Chapter 6 Chapter One

Lao He, director of the Civil Affairs Bureau, went to work very early today. The 2012 World Conference on Women is being held in the county.Although it is very close to Beijing, international conferences are rare here.The bosses beat the bottom repeatedly, telling all walks of life to keep their eyes open, so as not to make any mistakes in the key points.Lao He is in a bad mood today, all because of his precious daughter-in-law.After 3 years of marriage, she has been arguing that she does not want to have children.Old He thought she was just yelling and would change her mind in a few years.Which woman does not want to have children?Can a woman who does not want to have children be considered a woman?But yesterday, my daughter-in-law went to have a sterilization operation quietly. What is even more annoying is that my son accompanied her to the hospital.

Old He thinks he is not old-fashioned, whether he has a son or a daughter, and whether he can accept the incense of He's family, these things are all very light to him.But even so, it is difficult for him to understand today's young people, some are married without children, some are celibate, and some even engage in homosexuality.After all, this generation only knows to enjoy themselves, and is unwilling to take responsibility for future generations at all. When he was at work, his wife was still wiping tears in the room. In this life, they would never want to be grandparents again, and they would never want to hug their fat grandson and pierce his tender cheeks with beards!If he had known this earlier, he shouldn't have wanted this scoundrel of his own at the beginning, and left him behind the Yin Mountain to see what kind of doctrine he had to shout about.But he knew that the root cause was not on his son's side.The son is inclined to have a child, but he has a soft ear, has no opinions, and acts according to his wife's wink in everything.Lao He read an article predicting that by 2050 human beings will see the restoration of the matrilineal society.Arrived early in my day and age, he thought.

Although he was upset, he still carefully checked the work of the whole office.The staff from all departments have arrived, and the front of the door has been cleaned. Xiao Lizi, who is wearing a miniskirt, is watering the flower beds in the courtyard, and the guard is wiping the bronze plaque at the door.Suddenly a pair of young people entered the gate with angry eyebrows and walked straight to the civil affairs room.Lao He took a glance from afar and recognized that they were the son and daughter-in-law of Fatty Zhang's family in Qianzhuang. They got married just the day before yesterday. Their clothes and dresses were brand new, but there were obviously scratches on their faces.

Where are these young people.Lao He shook his head and returned to his office. Twenty minutes later, the phone rang, and Xiao Li from the Civil Affairs Office said helplessly, "Director, please come here." Xiao Li is a female college student who was assigned to the institute this year, and her ability to handle affairs is a little tender.As the saying goes, it is difficult for an upright official to break up housework. To be competent for the work of the Civil Affairs Office, you really need a mouth that can't be worn out, a stomach that can't be hungry, and the strongest nerves.Old He smiled and said: "Xiao Li, be patient when things happen..." Xiao Lizi begged: "Come on, old director, can you give me another demonstration? I admire your penetrating tongue the most. Besides, The couple know you and listen to you. Okay?"

After putting on the high hat Xiao Li gave him, he had no choice but to go.The two people in the room turned their heads and called out to Hebo, and they returned to the look of King Kong's glaring and bitter hatred.Xiao Li greeted them with embarrassment and said that they have always put on such a face, saying that they want a divorce without saying the reason, no matter how induced they are, they just don't open their mouths.Old He patted the young couple on the shoulders: "Don't put on a look of discord, we've only been married for two days, and we can't accumulate so much hatred. Tell me, why do you want a divorce?" The woman finally opened the door. Mouth: "He's a rascal!"

The man immediately glared at each other: "I'm a rascal, you are my wife!" The woman turned to Old He and said bitterly: "He took back a yellow belt and insisted that I do the same. If I don't listen, he's going to strangle me to death. Look!" She pulled off the collar to let Old He see The scar on her neck, the man hurriedly said: "Don't listen to her, she did it first, look at my face!" Lao He looked at it seriously, obviously the scratch on his face was worse than the scar on the woman's neck too much.Xiao Li blushed and couldn't help secretly laughing.Old He glared at her, turned around and said with a smile: "Okay, I've figured out what happened. If I were Fatty Zhang, I'd have to scratch both ears first. Now Herb will judge for you, so listen carefully." He clearly Throat said: "First, Xiao Zhang is not a hooligan. It is not a matter for the Civil Affairs Bureau to use any posture for that matter. As long as both parties are willing, the hooligans can't be involved. Moreover, from your tone, the two of you are in a relationship. You have never had sex before marriage, which is really rare among young people today! So Xiao Zhang is not only not a hooligan, but you are all good young people who respect and love themselves."

Xiao Zhang glanced triumphantly at his wife.But Xiao Lizi behind him blushed for no reason. "But secondly, I advise Xiao Zhang to listen to the woman's job. It's best not to play any new tricks in that job-don't call you Herb an old-headed person in your heart. According to the old people, men and women have sex in the dark In the shadow, so as not to collide with Tianguang Bodhisattva. Is this a superstition? Of course it is, but this superstition is implicitly scientific. The human pleasure threshold is not stable, but rises with the tide. In the past, the countrymen said that the emperor could eat it every day. Fried dough sticks and dumplings. At that time, they thought that fried dough sticks and dumplings were the most delicious in the world. Now, do you still think fried dough sticks are delicious? The same is true for men and women. If you raise the threshold of sexual life very high at the beginning, it will be very difficult. Soon it will become tasteless. If you can control it at the beginning, you can slowly taste more and more full-bodied wine throughout your life. Xiao Zhang, your wife is a rare understanding person, listen to her right!" This will It's time for the woman to feel elated.Xiao Zhang obviously didn't expect that old Herb still had such a big set of theories in his stomach, and he also expressed his conviction at the moment.It didn't take long for the two to leave with smiles. They stopped and seemed to quarrel a little more when they saw through the window.Xiao Lizi blushed flatteringly: "Old Director, you really have it, you are quite deep and philosophical."

Old He looked at her, and said slightly mockingly: "Is that so? It won't do you any harm if you take what the old guy said to heart." Xiao Li blushed even more. "The next time something like this happens, I won't come to fight the fire." Xiao Li nodded quickly.Suddenly, a foreign language came from outside—not a foreign language, but tongue-rolling Chinese.Two foreign women walked in with a smile, both of them were white, about twenty-six or seven years old, one was wearing a T-shirt and short jeans, the other was wearing a T-shirt and a miniskirt.The guard came over from behind them and explained to Lao He in a low voice: "They said they were representatives of the World Women's Council, Americans, and wanted to register their marriage in China."

The woman in jeans said happily: "Yes, my name is Linda Madison, and her name is Anna Padgett. We like China and want to register our marriage in China to leave unforgettable memories for this trip to China. Excuse me , According to Chinese regulations, what documents do we need to provide?" Her Chinese language was sloppy, as if half of her tongue was short, and the people around her could barely understand.Lao He frowned and looked at the two of them, and said, "What documents and conditions are required—identity cards, unmarried certificates, and even nationalities—it's the next thing. First, according to Chinese law, both parties must register for marriage at the same time. Be there. I think American law is no exception.” Linda immediately replied, “We have already been there at the same time.” She explained to Anna in English, “They require both parties to be married to be there at the same time.”

Lao He didn't turn the corner for a moment. Although the clothes and hairstyles of young people nowadays are often gender-neutral, there seems to be no doubt that the two in front of him are women.Their buttocks are stretched tightly by the clothes, the T-shirts have a very low open collar, and two pairs of huge breasts are ready to be seen.But Lao He suddenly realized, and after realizing it, he couldn't help being annoyed. He restrained his temper and asked mockingly: "Then, among you, who is the wife and who is the husband?" Linda said cheerfully, "We're each other's wife and husband, we're all equals. Isn't that right, dear?" She put her arm on Anna's shoulder affectionately.

Everyone in the room looked dumbfounded.Even though we have entered the 21st century, and we are familiar with the homosexual phenomenon in the Western world, seeing a gay couple (female!) register their marriage so frankly, even Xiao Li, who claims to be a modernist, finds it hard to accept.She bewilderedly asked Lao He for help, and Lao He said coldly: "I'm really sorry, there is no law in China that allows homosexuals to marry. It seems that I can't leave a good memory for you." The two women showed no signs of frustration. On the contrary, Linda asked with bright eyes: "Is homosexuality not allowed in China?" China does not want to leave a good memory, but wants to create a sensational political topic.The onlookers in the house did not know who cursed in a low voice: "Shameless!" Linda heard it, and immediately turned her head to look for the speaker: "Shameless? Are you scolding us?" Lao He sternly shouted: "Liu Bing! Don't talk nonsense! Everyone return to their posts immediately!" The guard and several people outside quietly dispersed, leaving only Lao He, Xiao Li and two foreign women.Lao He pondered for a moment and said cautiously: "Our country adopts a double-non-policy for homosexuality, which is neither illegal nor legal. There are legal precedents for this kind of double-non-policy. As far as I know We know that many countries, such as Singapore, have adopted a dual-non-policy on prostitution.” Linda asked sharply, "You mean, homosexuality and prostitution are the same?" Lao He was really angry, he tried his best to suppress his anger, and said coldly: "Please don't twist my words. Well, you two, please go back to the United States to register, we can't satisfy your wishes." Linda turned around and explained something to Anna quickly.At this time, the young couple came in excitedly, carrying a bag of refined candies in their hands. The woman smiled and distributed candies to everyone, and the man said to Old He, "Thank you for your words, Herb. The two will be remembered forever. Hey, Xiao Ling, don’t forget about the two foreign friends.” He asked Xiao Li in a low voice, “What are they here for?” Xiao Li whispered, “These two women are here to register their marriage. ——Careful, the one in shorts understands Chinese.” Xiao Zhang asked in surprise, “Gay?” Xiao Li nodded.Xiao Zhang's wife was giving out sweets for two foreigners, Xiao Zhang hurriedly grabbed her, spat, turned and left.His wife didn't understand why, so Xiao Zhang dragged and explained in a low voice, and his wife spat: "Unlucky!" These rude actions did not embarrass the two foreign women at all, on the contrary they seemed more excited.Lao He knew that something was wrong, and he could no longer let the two of them collect shells here, so he politely and firmly sent the guests out. A Santana taxi was parked in the shade of a locust tree in front of the door, and the driver was squatting on the seat listening to "Liang Zhu".Lao He politely sent the two into the car, and the driver asked in amazement: "The registration is completed so quickly? You are really efficient." Old He turned his face away and shouted in a low voice: "Let's go, young Rosso!" The driver saw the eyebrows, stopped talking, and drove away immediately.Seeing the car go away, Lao He immediately returned to the Civil Affairs Bureau and called the county magistrate. Gardas Billy got off the Kunming-Beijing flight at 9 o'clock and arrived at the auditorium of the World Women's Conference in Yanqing County at 10 o'clock.He is a young reporter from the Washington Post. He came to China this time mainly to interview a drug rehabilitation center in Yunnan.But since he caught up with the World Women's Conference, he also wanted to dig some news.He interviewed several drug rehabilitation centers in Yunnan, and generally speaking, he had a good impression.He called the senator's father last night and said that Yunnan's drug rehabilitation work is very serious, and the relapse rate of drug addicts is significantly lower than that of the United States.But he also said that China's experience cannot be promoted in the United States, because it "still bears the traces of totalitarianism", and the patients lose all their freedom as soon as they enter the drug rehabilitation center: they are not allowed to meet their relatives, and they are not allowed to communicate with the outside world... This is very harmful to Americans. It is unbearable.At that time, my father said lightly: Since drug abuse has threatened the survival of human beings, it is also possible to adopt a little totalitarianism. This was beyond Gardas' expectations, because his father had always been known as a liberal. Gaddas is 25 years old and just graduated from the Department of Sociology at the University of Hawaii. He is handsome, with flaxen hair, blue eyes, and a sharp-edged face.That's a plus for journalists -- especially when the interviewees are women.Mom said he looked exactly like his dad when he was young, and said with a smile that the reason why old Billy was able to become a senator was because he had such a very "masculine" appearance that he could win votes from female voters.This is a joke, of course. Father's talents are well known, and he has always been a powerful figure in the Senator.Dad never had any ambitions to run for president, though, and Gaddas knows why — he's been in a secret relationship with a lover for 10 years, and he's never going to bother himself to run after the Clinton affair what president. A representative of Ecuador from the World Council of Women is speaking.The venue is circular, with rows of seats arranged in more than a dozen concentric circles, and each seat is equipped with simultaneous translation earphones and microphones.The meeting place was far from full, which is not surprising. The representatives of the World Women's Conference have always been known for their loose style and complicated thinking. This time, they met a host who was strict in everything, so the meeting schedule and the emotions of the representatives were inevitably somewhat alienated.The representative's speech was long and dry, and a large part of it was about his husband, children and his own income.Gardas turned off the tape recorder and dozed off with his head leaned against the back of the chair.The representative's speech was finally over when two white women burst into the venue with a gust of wind, and they demanded to speak loudly as soon as they sat down, because they had "just had an experience worth telling." The chairman of the meeting agreed, and Linda, one of the two American women, picked up the microphone and spoke vividly about what they had just experienced. “So,” she concluded, “gays in China are still in a sad state where their human rights are not legally guaranteed and they are discriminated against and treated hostilely in society. Can we help him ( What are they doing?" Reporters from all over the world seemed to be on a high, nervously taking shorthand notes on notebooks or laptops.Gardas also quickly took notes, knowing that this was the material that newspaper editors liked.At this time, a Chinese representative in front stood up and asked to speak loudly.The chairman of the meeting agreed and introduced that this is Ms. Zhen Yu, a sociology researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Ms. Zhen Yu is about 60 years old, of medium height, with a very fat body and white hair, but her movements have the vigor of a young man.She is obviously a temperamental person, and when she stands up, she can't stop talking in beautiful Oxford English-she forgot in the excitement that the Chinese representative should use Chinese when speaking.She said sharply: "...I think these two representatives forgot to be polite, and forgot to respect the laws and customs of the host country. You can go back to the United States to enjoy the freedom of same-sex marriage. Why do you have to tease China? The law? Courteous guests don’t piss at the host’s gate.” If Linda's speech just now was to poke the beehive with a bamboo pole, Zhen Yu's speech was to set a fire under the beehive.There was a buzz in the venue.Anna stood up and said loudly: "What is your attitude towards homosexuality? Can you tell everyone clearly?" Zhen Yu said simply: "Why not. I have always treated this kind of mental disability with sympathy and tolerance. , just as we sympathize with the blind, the deaf, the cleft lip, and other physical disabilities, because they are unavoidable sufferings of human society. However, just as doctors have been using various scientific methods to cure physical disabilities, sociologists should also use various Means—psychological counseling, moral restraint, etc.—to reduce homosexual patients, instead of turning 'tolerance' into 'connivance', or even treating it as a fashion. I don't think Miss Linda and Miss Anna will deny it." She smiled and said, "At least so far, as a group, homosexuals are parasitic on the reproductive activities of normal people. Without the love between men and women and their reproductive activities, there will be no homosexuals. Extremely In other words, human beings cannot continue." She finished her speech and sat down calmly under the complicated gazes of everyone.Since then, the meeting has launched a sharp debate on this issue.In the middle, Ms. Zhen Yu stood up and made two short defenses.Gaddas can't help but have a strong interest in her. He lives in the enlightened eastern United States, but his views on homosexuality are relatively conservative.He knows that homosexuality has indeed become a trend among liberals. The president of the United States publicly participates in mass gay weddings, major companies compete to fund homosexual activities, there are world-wide homosexual conventions, and the ratio of homosexuality in some cities has exceeded 10%.Therefore, no politician or businessman dares to offend this increasingly large group.Tolerance has turned into connivance, so that homosexuals can no longer justifiably shout out their views.Taking the current debate as an example, Zhen Yu was fighting almost alone. Not a single Chinese representative stood up to support her, and there were very few foreign representatives who supported her. He admired Ms. Zhen's courage very much and decided to find an opportunity to interview her. The next day the delegates went to Beijing to visit the Forbidden City, and Gardas also went.There is not a single tree in the extremely spacious courtyard of the Forbidden City, only thin grass growing in the gaps between the square bricks, making it look very empty.Here he found Ms. Zhen, who was explaining to several fellow travelers.She said not to plant trees in the Forbidden City was mainly for security reasons, so that the emperor's enemies could not hide and set fires.The ruling art of the Chinese feudal dynasties is extremely perfect and meticulous, and this is a small example.Furthermore, from an aesthetic point of view, this absolute emptiness can also effectively set off the majesty of the palace. She was wearing a moon-white summer shirt and blue skirt today, her face was dripping with sweat, and her voice was loud.Gaddas walked over and handed over his business card in both Chinese and English: "Ms. Zhen, hello. I am Gaddas Billy, a reporter from the Washington Post. I listened to your speech on homosexuality yesterday." Zhen Yu took the business card and returned it with a smile: "It's all clichés, extreme and pedantic—right." "No, I agree with you that homosexuality is ultimately a parasitic phenomenon. I also agree with you that tolerance and connivance should not be fashionable. I want to hear your more frank opinion." Zhen Yu looked at him attentively and slowed down. “Among young Americans, there aren’t many who hold that view,” she laughs.The accompanying lady rushed to the front, and a dozen Chinese children jumped up and down the steps in front of the hall.Gadasi wanted to reach out to help his companion, but Zhen Yu refused: "No need, no need, I'm not that old yet." She walked up the steps with ease, and turned around and said: "I remember more than 40 years ago, when I was a middle school student, I read a report about the United States. Some American couples who did not want to have children often went to the Philippines to buy children. They helped Filipino pregnant women to fly to the Philippines. In the United States, after giving birth, the baby automatically obtains American citizenship, and then goes through the adoption procedures. During this process, they have to pay for the pregnant woman’s round-trip air ticket, living expenses in the United States, medical expenses and remuneration, which may cost more than 20,000 US dollars. I was curious at the time—first of all, I admired the open-mindedness of Americans, who don’t care about the bloodlines or even race differences of their descendants. But at the same time, I was also very confused.” "why?" "Because I think this is against the way of nature. All the habits of creatures are to ensure the maximum spread of their genes. Therefore, during the mating period, the male camel will drive all his wives and concubines to a ravine. Guarding without eating or drinking, not letting other male camels get involved. Male squirrels will leave a plug in the vagina of female squirrels after mating, preventing her from mating with other males. Etc. Of course, humans have surpassed There is no doubt that animals and human beings will be "children, my children and people's children". But on the other hand, it should still be a legitimate and most basic natural attribute to try to "leave one's own flesh and blood" in the world If the development of civilization eliminates this natural attribute, will it be progress or a disaster for human beings?" She laughed, "Of course, this is my thinking when I was an adult. I was just intuitively confused when I was in middle school .” Gaddas resonated with her point, musing for a moment: "Now in the United States, there are more couples who don't want to have children—not that they can't have children." "It's not just the United States. Even in China, these phenomena are increasing day by day. According to statistics, 'DINK families' (families without children) account for 6% of Chinese couples of childbearing age, and homosexuality is estimated to have reached 1%. This figure is really impressive. I have trouble sleeping and eating. If this momentum is maintained, will human beings really perish? Mr. Billy, Chinese sociologists have been staring at the United States, because for more than a century, the United States has been the pioneer of technology in the world, and it is very likely that the United States is today It is the future of China—including both social progress and the disadvantages brought about by technology. Frankly speaking, I think many phenomena in American society are simply signs of the end of the century, mainly manifested in the increasing loss of human nature: homosexuality , group sex, taking drugs, giving up the responsibility of having children... I really don’t want China to follow in your footsteps.” Gaddas felt uncomfortable—these views inevitably hurt the self-esteem of an American.But he has to admit that these sharp insights have their logical power, and there is no smell of national chauvinism in them. She considers them from the perspective of all mankind.He was deep in thought, and followed Ms. Zhen out of the back door of the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Zhen Yu's former companion was shouting: Zhen!Come and introduce us to the exhibits in the Bronze Hall!Ms. Zhen said goodbye to him apologetically, and Gardas said, "Goodbye, thank you for your talk, I will think about it seriously." The next day, Gardas boarded an Air China flight to New York.Under the wings are fluffy white clouds, and the sun shines on the blue Pacific Ocean.The Chinese flight attendants are all impeccably beautiful, with slender bodies, full breasts and hips, and beautiful complexion.Considering the population base of 1.3 billion, it is not surprising that such a beautiful stewardess can be selected.Gardas sipped his coffee while admiring the beauty of the stewardesses.However, most of the time, Ms. Zhen Yu with a round silhouette flashed in front of him, and her sharp insights were just in contrast to the roundness of her body.The United States is a country that embraces everything. It is certainly not the first time he has heard this view, but this is the only time that has left the deepest impression on him. Perhaps this is based on Ms. Zhen's sincere concerns. Back at his Philadelphia apartment, he called his parents.It was my mother who answered the phone. She asked about the situation along the way with concern, and asked when he would come over, and said that his father was not at home and was going out for a short business trip.Gaddas asked where he was and how to contact him.Mom pondered for a while and asked, "Is there anything urgent?" "Well, I have an idea and I want to discuss it with him." "Well," Mom said, "you call Portland." Gaddas regretted knowing that there was Nancy, his father's lover, in Portland, where, over the years, his father had spent a few weeks each year in secret, while his mother and he had learned to ignore it.He shouldn't have forced his mother to say that today.He made the phone call.The face of a young, beautiful black woman appeared on the screen—and he could not help thinking sentimentally that his mother had indeed aged.Nancy recognized him at once, and exclaimed joyfully, "Gadas? Hello, glad you called." Her delight was genuine indeed. "Your father is playing with Lesa, I'll call him over." Seen from the screen, the father walked over holding Lesha's hand.Lesha was the first to occupy the screen: "Hello, brother Gardas. Did you just come back from China? Is it fun there? When can you come to my house as a guest, I really want to play with you." Sister Kakapi Piper kept talking, and he couldn't help being secretly moved.He has never met this sister, but she clearly has a sincere affection for her brother.Perhaps, this is due to the natural connection of the same blood (half the same)?The two chatted happily for a while before his father Brad took the phone: "Hi, what's the matter?" "Dad, this time I interviewed a woman in China. I am very interested in her views and I have some opinions of my own." He recalled the conversation at that time, "I intend to target the phenomenon of 'unwillingness to have children' in the United States. Make a social investigation, in-depth and detailed investigation, to draw a conclusion: whether modern high technology and modern life style have changed the most basic natural attributes of human beings, and what is the deep social significance of this phenomenon. Dad, What do you think about that?" Brad didn't hesitate for a moment, and immediately replied: "Very good! It's worth doing." He laughed, "Coincidentally, I happened to be interested in a similar issue a while ago, that is, Americans going abroad. The explosion of baby adoptions. And there may be a huge baby smuggling network involved.” He pondered for a moment, “Well, I have a list of people who have recently adopted babies from abroad in neighboring states. Families, both legal and illegitimate. You can base your investigation on that. Will the newspaper side support you? I think it will. This investigation is not only 'philosophical', if it ends up digging up a baby smuggler Internet, this news is also very 'public'." "It's not a big problem with the newspaper office. I can handle it myself. Then, I'll start making preparations for it. Goodbye." "goodbye." Nancy had been squinting at this side from a distance, and now she walked over quickly and took the microphone from her husband: "Are you finished talking? I still have a little private topic with Gardas." The senator led Lesa away, and Gardas looked at his father's lover on the screen. After calculation, she was 40 years old, but her skin and figure were well maintained, and she still looked youthful and beautiful.She smiled and said, "Thank you for calling, and thank you for your love for Lesha's brother." She pondered for a while, and said earnestly, "Gadas, I love your father. For him, I spent half my life in I spent it in the shadows, but I don’t regret it. In a few years, your father will withdraw from political life. According to our original agreement, after he quits political life, we must disclose his relationship with Lesha, otherwise it will be harmful to the public. Little Lesa is unfair. I respect your mother, and I don't want to cause her any harm..." Gardas interrupted her, and said briskly: "You don't have to say it, I already understand what you mean. Please Don't worry, I will slowly tell my mother about this, so that she has enough mental preparation for that day. I believe she will take it calmly." Nancy smiled gratifiedly: "Thank you, sincerely Thank you. Why don't you come here to play? Your mother and I may have to avoid it for the rest of our lives, but you and Lesha have no reason not to be good brothers and sisters." "I'll be there, and I'll schedule a time when this survey is over. I like little Lesa, too. Tell me, what kind of toys does she like?" "Just buy a few electronic marmosets, she already has 20." Gardas knows that this pocket electronic marmoset is a fashionable toy. After the little marmosets are taken out of the packing box, as long as they are activated, they will automatically form a group and elect a monkey king-completely following the rules of the monkey group in the mountain forest. lifestyle. "Okay, I'll bring some electronic marmosets with me when I go, bye." "goodbye." The phone screen went dark, and Gardas froze in front of the screen for a while, thinking about Nancy's request.There is no problem with my mother, she has actually been mentally prepared for it.The question is yourself, can you really see it completely?In this conversation, for instance, he felt somewhat guilty, as if he had taken part in a conspiracy against his mother. Both women accepted the embarrassing relationship of "monogamy" with equanimity, and I am afraid that this is ultimately due to the father's "masculine strength".Author Natalie Angel said in "The Beauty of the Beast" that in order to maximize the spread of his genes, it is natural and natural for males to be aggressive in sexual relations.In this way, the father's behavior is beyond reproach-in essence, it is in the same strain as the possessiveness of male lions, male camels, and male walruses. Thinking of this, Gardas couldn't help laughing-this was disrespectful to his father-and hung up the phone. It has been two months since the survey actually started.Coincidentally, the names of Linda Madison and Anna Padgett were also on the list given by my father. According to the information, they registered their marriage in Pennsylvania a year ago (the state has passed the law that gays can marry ), and the two also exchanged surnames.Gardas thought coldly, why exchange surnames? This seemingly equal practice is still rooted in patriarchalism. Madison Padgett and his wife adopted a white baby girl half a year ago. The procedure is legal. The baby comes from the "Holy Virgin Orphanage" in Sao Paulo, Brazil.Mr. Jackson, the father's secretary, said that this is a well-known charitable institution that has sprung up in recent years, and it was funded by an anonymous rich man.It has adopted and sent tens of thousands of orphans from all over the world, and not only does it not receive any remuneration, but each orphan even receives a gift of 500 US dollars when he leaves the hospital. "Its funder must be a rich man with a fortune of more than tens of billions." Mr. Jackson said.Gaddas had a bad impression of these two women, especially after learning that they were already married. From this point of view, their behavior in Beijing was too insolent and too much trouble.However, since he already had acquaintances in Beijing, he decided to put them at the top of the questionnaire.He first called the two of them, and they happily said that he was welcome to interview him anytime. Gardas drove to Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and found No. 24B in an ordinary residential area.The house has a wooden roof, the paint on the garage door has been mottled and peeled off, and there are several reindeer and a sculpture of a naked woman lying among the flowers in front of the door.When Gaddas rang the doorbell, a random thought occurred to him: In any family, some manual work is indispensable, such as painting the room and trimming the flowers and plants. So in this lesbian family, who is doing these manual tasks.Probably Linda, she seemed stronger. From this, it occurred to him that in the lesbian families he knew, one person often played the role of husband, which might indicate that God's order was the most practical after all.The door was opened by a fat white woman who was neither one nor their servant.Gaddas asked suspiciously, "Is this the home of the Madison-Padgetts?" "That's right, come in." The person hastily closed the door behind him, and urged, "Please note that the webcast is going on in the bedroom." She led the guest back to the bedroom quickly.Gardas barely had time to observe the furnishings in the house, because his attention was quickly attracted by the scene in the bedroom, where the lights were bright, and four cameras were set up around the bed. On the small stage where the lights and cameras aimed, Lin Both Da and Ana are completely naked and are very much engaged in fucking.Three other women stood in the shadows of the outer circle, watching silently.Gardas suddenly realized what was going on.Ten years ago, the entire process of sexual intercourse between a pair of American "boys and girls" was broadcast live on the Internet. The two claimed that the union of a man and a woman is the purest and most beautiful thing in the world, and they are willing to dedicate their first-night love to the world.This live broadcast caused a bit of a commotion, and it was revealed that there were hidden business practices and fraudulent practices (at least the two of them were not the virgins they claimed to be), and then gradually calmed down.Afterwards, gays and lesbians began to complain on the Internet: Why are heterosexuals only allowed to plunder their beauty? Homosexual sex is also the purest and most beautiful thing in the world, and they should also leave their own shadows on the Internet.However, I don't know what the reason is, maybe the homosexuals lack confidence after all, and it took several years for these clamors to turn into action.Not long ago, a brave lesbian couple announced that they were ready to have live sex on July 27th, 2019 (today).Since code names are used on the Internet, Gardas did not expect that the two of them were the ones he wanted to interview. The two were still moaning on the bed, rubbing each other's breasts, twitching on each other's body, and sucking the base of each other's tongues.But generally speaking, compared to the shots on pornographic videos, their movements are pretty clean.Gardas looked at it coldly, the scene in front of him was not new, someone had already done it in R-rated movies and super R-rated discs, and tried all new tricks (even bestiality was put on the disc. ), people's sexual feelings have been stimulated to numb.The only difference is that the male and female whores performed for money, while today's couple perform for free for "holy" reasons. A microphone was raised in front of Gadas: "Since you are an uninvited guest, please say a few words to the online audience, okay?" The woman who opened the door for Gadas said with a smile. After a little hesitation, Gardas said, "Okay." "Your name, occupation?" “加达斯·比利，华盛顿邮报的记者。”他笑道，“我是为了另外的事来采访麦迪逊——帕吉特夫妇，没想到自己先成了被采访者。” “你对女同性恋性交过程的首次网上直播有什么看法？” 加达斯突然想起了北京的甄羽女士，想起她的忧虑，想起她说的“同性恋的寄生性”。他不愿得罪和伤害眼前这些人，便字斟句酌地说：“坦率地讲，我不是同性恋者，也不赞成同性恋。不过，我愿以宽容的态度来对待这种社会现象，也希望两位女主人宽容地对待我的不同意见。”他向床上扫了一眼，两个女人显然已到达性高潮——或者说假装达到了性高潮，加达斯不相信在4个镜头和百万双眼睛的注视下，她们真的能心静无波地干完那档子事。“我觉得同性恋的性交没有男女之合来得自然和美丽，而且，至少到目前为止，同性恋是寄生在正常人的生殖活动之上。” 举话筒的女人没想到来客会直率的批评，显然比较扫兴，但她客气地说：“谢谢你的回答。此次网上直播到此结束，再见。” 屋里的聚光灯暗了，两位演员笑着从床上下来，开始穿衣服，周围的妇女们在收拾摄象机。加达斯突然听到了婴儿的咿唔声。原来屋里摆着一个婴儿车，一个大约周岁的婴儿手扶栏干站在车里，一双蓝眼珠滴溜溜地看着她的两个母亲。加达斯的心中忽然被敲了一记——其实没什么，懵懵懂懂的婴儿尽管看到了刚才的一幕，也不会理解的，不会把它保存在记忆中。但不管怎样，加达斯忽然对她的母亲们萌生了怒意，当她们在聚光灯下性交时，肯定该知道，网络观众中有很多不足14岁的未成年人哪。他尽力把怒意隐藏起来。 婴儿开始哭闹，琳达和安娜忙跑过来，抱起婴儿，从恒温箱中取出奶瓶。婴儿安静下来，吧唧吧唧地吸着奶，好奇地看着周围的大人。琳达慈爱地低头亲她，安娜也凑过来，吻吻孩子，再抬头吻吻琳达。加达斯看着这一幕，难以抑止嘴角的嘲讽。在看了网上性交直播后，他不敢相信这两人的母爱是自然天性之流露，他担心到目前为止两人还是在表演。 吃完奶，婴儿困了，眼睛开始迷离，安娜接过来哄他入睡。3个负责录相的女人带上设备，也告辞走了，琳达把加达斯让到客厅里。 “对不起，我来得好像不是时候。”加达斯笑道。 “没关系的，请开始正题吧。你是想采访这个领养的婴儿？我们有合法手续，是通过州孤儿领养所和移民局……” 加达斯用手势打断了她：“我知道，这些我都知道。这次社会调查的目的是比较虚的，是想了解一下：这些领养婴儿的人们都是什么动机，是不愿生育还是不能生育。如果是不愿，又是什么原因。你们当然是属于后者，因此我要换一个问法：你们自愿放弃了作母亲的权利，不能在这个世界上留下自己的骨血。那么，你们是否会偶尔感到难过、动摇、心绪不宁？”他抬头看看琳达，“请原谅我的直率，希望你也给出坦率的回答。我保证为你的回答保密。” 琳达干脆地说：“即使和男人结婚，我也不会为他生孩子。” "why?" “为什么？”琳达半开玩笑地说，“上帝太不公平了！由男女双方完成的生殖活动，双方理应付出同样的牺牲，为什么只让女人受苦呢？怀胎10月，分娩时的陈痛，妇女病……你们男人呢，只是付出一点精液，还能得出超值的享受——比女人远为强烈的性快感。太不公平了。所以我们决定不生育。”她笑着说，“对不起，你也是我所抱怨的男人。” 加达斯笑道：“不必道歉，听了你的话，我已经愧为须眉男人了。”他沉吟一会儿继续问道，“但是，你想过没有，你们领养婴儿，是以另一个女人的牺牲——按你的观点——为代价的？”他的口气很温和，但琳达分明领会到了温和之下的尖锐。她盯了加达斯一眼，乖巧地滑了过去：“很快就不会有牺牲了，科学家们说，用机器子宫来克隆婴儿，将在2050年前实现。” “恐怕比这还早。”加达斯说，“我见过一些生物学家，他们说，如果认真去做的话，也许现在就能实现。但他们也都说，不会有人去做的。从伦理学的观点来看，这种发明太危险，太离经叛道，至少我很庆幸自己不是在机器子宫里出生。” 琳达站起来：“伦理问题由伦理学家们操心吧。你还有别的问题吗？” 加达斯也站起来：“没有了，谢谢你接受采访。” 婴儿在婴儿车里已经睡熟了，一头金发，一只手指含在嘴里，皮肤白晰红润，嘴角挂着浅笑，十分逗人喜爱。加达斯不禁为她难过。他想，婴儿在同性恋家庭中长大后，就会认为同性恋是完全正当的事，很可能这个世界上又要多出一个女同性恋者了。对此你是无能为力的，别作无谓的感伤啦，他在心里揶揄自己，微笑着同主人告辞。 第二个采访对象是谢克利夫妇，他们住在奥尔巴尼一幢极为漂亮的别墅里。丈夫哈尔今年52岁，是一个成功的房产商。妻子朱迪40岁，曾是比较有名的影视歌三栖演员，不过婚后已淡出舞台。两人都是白人，但收养了一个黑人女婴。 他们在花园里接待了加达斯。两人都穿着白色休闲服，悠闲地斜倚在白色的凉椅上，小几上放着啤酒和冰块。不远处的院内游泳池中，小女儿斯塔正和一个黑人女仆戏水，她是个精力旺盛的孩子，在池里尖声叫着，清彻蔚蓝的池水衬着两个黑黝黝的躯体。 一进花园，加达斯的目光就被女主人的美貌吸引住了。她的面容看上去只有30岁，胸脯丰满，腰肢纤细，小腿修长，肌腱健壮而清晰，一头瀑布般的金发披在脑后。在这一刹那，加达斯已经明白女主人不愿生育的原因。入座后，他接过加冰的啤酒，衷心赞叹道：“你真漂亮，你的美貌晃得我无法睁眼了。”女主人莞尔一笑：“谢谢你的夸奖。” 哈尔微笑着正要说话，那个女孩忽然爬上岸，水淋淋地爬上父母的膝盖，在每人脸上啄了一下，又大笑着跳回游泳池。这个小精灵浑身黑得发亮，卷发，厚嘴唇，十分灵活的黑色眼珠。她用力抡着小胳膊，水花四溅地游向女仆。她的父母喜爱地看着她的背影，连加达斯也立即喜爱上她了。哈尔回过头：“比利先生，有什么问题请问吧。” 加达斯先向他们解释了这次调查的目的。他说，为了保证调查的准确性，希望先生和太太给出坦率的回答，报社保证为他们的隐私保密。哈尔点点头：“知道了，开始吧。” “请问，你们领养了这个黑人女孩，是因为你们没有生育能力，还是不愿生育？”哈尔笑着看看妻子：“不，我们有生育能力——即使现在也有。” “那么，你们为什么不愿生育？是为了——”加达斯把后半句话变成玩笑，“尊夫人的优美体形吗？” “我们结婚时朱迪已经36岁了，作为初产妇年龄稍大了些。另外，你说的确实是原因之一。” “为了体型美而放弃繁衍后代的义务？这违背人类的乃至所有生物的自然本性呀。务请原谅我的无礼，因为科学要求真实的回答。”他毫不放松地追问。 朱迪温雅地笑着，但回答并不客气：“人类早在建立文明之前就开始违犯自然本性了。比如，相对于所有动物来说，人类的生育都是早产或难产。这是因为人类在进化中脑容量不断增大，使婴儿头颅超过了妇女骨盆所能通过的尺寸，只好让婴儿在发育成熟前就出生，等出生后再把头骨长足。即使如此，分娩也是一个相当痛苦的过程。可以说人类的雌性部分为种族进步作出了几百万年的牺牲。” “那么，”加达斯坦率地问，“你不愿再作出牺牲啦？” 朱迪轻松地说：“对，我不想再忍受生育的痛苦。不过社会不会责备我，反而会感谢我的。毕竟我们生活在一个人口增长率过高的世界。” 加达斯苦笑着想，如果所有妇女都像你呢？但他知道自己的追问该适可而止了。他把目光转向游泳池，那个小黑鬼仍在快乐地尖叫嬉戏，似乎永不知道疲倦。加达斯赞赏道：“可爱的小家伙。你们领养了一个外种族的小孩，这充分显示了你们的无私和博爱。可是，你们也许知道一句名言：基因的本性是自私的，它迫使生物用种种策略和诡计，最大限度地播撒自己的基因。谢克利先生，难道你们从来没有想到在世上留下自己的基因，哪怕是偶然想过？” 哈尔不快地说：“我从来没有这样的念头。我不是守旧的墨西哥人、印度人、阿富汗人或中国人。我想你没有新的问题了吧，”他半开玩笑地说，“再把谈话继续下去，我担心会成为反对小斯塔的密谋。”加达斯识趣地站起来：“我没有问题了，我的这次调查是很不讨好的，谢谢你们对我的宽容。再见。”他特意走到池边喊道：“可爱的小天使，再见。” 斯塔快活地在水里纵跳着：“再见。” 加达斯拎上手提箱准备离开，忽然想到了另一点，停下脚步：“太太，我的资料上说，斯塔是你们去年领养的，认领时不到半岁，怎么……” 哈尔抢先回答：“我们已向移民局纠正了这个错误，实际上，领养时斯塔已经4岁了。”加达斯噢了一声，转身离开，但他瞥见哈尔正在做着诡秘的眼色，而朱迪的神色似乎有些慌乱。这可是一件怪事，为什么会这样呢？这对颇有地位的夫妇没有必要在女儿的年龄上撒谎。坐上车后，加达斯还在想着这件事，后来他认定恐怕是自己的错觉。 第三位采访对象是住在黑泽尔顿的戈顿·迪克夫妇。从资料上看，他们也是去年初领养了一个黑人女婴。不同的是，谢克利夫妇是通过合法手续领养的，迪克夫妇却是从蛇头手里买的走私婴儿。事后他们交了罚款，才到移民局补办了手续。 与迪克夫妇未能联系上，挂了两次电话，都是录音在回答：“主人不在家，请留言。”加达斯的回程恰巧路过黑泽尔顿，他在路上犹豫着，怕贸然赶去会扑空，但最终还是决定去碰碰运气。迪克的住宅很容易就找到了，这是一幢破破烂烂的廉价公寓，房后是山坡，长着杂乱的树木。大门紧闭着。加达斯敲开了邻居的门，那个年老的黑人妇虚欷地说：“他们给女儿送葬去了，可怜的戈顿，可怜的乔安娜！” 加达斯茫然问：“哪个女儿？他们不是才领养了一个巴西女孩吗？” “对，就是那个女孩，小帕梅拉，她在医院住了一个月，昨天才去世的。”加达斯的心揪紧了：“什么病？” 肥胖的黑人老妇揩着泪，悲伤地说：“是癌症。太可怜了，浑身长满了癌肿，连身形都变了，才两岁的小女孩呀，愿上帝收留她的灵魂。” 按照邻居的指点，加达斯立即赶往仁慈墓地。等他赶到时，送葬的人群已经离去。加达斯买了一束白花，向守墓人问清了帕梅拉的墓茔的方位。一排排大理石墓碑无言地排列着，小径上的青草在微风中摇摆，帕梅拉的墓前点着蜡烛，堆满了鲜花，鲜花上肯定浸透了父母的泪水。墓碑上镶着女孩的照片，还刻着一行字：帕梅拉·迪克2017年元月2日——2019年6月24日加达斯在这一刹那惊呆了。 完全惊呆了。因为看照片的第一眼，他忽然以为是斯塔死了，是斯塔的照片镶在这里。没错，帕梅拉和斯塔的面貌完全一样，年龄也大致相同。 这没有什么好奇怪的，加达斯对自己解释，一定是巴西一家贫穷的黑人夫妇生了一对双胞胎，其中一个送到了圣贞女孤儿院，又被谢克利夫妇收养；另一个也没有留住，卖给走私婴儿的蛇头，恰巧也流入美国——但这未免太巧合了。当你随机选取了3个人进行调查，却发现了两个完全相同的面孔，那么最可能的结论是：这种面孔在人海中不会只有两个。 何况，加达斯冷冷地想，科学已发展出了制造“同样面孔”的手段呢。在克隆人已出现过的今天，如果一昧相信这是巧合，未免太迟钝了。 他把怀中的花束安放在墓碑前，端详着碑上的照片，沉思了很久。她确实和那位健康强盛的斯塔长得一模一样。目前这说明不了什么问题，两人仍可能是双胞胎、三胞胎而不是婴儿工厂的产品……加达斯忽然噤住了。婴儿工厂，克隆婴儿的工厂！他脑海里无意中滑出的这个词，正是他在下意识中已经揪住的答案啊。 他现在该做的，就是去证实或否定这个揣测。 把汽车开出停车场时，他忽然又想到另外一点：父亲如此热情地支持自己进行这项调查，是否他已有同样的怀疑？父亲没对自己说破，大概是想锻炼儿子的观察力吧。果真如此，那么三个调查对象中出现两个相同面孔就不足为奇了，相信这个名单里还有更多的斯塔和帕梅拉。 看来，这次基于“哲理意义”上的社会调查恐怕要突然转向，转到更紧急的问题上了，他想。 守墓人说那对夫妻开着一辆福特，相当破旧，一眼就能认出来的。加达斯在回程中开得飞快，不停地超着车，快到迪克夫妇所住的街区时，他发现了那辆破旧的福特。他追上去与福特并行，看看侧面的车窗，立刻知道自己找到了目标，那两人的悲伤明明白白地写在脸上。他隔着车窗大声问：“是迪克夫妇吗？请停下车。”对方听见了，点点头。他超过去，一直开到前边的停车区停下车，福特也缓缓地滑停在后面。那对黑人夫妇下了车，悲伤中略带困惑。从两人的穿戴看，显然他们是低收入者，头发花白，满面皱纹中镌刻着岁月的沧桑。加达斯趋步上前，紧紧握住戈顿的手：“迪克先生，我刚从仁慈公墓过来，在令爱的墓碑前献了花。在你们的悲痛中来打扰是不恰当的，不过我想，多一个朋友分担痛苦，也许对你们是个安慰。” 乔安娜用手帕揩着眼泪，声音嘶哑地说：“谢谢。” “前边有一个酒巴，我想请二位喝一杯，顺便问一件有关帕梅拉的小事。可以吗？”两人点头答应。他们上了车，开到山脚下的“老橡树”酒巴。老板是一个长满胸毛的中年人，客人不多，他自己兼任招待。门旁的桌上坐着一个妓女模样的女人，她放肆地盯着老板的眼睛，低声说着什么。老板气恼地甩脱她，向这边走过来。那个女人大声笑起来，在后边喊道：“胆小鬼，操你！”老板低声咒骂着：“快点噎死你！该死的婊子。”他来到这张桌前：“三位要点什么？”加达斯为三人都要了马提尼，点了几样菜。看着两人皱纹深深的面庞和悲伧的神色，他同情地说：“我真不知道该说什么话来安慰你们。我看了帕梅拉的遗照，知道她是一个多么漂亮可爱的小天使。愿上帝照料她的灵魂。” 乔安娜捂住脸，泪水从指缝里溢出来，竭力忍着，才没有大放悲声。她哽咽地说：“是的，她是我们的小天使，是我们心灵上的明灯。愿上帝怜悯她！” 戈顿目光阴沉地说：“我已经不相信上帝了。如果真有上帝，他一定是个煳涂透顶或铁石心肠的家伙。他为什么夺去我们最后的希望？帕梅拉到这个世界上才两年多呀。” 乔安娜惊慌地阻止道：“戈顿，不要亵渎上帝！” 加达斯立即追问道：“她才两岁多？噢，对了，墓碑上写着她的年龄。但从照片上看，她至少已经5岁呀。” 乔安娜惊慌地看看丈夫，丈夫摇摇头：“现在还有什么可隐瞒的呢。不错，她的生长速度确实非常快，大约为普通孩子的两三倍。我们不想让别人把她当成怪物，尽力对外人隐瞒着，想让她过一个正常的童年。可是……” 加达斯沉思着问：“那你们想过没有，也许正是这种生长失控导致了她的癌肿？”两人浑身一震，戈顿摇摇头说：“没想过。她的身体一直非常健康，精力旺盛，每天笑声不断。她的病是突然发作的，像野火一样突然之间就烧遍全身，从发病到去世，不到一个月的时间。”加达斯小心地问：“你们能告诉我帕梅拉的来历吗？”他解释说，“不瞒你说，我恰巧知道某处有一个领养的女孩，与帕梅拉长得一模一样，而且生长速度也是这样快。我想她们可能是双胞胎。现在帕梅拉遇上不幸，谁知道那个女孩会不会也步她的后尘呢。请你们放心，我不会把你们的话捅到警方。”夫妇对望一眼，戈顿摇摇头：“我们是从纽约的一个蛇头那里买来的，不过其间又经过几个中间人，详情我们也不清楚。” 加达斯知道他们说的不一定是实话，但他不愿在此刻苦苦逼问，便说：“那好吧，我再设法打听。这是我的名片，如果想起什么情况请通知我。还有，如果有什么事需要我帮忙，请不要客气。”在随后的进食中，三人只是随便交谈着，聊着一些不相干的事。饭后，乔安娜去洗手间时，加达斯问戈顿：“请原谅我的冒昧。你们为什么没有要一个自己的孩子？是因为不育症吗？” “嗯，乔安娜患有不育症。你知道我们的收入很低，不能使她得到好的治疗。后来，年龄大了，我们说干脆领养一个吧。帕梅拉非常可爱，我们曾非常庆幸自己的决定。但是……我们最终没战胜命运。”乔安娜从洗手间回来了，加达斯不再说什么，唤那位老板兼侍者结了帐。迪克夫妇送加达斯上车，挥手告别。天色已暗，路灯都亮了。开出停车场时，加达斯瞥见那对黑人夫妇正踽踽地走向自己的旧车，他们的嵴背已被命运压弯了。他不由想起谢克利夫妇，真是鲜明的对比啊，那儿是一对富裕漂亮的夫妻和一个健康可爱的女儿，这里是贫穷衰老的夫妇和一个夭折的孩子。他耳边响着戈顿的叹息：我们最终没战胜命运。 是的，命运之神真是一个生性势利的家伙。他摇摇头，踩下了踏板。 加达斯没有回报社，直接回到费城的单身公寓。像大多数记者一样，他主要靠电话和互联网络同报社联系，只在必要时才去华盛顿。到家后他立即要通邮报社会版的主管伯勒斯先生的电话，屏幕上出现了那个乐哈哈的大块头：“加达斯，这几天的调查进展如何？还顺利吧。” 加达斯简略地谈了几天的进展：“……恐怕调查要转向了。不过，到目前为止这只是我的揣测，我想在下一步的调查中去证实它。有什么进展，我会及时向你通报。” “婴儿走私网？这个题目值得搞下去。行啊，就按你的想法干吧。” 洗完澡，加达斯仰面躺在床上，枕着双臂陷入深思。父亲提供的那张名单平摊在床头桌上，可惜这份资料太简略，没有各个孩子的照片，他不知道其中是否还有面貌相似者。他想向父亲的秘书求助，把这些资料补齐。但想了想，决定采用更直接的办法。 说干就干。他跳下床，先在那份名单上找出领养女孩的家庭，开始拨电话。第一个电话很快拨通，屏幕上是一个40多岁的白人男子。加达斯问：“是弗兰克·卡尔先生吗？我是华盛顿邮报记者加达斯·比利，目前正在调查从国外领养的孩子的状况。你曾在5年前从巴西圣贞女孤儿院认领了一个女孩，名叫丹茜，对吗？” "right." “她知道自己不是亲生吗？” “知道，我们没有瞒她。” “我能否对丹茜做一次电话采访？” “当然可以。丹茜！过来，一个记者要采访你。” 听见脚步声走近，一个白人女孩的笑脸出现在屏幕上，用清脆的童音大模大样地问：“我是丹茜，你有什么问题吗？” 她不是要找的目标，不过加达斯仍煞有介事地提了几个问题：你来美国生活得好吗？你有什么愿望？你有什么话想通过报纸告诉你家乡的亲人？然后他客气地谢过卡尔先生，挂断电话。他又挂通了第二家。听他说明来意，本福德·乔治立即露出警惕的目光。加达斯并不奇怪，因为资料上说他的女孩梅丽是从台湾的蛇头手中买的。他一口拒绝了加达斯的采访要求：不，我想让外人搅乱孩子的心境，因为她不知道自己不是亲生。加达斯说，我只看看她的照片，可以吗？本福德连这个要求也一口回绝了：“既然不采访，我认为看照片也没有必要。” 加达斯多少有些生气，不过他能理解一个父亲的苦心，便耐心地说：“卡尔先生，你的谨慎太过分了。难道我就没有别的办法得到她的照片？你愿意我到警察局去查询？请放心，我只是做一个泛泛的社会调查，不会伤害她的。” 本福德犹豫片刻，不情愿地说：“好吧，你稍候。”片刻后他拿来一张照片，是个黑头发黑眼珠的女孩。“她是黄种人？”加达斯问。 “对，不管她是什么种族，我们都真心爱她。” “谢谢，我不会再打扰你了，再见。” 第三个电话挂通后，屏幕上立即跳出一个黑人女孩的笑脸，正是他要寻觅的目标！加达斯尽管早有心理准备，仍然相当吃惊。没错，又是一个5岁的斯塔或帕梅拉，她们长得一模一样！加达斯的思维忽然陷入一个奇怪的黑洞中。他明明知道这是一位叫琼的女孩，但他几乎忍不住脱口喊出“帕梅拉”，他的内心固执地认为，是那个可怜的帕梅拉从坟墓中爬了出来，上帝治好了她的不治之症，把欢乐还给了她。女孩的喊声把他从思维混沌中惊醒过来：“……你要找我的父母吗？他们都不在家。” “你好。琼——这是你的名字吧。” “对，你怎么知道我的名字？” “是一个你不认识的朋友告诉我的。琼，你几岁了？” “两岁——真的两岁。别人都说我长得最快。” “真的，你长得真快。琼，叔叔问你一个问题，你不会生气吧。” “不会，你问吧。” “我朋友的女儿长得像你一样快，但她常觉得自己身上疼，有的地方……还长有硬块。你身上没有这些毛病吧。” “没有。我的左膝盖疼，但那是因为昨天我从台阶上摔下来，摔伤了。” “那