Chapter 3 The third chapter seems to be an old friend

Everyone becomes vulnerable at night, or falls into unreal dreams.When the day comes, the strong put on their armor and rush into reality. Early the next morning, I drove Xiaoxuan to school and handed him over to Zhao Ningnian myself. "Mr. Zhao, Xiaoxuan is on your leave." I said it politely, almost bowing deeply like a Japanese woman. "Please don't worry." Teacher Zhao avoided my gaze. "Are you here to pick me up this afternoon?" "certainly." I started the car, and from the rearview mirror, I saw Mr. Zhao holding Xiaoxuan's figure getting smaller and smaller.In fact, Zhao Ningnian is quite cute.He must be from some planet called "Right", so he deserves to be a teacher.

The important thing is that Xiaoxuan likes him, and he can protect Xiaoxuan well. And my own life has already deviated from the "correct" track.When did you start going astray?Can't remember, it must have been a long, long time ago. I called Gu Fenghua and briefly reported what happened last night.Will Liang Hongzhi learn to behave?I'm not sure either.At least I did my best.Then, I turned around and headed downtown. Shen Xiuwen has a store in a good location in the city, I plan to go there to find her.Should have called first.But I always only dialed her mobile phone and never remembered the number in the store.

Fortunately, not far, the road is smooth. The store is located on the podium of a high-end office building, and the rent alone absorbs most of the business profits.Rich and stylish decoration.Shen Xiuwen has spent a lot of effort here, there is her private office upstairs, and she usually stays here most of the time.Directing business is one aspect.For a single woman, this place is more like her spiritual sustenance. "Boss Shen is not here." The front desk lady stared at me with big blank eyes and answered me.I come here often, but Shen Xiuwen changes the front desk more frequently.This is a newcomer again, and I don't know each other.Shen Xiuwen's favorite receptionists are all girls of the same kind, with round faces and big eyes, and worrying about IQ.In my opinion, each of them is similar, and I really don't understand why Xiuwen can't get tired of changing.

Looking around, all women seemed to have joined the Detachment of Women.Not a single familiar face.The turnover rate of our store is the highest in the industry.Even at the risk of losing her old clients, Shen Xiuwen couldn't help but want to do something to these girls.The old aunt's vicious appearance is known even if she doesn't want to. "Ouch, Miss Zhu is here!" A person hurriedly ran down the spiral staircase. I breathed a sigh of relief.Finally, there is her—Tao Lili, Shen Xiuwen's assistant and store manager.It is all because she is older, uglier, and more aunt than Shen Xiuwen, so she has survived to this day.

"Is Xiuwen there?" I asked. Tao Lili replied: "Miss Zhu, I still want to ask you! Mr. Shen has only been to the store once since he came back from the United States. He has disappeared since then, and I can't get in touch anyway." It seems that Shen Xiuwen is not the only one avoiding me. "Did you go to her house to look for it?" "Not yet." Tao Lili said in embarrassment, "I can't usually leave. Besides, Mr. Shen hates other people visiting her house." Only I went to find it. "I'm going to use the bathroom." I looked up upstairs.

"Okay, you can use the one in Mr. Shen's room." Tao Lili has been with Shen Xiuwen for several years and knows our relationship very well, so she rushed upstairs and opened Shen Xiuwen's office door for me. I go in.Under the wall directly opposite is Shen Xiuwen's desk.On the right is a whole row of display cabinets displaying the products she deals in.A leather couch sits in front of the display case.On the left side of the room are rows of large glass windows with white blackout curtains hanging from them. Everything is white. There are no photo frames on the table, no paintings on the walls, no cushions on the sofa, and not even a single green plant in the whole room.Every time I step into this room, it's like stepping into nothingness.

Xue Baochai's house is described in the book as being decorated like a snow cave.It's nothing more than that.Mother Jia, who has insight into people's hearts, was very displeased by this, and criticized that the young girl's house is so clean, we old women should die even more. Luxury car bags are just for window dressing.Shen Xiuwen's heart died a long time ago. I walked slowly to the window.Below the window is a small street ridiculed by pedestrians.Looking into the distance, there is a large circle of open space.Such a good location has been occupied by some unscrupulous developer for many years, but there has been no movement.The weeds inside have grown taller than people.No one would appreciate this kind of scenery, but Shen Xiuwen regarded it as a treasure.In recent years, the rent of this shop has increased many times, and she has never thought of relocating even though she started a business.

Only I know why. I looked across the clearing.A narrow river meanders through it.There is an iron bridge over the river, and the body of the bridge is black.It has also been abandoned for a long time and cannot be used.Across the river is the city's famous nostalgic area.Cafes, bars, and fashion shops are scattered among them.Every night, the petty bourgeoisie on the other side and the luxury and magnificence on the other side complement each other, but there is a large dead land in the middle, which is difficult to cross. There must have been many complaints delivered to the management department, but they all fell into the sea.

I took one more look at the iron bridge and was about to leave.Sudden-- The shadow of the car flashed.White Porsche!When I looked again, the car was already flying along the outer wall of the open space.It must be her! I hurried downstairs and ran out of the store under the watchful eyes of Tao Lili and the Women's Army. I drove after him.After two or three traffic lights, the rear of Shen Xiuwen's car could already be seen.I saw that she first drove a big circle around the open space, crossed the small river from another road, and then turned around and drove back to the nostalgic area.

This driving route is too strange.I can't guess what she wants to do. It's still early.Cafes and bars are not open until early afternoon.In the nostalgic area at this time, there are basically no passers-by.A white Porsche stands alone at the entrance.In front is the pedestrian street. I also stopped the car. "Xiuwen." I called softly.The Porsche is empty. I slowly walked into the pedestrian street.On the path paved with gravel, my footsteps were very clear.Listen carefully, is there any other footsteps? There seems to be, there seems to be no... And my own heart was pounding like a roar in my chest.

Step by step, I reached the end of the nostalgic area. Ahead is the abandoned iron bridge.The body of the bridge has rusted into dark black.An iron door was blocked at the entrance, and a huge iron lock was hung on it, which was also rusty.The weather was gloomy, and the river water was turbid, as black as ink. There was a man standing upright by the iron gate.Facing the iron bridge, I could only see his back. I stopped and looked at him. Everything in the world ceases to exist.Time also stopped.Until the drizzle fell, some light smoke floated on the river. As if awakened by raindrops, the man turned his head and saw me too. "It's raining." He smiled, as if he was interested in chatting up a strange woman like me. He doesn't know me.But obviously, I had his eye for it.I have this confidence. I also smiled back at him: "Yes, this season has always been like this. One autumn rain and one cold." "Are you a local?" "Native-born." He nodded, his attitude was very calm and kind. I took a step forward so I could get a better look at his face. I asked enthusiastically, "Do you want to go to that bridge?" "Ah yes, it looks very fancy to me. But why is it locked?" "It's been locked for some years." I pointed to the fence of the open space opposite, "Because the land opposite has been vacant, the management department may be afraid that it will be unsafe, so they simply locked the bridge together." He pondered: "It's like this... That's a pity." "It's a pity." "I thought it was not the opening time, so I waited until now." He would not be so stupid.I know that he still regards me as a stranger, unwilling to reveal the truth. "Bars and cafes, some open at noon." I continued to play the eager local. "I'm not interested in those." His expression suddenly became very tired. "The rain seems to be getting heavier." He raised his hand to try, "I'd better go." "I work here." Without waiting for him to say something, I said it first. "Oh, then... goodbye." He nodded to me again, smiled and said goodbye. I turned sideways and watched him walk past me and walk away slowly. Sure enough, the rain became denser and thicker, weaving a mist that stretched across the sky and the earth. "Zhu Ran." Someone called me. Shen Xiuwen was standing across the gravel path.Covered from head to toe in a black raincoat, he looked bulkier than usual.If you don't look carefully, you can't tell if it's a man or a woman. She walked over quickly: "Look at you, you are all soaked. Come back to the car with me." I was pulled into a Porsche by her.At this time, I felt wet and cold all over my body. "Why, why is it so cold in autumn?" I trembled and couldn't make a sentence. Shen Xiuwen sighed and turned on the heater in the car.My body gradually warmed up, but my heart was already stiff as if it had sunk into a sea of ​​ice.I leaned my head against the car window and became dazed... More than three years ago, on an almost cold autumn day, Jing Xueping and I had the worst quarrel in our lives, and then we left home.To be exact, Jing Xueping kicked him out of the house. I walked alone on the street for a long time, unaware that it was already dark, and the same fine and dense rain as today drenched my whole body.It was Shen Xiuwen who found me, pulled me into her car, and turned on the heater for me as well. I remember her touching my face with regret.Only then did I feel that my cheeks were so painful that they were numb. Xiuwen said bitterly: "I never thought that Jing Xueping would beat people up, and he beat people so fiercely!" I touched my lips, and they were so swollen.Shen Xiuwen turned the rearview mirror around.I saw that my face was deformed and colorful.It's like putting on a clown mask. I giggled, and kept laughing until my tears splashed. "Zhu Ran, Zhu Ran, don't do this." Shen Xiuwen called my name in a low voice, her voice was full of sadness, she seemed more frustrated than me. "Xiuwen, I don't have a home anymore." I said, "Jing Xueping insists on a divorce. But he wants to keep our house and all our deposits. He wants all the money and things, heh, the only thing he doesn't want is Xiaoxuan." Shen Xiuwen gritted her teeth and scolded: "Despicable! Shameless! This is a man, so shameless!" "That's fine." I laughed again, "My marriage with him was a misunderstanding, and it should have ended long ago. All I need is Xiaoxuan." Shen Xiuwen was surprised: "You don't care?" "It's up to now, so what can I care about." "I'll help you hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit." I shook my head: "No need, just treat it as a gift to the God of Plague." "Ah... up to you." Shen Xiuwen had a strange expression.She couldn't understand: How could I, who has always been strong, suddenly compromise?And how did the always submissive and honest man Jing Xueping turn into a thug overnight? In fact, the balance of power between people has always been like this.Strong and weak are only relative concepts, especially when the factor of love is mixed in it.In my opinion, Jing Xueping's unfeeling was not unexpected at that time.When Nan Ke woke up, he had the right to be crazy about the lost half of his life. So what about Shen Xiuwen today?Is it time to wake up? When I turned against Jing Xueping that day, I still had Shen Xiuwen by my side.Xiaoxuan and I stayed at her home for nearly half a year, and she had no complaints.I am determined to buy the house in Binjiang and build a new home for Xiaoxuan.It was also Shen Xiuwen who generously donated money and lent me millions of down payment.It will be a long time before I repay this amount.If the interest and house price increase are included, Shen Xiuwen has helped me far more than that amount... After thinking about it, I couldn't help feeling: "Xiuwen, do you remember more than three years ago? You helped me too much then." Shen Xiuwen replied coldly: "What did you mention about the original incident?" I was stunned. Shen Xiuwen had already taken off her raincoat, and a few strands of hair were sticking wetly to her forehead.She looked very emaciated, with a puffy, gray complexion and two large dark circles under her eyes. Yes, my heart is sad.Time has passed, and Shen Xiuwen finally woke up from her dream. To be precise, it was completely broken. "Did you see him?" she said in a thin voice. I had an epiphany - she was talking about the man in front of the iron bridge! "So you..." I couldn't tell, "You've been following him these days?" "From the moment I found his address... yes, I followed him from morning till night." A wry smile appeared on the corner of Shen Xiuwen's mouth. "He didn't notice?" "It doesn't seem to be. Heh, my tracking technology is pretty good." I suddenly remembered: "The acquaintance you said last time you met at the Los Angeles airport...is that him?" Shen Xiuwen nodded. "At that time, I was very flustered and terrified. So I went to you as soon as I returned to China, hoping to get some support from you, even if it was verbal comfort." She sneered again, her whole face distorted. "But you don't care at all, you only care about yourself." I am speechless. "You...if you still can't let go...in fact...can you meet him?" I don't know what I'm talking about. "Meet? Let him see me now?" Shen Xiuwen screamed, "What have I become in the past ten years! Even I hate myself! I will never see him again, never!" I close my eyes. "You caused all this!" I opened my eyes again.Shen Xiuwen's face full of resentment kept shaking in front of her eyes. I defended weakly: "No, Xiuwen. You know my original intention is to protect you. I didn't expect you to be overwhelmed and give up on yourself. Now you blame everything on me, it's not fair. " "Yes, at the beginning you were doing it for my own good." She said sarcastically, "So in the past few days I have not only been following, but I, a great detective, have also done other things. Hehe, investigation work." I looked at Shen Xiuwen in horror, isn't she already crazy? She said, "I'll tell you Zhu Ran—he's still him. He's Cheng Moyuan." Shen Xiuwen drove me out of the Porsche and drove away. I got back into my car and didn't even have the energy to start it.I simply closed my eyes and leaned back on the seat.The body and limbs seem to no longer belong to me, and all senses are numb.But the spirit is excited, and the thoughts in the mind are rushing, as if entering the land of no one. The rain has stopped.The sun dispelled the fog over the river.Visibility has increased a lot, and the golden sunlight is reflected by the different and interesting shop signs in the nostalgic area.Even the dark iron bridge seems to have added vitality. Ten years ago, this iron bridge was still open for people to walk.On the opposite side of the bridge is the shanty town formed many years ago, which is the area that is demolished into wasteland today.The simple brick houses are densely packed, and the narrow path can only allow two people to pass by.Litter and garbage everywhere.Once outsiders enter, they walk into the maze. Ten years ago, the nostalgic area on this shore had just taken shape.On the opposite side of the shantytown, the outermost street houses are accompanied by a row of various small shops.People come and go on the iron bridge, residents and tourists are mixed together, full of fireworks. Remember, that time we came by taxi.Self-driving is a long time away for me and Shen Xiuwen.That day we got off the taxi on the other side of the river and walked onto the iron bridge hand in hand. She was slender and light, and I was potbellied. We are both twenty-nine years old. I am pregnant with eight-month-old Jing Xiaoxuan.The short shoe-barrel skirt is swollen everywhere from the face to the body.I have all the ugliness of a pregnant woman, but I don't have the brilliance of a expectant mother from the inside out. Because I am not happy. When I married Jing Xueping, I made it clear that I don't want children.He must be reluctant, but at that time he only wanted me to marry him, and he agreed to any conditions.Or he thought, I was just talking.A couple of days is a hundred days of grace.Jing Xueping held on to wishful thinking, hoping that life would change me, and that his devotion would move me.Heh, he is such an obsessed fool who will never change until death. So when I found out that I made a mistake in contraception and insisted on having an abortion, Jing Xueping couldn't accept it no matter what.He thought we had become a family and I shouldn't be so stubborn and selfish anymore.In other words, he feels that things are up to now.Zhu Ran, you just accept your fate. I don't accept my fate. The doctor warned that I have a physical defect, and if this miscarriage occurs, there will be no possibility of childbearing in the future.Ni Shuangxia and Jing Xueping took turns persuading me, using both soft and hard methods, intimidating and luring me.I just don't say yes. Until late at night, Jing Xueping knelt in front of me.His hands rested on my legs, palms still wet and cold as always.He said tearfully: "Zhu Ran, I know why you insist on not having a child. I know that you don't love me. Even though you are married to me, you have never lived a single moment of happiness because you don't love me. But because of this, I beg you to give birth to this child. I believe that this child will bring you the happiness that I cannot give you with all my strength. Already broken, love so much that I can die for you at any time, but still can’t make you happy. The only thing I can give you now is this child. He will love you instead of me, accompany you, and make you realize the meaning of life ...Zhu Ran, I beg you, give birth to him. Even if you want to exchange my life for him. Please... give birth to him. " I will never forget his tearful face.In this life, Jing Xueping has never aroused my love, but he aroused my sympathy after all.His words really moved me.Made me understand that what he expected was not the continuation of the bloodline.Jing Xueping only hopes to keep his humble love. This reason convinced me.Jing Xiaoxuan was born and I finally became a mother. I went to tell Xiuwen the good news that I was pregnant.Unexpectedly, she also has good news waiting for me - Shen Xiuwen is getting married. After graduating from technical school, Shen Xiuwen went to work in a state-owned enterprise.I have been in love several times, but they all ended without a problem.With a plain appearance, she seemed to have been waiting for some kind of strong passion that could destroy her life. In this way, while I was waiting for my new life with complicated emotions, Shen Xiuwen also ushered in the only love in my life.I was amazed to see her flower of life bloom day by day.I'm getting bloated.However, Shen Xiuwen was radiant and truly turned into a beautiful woman. Shen Xiuwen invited me to meet her fiancé. Before going, she gave me a detailed introduction to their love process.From how to get acquainted, to each other's background and personality, in which aspects they attract each other, how they feel when they get along, and their plans after marriage. Shen Xiuwen hesitated to speak, she was worried that I would be jealous of her.In our friendship, I have always had the upper hand.I am more beautiful than Shen Xiuwen, smarter than Shen Xiuwen, more decisive than Shen Xiuwen, and even more pleasing to men.But now, Shen Xiuwen will get a marriage that is much better than mine.This breaks the habits we have had for years.So Shen Xiuwen was very stage fright and felt sorry for me from the bottom of her heart.She is overthinking.From the moment he agreed to continue having a child, Zhu Ran has accepted his fate.No matter what kind of excellent man Shen Xiuwen will marry, it will not irritate me. But the more I listened, the more frightened I became. I'm not jealous, I'm panicking.From Shen Xiuwen's narration, I clearly felt the pressure of fate.A harbinger of the coming storm. The time has finally come.I walked across the iron bridge tremblingly.Shen Xiuwen carefully supported me, and asked questions considerately along the way.She kept talking nonsense, trying to hide her nervousness. Did she sense something too? Meet at the coffee shop near the iron bridge.Because that's where they first met. Shen Xiuwen explained shyly: "He likes to drink coffee here, and he can see the iron bridge. He likes that bridge very much." I stopped abruptly. "What's wrong?" I must have turned pale. "Ah, nothing." I started walking again.At that moment I understood everything.But I have no choice but to move on. We go into the cafe. "Hello, I am Cheng Moyuan." The man stood up and held out his hand to me. Want to shake hands?I hesitate.He smiled politely and waited.I could see clearly, a hint of confusion in those deep eyes.I smile too, and reach out. What are you afraid of, just shake hands. "Nice to meet you, Xiuwen always mentions you." He pulled out the chair for me to sit down.Shen Xiuwen is right, Cheng Moyuan has a great demeanor, and his every move is pleasing.I mean - please me. Shen Xiuwen sat next to him, and I sat opposite them like a judge.Cheng Moyuan seemed a little nervous.Shen Xiuwen was completely relaxed.Her attachment and trust to Cheng are beyond words, as if as long as he is by her side, the world will be peaceful. "I am Zhu Ran." I said to him. "I know. Xiuwen introduced you a long time ago. You are her best friend." When Cheng Moyuan smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were obvious.Shen Xiuwen said that he was forty-five years old, so his appearance matched his age.Oh, I don't mean he looks old, but his posture, appearance, speech, manner, all of these are just right.Forty-five-year-old Cheng Moyuan perfectly interprets the maturity of a man, and his charm is indescribable. His charm is beyond the comprehension of Shen Xiuwen and his ilk. "You are different from what I imagined." He took the initiative to chat with me. "Is it?" "From Xiuwen's description and your name, I think of you as an outgoing person." "Outgoing?" "I mean, the active type... Ah no, please forgive my Chinese." He smiled and shook his head, "Your name is very special. Ran, this word sounds very warm and full of power." I watched and listened, every expression and every word of his made a storm in my heart.I have strength, but all my strength is used to restrain myself, and I have no strength to answer him anymore. Shen Xiuwen interjected: "Mo Yuan, you don't know that since she was pregnant, Zhu Ran has become much quieter. Really, it is said that a woman will change completely when she becomes a mother. I believe it now." She said tightly snuggled up to him.Without me in front of her, she would definitely throw herself into his arms.I can imagine that warmth.Just now, just the moment I shook hands, that abundant sense of security poured into my palm. My heart is desolate. Zhu Ran is going to be a mother.Shen Xiuwen can really wake people up. "Your name is also very special." "Oh?" He was pouring me tea and raised his eyebrows a little. "Mo Yuan, very artistic conception. Mr. Cheng must be from a scholarly family, right? Mo Yuan, does it mean that you have a relationship with Wenmo, or is it because of Wenmo?" "My parents are both businessmen. They probably invited educated friends to come up with this literary name. I never asked about the specific meaning." "I'm curious. Mr. Cheng will have a chance to ask." He replied calmly: "Both my parents have passed away for many years." "Sorry." "It doesn't matter." We continued drinking tea, coffee, and chatting.The atmosphere has changed.Cheng Moyuan was polite to me, but he never "actively" talked to me.In other words, he distanced himself from me. I don't know when I offended Cheng Moyuan, or aroused his vigilance. At the end of the meeting, a plan finally took shape in my mind.Shen Xiuwen and Cheng Moyuan cannot have a future, otherwise I will have to pretend and suppress myself in front of them all my life. I have already lived too wronged, how can I make it worse. And I have good reason.I'm here to save my friends, don't fall into the trap of those with ulterior motives. I successfully implemented the plan.Two weeks later, Cheng Moyuan left Shanghai, and there has been no news since then.After he left for a month, Shen Xiuwen committed suicide by cutting her wrist, but was revived again.For half a year, Shen Xiuwen lived like a walking dead.From then on, she began to eat and drink unrestrainedly, abuse drugs, and then quickly gained weight and disfigured her appearance.I have since bounced back and started my own business, but we both understand that it was just pathetic empathy.Shen Xiuwen has completely lost confidence in life. Who would have thought that Cheng Moyuan was back again. A full ten years have passed, what does it mean for him to appear at this time? I remembered Shen Xiuwen's words - he is him, he is Cheng Moyuan. She is accusing me of my actions back then.Over the years, Shen Xiuwen's suspicion and hatred for me, like magma rushing deep in the center of the earth all the time, finally erupted with the sudden appearance of Cheng Mo Yuan.At this moment, even if she comes to kill me with a knife, I will not be surprised. I propped up my painful forehead—karma will eventually come.At this point, I calmed down instead.Mirrors have two sides.Beauty and ugliness, good and evil, good and bad, always change quietly. Shen Xiuwen could no longer count on it.This is also good, since then we will not owe each other. There are more and more people in the nostalgic area.The open-air round tables were occupied by guests one by one.Everyone has exaggerated smiles on their faces, as if they are living a very interesting life. It's almost time to leave school, I should pick up Xiaoxuan. I straightened my hair in the rearview mirror and put on some lipstick. I looked much better.Life is actually very simple.There are thousands of blows and pains, and only one reason is enough to keep you going.I started the car and drove to Xiaoxuan's school.The steering wheel is held steady.I am a mother.No choice. At the school gate, I met Jian Lin unexpectedly.She came to pick up Duoduo.During the few minutes we waited for the kids to get out of school, we chatted casually. "Zhu Ran, are you all busy recently?" Jian Lin complained, "Old Gu leaves early and returns late every day, and I can't even see him." "The financing has come to a critical moment. Lao Gu has worked very hard." "It's also..." Her eyes kept rolling on my face, "Your complexion is not good either. Oh, it's better not to be exhausted. Work is more important than your body." "It's okay. Lao Gu and I are working hard. Besides, we are happy when we are busy together." As I answered like this, seeing Jian Lin's expression change from cloudy to sunny, I felt a vicious sense of satisfaction in my heart.Everyone hits me, and occasionally I can hit someone else. In fact, there is no need. Jian Lin said: "It won't be in vain. If the financing is successful, Zhu Ran, you will get rich." "Get rich?" "Yes, I heard that Lao Gu gave you a lot of shares." I was alert: "Did Gu tell you?" Jian Lin smiled coyly: "Where is Lao Gu talking about business with me? But this kind of thing, everyone knows it in their hearts. Jing... well, you are Lao Gu's right-hand man. If he treats you badly, I will not agree." I have never heard anything more insincere. I made an aboveboard expression: "The company has set up a share pool, and everyone in the executives has a share. Besides, the shares can't be discounted at any time, it's just wealth on paper." "Yes. I don't understand business matters." On the way home, Xiaoxuan kept talking.He seemed excited to go back to school.Apart from being relieved, I didn't listen to what Xiaoxuan said. A conversation with Jane Lynn reminded me.While the financing has not yet been settled, I must force Gu Fenghua to agree to cash out the shares as soon as possible.Under normal circumstances, I can sell the shares under my name only when the company is acquired or goes public.But I can't wait.I decided to ask Gu Fenghua to buy out my shares.In the current situation, I have bargaining chips with him.As long as these shares can be exchanged for cash, immigration is definitely enough. Jing Xueping definitely didn't want to see this result. When he looked up, he was indeed sitting in his old position again.Behind is the night outside the window, colorful and melancholy. I asked angrily: "How did Jian Lin know about the shares? Did you tell her something? Jing Xueping, what tricks do you have, why don't you use them all?" He is silent. I kept chattering to myself: "Jing Xueping, I'm going to take Xiaoxuan away. No matter how you try to revenge me, you can't succeed. Don't try to destroy me." Those eyes stared at me firmly, as if they wanted to use their gaze as a nail to nail me to the wall. I woke up with a start.When he opened his eyes suddenly, that figure instantly shattered and disappeared like a reflection in the water.I am alone in the room. Strange, there is a trace of reluctance in my heart. In the past, when I watched movies and TV dramas, I always laughed at the fact that the two sides talked non-stop before the final battle, and they refused to start a fight, and the winner was immediately decided.Today I suddenly realized that this may make sense. The entanglement between each other is too deep, no matter love or hate, no one can do without each other in the end.After all, no matter whether the other party is an enemy or a friend, once you lose the person who regards you the most, there will be only loneliness in your life. I am restless. Lu Tianmin's call came.It's really elusive.This guy is more elegant than any ghost.Borrowing Xiaoxuan's vocabulary, Lu Tianmin seems to be living in a different dimension. "Tianmin," I said after picking up the phone, "when will you open the time tunnel for me?" "Well?" I laughed quickly: "It's okay, I'm talking nonsense." At this moment, only Lu Tianmin can make me laugh from the bottom of my heart.Halfway through the laugh, it felt too unreal. Lu Tianmin asked lazily: "Are you still unwilling to consider the first option?" "The first option? What?" I thought seriously, "Is it investing in Australian real estate?" There was a soft sigh from the other end. "Forget it." He whispered. Immediately there was a sense of melancholy in my heart.The armor and equipment worn all over the body fell off one after another, and I was too tired.Just for a little while, I thought, just for a little while, undefended and naked, like lying on my back under him all those nights.At least, Lu Tianmin will not hurt me, I firmly believe. "Zhu Ran, I have sorted out two plans, and I will send them to your mailbox immediately. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose according to your own wishes. Make a decision as soon as possible, and I will handle it for you." These words were too professional, very different from Lu Tianmin's usual tone.I'm really not used to it. "Okay," I said, "thank you, Timmy. I'll make a decision soon." "You have to prepare a lot of money." "How many?" "The first plan is more, and the second is less. But the difference is not big, at least five million yuan." --five million. "OK?" "No problem." I cleared my throat, "You have already greeted me, I know it well." "That's good. I'll wait for your news." "Goodbye." I said. "goodbye." ...the phone was not disconnected because no one hung up. "Tianmin?" "Miss Zhu Ran, I am very glad to have the opportunity to serve you." "What do you mean?" I frowned.This guy took the wrong medicine, why did he suddenly become so angry? "I mean nothing." "Lu Tianmin!" I yelled, "Speak clearly, have I offended you?" He was angry and silent, and I heard his heavy breathing.It was so angry and funny. "I didn't expect you to be so rich..." I opened my mouth wide, and he was unhappy because of this? "You're a rich woman, I don't like it very much. I don't have money, I can't help you, and I hate this even more." Lu Tianmin spoke in a low voice, returning to her usual austere tone.Very much like a spoiled child. I was really touched: "Who said you can't help? Fool, you are the one who helped me the most." "real?" "real." In fact, Lu Tianmin has offered me the most convenient option, but I did not accept it.Now he finds out that I am rich, and further thinks that I reject his marriage proposal because I think he is poor, and his self-esteem is greatly damaged.There is a very innocent side to him, but he is not stupid at all.Lu Tianmin just lived too smoothly and couldn't understand my step-by-step life.He seems to be asking all the time: Is it necessary for people to live so tired? Therefore, Lu Tianmin is not suitable for me. I opened the emails from Lu Tianmin and studied the preconditions, precautions, and guidelines for immigration one by one.I couldn't control the agitation of my mind.Thoughts are flying between the blue sky, white clouds and the sea, refusing to return to the earth, and regaining the heavy burden. Only five million is needed!It's the number that keeps going over and over in my mind. I decided to call Gu Fenghua first, to find out his tone. He picked it up: "Zhu Ran, you finally remembered me." It sounded rather displeased. Don't blame him, I haven't put my mind on the company at all recently.Of course, it is not ruled out that Gu Fenghua is coddling, he often controls his subordinates in this preemptive way, as if you are born to owe him.I don't like him. "Old Gu, is there any movement at Liang Hongzhi's side?" "This... wait, I'll go to the study to talk about it." I heard him stumble along the way, imagining Jian Lin sitting on the sofa and looking sideways at him.Jian Lin has an uncle who holds an important position in the city. Gu Fenghua married her because of this, and his business also started from this relationship.Over the years, Gu Fenghua has managed to become half of the successful people, but there has not been any decent scandal. Outsiders think that Jian Lin's husband is skilled, but Gu Fenghua has no courage. His career is a precarious building, and he cannot do without the support of Jian Lin's family at all times.People in the world often think that successful people can do whatever they want, but in fact, they have more constraints and are more involuntary. Jian Lin regards me as an imaginary enemy, a boring pastime.Gu Fenghua also pampered her to some extent.This couple disgusts me from the bottom of my heart. "Okay." Gu Fenghua probably closed the door of the study, "Liang Hongzhi has been very dull these days, I don't know what the hell he's thinking." "We scared him?" "I hope so." I cut straight to the point: "Old Gu, I need money urgently recently. I ask for it in advance..." Before I finished speaking, Gu Fenghua interrupted me: "Zhu Ran, I understand, I understand. As long as the financing is implemented, we can talk about anything." "I want to cash out all the shares immediately." "This……" "As soon as the financing is completed." I don't care whether he is embarrassed or not, "Old Gu, if you have difficulties, I can't go all out for the financing." Gu Fenghua said darkly, "Is this taking advantage of others' danger?" “你说我乘什么危？”我大怒，“顾风华，我去找梁宏志可是拼了性命的！假如纪春茂失踪真是梁宏志干的，那他就是个恶魔！什么事情干不出来！” “也没那么严重吧。” “你自己为什么不去？” “因为只有景雪平知道纪春茂失踪的真相，你去更有说服力啊。”顾风华干笑两声，“我躲在后面，咱们都有个退路。” 我沉默几秒：“老顾，既然你是这个态度，不如我现在就撤出吧。” “别啊！”顾风华夸张地叫起来，“你看看，就开个玩笑嘛。何必当真。” “我要兑现股份。”我坚持。 顾风华咳嗽了好几声，终于答道：“行吧。” 世道便是如此，只要你够狠，别人就低头。 我轻轻放开手机上的录音键。顾风华不是傻瓜，应该会兑现承诺。 他又怎肯轻易输了这一局？挂机前顾风华要求我，明天上午必须参加和投资方的洽谈。 他解释说，“明天他们的大老板要出场。” “哦？”我想起白璐的那档子事，“此人声望赫赫，倒想见识见识。” 顾风华道：“也许是我们误会了。据说之前人家不出面，一则时机未成熟；二则因为身体不好。总而言之，明天上午的会晤极为关键，要尽量给对方留下好印象。最后关头了，主观判断的成分往往起决定作用。”听上去，他还在为我阻止白璐“献身”而耿耿于怀。 “好在之前的审查均已通过，现在无非是讨价还价。” 我故意说：“讨价还价你在行。” 顾风华笑了几声，挂断电话。 呵一个风传为老色魔的富豪。何惧之有。我踌躇满志地想，任何人都不能阻碍我奔向新生活。我以为这一夜会睡得很安稳，然事与愿违。 又是那座铁桥。暗夜星光，撒在曲折蜿蜒的河面上。上锁的铁门不知何时打开，有人在桥头等待。我奔过去。 是卢天敏。他无邪的笑脸在月光下格外明朗，宛如一览无余的美景。 “朱燃，”他向我招手呢，“快来，我带你去新世界。” 我像穿上水晶鞋的辛德瑞拉，一身轻盈。我简直是飞上了桥头。 咦，卢天敏不见了？ 就在原先他站立的地方，换成了另外一个身影。 我的心沉下来，又莫名的安宁。仿佛期盼了太久的时刻终于到来。兴奋感消失了。只有一步一步，缓缓地、沉着地走过去。 成墨缘仍是今晨我在细雨中见到的打扮。长风衣，腰间束带。看见我，他把双手从衣袋中取出，向我微笑。 我努力镇静自己，等着眼眶间的湿意散去，方才走上前：“你终于来了。” 他把手放在我的肩上。 我说：“我等了很久。” 他凝视我：“但愿现在还不算晚。” “不晚。”我再也忍不住哽咽。低下头，把脸埋到他的胸前。顺势展开双臂，紧紧地环绕他的腰。无可名状的温暖，仿佛一生就此安乐。 我闭上眼睛…… “终归还是晚了。” 浑身的血骤然凝冻——谁？ I look up.景雪平！What is he?怎么是他！ 我用力甩开双臂，向后连退几步。后背已经抵到栏杆上，铁的冰冷直刺皮肤。 景雪平看着我，慢慢咧开嘴。他居然在笑！ 我从没见过这样恐怖的笑。他的嘴越裂越大，黑黢黢地变成无底深渊，要将我吸。 “来吧，这里才是你的新世界……”从深渊里发出含糊的声音，震耳欲聋。 我惊恐万状地狂喊，拼命抵抗那股强悍的吸力。铁桥在我脚下剧烈摇晃，发出巨响。景雪平的躯体突然爆裂开。血肉横飞，残肢的碎片迸射到空中，又燃烧着落下。铁桥的尽头，那片荒地上的杂草被点燃了，熊熊的火焰很快就卷上铁桥。我已走投无路。 只有桥下，一泓深邃的黑色河水尚未被火淹没。我绝望地嘶吼一声，纵身跃出。 ……我醒来了，全身被冷汗浸透。 噩梦中的场景依旧鲜明，漆黑的室内处处跳动着火红的影子。我挣扎着扭亮台灯，靠在枕上喘息。好久好久，都无法完全平息下来。 再这样下去，用不了多久我就会精神崩溃的。 我的心被最深刻的悲哀攥紧。新生，好像就在眼前，但又仿佛永难企及。有关景雪平的噩梦，我已做过太多回。过去每一次，我都会在醒来时为自己打气。我坚信终有一天，我能打败他，能够摆脱他的控制。但是这次不同——这次的梦中，有成墨缘。 是因为晨雨中的相逢吗？Thinking every day, dreaming at night.我不也梦见了卢天敏？或许我可以这样安慰自己。可是我心里再明白不过，成墨缘是不一样的。成墨缘是我的宿命。就像沉没在冰海底部的泰坦尼克号，能把他打捞出来的唯有上帝。我有信心对抗景雪平，但我无能对抗命运。 清晨四时。在黎明之前最深沉的黑暗中，我流着泪向上帝乞求，请给我和我的儿子一线生机。 Its daybreak. 我照例送小轩去学校，然后驱车拐上高架。十点之前要赶到外滩的一处顶级会所。和神秘的投资方大老板的会晤就安排在那里。沿途通畅，我早到了半小时。接受了一番详尽的盘查之后，我才被允许将车停进地下车库。或许是时间尚早，地下车库里空空荡荡的。我把我的奥迪车停好，走下来。远远看见车库的尽头处，预留出来的vip位置里，孤零零地停着一辆黑色的劳斯莱斯。 心念一动，我慢慢走近那里。眼光则搜寻着周围的停车位。并没有白色的保时捷。我悄悄地松了口气，命令自己别再胡思乱想。 搭电梯到大堂，电梯门一开，我就看见了白璐。 有几天没见到白璐了，她的身上似乎发生了什么微妙的变化。白衬衣、黑长裙。一如既往的朴素打扮。毫不惹眼，但原先那种隐约的性感突然变得透彻起来。她静静地站在大堂的一隅，阳光从头顶洒下全身，看起来就像披着羽翼的精灵。 她也看见了我，快步朝我走过来。“朱总。” 我老实不客气，“白璐？你怎么在这里？” 白璐的脸刷地红了，踟蹰不语。似乎被问懵了。 不是我待人苛刻。前几天这姑娘还在我面前可怜兮兮，淌眼抹泪地要我帮她抵抗“潜规则”，今天却花枝招展地出现在这里。算什么意思？想来无非是顾风华贼心不死，还想利用白璐来碰碰运气。但她本人又何以来这么个一百八十度的大转折？终究还是利诱起作用了吧。 我想挖苦她几句，转头看见顾风华走出电梯，便把白璐甩下。 “今天就我们几个？” 顾风华看见我和白璐，仿佛也愣了愣。还没来得及回答，mit博士宋乔西出现了。 unexpected.宋乔西径直来到我的面前：“朱燃小姐，老板邀您单独见面。” "I?" “是的，请您上楼。”说着，他又沉稳地向顾风华点点头，“您跟我先开个小会，还有几个问题需要澄清。” 根本不容我们反应过来，顾风华已被宋乔西带往另一个方向。而我，则在会所经理的引导下上了电梯。电梯直达顶层。 直到进入那间宽大的会客室，我的头脑始终一片空白。思维能力被悉数抽空了，只剩下越来越清晰的直觉。 与整座会所弥漫的奢侈气氛不同，这间会客室里的装修十分简单。然则高贵。房间里没人，我自己坐到沙发上。手抚上丝绒的面子，触感细腻得仿佛能渗透进心灵。周围安静极了，没有一丝声响。 someone is coming.I look up. 是他——我早就知道了，不是吗？ 成墨缘在我对面坐下来，放松地往后靠。他静静地端详了我好一会儿。我也看着他。他老了，确确实实老了许多。昨天早晨我没来得及看仔细。十年的光阴写在他的脸上，因为气色不佳，看起来比实际年龄似乎还苍老些。眼角的那两丛皱纹倒是没有变化。但……依旧是相当漂亮的。 至少对我来讲，成墨缘是我一生所见的最英俊的男人，即使在今天也还是。 “你好，”他终于开口了，“我们昨天已经见过。” “是的，你好。” “我竟不知道，贵公司在怀旧区还有业务。” “没有，昨天我说谎了。” “哦？”他盯着我，但是眼神很温和。他既不追问，我也不打算解释。 接着他又沉默良久。 窗上起码安了两层隔音玻璃。一旦无人讲话，这间屋子就安静得像陷落在深山幽谷中。房间里的空气也像在幽谷中流动，清冽而隽永。我不再看成墨缘，不是不敢，而是不忍。因为我想起了沈秀雯，难以避免，终归还是要想到她。沈秀雯发誓不与成墨缘再见。她或许有道理。 “朱燃。” 成墨缘在叫我的名字。我抬头，只见他的目光炯炯。 “之前注意到这个名字，”成墨缘说，“总觉得似曾相识。直到昨天早晨从铁桥回来，我又翻了翻材料，才恍然大悟。真不敢相信，一晃十年过去了。” 十年。 我勉强对他笑一笑。 “我很好奇，”成墨缘也笑了，“你经常去铁桥那里吗？还是纯粹巧合？” “不，我几乎从不去那里。” “哦……那就真的太巧了。” 并非巧合。 这是绝佳的机会，我可以向他提起沈秀雯。我应该告诉他，这些天她像疯子一样日夜追随他的踪迹。但我已下定决心，只要成墨缘不主动问起，我就什么都不说。 我只答：“是的，太巧了。” 成墨缘看着我。从开始到现在他的视线就没有离开过我的脸。若是换作别人这样看我，我肯定感到受冒犯，但是他不同。成墨缘的眼神平和，带着些困惑，还有许多沧桑。 我的心中百感交集。 “那么你呢？”他又开始说话，“你是昨天就认出我了吗？” 我向他微笑，不回答。 “嗯，你肯定从我的部下那里听到过我的名字。” “没有，”这我可得澄清，“他们只说老板是位成先生。呵，我一直以为是耳东陈。那个更常见的姓氏。” “可你今天一点儿不显得惊奇？” “不，我不惊奇。” "why?" “我觉得……是你才好。”我停了停，补充说，“我情愿如此。” 成墨缘的脸上掠过一丝诧异，随即微笑。而我的脸红了。 “请原谅我这样讲，”他说，“朱小姐，你看起来比十年前更加年轻、更加美丽。我很高兴能再见到你。” "I'm glad too." 尽管我每一句话都说得战战兢兢，尽管我无法确定对方到底是凶是吉，我还是由衷地这样讲。我记得当年他对我的戒备，但那毕竟是十年前的事了。十年，可以改变的太多太多。 “十年了。”成墨缘又叹了一遍，声音越发温柔，“朱小姐，你的孩子很大了吧？” “儿子，刚过十岁生日。” “啊恭喜……所以我也该老了。” 我注视他。 疲倦从他的笑容底下一层一层泛出来，再也掩盖不住了。成墨缘终于问出口：“沈小姐的孩子也不小了吧？” 我平静地回答：“不，她没有孩子。” 他没有问下去。 “非常抱歉，我还有些事要处理。”成墨缘突然说，“朱小姐，我真的非常高兴见到你，希望很快有机会再与你叙旧。”他站起来，我只得跟上。成墨缘送我到电梯边，递过一张卡片：“有空请务必与我联络。” 我们的会面就这样戛然而止。 电梯到底层，一脚踏出去，我像从天上返回人间。 从梦幻回到现实。 迎面即是顾风华土灰色的脸。“朱燃！”他下大力抓住我的胳膊，痛得我直皱眉。 “你见到他了？他跟你说了什么？”他不顾一切地大声问话。 “你干什么！”我扯落他的手。环顾四周，几名衣冠楚楚的会所人员正在朝我们走过来。顾风华的脸色转青。他故作姿态地频频点头，随即将我拖进近旁的一扇门里。 是个会议室。长长的会议桌摆在屋子中央，只在最里头有两个人。一个是白璐，面无人色地靠在墙边。另一个伏在桌上。我看见满头黑白夹杂，如同乱草般披散的头发——梁宏志！ 我的心狂跳起来。除了梁宏志，周围再没有外形如此污秽不堪的人。 顾风华颓然倒在椅子上：“完了，朱燃，我们完了。” I glared at him. "What happened?" 顾风华纠扯起自己的头发，没几下就和倒伏的梁宏志成了同样发型。 “他们说要澄清几个问题，和我在这里开会。可是，居然、居然把他也弄来了！”顾风华指着梁宏志，“让我和他当面对质。这招也太阴损了！” “他们要澄清什么？” “无非就是那些财务数据。问不倒我的！可是他……”顾风华一拳捶在桌上，“他满口胡言乱语，完全不知所云。他破坏了全局！” “你为什么不坚持梁只负责产品，财务的东西他不懂。” 从桌子那头传来梁宏志刺耳的笑声：“我懂，谁说我不懂！哈哈，纪春茂天天和我在一起，我们每晚都喝酒打牌。还有景雪平陪着……神仙一样的日子。我现在是财务专家！兼产品专家！” 顾风华与我面面相觑，冷汗湿透我的全身。 梁宏志还在那里手舞足蹈：“别担心，有我在就万事大吉了！我们的财务一流，我们的产品超一流！哈哈哈，他们不给我们投资给谁投资！”他大笑得口角流沫，突然头一歪栽下去。 顾风华霍得从椅子上跳起来，却犹豫着不敢上前。只是指着离梁宏志最近的白璐：“你看看他、他怎么回事？” 我自己的四肢也像冻住了似的，动弹不得。眼睁睁看着白璐一边哆嗦，一边去搬梁宏志的头。那一瞬间我从心底叹服。这女孩真不简单。 白璐查看着梁宏志，说：“他好像……吃了什么药。”她又把梁宏志的脑袋搁在椅背上，才厌恶地扭过脸去，“我以前见过类似的情形，可能是致幻剂……” 顾风华再次颓唐地坐下，哀叹着：“朱燃，你看看，你看看……这融资还怎么谈下去！” 我咬牙：“一个梁宏志有什么大不了，最多说他精神有毛病。” “可是他口口声声纪春茂……” 我闭上眼睛，又睁开。眼前全是一重一重的黑影。 顾风华喃喃地说：“本来成功在望的事情，无非讨价还价。怎么给我来这一手？什么意思，究竟是什么意思……朱燃！”他突然大叫一声，“你今天见到成墨缘了？他有没有透露点讯息？他到底打算怎么样啊？” 啊，成墨缘。我居然到这时才醒悟过来，他正是这项融资的关键人物，他的手中掌握着我们的生杀大权。 顾风华还在追问：“朱燃，你快说啊。你到底见到他没有？” “见到了，”我恍惚地回答，“成墨缘。” “是是。他和你说了些什么？他为什么要单独约见你？” "why……" "Say it!" 我的神志终于又聚合起来。我看着顾风华的眼睛，说：“很多年前我就认识他，只是长久没有联系了。他从材料上看到我的名字，今天是特意找我叙旧的。” 顾风华瞪大双眼：“叙旧？仅仅是叙旧？” “仅仅是叙旧。” 各种表情在顾风华的脸上交替，最后凝固成一种下流的兴奋。 “他有没有再约你？” 他问得再直白没有。那副迫不及待的姿态令我无比心寒。 我疲惫地说：“他给了我电话号码，让我有空联络。” “那就好！那就好！”顾风华一扫刚才的颓势，“这就还有戏，大大的有戏！” 他握住我的肩膀，亲热地晃一晃：“朱燃，你是我的福星。看来融资终归还是要靠你啊，呵呵。” 我掉转目光，不愿搭理他。 顾风华倒不介意，反而兴冲冲地一跃而起。 “那就这么办。咱俩分头行动。我来摆平梁宏志，绝对不让他再生事。至于成墨缘那边，”他向我挤挤眼睛，“就看你的了。” 我差点儿呕出来。 顾风华劲头十足。一个人扛起梁宏志，扔进自己的奔驰车飞驰而去。白璐来到我面前。 “回家吧。”我虚弱地说。为什么我每一天都在走钢丝，何时才能熬到头。 白璐一路欲言又止的样子，我索性帮她：“有什么话就说吧。” 我以为她会问有关成墨缘的问题。哪怕仅仅是好奇，都可以理解。 白璐问：“朱总，梁宏志今天提到的纪春茂是谁？” “'守梦人'的另一位创始人。”我乏力地说。 她看我一眼。 “纪春茂已经失踪三年多了。”我又说。 “可是，”白璐似在斟酌词句，“梁宏志说每天都与他在一起。” “疯话吧！”我不耐烦起来，“梁宏志疯了，你自己不也说他吃了药。” “可会不会？” “会不会什么？” “纪春茂确实还在……” 我瞪了白璐好一会儿，笑起来：“真可怕，每个卷进这事的人都会发痴。白璐，你或许应该考虑换份工作了。” 她面红耳赤，剩下的路程里再没有吱声。 而我在认真思索——最后的退路。 顾风华完全错估了形势，他以为能通过我抓住成墨缘这根救命稻草，殊不知成墨缘才真的是灭顶之灾。成墨缘尚未见过沈秀雯，所以才对我友好。他也还不知道我曾经对他和沈秀雯所做的一切。如果他知道……我没有勇气想下去。我决不能把未来赌在成墨缘身上。 我更不会告诉顾风华，经过今天上午的会面，我已对融资成功不报任何希望。 在离家最近的地铁站，我让白璐下了车。明天是周六，我问她是否有约。 “没有。”她看上去不太自在。 我笑笑：“有没有兴趣陪我走一趟？我要去办些事情。” 她疑问地看着我。 我说：“明天早上9点，从我家出发。” “好的。”她答。 等白璐的身影消失在地铁口，我把车停进一旁的空地里。地铁口两侧开着连排的房产中介公司，做的都是附近楼盘的生意。我走进其中的一家。