Chapter 6 5. The cold bank president
In the evening of that day, Wang Jingfang suddenly returned to No. 3 Jinyu Garden.He was wearing a beige wool trench coat with a black briefcase under his arm.Her hair was well blown, black and shiny; the leather shoes on her feet were also shiny and spotless.In Yu Xiaoman's view, he doesn't look like the host who came home after a day of work outside, but more like a big leader who came here to meet foreign guests or some noble guests.
When Wang Jingfang rang the doorbell, Yu Xiaoman was walking up the second floor with a large bowl of cabbage and pork stewed vermicelli, and a large plastic bag full of hot steamed buns on her arm.As soon as the doorbell rang, she stood on the stairs and asked loudly, "Who is it?" At that moment, the faces of several people flashed through her mind quickly: A Hui, Liu Liping, Teacher Tang, Wang Liang...she The person who most hoped to stand outside the door was Wang Liang, but it was Wang Jingfang who answered her with a dignified voice: "It's me."
Yu Xiaoman couldn't help shivering.But she still yelled out of the door in a hurry: "It's uncle. Wait a moment." Then, she went up to the second floor in three steps and two steps, went straight into her room, and stuffed the food into it. Under the bed, at the end, I adjusted the bed cover again, and when I saw that there were no flaws, I closed the door, and hurriedly ran downstairs to open the door lightly.
After Yu Xiaoman opened the door, perhaps because the door was opened late, Wang Jingfang walked in and looked her up and down suspiciously all the time.When Yu Xiaoman saw the well-dressed Wang Jingfang, she couldn't help but look a few more times in surprise.
Just like that, after the two of them looked at each other for a few minutes, Wang Jingfang still asked in a dignified tone, "What are you up to?"
Yu Xiaoman hurriedly replied: "Clean up the pots and pans in the kitchen."
Wang Jingfang quickly scanned the dimly lit living room, and turned on the light.Then, he paced slowly again, came to the sofa, took off his windbreaker, put it on the back of the sofa, and sat down slowly.
At this moment, the well-behaved Yu Xiaoman had already brought him a cup of boiled water and put it on the coffee table in front of him.The moment she poured boiled water in the kitchen, Yu Xiaoman hesitated whether to put some tea, but in order not to cause trouble, she dismissed the idea of making tea as soon as possible to get rid of this unexpected guest.
Wang Jingfang, who was sitting on the sofa, was still looking around, which made Yu Xiaoman, who was standing by the side, flustered.
"Have you had dinner yet?" After a while, Wang Jingfang looked away and asked Yu Xiaoman.
"Well, I ate it."
"She still eats hamburgers?"
"Well, a hamburger."
"How much can she eat every day now?"
"A dozen or so. Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less."
"How is she?"
"It's still the same."
"Are you hungry?"
"Call sometimes."
"In other respects, can she still go to the bathroom by herself?"
Yu Xiaoman decided to continue making up the lie: "She was crawling on the ground, and it was very difficult."
"Oh, tell me when she can't move anymore." Wang Jingfang kept asking every sentence like a doctor asking a doctor to auscultate a patient.
Listening to Wang Jingfang's almost indifferent words, beads of sweat gradually oozed from Yu Xiaoman's forehead.Although she answered Wang Jingfang's questions fluently, she was very scared in her heart, worried that if she said something wrong or missed a sentence, it would arouse Wang Jingfang's suspicion and even a reprimand.Until now, she still couldn't figure out whether Yao Xiuhua's husband wanted his wife to get better, or wanted his wife to die, or both, either get better soon or die sooner.But there is one thing she is clear in her heart, that is, she must accept the lesson from last time and cannot tell the truth about Yao Xiuhua's current situation.In fact, in her opinion, Yao Xiuhua, an obese patient who was declared an incurable disease, was getting better day by day. First, she spoke, saying that she was going home; then, Yu Xiaoman noticed that she had crawled into the corridor many times. , clutching the door frame of the bathroom, struggling to stand up.She stopped crying for a long time, and she ate very sparingly.Although the appetite is still much larger than that of ordinary people, it is no longer so voracious.What's more, in Yao Xiuhua's dead sheep eyes, there is a light that has never been seen before. When she is awake, those eyes will stare at the ceiling for a long time, and sometimes there will be sadness or joy in them. expression.She seemed to be remembering, but also seemed to be dreaming a very unrealistic but very beautiful daydream.These changes in her were obvious, and all of them were caught by Yu Xiaoman's eyes.It's a pity that Yu Xiaoman can't figure out whether this is "returning to the light" or really getting better day by day.Therefore, she dared not speak out these "illusions".She thought, if this is a struggle before death, then let her die on her own, and treat it as nothing; if Yao Xiuhua is really going to come back from the dead, then she should keep it a secret until Yao Xiuhua can really stand up On that day, she also gave her husband a surprise.
Because she told a lie, when Yu Xiaoman answered Wang Jingfang's question, she couldn't help lowering her head, her eyes only on her toes.At the beginning, she just felt nervous, but as Wang Jingfang pressed questions one after another, she couldn't stand it anymore, and her breathing became short of breath.
"Sit down!" Probably Wang Jingfang also saw her embarrassment, so he said in a commanding tone, and at the same time, raised his finger to the single sofa opposite.
Yu Xiaoman seemed to have heard the amnesty order.In any case, it is much easier to answer while sitting than standing.
"Do you think her illness is milder or more serious than before?" After Yu Xiaoman sat on the sofa, Wang Jingfang asked carefully.
"It's good and sometimes it's bad!" Yu Xiaoman breathed a sigh of relief, she was satisfied with her answer that she could advance or retreat.
Wang Jingfang gave a "hmm", picked up the water glass on the coffee table, and took a sip of water slowly.
While he was drinking water, Yu Xiaoman secretly glanced at him.In this face that seems to be wearing a mask, you can see nothing but indifference.As if he didn't have emotions and desires at all, all he could sense was coldness in everything in this world.This mask will not be joyful, sad, or tearful. Whether he is facing death or new life, his face will be as indifferent as a steel plate.Is this due to the patient's long-term drag, or is he a naturally cold-blooded animal?Is his face only for his family, or for the whole world?If he had faced his subordinates and the secretary who dealt with him every day in that big bank, how hard would it be for those people!Fortunately, he doesn't go home often, otherwise, Yu Xiaoman really doesn't know if she has the courage to face such a mask every day.
After Wang Jingfang finished drinking the water, he didn't put the cup on the tea table, but held it in his hand, lost in thought.When he was not speaking, the expression on his face made Yu Xiaoman even more timid.Sitting in the huge living room, she felt suffocated, as if the air was about to explode.She peeked at the TV set in the corner, maybe she would feel better if the TV was on at the moment.It's a pity that she didn't dare to say this idea.In order to ease the inexplicable tension, she said something out of words: "Uncle, do you think Auntie's illness will get better?"
"Well, I don't know." Wang Jingfang shook his head slightly.
"I will take good care of my aunt. When I was in my hometown, I heard people say that as long as you are sincere, miracles can happen." Yu Xiaoman said in a tentative tone.
Unexpectedly, Wang Jingfang raised his head and stared at her very disdainfully: "A miracle? I'm afraid this is a fantasy! Don't tell me you don't even know anything about medicine. No wonder Liu Liping said that she will send you to school in the future. It seems that you are really You should learn some cultural knowledge, otherwise, I’m afraid you’re not even qualified to be a nanny.” Wang Jingfang put the cup heavily on the coffee table, and continued to say in a reprimanding tone, “No matter what you do, you must pay attention to science. Good intentions are unacceptable, and they are also ignorant. Some diseases have been sentenced to death in medicine, such as cancer, such as AIDS..."
"But obesity is not cancer, and it's not AIDS." Yu Xiaoman was irritated by his teaching tone and mocking expression, so the side of her nature that was competitive and unwilling to be humiliated was exposed without any disguise.She interrupted Wang Jingfang unceremoniously, and hurriedly said, "I heard lectures on TV, and experts said that obesity can be cured."
"Hmph." Wang Jingfang sneered through his nose, "Did it say so on TV? Good, good! Then you can create a miracle for me to see."
"Of course! Miracles will definitely happen. Auntie's illness is much better..." Yu Xiaoman, who was eager to argue, really lost her head and said something that she regretted so much.But it was too late to make amends.
After hearing what she said, Wang Jingfang stood up abruptly: "Go! Come upstairs with me, and I want to see what kind of miracle you have created."
Yu Xiaoman really wanted to shout "no".Because she really didn't know if Yao Xiuhua was asleep or awake, or was "exercising" on the bathroom door frame in the corridor.Of course, if Yao Xiuhua is doing all these things, it just proves that she, Yu Xiaoman, has created a miracle.The bad thing is, just now she concealed the truth from Wang Jingfang and told a lie... Looking at the back of Wang Jingfang walking up the stairs step by step, and hearing the sound of Wang Jingfang's leather shoes stepping heavily on the stairs, Yu Xiaoman felt a burst of pain in front of her eyes. Hei, my heart is about to jump out.She stood in the living room blankly, feeling extremely depressed.At this moment, what she is worried about is not being fired, but that she is afraid of being charged with "cheating".In any case, Liu Liping and Wang Jingfang trusted her. They handed over the family and a patient to her. Her conscience would not allow her to lie.But... She had no way out, and she didn't have time to think about it.
At this time, Wang Jingfang had reached the stairs on the second floor.Yu Xiaoman gritted her teeth in despair, stomped her feet, and followed.
The corridor was dark and quiet, except for the slight creaking of the radiator.This made Yu Xiaoman, who was standing at the top of the stairs, breathe easier.At least, Wang Jingfang will not see Yao Xiuhua who is "exercising".
Wang Jingfang, who was walking in front, turned on the lights in the corridor.Under the faint light, the deathly silent corridor looked spacious and cold.
Wang Jingfang still walked in front, and Yu Xiaoman followed behind him, approaching Yao Xiuhua's room step by step.
At the door of Yao Xiuhua's room, Wang Jingfang stopped, turned around and said to Xiaoman, "She is sleeping."
Sure enough, Yu Xiaoman also heard loud snoring.
"Don't you want to see her?" At this moment, Yu Xiaoman regained her spirits, took a bold step forward, and pushed open the closed door with a provocative meaning.
"Don't turn on the light, let her sleep!" Wang Jingfang said in a low voice, and for the first time there was no majesty in his voice.
"I want you to see that she is indeed much better." Yu Xiaoman said in a vengeful tone, reaching out to turn on the light.
"Stop messing around. You will wake her up! I have already seen what she looks like." Wang Jingfang was a little angry.
Yu Xiaoman then withdrew her hand.Through the light coming in from the corridor, she saw Yao Xiuhua sleeping on her back on the bed, as if she was in a deep sleep, with a thick arm hanging on the edge of the bed, her mouth was wide open, and her fat chin trembled. With a trembling, saliva flowed down the corners of his mouth, and his throat was grunting like a pig from time to time.This sleeping position looked disgusting.
Yes.The miracle did not happen, Yao Xiuhua sleeping on the bed was still the obese patient, still the delirious woman.But for Xiao Man, this is also a miracle.Because, this time is usually the time when Yao Xiuhua is eating and drinking. If she can't fill her stomach, she won't sleep.
Thank goodness!Yu Xiaoman murmured in her heart.
"You did a good job!" Back on the first floor, Wang Jingfang said to Xiao Man while putting on the windbreaker and buttoning up the buttons of the windbreaker.
"But..." After hearing what he said, Yu Xiaoman pouted a little at a loss.From Wang Jingfang's cold tone, she couldn't figure out whether it was a compliment or a warning irony.
"I'll ask Liu Liping to give you a raise." Wang Jingfang added as he neatly tucked the briefcase under his arm.
Yu Xiaoman became more and more puzzled by Monk Zhang Er: "I have always followed what you and Sister Liu said." She said aggrievedly.
Wang Jingfang ignored her.He could see that Yu Xiaoman misunderstood what he meant, but he didn't intend to explain it clearly to her.Because, in his opinion, this innocent country girl standing in front of him may never understand his thoughts.Kindness, when you use it to treat a person who is also kind, two hearts can collide with sparks of wisdom; and when you mistakenly use it to measure a person with a dark heart, it becomes a synonym for stupidity.At this time, Yu Xiaoman became such a fool in Wang Jingfang's eyes.Although his masked face was still cold and expressionless, his heart was snickering triumphantly.Now, it doesn't matter to him whether his wife Yao Xiuhua died one day sooner or one day later. The important thing is that she can't stand up and walk around, and her mind can't be clear.As long as the woman was still lying on the bed, still crying out for hunger, and still falling asleep after eating, he had nothing to worry about.Even if she lives for ten thousand years, what does it matter?He won't let her drag her down for too long, one day, he will get rid of her, not to mention, this day is not too far away...
As if there was something urgent, Wang Jingfang woke up suddenly from his endless reverie, raised his wrist hastily, and looked at the big Roman watch shining with silver light: "I should go. Lock the door and watch TV!" "He looked at the anxious innocent lamb standing in front of him with a little pity, and there was even a hint of tenderness in his tone.
With a bang, the door was slammed shut.
Yu Xiaoman, who was standing in the middle of the room in a daze, realized that Wang Jingfang had left.Yu Xiaoman ran to the kitchen window, stood in the dark, and watched the movement outside the window.She saw Wang Jingfang walking in square steps towards the car parked in front of the lawn, saw him open the door, get into the driver's cab, the lights came on, and the car started...Yu Xiaoman kept watching Wang Jingfang drive out of Jinyu Garden Park hospital.The male owner of Jinyu Garden No. 3 disappeared again, but Yu Xiaoman was still restless.She couldn't figure out Wang Jingfang's thoughts, so she couldn't tell whether the man's words were true or false... She regretted that she contradicted him. Human character is so hard to change. Although it has fallen to this point, in her heart There is still a fire burning stubbornly in the bottom of my heart, unwilling to extinguish it.She can suffer any hardship, but she will not allow her heart to suffer a little bit of grievance, let alone those words that contain insults and sarcasm.She once warned herself to learn to be patient and endure.However, as soon as he encountered practical problems, his repressed personality immediately became public.Just like tonight, her original intention was to please the hostess, but unexpectedly, the result turned out to be like this - you did a good job - I will ask Liu Liping to give you a raise.What does this mean?Under the cover of that mask, she was caught in the clouds.If he was throwing a fit and talking irony, then tomorrow was the day she would be fired.In this cold weather, she will be kicked out of the house and live on the street...Suddenly, she felt an indescribable panic.The moment she climbed into the car from Huaishu Town, she had secretly decided to work hard in the city and earn a lot of money, but so far, half a year has passed, and she has not saved a thousand yuan in her hands, even This amount of money also included part of Yao Xiuhua's meal expenses.If she calculates the money she spent every weekend for Wang Liang's arrival, she has far exceeded her own nanny fee.She originally wanted to use this money to pay back the meal expenses owed to Yao Xiuhua, so as to obtain peace of mind and peace of mind.After Ah Hui made it clear about her "embezzlement" of meal expenses, she suddenly saw what kind of dangerous situation she was in, which was essentially an act of losing her mind.For a small profit, to deceive a person who has lost the right to speak in bed, her parents are poor, but they are not willing to do such outrageous things.If left unchecked, the consequences would be unimaginable.For this reason, she felt terrified.Although she was full of resentment towards Ah Hui at the time, thinking about it afterwards, wouldn't that be a reminder?These days, she worked hard to make up for the mistakes she made, and took care of Yao Xiuhua with all her heart.Wang Jingfang and Liu Liping may be dissatisfied with her, and they have the right to dismiss her, but she has a clear heart.What worried her most was money.In other words, if Liu Liping really kicked her out of her house tomorrow, she would not be able to afford a hotel, no matter how poor the conditions and how cheap the hotel was, she would not be able to afford it.Where can she go?Who will take her in?Wu Jing, Teacher Tang, Jiang Meiduo... She just knew these people, and they would never give her a place to stay.And before finding a new employer, she must have a place to live.Are you going back to Baiyun University?Looking for Wang Liang?But Wang Liang has not heard from him for a long time. Since he left that night with the sandstorm blowing, he seems to have disappeared on this earth, without any news...
"Dinglingling——" The phone rang suddenly in the living room, waking up Yu Xiaoman from the pain she couldn't extricate herself from.
She ran back to the living room, and as soon as she picked up the receiver, Ah Hui's crying voice came from inside: "Xiao Man, Xiao Man, come quickly! Come and save me..."
"Where are you?" Yu Xiaoman asked hurriedly, startled.
"I... I'm at the police station."
"You are not joking!" At this moment, Yu Xiaoman calmed down, she thought, this must be a prank by Ah Hui, maybe she is having fun on the phone!
"What time is it, I can still be joking! I... was brought in this afternoon..." Ah Hui burst into tears.
At this time, Yu Xiaoman heard a man's voice on the phone urging: "Hurry up, what's the use of crying!" Before she had time to ask, Ah Hui cried again and said, "Can you lend me five thousand dollars?" RMB? It’s a fine. They said that as long as I pay a fine of 10,000 RMB, I will be released immediately.”
"I..." Yu Xiaoman hesitated for a moment, she wanted to say that she only had 1,000 yuan in her hand, and this also included the meal expenses for herself and Yao Xiuhua.But when she thought that Ah Hui was pitifully waiting for her to help, she swallowed back the words that came to her lips.In a sense, they share a common fate, that is, as soon as they leave their master's house, they become wanderers with nothing in this city.At this time, Ah Hui, besides Yu Xiaoman, who else can she count on?Right now, Yu Xiaoman is still unable to figure out the reason why Ah Hui was imprisoned, but one thing is for sure, that is, Ah Hui dare not ask Liu Liping and Brother Qian for help, because once they know about it, she will be locked up. Get fired and be homeless tonight.
It didn't mean that Xiaoman answered, Ah Hui begged again: "Xiaoman, you must find a way to get 5,000 yuan! Otherwise, I will be locked up here tonight. I know you don't have that much money on hand You borrow from the people in the courtyard. Jinyu Garden is full of rich people. Even if you borrow 100,000 yuan from them, it won’t be too difficult. I will pay you back the money as soon as I go out tonight. It will be less."
"Okay, let me think of a way." Yu Xiaoman said awkwardly.
"Xiao Man, hurry up! No matter what method you use, you still have to borrow money. That person can ask for interest, as long as you can get the money tonight."
"Which police station do you want me to send the money to?" Yu Xiaoman asked.
"The Nantang Road Police Station is next to the Hongxing Auditorium. You go out and get on the No. 9 bus, take seven stops and get off at Nantang Road Station. Otherwise, you can take a taxi. The sooner the better, I will pay you for the taxi after I go out." The fare." Ah Hui said anxiously.
No need to ask, at this moment Ah Hui really wished that Yu Xiaoman would appear in front of her right away.However, Yu Xiaoman who put down the phone suddenly became helpless.Where is she going to get five thousand dollars!But she agreed to Ah Hui, and she couldn't let Ah Hui wait helplessly.Although she had never been locked up in a police station, she knew it was not a place for normal people.In that place, there is no personality and dignity to talk about, and what's more serious, you may even be beaten and scolded.She has seen this countless times on TV. No matter how capable a person is, once he is brought into the police station, there is no reason to talk about it. , or trying to resist, is a punch and kick.Ah Hui has been locked up for an entire afternoon, and I don't know if she has been beaten.
In fact, no need to ask, Yu Xiaoman also knows why Ah Hui was locked up.Since Ah Hui said that she "corrupted the meal expenses", she no longer used Yao Xiuhua's money.She didn't want to leave anything to Ah Hui.During this period, when Ah Hui came, she only served Ah Hui with boiled water, rice, and stir-fried cabbage.She told Ah Hui that she had borrowed Yao Xiuhua's meal expenses, but she would pay it off sooner or later.Ah Hui laughed at her cowardice, but she herself felt calmer all of a sudden.Just when she started to spend money carefully, Ah Hui suddenly became generous and brought her new snacks from time to time. Although the quantity is limited, it is very rare for the stingy Ah Hui .At that time, she guessed that Ah Hui probably made ill-gotten gains and had successfully obtained money from Brother Qian or Ma Yanfang, because Ah Hui had recently put on a pair of brand-name twill jeans and bought a pair of jeans. It's just Leiersdan's handbag, which is beige and has a prismatic shape, which is very unique.When Ah Hui showed it to her, she thought sadly that she might never be able to afford such a handbag in her whole life.Therefore, she is even more convinced that Ah Hui has successfully "blackmailed".However, Ah Hui kept silent about the "blackmail", as if she had never mentioned the large volume of poem manuscripts to Yu Xiaoman.But it's hard for her to hide her inner joy, and she can't help showing her victory to Yu Xiaoman.Of course, behind this self-satisfaction, she may also be secretly ashamed and worried about her behavior.If she didn't talk about it, Yu Xiaoman didn't ask.However, both of them knew where the money came from.Now, Ah Hui was suddenly taken to the police station and fined, which must be related to "blackmail".Although she had a hundred objections to Ah Hui's approach, it was too late to say anything at this point. The most important thing now was to find a way to borrow 10,000 yuan and bring Ah Hui out.Ah Hui has been locked up in the police station for an afternoon, and she cannot be allowed to spend the night in such a place no matter what.Besides, after a long time, Liu Liping will know that Ah Hui's situation will be even worse.
Yu Xiaoman knew that she couldn't delay any longer, and she had to get five thousand yuan as soon as possible.So, she dialed the phone number Teacher Tang left for her.
The phone rang twice before Mr. Tang's Mandarin words were heard: "This is President Wu's house, who are you?"
"Mr. Tang, it's me, I'm Yu Xiaoman." Yu Xiaoman said anxiously, but Teacher Tang was not infected by her anxiety, and still said unhurriedly: "Oh, it's Xiaoman Ah! Do you have any news about Wu Jing?"
"No. I always want to go to her place again when I have time, but I'm too busy recently. Do you have any news about her?" Although Yu Xiaoman was very anxious, she knew that if she wanted to borrow money, she had to be patient. Talk to Teacher Tang about Wu Jing.This may remind Mr. Tang to remember what he owed her and lend her the money.
"No. I went to Heping Road to see her a few times, but I stood across the road and looked out of the window at her house. I only saw her back. I didn't dare to knock on her door. I heard my voice. She won't open the door, I don't want to embarrass her, and I don't want her to embarrass me..." When Teacher Tang said this, her throat tightened a little.
Man then comforted her and said: "The house she lives in is in poor condition, and there is no heating. She will move back when the cold weather counts. Otherwise, how can I paint in such a cold room! "
"That's what you said. But what should I do now? I can't always hide it from her father, friends and acquaintances!"
"Wu Jing's father doesn't know that she has moved out?"
"President Wu is so busy all day long, why should he ask her about it!"
"You should tell Wu Jing's father. Maybe he has a way to let Wu Jing move back."
"I can't do that. I don't want him to be distracted by this and affect his work. Do you know how busy President Wu is? He has to manage a group of more than 10,000 people alone, as well as branches in China and foreign countries. The company, he is often too busy to go home at night... By the way, Xiaoman, someday when you are free, go to No. 5 Heping Road and help me send some money to Wu Jing. When she left home, she took about One or two thousand yuan. After such a long time, it should be almost enough. She has never been short of money since she was a child, and she has always spent money lavishly. When I was studying at school, I gave her a card every semester. A peony card worth 10,000 yuan, but after two or three months, she will call me and ask for money..."
Seeing Teacher Tang talking about money, Yu Xiaoman couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief. While agreeing to send money to Wu Jing, she brought the conversation to the topic: "Mr. Tang, I called you because I wanted to I beg you one thing, can you lend me five thousand dollars?"
After hearing Yu Xiaoman's words, Teacher Tang immediately became vigilant as if she had just woken up from a dream, and her speech speed couldn't help but speed up: "What are you borrowing so much money for?"
"I'm in a hurry. I have to get the money tonight. I can pay you back in the morning."
"What is your hurry?"
"It was to help a friend."
"What happened to your friend's house?"
"Can I not tell you why?"
"Ah... of course."
Speaking of this, it was like a string being played suddenly broke, and there was no sound on both sides of the phone.Teacher Tang was probably guessing the reason why Yu Xiaoman borrowed the money, while Yu Xiaoman was racking her brains to figure out how to get the money.
After the conversation was interrupted for a full two minutes, Yu Xiaoman spoke first: "Teacher Tang, can you lend me the money?"
"Xiao Man, it's not that I don't want to lend you money, but you really created a problem for me. You know, the salary President Wu earns every month is not enough for his seven aunts and eight aunts to share. As the saying goes Said, the tree is big and shady, and anyone who has some relatives and stories, who would not want to enjoy the shade under this big tree of President Wu! People are afraid of being famous and pigs are afraid of being strong! Even Grandma Wu Jing refuses to spare her relatives. Son, I come here every now and then to ask for money. Alas, I am really troubled by money. President Wu’s salary has been paid, and I am left with my own salary to support such a big family. Water bills, electricity bills, gas bills There is also an hourly labor fee, but I have to spend a penny in half. Normally, I only keep three to five hundred yuan a month for my household, and the rest is stored in the bank to give For Wu Jing to study abroad..."
Teacher Tang was still explaining something on the phone, but Yu Xiaoman had no time to listen anymore.She interrupted Teacher Tang, said "goodbye" hastily, and put down the phone.Yu Xiaoman stared blankly at the phone, not knowing who to call next.Now besides Liu Liping's phone number, only Wu Jing's is left in her hand.But it was obvious that Wu Jing couldn't afford so much money.Besides, even if Wu Jing had money, she might not be willing to lend it to her.Because she and Wu Jing have only met each other, and they don't know each other very well, so there is no friendship at all.
So, where would she go to borrow the five thousand dollars?
Yu Xiaoman raised her head worriedly, and looked at the square electronic watch hanging above the TV. On the large white dial, the black hour hand pointed to 8:40.She stared at the black pointer for a long time, watching it move forward rapidly, which made her seem to see Ah Hui's black eyes that were eager to see.Yes, in this city, no one can help Ah Hui, except her Yu Xiaoman.If she doesn't lend a helping hand, Ah Hui will be finished...
"I have to get the money before 9 o'clock. I have to send the money to the police station by 10 o'clock at the latest. I must get Ah Hui out, and I can't let her spend the night in that kind of place." Yu Xiaoman made a promise in her heart.
Yu Xiaoman almost ran to Villa No. 10.In this way, wearing an apron and slippers on her feet, she walked out of the house.She didn't have much time to waste, and at this last moment, she simply went all out, and she planned to have the cheek to ask for help from all the people she met until she got the money.She even thought of Sister Tian.She firmly believed that if Sister Tian had 5,000 yuan in her hand, she would definitely lend it to her.But she quickly dismissed the idea.Firstly, she didn't know where Sister Tian lived, and she didn't have the phone number of Sister Tian's home; secondly, she knew in her heart that Sister Tian didn't have five thousand yuan at all.Just a few days ago, Sister Tian told her that she wanted to buy an old computer for her son who was in middle school, but unfortunately she couldn't get enough of 2,000 yuan.Children are ignorant and don't know the difficulties of adults at all. They get angry every day about buying a computer and blame their parents for their incompetence.Sister Tian shed tears when she said this, "This child is only too old, so he doesn't look down on his parents. Sigh——"
People who are willing to help you have no money, and people who are rich are not willing to help you.Facing everything in front of him, Yu Xiaoman once again experienced the warmth and coldness of human feelings.But no matter what, in order to bring Ah Hui out tonight, she can only continue to try her luck.
In front of the gate of Villa No. 10, Yu Xiaoman rang the doorbell twice, then stood anxiously in the shadow of the corridor and waited.It was quiet inside and outside the building, and from the outside, the windows of the villa were not bright.If Jiang Meiduo is not at home, then there is no hope of borrowing money.
"Who is it?" Just when Xiaoman was disheartened, a soft and somewhat lazy voice came from the door.
"Jiang Meiduo! She's at home!" Yu Xiaoman yelled in her heart, as if a drowning man grabbed a life-saving straw. Who can say that this straw can't save lives?She was almost ecstatic.
"It's me! Jiang Meiduo, I'm Yu Xiaoman!" she said loudly.
"Oh, it's Xiaoman!" Jiang Meiduo said, the sound of unlocking came from the door.
The door opened, and a ray of light came from the living room.Jiang Meiduo, wearing a long pink silk nightgown and a large pink cashmere shawl, appeared at the door.She seemed to have taken a bath, and the bun that was usually coiled high on the top of her head was spread out, draped wetly on her shoulders, and there was still a faint sweet smell of shampoo.It made her look even more graceful and beautiful.Under the light, she who never wears makeup, her skin looks even more rosy, and her long black hair shines brightly.When she stretched out her left hand wearing a silver bracelet, and enthusiastically pulled Yu Xiaoman in who was standing dumbfounded by the door, Yu Xiaoman was shocked by her slender fingers again, she had never seen such beautiful fingers , thin, long, like sections of tender scallions, soft, delicate, smooth, and with a warm breath.
The living room was dimly lit, the music played low, and the scent of roses wafted in the air.
Yu Xiaoman, who walked in, looked down at the dark blue safflower Persian carpet in the living room, and at the fat plastic slippers on her feet, and couldn't help but stop at the edge of the corridor. "Go in and sit down!" Jiang Meiduo still said enthusiastically.
"No! I came to you to ask for your help—a favor." Yu Xiaoman stammered.At such a moment, in such an atmosphere, in front of this noble and beautiful woman like an angel, she was really embarrassed to talk about borrowing money, but she still had to get straight to the point.In her mind, the black hour hand on the electronic watch with a white chassis was spinning non-stop.The time left for her is indeed running out, even if it is a polite word, she has no time to say it.If Jiang Meiduo rejected her, what should she do next?She had no choice but to knock on the doors of those houses with lights on in Jinyu Villa one by one.Regardless of whether scolding or coldness awaited her at the door, she had to do it.
"Are you looking for my help?" Jiang Meiduo asked in surprise, and turned on the cloisonne carved wall lamp in the corridor.
When Yu Xiaoman looked at the noble and elegant Jiang Meiduo again under the dimly lit wall lamp, she became cowardly again.She felt like a dirty naked beggar standing there begging for mercy.Especially when she saw the big exclamation mark drawn on Jiang Meiduo's radiant face, her heart felt as uncomfortable as a needle prick.She seemed to be back in the classroom of Huaishu Town Middle School, as if she was standing in front of that red-nosed head teacher again... She didn't want to ask for a loan, her only thought was to run away immediately, only in this way could she keep some money for herself face.However, Yu Xiaoman, who was thinking like this in her heart, stood there without moving as if her feet had taken root.At this time, she heard Ah Hui shouting in her ear: "Help me! Help me, Xiaoman, you can't go, you can't go—"
Seeing that she hadn't spoken for a long time, Jiang Meiduo asked again: "What do you want me to do for you?"
“我——我想跟你借钱——五千块钱，行吗？就在今天晚上——现在——”于小蔓终于语无伦次地说了出来。说完这些话后，她就像一个犯了重罪的囚犯一样，低垂着脑袋，满脸通红地等待着法官宣布判决结果。
“是五千块钱吗？当然可以。”
“因为今晚我有急用。明天早晨我就可以还你，我保证！”尽管江梅朵什么也没说，什么也没问，但于小蔓还是喋喋不休地做着解释。
“你没必要急着还我。不就五千块钱嘛。你等着，我这就去给你取来。”江梅朵说着，就转身向卧室走去。
“我得救了！阿慧得救了！而拯救我们的人却是天使，真正的天使。”听着江梅朵穿的软底丝绸拖鞋踩在地毯上的嚓嚓声，于小蔓高兴得就差没喊出声来。
在城市的万家灯光变成一个个黑漆漆的洞穴时，南堂路派出所内却是灯火辉煌。这是一座新建的两层楼房，一楼是副食商店，二楼从副食商店的一侧另建了一个外楼梯，直通派出所办公室门口。
正像阿慧期待的那样，于小蔓是搭出租车到派出所的。尽管她很心疼那二十块钱的出租车费。但这座城市对她毕竟是陌生的，何况，夜晚的白云市，社会治安已糟糕到了极点，电视上经常有下夜班的女孩子被强奸或是抢劫的报道。因此，身上带着五千块钱的她，为了安全也为了节省时间，一走出金玉公寓门口，就拦了一辆出租车，坐在了驾驶室司机的旁边。不过，她开口说去南堂路派出所，却把开出租的司机师傅弄得丈二和尚摸不着头脑。这个二十多岁的小伙子愣是斜眼看了于小蔓半天。后来，还是忍不住了，问道：“你这么晚了，去派出所干什么？”
在陌生人面前，于小蔓倒是没什么可担心的了，于是，就说了实话：“我的一个亲戚给弄进去了，我得去把她领回来。”
小伙子一听有人进去了，立马来了兴致：“男的女的？”
"female."
“做三陪的？”
“你扯到哪去了？”于小蔓见司机光往歪地想，就生气地嘟着小嘴不吱声了。
可小伙子好奇心太重，出租车开出有两公里的当儿，他瞅瞅路上车辆不多，就掏出一支烟，点着了，一只手握着方向盘，另一只手拿着烟，边吸边又问道：“女的不是作三陪，能犯什么事？其实，你用不着遮遮掩掩的，这年头干什么也不丢人，给逮进局子也没什么了不起。我专开夜班车，什么稀奇古怪的事没见过。如今世道变了，不管你用什么手段，能弄到钱就是爷就是奶，没钱啊，走哪儿都受气，让人瞧不起。没听说吗，扫大街的进宾馆去找个人，让门童直接就给拦在门外，当成了叫花子，死活不让进；可那些吊膀子的'鸡呀鸭呀'全是大宾馆的坐上客。人家宾馆的保安和附近的派出所搞成了联防，专门保卫这伙人。你那小姊妹可能没什么靠山，要不，不会给逮进局子的。”
于小蔓见这司机越说越离谱，一下子变得恼怒起来，这一晚上心里窝着的火，全喷射了出来：“你闭嘴吧！你胡说什么呀？你把我们看成什么人了？你再胡说，我就下车了。”于小蔓声嘶力竭地嚷着，吓得小伙子直吐舌头。其实他也是随便说说，倒也没什么恶蒽。
小伙子见于小蔓真火了，又厉害得吓人。就猛吸几口烟，打开车窗，把烟蒂扔出窗外，专心开起车来。
出租车开到派出所门前，停了下来。于小蔓把二十块钱扔给小伙子，连声谢谢也没说，就气呼呼地下了车。气得那小伙子在她的身后直吹口哨。
于小蔓走上二楼，只见派出所的门大开着，里面有五六个民工模样的青年正两手抱头蹲在墙角，这些人全都灰头土脸的，目光呆滞，穿着破破烂烂的衣服和肮脏不堪的沾着泥水的鞋子，像是从建筑工地上直接给带来的。一个身穿警服的矮胖青年，严肃地站在一张办公桌的后面，生气地说着什么，虽然眼前的情景于小蔓在电视上见过多次，但面对如此真实的场景和人物，她还是感到了一种说不出的惶悚。她被吓坏了，两腿跟钉住了似的，怎么也迈不动了。就在于小蔓僵立在门口的当儿，一个女人哭哭啼啼地走上楼来。女人四十岁左右，头发被风吹得乱糟糟的，面庞黝黑，身上穿着一件过时的化纤料紫色茄克衫。女人走到派出所门口，朝里望了一眼，就又哭着走了进去。
于小蔓这才如梦初醒地跟在女人的身后走进了派出所。
正在说话的矮胖警察和蹲在地上的民工见有人进来，不由一齐扭过头，看着门口。
“又是你！”矮胖警察冲着哭啼的女人说。
女人便用力地吸着鼻涕说：“你把我的烤炉和三轮车还给我吧！我承认错了还不行吗？”
“不行！”矮胖警察说，“你的胆子也忒大了点，敢在大街上卖烤地瓜。”
“我不是故意的，我确实是不知道整顿市容的规定！”女人抹开了眼泪。
矮胖警察说：“你看我正忙着呢！今晚不解决你的问题。”
女人生怕把他惹火了，小心问道：“那我的事什么时候能解决啊？”
“你回家等着通知吧！”
女人的脸上露出茫然的神情走了。
矮胖警察回过头来走到躲在一角贴墙站的于小蔓跟前，问：“你有什么事吗？”
“我……我来接阿慧出去。”
“你是阿慧的什么人？”
“我……是她妹妹。”
"Did you bring the money?"
"Brought it."
于小蔓从裤袋里掏出一个信封，交到矮胖警察的手里。
矮胖警察从信封里抽出钱，走到办公桌前认真地数了起来。然后，他把钱又放回信封里，从腰间拽出一串钥匙，打开办公桌中间的一个抽屉，将信封放了进去，又锁上了。
“好啦，你可以把你姐姐带回去了。往后要多提醒着她点，规规矩矩老老实实地做人，别光想些歪门邪道。”矮胖警察跟于小蔓说这话时，因为于小蔓看起来还是个孩子，语气缓和多了。
大气不敢喘的于小蔓，此时只有点头的份儿了。
这当儿，蹲在地上的民工开始互相传递着眼色，脸上那惊恐的表情变得轻松了些。有两个胆大的，还抬起头，偷偷看了于小蔓一眼。
于小蔓很想知道他们做错了什么事，犯了什么王法，为什么给带到了这儿。但她得厉害，连动都不敢动一下，更别说随便问话了。
好在也就是三五分钟的工夫，矮胖警察就带着阿慧进来了。“小蔓！”阿慧见到于小蔓，就像是见到了久别的亲人，惊喜地喊了一声，便泣不成声了。
“你还哭什么！早知如此，何必当初呢？快跟你妹妹走吧！”矮胖警察劝告着阿慧说，“你可要记住了，回去以后要是再不老实，就不是这么处理了。”
阿慧只是抽泣着，什么也不说。
于小蔓这才大着胆子走到阿慧身边，拉起她的胳膊说：“别哭了，我们走吧！”
她们走到楼梯口的拐角处，见那个女人仍站在墙边哀哀地哭着，一边哭，一边嘴里还念叨着什么。
于小蔓情不自禁地停下脚步，走到女人面前劝说道：“阿姨，恐怕今晚你是要不回你的工具了。快回家吧，都快半夜了……”
“你是怎么回事？”阿慧也凑过来问。
女人努力止住哭，抬起泪眼望着于小蔓和阿慧说：“要不回烤炉和车子，我可怎么办啊！五口人五张嘴，全靠我卖烤地瓜养活啊！你俩说说，人不穷到这份儿上，谁大冷的天出来干这苦营生啊！成天担惊受怕的。这么大个城市，没我一个卖烤地瓜的呆的地方，工商赶，税务查，公安抓……唉，叫我们下岗的人怎么办啊……”女人说着，又哽咽起来。
“这么说是他们扣了你的烤炉和车子？”阿慧忿忿地问。
于小蔓赶紧回过头推了她一把：“别说了！”接着又扭过头对女人说，“阿姨，不管怎么样，你也得回家啊！天这么晚了，你一个人呆在外面，家里人多惦记你呀！”
女人大概也知道今晚是没指望了，便在于小蔓的劝说下，移动了脚步。不过，走下派出所的楼梯后，她又哭了。她说她很害怕回家，因为烤地瓜的工具全是从亲戚那里借钱买来的，回去怎么向丈夫交待啊。“自从厂子关门以后，他的脾气越来越坏，当年工伤残了一条腿，厂子倒闭，就这么给扔了出来。谁肯雇个瘸子做活。找不到活他就拿孩子老婆撒气，成天在外面喝得醉熏熏的，回到家里嘴里就骂骂咧咧的，横竖都不顺心，稍有一点事看不上眼，就摔盘子砸碗、打人……”
“那你还跟他在一块过呀？”阿慧打断女人的话说。
“我能怎么样呢？这能全怨他吗？才四十几岁的大男人，就没了工作，等着老婆卖烤地瓜养活他，他心里的滋味好受吗？有时，他把我逼急了，我也喊着要和他离婚，可还没等我喊第二声，公公、婆婆还有孩子，就哭成了一团——这一家子人，全指靠着我，你说我能一抬腿走人吗？”
“是呀，阿姨，你可真难啊！”于小蔓同情地叹了一口气。三个人边相互安慰着，边往车站走去。
路上，女人告诉她俩说，下岗前，她在地毯厂工作，十八岁那年进的厂。那时，工资虽然不算高，但手头紧巴着点，也够吃够用。重要的是心情舒畅，每天上班下班，骑车和同事们走在大街上，觉得很自豪，觉得这个工厂，这个城市是自己的。可后来，厂子和别的厂子合并了，成立了什么集团，就全变味了，也不知是怎么搞的，那厂子三变两变，就成了经理自家的了，一会儿搞竞争上岗，一会儿又是择优上岗。今天裁人，明天减员，裁来减去，最后，跟经理不沾亲带故的人，全没了饭碗。“你们说这合理吗？那厂子明明是我们大伙的，怎么就成了他自己的？他这个经理是竞争得来的吗？过去，我们总说外国的资本家怎么剥削工人，可人家那些资本家毕竟还有些资本在里面，哪像我们现在这些厂长经理，一毛不拔就把我们工人几十年的血汗给独吞了。我们工人沦落到我这份儿上，可厂长经理们坐着豪华轿车，怀里搂着小姐，吃饭进大饭店，休闲去歌舞厅。你们没听说吗，前几天公安在皇室歌舞厅抓赌，几十口子人，全是厂长经理，没收的赌资上千万。皇室的一个小姐一晚上都能挣到上千块钱——我想不通，真是想不通啊！一想起这些事，我心里就窝火，就觉得咽不下这口气，我甚至想到过死……”女人像是终于找到了倾诉的对象，嘴里滔滔不绝地说着，恨不能把自己长久以来憋在心里的愤懑和不解全对着这两个陌生的女孩子讲出来，她越说越气，嗓门也越大，及至后来，嗓子都有些沙哑了。
听着女人的倾诉，不知为什么，这使于小蔓突然想起了母亲，想起了母亲那让人心悸的死。她已很长时间不去想这些事了，母亲这个字眼几乎在她的心里快要被驱除掉了。她恨母亲，恨她的冷酷和绝情，为此，她曾以为这一生一世都不会原谅母亲。可现在，面对着另一个女人的窘境，她觉得心底的坚冰正在一点点融化。母亲最终选择了自杀的道路，也许，她的处境要比眼前这个女人难得多，无论怎么说，这个女人还有丈夫，还有爱她的公公婆婆和孩子。可母亲到死时，却是什么都没有了。包括惟一的亲人——女儿的爱，也被贫困给荡涤得一干二净。因此，面对着债主盈门，面对着槐树中学老师们的白眼和冷讽热嘲，尤其面对着女儿的不满和哀怨，无处可倾诉的她，只有一死了之。人是需要倾诉的，越是在痛苦无助的时候，越是需要把它说出来。无论你面对的是自己的亲人，还是陌生人，只要把痛苦讲了出来，痛苦也就减轻了一半。然而，于小蔓却没给母亲这样一个倾诉的机会，她从来不想知道母亲在想什么，母亲有些什么痛苦，她对母亲除了埋怨就是仇视。而刚强的母亲也从不向女儿低头请求给她一个倾诉的机会，假如她能像这个女人一样，把窝在心里的话全讲出来，不管是讲给女儿还是讲给集市上的陌生人听；假如于小蔓听了母亲的苦诉后，理解了母亲，宽容了母亲，从而和母亲一起去渡难关，那么，母亲还会去自杀吗……但让于小蔓至今无法理解的是，母亲为什么要那么狠心地毒死所有家养的牲畜。平时，她是爱它们的，爱它们甚至胜过了爱自己的女儿，因为是它们给了她一点还债的指望……她为什么要把它们带走呢？是因为爱吗？
于小蔓摇了摇头，重新把“母亲”这个字眼从自己的大脑中赶了出去。一想到那些躺在院中的牲畜，她的心就一抽一抽地疼。她不敢再想下去，她不敢面对那一幕惨烈的景象。因此，心底好容易开始融化的冰块，又开始凝成了冰疙瘩。
女人就这样一路走着，一路说着。她也不管身边的两个女孩是不是在听，只是自顾自地说下去。
而阿慧和于小蔓已好长时间不插话了，两人似乎对女人的话都有所触动，只是各自想着自己的心事。
但坐上口路末班车的女人在和她们分手时，还是一遍又一遍地说着感谢的话：“谢谢你们俩，谢谢你们俩听我唠叨了一路，我现在心里感觉轻松多了。”女人说。女人坐在车上，从车窗里向她俩招手。
The car drove away.她们谁也没有问彼此的姓名。从此，她们又成了陌路人？但她们都在心里为对方祝福着。
于小蔓和阿慧祝愿女人今晚不会挨丈夫的打，明天一大早能取回她的烤炉和车子；女人却在心里祝福她俩能快快乐乐地生活，能自己做自己的主人。
车站上只剩下于小蔓和阿慧两个人了。借着灯光，她们仔细地看了看站牌，见各自回家的末班车还有半个小时到点，这才放下心来。两人坐到候车棚的长椅上，紧靠在一起，说起悄悄话来。
“阿慧，这么晚了，你回去怎么对钱哥和刘姐说呢？”于小蔓不无担心地问。
阿慧一抿嘴，这表情也不知是出于无奈还是故作滑稽：“刚才我给你打电话之前，已偷偷地给钱哥打了个电话。我说我的一个安徽老乡病了，正在医院抢救，我得陪着她，也许要到很晚才能回去。我这个人没多少文化，干别的不行，就会编故事。”
阿慧笑了，于小蔓也忍不住笑出了声。
“对了，他们为什么把你关进去？”于小蔓看看周围没人，才小声问。
“为什么？还不是为那些诗。我拿着那些复印件去马艳芳家啦！头一回她挺客气，对我一口一个小妹妹喊着，倒茶让座的，还请我吃哈密瓜。一开始，她只是和我拉家常，拉钱哥家的事。到后来，她才含含糊糊地为自己辩护了几句，说那些诗稿是她写出来后，让钱哥帮助润色的，因为她是初次学着写诗，有些句子讲不通，钱哥就在原稿上改，改来改去，钱哥见原稿给改乱了，便重抄一份。不过，那些诗的确是她自己写的。这个马艳芳不知是说谎惯了，还是天生有应变能力，反正她看了我手中的那一叠子把柄，一点也不惊慌，就像她自己说的全是真的似的，操着个公鸭嗓子，一句接一句地解释着。她像是根本没把我手里的把柄放在眼里，我要离开时，她从钱包里抽出一沓钱给我，说是搭车的费用；又送给我一个镶钻石的戒指，不是为了和我交换那些诗稿的复印件，而是为了友情。她说钱哥和刘姐是她的朋友，而我是钱哥刘姐家的人，第一次登她的门，是稀客，所以，她一定要表示自己的心意。她还说她手里有的是钱，当年她丈夫在世时，一张画就能卖到两万块钱，所以，她从来不拿钱当回事儿。她最看重的是友情，因为友情是钱买不来的。她说我既伶俐又可爱，在钱哥家见到我的第一眼，她就喜欢上我了。她要我以后常去她家玩，做她的妹妹。”
“这个马艳芳不是挺好的一个人吗？”于小蔓说。
“可她是个大骗子！她骗了我。回来后，我拿着她给我的那个钻戒到美达珠宝店去鉴定，人家说那是个假的，在小摊上只卖五块钱。”
“兴许是别人骗了她呢？”
“你总把人往好里想。可这城里人真是太坏了。昨天下午，钱哥和刘姐都不在家，我瞅空拿着复印的诗稿和假钻戒去找她。我气坏了，一进门就告诉她，钻戒是假的。如果她说'怎么会是假的，我花了多少多少钱买的，这么说我也让人给骗了'，我就准备原谅她。谁知她竟变了脸，变成了一个泼皮模样的女人。她既不给我让座，也不给我倒茶，只是冷冷地看着我说，你还指望我送个真钻戒给你？你凭什么啊？就凭你会敲诈？于是，我便跟她吵了起来，我骂她是个地地道道的大骗子，把别人写的诗署上自己的名字，骗读者，甚至还骗来了一个二级作家的职称，真是天下最大的丑闻，连悼念自己丈夫的诗也敢造假，让别人代笔……我们争吵中间，她家的小保姆走进来，她朝小保姆指了指客厅里的电话，小保姆就到别的房间去了。但只过了有十几分钟，那个矮胖警察就来了——我这才明白自己是中了她的圈套。”
“不会吧，警察怎么会听她的？”
“她不是有钱吗？有钱使得鬼推磨呗！”
“你的意思是说，马艳芳给了矮胖警察一些钱，矮胖警察就成了她一伙的？不会那么容易吧！他们事先总得有些交情，要不，像你和我，犯了事儿，想拿钱通融，也不知道该塞给谁呀！”
“你说的也是。对了，你这么一说，让我想起来一件事。那个矮胖警察姓钱，我听见派出所有人喊他小钱，也有人喊他老钱。你说他会不会是钱哥家的亲戚？要真那样，我可就惨啦！”
“哪会这么巧！”尽管于小蔓心里也觉得有点不对头，但她还是安慰阿慧放宽心，“你不是说钱哥这人很善良吗？”
“可他和马艳芳的关系不一般啊！他要是像小狗一样躺在那女人的怀里，什么事还不得听人家的。”
“你别瞎说了，钱哥可是刘姐的丈夫呀。刘姐哪点不比马艳芳强。你不是说那女人又老又丑，还是公鸭嗓子吗？钱哥图她什么？”
“钱哥图她什么？图点安慰呗！你说对了，刘姐哪点都比马艳芳强，可刘姐是天上的月亮，恐怕钱哥是只能看，不能动的呀！”
"You're talking nonsense again!"
“我怎么是胡说呢？你不懂，小蔓，对男女之间的事你还太嫩。像钱哥这样的窝囊男人，刘姐是不会真心爱他的，别看有时他们也成双成对地在一起，那是为了做样子给别人看。一般女人是不会爱上钱哥这样的没血性的男人的。就是马艳芳和钱哥搅和在一起，也不是为了狗屁爱情，他们两个人是在互相利用。钱哥替马艳芳写一首诗，马艳芳就让钱哥躺在她怀里一回……”
“你别说了，这真让人恶心！”
“这是我亲眼看到的。就在我家楼上钱哥的书房里，马艳芳坐在长沙发上，钱哥就躺在她的怀里朗诵他替她写的诗。那会儿，我就手拿抹布，趴在门缝往里瞧。也许是做贼心虚的缘故，他们一直不敢大白天把门关紧，但也不敢大敞着门干这种事，所以，我便常常偷看。开始我以为钱哥是在读自己写的诗给马艳芳听，后来，当我发现了那些诗的底稿和发表在报纸上的署名后，才明白了这一对狗男女的肮脏关系。我发现这件肮脏事已经很久了。有一回，我还装作漫不经心的样子，把刘姐引到了楼上……这大概就是每次钱哥和刘姐吵架时，没有底气的原因。……好啦，我不说他们了。反正我今晚无论如何也得回那个家。”阿慧情不自禁地叹了口气。于小蔓见阿慧的情绪如此低落，就想再安慰她几句，可没等她说下去，末班车就开过来了……
午夜时分，于小蔓惊恐万分而又疲惫不堪地回到了金玉花园。下了9路公共汽车后，她几乎是一路小跑着往家里赶的。但就这样，走到路边一家店名上的日本料理的门口时，还是被一个讲着半生不熟的中国话的日本老头儿给拦住了。一开始，她还以为这个穿戴整齐的老头是问路的，就停住了脚。不料，那老头开口便称她小姐，问她想不想玩玩，并从衣袋里掏出钱包，朝她晃了晃，说“我这里钱大大的有”。那当儿，于小蔓的魂都要吓掉了，她朝那老头儿唾了一口，就发了疯般地夺路而逃。
当她打开3号楼的屋门，走进温暖的客厅，一屁股坐到沙发上时，那种有家的安全感让她差点哭出来。这使她霍地又记起了王景方临出门时说的那些话：“你干得不错——我会让刘丽萍给你加薪的。”她呆呆地瞅着静静地趴在茶几上的电话机，心里思忖着，不知自己走后，刘丽萍来过电话没有。
要不是窗外突然传来一阵发动汽车的声音，于小蔓还真不知道自己会在沙发上坐多久。
这个大院的夜晚要比白天吵得多，宁静的夜晚，开进开出的汽车的声音显得格外刺耳，于小蔓多次从梦中被这可恶的声音惊醒，于是，她也就多次躺在床上诅咒这些该死的开车人，多次漫无边际地猜测这些人深更半夜地开车进出，都干了些什么，是不是像电视上演的那样，有女人开车外出作三陪，也有男人开车把三陪女带回家的。反正深更半夜还如此精神的人，是不会干什么好事的。但猜测归猜测，于小蔓却一次也没有勇气从床上爬起来，到楼下厨房的窗前去看个究竟。这会儿，坐在沙发上愣神的她被这声音惊醒后，竟突发奇想，情不自禁地走近了厨房的窗前。
乍看上去，金玉花园的夜晚还是相当安静的。花坛、假山和草坪，都在沉睡，除草坪上有几盏幽暗的落地灯外，夜色一片灰蒙蒙的。
但于小蔓知道这只是一种假象，在这宁静的后面，却隐藏着许多不可告人的秘密。于是，她把脸贴在窗玻璃上，四下瞧着，想揭开这秘密的所在。
其实，并没用她费多少时间，那辆车就开过来了。是辆红色宝马车，是江梅朵的车，是于小蔓见过多次，熟悉得不能再熟悉的那辆车。
于小蔓惊讶得张大了嘴巴，她像是害怕江梅朵会发现自己，赶紧把贴在窗玻璃上的脑袋缩了回来。她站在黑暗中，心怦怦地跳个不停，她说不清是在为自己的偷窥害怕，还是为江梅朵担心。她只是觉得浑身颤栗不已，陷入了莫大的恐惧之中。
今晚，不，现在零点已过，应该说是昨晚了。昨晚她敲开江梅朵的门时，江梅朵身上穿着睡衣，刚刚洗过澡，分明是要睡下的样子。可才几个小时过去，她一个女人却在夜深人静时，开车出门了……难道她……田姐曾怀疑她是做“二奶”的，可于小蔓不相信，不相信这样一个十全十美的天使般的女人，会与那些龌龊事有染。可这么晚了，江梅朵会开车去哪儿呢？这可真奇怪啊，即使她是那种被男人包了二奶的女人，也不应该深更半夜地往外跑啊。她自己住着那么大的一幢别墅，她是自由的，她想让男人什么时候来都成，为什么还要在这种时候开车出门……于小蔓真的不敢往下想了。当她转过身，走出厨房时，不经意间一脚踩在了放锅的铁架上。她这才