Chapter 4 4. Death and Goddess of Luck

The sun had already set in the valley in the west of Xibai County, and the fire was burning. Ji Lingling pushed open the gate of the courtyard and rushed out screaming all the way: "Mom! Mom! Dad!" Now it's not time to get off work, and parents are not at home, Lingling rushed into the old grandmother's hut again, "Old grandmother! Old grandmother!" Hearing her great-granddaughter's scream, the old grandmother got out of bed in a panic, and hugged Lingling who rushed in, "Lingling is not afraid! Lingling is not afraid! Lingling, why are you so surprised?"

Lingling's face was pale, her lips trembled, and she finally said something: "Old grandma, another one burned to death, and another one spontaneously combusted! They are still from our Xibai County, the Chen family and the Ge family, both went to Huangshan to pick up people." I went. The newly married young couple, the male is called Chen Lian, and the female is Ge Xiaobai. I still know her. The two caught fire in their sleep. Chen Lian’s body was burned, and Miss Xiaobai was half burnt. They just got married." Lingling burst into tears: "Sister Xiaobai and Brother Chen are both good people, how can you say that you will die if you die."

"Don't cry, Lingling baby, don't cry. It's all retribution. Either you did evil in this life, or you did evil in your previous life. God will record it in the book of life and death." Lingling cried and retorted: "So you were talking about Lord Yan, and it is Lord Yan who cares about life and death, not God!" "Yes, Lord Yan's life and death book is also under the control of God, anyway, is there someone in charge?" "No, Sister Xiaobai and Brother Chen are both good people, they have never done anything evil!" "That means you committed sins in your previous life, and the retribution will come to this life."

Lingling raised her tearful eyes and saw the half-dead locust tree in the air, thinking of the old saying "the old grandpa committed evil" said by the old grandmother, she shuddered.She said impatiently: "Grandma, I won't talk to you anymore, you always speak ghostly!" Lingling's parents heard the news when they came back. Although they were strangers to Chen and Ge, the successive bad news made people feel heavy.At the dinner table, Lingling's father said with a sullen face: "I heard that Chen Lian's mother was crying at home, saying that they received a call from Zhengzhou last month, saying that Chen Lian won a 100,000 grand prize for shopping. At that time, they thought it was strange and didn't dare Outsiders said that they never expected Chen Lian to go to Zhengzhou to accept the award and actually received it, let alone Chen Lian's sudden death right after that! A phone call killed his son!"

Lingling's mother sighed: "Everyone said it was a death prize. You won the prize one day, and the thunder hit you the next day. This is of course a superstition, but why did these two people die so strangely?" Lingling's father said gruffly, "Someone must have sabotaged it!" Lingling's mother shook her head: "It doesn't look like it, why do the saboteurs give away 100,000 grand prizes? Besides, sabotage can make people spontaneously combust?" I couldn't make any sense of this matter, so everyone put aside this topic.At night, Lingling lay in the bedroom, feeling gloomy and unable to let go.She was thinking about the horrible death prize, thinking about Chen Lian's mother's words: "Chen Lian's life was lost with one phone call!" Thinking of Miss Bai in her sleep, her husband in her arms suddenly turned into coke.The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became, it seemed that the gloomy atmosphere of death had penetrated into the bedroom.She fell asleep in a state of alarm and anxiety, and had nightmares again and again.She dreamed that the telephone wire in her home turned into a very long boa constrictor. The boa constrictor wriggled sinisterly and crawled all the way to the devil's house.Then the devil picked up the microphone, and the microphone turned into a python head, grinning grinningly: Is it Lingling?I'm going to find you!Lingling shook her hands in horror and refused: No!Do not come!But the devil has slid quickly along the telephone line, and then slowly poked his head out from the microphone: a scorched head, two sunken eye sockets, and white gums...

Jingle Bell!the phone is ringing.Lingling woke up with a start, breaking out in a cold sweat.It took her a long time to come out of the nightmare and return to the real world, but she didn't dare to reach out and pick up the microphone.Hearing that there was movement in the parents' room, it was Dad who got up and wanted to answer the phone in the living room, so Lingling hurriedly picked up the phone and gave a hello. "Is Lingling?" It was Si Bobo's melodious Beijing movie.Lingling choked up and shouted "Uncle Si!" The other party sensitively heard her emotions, and asked with concern: "What's the matter, Lingling?"

"Another person was burned to death! There was another spontaneous human body combustion in Xibai County. It was a newlywed couple, and the woman was also burned. She is still my acquaintance." "Is the woman seriously injured?" "It's not heavy. It turned out that people said that half of her body was scorched. I heard from my dad just now that it was actually just a slight burn." "Oh." Mr. Si pondered for a while, and said cautiously: "I don't know the ins and outs of this matter. Anyway, I'm going back to Xibai County soon. Let's talk about it when I go back. Now I want to tell you a piece of news, something related to you. Important news."

Due to the gloomy state of mind caused by Chen Lian's death, Lingling couldn't help making a bad prediction. Her heart clenched and she timidly asked: "About me...what?" "Don't be nervous, it's a good thing. Do you remember that night in the 'Shunshui Renqing' cafe there was a young man wearing white leather shoes and white trousers?" "Yes, there is such a person, who seems to be sitting in a corner by himself, and left before we left." "It was him, but he didn't leave. He rented a taxi and followed us from a distance. Later, I sent you home. On the way back, he stopped me and introduced himself. He said he His name is Tian Jianhe, and he is the regional sales manager of ×× Home Appliances Group in Henan. He fell in love with you at first sight after meeting you in a coffee shop. No, it was love at first sight. The words are 'innocence with dewdrops'. So, he wants me to introduce you very seriously."

Lingling said blankly, "Uncle Si, I'm still young." "Yes, that's what I said too. But Tian Jianhe said that he can wait for you for 5 years. During these 5 years, the two sides just make friends and get to know each other in depth. Lingling, after returning to Beijing, according to the name and phone number he left, I asked a friend to do an in-depth understanding, and it turns out that this young man has a very deep background. XX Home Appliances Group is a family business, the president Tian Fangcheng is a billionaire, and Tian Jianhe is his eldest son. According to my friend, according to According to insiders, Tian Jianhe has a very good reputation. He is definitely not the kind of flamboyant dude. He is stable, understands the general situation, and can endure hardships. His father valued him very much, so he specially asked him to work from the grassroots level, cultivate talents, and prepare to take over The big ship of the company is handed over to him. Lingling, according to my contact and investigation, this young man is really good, and this kind of opportunity is rare. So, I would like to ask for your opinion first. If you agree with each other Yes, I will talk to your parents again."

This unexpected good news messed up Lingling's heart, especially when she was still in the gloomy mood caused by death just now, and in a blink of an eye she received another piece of good news that was too "satisfactory", as if she had just come out of a dark room and bumped into her. The scorching sun dazzled the eyes.After pondering for a while, Lingling said blankly: "Uncle Si, this happened so suddenly, I always feel like I'm in a dream, I'm afraid I won't have such a good life." This sentence must have touched Siming: "Fate?" He repeated, and said desolately: "What is life? Death is life. Every baby is inevitably going to the world from the day Pipi falls to the ground. Death. Who can escape this fate? But this does not prevent people from enjoying life, love, affection, delicious food, beautiful scenery, beautiful sounds... I am going too far. Lingling, tell me what you think."

Lingling hesitated and said, "Uncle Si, I'll listen to you." "Okay, then promise him, let's start dating. When I go back to Xibai, I will take him with me and meet you. Now, you transfer the call to your parents." Lingling called her parents to answer the phone, she hung up the extension here, and heard her parents talking with Uncle Si for a long time, her parents' joy was beyond words: "Well... Listen to you... Lingling is still young, but let's contact him first. There is no harm in getting in touch... Boss, Dade does not say thank you, if this marriage is facilitated, please drink two more glasses of wedding bars." After saying something over there, Lingling's father laughed loudly: "Okay, okay, that's it deal!" For the next two days, my parents didn't mention this matter to Lingling again—they knew that Mr. Si had already had a deep talk with Lingling—but judging from the uncontrollable smiles on the corners of their mouths, they were of course very satisfied with this marriage.Lingling was upset.It wasn't that she was dissatisfied with Tian Jianhe, no, he left a very good impression in Lingling's heart during the short encounter that night.That girl has never dreamed of "Cinderella" and "Prince Charming".This Tian Jianhe is a standard Prince Charming.Lingling just felt that happiness came too "easy" and "perfect", and she was afraid that she would not be blessed to enjoy it.Sometimes, it is unavoidable to think of the old grandmother's signature of "the beauty is poor". Lingling's parents didn't understand her daughter's mind. They felt that Lingling seemed to be a different person: she no longer smirked, she was worried, and she didn't tell any of her friends about such a big happy news. They felt that her daughter died overnight. matured. Two days later, Lingling received a call from Uncle Si, saying that he and Tian Jianhe had rushed to Xibai on the "October", and they were still meeting at the "Shunshui Renqing" cafe at 7:00 p.m. on the "October". Lingling asked in a trembling voice: "Uncle Si, have you been with me since we met?" Uncle Si smiled: "Silly girl, of course I can't accompany you all the time, how can I be so ignorant?" "Uncle Si, what should I wear?" Si Bobo paused for a moment, and quickly said: "Don't think about it! You don't lack anything, the only thing you may lack is confidence in your own charm. Child, remember Si Bobo's words, keep your true colors." This sentence made Lingling feel completely enlightened.She said lightly, "Thank you, Uncle Si, I will remember." On the "October" day, the streets were decorated with lights and festoons. Lingling declined the invitation of Xiaobing, Xiaoyu and other friends, and stayed in the house by herself.At 10:00 in the morning, she came to the "Shunshui Renqing" coffee shop.Looking up at the water waves made of neon lights, I can't help but wonder: there are too many variables in life. If Uncle Si hadn't been seen off that night, if Uncle Si hadn't invited me to drink coffee... then this life and Tianhe would never be separated? Over the shoulder. The waiter came up and said that the coffee shop is not open yet, what's the matter, Miss?Lingling said that I want to reserve a seat. There are many people on National Day, so I want to reserve the table by the window.The waiter said regretfully: "Sorry, that seat is already reserved." "who is it?" "I made a reservation by phone. The person speaks Mandarin with a slight southern accent." Lingling immediately concluded that Tian Jianhe made the reservation, and she was very moved by the man's thoughtfulness.The waiter was still asking her if she had reserved another seat, Lingling blushed and said, "No, there is no need." She hurriedly exited the coffee room. At exactly 7 o'clock in the evening, Lingling walked into the coffee shop on time.She didn't advance, because she heard that the woman can't arrive early when men and women are dating; but she doesn't want to be late, and doesn't want Tian Jianhe to wait for her.Uncle Si and the young man were already sitting at that table, and at this moment they stood up with a smile on their faces, and as soon as their eyes connected, they felt like they had been electrified.Both of them were dressed in the old clothes of that day, and in the relative auspiciousness, the good feelings in the past have increased.Tian Jianhe is not a young girl, he is not very beautiful, but Shen Yi is handsome, he is the kind of man who makes women's hearts flutter.His clothes are neat and decent, and quite casual, but casual in a designer package. She sat next to Uncle Si, and Uncle Si smiled and said, "I've already said what I have to say on the phone. You can talk about it alone. I'm taking my leave for the time being." He stood up, pressed Lingling's shoulder, his eyes were clear Say: Mark my words!He smiled and sat down at another table in the corner of the room, and ordered a cup of coffee. After a moment of panic, Lingling bravely looked her in the eyes, Tian Jianhe smiled and ordered coffee for Lingling.With girlish instincts, Lingling (cunningly) discovers her shocking power over Tian, ​​which increases her self-confidence and affection for Tian.The waiter brought the coffee, and Tian Jianhe said kindly: "I can't believe you are sitting in front of me. Since I met you here that night, I have told myself that this is the girl I have been waiting for for 30 years. Lingling, I am a few years older than you. I hope the difference will not Becoming an obstacle between us, it just makes me have an extra duty as an elder brother. Both Mr. Si and your parents said that you are still young, so I think we should not make promises to each other too early, and get along for 4 or 5 years. See if this guy surnamed Tian is a guy who can only speak beautiful words. When you have a conclusion, just let me know." He said with a smile, "This is also a test for me, will this sudden burst of extreme passion be okay? Will it last? I also want to test myself. Lingling, do you have any opinion on this arrangement?" Lingling said bluntly, "I agree." "Also, Mr. Si said that he already knew about my background and told you about it. I just want to say that with my background, it is impossible not to have a woman by my side, but I swear to you, from now on After that, I will never touch any woman other than you." Lingling remained silent for a long time before saying coldly: "It's impossible for a girl with my appearance to not have a young man by her side, but I can also make the same promise." Tian Jianhe was stunned for a moment, and said awkwardly: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I made a slip of the tongue, no, it's not a slip of the tongue, what I said just now is an exposure, exposing my machismo, my self-respect for money and other dirty things. Please Forgive me, I just wanted to make a promise to you." This sincere self-blame made Lingling feel very uncomfortable. She lowered her head and said the truth in a low voice: "I don't care about your past. As for me, you are my first boyfriend." Tian Jianhe was stunned for a moment, and said mockingly: "How should I answer? Saying that I am happy to hear this sentence is a bit machismo; it would be too insincere to say that I am indifferent. Let's be honest. , I am very happy to come to you before other men, and I will cherish this even more." Lingling boldly put her palm on the back of his hand, and the two of them were completely connected. After talking for a while, Tian Jianhe got up and invited Mr. Si over: "Uncle Si, I'm sorry. I can't stay with Lingling. There is still a negotiation in Zhengzhou. If I delay it because of dating, my father will fire me immediately. He has always been very strict with me." He said embarrassingly: "I I'm too busy, I'm afraid I won't have much time to accompany Lingling in the future, but I really want to do my best for Lingling. Please don't misunderstand Mr. Si and Lingling. To use a popular saying nowadays, people can't help themselves in the business world. I'm so poor that I only have a few bad money left. I know that Lingling will go to Beijing for training soon, and I don't want Lingling to suffer for me, so please accept a little gift from me." After listening to these roundabout words, Lingling realized that he wanted to leave a sum of money. Although Tian Jianhe was quite embarrassed by this, as if he was not giving a gift, but begging, Lingling still felt very uncomfortable. .She doesn't want to hurt Tian Jianhe's self-esteem, but she must resolutely reject the money.He gave money as a gift the moment we met, who did he think Ji Lingling was!But Uncle Si touched her quietly before she could speak, and said: "Lingling, you are welcome. If you refuse, Oda will be very sad, okay," he said to Tian Jianhe, "I agreed for Lingling." Tian Jianhe looked a little "thank you", and slipped a credit card into Siming's hand.After chatting for a while, Tian Jianhe reluctantly left.During this period of time, Lingling has been harboring grievances. She is dissatisfied with Uncle Si taking over the money on his own. She wonders why Uncle Si is so hasty in his actions today?But the matter has come to this point, it would be too embarrassing to go back.Despite the pimple in her heart, she endured her unhappiness, said goodbye to Tian Jianhe cordially, and sent him to the taxi. After sending Tian Jianhe away, she turned her head and said angrily, "Uncle Si..." Uncle Si cut off her words: "Needless to say, I know what you mean, but you have to trust Uncle's arrangement. You can accept this gold card, and you must promise me to spend it! Wait until you finish spending it!" I'll tell you the reason later. You can take it as Uncle Si's money. Uncle Si doesn't have a daughter, and he is worried that he won't be able to spend the dowry money. Although Uncle Si is not as 'poor' as Xiaotian, 100,000. It's nothing to worry about. Lingling, did you hear that? Trust Uncle Si, don't ask why, spend all your money and come to me again." These words aroused Lingling's curiosity, and based on her absolute trust in Uncle Si, she readily agreed.Uncle Si was very happy. According to Lingling's feeling, he had let go of a heavy worry at this moment.Before leaving, Uncle Si also confessed: "I heard from Xiaotian that this is a gold card worth 100,000 yuan. You can spend it within half a year. Is it impossible?" "100,000 yuan!" Lingling said in surprise: "Is there so much on the card? How could I spend all this money?" Say, buy some fashion for yourself first."