only one menu..." Bobby stopped talking suddenly.When I followed his gaze suspiciously, it turned out that a new customer had come to the door, and he had entered what he called "a fresh chicken house that can't expect to make money". What's more, this time plus those who entered the store one after another, there are three people in total.These three people did not come together, but entered the door one after the other; for this store, it can be regarded as an endless stream. As far as I think, the presence of my lover and I in the store should also be one of the reasons for attracting new customers; people will always move closer to places where crowds gather. "Hey, hey, what day is it today? I have to report to my uncle later. But whether he will be happy is another matter!" Saying so, it's better to have a few guests than to panic, and Bobby excitedly went to order for the new guests. The first was a young man with a dark complexion who was recognizably Arab.With thick shiny black hair, round eyes with slender lashes, and a neatly shaved mustache, he surprised me with his movie star handsomeness.However, when it comes to body shape, those legs are so short that one can't help but wonder if he deliberately pulled down his trousers.Of course, in terms of short legs, I am not far behind, but the Arab man is wearing boots - that's okay, but he seems to have deliberately tucked his trousers into the boots, so that he can tell at a glance The best are the height increasing boots - everyone who sees it will be embarrassed by his attire. The man spoke with a distinctly Arabic accent, grunting as if spitting out every word; he ordered four chicken burgers and seemed to be eating them all by himself.As far as Bobby is concerned, he is a good guest. The second is a bald middle-aged uncle.Although it is warmer in the shopping mall, in this season, he only wears a T-shirt with black and white nude playmates; his arms are exposed from the rolled-up sleeves, and his rock-hard muscles are towering , and there is a funny tattoo of a blue arrow passing through a red heart near the shoulder. I don't know if it is cute or disgusting. Bobby's expression was cold enough, and this uncle who ordered food with a southern accent was even more so.If eating bitter melon really turned into a bitter melon face, then he must have eaten dozens of them in one go to make such a sad face. The man held the plate with displeasure on his face, and looked around the store with cloudy amber eyes like poured whiskey, as if he was looking for a seat.But he has no choice, one of the two tables has been occupied by the couple just now, he can only sit at the same table with the Arab man just now, or sit on the bar next to me, and choose one of the two. Seeing him walking towards me quickly, I thought he decided to choose the bar, but unexpectedly he whispered in a muffled voice like a frog with a cold: "Hey!" "Huh?" I didn't expect him to speak to me at first, so I panicked completely. "W-what's the matter?" Without saying a word, the man pointed to the Arab man's seat with his chin.I was puzzled, and the man approached even more, and repeated the same action twice at a very slow speed. "Uh...what's your business with me?" "exchange!" "what?" "I tell you to change seats!" "I don't quite understand what you mean. Why change? There's room here!" "I can't sit with a man, you sit over there!" I was dumbfounded.Is this dad serious?He said "I can't sit with men", probably to show that his usual style is to only sit with women.But I never dreamed that in reality, someone would seriously say the old-fashioned lines of the villain in the youth movie starring Elvis Presley when he was looking for the protagonist. What's more, it would be fine if he was a vigorous young man, but he turned out to be an old man who might even have a grandson.As far as the age is concerned, perhaps he really once watched the movie starring Elvis Presley to sing the praises of youth, and indulged in playing the muscular man in the series! "Hello, guest!" Bobby restrained the man with southern accent with a very polite but menacing voice. "Please don't argue in the store!" "What quarrel? I'm just asking this shortie to step aside, I'm a gentleman." Who is a gentleman who makes such unreasonable demands on strangers?Then again, how did he know that I was Japanese?He didn't seem to think I could be Chinese or Korean at all.Perhaps to him, all Orientals are Japanese!And judging from his tone, it is obvious that he usually does not have a good impression of the Japanese. "I don't care so much, anyway, please behave yourself when you eat." "Whispering! I'm talking to this little Japan, not you. Don't give orders here, you brat!" "Hey!" Bobby, who was originally indifferent, showed a frightening smile on his face. "I'm sorry, I'm just such a brat. But you, don't force yourself when you're older!" "Don't think that you dare to show off your power by hiding behind the counter." As if echoing Bobby's expression, the man with a southern accent also smiled for the first time, which really didn't match his face—or rather, it didn't suit this peculiar-looking man at all. The man looks quite scary, like the special makeup of a horror movie. "Go out of the counter, stand in front of me and try it out, and I'll send you to the hospital right away!" "Hey!" Bobby seemed to find it extremely interesting, and his smile deepened; he slowly walked out of the counter, crossed his arms, and stood in front of a man who was already a bit shorter than himself. "Very well, please give me a ride! But I am going to visit a sick person, to visit someone who is lying on the hospital bed moaning and whining!" Seeing Bobby's strong body, the man's smile disappeared.He blinked for a moment, as if he was evaluating whether he could handle the opponent in front of him. In my opinion, it can be deduced from their physique that their wrist strength should be evenly divided, but if the age factor is added, Bobby should have the upper hand.Besides, if the police were called in, the man who was the first to find fault would definitely be overwhelmingly unfavorable. "No! Why are you doing this right!" I don't know if he made the same judgment as me, but the man's tone suddenly became intimate. "How can I shift the focus? The problem now is that I'm talking to this guy from Japan, right?" I think it's you who is shifting the focus.Just now, he said "little Japan" and "little Japan" with disgust on his face, but now he is suddenly promoted to a man from the East, which is really amazing. Bobby turned to me with a sarcastic smile, as if to indicate that he had no intention of saying anything more since the other party had turned his back on the wind. After thinking about it calmly, Bobby's attitude seems to be hands-off at first glance, but it is actually correct.He is not my guardian. Since the man put on a low profile and said that the man he is looking for is me, there is no need for him to intervene between us. I also understand this. Although I understand, I am still a little angry... It is not so much against Bobby, but rather against this society, as if anyone can pinch my nose at will and play me around. The biggest reason should be Miyuki.How could you treat me like that when you made me across the Pacific Ocean?My anger flared up again.If it wasn't for her, according to my usual personality, I would definitely endure a little humiliation and give up my seat to this arrogant man. "I don't want it, stop joking." I suddenly became self-defeating, and if I want to fight, come! "Sir, there are two vacant seats here and there, please take one of them! If you don't want to—" — just sit on the floor!This sentence almost blurted out, but I refrained from the precipice; from this point of view, my self-abandonment seemed not thorough enough, which made me smile wryly. "You can take it home and eat it." For a moment, the man's muscles tensed, and his amber eyes flashed, as if he was about to pounce on me and grab me; but he probably figured that Bobby would make himself an enemy in order to protect the storefront, so he just ruthlessly After glaring at me harshly, he threw the plate to the counter roughly, and left the store with his shoulders shrugged. No—was about to leave.At this moment, a new guest walked past him, a white woman in an outdated coat.She wore round-rimmed glasses recklessly on her plain face. When she was walking, the golden-gray hair tied behind her head swayed from side to side, flickering around her waist. She seems to be a person who doesn't pay much attention to dressing up, but she doesn't have a sense of simplicity or inconspicuousness at all. Instead, she seems to show off her natural beauty deliberately. Silently declared: "I don't need to wear heavy makeup to be so beautiful. Admire me? If I dress up carefully one day, you will definitely freak out because of my beauty!" She sat down on the seat next to me without hesitation, and ordered without even looking at the menu, "Coke, sugar-free." The man with a southern accent who was about to walk out of the store opened his mouth half-opened, but still maintained his posture of turning his head to look at her, without moving.The corners of his eyes drooped like chocolate melted, but his lips hung in a V-shape as if he had undergone plastic surgery, which was very different from the fake macho image just now.In fact, to the extent of his flattery, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he panted with his tongue out like a dog. "Oh! I'm so sorry! Miss!" Ironically, the man with a southern accent was not the only one to stare at the blonde.Even Bobby lost the bitter melon face just now, as if he was enduring a toothache, and put on a smile with all his white teeth showing. "Due to many reasons, the store did not sell Coke. Oops! The service is not good, I am really sorry, I am very sorry." For Bobby, who was trying her best to please, she not only didn't smile, she didn't even look at her; her beautiful British accent added to her arrogance. "Then just have a drink! As long as it's low in sugar, it's fine." On the other hand, the man with a southern accent was like Michael Jackson when he performed the moonwalk, still staring at her directly across his shoulders, but his feet retreated step by step into the store. For a split second he glared at me, as if trying to wrest her neighbor from me, but then gave up and sat down next to the Arab man.Of course, his gaze was still firmly fixed on the blonde, as if he intended to strike up a conversation as soon as she left the shop. The Arab who was about to attack the third hamburger was stunned by the stranger who sat down without saying hello.However, he immediately realized that the bald hunk was a conceited guy who was probably more indifferent to himself than to garbage, so his eyes slowly stared up at him like spoons for scooping up pudding. There is a strange sense of tension in "Fresh Chicken House".Of course, the man with a southern accent also noticed that Bobby was desperately trying to attract the blonde's attention, so he was even more prepared to chase her down first to vent his grievances. The Arab man has another idea, and seems to be searching his brains, mobilizing his lack of language skills (from the conversation when he ordered the meal just now, his English is not very good), so as to give the impolite bald bastard in front of him a little bit of color.Of course, the man with the southern accent was only looking at the blonde and never noticed what he was up to.Ignoring the tense atmosphere around them, the only one who continued to chat happily was the couple of Eastern and Western Europeans; however, the conversation between the two was very inappropriate and could become a new fuse at any time. Fortunately, no one seems to be paying attention to what this couple is talking about except me.Because the two of them were talking in Japanese. "Hey, Alan, don't you think this store is terrible?" A girl with curly hair like a ring—on closer inspection, she looks young rather than young; no matter how you look at it, she is only in her early twenties—probably thinking that no one will listen to her Must understand Japanese!Shouting unscrupulously in a cute voice.She seemed quite happy with her current situation, her flushed cheeks reminiscent of an excited middle-aged person in an izakaya. "Wai what?" The skinny brown-haired man called Yalan said in a slightly blunt, accented Japanese that was as fluent as a native: "This hum is delicious!" "Huh? Will it?" "Don't you think it's delicious? Xiaoling?" "I don't know if it's delicious or not," the girl called Xiaoling said innocently, "But, don't you think the atmosphere here is so poor? Besides, look at the people who come to eat, they feel It’s a store that only the lower class would come to.” I couldn't help but sneak a peek at Bobby's expression, luckily he was still so focused on the blonde that he didn't notice my gaze. I don't think he can understand Japanese, but it still makes people sweat.That Yalan was also really, I wonder if he was naturally ignorant, he didn't hold anything back from Xiaoling's words, and he didn't even try to dissuade him. "Where is the poverty?" "Hey, look at these people, they are so virtuous! They look destitute... they are poor and desolate." "Qi Er?" "Well, it's...is it called the marginalized people? Don't you think this place is like a gathering place for all kinds of marginalized people? Look at that black clerk, he has a gloomy face!" This girl shouldn't be drunk, right?Or did you take some drugs?Ignoring the uneasiness in my heart, the girl named Xiaoling became more and more nonsense. "It is said that like attracts like, so there will be a bunch of similar marginal people gathered in the shop of marginal people." "Who is Ni referring to?" "Hey, for example, that old man who is still wearing a naked T-shirt and is full of ugly looks! He shouldn't be considered a father, but a grandfather? I hope he won't be so embarrassing! You can only rely on That kind of frivolous behavior to assert oneself to the general public just shows the sadness of marginalized people, right?" "The sad dwarf of a borderline man full of ugly faces?" Oh my God!Not only did Brother Alan not dissuade her, he even started giggling. "Ni said it so harshly!" "I already hate middle-aged men! I can't accept it physically. It looks good from a distance, but if you lean closer, it's not sensitive. Black people are also, I always feel terrible! If you walk within a radius of one meter, I will definitely will scream." "Nee is so strict!" Hey, hey, this is not a question of strictness, is it? "Speaking of hate, I hate Arabs too, there's one out there." "Arab? What?" "Isn't there an Arab in our class too? I forgot the name." "Oh! Ni said Ta? Wo doesn't remember the name, what's wrong with Ta?" "Every time I see him, I wonder how people can be so lazy." "Where is the tower lazy?" "Did you know? He changed Pontiac, Volkswagen and Cadillac in a month. Do you know why he changed cars so aggressively?" "I don't know, Wei what?" "It's because the ashtray on the driver's seat is full. Isn't it funny? I really want to tell him to use his head more. I don't know whether to say that he is lazy or doesn't know what hard work is." By eavesdropping on the conversation and observing the appearance of the two, I gradually guessed the relationship between Xiaoling and Alan. The two seemed to be studying at a school in the area, and happened to be in the same class, so they met; as for the school, it was probably an English language school (ELS).Judging from the English when ordering food, the language skills of the two should not be enough to go to a college; and judging from the fact that there is a frighteningly rich Arab in the class, my guess should be correct. This girl named Xiaoling is absolutely obsessed with this skeleton man Yalan.It may be unkind for me to say this, but judging from her appearance, I'm afraid she has never had a boyfriend in Japan! No, I'm not criticizing her, but it just makes sense when you think about it—her naive, but somewhat inappropriate, snark is probably due to her getting carried away with her first date with Alan. I have had this experience myself.初次来到自己的语言、生活习惯、常识及所有一切都不通用的异国时，人们总会因疏离感而变得自卑；尤其是日本人，虽说年轻一代已改善了不少，还是对外国人怀有根深蒂固的自卑感。 没有人肯定自己，顶多把自己当成带着眼镜、提着相机中的暴牙猴群中的一只。日本人挣扎着，希望否定这种看法，希望对方能肯定自己也有感情、有思想，是一个独立的人格，却又语言不通。 语言彻底不通到可悲的地步，这情况不是稍微提升会话能力就能好转的。不知是出于文化上的理由，或是教育环境上的理由；总之除了部分特例以外，日本人根本性地欠缺英文素质。 当然，不光是日本人，所有将英文当成外语学习的人普遍都有这种问题；但日本人还有一个吃亏之处，便是容貌。即使同样语言不通，美国人总对欧洲人比较感兴趣，愿意主动照料他们——这是我的感觉，但无论实情如何，在善妒的日本人眼中，看来便是如此。 尤其事关恋爱问题时，日本人更是决定性地不利。同样是黄种人，中国人还不致如此，日本人却有着无法补充情感的表情和行动方式，因此无法习惯西洋式恋爱。 身为一个独立人格，存在却被彻底忽视，连身为人类的尊严及魅力也被否定的人，只有两条路可选。一条是和日本同胞聚在一起；如今，无论再乡下的地方都有一堆打着留学名义却游手好闲的日本人，在那种封闭社会中聚散离合，至少还能确保自己的立身之处。 另一条路，是冷眼看待前一派，绝不与日本同胞结党连群，拿出骨气，发誓凭一己之力在这片异国土地上确保自己的地位。事实上，我就是属于这一派。 与日本同胞结党连群的人，虽然因得到立身之所而安定自我，却有英文能力难以提升的缺点；同样地，后一派也有许多问题。由于他们过度积极地使用英语来确保自己的立场，因此甚至认为使用日文是种罪恶，对待日本人时也易因过度情绪化而引发纠纷。 这容易养成对于一般日本人的鄙视及侮蔑；然而，由于自己说穿了还是日本人，便间接地造成否定自己，将自己逼入精神上的绝境。我就是这一派的典型例子。 也罢，姑且不提我的情况。虽然这只是我的想象，但那个叫小绫的女孩八成也是同一派人。虽然她不愿和日本同胞结党连群，但语言能力却还不足以让她自立于美国社会；这种矛盾、郁闷的情绪，令她无以自持。 此时，亚兰老弟出现了。他虽是西欧人，却通日文，这可是“挖到宝”——想必她为此乐翻了天吧！ 不想和日本人成群结队，却又渴望有个无须透过不熟稔的英文便能了解自己的人。亚兰老弟的出现，替她实现了这种矛盾又一厢情愿的愿望；这么理想的对象，怎么能放过？更何况，不成熟的女孩总容易陷入某种迷思，认为西欧男子个个看起来英俊挺拔；而如前所述，以她的容貌，在日本时应该完全没男人缘，因此对男性没有免疫力，更造就她的乐极忘形。 就我观察之下，亚兰似乎也对这个名叫小绫的女孩颇有兴趣，否则也不会答应和她约会；而显然地，他很积极地享受与她之间的时光。 这更助长了小绫的气焰。她对于店员及顾客的恶言泼语，其实是将任何人或多或少也有的感觉极端增强之下而成的。只要是人，难免会藉由轻视他人来沉醉于自我优越；虽然我不想承认，但我也一样。只是，包含我在内的任何人，在一般情况下都不该那样肆无忌惮地大方厥词。 现在，小绫已然失控；获得亚兰这个知己，令她过去因贫乏的英文能力所阻而无法畅所欲言、无法表达自我的不满彻底爆发，过去积累的郁愤犹如脱缰野马。因此，即使她未曾饮酒，仍该当成她醉了。 “——喂！” 突然，金发女郎不悦地耸了耸肩。 “拜托你安静一下。” 一时间，我还以为她是对着小绫及亚兰这堆情侣抱怨，捏了把冷汗；但她却是瞪着巴比。说是瞪着他，视线停留在他脸上也只有一瞬间，女郎很快地又将目光移回自己带来的VOGUE杂志上。 “吵死了，害我连本杂志都不能好好看。” “哎呀？你也不必用这种口气说话吧？啊？”为了吸引她的注意而卖弄了不少蠢笑话的巴比，对于她暴风雪似的冰冷反应，终于也觉得自讨没趣。“亏我还请你喝饮料咧！” “我并没有拜托你请客。”女郎基本没从杂志抬起视线，冷淡地轻声说道：“是你自己拒绝收钱的。” “哦？你讲这什么话啊，大姊？” “尽量说，再多说一点！”这会儿，轮到南部腔男人对着面露不快的巴比大送嘘声。“叫那个乳臭未干的小鬼少说大话，撒泡尿照照脸！” “撒泡尿，照脸，你才应该！” 以生硬又断断续续的英文回嘴的并非巴比，而是那个阿拉伯男人；他似乎自方才便一直寻反击南部男人不逊态度的机会。 “说什么？俺耳朵是不是变差啦？好像听见这个老外在说话？” “无耻之徒（creep）！” 阿拉伯男人完全不顾瞪大了双眼的南部男人，犹如河水溃堤般地重复着这个饶富古味却又十分贴切的形容词。看来，为了想出这个词汇，他似乎刻意等到这一刻才反击。 “无耻之徒！无耻之徒！无耻之徒！无耻之徒！无耻之徒！” “唔，什么！你、你这个……呃……欸……”南部男人踹开椅子站了起来，一时之间却想不出该以哪些污言秽语反击；他的眼球浮现黄色血丝，一味地喃喃怒道：“你这个……呃……你这个……” “下三滥（jerk）！”阿拉伯男人则是顺着竿子往上爬，又多了种变化。“下三滥！下三滥！下三滥！” “你、你这个……” “别吵了！”巴比对着以手肘扫去桌上餐盘并企图揪住对方的南部男人怒吼道：“要吵架去外面吵！” “轮不到你说话，黄毛小子！” 假如对手是巴比，污言秽语似乎便能顺手拈来。 “去喝你妈的奶吧！” “你的话……”巴比冲出柜台，完全失去了方才面露微笑的那份从容。“说完了没！” 金发女郎宛若事不关己似地瞥了一触即发的男人们一眼，便耸了耸肩，站了起来。 “你给我站住！”揪住南部男人胸口的巴比，叫住了正欲走出店门的女郎。“把冰红茶的钱留下来！” “那有什么问题？”女郎宛如歌唱般地踩着节拍，走了回来，带着轻蔑至极的表情。 "How much?" “正好一百美元。” “要是付一百美元，”她似乎觉得万分可笑，格格笑了起来，那是种惯于应付男人的笑法。“整间店都能买下来了。” “哇哈哈！没错！哎呀，小姐，你真不简单，说得对极了！” “你闭嘴。”对于捧腹顿足大笑的南部男人，她投以冷冷一瞥。“我可不记得曾拜托你帮腔，安静点，别捣乱。” 南部男人张大了嘴。他的表情述说着不敢相信世上会有女人对自己如此冷淡，而那困惑的脸孔不久后便渐渐转为愤怒。他似乎与巴比一样，已彻底冷却了对她的热情，眼神变得阴险无比，仿佛正找寻着加害她的机会。 巴比、南部男人以及金发女郎——这奇妙的三角关系持续了片刻，每个人都进入了无言的备战状态，盘算着谁先露出空隙，就先合其余两人之力将他解决。 这股紧张突然被打破了，因为一道异国语言的奔流大摇大摆地窜入其间。 一看之下，原来是亚兰。他带着满脸笑容，比手划脚地对金发女郎说话。 “做、做什么？” 之前一直予人机械般冷酷无情感觉的她，头一次显出了狼狈之态，就像是无端被警察询问似地面露警戒之色。 “这家伙做什么啊？到底是怎么回事？” 对于她的困惑，亚兰完全置之不顾，时而以手搭她的肩，表现出万分熟络的态度，滔滔不绝地吐出在座无人能懂的词语。 “喂！住手，别乱碰我！做什么啊？你是谁啊？喂！谁来想个办法，说说这个人啊！” 似乎是法语……当她对我们求助时，我们几乎同时领悟了这点。 领悟的同时，我们一同带着莫名的心虚表情互相偷瞄了一眼。这个年轻男子说的语言是法文，我们勉强还能了解；毕竟谁都曾经看过上着字幕的法国电影。然而问题是，我们之中有人能了解这个男人的语意并与他沟通吗？ 方才还气势汹汹的男人们，现在全都畏缩不前；他们的脸上全都写着“要打架我奉陪，要说法文别找我”！他们那种从自己以外找寻“负责人”的眼神既悲壮又认真，教人见了不禁发笑。 不久后，众人的眼光理所当然地集中至亚兰原来的同伴小绫身上。虽然语言不通，却也察觉店内险恶气氛的小绫正恨不得早一刻回去，却突然承受众人的凝视，不禁吓得往后仰。Huh?Hate!No way?what happened?她困惑地小声问道，一面拉了拉亚兰的衣角。 “——喂，同学！”我同情起搞不清状况而泫然欲泣的小绫，伸出了援手，朝着亚兰说起日文。“这位女士想知道你到底是谁。” “啊！”亚兰似乎大吃一惊，回头看着我。“尼挥说日文？原来尼是日本人啊！咦？问窝是谁？什么意思？” “就是她不知道你是谁的意思。” “窝是谁？这还用得着问吗？窝是亚兰啊！亚兰！”就只有名字部分，是漂亮的法语发音（应该是吧）。“亚兰·潘赫。” “你和他是什么关系？” “咦？当然是烹友啊！”此时从亚兰的“朋友”二字中，我确实感受到了某种言外之意。“窝和塔是烹友，哼熟的。” “但她说不认识你啊！” “咦？怎么可能？威什么？威什么这么说？莉兹？” “莉兹是她的名字？” “是啊，塔叫伊丽莎白·哈德森。” “——简单地说，”从亚兰转向金发女郎的同时，我将日文切换为英文。“他说自己名叫亚兰·潘赫，而你叫伊丽莎白·哈德森，是他非常熟的朋友。” 金发女郎默默无语地伫立了片刻。我还讶异着她怎么了，她却宛如观赏珍禽异兽似地反复打量着我；从她的眼神我不难了解，假如不是发生了这场需要翻译的骚动，对她而言，我就宛如不存在一样。 “那你跟他说，”她的语气仿佛正述说着：和你这种人原本是无话可说的，现在是迫于无奈。 “我既不叫伊丽莎白·哈德森，也不认识任何叫做亚兰·潘赫的男人。” “那你叫什么名字？” "what?" 她似乎没料到我会反问，一时间变得面无表情，却又立刻流露出厌恶之色。 "What did you say?" “我问你叫什么名字？” “为什么我得告诉你我的名字？” “不，其实我对你的名字也没有兴趣啊！” 她那种犹如对待擤完鼻涕后的面纸般的轻蔑态度实在令我生厌，因此我也回以颜色，嗤之以鼻。回这么几句嘴，老天不会罚我的。 “不过，他恐怕不会罢休吧？铁定会满口莉兹、莉兹，追着你跑！” “贾桂琳。”她的自尊心似乎略微受伤，随即又慌忙修复，狠狠瞪着我。“我的名字是贾桂琳·塔克，听懂了吗？听懂了就快对这个男人说明……” 突然，她的声音如渐行远去般地消失无踪，同一瞬间，我的视野随着一阵冲击而转为黑暗。 不，并不是周围变暗了，这时尚未停电；而是不知于何时之间，自己已经以舔舐地板的姿势匍匐在地。不只我一人，位于“鲜鸡屋”的全员皆是如此。 我们试图起身，却徒劳无功；脚边的摩擦力似乎消灭了，无论尝试站立几次，最终都以跌倒收场。而每当跌倒时，地板便如活生生的巨兽一般，一面推着我们的身体，宛如海浪翻弄小舟。 this is…… “地震！” 我已记不得这么大叫的是谁的声音了。从最初的冲击到某人的叫喊之间，实际上应该不过数秒钟而已，但事后回想，却似乎隔了许久才听见。 听说大地震时，家具会在空中交错飞舞；如今一见，果真只能以漫天飞舞来形容。那些西洋棋盘尺寸的桌椅就像是装了喷射引擎一般，来势汹汹地在头上狂舞。 这不像人间所有的光景，着实骇人耳目，让人觉得相较之下，绝大多数的恐怖都不配称为恐怖。尖叫、怒号此起彼落；金属、木材等各种材质制成的物体互相撞击、破坏并崩落的声音，宛如胡乱堆叠而成的三明治夹心，层层叠合、响彻云霄。 厨房里的调理器具及材料似乎全打翻了，速食特有的甜腻油味弥漫于四周；虽然我有点担心发生火灾，却只能受混乱摆布，无计可施。 此时，有股直冲脑门的冲击再度袭来。 这和起初的冲击有些不同，伴随着数道雷光一气落下般的轰隆巨响，一阵干冰似的烟雾崩泄至店中。 原来是入口休息区的天花板坍方了——当然，我直到事后才明白。淋了满头尘埃的同时，苟延残喘至今的照明也一起停电，让众人彻底陷入恐慌。 随着一道叫声，某人的身体倒向我。在抱住对方的冲力之下，我的后脑撞上了墙壁，弄得我眼冒金星，险些失去意识。这时，我深信自己必死无疑。 待回过神来，四周已是一片寂静，自己的呼吸声显得更外嘈杂。 看来，因摇晃而造成的建筑物崩塌似乎已告一段落。方才还一片鬼哭神嚎的人间地狱，如今竟变得万籁俱寂，令人缺乏现实感，不敢相信自己仍待在同一个空间之中。 我觉得自己犹如身在梦中；不，老实说，这是种愿望，希望一切都只是场梦。然而，这个愿望却轻易地破灭了。竖耳一听，在黑暗之中，四处传来轻微的呻吟声及咒骂声。 "Asshole!" 突然地，一道大上一级的咒骂声毫不客气地打破了寂静。虽然周围暗不能见，但那强烈的南部腔却让我立刻明白是谁。 “混账！他奶奶的！现在是怎么回事啊？到底该怎么办？” “怎么搞的啊？”这似乎是巴比的声音，但还是看不见他的身影。“喂！你们都没事吧？还活着吧？” “堵住了！”再度想起南部腔怒吼声，打断了其他人有气无力的回应。“这里堵住了，全堵住了！” “哪里怎么了？喂，不要鬼吼鬼叫，冷静一点！” “叫俺冷静？你他妈的有什么脸讲这些风凉话啊？出不去了！入口堵住了！走不出这家店啦！出不去了！” “出不去？” 有道窸窸窣窣的移动声传来；待我眯起略微习惯黑暗的眼睛一看，有两道人影正在入口方向蠢蠢挪动着。 不久后，响起了巴比的咋舌声。“原来如此……看来是出不去了。” “干脆大家一起动手挖吧？” “喂喂喂，你是说真的吗？这可是水泥块耶！看来是骑楼的天花板掉下来了。” “后门咧？在哪儿？没后门吗？” “怎么可能会有？好啦，冷静一点，别担心。” “别担心？咱们可是被活埋耶！喂，你到底懂不懂啊？被活埋耶！” “着急也没用啊！反正大家都平安无事，我们就别手忙脚乱，乖乖等救援吧！” “慢着！”过度亢奋的南部腔终于冷静下来：“大家真的都平安无事吗？” “对喔！这么一提——”或许是基于店员的责任感吧！巴比扯起嗓子开始点名。“大家都没事吧？喂！答个腔啊！日本老兄……呃，对了，艾利欧，你在吗？” “嗯……”我的声音嘶哑得连自己都吃了一惊。这时候，我还没有感觉疼痛的闲工夫，没发现自己受了重伤。虽说当时的状况是混乱压倒一切，但事后回想起来，仍觉得不可思议。 "I'm here." “接下来，呃，还有谁？那个金发的大姊——” 对于这道呼唤，倒在我怀中的人影突然起了反应，教我吓了一跳。贾桂琳似乎受了伤，将身子沉甸甸地倚在我身上，气若游丝地呻吟着。 “没事，”我代她回答：“还活着。” “那好，接下来——” 其余的人也全都平安无事。留着小胡子的阿拉伯男人、亚兰·潘赫及名叫小绫的女孩都确实且清楚地以各自的声音回应了巴比或我的呼唤。在这个时间点上，聚集于“鲜鸡屋”的人确实还全数活着。 “——有人受伤吗？” 正当巴比如此询问时，头上突然响起啪啦、啪啦之声，显然有东西落下。 好不容易变得开朗了些的气氛，立时又冻结起来。正如不祥的预感所示，沙地一声，上方传来了重物咿轧的声响。 天花板就要塌了……即使无人说出口，也该全领悟到了。天花板已撑不了多久，不，要是现在发生余震，只怕在一瞬之间，自己便会被水泥压成肉饼。 “喂喂喂……这不是真的吧？饶了我啊！”巴比的声音头一回阴郁起来。“饶了我吧！以后我会好好参加唱诗班的练习，不会再偷懒了！” “巴比！” 此时，我宛如触电般地回忆起了那个“茶叶罐”。事后回想起来，这究竟是幸或不幸，仍不得而知；不过在此时，我真觉得犹如听见了上天的启示一般。 “避难所！” “啊？什么？你说什么？” “避难所啊！那个避难所！” “哦，哦！可是，那……” “只是暂时避难一下而已！” “锁起来了耶！” “撬坏不就得了？”南部腔性急地插嘴。“在哪里？那个避难所在哪里？” 巴比他们似乎移动了，因此我也试着站起身来；同一瞬间，贾桂琳尖锐地吐了口混着尖叫的气，紧抓着我。 “脚……”她拼命地忍住呜咽。“我的脚！” "You are hurt?" “好像扭到了……刚才跌倒时。” “站得起来吗？”我慢慢地挪开身体，以免带给她冲击，接着又将肩膀借给她。 "is that OK?" “有问题！”她恨恨地轻喃道，简直就像我也该对目前的事态负起部分责任似的。“痛得受不了！” “忍耐一下。” “忍不住！” “要是你待在这里不动的话，会被压成肉饼啊！你愿意吗？” 不知是因剧痛而过于亢奋，或是为了一泄无法反驳的怨气，贾桂琳一声不吭地将我狠狠推开。 瞬时，由胸部至脑门闪过了一阵剧痛。我咳了几声，疼痛更加扩散，几乎让我无法呼吸，活像是岩石代替心脏塞入了胸口似的窒息感，令我冒出了冷汗及泪水。 方才一阵混乱，没发现肋骨断了。然而，无论我如何回想，仍想不起自己是何时受伤的。 原本浑然不觉的疼痛一旦被发现，就变本加厉地开始严重起来。剧痛宛如想呕却呕不出的秽物，不断地悬在我的胸口，逼得我像小孩似的一把鼻涕一把眼泪。 在这期间，巴比焦躁的咒骂声也和着一阵巨兽磨牙似的神经质金属刮划声，断断续续地响着。他似乎已着手破坏叶片锁，从摩擦的声音听来，他并非徒手作业，而是有合适的道具在手；就这点而言，我们算是幸运的了。 不过，叶片锁好像相当坚固。那股热气、巴比那仿佛直接接触旁观者脸颊的激烈喘息，让黑暗虚无地震动了好一会儿。 突然，啪铿一声，一道玻璃破裂般的尖锐声音响起。 “好耶！”巴比发出夸耀胜利的声音，但仅只那么一瞬间，又转为“啊！混账！”的诅咒声。 对了，上头的锁有两个——我疼得几欲滚沸的脑袋忆起此事。what?你搞什么啊！Hurry up!南部男人混着尖叫的怒骂声，与那再度想起的磨牙般金属刮划声重叠了。 从撬开第一道锁到第二道锁的破坏声响起之间，仿佛流过了无限的时光。这会儿，虽然声音不似起先的那么响亮，但从巴比的欢呼声听来，第二道锁似乎也成功破坏了。 “——哦，哦！看来可以进去啦！” “扶我起来。”贾桂琳若无其事地，又像是享受当然权利般地抓住我的手臂。“喂，快点啊！扶我到那里去，你慢吞吞地磨蹭什么？” 等我被平安救出这里，不管用什么形式，一定要给这个女人一点苦头尝尝！我一面在心中如此坚定地立誓，一面默然无语地将肩膀借给她。At