Chapter 8 Chapter 8

Dragging Xiangqin's hand to leave the scene. Xiangqin asked him, "What's in the box?" "Open it and have a look." "Is it convenient for Fang to watch?" Lianhuan smiled. Xiangqin was still young after all, so she couldn't help opening the square hard box. She sees a pair of shoes. If it was rose red satin shoes or gold sandals, she would not be so surprised. The shoes she saw at the moment were only a little bigger, a pair of small children's shoes, and she had never worn them. Is it worth cherishing and hiding like this? The other things in the box are easier to understand: an old scout knife, the badge of the basketball team, a stack of 100-point test papers, a composition award certificate, a few group photos of classmates, a commemorative booklet...

Xiangqin found that Lianhuan was gradually willing to give her a chance so that she could slowly enter his inner world. Xiangqin was very moved. She reached out and held Lianhuan's hand. Lianhuan was surprised, he didn't expect Xiangqin's hand to be so strong, it seemed to pull him out of a whirlpool. Chain cover the box. At this time, the two of them heard a cough that was deliberately pretended. Lian Huan looked up and saw that it was Xu Keli, a little embarrassed.Xiangqin smiled lively and generously, "The weather is dry and my throat is prone to discomfort." Xu Keli immediately felt that this girl is not simple, he is happy for Lianhuan, she will definitely help her boyfriend.

After retiring from the old district, he was responsible for more and more complicated chores. Xu Keli hoped that Lianhuan could help him, and it was best to bring this smart and capable Ms. Lin over. "Are you still thinking about it?" Xu Keli said, "Xiang's salary is 50% higher than that of others." Lianhuan shook his head, smiled and said, "Both Xiangqin and I have found jobs. I like teaching, and she likes being a reporter." Xu Keli said angrily: "It's too frustrating." Lianhuan is grateful for his kindness, but his parents have served Xiangshi for more than ten years, and he is unwilling to join the team again.

Xu Keli added: "Ms. Deng wants to take Xiang Zishan away." Xiangqin listened very attentively. Xu Keli said: "She has not yet reached the legal age, and her biological mother should take care of her life." His tone was very comforting, and he felt relieved. Lianhuan wanted to ask Xu Keli: That's why you and Xiang Baoshan sold the mansion and got rid of Xiang Zishan? Xu Keli seemed to understand what he was going to ask, and replied softly: "Her mother will take care of her." It's like saying, yes, we really don't want to carry this heavy burden anymore.

Xu Keli saw that Lianhuan's face darkened, so he changed the subject, "We must continue to communicate." After Xu left, Lian Huan had mixed feelings in his heart. He actually designed to get rid of Xiang Zishan. He inherited the property given by Xiang Quan, but drove his daughter away. Wouldn't it be too smart to do so? At this time, Xiangqin said slowly from the side: "Everyone has difficulties. The main reason is that we are all selfish and want to get rid of unpleasant elements in life. Is that considered bad?" Lianhuan didn't answer. He bowed his head, his chin resting on his knees, his arms wrapped around his legs, and his eyes were straight.

Whenever he meditates, he uses this posture, and it has been like this since he was a child. Five years have passed since the last time I contemplated this time. On this day, Xiangqin went to see Lianhuan in the senior staff dormitory of the university. He was sitting on the large terrace, meditating. Xiangqin put her hands on his shoulders, "What are you thinking?" Lianhuan raised his head, "The university examination system stipulates that candidates are not allowed to enter the examination room if they are more than 30 minutes late. Is it too strict?" Xiangqin sat down and asked with a smile, "Who is late?"

"a student." "Thirty minutes late?" "For thirty-five minutes, the invigilator refused to allow him to enter the examination room. He cried for an entire hour outside the examination room. If it was me, I would let him in." Xiangqin frowned, Lianhuan was soft-hearted. "You don't agree?" "Why is the student late?" "He studied all night, the alarm clock didn't work, and he overslept." Xiangqin laughed, "Do you sympathize with such a person?" "It's very pitiful. No matter how good the make-up exam is, I only give 50 points."

"He lacks a plan for his affairs. Only primary school students drive late at night. College students should pay attention to their homework. Also, since he is a sleeper, he should have self-knowledge and buy ten alarm clocks for his bedside. I don't forgive him." "Lin Xiangqin, you are not cruel." Lianhuan was surprised. "Have you ever been late for your PhD? I have worked in South China Daily for five years and never made a mistake. Of course I don't sympathize with Mr. Sloppy." Lianhuan stared at Xiangqin, yes, she could not tolerate the weak more and more.

Lianhuan let out a breath. "It's best not to inject too much emotion into work, otherwise the spirit will burn out at once." "You are the most rational." Xiangqin didn't know whether this sentence was a compliment or a derogation for a while, and was a little embarrassed. After a while, she defended herself: "Me? I am a theoretical school, not a practical school. You see, I am the most irrational towards you." Lianhuan was silent. Xiangqin said softly: "It has been ten years since I was sixteen." Lianhuan couldn't help smiling, and even Xiangqin came to this set, which shows that a woman is a woman after all.

Seeing the smile on his lips, Xiangqin said angrily, "Yes, I'm the one who has to wait. I deserve it. You don't owe me anything." Lianhuan laughed, "In the past five years, at least once, we were able to register for marriage." "That time doesn't count." Xiangqin warmed slightly. Why not?Lianhuan didn't understand, but he remembered very clearly that Xu Keli and Xiang Baoshan held a church wedding that day and only invited a few relatives and friends.When he got to the church, Lian Huan was surprised, the scene was so different from the engagement time, he must have some difficulties.

Fortunately, the old district came all the way back from Vancouver to watch the ceremony, and he sat on a bench with Lianhuan. Lian Huan only knew people from the old district, and the other three or five relatives and friends must be from Xu Keli's side. The flowers in the auditorium are only for them to appreciate. Mrs. Xiang was not present, and neither was Xiang Zishan. The old district whispered in Lianhuan's ears: "Missy means." She is the main character and she has every right to do so. Xiangqin said softly, "I've never seen a dress more beautiful than this." Lianhuan didn't think so at all, and replied casually, "I'll find you a better looking one." The old district smiled slightly, he obviously heard it, Xiangqin's face flushed. After the ceremony, the couple shook hands with them. Xu Keli was very happy when he had a happy event, and asked Lianhuan with a smile: "I'm still thinking about it, and I'm still not willing to join Xiang's organization?" Xiangqin said to him, "Your wife is like a lily." Then the old district told them that the wedding was handled in a low-key manner because they were afraid that someone would come to make trouble. At that time, Lianhuan was moved by the fragrance of flowers and the solemn and holy atmosphere. He said to Xiangqin, "Shall we hold a church wedding too?" Xiangqin quickly replied, "It doesn't count." Lianhuan was taken aback. Xiangqin was annoyed, "Wedding is not an impromptu game. People have it, so we will do it again. Sorry, I can't accept it." It was a drizzling spring morning, the bride threw the bouquet from the cabinet at Huqin, Xiangqin caught it, and she was the only female guest of the right age, she laughed. For some reason, Lian Huan refused to give up the idea, "It takes ten minutes to walk to the city hall. If you don't register, you will regret it in the future." Xiangqin said stubbornly, "It doesn't count." Lianhuan could only shrug his shoulders.On that day, he really wanted to get married. After that day, my mood calmed down again. In another day, he got his master's degree. Xiangqin kept saying it didn't count. Lianhuan teased her, "Some women's ideal weddings generally require the man to kneel on the ground and beg to collapse and then cry on her knees, and finally choose a dusk with a purple sky, where a crescent moon can be faintly seen in the sky, in the South Pacific On a white yacht, drink pink champagne with friends, and later accept the blessing of the pastor who comes by speedboat." After hearing this, Xiangqin said, "That's right, it's a pity you forgot to arrange for the fireworks to be set off." Xiangqin is not so demanding. She only hopes that a wedding can satisfy two people, don't try to perfuse her.After growing up, Lin Xiangqin is not a woman who must get married, she is willing to start a family and does not oppose this idea, but at least Lianhuan must feel that it is necessary. According to her feeling, so far, Lianhuan does not strongly want to get married. Then wait a little longer. While waiting, Xiangqin was not idle either. She worked hard and made continuous progress. At that moment, Xiangqin came out of her memory, "By the way, why did you call me here?" "The old district invited us for afternoon tea." Xiangqin was excited, "Is he here again? I really miss this good old man." "It's four thirty this afternoon." "Two hours' notice? How do you know I'm free." Xiangqin was annoyed. Whether you are free or not is just a matter of priority. If the person concerned thinks the appointment is important, he must find time. Lianhuan just smiled. Xiangqin took out a thick notebook: "The press conference for the new development plan of the Western Reclamation Area will be held at 3:30 p.m.... I made this trip first, and then I will meet you at the agreed place." Lianhuan arrived earlier than Xiangqin. Lawyer District has become fatter, gray-haired, and older, but his expression is more relaxed. "How are you?" Lianhuan shook hands with him warmly, "how is everyone?" "You should know better than I do." Lianhuan said modestly: "My world is very small." "Where is your father's hall?" "Holiday in Malaysia." "Enjoy Qingfu," District Attorney said happily. "My life is similar. When I was a child, I hoped that I would not have to go to school. When I was a man, I hoped that I would not have to work. I didn't expect that I would have to wait until the age of 60 to realize my two wishes." Lian Huan kept laughing, Lao Qu was really a good man, he was always frank and straightforward, and regarded him as his peer. "Xiang Baoshan has opened an antique shop with a friend, you must know." Lianhuan replied: "That is indeed a very noble pastime." The old district blinked, "I chatted with my friends in the store for six hours, I don't know if I have done a business." Lianhuan is noncommittal, there are such people. After a while, Lianhuan asked softly, "Is there any news about Xiang Zishan?" The old district said: "I don't know, I haven't contacted their mother and daughter." "She's an adult." "It wasn't you who mentioned it, but I gradually forgot it." Pulling the corners of the mouth in a row. The old district paused for a while, then said: "You have never forgotten Ah Zi." Lianhuan smiled and didn't answer positively. At this time, the old district raised its head, "Xiangqin is here." Xiangqin sat down in high spirits, "Who are you talking about?" The old district smiled and replied, "Old friend." Xiangqin looked at Lianhuan, and asked with a smile: "Which old friend is here, from the entrance of Wuyi Lane?" The old district has always admired Xiangqin, this girl is really cultivated and lovely.She accepts Lianhuan's past as accepting Lianhuan's mole, even if the past makes her sad, she accepts it, because she is mature and knows that she can't just love the other person's merits. The old district smiled and replied: "We are saying that Xu Keli is capable. In the past few years, Xiang's turnover has doubled compared to before." Xiangqin laughed, "The money is placed in the bank, and the annual interest is 10%. You don't have to do anything, and it will double in five years." The old district was in awe, but Xiangqin didn't expect Xiangqin to understand the economy like this. Xiangqin doesn't underestimate Xu Keli, but this business is inherited, unlike Lianhuan, she takes a look at the person she likes, and Lianhuan earns everything with her hands. In order to make Xiangqin happy, the old district praised Lianhuan: "Of course your boyfriend is more different." Not to be outdone, Xiangqin smiled and said, "My boyfriend hasn't come out, so I'll tell you for you." Miss Ben really has more than one friend of the opposite sex. "Seriously, when are you two getting married?" Lianhuan replied: "She hates me." Xiangqin said: "Yes, I think his family is poor and ugly." It's good to be young, the old district sighs, the flirting and scolding in the public are all pleasing to the viewer, if replaced by a middle-aged man and woman, the old district will definitely be the first to call for help. After drinking tea, Xiangqin had to catch another show. A writers association asked her to talk about her experience in news writing. After she walked away, the old district said again: "It's time to get married a long time ago. Back then, your father went south alone without any relatives. I really hope to have a grandson soon." Lianhuan was suddenly moved, and raised his head, "You are the best to us, Attorney District, you never underestimate my father as a servant." The old district was startled, he never thought that he could look down on him because he was a servant. The old district is a man of noble character. He said gently: "You child, you were wronged a little back then, right?" Lianhuan replied: "I have nothing to do with it, but I have never been used to people calling my father a subordinate. It's just that he is poorer. Why is he an inferior?" The old district smiled, "You are willing to speak out, so you don't mind." Lianhuan sighed, this was the first time he complained, and I believe it would also be the last. "I watched you guys grow up, and you reassure me the most, Lianhuan, keep going up." "Attorney District, come back and see us when you have time." "Get married early." After Lianhuan broke up with the old district, he found the site of the Writers Association and waited for Xiangqin at the door. After a while, she came out while shaking hands with people, and she saw Lianhuan at a glance. The two walked downstairs and said in a row: "Let's get married." Xiangqin raised her head, fixed her smile, as if she wanted to see the depths of his soul, and said after a while, "It doesn't count." "Not yet?" Lianhuan shouted loudly. Xiangqin shook her head, "It doesn't count." Lianhuan raised his hands high, making a big gesture of asking the sky without words. Xiangqin said: "I have been busy all day, and I have to go back to the library to catch up on the manuscript." After hearing this, Lianhuan said, "It doesn't count." Xiangqin pushed him and said with a smile, "Don't do that, let's go eat first." Lianhuan said again: "It doesn't count." "Hey, are you done yet?" "Oh, it doesn't count." Xiangqin laughed until her waist softened. Three days later, Lianhuan realized that Xiangqin's words were not reasonable. Doesn't count. Xiangqin knew him far better than he knew himself. He received a call from Xu Keli at school. Lianhuan has two students who are doing internships in Xiang's institution through the assistance of Xu Keli, and they have been in contact for a while. This time the chain also thought it was a matter of student grades. Unexpectedly, Xu Keli said as soon as he opened his mouth, "Xiang Zishan is back." Xu's tone was weird enough, but Lian Huan's reaction was even more strange after hearing that sentence. Lian Huan was holding his breath and waiting for the next sentence, when suddenly flying gold stars appeared in front of his eyes, and there was a thumping sound in his ears, and it took him a while to realize that it was his own heartbeat.Lianhuan put down the phone, it's impossible, after many years, he has grown up, he should no longer have a strong reaction to this name. He frightened himself, and his face suddenly turned pale. A colleague walked by, took a look at him, felt that something was wrong, and then pursued: "Lianhuan, you are not feeling well, are you?" Xu Keli's voice came from the receiver, "Hello, hello." Lianhuan regained his composure and said bitterly, "I heard that." "She came back with her mother, Lianhuan, Mrs. Xiang wants to see you." It took a long time for Lianhuan to say: "If I can refuse, I would rather not see you." "I'm afraid you must see her, Lianhuan, she is very ill." Lianhuan was stunned. "Exactly the same symptoms as Mr. Xiang, I've seen her, it's scary, like he came back to find her." Lianhuan's hairs stood on end. "Lianhuan, you have to see it to believe it. Lianhuan clenched his fists, "I'm ready." "I'll send a car to pick you up." The car drove to the outskirts. I don't know if the sun was particularly fierce that day, and the Venus in front of Lianhuan's eyes never disappeared. Let Xiangqin know what she would think, would she laugh at him, or pity him?Everything was within the expectation of this smart girl, she knew it was not the right time, and the chain was still under the control of the spell. The car stopped at the door of the white bungalow, and Lianhuan saw the blue sea first, and only seagulls chirped in the silent sky. They will always find this secluded wonderland to call home. The door opened, and the footman came out and led him in. The house is empty, it seems to be deliberately arranged to make the atmosphere lonely, it is a modern design style, there is a row of large floor-to-ceiling windows in front of the living room, the whole sea is reflected in the room, Lianhuan can't open his eyes. Lianhuan only saw the backlight of a wheelchair facing him, and there was someone in the wheelchair, but he couldn't see who it was for a moment. A hoarse male voice was heard by Lianhuan: "It's good that you are here." Lianhuan was startled, whose voice is this?This is obviously a gift from the right of incense, and the whole body is cold in a row, so I took a step forward, wanting to see clearly. I saw the person in the wheelchair crouched in a corner, and sighed softly, "Oh, you don't recognize me?" Lianhuan couldn't help but said, "I'm here to see Mrs. Xiang's wife, Ms. Deng Yuzhen." The man suddenly laughed, his voice was hoarse, like an old crow, Lian Huan clearly remembered that it was Xiang Quanci's voice, could it be that he came back? "Little Lianhuan, you don't even recognize me." The voice suddenly turned soft and turned into a female voice. Lianhuan said "ah", this is Mrs. Xiang, the person he came to see. Lianhuan suddenly understood what Xu Keli said, yes, it seems that Xiang Quanci came back to find her, and the two seemed to become one. The chained feet were nailed to the floor and could not move. "Lianhuan, have you seen that red car before?" His voice became hoarse again. Lianhuan didn't know how to deal with such a strange situation, and gradually he saw the outline of the person in the wheelchair, but it wasn't the Mrs. Xiang he knew. It could have been any terminally ill man or woman, in a dark toga and hat, with dry, sallow skin and sunken eyes. Lianhuan plucked up the courage to go over and ask, "Who are you?" The man shook his head, his tone soft. "Lianhuan, the owner of the red car, finally abandoned me." Lianhuan squatted down anxiously, "Is that you, madam, is that you?" The patient seemed to be exhausted, with his head hanging aside and no longer speaking. At this time, Lianhuan heard someone behind him say, "Yes, it's her." Lianhuan looked back, he was stunned.Standing by the door was a woman in rose-purple clothes. After seeing her face clearly, he couldn't help but blurt out: "Madam!" This was Mrs. Xiang in his memory. The nurse has come up and pushed the wheelchair out. The woman laughed so hard, "Lianhuanlianhuan, you don't even recognize me, what are you yelling at?" Lianhuan seems to have returned to her boyhood, timidly looking at her bewitchingly beautiful face, hesitant and surprised. "You forgot your old friend, you forgot Xiangzishan." So far, Lianhuan fully understands the fear in Xu Keli's voice. Lianhuan's rationality gradually connected with reality. He looked at the adult Xiang Zishan, endured thousands of words, and said after a long while: "I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you for a while, and I haven't seen you for a long time." Xiang Zishan smiled, "Maybe it's because of some misunderstanding between us, you don't want to recognize me." Lianhuan put away all the liveliness shown in front of Xiangqin, and said after a while: "I don't remember any misunderstanding," "Forget it," Xiang Zishan beckoned him to sit down in the side hall, "everything happened at nine o'clock, the past counts, now let's start over." Lianhuan drank a full glass of mineral water in one go. "My mother is seriously ill." Lianhuan was silent. "Now I'm in charge." Lianhuan couldn't help asking: "What's your order?" Xiang Zishan said clearly: "I need you." After a series of shocks, he lowered his head sadly. In front of her, he might always be that stupid boy who couldn't lift his head up. "Lianhuan, come to my side and help me." "I do not understand." Xiang Zishan stood up lightly, walked to Lian Huan, and bent down. "I'll tell you slowly." Ah Zi smiled and turned behind Lian Huan, leaning lightly on his back, and said in a low voice: "See if you can still carry me by your back." Lianhuan didn't expect her to do this, he only felt that his limbs were weak and he couldn't move for a while, time seemed to stand still at that moment, Lianhuan's eyelashes filled with tears, it seemed like a century later he said: "It's too heavy, I don't have the strength ." Ah Zi leaned her face towards him, stared at her for a long time, then suddenly smiled and said: "You haven't changed at all." "Come, let's go see that oak tree together." Lianhuan clearly remembered that there was class in the afternoon, but he couldn't speak. He didn't know what happened to his body, so he set off with Xiang Zishan and came to the old Xiang's mansion. I saw a big notice on the grass: private land, no one is allowed to enter. Xiang Zishan yelled, "Oh, we are late." " The house has been half demolished, with ruins everywhere, Xiang Zishan put her hands on Lianhuan's shoulders, insisting on going into the site to explore. The stairs in the mansion are still there, but the handrails have been removed.Xiang Zishan couldn't stop saying: "Look, Lianhuan, this is what Xu Keli and Xiang Baoshan did. In order to drive me away, they sold the big house," she said in a desolate tone, "the Xiang family's foundation was destroyed, and the big house was demolished at this moment." Cleaned up, reduced to fly ash." She stood sadly in front of a glassless window on the second floor. After a while Ah Zi turned around and said, "Here, this is the place where my father injured my mother." Lianhuan stood silently by the side to accompany her. She hurried down the stairs again, ran to the path, looked up at the oak tree she had climbed countless times, and sighed: "Now it's not as tall as it used to be." Lianhuan has been following behind her. "This is where you live." She pointed to the dormitory. AhZi was still sitting on that big rock, looking at her continuously, with a confused expression on her face, as if she had passed away. She asked Lianhuan: "Have you ever been back?" Lianhuan shook his head. She sighed a long time, stood up, and suddenly lowered her body. Lianhuan knew something was wrong, so he hurried over to check it out, only to see that AhZi's right foot stepped into a piece of broken glass, bleeding from the slender wound. Lianhuan took out a handkerchief to wrap it around her, "I'm going to see a doctor." Xiang Zishan suddenly laughed. It took a while for Lianhuan to understand why she was smiling. He sighed, carried Ah Zi on his back and walked out on the road. At this moment, somehow, fog began to form. The sky darkened, and clouds of thick fog descended from the sky and accumulated in the ground. Every time Lianhuan took a step, some of the fog was kicked away. He was very puzzled, although the mansion was on the mountain, it was below the fog line, and he had never seen such a thick fog. Today's scene is too special. He carried Xiangzishan on his back, and there was no one around him, and he felt even more lost, as if he had entered another dimension and would never return to the human world. He went home anyway, but it was already late at night. Lianhuan didn't feel tired, as soon as the phone rang, he answered it. Xiangqin's voice asked, "Lianhuan, where are you?" Lianhuan was silent, it was the voice of his conscience, he leaned his head against the wall and wept. "Lianhuan, talk, what happened, do you want me to come over?" It was only at this moment that Lianhuan understood why Xiangqin wanted to say no. Doesn't count. "I'm very tired, see you tomorrow." He actually put down the phone and ignored Xiangqin. He put his back against the wall, and kept that position in the dark. What happened all afternoon ran back and forth in his mind, and the images gradually jumped out, staring at him in the small bedroom. The scorched yellow skeleton man suddenly got up from the wheelchair and waved to Lian Huan. Before Lian Huan had time to walk over, he had already changed into Xiang Quanci, and said softly to Lian Huan: "Do you know how to love someone? How does it feel to love you more than that person?" Lianhuan shouted loudly: "Why can't you love others, go love others." After shouting out, he realized that these words were for himself. I saw Xiang Quanci covering his face with his hands, and when his hands were put down, he changed into a beautiful Deng Yuzhen. Lianhuan waved his hands to drive her away, but she was everywhere, and it was useless to close his eyes, only to hear her tremblingly saying: "The owner of the red car has finally abandoned me." Lianhuan couldn't hold it anymore, he squatted down slowly, and asked, "Why do you pester me about your family's affairs?" "Lianhuan, Lianhuan." The crisp voice said, "We will always be friends, Lianhuan, aren't we?" "Zi, Zi." The Ah Zi he saw at the moment was only a few years old, she smiled and said: "You broke into our world by yourself, reluctant to leave, and refused to leave, who can blame you." She pointed at him and then slapped Clap clapping. Lianhuan whimpered and sat down on the ground. At this time, the door rang, and someone opened the key and came in. The man walked up to Lian Huan without saying a word, and helped him up vigorously. It was Lin Xiangqin who arrived. She helped him to lie down on the sofa. Lianhuan was covered in sweat, as if possessed by a nightmare. Xiangqin was puzzled, how could he become like this when he was alone.She stayed by his side and watched him fall into a deep sleep.At dawn, she saw that he had stabilized and was about to leave when the phone rang, but of course Xiangqin didn't listen to it, it had its own recording equipment, and sure enough, she heard the other party say: "I'm Xu Keli, Lianhuan, please contact me as soon as possible ," He paused at this point, "Have you seen their mother and daughter?" Xiangqin raised her head abruptly, with a flash of inspiration, she understood everything. At this time Xu Keli let out a sigh of relief and hung up the phone. Looking at the sleeping Lianhuan, Xiangqin couldn't believe that there is such a poor person in the world. He has been manipulated by her for many years, and he seems to be willing to continue. This stupid man never tires of it. Xiangqin couldn't bear it anymore and stood up, and suddenly realized that this was also Lin Xiangqin's portrayal: serving a corner loyally, talking to her for a few afternoons when the other party had a little free time. She is worse than Lianhuan, and she is a slave of slaves. At that moment, Xiangqin didn't know what it was like, she was stunned.