Chapter 7 Chapter 6 Strangers

In the morning, Sang Li got up very early. As usual, today is the day when she goes to the university for the elderly to attend classes. Speaking of it, it was Ma Yu's credit. Since Sang Li said that he wanted to go out to find a part-time job, Ma Yu contacted some of his friends, and finally found a university for the elderly, saying that there was still a shortage of an instructor for the elderly choir. On the day when I went to class for the first time, Ma Yu told Sang Li: "I have wronged you a little, otherwise try first, if it is too hard, forget it." "How come?" Sang Li smiled, "For a person like me who only has a bachelor's degree, if someone believes in me, I'm already very satisfied."

While talking, she prepared the teaching materials to be used in class, and even made the courseware meticulously.Ma Yu didn't understand why she was so careful. She explained: "They are not people who intend to make a career out of singing. Instead of spending all their time correcting their singing, they might as well spend some of their time introducing a little background and music knowledge. At their age, music is just a matter of cultivating sentiment." Ma Yu nodded. He seemed to know that she was a dedicated person, so he didn't say much, so he drove her to class. The University for the Elderly is located at the northwest end of the city, and there is an entire city diagonal line between the "Sakura Garden Green View" where Sang Li lives in the southeast end of the city.When Ma Yu was driving by Heping Road, Sang Li looked up and saw the billboard again - "Li Yuan Mansion, Jiangnan old dream, meet again".

Still, there was still an invisible hand quietly grabbing Sang Li's throat, making her slightly suffocated. She looked at the billboard without blinking: these days, she has not forgotten its existence, on the contrary, it is pervasive, reminding her of those "old dreams".She has to work very hard to divert her attention by doing other things, and then force herself to forget that person, those things, that period of time. She took a deep breath, Ma Yu heard it, and turned her head: "What's wrong?" After a while, Sang Li suddenly asked, "Li Yuan, have you been there?"

Her thinking was too jumpy, Ma Yu reacted for a while, and then asked, "What is leaving the garden?" "Liyuan Mansion seems to be a chain hotel." "Oh," Ma Yu suddenly realized, "Of course I have been to Liyuan. Last month, CNG held an anniversary celebration, and we must experience traditional Chinese culture. We discussed it for a long time, and finally chose Liyuan. Because if you look around the city, there seems to be no other hotel that has as much Chinese charm as Liyuan.” "What's it like inside Li Garden?" Sang Li asked hesitantly.

Ma Yu is obviously familiar with the layout of Li Garden, so he came at his fingertips: "Let's have four gardens, one for spring, summer, autumn and winter. The idea itself is not unusual, but each garden actually has its own characteristics. For example The cherry garden in spring is relatively flat. It is divided into two parts by a lake and connected by a curved bridge, which increases the sense of depth. The road in the durian garden in summer is more tortuous, all of which are paved with cobblestones. The function, on the one hand, increases the layering of the scenery, making people feel unique, and on the other hand, it also creates a wider effect through winding roads in a limited space. The overall style is the quintessence of private gardens in the south of the Yangtze River, although it is a bit of a hodgepodge feeling, but overall it’s doing pretty well.”

Sang Li smiled wryly and nodded: "Then, autumn should be a maple garden. There are no maple trees, so torch trees are used. There are not many trees, but they are densely packed. There are stone tables and benches under the trees, and they look very cool when leaning against them." Walking out the back door, you can turn into the plum garden in winter, where the house has two floors, and the stairs are made of wood. There are only four plum trees, but there are no heavy windows..." "How do you know?" Ma Yu was a little surprised, stopped at the red light, and turned to look at Sang Li.

"I think the boss of Liyuan should be an old friend of mine." Sang Li said slowly, when she said the word "old friend", her voice seemed to be a little astringent. Ma Yu froze for a moment, then turned around and continued driving.Along the way, the two didn't speak again. The class in the morning is not long, there are only two periods, and the class is over before eleven o'clock.After class, Sang Li stood at the school gate waiting for Ma Yu, and occasionally said goodbye to the old people who greeted him with a smile.She watched from afar the old men with full hair and gorgeous hair walking away together. Although she was no longer the high-spirited youth, it was a peaceful and timeless picture.The midday sun shone on them, making those smiling faces glow with a joyful and transcendent radiance.

The figure may be stooped, but those calmness cannot deceive people. At this age, what else can't you see?At this age, what can't you forget? Even the quarrels, unhappiness, disputes and even resentments when you were young will be resolved until they become in love with each other, right? It seems that I can't help but think of what Nanyang's mother said - during the Spring Festival that year, she flinched, lay on the bed and instructed her husband who never cooks noodles on weekdays, and said with emotion: "Young couples come to accompany each other when they are old. , why pay attention to the ostentation of love and love, it is a great blessing to have someone by your side all the time."

So, if I want to get married now, will I be a young couple, or an old companion? At the age of twenty-eight, his youth is just right, but his heart is already riddled with holes. When she was in a daze, two beeps of "Didi" interrupted Sang Li's daze. She looked up, and sure enough, she saw Ma Yu's car parked across the road.He rolled down the car window and waved to her. Sang Li also smiled back, stepped up a little, crossed the road and got into the car. "Is today going well?" Ma Yu always started with this sentence every time he came to pick her up. The more times, Sang Li gradually felt that such a homely routine was also an interesting and warm thing.

"It's okay," Sang Li recalled the allusions in class, and told Ma Yu enthusiastically, "Do you know that there is an old man in my class who catches me to learn to sing every time during class, and every time The song "Praise to Red Plum" was the last time. I always thought he was going to participate in a singing competition in the community, but I didn't know until today when we were chatting, it turned out that he wanted to sing for his wife." "Why this one?" Ma Yu was also curious. "The old man said that the reason why they knew each other back then was because the old lady used to be an actress in the art troupe, and the most eye-catching play she acted in was the model play "Sister Jiang"," Sang Li said, feeling a little sentimental. "But the old lady suffered from nasopharyngeal cancer the year before last. After the operation, not only could she not sing, she even had difficulty speaking. Now, the old lady can't sing anymore, and she feels uncomfortable looking at the piano every day. The old man said, 'Then I will sing for you later. Listen, you play the piano, I sing, don't waste this piano'. Do you know, Ma Yu, this is the most simple and honest love story I have ever heard, but it is also the most touching love story."

Ma Yu pondered for a while, and then said after a while: "Actually, I don't like simple meals, but, Sang Li, your store only has simple meals, and you don't like to go on dates elsewhere, so I can only go to you Eat simple meals in the restaurant. Rib rice, beef brisket rice, eel rice... I feel like I have become a square simple meal box.” "Huh?" The topic suddenly jumped to diet, and Sang Li couldn't react. "However, it is one thing to like to eat or not, but another to be happy." Ma Yu looked at Sang Li, "As long as I can see you every day, I will be very happy, even if I have to eat every time I don't like it." Simple meal, also happy." At this moment, Sang Li finally straightened out his thoughts, and couldn't laugh or cry: "It sounds like Mr. Ma, are you complaining?" "Why?" Ma Yu stared, "Don't you think this is a simple love story?" "I didn't hear it..." Sang Li deliberately shook his head. "It's a real failure," Ma Yu sighed, "I used to see young juniors chasing girls with all kinds of tricks and exhausting effort, and I always thought it was the hypocrisy of young people. Now it's my turn to realize that it has nothing to do with age. This 'love' The essence of it really is something that has to be 'talked about'." Sang Li laughed out loud: "Ma Yu, I thought that PhD students studying in Germany are very rigorous and pragmatic, so you still have the romantic feelings of a traditional liberal arts boy?" "This is not romance," Ma Yu said seriously, "I am seriously dating you, and I hope that after a period of dating, you will try to accept me and YOYO." Sang Li gradually suppressed his smile and fell into deep thought.The carriage became very quiet. At this moment, Sang Li's cell phone rang. Sang Li looked down at the caller's name, and it actually showed "Nan Yang"! Sang Li was taken aback, pressed the answer button, and heard Nan Yang's anxious voice: "Xiao Li?" "It's me." Sang Li looked out the window while answering the call. Under the lush noon sun, the leaves were also shiny green. "Xiao Li, hurry home, something happened to your father!" Nan Yang said in a loud voice, still gasping for breath, "He collapsed all of a sudden, just sent to the hospital, come back and have a look!" Sang Li's heart shrank suddenly, and his palms felt a little cold.She stared blankly at the glass in front of her, but didn't answer. "Xiaoli, no matter what, you are still a family. You haven't been home for five or six years. Any conflicts should fade away, right?!" "Nan Yang, are you sure you want me to go back?" Sang Li's voice was cold, "Aren't you afraid that if I appear, he'll be fine, but I'll make him critically ill?" "Sang Li!" Nan Yang was really angry, "What are you talking about?! There is no parent who doesn't love his children. The conflict between you is nothing more than some misunderstanding. After so many years, why? Are you still holding onto it?" "Misunderstanding?" Sang Li smiled, but the smile was very strange, "I'm afraid it's not a misunderstanding? You know that I am spurned by everyone and criticized by everyone, so what kind of misunderstanding is it? From the beginning to the end, you are the only one who thinks that I am still the one who did it when I was a child." Clean Sang Li. But Nan Yang, in fact, my dad is right, I have no conscience, no humanity, I deserve to be cast aside! Let me tell you, it’s useless for me to go back, he won’t want to see me , if he saw me, he would die faster." "Sang Li!" Nan Yang was really angry, "Can you fucking speak something human? When can you stop talking to yourself like this, and when can you decorate other people's ideas in your mind? Let me tell you, If you come back today, you have to come back, if you don’t come back, I will arrest you! I’m not afraid that you will know that the hospital has issued a ‘critical illness notice’, if you don’t come back, you won’t even be able to see the last side!” Sang Li was silent. Nan Yang tried his best to suppress his anger: "Sang Li, I won't say anything if there are too many, I'll wait for you at the central hospital, call me when you arrive." He hung up the phone just like that, and Sang Li leaned his head back on the car seat weakly, and it seemed that it was only then that he realized that his palms were covered in cold sweat. Ma Yu didn't speak, but stopped the car on the side of the road.In the shade, he rolled down the window and lit a cigarette.The curling smoke drifted away, and only the chirping of cicadas could be heard outside the car. After a long time, Ma Yu heard Sang Li say, "Now, do you still want to be with me?" He turned his head and met her cold eyes.Her smile is so cold, it seems to make people feel desperate. "Ma Yu, it's not that I don't love you, but that you are too clean compared to me," her voice was so desolate, "I have done a lot of wrong things, and the me in the past, in the words of my sister, is a 'human being'." As far as love is concerned. In terms of love, I only loved one person in my life, but I still left him. Later, he finally left me alone, and I realized that it was impossible for me to love anyone else." Her eyes were empty, and she lowered her head and muttered to herself: "I regret it, I really regret it now, but time cannot turn back, and it is too late for me to regret it. Gu Xiaoying once told me that the sign of a person growing up is never Regret for my choice. So I told myself that I can no longer regret, but to be grateful, grateful that I have done wrong things, suffered losses, and then I can still live, so there is a chance to start again. I decided to change. I am wrong, live a good life, and then I met you. I am very grateful to you, but the past cannot be erased. I am very afraid that someone will find out the past things in the future. At that time, it will be the same for you kind of harm." She looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. She looked at him and said, "Think about it carefully, can you accept such a me? When you think it over and feel that you can accept it, let's continue dating seriously, shall we?" "can!" The next second, the man suddenly said this. Sang Li was stunned for a moment, a little confused: "Huh?" Ma Yu threw away the cigarette butt, restarted the car, and then pressed the phone button and said: "I can accept it anyway, so we can start dating seriously from now on. Now I will ask the secretary to book the latest flight back to your home , let's go back and see your father." Sang Li was completely shocked, just staring blankly at Ma Yu calling to book a plane ticket, then started the car, boarded the viaduct, and drove to "Sakura Garden Green View" at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour while there were not many people at noon.It seemed that the speedometer flashed N times in the middle, and Ma Yu was still in the mood to joke: "I don't know if the 12 points for this year are enough to deduct?" After he finished speaking, Sang Li came back to his senses and subconsciously grabbed one of Ma Yu's sleeves: "I haven't said anything yet." "I already know a lot," he said without squinting. "Your name, gender, ethnicity, family members, political affiliation, whether you are married, ID number, what major do you study, what songs do you like to sing, what kind of food do you eat?" I know what you wear and what kind of clothes you wear. What does your past have to do with me? I just like Sangli who lives upstairs next door to ours. Now she lives a very regular life, behaves very well, and cooks very well. It's delicious, the house is clean, and of course it's a bit deserted..." He turned his head to look at Sang Li, saw her clutching his sleeve in a daze, and said, "Loosen your hand, I still have to drive, if you do this again, I'll drive directly to the Civil Affairs Bureau!" Sang Li let go in panic, seeing the obvious smile on the corner of Ma Yu's lips, she was a little dizzy: the situation is changing too fast, a thousand miles a day!What was he talking about just now, why did he get to this point?The Civil Affairs Bureau... What does the Civil Affairs Bureau do? Dizzy all the way back to "Sakura Garden Green View", Ma Yu went home to settle in YOYO, and Sang Li went back to his home to pack his things.She stood blankly in the living room for ten minutes, but she still didn't know what to bring. Really, want to go home? Sang Li's memory seems to be a little fuzzy. Is that home still the same as when you were a child?Time flies so fast, six years have passed in a flash.Haven't been back for six years!Has Huashuli Hutong changed its appearance?Are the two neat rows of hibiscus trees still there?Now, it will soon be the season of hibiscus fragrance... Just as he was thinking, Ma Yu came to knock on the door, and Sang Li opened the door. Seeing that Ma Yu was carrying a small travel bag in his hand, he heard him say, "Is it packed?" Sang Li shook his head, still confused.Ma Yu sighed and reminded each item after entering the door: "Change of clothes, toiletries, ID card..." Sang Li found out everything and put it in a duffel bag.Ma Yu took it and took Sangli downstairs.Sang Li couldn't help sighing until he got on the plane, and asked Ma Yu: "If I remember correctly, you seem to have an exhibition opening in a few days. Now... it should be the busiest time, right?" Ma Yu smiled, reached out and pulled down the sun visor on Sang Li's side, put his arms around her, and answered the irrelevant question: "Go to sleep, we will be there when you wake up." His voice was firm, with an inexplicably reassuring power.Sang Li had mixed feelings, but just leaning on him, finally fell into a deep sleep. It was half past eleven at night when Sang Li woke up, and the plane landed three minutes later.Ma Yu led Sang Li's men off the plane, hailed a taxi from the airport and went straight to the central hospital.It is about tens of kilometers from the airport to the central hospital, and Sangli's breathing becomes heavier every time he gets closer to the urban area. Ma Yu felt it, and held Sang Li's hand tightly. Her hand was cold and her expression was tense.Ma Yu turned sideways, took Sang Li into his arms, and hugged her tightly.His embrace was so warm that Sang Li pressed his cold ear to Ma Yu's chest, and he could even hear the strong heartbeat through the shirt.Gradually, Sang Li felt that his trembling breathing gradually became steady. She didn't know what she was afraid of: was it her father's critical illness, or the upcoming meeting?Is it the acquaintances who don't want to see, or the fragmented memory that this city represents? When there were still two intersections away from the Central Hospital, Sang Li dialed Nan Yang's phone, and after only one ring, he heard Nan Yang pick it up and said in a low voice, "Xiao Li?" Sang Li said in a deep voice, "I'll go to the hospital gate right away." Nan Yang was slightly taken aback, and quickly said, "Okay, I'll pick you up at the door." Hang up the phone, no more words. Sang Li leaned back into Ma Yu's arms wearily. Perhaps, at this moment, she had to admit that the man beside her, his existence, had begun to become a part of her life that she was gradually getting used to. People really can't stand against "habit". At the entrance of the hospital, Nan Yang froze for a moment when he saw Ma Yu, but he soon returned to normal. He stretched out his hand: "We meet again!" Ma Yu nodded and shook back: "Thanks for your hard work." Sang Li watched the short greetings of the two men in front of him indifferently, and then followed Nan Yang into the ward building.Taking the elevator to the seventh floor, Nan Yang pushed open the door of a ward.Sang Li's footsteps paused subconsciously. Nan Yang noticed it and looked back at her without saying a word. Ma Yu seemed to have noticed it too, so he held Sang Li's hand without making a sound, while the other hand slightly wrapped around Sang Li's waist, and gently pushed her into the door. Standing in front of the hospital bed, Sang Li stared blankly at the person in front of him, lost his mind for a few seconds: Is this person Sang Yuecheng? It seems that after six years of not seeing each other, he has aged a lot. His hair was gray, his wrinkles became deeper, and there was even a black halo under his eye sockets.In the silent ward, I don't know where Chang Qing went, and Tian Miao disappeared, only this once tall man was lying alone on the hospital bed. Seemingly understanding Sang Li's question, Nan Yang gently explained: "Aunt Chang has been staring at her for a whole day, and I'll let her go back and have a rest." He stretched out his hand to tuck Sang Yuecheng's quilt, and moistened his lips with a cotton swab.When he did these things, he was so natural, as if he was Sang Yuecheng's son, and Sang Li was just an outsider who came to visit his doctor. This realization made Sang Li a little at a loss. However, at this moment, Sang Yuecheng gradually woke up from his deep sleep.He opened his eyes slightly, and it seemed that it took him a long time to adapt to the light in the ward in front of him.He asked Nan Yang hoarsely, "What time is it?" Nan Yang replied in a low voice, "It's twelve o'clock, uncle." He went on to say, "Uncle, look who's here." He stepped aside slightly so that Sang Yuecheng could see Sang Li and Ma Yu standing behind him.Sang Yuecheng looked in the direction behind him, his eyes froze instantly! For a long time, there was no sound in the ward. It seemed that everyone was silent to the point of blocking their breath! I don't know how long it took before I heard Sang Yuecheng ask suspiciously, "Xiao Li?" Sang Li didn't speak, just stood there in a daze. "Xiao Li?" Sang Yuecheng asked again. Ma Yu pushed Sangli and pushed her to a position near the bed.It wasn't until she was completely close that she heard Sang Li's dry answer without any emotion: "It's me." Sang Yuecheng looked straight at Sang Li, his gaze seemed to penetrate Sang Li to another unknown time and space.Sang Li looked into his eyes, those fragments of the past danced messily in her mind, it seemed that she could still remember, but it was only six years ago, he slapped her hard and shouted loudly: Get out of here ! What else did he say that day?right!He also said: Sang Li, your surname will not be Sang from now on. I, Sang Yuecheng, did not have a daughter like you! After that day, she really left and never returned to that home.Apart from that conversation three years ago, they haven't even met each other again. However, in front of her eyes, was this man, this man who could knock her several meters away with a single slap, was lying on the hospital bed at this moment, relying on oxygen tubes and infusions to maintain his life. This is really a contrast with strong irony. "Xiao Li, are you... okay?" After a long time, Sang Yuecheng finally spoke. Sang Li was stunned for a moment, as if he had worked hard to bring back his wandering thoughts.She didn't know how to answer him—is she okay? She is still alive, it seems that as long as she is alive, she is already fine. However, she is no longer the same as she used to be... In the silence, it was Nanyang who broke the awkward atmosphere before him and introduced Ma Yu to Sang Yuecheng: "Uncle, this is Mr. Ma. He is Xiaoli's neighbor and takes good care of him." Ma Yu stood in front and greeted respectfully: "Hi, uncle, my name is Ma Yu." "He is my fiancé—" Sang Li suddenly broke the quiet air in front of him, and declared expressionlessly. Nan Yang gasped. Sang Yuecheng's originally weak eyes seemed to become sharp in an instant. He fixed his eyes on Ma Yu, as if he wanted to see his heart. He tried his best to cheer up and asked Ma Yu, "What are you doing...?" Ma Yu remained calm and replied respectfully, "Uncle, I'm starting a small company by myself, mainly doing some cultural projects." "Small company?" Sang Yuecheng looked at Ma Yu in disbelief. "Ah?" Ma Yu looked at Sang Yuecheng, a little puzzled why he was only interested in the size of the company, but he still told the truth, "I used to study in Germany, and it was only four or five years since I returned to China. It is a cultural project, so the company is not large.” Sang Yuecheng looked at Sang Li in confusion, but didn't speak.Sang Li sneered, and said, "Dad, are you weird? This time, I don't have a big money, but a small one, and the more I live, the more I go back, isn't it?" Sang Yuecheng didn't speak, but looked at Sang Li deeply.Nan Yang turned his head and scolded Sang Li: "Xiao Li, speak up!" Sang Li stopped talking. Perhaps because of talking too much, Sang Yuecheng finally lost his strength.He closed his eyes tiredly and stopped looking at the people around him.Under the light, he looked more haggard than when Sang Li first entered the door. Nan Yang gestured behind him, Ma Yu saw it, and said goodbye in a low voice: "Uncle, then we will come to see you tomorrow." As he spoke, he took Sang Li's hand and dragged her outside the door.After a while, Nan Yang also followed. In the quiet corridor, Nan Yang sighed and said to Sang Li: "Xiao Li, you go back first, I will guard here." He turned around and asked Ma Yu, "Mr. Ma, do you have a place to live?" Ma Yu nodded: "Call me Ma Yu. Don't worry, you booked a room at the Holiday Inn before coming here." He apologized a little: "I'm really sorry, we—can't help much." Nan Yang looked at Sang Li with a wry smile, and then looked back at Ma Yu: "It's okay, you're welcome, this is a problem left over from history, I just don't want Xiao Li to have any regrets, and I didn't expect her to be of any help." Sang Li looked up at Nan Yang, and said after a while: "Brother, my father will leave it to you, call me if you have anything to do." Nan Yang sighed deeply: "Xiaoli, isn't it good to let the past go? Why should the family be so stiff?" He stretched out his hands to rub the center of his brows, then looked up at Sang Li, with a tired and helpless tone, "I'm going abroad as a visiting scholar next month, so I can't take care of your dad for you anymore. If you're free, just stay with him." Sang Li looked out the window in silence, without saying a word, no one knew what she was thinking. The next day, when Sang Li appeared in the ward again, Sang Yuecheng still had that thoughtful expression. In the brightly lit ward, he looked at Sang Li and then at Ma Yu. He didn't speak, but sighed deeply. Sang Li was expressionless, just looking at his face, as if waiting for him to speak first. During the stalemate, Chang Qing walked in with a thermos bottle, Xu Shi suddenly saw so many people standing in the ward, she was still a little surprised, when she saw that it was Sang Li, she couldn't help but exclaimed: "Little Li! ?” Sang Li nodded slightly, and called dryly: "Aunt Chang." After a pause, she still looked at Sang Yuecheng and said, "Dad, we're leaving." Sang Yuecheng's eyes were complicated, and he wanted to say something, but he hesitated.It was Chang Qing who saw his thoughts and asked Sang Li with a smile: "Don't worry, why did you see me and leave?" She said so, and Sang Li had no choice but to answer: "No, Aunt Chang, don't get me wrong." Chang Qing glanced at Sang Li curiously, then at Ma Yu, and asked, "Xiao Li, why don't you introduce me?" Sang Li had no choice but to reach out and gesture twice: "Ma Yu, my neighbor—" Seeing Ma Yu staring at himself, he had no choice but to add: "My fiance." I thought in my heart, I really lifted a rock and shot myself in the foot. As expected, Chang Qing's attention was diverted. When she heard this sentence, she hurriedly put down the things in her hands, turned around and looked at Ma Yu seriously, and said with a smile, "You are really a good-looking talent. Is Mr. Ma? What can you do?" Ma Yu replied respectfully: "I open a cultural company, mainly doing some exhibitions and art performances." "Oh," Chang Qing nodded, and asked Ma Yu with a smile, "Where is Mr. Ma's house? Who else is there?" Ma Yu looked at Sangli, and answered Chang Qing with a smile: "Auntie, you should call me Ma Yu. My parents passed away early, and now I live with my daughter. I have been divorced, and my daughter is four years old." There was a brief silence in the air, Chang Qing looked back at Sang Yuecheng, but couldn't see any special expression on his face, so he could only break the deadlock with a smile: "Then your daughter must be very cute, if you have a chance, bring her back for a reunion." Ma Yu nodded, smiled and replied, "Okay, thank you, Auntie." Chang Qing smiled again, turned to Sang Li and asked, "Xiao Li, you didn't tell us how you've been living these past few years, and what work do you do now?" Sang Li smiled slightly: "I don't have a job, Aunt Chang." Ma Yu looked at Sang Li puzzled, as if she didn't understand why she wanted to hide her business.But before he could speak, Nan Yang, who had been standing silently by the side, had already asked, "Xiao Li, didn't you open a coffee shop? How is the business?" Sang Li glared at Nan Yang, and replied perfunctorily, "It's okay." Chang Qing couldn't help laughing: "Xiao Li, you are still like a child." "You didn't like to tell us about you when you were a kid, and you still do," she said, filling a bowl with porridge. She looked at Sang Li with a smile: "Yesterday I was still telling Nan Yang that I haven't seen you for several years, I don't know what's going on with you, but I didn't expect to see you today." She sighed with emotion: "Time flies so fast, you and Miaomiao have grown up in a blink of an eye." Hearing her mention Tian Miao, Sang Li felt a little bitter in his heart.She hesitated, but still asked, "Where is Tian Miao now?" Chang Qing seemed a little surprised that she was interested in Tian Miao's whereabouts, so she sighed and replied, "Miaomiao is not a sure-fire kid. After graduating from university, he changed jobs everywhere, and now he works as an interpreter in a company." At this time, footsteps were heard in the corridor, Nan Yang looked up, and said to Sang Yuecheng, "Uncle, the doctor is here for rounds." Sang Yuecheng didn't speak, but nodded wearily. Sang Li saw it and hurriedly said to Chang Qing: "Aunt Chang, let's go first, and come back later...." She seemed to be ruthless before she made the promise of "come back again". Chang Qing nodded, looked at Sang Yuecheng, and told Nan Yang helplessly: "Yang Yang, please help me guard it, I will send Xiaoli off." .” Seeing Nan Yang nodding, she turned around and sent Sang Li out. From the beginning to the end, Sang Yuecheng did not speak, and before Sang Li left, he did not look back at his father again. Nan Yang noticed that Sang Yuecheng's gaze had been watching Sang Li go out, so he could only sigh quietly in his heart. Standing at the entrance of the hospital, Chang Qing held Sang Li's hand—June Tian, ​​but Sang Li's hand was still so cold. Under the scorching sun, Chang Qing's expression hesitated, looked at Ma Yu, and asked, "Xiao Li, is your health better?" Sang Li was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.Ma Yu looked at Sang Li in confusion, but didn't say anything. Chang Qing sighed softly: "Xiao Li, there are no parents who don't love their children. Your father may be a little strict with you, but you also know that he has that kind of temper." Sang Li said "hmm" without answering. Chang Qing hesitated, and finally said: "Actually, he won't live long, maybe a year, maybe half a year..." Ma Yu gasped. He turned to look at Sang Li, but found that she had no expression at all. Chang Qing looked at their appearance, and smiled wryly: "Xiao Li, do you still hate him? In fact, your father has always missed you, and sometimes he would ask me, saying, 'If one day I'm gone, go down and see Xiaofei, do you think she will blame me for treating Xiaoli badly?" Chang Qing sighed: "Xiao Li, I beg you, Auntie, please reconcile." Sang Li lowered her head and did not speak. After a long time, when everyone was about to be overwhelmed by the dull air, she heard her say in a low voice: "It's too late, auntie." She raised her head, her eyes were cold: "I came back this time to find a chance to repay him for raising me for eighteen years. But I'm really sorry, Auntie. I didn't think I could give him anything back except money." She looked at Chang Qing, and said slowly: "Just now, I have paid the hospital fee in advance, the amount is enough for him to be treated here for a year or even longer." "Xiao Li, you—" Chang Qing was a little anxious, "He is your father after all, how can you say that?" After hearing this, Sang Li suddenly laughed.Her smile, so bleak, so sad. At this time, the wind blew over, carrying the heat of June, but it suddenly made Chang Qing shiver in astonishment.Ma Yu also stared wide-eyed, looking at Sang Li in surprise, seeing her smile gradually turn into a gorgeous and strange flower like a poppy. She stared into Chang Qing's eyes, her voice was cold, and her smile was hopeless. She said: "Auntie, three years ago, I almost didn't live long. It was also at that time that Sang Yuecheng told me that he said that Sang Li was your own fault. My blood. After hearing this sentence, all thoughts are lost and I want to die." She paused, and said coldly again: "You know, auntie, no one knows who my father is. I, as a person, represent a humiliating secret, my mother's humiliation, and Sang Yuecheng's secret .” On a June day, the sea-salty air outside the window was still filled with the sweet and greasy aroma of hibiscus. Ma Yu, Chang Qing, and even Nan Yang who had just walked out of the ward looked at her with great shock and amazement. And she looked into Chang Qing's eyes, and spoke slowly and clearly: "Auntie, in the past twenty-eight years, it is estimated that only the household registration book can show our father-daughter relationship. It's not that you haven't seen it, I have grown up so much, okay That part is what I worked hard for, and the bad part is what I deserve. Although he is my father, none of this has anything to do with him." In the humid air, she turned her head, bit her lips tightly, and looked out the window motionlessly. In the reflection of the glass, the 28-year-old Sang Li is still very beautiful. But she knew that after nine years, she had changed so much. The turning point in Sangli's life began in the summer vacation of her freshman year. At that time, according to the usual practice, Sang Li still did not go home. But the dormitory was a busy scene—the girls were happily packing their bags and looking forward to the upcoming summer vacation. Gu Xiaoying has always been a good baby, and loves her family very much.There are so many exam subjects in the management department, and she still has the strength to call after 12 days of exams: "Mom! I'm going home at last! I want to eat braised pork! I want to eat sweet and sour fish! Mom, let dad do it!" Wait for me with delicious food!" Mu Xin, on the other hand, packed his luggage unhurriedly, and prepared to go to Xidi and Hongcun to sketch with a group of people from his department and the art department.It seems that her daily task is to study the weather forecast in Anhui, and she also struggles to figure out how many things she needs to take away, and how many things she might bring back later... Cai Xiang is a local with a very good family background.Before the summer vacation started, her father contacted the provincial TV station for her summer internship.She is madly infatuated with a host of the TV station, cheering and imagining the great prospect of being able to work with her idol on the same stage every day, and spends the rest of her time with Mu Xin researching what is delicious, useful, and fun in southern Anhui . Just by chance, when Gu Xiaoying was packing her luggage, she asked Sang Li curiously: "Sang Li, you don't seem to go home often?" Sang Li looked up calmly and smiled: "If you have time, it's better to hurry up and earn tuition fees." Gu Xiaoying sighed: "If my mother had such a sensible daughter as you, she would definitely be moved to tears. Last time she called, she said that every time I go home, I feel like a ghost entering the village." Mu Xin also smiled: "Yeah, every time my dad misses me, if I'm embarrassed to say it directly, he will say, 'Girl, hurry up and go home, your mother made you braised pork, and you can take some back to school when you are full. Keep eating', like I'm a beggar." Gu Xiaoying grinned: "You can be content, my mother said, including laundry detergent, soap, and sanitary napkins, there is nothing her daughter doesn't want, and even the devil's sweep is not as cold as I am." Mu Xin gave him a big laugh with sympathy. Sang Li was still smiling, and while preparing the score, he suddenly remembered: Has Tian Miao finished the college entrance examination?Has she been admitted to the University of Foreign Languages?One day in the future, she will go to college, will she be as eager as Gu Xiaoying to go home to find her mother during the summer vacation? In fact, only she knew that she worked so hard to earn tuition fees and take advantage of every opportunity to work part-time, just to gradually break away from that family. In fact, there is no deep-rooted hatred, but likewise, there is no reluctant nostalgia. That home, to her, may be just an address on the freshman student card, marking where she came from, but she is also destined not to go back there again. This year, she only stayed at home for three days on New Year's Eve, first day, and second day.And during these three days, at least two and a half days I stayed at Nanyang's house, listening to him talk about the scenery of Shanghai. Sang Yuecheng had no objection to this, and Tian Miao couldn't wish for it. Only Chang Qing had complained several times before and after, saying that Xiaoli, you never go home... "Home"? Sang Li smiled lonely, picked up a powder puff, faced the mirror, and pressed it lightly on her cheek. The girl in the mirror had cold eyes and a lonely expression. In the evening, Shen Jie's car came to pick up Sangli to attend a dinner together. In fact, at the beginning, Sang Li refused such company. What are you?A secretary is not a secretary, an assistant is not an assistant, a girlfriend is not a girlfriend... She asked like this, but Shen Jie raised his eyebrows and smiled: "Assistant is a good name, so let me introduce you as my assistant." Sang Li glared at him: "Any fool can see that you are abducting and trafficking young girls!" Shen Jie laughed out loud. In fact, Sang Li also knew in his heart that with makeup on, he was a little less childish, and the 31-year-old Shen Jie looked much younger than his actual age.When the two walked together, Sang Li himself had to admit: at least it looked right. It's just that this matter is inconsistent with the situation and reason, and she still feels that she cannot agree. In the end, Shen Jie persuaded her: "Sang Li, you can't always treat yourself as a child. University is already a small society, and there is nothing wrong with going out to see the world. Besides, there is a record company's employee who will have dinner together tonight." Boss, you don't want to make your own records?" The moment he heard the word "record", Sang Li's eyes couldn't help but light up. Shen Jie grasped it, and added a few more words: "You don't have to worry too much, I am willing to help you only because you sing "Lullaby" very much like my mother, so, in my eyes, you are like a younger sister Same. It’s not too much to help a fateful sister, right?” This reason was really strong enough—at least at that time, Sang Li, who was already tempted, accepted Shen Jie's explanation with a clear conscience.She even gave Shen Jie an extremely sweet and sincere smile, as well as a heartfelt "thank you". Hearing this "thank you", Shen Jie smiled and stretched out his right arm to her.Sang Li was taken aback for a moment, and quickly suppressed the embarrassment and discomfort in his heart, and stretched out his left hand to gently hold his arm. A waiter in front opened the door of the box attentively. The moment before entering the door, Sang Li raised his head subconsciously and saw the wooden nameplate above the box: Canghai Hall. Can the butterflies in this world fly across the sea? It is said that it is a dinner party. According to the customs of the Chinese people, it is better to call it a "banquet". Shen Jie had lived abroad, but when he came back to China to manage the hotel industry, he could not avoid doing things according to the Chinese rules—at the huge round table, everyone sat according to the rules, and after that, he continued to persuade, toast, and drink.The rules in this process are cumbersome and the seats are sensitive, but many things are indeed negotiated at the wine table.The local rule is "no feast without wine"—Shen Jie does as the Romans do, so he can only force himself to get used to it. However, Sang Li is not used to it. At that time, Sang Li was just a student, not to mention the red wine in front of her, she had never even touched beer.When the waiter came over to pour the wine, Sang Li's eyes widened in fright, and he hurriedly pulled Shen Jie's sleeve. The guests sitting around saw it, and just pursed their lips and smiled tacitly. In fact, the moment Sang Li and Shen Jie appeared at the entrance of the Canghai Hall, the guests who had already arrived couldn't help but be surprised. ! Taking a closer look at Sang Li, each sighed in their hearts: beautiful, beautiful...Such a beautiful little girl, Shen Jie really has the ability... However, they all exchanged polite greetings, and when Shen Jie introduced "Miss Sang, my assistant", they all pretended to greet "Miss Sang, hello"... Such politeness was heard in Sang Li's ears slightly. I felt a little uncomfortable, but I could only shake hands and answer one by one with a smile like a flower. Speaking of which, all of Sang Li's etiquette, common sense, and tricks in the wine market later were all thanks to Shen Jie.He is like the person who played the "growth game", little by little, he raised a little girl who knew nothing about social affairs into a long-sleeved dancer and a slick face.Of course, this is something. Sang Li will always remember that time—the day she drank alcohol for the first time.She tugged on Shen Jie's sleeve in panic, and Shen Jie nodded to the waiter with a smile, so the goblet in front of Sang Li was filled with a third cup of purple wine syrup. After the first hot dish is served, the host speaks first, basically to express his gratitude to Zhongyue Hotel for its long-term support, so the first glass of wine must be drank in one gulp.The moment he heard these words, Sang Li's face turned pale. Shen Jie saw it, and as the guest of honor, he was naturally qualified to speak, so he added: "Madam, please help yourself?" With a slight tone of asking for advice, he had already looked at the owner sitting on his left.The host smiled and said "Okay", but who knows that the guests didn't agree, they are all bosses from all walks of life, in their 30s and 40s, and they all said that the first cup must be appreciated by Miss Sang, so that everyone can enjoy it. drink. Such a stalemate puts Sangli in a dilemma. At the critical moment, Shen Jie came up with a compromise idea.He turned slightly sideways, looked at Sang Li and said with a smile: "Miss Sang drinks the first cup twice, and then you can do whatever you want, okay?" This time, although it was a question, it had an obvious tone of affirmation.But I didn't expect that the people present still refused to obey, pointing to the wine in their glasses one by one, saying that Miss Sang's wine is running out, and if she doesn't drink any more, she will lose face and so on. Sang Li raised his head, looked at the resplendent everything around him, and then at this completely strange environment and those completely strange people, finally gritted his teeth, picked up the wine glass, and drank it all in one gulp! "Okay!" There was enthusiastic applause from all around, and the executives who usually put on airs in their respective offices seemed to be full of energy and completely different from the previous gangsters at the wine table. But only Shen Jie remained calm, just lightly shook Sang Li's left hand under the wine table, and then ordered the waiter to bring Sang Li a cup of hot boiled water.Sang Li felt a little wronged in his heart, but when he looked into Shen Jie's eyes, he seemed to be apologetic, so he finally held back and didn't say anything, just ate the Buddha Jumping Wall in the small cup in front of him. The person sitting on Sangli's right that day happened to be Mr. Yu from the record company. When the dinner became more and more enthusiastic due to the burning of alcohol, he asked Sangli casually amidst the din of persuading him: "Miss Sang, listen to me." Mr. Shen said you want to make a record?" Sang Li's mind was filled with the burning sensation of alcohol burning, but fortunately he was not drunk yet, so he could hear the sound of the flames of joy burning in his heart. She blushed and answered with a smile: "Yes—" Before she could finish speaking, Shen Jie leaned over with a wine glass and interjected: "Mr. Yu, let Miss Sang sing for you some other day. This is a professional level. We can't even howl properly on weekdays." He smiled slightly, and when Sang Li turned around, he saw him looking at her with bright eyes.But looking deep into the depths of his eyes, he suddenly found that even after drinking, Shen Jie's eyes still had so much shrewdness and sharpness! Sang Li was taken aback for a moment, and couldn't help but want to shudder. Mr. Yu laughed loudly: "Mr. Shen, why don't we go to 'Golden and Brilliant' together later, and let those of us who are tone-deficient listen to Miss Sang's song." Jinbihuanghuang is the largest nightclub in this city, and sure enough, before he finished his words, the men at the wine table who were blushing from drinking immediately responded! Sang Li felt like sitting on pins and needles immediately. But in the next second, she heard the man beside her say, "Okay!" What? ! Sang Li stared at Shen Jie with wide eyes, as if he couldn't believe his ears. She thought he would protect her, so she came; she thought he would block the drink for her, so she drank the first glass; she thought he would help her refuse the invitation to go to that sensual place, so she didn't Reply…… However, after the first cup is finished, there will be a second cup, and after the banquet and entertainment, there will be follow-up projects, and yet he still agrees for her? What on earth did he take her for?Is it the hostess? Sang Li felt a burst of fire coming out quickly, she stood up abruptly, and stared at Shen Jie fiercely.Her movements were so big that she even alarmed a few people who were persuading them to drink.Immediately, the sights of the table gathered quickly! That night, Sang Li finally succeeded in bringing everyone's attention to him for the second time! But before she could speak, Shen Jie had already stood up, and without looking at the people around, she just gently moved Sangli's chair, put her left hand around her waist, and pointed at the door with her right hand: "The bathroom is over here." ,follow me." Then I looked around and smiled apologetically: "Sorry, let's excuse me first." After speaking, with a slight force on his hand, he took the stunned Sang Li away from the box. Along the way, he didn't speak, but walked her quickly through the long corridor until he walked to the spacious and quiet terrace. It wasn't until the moment the breeze was blowing that Sang Li came back to his senses and shook off Shen Jie's hand: "Why do you want me to go to that kind of place?" She looked at Shen Jie bitterly, her voice was full of grievances: "I shouldn't have believed you, I am not in the same world as you!" While talking like this, the drunkenness seemed to start to rise, and the stamina of dry red finally began to take effect. Sang Li felt his head began to dizzy, his feet began to feel a little light, and his eyes gradually began to blur. But he kept complaining: "Making a record is not selling yourself, why go to a nightclub! I won't go! I won't go! I won't go!" She raised her voice higher and higher, her eyes were fixed on Shen Jie, but her eyes gradually began to diverge. Shen Jie was startled, thinking badly, and hurriedly grabbed Sang Li's arm.Sang Li was still relatively clear in his head, knowing that he might be drunk, but he didn't want to vomit, he just wanted to find a place to lean against. A drunk person's actions are always ahead of his brain, so Sang Li leaned into Shen Jie's arms almost without thinking. Shen Jie hurriedly stretched out his arms to embrace her, and sighed helplessly. There was still noise coming and going in the hotel, but Shen Jie looked at the one in his arms, and started sniffling aggrievedly. "Shen Jie, you liar," she pinched his arm while sniffling, "Shen Jie, you big liar!" The little girl looked thin and thin, but unexpectedly she was quite strong.Shen Jie took a deep breath, and hastily squeezed Sang Li's wrist with the other hand. This time, he was finally sure—this little girl really doesn't hold a lot of alcohol. Although the state of drunkenness comes slowly, the destructive power is astonishing! As a result, thanks to Sang Li, Shen Jie was able to retreat early from the wine table that night. Before leaving, Mr. Yu said in surprise: "Ah, drunk? I thought Mr. Shen, you were outside to appease the beauty!" The others chattered and said with malicious smiles: "Mr. Shen, you must send him back safely!" Shen Jie reluctantly hugged Sang Li to the car, and apologized: "I'm really sorry everyone, I'll be the host another day, and make up for the wine that I didn't finish today." The others still laughed: "Okay, but we still have to bring Miss Sang, we haven't heard her sing yet." Shen Jie smiled and agreed while thinking to herself: I don't know what will happen to this matter today, so how dare I think about it next time? Driving along the way was also a bit embarrassing: sending her back to the apartment like this would affect her badly... But fortunately, it is already the summer vacation, and the check-up system in the student apartment is not as strict as usual, Shen Jie thought After thinking about it, I finally decided on a direction and headed straight for the southern mountainous area. In the early morning, Sang Li wakes up in the faint scent of flowers.When she opened her eyes and saw the scene in front of her, she almost choked her breath! It is a huanghuali trellis bed, with lotus-colored spun gauze hanging around it. When the early summer wind blows, it floats up gently, like a soft cloud.Pushing away the fine gauze, one can see two huanghuali armchairs on the side by the window, and a glass vase on a small table in the middle, with a few sprigs of bright and clean Magnolia in it.Against the wall is a huanghuali bookcase, and next to it is a huanghuali screen that separates the private bedroom from the outside living room...it is simply a huanghuali exhibition hall! Sang Li looked back in horror at the bed that seemed to still have his own body temperature, the light blue quilt on it gave off a soft shimmer in the morning light - where is this? It's not like a hotel... that is, Shen Jie's house? ! Just when I felt goosebumps all over my body, a voice sounded from outside the screen at the right time: "Sang Li, get up!" It was an orderly tone, but there was no trace of pity or guilt? Sang Li was furious and shouted, "Shen Jie, come out!" Shen Jie, who was standing outside the screen, was taken aback: It was early in the morning, did the little girl eat gunpowder? Turning out from behind the screen hastily, seeing Sang Li's angry expression, Shen Jie knew it, and said calmly, "Hurry up and wash up, and eat." Sang Li recalled what happened last night, and his eyes turned red with anger: "You liar, I only agreed to go out with you after I took the wrong medicine, and you're just trying to hurt me! You made me drink, and you wanted me to accompany them to the nightclub! I think you are so much older than me, and I trust you as an uncle or a brother, but you actually betrayed me!" The voice began to choke: "Shen Jie, why are you doing this! I'm a child from a small family. I haven't attended any big occasions, and you don't have to provoke me like this. Embarrass me... woo woo woo..." Finally, he couldn't help crying, and the grievances and unwillingness to vent out after a night's delay poured out, even Shen Jie, who had seen countless people, was a little dazed. However, Shen Jie soon realized that he walked forward quickly, holding a wet towel in his hand, and said helplessly while wiping Sang Li's tears, "I knew I could use this." He patted Sangli on the shoulder lightly, and explained in a good voice: "Sangli, you reacted too violently, I'm sorry, I was wrong, I overlooked that this is your first time drinking alcohol, I'm sorry, please forgive me, okay?" it is good?" Like coaxing a child. Sang Li stared at him, his cheeks bulging, Shen Jie couldn't help laughing: "Sang Li, how old are you, why do you still look like a child." Sang Li grabbed the towel and wiped his face, choked up, "I didn't go back last night, so I don't know what they will say." Shen Jie smiled helplessly: "You said that there was a performance tonight, and it ended too late. I was afraid that the dormitory door would be locked, so I had to squeeze in the staff room of the hotel for the night. It's fine." Sang Li glared at Shen Jie again: "Why do you lie so frankly without even thinking about it?" Shen Jie sighed, grabbed Sang Li's wrist and walked out: "Let's go, go have breakfast first. You have to eat something, and then I will take you back to school." Sang Li broke free with his hand and gritted his teeth as he walked: "I don't want to see those people anymore, and I don't want to go to Zhongyue to sing anymore, can I pay now? I have done it for twelve days this month, and I can get How much will you pay?" Shen Jie paused, turned his head and frowned at Sang Li: "What did you say?" Sang Li was angry: "I don't want to work for you anymore." Shen Jie stopped suddenly, but Sang Li was not on guard and almost ran into him.She raised her head angrily, but saw Shen Jie's serious expression. He frowned and said earnestly: "Sang Li, it's my fault for not paying attention to the scale yesterday, but you're too arrogant when you say that?" He looked at Sang Li's shocked face: "You have always been a student. You have never been exposed to the outside world. You don't know what it's like to socialize. This is understandable. After all, no one is born to go out of society. .But when you meet something you don't like and say no to it, when will you grow up like this?" Sang Li was anxious: "When I grow up, do I want to socialize with these people? Then I would rather not grow up!" Shen Jie shook his head: "Of course it doesn't mean that you have to socialize when you grow up, but getting along with different people is one of the lessons you have to learn when you grow up. On what occasion and what kind of Although these are not the main criteria for judging a person, they do affect a person's life. Think about it, a person who doesn't know how to hide his sharpness and emotions, a person who acts faster than his brain and speaks without thinking Consequences, or a person who doesn't know how to figure out other people's intentions, take care of other people's feelings, and is always used to talking to himself... Such a person will definitely leave such and such problems when interacting with others, After a long time, will he still be recognized by his friends, or absorbed into a small circle that he frequents?" Sang Li was stunned. Shen Jie sighed: "Sang Li, there is a saying called 'four ounces to pull a thousand catties', do you know what it means?" Sang Li shook his head. Shen Jie looked into her eyes, with sincerity and a sense of teaching: "This sentence means that when you face some stressful things and occasions, you can't surface your true emotions on your face