smoke like fire

On the coldest day in early December, I received a call from sister Xu.She was in the hospital.He fell and injured his back three days ago.It fell in her own home, and if she can't work for a while, she won't be able to tidy up the house for me.She was embarrassed to take the money and not do anything, and her family members also advised her to rest, so she decided to call to resign.

She said there: "I'm sorry, Mr. Cheng—"

I said: "It doesn't matter, I understand, take good care of yourself, I will still calculate this month's salary—it should be. By the way, which hospital ward do you live in? Oh, there... don't be polite to me, I should thank you You have been helping."

After a few more words, the phone hung up.I was still in a daze.

Sister Xu is not the first person to work at home, there was an older sister before.It was introduced to sister Xu to do it, and more than ten years have passed in a blink of an eye.In that family, she must have witnessed many quarrels between her parents; in the past, when her mother always had to wait for the door, she also accompanied her.

You should tell your mother.But it's only past ten o'clock in the morning here, and it's still midnight in England.After thinking about it, I saw that the matter at hand was not in a hurry, so I called the extension and told my secretary Elin to go out, and then drove to the National Taiwan University Hospital.

At that time, after parking the car, I went to the flower shop on the street outside to buy a bunch of calla lilies, and then I went to the floor of Sister Xu's ward as I said on the phone.She lives in a two-person ward.

When I entered, I saw the outermost bed first. Because the curtains were not pulled up, I could clearly see a patient sleeping there. One side of the bed was full of things, and no one was sitting on it.This one is not Miss Xu.

I went to the innermost place, but I didn't see anyone, but it didn't look like I was discharged from the hospital.I put down the flowers and went to the nursing station to ask. I knew that sister Xu was going to the Radiology Department on the first floor for an examination.

I thought about it, and I still looked for it, and I saw it at the front desk of the Radiology Department.

Sister Xu is in a wheelchair and looks fine.A young woman with a small child was sitting in the next row of chairs, chatting with her, probably her family members.

When she saw me, Sister Xu groaned, as if surprised.

"Sister Xu." I called out and walked over.

Sister Xu smiled, she didn't seem very sorry: "I didn't expect to come to see me." Then she turned to the woman next to her and said, "This is Mr. Cheng."

The woman stood up and nodded to me.But the child I was hugging suddenly started to make a fuss, and he didn't say anything to me, just coaxed me.I went straight to Sister Xu to understand the situation, and offered a few words of condolences, which was a kind of long-term employer-employer friendship.

After a while, the person in the examination room in front of me came out and called Sister Xu's name.I said goodbye.

The parking lot was closer to another building, so I walked in the other direction.

There is a row of consultation rooms, and many people are sitting in the chairs in front, waiting to be seen.When passing by, one of the doors suddenly opened, and a middle-aged man in a suit came out.

The middle-aged man met my eyes and was taken aback.He came back to his senses first, walked towards me in two steps, and shouted: "Mr. Cheng."

I stopped, nodded slightly, "Secretary Zhang." I asked again, "Are you here for a doctor?" I looked at the clinic board on the door of the room, it was the Department of Chest Medicine.

Secretary Zhang seemed to be hesitating, before answering: "It's not me, I'm here with someone." He added: "It's not with the chairman."

I do not speak, because there is nothing to ask.Immediately wanted to leave, but after a second thought, he got into dealing with Secretary Zhang.Otherwise it seems like I'm untenable.You don't have to be in front of him if you want to turn around and walk away.

Secretary Zhang is still calm, but he never shows much expression.He asked how I got here.

I answered casually.The door of the clinic suddenly opened again, and in addition to the female nurse, there was also a woman whom he recognized of course.It's Ms. Xu. Seeing her frowning, she seems to be really uncomfortable.

Secretary Zhang seemed to be going forward immediately, and after another meal, he looked at me slightly.Ms. Xu also looked at it, she was stunned, and she took her purse with her hand, as if she was uncomfortable.

"Mrs. Cheng, these medicine lists—" the female nurse said to her.

It's not that there are no other people here, and it's not very quiet. The hospital is always noisy during the day, but I can hear this sentence clearly - listening to people's discussions and hearing it with your own ears are two different things.I felt harsh, and my heart suddenly became entangled.It's not for no reason, it may be because of sister Xu's resignation, and thinking of my mother who is still in the UK.I have never thought it hypocritical, but I also want to be hypocritical for this sake.

Secretary Zhang hurried up to take the medicine list from the female nurse.Ms. Xu raised her hand and brushed her hair, as if she was about to speak.

I'll leave without turning my face.After walking a few steps, by coincidence, Xu Chengcheng came face to face.I stopped for a moment.Of course he saw me, and stopped because he didn't know what to count on that look.

He seemed to look past me, and then he said, as if he wanted to defend something: "What are you doing here?"

I didn't answer, but turned to look at Secretary Zhang and his mother not far behind.The woman seemed worried, as if I was a jackal.It's ridiculous.

I turned around and just walked without saying a word.Xu Chengcheng stopped me.

"What are you talking to my mother about?"

I suppressed my temper and said, "Why isn't it your mother who wants to talk to me?"

Xu Chengcheng didn't jump, stared at me, and said suddenly: "Tell you, I have transferred to a higher position in the company."

I snorted.Of course I've heard about it.

Xu Chengcheng seemed unhappy, and asked, "What do you mean?"

I put one hand in my trouser pocket and said, "What do you mean? Congratulations on your ability—do you believe it? I don't even believe it myself."

Xu Chengcheng looked at me and said, "There's no need to speak harshly, it's you who gave up."

I said impatiently: "It's just a matter of one sentence."

Xu Chengcheng raised his eyebrows and said, "Then just try! I don't think I'm inferior to you."

I was stunned instead.He was so confident that the anger in his chest suddenly sank.It's pointless to argue with him here, and Ben isn't obsessed with fighting for a meal from his father.I have never wanted it.

Besides, he must be highly valued if he can be promoted so quickly; of course he is not willing to do it.Everyone should be happy.

I twitched the corner of my mouth and said, "Why bother to say this. You have already got it, so you don't need to compare with me. I don't want it. Even if I want it, some people are not very willing to give it."

Xu Chengcheng didn't say a word, but he looked thoughtful.I didn't care what he thought after hearing this, and I ignored the two people behind me, and just walked away.

When I came out of the company for the second time, it was already dark.It's almost five o'clock in winter, and the sky is gray and dim.The temperature is low, looking down from a tall building, a row of flashing orange lights stretches along the road, as if hazy.

A few people from the department had dinner at night and asked me to join them, so they went.No one was drinking at the table.Talked and laughed and had a meal.I want to pay the bill, but they don't insist.

We split up, and I drove on Songshou Road. When I passed by Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, I saw a Christmas tree dozens of meters high and covered with colorful lights in the square that was still empty yesterday.

When you enter the house, you don't want to face the cold air.

Dining rooms are lit.A briefcase was lost on the couch.The door leading to the balcony was open, and the wind could not go out from there, it was even colder than outside.

I went over and knocked on the glass door frame.Zhao Kuanyi, who was standing on the balcony smoking a cigarette, turned his head to look.He was still wearing a coat, and the cigarette seemed to have just been lit, and he seemed to have been in for a while.

The two elders of the Zhao family came to him for dinner today, but they didn't expect him to come back early.I looked at my watch and said, "It's only past eight o'clock. I thought you were going to be later."

Zhao Kuanyi said: "The old man ate early today and came back from a trip the day before yesterday. He hasn't had a good rest yet, so I won't sit any longer."

I smiled and stood beside him.Looking at the distant shadow of the lamp below, I said, "I went to the hospital today." Sensing his gaze, I also looked at him, "It's Sister Xu, my aunt, she hurt her waist, and she is recuperating." It will take several months."

Zhao Kuanyi nodded and said, "Then she can't do things for the time being?"

I pretended to be troubled: "Yeah, so now I really don't know where to find another good aunt."

Zhao Kuanyi seemed to think about it, and said: "Don't worry too much. The aunt here comes on Sunday, you can ask her. She has been interested in taking on another job, and it happens that she doesn't want to be around the clock."

I looked at him with a smile, and said: "You said that, I finally feel at ease to ask."

Zhao Kuanyi raised his eyebrows slightly, and looked at it, "I knew you were thinking of her."

I chuckled twice, reached into his coat pocket, took out the cigarette case, and took out a cigarette.He lit and handed it over.I lit a cigarette by his hand.

I took a few puffs, and a cloud of white mist sank out.Looking at the dark scene ahead, I said, "It's already December—so fast, this year."

Zhao Kuanyi responded, "Yes."

This year - too many unexpected things.There are good and bad, but life has always been like this, but, in this year, I have special feelings for no reason, and I always feel that it is too good.I told him that it seemed to him.There is an indescribable feeling, and I think he thinks the same way.

After a while, I said something else: "By the way, our company is actually doing a Christmas gift exchange this year. I haven't played this since high school."

Zhao Kuanyi said: "Oh? What did you get for that time?"

I laughed, "I forgot." After thinking about it, I asked again: "Isn't it more fashionable to celebrate Christmas in American schools, and you also exchange gifts?"

Zhao Kuanyi said: "Probably there are." After a pause, he took a look, "Why don't we exchange them too?"

I was slightly startled, but I said yes, smiled and said: "You are the boss, so shouldn't the price of the gift you buy be higher?"

Zhao Kuanyi looked at it and said, "Of course I--pay attention to fairness."

I coughed, and Tsukuru took a step back: "It's better not to spend too much money."

Zhao Kuanyi looked at it, but didn't speak, but smiled.It was laughing so hard that my heart was beating wildly.I held the cigarette in the corner of my mouth, mumbled that it was cold here, and dragged his hand into the room.

After a few days, I went back to my home in Daan District.Because I said goodbye to that aunt.When she comes, I will probably tell the story.Of course, she is familiar with this aspect and soon understood.

I'm not leaving right away.I haven't come back for a long time, and the house where I lived since I was a child has become a stranger.When Sister Xu was still working, she maintained the usual look here - as if the mother was at home at the time.

Two days ago, I called my mother.Before that, I actually talked to each other, but the frequency was very small.Usually she called.She doesn't say whether she is good or not, but it can be revealed from her tone of voice.Every time I listen to the phone, sometimes I feel in a daze, as if the woman on the other end is not a mother who is used to hesitating again and again.

This time I called, she was packing her luggage and was going to go to Liverpool with her cousin and some local friends.Knowing that sister Xu would not do it, she was silent for a while.Probably remembered something from the past.It was taken over quickly, and at the end, she asked me how I was doing.At this time, it was my familiar mother again.She said: "...I know you don't like to listen to it, but people who are over 30 years old, if you see something you like, make a decision."

At that moment, I suddenly had the urge to express my thoughts to her.But after all, I am not used to it.Still perfunctory.

When I was going to move out before, I only brought the important ones with me, and I still lost a lot of books, so I plan to take some more this time.

While cleaning up, I suddenly heard someone talking outside.Not unfamiliar.I paused before walking out of the room—as expected, it was my father in the aisle.Because I didn't recognize the aunt, I questioned him a little bit.

I yelled, "Dad, I invited this eldest sister here."

Both my father and my aunt looked at me.Father seemed to frowned.I didn't care, and said: "Sister, let's do this for today, you can go back."

The aunt nodded, then put all the cleaning utensils back, and took the things to leave.I sent her out and told her that the man was my father, so don't be surprised if I see her again in the future.

When I turned around, my father was already sitting in the living room.Just now he went into the study without saying a word, and now he came out again.Seeing me, he put away the newspaper he was reading, as if he was about to say something.

I paused and said, "Dad, why are you back at this time?"

Father said: "I forgot a document in the study, I'll get it. I have to go back to the company later." Looking at me, he asked, "Why did you replace Miss Xu?"

I was still standing in front of the hall and didn't go over, and replied: "Sister Xu hurt her back, so she took this opportunity to retire and not do anything."

Father frowned slightly and said, "Does your mother know about this?"

I nodded, "I told her."

The father was silent for a while, and asked again: "Where did you invite the one just now?"

I said, "It was introduced by a friend. He is very diligent and has clean hands and feet."

Father nodded.There was silence again.Because I thought I had nothing to say, I was about to walk away, but he wanted to talk again, so he folded the newspaper in his hand and put it on the coffee table.

"The papers are all from several months ago."

I answered casually, "Yes."

My father looked at me and said, "You don't live at home anymore. Why do you want to move out all of a sudden? Don't say anything."

Hearing the word home, especially by him, annoys me.I said: "I've always thought about moving out, taking advantage of the front—Mom will also leave at that time."

My father frowned and said, "At that time, your mother went to England. She didn't know how long she was there. It was just casual. I feel bad. You live outside now, and when she comes back to see that you are not living at home." , making trouble again."

I don't speak.

My father looked at me and asked, "Where do you live?"

I probably said the place.After hearing this, he said, "I thought you were moving to a place closer to work, so it's better to live back, not to mention your mother."

I was bored to the extreme for a moment, and said: "Maybe Mom will live there forever."

The father paused and asked, "Your mother said that?"

I said, "Is there any difference if you say it or not? Anyway, Dad is not here, so why bother about Mom?"

Father frowned: "What did you say—"

I continued on my own: "Dad, do you think that Mom will make a fuss because of me moving out? But we all know that it won't be the reason. This is not impossible to solve, as long as you sign the divorce, everyone will be relaxed gone."

Father's face darkened for a moment, and he said, "I have a sense of proportion, so you don't need to tell me what to do."

I blurted out: "If Dad knew how to measure, there would be no situation like today! Who wouldn't know that you have disclosed it to others today—do you still remember that you and Mom are a valid couple?"

The father patted the armrest of the chair and scolded: "You have to teach me a lesson! Take care of yourself first."

I twitched the corner of my mouth and said, "Why can't I control me?"

The father said coldly: "If you count carefully, there will be a lot to talk about. You know it yourself!"

I didn't speak, but watched his face very carefully.I don't feel the slightest bit uneasy.Because all other emotions are overwhelmed by anger.It can be seen that he is clearly not clear.Probably those men will have a few messy things.It's a common thing to entertain every occasion.

I said: "No matter what you do, I can't compare to you! If you can take care of yourself, you won't have another Mrs. Cheng when your mother is still alive, and another son calls your father—I always feel ashamed!"

The father stood up in an instant, his usual awe-inspiring expression was clearly covered with a layer of anger at this moment.He clenched his fist in one hand, and because of his thinness, the veins on the back of his hand were floating and twitching, which was very obvious.He scolded: "Bastard! Talk like this-this is still my place, you get out!"

I said, "I wish I could!"

So he turned around angrily.Hurrying to the door, I opened the cabinet door and put on my overcoat. I took out the key chain in my pocket, pulled out the ones that belonged here, and threw it to the ground—clang!

I don't see which direction it falls.