Chapter 9 Chapter nine

Zhu Huaijing returned to Meici and immediately reported to Miao Ming's office.Miao Ming is revising some manuscript again.He took off his glasses, tilted the leather armchair, looked at Zhu Huaijing with a smile, and asked him to sit down.When Miao Ming's hands were idle, he put them on his lower abdomen.The fat right hand draws circles back and forth, like Tai Chi.Zhu Huaijing sat on the sofa diagonally across from the desk, looking up at Miao Ming.He felt that no matter how much Miao Ming smiled today, it always seemed condescending.He was just about to put Erlang's legs on, but seeing Miao Ming's Erlang's legs shaking freely, he didn't want to plunder his beauty, so he finally laid his legs flat and respectfully reported his trip to Jingdu.In front of Miao Ming, he is sometimes respectful and respectful, and sometimes careless.It's not that he is impermanent, it's just that he moves randomly according to the time and situation.

Knowing that Chen Xiangmei had finally agreed to be transferred to Meici, Miao Ming was very happy and said, "Comrade Huai Jing, you still have a way. Among the leaders of the prefectural committee and the administrative office, there are several people who have said that they want their wife to be transferred. I can’t do my wife’s work. Well, now that my wife is here, you don’t have to go to the cafeteria every day.” In fact, Zhu Huaijing has never been to the office cafeteria, and he must have a place to eat.But Miao Ming was willing to speak of him so plainly and honestly, so he was naturally very happy.

"Secretary Miao, I have to ask you for instructions on two things." Zhu Huaijing said, "My wife has been working in corporate finance and accounting for many years. Later, she had the opportunity to be transferred to the Municipal Finance Department. Because I went to work in the Finance Department, she didn't go. .Her personal opinion is that she should not break away from the old profession of accounting, and would like to arrange it in the regional finance bureau. I can't say anything about this matter, let the local government decide." Miao Ming pondered for a while, and immediately expressed his opinion, "Okay, my personal opinion is fine. What is your wife's level?"

Zhu Huaijing smiled and said, "Lesbian, what level is it? She has been a department-level cadre for many years." Miao Ming smiled and said: "You are in charge of cadres, don't say that I overstepped the authority. I have a suggestion. I will ask Commissioner Lu to unify my thoughts. After your wife comes over, I will arrange her to be the deputy director of the Finance Bureau. You are from the Finance Department. Yes, we mainly rely on your relationship to run the higher-level finance department in our region. It will be more convenient for your wife to take the burden and let her go to the Finance Department in the future. This is based on the overall situation of our region's work. Don't say I have selfishness! "

Zhu Huaijing hastily evaded: "Thank you Secretary Miao for your concern, but I'm afraid this arrangement is inappropriate. My little Chen has always been a professional cadre and has no leadership experience. Besides, she has arranged such an important position as soon as she is transferred. I am afraid that it will be difficult to convince the public. "Actually, he was more worried about having a hard time with Lu Tianyi.The last time we discussed Chen Dongsheng as deputy director of the Finance Bureau, it was not approved because Miao Ming disagreed and Zhu Huaijing was ambiguous.But now he wants to appoint his wife to this important position, which makes people look like a conspiracy.Zhu Huaijing already knew the special relationship between Chen Dongsheng and Lu Tianyi.

At this time, Miao Ming left the high leather armchair, sat on the sofa with Zhu Huaijing, and said, "It's not a problem, it's up to the prefectural committee to do the work." Miao Ming patted the back of Zhu Huaijing's hand lightly as he spoke. The back of Zhu Huaijing's hands itched slightly, feeling that Miao Ming's eyes were also meaningful.Zhu Huaijing knew that he was a key card in Meici's game, and both Miao Ming and Lu Tianyi wanted to catch him.If he sticks to Lu Tianyi, Miao Ming will leave the village soon.But Zhu Huaijing won't get any benefit, because there are still many people hiding behind Lu Tianyi who are ready to share the fat, and it's not his turn for Zhu Huaijing to have a share.And if he sits on the same bench with Miao Ming, maybe the game of cards will change, and even Lu Tianyi's camp will split.Balanced left and right, Zhu Huaijing would like Miao Ming to have the upper hand.Besides, he supports the work of the top leader and can be put on the table.However, Zhu Huaijing didn't want others to see his true attitude too clearly.Today, Miao Ming said that he wanted to promote Xiangmei almost without thinking. He was definitely not hasty, and there must be his intentions.

Zhu Huaijing knew it well, so he didn't want to show too much gratitude, and just said: "I'm afraid it will make your work more difficult for Secretary Miao!" Miao Ming still looked impartial and said: "Comrade Huai Jing, as I said, this is for the sake of regional work. We need the support of the Municipal Finance Bureau in many places! Just leave this matter alone. Tell me, what else?" thing?" Zhu Huaijing said: "Xiao Chen is used to living in the house over there, so she proposed to renovate the house here. I don't want to renovate, I'm too lazy to bother. But it doesn't make sense to her. She even said that the house is not renovated, so she just Come on. You see, women like to get angry about these little things. I have to promise her and make a simple decoration. I want to report this to you. "

Miao Ming said: "Huai Jing, I have always been very grateful to you for supporting my work. Leading comrades report important matters to the organization. There are requirements from above, but some comrades have not done enough. Like house decoration, who has reported to me? Huai Jing, You can just follow your wife. It’s enough to do something simple, for people like us, there is no need for people to gossip about these trivial matters. " "That's right, that's exactly what it means. According to me, it's enough to clean up the toilet." Zhu Huaijing said. "Okay, just do it a little bit." Miao Ming suddenly turned his head to look at Zhu Huaijing, his eyes were very focused, "Huaijing, Comrade Longan is so shameless that he wants to fight with Comrade Tianyi to the end. Last time we studied Comrade Long An's opinion is correct when you deal with it. Comrade Tianyi insists on his own opinion, and it's not good for me not to defend him. I'm thinking about the overall situation."

"Long An is making a lot of noise?" Zhu Huaijing asked. Miao Ming said: "You must be young and energetic. He said that he came up based on his professional ability and had no backing. This time he was killed because of this matter. Anyway, he didn't want to have any future, so he wanted to seek justice. He also said that that night Long An was not the only cadre above the county level who drove the bus to the nightclub, but other people had a strong relationship and settled it." Zhu Huaijing said: "I think what he said is probably the truth." Miao Ming said: "I think so. The problem is that the image of the prefectural committee and the administrative office has been damaged by his making such a fuss. He accused Comrade Tianyi of destroying public finances, and he even went to connect with each other. He sued Comrade Tianyi together. Some people dared not stand up, and some dared to stand up. Of course, the district court would not accept this case. Comrade Long An’s complaints were flying all over the sky. .You are not at home these few days, this matter is very mysterious in Meici!"

"What is Comrade Tianyi's attitude?" Zhu Huaijing asked. Miao Ming shook his head and said, "Isn't he scolding his mother and beating the table? He said that Longan, even if he is Monkey King, can't escape the palm of his Tathagata Buddha. Comrade Tianyi sometimes doesn't pay attention to the way he talks and does things." Zhu Huaijing also said: "Indeed. I just find it strange that Comrade Tianyi always keeps a baton in his car for what? No one goes into it. In fact, he is carrying a police weapon, which is illegal in itself. It is illegal to smash the car when he gets angry. How?"

Miao Ming said: "Comrade Tianyi is used to this kind of thing. The common people have simple feelings and applaud him. He smashed the car, and the common people looked at him to relieve their anger and said that Commissioner Lu is a very honest official. After this happened, I communicated with him individually. After a while, he said that he would try his best to pay attention in the future. It is not certain whether he really listened to my words. Comrade Tianyi is stubborn!" Both of them knew that this topic could not be discussed in depth, and it was inevitable to talk about human rights and wrongs.They couldn't find anything to say for a while, so they just sat there, smiled, and shook their heads.Miao Ming said that Huai Jing is fine, so let's sit down again.It seems that Miao Ming wants to chat, but he is a person who doesn't talk too much.Can't find a serious thing to say, just gossip, Miao Ming is stupid.It is said that those who are good at writing are always lacking in oral expression. Zhu Huaijing found a few gossips to say, seeing Miao Ming always humming, he got up and left.He returned to his office, and after a while he saw Shu Tian knocking on the door and coming in, and reported: "Secretary Zhu, I just answered a call. There was a person named Chen who said he was from Wu County. It happened to be me who answered the call." Zhu Huaijing knew that Chen Qingye must be here, so he asked, "Did he say something?" "He said he had arrived at Meiji, and asked if you were in the office today." Shu Tian replied. Zhu Huaijing said: "Understood. Xiao Shu, do a good job!" Shu Tian nodded gratefully and left.Zhu Huaijing hung up Chen Qingye's call, and it was indeed him.It turned out that Chen Qingye was really hot-tempered when he did things. As soon as Zhu Huaijing arrived at Meici, he arrived with the decoration team on his back.Chen Qingye repeatedly said on the phone that Secretary Zhu was too busy with work, so he didn't need to worry about their food and lodging. He just needed to meet up at night, go to the house and listen to what Secretary Zhu said about the decoration.Zhu Huaijing was indeed a bit busy today, he was away from home for several days, and had some things to deal with.He was not too polite, and made an appointment to contact again in the evening. Chen Qingye still has business to take care of, so it is impossible to always stay with Meici.But Zhu Huaijing didn't want to have contact with other people.After thinking about it, he thought of Shu Tian, ​​so he hung up the phone.Shu Tian never thought that Zhu Huaijing would hang up the phone to call him. He stuttered for a while, his tongue got stuck, and he couldn't even say how Secretary Zhu was.Putting down the phone, Zhu Huaijing couldn't help shaking his head.In fact, he understands the nervousness of young people very well, and he himself was so nervous.But today Shu Tian was nervous and didn't say that Secretary Zhu was good, which was just right.He thought that there must be other colleagues around Shu Tian. If they knew that a deputy secretary of the prefectural committee had something special about this newcomer Shu Tian, ​​it would not be appropriate. After a while, Shu Tian knocked on the door and came in.Zhu Huaijing only looked up at him, still reviewing the documents, and said, "Xiao Shu, how are you doing?" This question was asked without thinking, Shu Tian hesitated slightly, and said vaguely: "Okay... very good." Zhu Huaijing still didn't look up, and said: "Xiao Shu, you can come to my place at night, if I have something to trouble you." Shu Tian didn't know what to make of it, he said it's okay, it's not right to stand there and walk, it's not good to not go.Only then did Zhu Huaijing raise his head and said, "Xiao Shu, you can do your work. It's eight o'clock in the evening, just come here." In the evening, Zhu Huaijing had dinner with a director of the Organization Department of the Municipal Party Committee, and then ordered the comrades below to accompany the guests to play bowling.On the way back to Meiyuan by car, he vaguely saw two women and one man walking down the boulevard, who seemed to be Shu Tian and his two older sisters.A closer look, sure enough.The car was inconvenient to stop.He thought it must be because he didn't say what was going on, and Shu Tian didn't know what was going on, so he invited the two older sisters to come with him.He looked at his watch. It was twenty minutes to eight. Soon after arriving at No. 5 Meiyuan, Zhu Huaijing said to his secretary Zhao Yipu, "Xiao Zhao, you can also play bowling with them." Of course Zhao Yipu couldn't wish for it, so he hurriedly said, "Secretary Zhu, don't worry, I will entertain your guests well." Zhu Huaijing smiled and got out of the car.The directors who came down from the city should not be neglected, especially the people from the organization department, let them have a good time.But Zhu Huaijing himself was inconvenient to go to high-end entertainment venues due to his status, so he often had to push for meetings.In fact, the guests all knew in their hearts that Zhu Huaijing was mostly considering the influence, not necessarily the fact that there would be an opportunity.But they will still say that Secretary Zhu is too busy, you can take care of yourself and leave us alone.Fortunately, with Zhu Huaijing's secretary present, they would feel honored.Although the secretary is only a department-level cadre, she has a special status, and sometimes even represents the leader.What's more, when these directors want to help their relatives or friends to do something down there, they often do it through the secretary. Zhu Huaijing climbed upstairs, sweating slightly on his back.Liu Yun smiled and said hello, and hurriedly took his bag.Zhu Huaijing didn't thank her any more, and just followed Liu Yun to the room.Liu Yun opened the door, took the bag into the bedroom, and came out to make tea for him. "Does the air conditioner only need to look like this?" Liu Yun stretched out her hand to explore the air and looked around.She would do this every time she sent Zhu Huaijing into the house, meticulous and thoughtful.Zhu Huaijing said: "Xiao Liu, if you bring a few more teacups, I will have some friends." Liu Yun immediately took the teacups over and asked, "How many?" She lifted the lid of the teacup and prepared to put tea into it .Zhu Huaijing said, "I'll let them pour the tea by themselves. You can do your own work." Liu Yun stopped and said, "It's okay. Well, I'll come back when the guests come." Zhu Huaijing's back was wet, and he really wanted to take off his shirt, but Shutian and the others would be there soon, so it was inconvenient.Sure enough, the doorbell rang.Zhu Huaijing went to open the door in no hurry, first combed his hair, then raised his trousers belt, and straightened his shirt. Opening the door, it was Shu Yao who was facing him. "Secretary Zhu, hello!" Shu Yao tilted her head slightly, revealing her bright teeth. Zhu Huaijing hurriedly invited the three of them into the room, and said with a smile: "Shu Tian, ​​you are really, what are you two sisters doing?" Shu Chang smiled and said, "Secretary Zhu doesn't welcome me and Shu Yao?" Zhu Huaijing glanced at Shu Chang and said, "Why don't you welcome me? It's just that there is nothing important today. I invited someone to discuss the renovation of the house. I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of it. I want Shu Tian to help me contact the decorator at any time." Shu Yao said: "So my sister and I came at the right time. To decorate the house, you should listen to the opinions of the ladies. Especially you, Secretary Zhu, have so many important things to think about all day long, how can you have time to think about decoration?" About the house? There are a lot of details to think about when decorating a house, it’s very cumbersome!" Zhu Huaijing wanted to get up to pour tea, but Shu Chang rushed forward and said, "Let's do it ourselves."She first took Zhu Huaijing's cup, poured a cup of tea and brought it over, and poured a cup for each of her three siblings.Shu Chang handed tea back and forth for a few rounds, Zhu Huaijing's eyes couldn't help but follow her around.He was afraid that he would appear to lose his composure, so he kept saying sorry and asked you to do it yourself.Shu Chang just smiled lightly, saying that Secretary Zhu was too polite.The whole cutscene took less than half a minute, but without the dialogue between him and Shu Chang, it would be very embarrassing.Shu Chang looked extra plump and charming tonight, which made his chest feel empty.This is probably the reason why she is wearing a dark green cheongsam today.Liu Yun said he would come to make tea, but he didn't come. Both Shu Chang and Shu Tian laid their legs flat, their feet tucked under the sofa, looking at Zhu Huaijing and talking.But Shu Yao crossed her legs, her fingers clasped gracefully on her chest.She was wearing whitish denim shorts, with her legs folded together, the white was particularly eye-catching.Shu Yao looked plump and more vivid than on the TV screen.When she raised her hands to brush her hair, she felt that the tip of her nose and chin were slightly raised, and there was an indescribable smell. Shu Tian looks calm, but seems to be a little childish in his old age.This is probably because he brought his two sisters to the door tonight, which gave Zhu Huaijing such an impression.Zhu Huaijing wanted to talk to Shu Tian as much as possible, in order to see his talent, character and wit.And Shu Chang always took over the conversation lightly and said good things for his younger brother.Zhu Huaijing felt that Shu Chang was more like a mother in front of his younger brother. Not long after, the doorbell rang again.Several people rushed to open the door, only Shu Yao didn't get up.Finally Shu Tian rushed to open the door.It was Chen Qingye who came, and he smiled and called Secretary Zhu, hello.Zhu Huaijing asked Chen Qingye to sit down, and only introduced this as my friend, Mr. Chen, but did not introduce Shu Tian and the others to him.Shu Chang poured tea, Chen Qingye took it politely and said thank you.He only glanced at Shu Chang when he was picking up the tea, and he never dared to look at the two ladies again.Zhu Huaijing thought to himself, the two ladies must be too eye-catching, and Chen Qingye felt a little dazzled.The same is true for him when he first saw Shu Chang. Chen Qingye said: "Secretary Zhu, you don't have time to think about it too much. You just give an overview and leave the rest to me. Don't say I'm bragging, my decoration company is the best in Jingdu, please rest assured." After all, Chen Qingye took out a stack of photos from his briefcase, saying it was a model project of their company's decoration. Zhu Huaijing took the photos and looked at them one by one, only saying that they were too luxurious, too luxurious.But Chen Qingye said: "Secretary Zhu, there is a problem with the photographic effect of the photos. They look magnificent. In fact, the models I chose are relatively ordinary. I know that you have always been strict with yourself, and you dare not take those rich people The sample will be shown to you." Zhu Huaijing finally chose a relatively simple one, and said: "You can refer to this house. Decoration is not about piling up bills, as long as it is economical and practical. I don't have that much money to paste on the wall." Shu Yao reached out to ask for the photo, looked at it and said, "I also think this set is good. The furniture doesn't look complicated, and the whole line is simple and clear. But I think the style of the master bedroom is too cold, and it can be warmer and more romantic. The children's room should take care of age characteristics and not be too adult." Shu Chang came over to have a look, and said, "It feels good overall. We women stay in the kitchen every day, and we care about the kitchen the most. Everywhere in the kitchen must be thoughtful, reaching out for oil, raising your hand for salt, and convenient for cleaning. .” Shu Tian also took a look at the photos, and said: "Secretary Zhu should have a decent study. The study can be simpler, with two rows of large bookcases and a desk, but it must have a bookish atmosphere, and the light must be fully considered. You can also place a book A reclining chair, Secretary Zhu is very tired all day long, so he can lie down in the study and read a book when he comes back to rest his mind." Zhu Huaijing listened to everyone's opinions and just nodded.Chen Qingye said: "Everyone's opinions are very good. I still have detailed drawings here, and I can ask you to give your opinions. Do you want to ask the designer to produce a rendering of your house?" Zhu Huaijing said: "No need. You just need to clarify our opinions with the decorator. It's enough to get by. You don't need to worry too much. People, after all, it's just... three meals a day, night... this Just get some sleep. You don’t have to be too particular about it.” At first he thought of the old saying: three meals a day and one night at night, but as soon as the words came to his lips, he felt that this was a negative attitude towards life, not like a deputy to a district committee. What the secretary said, he temporarily changed his words.But he was afraid that Shu Tian, ​​who was learning Chinese, would laugh at him in his heart for his nondescript words, so he glanced at Shu Tian.Shu Tian didn't seem to care, he was still looking at the photo in his hand. Chen Qingye said with a smile: "Secretary Zhu is like this. He is too strict with himself. But the minimum living conditions are still required. Are there any requirements for the bathroom? I'm considering installing a bathtub. Chinese people don't pay much attention to the bathroom, which is actually very important Mile." "It's too extravagant to install a bathtub," Zhu Huaijing said. Chen Qingye smiled and said: "Secretary Zhu is really true, even the bathtub is considered a luxury by you. In fact, our Chinese people have used the bathtub for generations, but it is just a wooden basin. Now we just use it How can it be extravagant to replace wooden tubs with modern materials?" Zhu Huaijing laughed loudly, pointed at Chen Qingye and said, "Qingye, you just know how to joke." Zhu Huaijing's smile didn't make it clear, but he agreed.Chen Qingye stopped asking about the bathtub, and only said: "If Secretary Zhu is in time, people and horses can enter the venue tomorrow." "Tomorrow? I'm in a hurry. I haven't had time to look at the house yet. I don't know if there is anything to clean up. You also have to bring in materials. The day after tomorrow." Zhu Huaijing said. Chen Qingye said: "Then the day after tomorrow. I have brought some materials with me, mainly beech wood. I am afraid that there will be no good ones here in Meiji. Other wood and metal materials are no different from Jingjing." Zhu Huaijing said yes, then pointed to Shu Tian and said, "Qing Ye, this is Comrade Xiao Shu from our prefectural committee, please exchange phone numbers with him. I usually don't have much time to ask about things here. If you have anything to do, just talk to him." Let him get in touch." "All right, Secretary Zhu doesn't need to worry too much. Shall we go and see the house? I have a good idea." Chen Qingye said. Zhu Huaijing said yes, and took everyone out.Passing by the service desk, Liu Yun clasped her hands on her chest, bowed slightly and said, "Hello, Secretary Zhu, everyone." Zhu Huaijing nodded with a smile.Liu Yun's deportment and behavior just now are naturally in line with the service norms, but it made him feel a little strange. On the way, Shu Tian said: "Secretary Zhu, I went to Mashan to get materials, and I just came back today on the weekend. Afraid of delaying your business?" Without waiting for Zhu Huaijing to answer, Chen Qingye hurriedly said, "It's nothing to bother you, and there's nothing to bother you. Mashan is also nearby." Zhu Huaijing then said: "Yes, yes, it's fine. How does it feel to go to Mashan? Xiaoshu should strive for this kind of training opportunity more. Shao Yunhong is Meici's pen, you should learn more from him." Shu Tian said: "It feels good. Mashan does have a lot of new things that are worth summarizing seriously. Director Shao is very interesting, very dedicated, and has strict requirements for his work. But as long as he drinks a few glasses of wine, he is like a different person." .” "Really?" Zhu Huaijing said casually. Shu Tian said: "After he drinks a few glasses of wine, he will say that the agency's paperwork is worthless. But after sleeping, he is conscientious again." Take a shortcut from the plum garden, walk through a few corridors, and you will arrive at the dormitory area in just a few minutes on a cobbled path.The dormitories of prefectural committees are divided into north and south districts. The northern district is mostly the residences of the leaders of the prefectural committees and administrative offices, and the southern district is mostly the residences of cadres below the division level.Zhu Huaijing's dormitory is in a building in the North District.When I opened the door, I saw that it was empty and clean.Zhu Huaijing walked around the rooms with his hands behind his back, feeling good.Everyone also said it was good.On the balcony outside the bedroom, Shu Yao let out a wow, and said, "What a big balcony! It's a pity that it is so empty. It can be installed as a whole bathroom, and a set of fitness equipment can be placed. How about a piece of paper?" Recliners are fine too." Zhu Huaijing thought to himself, this Shu Yao is full of romance, only thinking about bathing and sleeping, so she couldn't help smiling at her, but what she said was the words of the elders: "You young people, always think about being comfortable!" Shu Yao became mischievous and said: "Secretary Zhu seems to be very old! You have to sleep even if you are old! Half of your life is spent in bed. If you don't make a good place to sleep, no matter how good your food is, you can play. No matter how good it is, the quality of life is not high.” Zhu Huaijing laughed even more, and said, "Look, I just said that you only know how to sleep comfortably, and then you talk about eating and playing, and you have a theory. You young people!" Shu Chang was busy smoothing things over for her younger sister, "Secretary Zhu, don't listen to her nonsense. She is a well-known workaholic in their station. When did she sleep well? It is impossible to go to bed after twelve o'clock every day, and she has been relying on her for a long time. Sleeping pills to fall asleep." Zhu Huaijing smiled and said: "I know, tease her. Shu Yao is actually quite right. The revolutionary leader said that those who can't take a break can't work. Shu Yao, you should pay attention to rest, young people are old It's insomnia, it's not good!" Shu Yao smiled shyly this time, and said, "Thank you, Secretary Zhu, for your concern!" Everyone joked about it, and Chen Qingye said: "It is really possible to install a whole bathroom on the balcony. Secretary Zhu, in fact, the newly built government-level cadre residences in the past two years have two bathrooms. Your house was built a few years ago. Right? It’s too late. I suggest, install a bathroom.” The bathroom is connected to the bedroom, thinking about it is emotional.Zhu Huaijing guessed that everyone present had thought of something, but it was just tacit understanding.In fact, just now when Chen Qingye said that Chinese people don't pay attention to bathrooms, Zhu Huaijing thought of foreign bathrooms.Westerners are very particular about bathrooms, because their bathrooms are usually also places where they have sex.He had longed for the bathroom on the side of the balcony, but he said, "I'm not busy, I'll think about it again." Chen Qingye said: "There is a ready-made water supply and drainage system here, which is very convenient for installing a bathroom." Zhu Huaijing just pretended not to hear, and said, "It's probably like this. Don't worry about working hard to clear your career." Chen Qingye saw that the matter was almost finished, so he left first.Zhu Huaijing and the others chatted a little more and went downstairs together.The three siblings asked Zhu Huaijing to go ahead, but he said that women come first.Zhu Huaijing reached out and pulled Shu Chang, asking her to go ahead.Shu Chang smiled, and walked in front side by side with Shu Yao.Zhu Huaijing intends to walk side by side with Shu Tian and talk, but Shu Tian appears humble and takes half a step behind.Zhu Huaijing talked and laughed with Shu Chang tonight, but they were so reserved when they were alone.