Chapter 12 chapter eight

The donkey drivers in the West would hang a bunch of carrots in front of the eyes and on the lips of the donkey whenever the donkey refused to leave and the whip was useless.The stupid donkey thought that if he took a step forward, the carrot would reach his mouth, so he continued to move forward step by step. The more he wanted to bite his mouth, the more he would drive his feet, and he walked another stop unconsciously.At that time, whether it can eat this bunch of radishes depends on the donkey driver's happiness.In all institutions, superiors use this technique to control subordinates; for example, Gao Songnian allowed Hung-chien to be promoted to a professor in the next school year.Ever since Hsin-mei left, Hung-chien's eyes had been fed up with the carrot of upgrading, and his mouth suddenly lost his appetite. He thought of finding another way out after the summer vacation.He only planned to return the original when the engagement contract was delivered, and attach a letter to criticize the school administration. It would be regarded as a parting message to vent the anger of the past year.He hasn't decided on the wording of this letter in detail, because he doesn't know what kind of engagement contract the principal's office will give him.Sometimes he hoped that the appointment would still be an associate professor, so he could reply confidently and blame Gao Songnian for breaking his promise.Sometimes he would like to invite him to be promoted to professor, so that his letter can be more beautiful, expressing that his dissatisfaction is not out of personal grievances, but purely for business.Unexpectedly, Gao Songnian saved him the trouble of drafting and writing letters, and simply refused to send him an engagement offer.Ms. Sun has an engagement contract, and her salary has been raised by one level.Some people said that this was Gao Songnian's joke, and deliberately separated the two of them.Gao Songnian himself said that this was his impartial handling, and he would never burden his fiancée for the sake of his fiancé-"Don't say they are not married yet, even if they are married and have children, the husband's thinking has problems, and he can't 'crime and Wife and children', running higher education in the Republic of China in the twentieth century should have a democratic style." Knowing that Ms. Sun had received the appointment, Hung-chien inquired carefully about other colleagues, only to find that appointments for the next school year had generally been issued, and even Han Xueyu All foreign wives are among the respected hires, only I am like the tailless fox in Aesop's fables.It made his head hot and his body cold with anger.There is no need for the planned actions and words, and the boredom is fermenting in my heart.This is more unpleasant than when the student is familiar with the book and the exam is suddenly postponed.When Gao Songnian met, he always smiled happily, as if nothing had happened.People in administration have their ways of socializing.Between the two of us, any airs and bad tempers are fine; the closer the smile, the more thoughtful the politeness, the deeper the mutual suspicion or resentment.Gao Songnian's workmanship has not yet reached home, his smile and politeness are like antiques imitated by bad hands, full of flaws, and it is obvious at a glance that they are fake.Hung-chien wanted to question him several times, but held back again.In a quarrel, the one who speaks first may not have the upper hand, and the one who shuts up last is considered a victory.Gao Songnian remained expressionless, he must have been thinking about success, he provoked rashly, and if he couldn't come to the stage, he would laugh at him and make a scene. People always said that Fang's job was broken, and he became angry from embarrassment.Return him indifferently, saying that he doesn't care about his job, this is a good way to save face.What can't stand it is the attitude of those colleagues.They seemed to know that they were dismissed, but because this matter was not made public, their sympathy had to be wrapped in an envelope and presented in a secretive way.Often people who are usually estranged suddenly come to visit.He knew that they came to take a breather, so he didn't say a word, but the regret contained in their spirit and speech was always like the presents that Santa Claus put in the stocking, and he was willing to leave only after he gave them.This kind of sympathy is worse than laughing and scolding. When the guest turned his back, Hung-chien gritted his teeth and cursed both Chinese and Western: "To Hell, fuck you!"

Before the engagement, Sun Roujia often came to see Hung-chien; after the engagement, only Hung-chien went to see her, and she refused to come easily.At first Hung-chien thought she was just a girl, and he had to ask himself everything; after getting engaged, he gradually discovered that she was not only very independent, but also very strong.When she heard him say that he was going to withdraw the engagement contract, she didn't take it seriously, saying that it was not easy to find a job, unless he had other plans, don't show off for a while.Hung-chien asked, "Do you like staying here? Didn't you say you wanted to go home the moment you came?" She said, "It's different now. As long as the two of us are together, any place is fine." Hung-chien looked The fiancée has reason and emotion, so she is naturally happy, but she doesn't want to do what she says.He felt that even though he was engaged, he was still a stranger to her.He had no engagement experience in the past - the matter with the Zhou family didn't count - and he didn't know whether his emotions after engagement should be as flat as they are now.He explained to himself that the passionate love reached the climax of the engagement, and once the marriage is over, everything is over.Now that they are engaged, it is a good thing that there is still room for emotional development between each other.He remembered what the goatee philosopher said in a moral philosophy class in London: "There are only two kinds of people in the world. For example, if you get a bunch of grapes, one kind of people will eat the best ones first, and the other kind will eat the best ones first." As usual, the first type of person should be optimistic, because every grape he eats is the best of leftover grapes; the second type of person should be pessimistic, because every grape he eats is leftover grapes But in fact it is the opposite, because the second kind of people still have hope, and the first kind of people only have memories.” From falling in love to growing old together, like a bunch of grapes, there is always the best one, the best only One, keep it as hope, how much is good?He quickly told her these words, but she was silent.He talked to her, and she answered "uh", "oh".He asked her why she was unhappy, and she said she was not.He said, "You can't hide it from me." She said, "It's good that you know. I'm going back to the dormitory." Hung-chien said, "No, you can't leave until you make it clear." She said, "I just want to Let's go." Hung-chien coaxed her along the way, begging her, and she said, "The good grapes you hoped for are in the back, but we are bad grapes, don't spoil your appetite." He jumped anxiously, calling her nonsense.She said: "I knew you didn't really love me, otherwise you wouldn't have such bizarre thoughts." He explained carefully for a long time, her face calmed down, and she smiled sweetly: "I'm a stubborn person, In the future you hate—" Hung-chien kissed her, effectively truncating her sentence, and then said, "You are really sour grapes today." She forced Hung-chien to tell about his past love affairs.He refused to talk, unable to stand her repeated pressure, so he talked a little bit.She didn't think it was enough, Hung-chien revealed some more like a rich man who was tortured by robbers to confess his assets.She still didn't want to go into details, so she said, "You're so pissed off! Would I eat this kind of old vinegar? It sounds funny to me." Hung-chien saw that her cheeks were slightly flushed, and forced a smile on his lips, pleased with himself. Seeing the opportunity early, concealed a large part of the plot.She wanted to see the photos of Su Wenwan and Tang Xiaofu, and it was hard for her to believe that there were no photos of them in Hongjian's place. She said, "You kept a diary at that time. It must be very interesting. Did you keep it with you?" Shouted: "That's unreasonable! I'm not the writers and literati that Fan Yi knew. Why do I keep a diary when I'm in love? If you don't believe me, go to my bedroom and search." Miss Sun said: "Lower your voice, everyone can hear you. Now, if you have something to say, talk it out. I'm the only one! If you can bear your roughness, why don't you invite Miss Su and Miss Tang to try it out." Hung-chien was still angry, she looked at his face, and said with a smile: "Are you angry with me? Why are your eyes looking away? It's my fault, teasing you. Apologize! Apologize!"

So, after a month of engagement, Hung-chien seemed to have a mistress. Although he hadn't trained her to be tame, he admired her training skills very much.He remembered that Zhao Hsin-mei said that this girl was good and powerful, which was true.I am six years older than her, and have much more experience in the world. I am already a person of the previous generation. I only think that she is fun, and indulge her in everything, and don't care about her seriously.When the letter of appointment happened, Ms. Sun said generously: "Of course I will return my letter of appointment—but why don't you just ask Gao Songnian directly, maybe he accidentally missed one of you. If you are embarrassed, ask someone else to ask Just a little bit." Hung-chien didn't listen to her, and she later realized that the appointment letter was not inadvertently omitted, so she didn't force him.Hung-chien joked, "I will lose my job in the second half of the year, and we won't be able to get married. If you marry, I will starve." She said, "I didn't want you to support me. I went home to see my father and asked him to take care of you." Think of a way.” He suggested not to go home at all, but to go to Chongqing to find Zhao Xinmei—Xinmei joined the National Defense Commission, and wrote quite proudly, compared to the embarrassment when he left, he seemed to be a different person.Unexpectedly, she strongly objected, saying that Xinmei and he were just people of the same status, so it would be too embarrassing to ask him for a recommendation; Now, even the associate professor can't keep it, is the job recommended by Hsin-mei good?" Hung-chien said embarrassingly, "My position is even worse if you say that. Please be respectful in your words, okay?" Miss Sun said, In any case, she had to go back to see her father and mother, and he should also meet his future father-in-law and mother-in-law.Hung-chien said, let's get married here, firstly, it will save trouble, and secondly, it will be more convenient for traveling.Ms. Sun pondered and said: "This engagement has not been approved by my parents. Fortunately, they like me, so it is not difficult at all. Marriage should not be so hasty, let them decide. Don't be afraid, Dad is not fierce, he I will like you." Hung-chien suddenly remembered something, and said, "Our engagement was made possible by your father's letter. I really want to see when you will pick it out." Miss Sun was stunned. question in the eyes.Hung-chien gently pinched her nose and said, "Why did I forget? It was the letter about the anonymous letter." Miss Sun turned her head and shook his hand away, and said, "Damn it! Your nose is red from pinching. That letter? That letter?" I read the letter at the time, and when I got angry, I tore it up—well, I should really keep it, now we are not afraid of rumors." Then he squeezed his hand tightly.

When Hsin-mei heard the news of Hung-chien's engagement in Chongqing, she sent an express message of congratulations.Hung-chien showed the letter to Ms. Sun, and she saw the last half of the line: "My brother's words on the boat have been proven, ha ha. It's time." She asked him what he said on the boat.Now that Hung-chien was newly engaged, his friends were naturally sloppy, and he told Hsin-mei all the criticisms he had made.She was furious when she heard it, but she didn't lose her temper. She just said, "You men are all shameless. You always say that women like you. It's shameless for you not to look in the mirror! Maybe Lu Zixiao will tell me how to see it." Hit him! I'm unlucky too, Xinmei must still be speaking ill of me, so speak up." Hung-chien hurriedly finished the nonsense.She objected to entrusting Zhao Xinmei to seek employment, and this might be the reason.Hung-chien said that he would not go the same way when he went back this time, and simply fly from Guilin to Hong Kong to save a lot of trouble, so he asked Hsin-mei to find an air ticket.Miss Sun strongly agrees.Hsin-mei replied, "His mother left Tianjin for Hong Kong at the end of July, and he was going to welcome her to Chongqing. They happened to be able to chat in Hong Kong at that time."Miss Sun read the letter, frowned, and said, "I don't want to see him. He wants to joke. You don't allow him to joke." Hung-chien laughed and said, "Joking is a must when we meet for the first time, and there will be no more in the future. Now you still have to What are you afraid of him? You have been promoted a generation, he should call you Shisao."

When Hung-chien left this time, none of his colleagues fared away for him.Since the principal is not happy with him, everyone is too lazy to contact him.He is not like someone who can make a fortune—"Sun Roujia married him, I am really blind, and I will regret it one day"——The meal I invite him to eat may not be like bread thrown in the Nile River, and it will double after a while original owner.Moreover, inviting a meal is like sowing seeds: some of the guests who come will not return the invitation after eating, such as the highest boss and low-level employees; some will definitely return, such as colleagues with equal status and income. One meal can harvest several meals.Hung-chien's status was not high, and he didn't belong to any department. Usually, no one made friends with him, and he was only friends with Hsin-mei, so he didn't sow seeds of success among his colleagues.However, even though Hung-chien didn't get the meal, he thanked him several times.When someone asked him about his trip, he said regretfully, "Why? He left in such a hurry! We didn't even have time for the farewell party. Oops! However, he has a big exam these days and is too busy. Ms. Sun, advise him to leave a few days later. Let’s talk about it calmly——Okay, okay, obey, then I’m sorry. When you go back to hold a wedding, please notify me earlier, don’t hide it from anyone! The two of you are happy newly married, and forget about all the old friends here. No way! Haha.” Principal Gao invited the provincial government to the provincial capital for a meeting, and only returned to school during the final exam, and never formally discussed the letter of appointment.The day before Hung-chien's departure, he went to the secretariat of the principal's office to apply for travel documents, so as to avoid the trouble of the military and police on the way. By the way, he saw the principal farewell. Gao Songnian had not yet arrived at the office.In the afternoon, he went to the secretariat to collect his documents, but when he asked, the principal had already left.The heads of all agencies go to the office, which is like the sun in midwinter or good luck in life, which comes late and goes early.But Gao Songnian had always been diligent and sensitive, and Hung-chien guessed that he was afraid of and avoided him, and he was a little proud of himself in his anger.Several students he taught came to his room to say goodbye in the evening because the exams were over that day.He liked it gratefully, and only then did he understand the psychology of corrupt officials who want to be retained by the local government after they are resigned, offering umbrellas to the people and erecting monuments of virtue.Leaving a place is tantamount to dying once, and knowing that death is inevitable, I always hope that people will express their willingness to live on by themselves.The reputation after the death is as concerned as the mourning after the death and cannot be known. I am afraid that if I leave or die, it will be like a candle once it is extinguished, leaving only a bad smell.Someone sees them off, as if a dying person has filial sons and grandchildren to send him off, and he can close his eyes in peace when he dies.These students came and went, and the temporary hustle and bustle added to his loneliness, and he couldn't sleep in the middle of the night after tossing and turning.Even though I hated this place, when I left, I felt nostalgic about not being able to come back in the future, people's hearts are so unpredictable.When I came last year, there were so many companions, but now only two of them go back. Fortunately, there is Rou Jia, otherwise I would lose my job and walk this long road alone. I really don't have the courage.Thinking of this, Hung-chien felt warmer like a body huddled up in a ball on a winter night, and hated that she was not by his side.Before dawn, the bearers and porters all came; it was already summer, and it was cool in the early morning so that we could hurry on our way.The janitor who served Hung-chien, wearing a singlet, went to the gate with sleepy eyes to watch them get into the sedan chair, holding Hung-chien's reward tightly in one hand, and was preparing to count them after the sedan chair left.Ms. Fan's nearsighted eyes became more blurred due to lack of sleep. She thought she would meet a male colleague who was seeing her off, so she smeared some rouge on her face, hooked Ms. Sun's hand, and sent her over from the girls' dormitory.Miss Sun also reluctantly said goodbye, and couldn't let her go.Miss Fan watched her get into the sedan chair, wished them both a safe journey, and said that the letter addressed to Miss Sun would definitely be forwarded to Shanghai, "However, how do you write this address? I need the address of Mr. Fang's house." laugh.Ms. Sun also said that there must be a letter for her.Hung-chien laughed to himself that the women were born politicians. The two of them slandered each other behind their backs, and they were so affectionate in appearance. It was probably no more than that for two political opponents to clink glasses at a champagne party.If I hadn't heard them being mean to each other with my own ears, I would have thought they were really good friends.

The bearers arrived in the town after finishing the morning ceremonies, and were just about to set off on the palanquin when Gao Songnian's personal attendants rushed over, sweating, and handed a large envelope to Hung-chien, saying that it was delivered by the principal's order.Hung-chien thought it was a letter of appointment, and his heart was beating so fast that he tore open the envelope. Inside was only a piece of letterhead and a red paper bag.The letter stated that there had been a lot of school affairs this month, and I hadn't had a chance to talk to Hung-chien in detail. I just came back from the provincial capital the day before yesterday, and I had everything to do, and Hung-chien was in a hurry, so I couldn't say goodbye. I'm sorry; the school is temporarily postponing The Department of Philosophy felt aggrieved by keeping him here, so I wrote letters to two well-known academic institutions, recommending him to work, and as soon as there was news, I decided to send a telegram to Shanghai; a gift certificate, which was a wedding ceremony, Still begging and accepting.Before Hung-chien finished reading, he was so angry that he jumped out of the sedan chair and scolded him. He endured until the bearer walked ten miles to rest, then handed a ball of paper to Miss Sun, and said, "Look at Gao Songnian's letter! Who cares about him giving gifts. When I arrived in Hengyang, I registered to return it. It was very good! I was about to write a letter to scold him, but I regretted that there was no reason. His letter gave me a good opportunity to reply and scold him." Miss Sun said: "I think he is The letter is also a good intention. Why do you want to be an enemy in vain? What good does it do you to scold him? Maybe he really introduced you to others?" Hung-chien said angrily: "You always have a big reason, so you won't allow others to please you. Do it stupidly. The more reasonable you are, the more unreasonable I am." Ms. Sun said: "The weather is very hot, and I am already thirsty, so don't quarrel with me. There are still four days left in Hengyang, and by then you You still have to write a letter to scold Gao Songnian, and I will never stop you." Hung-chien knew that at that time he would not be able to influence her enough to thank her in return, so he became even more resentful, instead of pouring water for her, he just shoved the marching thermos to her. One side said: "It's unreasonable for him to give this gift. We haven't set a wedding date yet. Why did he write that I'm with you as 'the ceremony is complete'? If he has intentions, let me tell you. Because you and I are going the same way , he thought—" Miss Sun said: "Don't talk about it! You have the most heart, most of which are evil!" While speaking, he still balled Gao Songnian's letter and threw it into the pool by the bank of the field.She had just drank hot water, and the redness on her face hadn't faded since she got into the sedan chair.

For the air ticket, they lived in Guilin for more than ten days. They were so happy that they didn't seem to be living their lives, but it seemed that their days had slipped past the two of them.The two large pieces of luggage were handed over to the transport company introduced by Xinmei, and it was said that they could transport them to Shanghai in over a month.There is sufficient travel expenses around me, so I don’t care if I stay a few more days.The day before boarding the plane was still sunny, but it rained suddenly that night, and the rain stopped in the morning, and it was a bit cloudy.It was the first time the two flew on a plane, and they were very uncomfortable and vomited like a sick cat.When they landed in Hong Kong, Hsin-mei greeted them at the airport. Hung-chien and Hung-chien were exhausted, unable to express the joy of reuniting after a long absence.Seeing their pale faces, Xinmei said, "Have you vomited? It doesn't matter. You have to pay a little tax for the first flight. I'll accompany you to a hotel to have a good rest, and I'll catch you in the evening." When we arrived at the hotel, Hong Jian and Roujia are eager to rest.Seeing that they only booked one room, Hsin-mei secretly stuck out his tongue against the wall with his face turned away. On the way up the hill to return to his relative's house, one of them smiled, then frowned and sighed.

Hung-chien slept for a while, regained his energy, changed his clothes, and waited for Hsin-mei to come.The sound of Ms. Sun playing cards to the neighboring room and the sound of the wood shop on the street made me sleepy. She felt sick and wanted to vomit, so she leaned on the sofa and said that she didn't want to go out today.Hung-chien was in a hurry, and advised her to pull herself together so that she could live up to Hsin-mei's kindness.She taught Hung-chien to go alone, and said, "You two have something to say, and I can't get in the way, so I'll be an idiot by the side. He didn't invite any other female guests. Today I'm one more person, and I'm one less. It doesn't matter. Let me tell you, the restaurant where he treats guests must be very spacious, and I don't have any clothes, so it would be embarrassing to go there." Hung-chien said, "I didn't know you were so vain! You can still wear that silk cheongsam." Sun The lady smiled and said, "I haven't spent your money on making clothes yet, and I've already been scolded by you for being vain. In the future, I will ask you to pay for my tailor's bill! That cheongsam is too old-fashioned. When I came to the hotel, I walked all the way I saw the women's cheongsams on the street, the cuffs and the skirts were much shorter. I don't have any white leather shoes, so I went to buy a pair at this time, and I'm afraid to move, and my stomach still feels very uncomfortable." Xinmei came, knowing that Miss Sun I was sick, so I hurriedly said that the meal should be rescheduled.She refused and forced the two of them to go out to eat.Xinmei said in relief, "Fang—uh—Miss Sun, you are so kind! In the future, she will definitely be a good wife of a great virtuous man. If I change another woman, I will guard Hung Chien tightly and never let him Freedom of movement. Hung-chien, are you willing to let her go for the time being? To be honest, don’t blame me, Old Zhao, for separating the two of you behind your back." Hung-chien looked at Miss Sun pleadingly and said, "You really don't need me to accompany you?" Miss Sun Seeing his expression, he forced a smile and said, "Just go, I won't be seriously ill—Mr. Zhao, I'm so sorry—" Xinmei said, "What's the matter! Today I'm just a false invitation, and I'll wait for you to recover I will take him away. After an hour and a half, I will send him back and return the original, without any loss, haha! Hung-chien, let’s go! No, you may still have a lover A simple ceremony of parting, I'll wait for you by the elevator—" Hung-chien pulled him away, saying, "Don't mess around."

When Hsin-mei was a student in the Political Department of American University, she sat in on a class called "Diplomatic Psychology".That gentleman has served as a counselor at several embassies. He said in class: Americans invite dinner when they negotiate, and when they sit down, they talk straight to the point before the food is served; Europeans just talk about irrelevant nonsense when they eat After dinner and coffee, let’s get down to business.He asked Hsin-mei how the Chinese were, but Hsin-mei smirked and couldn't answer.Hsin-mei also had serious things to say to Hung-chien, but today's meal was a gathering of two good friends, if the serious things were left at the table, it would ruin the scene.He went out of the hotel and said, "You haven't eaten Western food for more than half a year. I'll treat you to an Austrian restaurant. The road is not too far away, and it's still early. Let's walk slowly and talk a little more." Hung-chien He just said: "Actually, why do you need to spend money?" Just then said: "You look better than before, and you are going to be an official!" Xinmei coughed dryly, without looking sideways, and said, "Why don't you get married?" Travel after marriage?"

Hung-chien suddenly remembered that he stayed in the hotel all the way under the name of "Mr. and Mrs. Fang". Today, he got off the plane and felt dizzy. He hurriedly said: "I asked for it too, but she refused. She must go back to Shanghai to get married, saying that her father—" "Then, you are too weak." Hsin-mei thought that this English word was embedded very cleverly, and it was worthy of the diplomatic eloquence: If Hung-chien has nothing to do with Miss Sun, this word means that he can't make up his mind, whether to marry or not, it's up to her At the mercy of the two of them; if the two of them are not as expected, but the flesh is weak, needless to say, this word is implicit, it is best not to have it.

Hung-chien was like a convicted prisoner who couldn't deny it, so he decided to let his face turn red steadily, and said in a whisper, "I'm regretting it too. But anyway, I have to go home anyway. The formalities are very troublesome, so I'll leave it to my family." Let's do it." "Is Miss Sun vomiting and can't eat?" Hung-chien changed direction when he heard what he said, and felt relieved again, and said, "Yes! The plane shook a lot today. But I'm all right now. Maybe she's tired and got up too early today. Last night we two She takes care of people's things. Xinmei, do you remember? That time at Wang's house for dinner, Fan Yi spread a rumor about her, saying that she didn't know how to pack things—" "The plane concussion should have passed. Last year we traveled the same way, the car was so bumpy, she never vomited. Maybe there is another reason? I heard that she was going to vomit—" followed by a light and fast sentence—"Of course I have no experience." He forced a laugh without humor. Hung-chien didn't expect Hsin-mei to come back to that question again, as if someone hiding from an air raid thought the plane was going far away, but it turned around and dropped the bomb rumblingly. He was so frightened that he forgot his embarrassment and anger, and just said, "That won't happen! That won't happen." Yes!" At the same time, I was afraid, knowing that it would be very good. Hsin-mei chewed on the stem of his pipe and said, "Hung-chien, you and I are good friends. Although I am not Miss Sun's legal guardian, I have finally been entrusted by his father—I advise you two to use the simplest procedure You don’t have to go to Shanghai to hold the ceremony. Anyway, you won’t be able to buy your ferry ticket until a week later, so you can simply stay four or five days longer. It’s considered a honeymoon, and you will take the next boat back. Not to mention, going home to get married is unavoidable. Relatives and friends come to have a wedding, and the expenses are not small. I know the situation of the Sun family, and your old man may not have a lot of money, but why not save it? Why do they need to host your wedding?" Get rid of economic reasons In addition, he also cited other advantages and disadvantages to prove that the sooner the marriage, the better.Hung-chien explained it to him submissively, as if a hurdle had been broken, and said, "I'll tell Rou-chia what I meant later. I'll trouble you to find out if there is any marriage registration here, and whether the procedures are complicated or not." Xinmei felt that the mission had been accomplished and was very happy.During the meal, he asked for a bottle of wine and said, "Do you remember that time you got me drunk? Haha! I'm sorry for getting you drunk today." He asked a lot about the school, He sighed and said, "It's like having a nightmare—how is she?" Hung-chien said, "Who? Mrs. Wang? I heard that she recovered from her illness. I haven't been to Wang's house." Hsin-mei said, "She It’s really pitiful—” Seeing a smile brewing on Hung-chien’s face, he hurriedly said—”I think everyone is pitiful, Wang Chuhou is pitiful, I am pitiful, Miss Sun is pitiful, and you are pitiful too.” Hung-chien laughed loudly and said: “ The Wangs are pitiful, I understand the truth. Their marriage will not come to an end unless Wang Chuhou is about to die and they are about to file for a divorce. What are you pitiful about? The family is rich and you are very proud of your work. It is your own fault not to get married, don’t Speaking of Fan Yi, it's Mrs. Wang—" After drinking the wine, Xinmei blushed to the extreme, but after hearing this, she didn't get any redder, and blinked her eyes as if dodging—"Okay, I won't go on. I lost my job, of course I'm pitiful; Ms Sun is pitiful, is it because she misfits me?" Hsin-mei said, "No, no, you don't understand." Hung-chien said, "Why don't you say so." Hsin-mei said, "" I won't tell you." Hung-chien said, "I think you have a girlfriend recently." Hsin-mei said, "What does that mean?" Hung-chien said, "Because you speak like a coquettish little girl; it must be I was influenced by someone." Xinmei said: "You bastard! Then, I'll just say it? Didn't I tell you that Ms. Sun has a deep heart? This time, according to my third party , She took great pains—" A dimly asleep thought in Hung-chien's consciousness seemed to be awakened by Xinmei's words—"No, no, I was drunk and talking nonsense, Hung-chien, you are not allowed to tell your wife. I I’m so confused, I forgot that you are not the same as you were before, and there will be boundaries for old friends when talking.” While speaking, he slashed the knife in his hand in the air a few inches away from the table.Hung-chien said: "I told you that getting married is so terrible. It's really a betrayal." Hsin-mei laughed and said, "It's not that you betrayed your relatives, but you yourself. Don't talk about these things anymore. Let me ask you, do you have any plans after summer vacation?" What plan?" Hung-chien told him that he was looking for trouble.Hsin-mei said that the international situation was very bad, Europe would inevitably be beaten, Japan was an Axis power, and would be drawn in sooner or later, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong were all unstable, so he took his mother to Chongqing, "But this time you are afraid that you will be in I’ve been in Shanghai for a while. Would you like to go to the newspaper I used to do for a few months? There is a director of the reference room who wants to go to the mainland, and I will introduce you to fill his vacancy. Poor." Hung-chien thanked him sincerely.Xinmei asked him if he had enough money.Hung-chien said that getting married always cost some money, but he didn't know if it was enough.Hsin-mei said that he would borrow it.Hung-chien said, "I borrowed it and I have to pay it back." Hsin-mei said, "I'll pay you a sum of money the day after tomorrow. It's a congratulatory gift from me. You have to accept it." Hung-chien was protesting enthusiastically when Hsin-mei stopped him. He said, "I advise you not to push it. If I were married, then I would not be free to lend money to my friends." Hung-chien was moved so much that his eyes moistened, and he despised himself in his heart, wanting to thank Hsin-mei. I don't know how much, but she shed tears because of the money, and knowing that Xinmei didn't want to be thanked, she said, "I hear what you mean, you're getting married too, don't hide it from me." He fetched the suit jacket, took out the wallet, and dug for a long time like digging a mine, and solemnly picked out a small photo of a girl with piercing eyes and a very serious expression.Hung-chien looked at it and shouted, "That's great! That's great! Who is it?" Hsin-mei took the photo, looked at it, and said with a smile, "Don't be so enthusiastic about your compliments, I'll be jealous after hearing that, we used to There was a misunderstanding. Looking at the photos of friends and lovers, politeness is enough, not enthusiasm." Hung-chien said, "That's unreasonable! Who is she?" Hsin-mei said, "Her father was a friend of my late father's from Sichuan. This time I will go, and I will live in his house at first." Hung-chien said, "Like you, the previous generations are friends, and the next generation will become relatives, and the friendship will last forever. Well, our future children--" Miss Sun Symptoms came to her mind, and she felt that she had said the wrong thing—"Hmm—I think she is very young, is she studying?" Xinmei said: "I don't want to study liberal arts, but I want to study fashion, what kind of electrical engineering?" Engineering, I was so miserable in my studies. After the summer vacation, the report card came, but I failed two homeworks and couldn’t be promoted. The child wanted to save face and refused to transfer to another department. In this way, he stopped studying and was willing to marry me Haha, what a silly child. I would like to thank the two gentlemen who failed her. I will not teach anymore. If you teach, you should be more strict with the grades of female students, which can lead to countless good things and benefit Infinite." Hung-chien said with a smile, no wonder he wanted to take the old lady in.Xinmei took another look at the photo, put it in his wallet, looked at his watch, and shouted, "It's terrible, Miss Sun is going to get angry after the time has passed!" He frantically calculated, and said, "Hurry up! Do you want me?" Send you back, order in person?" When they entered the restaurant, it was still dusk, and it was still tentative night, and when they came out, it was already night.But this is a summer night with fine weather in the subtropical zone. The night is frank and simple, without deep and unfathomable castles, as if the director of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" has a background example.Xinmei looked at the sky and said, "Good weather! I don't know if there will be an air raid in Chongqing tonight. Mother will be too scared to go. I'll go back and turn on the radio to hear the news." Hung-chien was full, couldn't speak Cantonese, and was afraid of entanglement with the rickshaw driver, so he walked slowly back to the hotel by himself.Xinmei's conversation aroused many thoughts in him.A person should be proud, and a proud person has wonderful conversations, such as Xinmei.In the past year, I have been full of complaints, ready to blow up; because I don't like to listen to other people's complaints, I guess others may not like to listen to my own complaints, so I pay attention to control, like a dog wearing a muzzle, and the conversation is not happy.According to Hsin-mei, this war will only expand and prolong, and add new burdens to the family. If Hsin-mei had guessed about Roujia's illness—— Hong was so ashamed and afraid that he was sweating slightly, thinking of other things———————————————— I like that girl very much, which is obvious, but it doesn't seem to be a passionate love, otherwise, the tone he spoke of her would not be so humorous.Maybe he treats her no more than he treats Roujia, so it can be seen that a great love is not needed for marriage, and not hating each other is enough capital for marriage.Is it all because of the age gap between men and women?But what about Tang Xiaofu last year?Maybe because of Tang Xiaofu, my emotions are exhausted, and I won't manipulate myself anymore.That kind of emotion is terrible when I think about it. It disturbs people so much that they don't have the mind to do things, eat and sleep, and they don't forgive people for a moment.However, the illness has its joys, and sometimes it is better to be ill again.Hung-chien sighed, thinking that in the past year, his mood had aged a lot. Only people with strong minds would suffer from this kind of disease. For example, only fat people would have cerebral congestion and strokes. Thin people who are anemic and undernourished are not worthy.If you are more than ten years older, when you reach the age of returning to the light, you may fall in love like a fool again. It is said that an old man's love is like an old house on fire, which cannot be saved.It's the best, at least the most comfortable, when it's flat like now, and emotions don't become a burden on my heart.Soon the marriage formalities are over.Hsin-mei said that Rou-chia had "taken great pains" and admitted that she thought highly of herself, so she should be more sympathetic to her.Hung-chien realized that it had been too long to leave her alone, so he hurried back to the hotel.After passing the fruit shop, I bought some fresh lychees and longan. Hung-chien pushed open the door, the lights inside were off, and only a ray of light came in from the lights in the corridor.He closed the door, heard Roujia's silence, thought she was fast asleep, and stepped lightly, trying to put the fruit on the table, but he didn't notice that the chair he was sitting on was a few feet away from the table, and he hadn't moved it back. in place.Knocking over the chair with one foot, hurting the instep and knee, cursing: "Bastard, who sat on the chair and didn't move it!"Since Hung Chien left, Rou Jia felt uncomfortable and lonely, full of grievances. Waiting for him not to come, the grievances are like loan sharks, and they only need to wait for him to come back to settle the score.When she heard Hung-chien open the door, she was angry and refused to speak first.Hung-chien knocked over the chair, she let out a dangerous laugh, but she lost her anger as soon as she laughed, fortunately it was not difficult to hold back.She still couldn't make up her mind for a moment: one said that she was eagerly waiting for him to arrive at this time, and the other said that she finally fell asleep and woke him up - which of the two is more justified?Hung-chien turned over the chair, but when nothing happened, he became timid, thinking that Roujia would not faint, and hurriedly turned on the light.Roujia slept in the dark for more than an hour, when she suddenly saw the light, she couldn't open her eyes, raised her eyelids and closed them again, leaned on her side with the light on her back, and let out a long breath.Hung-chien was relieved, only to find that his silk shirt was drenched with sweat. He took off his coat and said concernedly, "I'm sorry I woke you up. Did you sleep well? How do you feel?" "I was about to fall asleep, but I was woken up by your ping-ping-pong-pong. You sat in this chair by yourself, and you still cursed!" She said these words with her face to the wall. Hung-chien was hanging his clothes and couldn't hear clearly. He turned around and asked, "What?" ，实在没有那股劲，你省省我的气力罢——”可是事实上她把声音提高了一个音键——“这张椅子，是你搬在那儿的。辛楣一来，就像阎王派来的勾魂使者，你什么都不管了。这时候自己冒失，倒怪人呢。” 鸿渐听语气不对，抱歉道：“是我不好，我腿上的皮都擦破了一点——”这“苦肉计”并未产生效力——“我出去好半天了，你真的没有睡熟？吃过东西没有？这鲜荔枝——” “你也知道出去了好半天么？反正好朋友在一起，吃喝玩乐，整夜不回来也由得你。我一个人死在旅馆里都没人来理会。”她说时嗓子哽咽起来，又回脸向里睡了。 鸿渐急得坐在床边，伸手要把她头回过来，说：“我出去得太久了，请你原谅，哙，别生气。我也是你教我出去，才出去的——” 柔嘉掀开他手道：“我现在教你不要把汗手碰我，听不听我的话？吓，我叫你出去！你心上不是要出去么？我留得住你？留住你也没有意思，你留在旅馆里准跟我找岔子生气。” 鸿渐放手，气鼓鼓坐在那张椅子里道：“现在还不是一样的吵嘴！你要我留在旅馆里陪你，为什么那时候不老实说，我又不是你肚子里的蛔虫，知道你存什么心思！” 柔嘉回过脸来，幽远地说：“你真是爱我，不用我说，就会知道。唉！这是勉强不来的。要等我说了，你才体贴到，那就算了！一个陌生人跟我一路同来，看见我今天身体不舒服，也不肯撇下我一个人好半天。哼，你还算是爱我的人呢！” 鸿渐冷笑道：“一个陌生人肯对你这样，早已不陌生了，至少也是你的情人。” “你别捉我的错字，也许她是个女人呢？我宁可跟女人在一起的，你们男人全不是好人，只要哄得我们让你们称了心，就不在乎了。” 这几句话触起鸿渐的心事，他走近床畔，说：“好了，别吵了。以后打我撵我，我也不出去，寸步不离地跟着你，这样总好了。” 柔嘉脸上微透笑影，说：“别说得那样可怜。你的好朋友已经说我把你钩住了，我再不让你跟他出去，我的名气更不知怎样坏呢。告诉你罢，这是第一次，我还对你发脾气，以后我知趣不开口了，随你出去了半夜三更不回来。免得讨你们的厌。” “你对辛楣的偏见太深。他倒一片好意，很关心咱们俩的事。你现在气平了没有？我有几句正经话跟你讲，肯听不肯听？” “你说罢，听不听由我——是什么正经话，要把脸板得那个样子？”她忍不住笑了。 “你会不会有了孩子，所以身体这样不舒服？” “什么？胡说！”她脆快地回答——“假如真有了孩子，我不饶你！我不饶你！我不要孩子。” “饶我不饶我是另外一件事，咱们不得不有个准备，所以辛楣劝我和你快结婚——” 柔嘉霍地坐起，睁大眼睛，脸全青了：“你把咱们的事告诉了赵辛楣？你不是人！你不是人！你一定向他吹——”说时手使劲拍着床。 鸿渐吓得倒退几步道：“柔嘉，你别误会，你听我解释——” “我不要听你解释。你欺负我，我从此没有脸见人，你欺负我！”说时又倒下去，两手按眼，胸脯一耸一耸地哭。 鸿渐的心不是雨衣的材料做的，给她的眼泪浸透了，忙坐在她头边，拉开她手，替她拭泪，带哄带劝。她哭得累了，才收泪让他把这件事说明白。她听完了，哑声说：“咱们的事，不要他来管，他又不是我的保护人。只有你不争气把他的话当圣旨，你要听他的话，你一个人去结婚得了，别勉强我。”鸿渐道：“这些话不必谈了，我不听他的话，一切随你作主——我买给你吃的荔枝，你还没有吃呢，要吃么？好，你睡着不要动，我剥给你吃——”说时把茶几跟字纸篓移近床前——“我今天出去回来都没坐车，这东西是我省下来的车钱买的。当然我有钱买水果，可是省下钱来买，好像那才算得真正是我给你的。”柔嘉泪渍的脸温柔一笑道：“那几个钱何必去省它，自己走累了犯不着。省下来几个车钱也不够买这许多东西。”鸿渐道：“这东西讨价也并不算贵，我还了价，居然买成了。”柔嘉道：“你这人从来不会买东西。买了贵东西还自以为便宜——你自己吃呢，不要尽给我吃。”鸿渐道：“因为我不能干，所以娶你这一位贤内助呀！”柔嘉眼瞟他道：“内助没有朋友好。”鸿渐道：“啊哟，你又来了！朋友只好绝交。你既然不肯结婚，连内助也没有，真是'赔了夫人又折朋'。”柔嘉道：“别胡说。时候不早了，我下午没睡着，晚上又等你——我眼睛哭肿了没有？明天见不得人了！给我面镜子。”鸿渐瞧她眼皮果然肿了，不肯老实告诉，只说：“只肿了一点点，全没有关系，好好睡一觉肿就消了——咦，何必起来照镜子呢！”柔嘉道：“我总要洗脸漱口的。”鸿渐洗澡回室，柔嘉已经躺下。鸿渐问：“你睡的是不是刚才的枕头？上面都是你的眼泪，潮湿得很，枕了不舒服。你睡我的枕头，你的湿枕头让我睡。”柔嘉感激道：“傻孩子，枕头不用换的。我早把它翻过来，换一面睡了——你腿上擦破皮的地方，这时候痛不痛？我起来替你包好它。”鸿渐洗澡时，腿浸在肥皂水里，现在伤处星星作痛，可是他说：“早好了，一点儿不痛。你放心快睡罢。”柔嘉说：“鸿渐，我给你说得很担心，结婚的事随你去办罢。”鸿渐冲洗过头发，正在梳理，听见这话，放下梳子，弯身吻她额道：“我知道你是最讲理、最听话的。”柔嘉快乐地叹口气，转脸向里，沉沉睡熟了。 以后这一星期，两人忙得失魂落魄，这件事做到一半，又想起那件事该做。承辛楣的亲戚设法帮忙，注册结婚没发生问题。此外写信通知家里要钱，打结婚戒指，做一身新衣服，进行注册手续，到照相馆借现成的礼服照相，请客，搬到较好的旅馆，临了还要寄相片到家里，催款子。虽然很省事，两人身边的钱全花完了，亏得辛楣送的厚礼。鸿渐因为下半年职业尚无着落，暑假里又没有进款，最初不肯用钱，衣服就主张不做新的，做新的也不必太好。柔嘉说她不是虚荣浪费的女人，可是终身大典，一生只有一次，该像个样子，已经简陋得无可简陋了，做了质料好的衣服明年也可以穿的。两人忙碌坏了脾气，不免争执。柔嘉发怒道：“我本来不肯在这儿结婚，这是你的主意，你要我那天打扮得像叫化婆么？这儿举目无亲，一切事都要自己去办，商量的人都没有，别说帮忙！我麻烦死了！家里人手多，钱也总有办法。爸爸妈妈为我的事，准备一笔款子。你也可以写信问你父亲要钱。假如咱们在上海结婚，你家里就一个钱不花么？咱们那次订婚已经替家里省了不少事了。”鸿渐是留学生，知道西洋流行的三P运动（Poor Pop pays）；做儿子的平时呐喊着“独立自主”，到花钱的时候，逼老头子掏腰包。他听从她的话，写信给方遯翁。柔嘉看了信稿子，嫌措词不够明白恳挚，要他重写，还说：“怎么你们父子间这样客气，一点不亲热的？我跟我爸爸写信从不起稿子！”他像初次发表作品的文人给人批评了一顿，气得要投笔焚稿，不肯再写。柔嘉说：“你不写就不写，我不希罕你家的钱，我会写信给我爸爸。”她写完信，问他要不要审查，他拿过来看，果然语气亲热，纸上的“爸爸”“妈妈”写得如闻其声。结果他也把信发了，没给柔嘉看。后来她知道是虚惊，埋怨鸿渐说，都是他偏听辛楣的话，这样草草结婚，反而惹家里的疑心。可是家信早发出去，一切都预备好，不能临时取消。结婚以后的几天，天天盼望家里回信，远不及在桂林时的无忧无虑。方家孙家陆续电汇了钱来，回上海的船票辛楣替他们定好。赵老太太也到了香港，不日飞重庆。开船前两天，鸿渐夫妇上山去看辛楣，一来拜见赵老太太，二来送行，三来辞行，四来还船票等等的账。 他们到了辛楣所住的亲戚家里，送进名片，辛楣跑出来，看门的跟在后面。辛楣满口的“嫂夫人劳步，不敢当”。柔嘉微笑抗议说：“赵叔叔别那样称呼，我当不起。”辛楣道：“没有这个道理——鸿渐，你来得不巧。苏文纨在里面。她这两天在香港，知道我母亲来了，今天刚来看她。你也许不愿意看见苏文纨，所以我赶出来向你打招呼。不过，她知道你在外面。”鸿渐涨红脸，望着柔嘉说：“那么咱们不进去罢，就托辛楣替咱们向老伯母说一声。辛楣，买船票的钱还给你。”辛楣正推辞，柔嘉说：“既然来了，总要见见老伯母的——”她今天穿了新衣服来的，胆气大壮，并且有点好奇。鸿渐虽然怕见苏文纨，也触动了好奇心。辛楣领他们进去。进客堂以前，鸿渐把草帽挂在架子上的时候，柔嘉打开手提袋，照了照镜子。 苏文纨比去年更时髦了，脸也丰腴得多。旗袍搀合西式，紧俏伶俐，袍上的花纹是淡红浅绿横条子间着白条子，花得像欧洲大陆上小国的国旗。手边茶几上搁一顶阔边大草帽，当然是她的，衬得柔嘉手里的小阳伞落伍了一个时代。鸿渐一进门，老远就深深鞠躬。赵老太太站起来招呼，文纨安坐着轻快地说：“方先生，好久不见，你好啊？”辛楣说：“这位是方太太。”文纨早看见柔嘉，这时候仿佛听了辛楣的话才发现她似的，对她点头时，眼光从头到脚瞥过。柔嘉经不起她这样看一遍，局促不安。文纨问辛楣道：“这位方太太是不是还是那家什么银行？钱庄？唉！我记性真坏——经理的小姐？”鸿渐夫妇全听清了，脸同时发红，可是不便驳答，因为文纨问的声音低得似乎不准备给他们听见。辛楣一时候不明白，只说：“这是我一位同事的小姐，上礼拜在香港结婚的。”文纨如梦方觉，自惊自叹道：“原来又是一位——方太太，你一向在香港的，还是这一次从外国回来经过香港？”鸿渐紧握椅子的靠手，防自己跳起来。辛楣暗暗摇头。柔嘉只能承认，并非从外国进口，而是从内地出口。文纨对她的兴趣顿时消灭，跟赵老太太继续谈她们的话。赵老太太说她有生以来，第一次坐飞机，预想着就害怕。文纨笑道：“伯母，你有辛楣陪你，怕些什么！我一个人飞来飞去就五六次了。”赵老太太说：“怎么你们先生就放心你一个人来来去去么？”文纨道：“他在这儿有公事分不开身呀！他陪我飞到重庆去过两次，第一次是刚结了婚去见家父——他本来今天要同我一起来拜见伯母的，带便看看辛楣——”辛楣道：“不敢当。我还是你们结婚这一天见过曹先生的。他现在没有更胖罢？他好像比我矮一个头，容易见得胖。在香港没有关系，要是在重庆，管理物资粮食的公务员发了胖，人家就开他玩笑了。”鸿渐今天来了第一次要笑，文纨脸色微红，赵老太太没等她开口，就说：“辛楣，你这孩子，三十多岁的人了，还爱胡说。这个年头儿，发胖不好么？我就嫌你太瘦。文纨小姐，做母亲的人总觉得儿子不够胖的。你气色好得很，看着你，我眼睛都舒服。你家老太太看见你准心里喜欢。你回去替我们问候曹先生，他公事忙，千万不要劳步。”文纨道：“他偶尔半天不到办公室，也没有关系。不过今天他向办公室也请了假，昨天喝醉了。”赵老太太婆婆妈妈地说：“酒这个东西伤身得很，你以后劝他少喝。”文执眼锋掠过辛楣脸上，回答说：“他不会喝的，不像辛楣那样洪量，威斯忌一喝就是一瓶——”辛楣听了上一句，向鸿渐偷偷做个鬼脸，要对下一句抗议都来不及——“他是给人家灌醉的。昨天我们大学同班在此地做事的人开聚餐会，帖子上写明'携眷'；他算是我的'眷'，我带了他去，人家把他灌醉了。”鸿渐忍不住问：“咱们一班有多少人在香港？”文纨道：“哟！方先生，我忘了你也是我们同班，他们没发帖子给你罢？昨天只有我—个人是文科的，其余都是理工法商的同学。”辛楣道：“你瞧，你多神气！现在只有学理工法商的人走运，学文科的人穷得都没有脸见人，不敢认同学了。亏得有你，撑撑文科的场面。”文纨道：“我就不信老同学会那么势利——你不是法科么？要讲走运，你也走运。”说时胜利地笑。辛楣道：“我比你们的曹先生，就差得太远了。开同学会都是些吃饱了饭没事干的人跟阔同学拉手去的。看见不得意的同学，问一声'你在什么地方做事'，不等回答，就伸长耳朵收听阔同学的谈话了。做学生的时候，开联欢会还有点男女社交的作用，我在美国，人家就把留学生的夏令会，说是'三头会议'：出风头，充冤大头，还有——呃——情人做花头——”大家都笑了，赵老太太笑得带呛，不许辛楣胡说。文纨笑得比人家短促，说：“你自己也参加夏令会的，你别赖，我看见过那张照相，你是三头里什么头？”辛楣回答不出。文纨拍手道：“好！你说不出来了。伯母，我看辛楣近来没有从前老实，心眼也小了许多，恐怕他这一年来结交的朋友有关系——”柔嘉注视鸿渐，鸿渐又紧握着椅子的靠手——“伯母，我明天不送你上飞机了，下个月在重庆见面。那一包小东西，我回头派用人送来；假如伯母不方便带，让他原物带转得了。”她站起来，提了大草帽的缨，仿佛希腊的打猎女神提着盾牌，叮嘱赵老太太不要送，对辛楣说：“我要罚你，罚你替我拿那两个纸盒子，送我到门口。”辛楣瞧鸿渐夫妇站着，防她无礼不理他们，说：“方先生方太太也在招呼你呢。”文纨才对鸿渐点点头，伸手让柔嘉拉一拉，姿态就仿佛伸指头到热水里去试试烫不烫，脸上的神情仿佛跟比柔嘉高出一个头的人拉手，眼光超越柔嘉头上。然后她亲热地说：“伯母再见。”对辛楣似喜似嗔望一眼，辛楣忙抱了那个盒子跟她出去。 鸿渐夫妇跟赵老太太敷衍，等辛楣进来了，起身告辞。赵老太太留他们多坐一会，一壁埋怨辛楣道：“你这孩子又发傻劲，何苦去损她的先生？”鸿渐暗想，苏文纨也许得意，以为辛楣未能忘情、发醋劲呢。辛楣道：“你放心，她决不生气，只要咱们替她带私货就行了。”辛楣要送他们到车站，出了门，说：“苏文纨今天太岂有此理，对你们无礼得很。”鸿渐故作豁达道：“没有什么。人家是阔小姐阔太太，这点点神气应该有的——”他没留心柔嘉看他一眼——“你说'带私货'，是怎么一回事？”辛楣道：“她每次飞到重庆去，总带些新出的化装品、药品、高跟鞋、自来水笔之类去送人，也许是卖钱，我不清楚。”鸿渐惊异得要叫起来，才知道高高荡荡这片青天，不是上帝和天堂的所在了，只供给投炸弹、走单帮的方便，一壁说：“怪事！我真想不到！她还要做生意么？我以为只有李梅亭这种人带私货！她不是女诗人么？白话诗还做不做？”辛楣笑道：“不知道。她真会经纪呢！她刚才就劝我母亲快买外汇，我看女人全工于心计的。”柔嘉沉着脸，只当没听见。鸿渐道：“我胡说一句，她好像跟你很——唔——很亲密。”辛楣脸红道：“她知道我也在重庆，每次来总找我。她现在对我只有比她结婚以前对我好。”鸿渐鼻子里出冷气，想说：“怪不得你要有张护身照片。”可是没有说。辛楣顿一顿，眼望远处，说：“方才我送她出门，她说她那儿还保存我许多信——那些信我全忘了，上面不知道胡写些什么——她说她下个月到重庆来，要把信带还我。可是，她又不肯把信全数还给我，她说信上有一部分的话，她现在还可以接受。她要当我的面，一封一封地检，挑她现在不能接受的信还给我。你说可笑不可笑？”说完，不自然地笑。柔嘉冷静地问：“她不知道赵叔叔要订婚了罢？”辛楣道：“我没告诉她，我对她泛泛得很。”送鸿渐夫妇上了下山的缆车，辛楣回家路上，忽然明白了，叹气道：“只有女人会看透女人。” 鸿渐闷闷上车。他知道自己从前对不住苏文纨，今天应当受她的怠慢，可气的是连累柔嘉也遭了欺负。当时为什么不讽刺苏文纨几句，倒低头忍气尽她放肆？事后追想，真不甘心。不过，受她冷落还在其次，只是这今昔之比使人伤心。两年前，不，一年前跟她完全是平等的。现在呢，她高高在上，跟自己的地位简直是云泥之别。就像辛楣罢，承他瞧得起，把自己当朋友，可是他也一步一步高上去，自己要仰攀他，不比从前那样分庭抗礼了。鸿渐郁勃得心情像关在黑屋里的野兽，把墙壁狠命地撞、抓、打，但找不着出路。柔嘉见他不开口，忍住也不讲话。回到旅馆，茶房开了房门，鸿渐脱外衣、开电扇，张臂当风说：“回来了，唉！” “身体是回来了，灵魂恐怕早给情人带走了。”柔嘉毫无表情地加上两句按语。 鸿渐当然说她“胡说”。她冷笑道：“我才不胡说呢。上了缆车，就像木头人似的，一句话也不说，全忘了旁边还有个我。我知趣得很，决不打搅你，看你什么时候跟我说话。” “现在我不是跟你说话了？我对今天的事一点不气——” “你怎么会气？你只有称心。” “那也未必，我有什么称心？” “看见你从前的情人糟蹋你现在的老婆，而且当着你那位好朋友的面，还不称心么！”柔嘉放弃了嘲讽的口吻，坦白地愤恨说——“我早告诉你，我不喜欢跟赵辛楣来往。可是我说的话有什么用？你要去，我敢说'不'么？去了就给人家瞧不起，给人家笑——” “你这人真蛮不讲理。不是你自己要进去么？事后倒推在我身上？并且人家并没有糟蹋你，临走还跟你拉手——” 柔嘉怒极而笑道：“我太荣幸了！承贵夫人的玉手碰了我一碰，我这只贱手就一辈子的香，从此不敢洗了！'没有糟蹋我！'哼，人家打到我头上来，你也会好像没看见的，反正老婆是该受野女人欺负的。我看见自己的丈夫给人家笑骂，倒实在受不住，觉得我的脸都剥光了。她说辛楣的朋友不好，不是指的你么？” “让她去骂。我要回敬她几句，她才受不了呢。” “你为什么不回敬她？” “何必跟她计较？我只觉得她可笑。” “好宽宏大量！你的好脾气、大度量，为什么不留点在家里，给我享受享受？见了外面人，低头赔笑；回家对我，一句话不投机，就翻脸吵架。人家看方鸿渐又客气，又有耐心，不知道我受你多少气。只有我哪，换了那位贵小姐，你对她发发脾气看——”她顿一顿，说：“当然娶了那种称心如意的好太太，脾气也不至于发了。” 她的话一部分是真的，加上许多调味的作料。鸿渐没法回驳，气吽吽望着窗外。柔嘉瞧他说不出话，以为最后一句话刺中他的隐情，嫉妒得坐立不安，管制了自己声音里的激动，冷笑着自言自语道：“我看破了，全是吹牛，全——是——吹——牛。” 鸿渐回身问：“谁吹牛？” “你呀。你说她从前如何爱你，要嫁给你，今天她明明和赵辛楣好，正眼都没瞧你一下。是你追求她没追到罢！