smoke like fire

The phone rang dozens of times.I walked out of the room and picked it up.Before he could speak, the other end had already choked up.It's Laura.She whispered in English: "Kuan, I'm so sorry you finally answered the phone."

I said, "Nothing—how did you know about this call?"

Laura said: "I went to ask Fred, and he said that if it's something urgent, you can call this number...because you, your mobile phone is always disconnected."

Fred is my classmate at NYUSternMBA, last time he had to leave his apartment phone number in order to report.I do not speak.

Laura seemed to be in a hurry, so she explained in French this time.

She is the second generation of Chinese-French, and French is her mother tongue.Of course, I don't know a word of Chinese.She was saying, "Listen, it's really all my misunderstanding—I thought about it last night, and I was ashamed when I thought about my bad attitude. I shouldn't have lost my temper with you like that, and I have to treat Von too. Feel sorry."

Von refers to Feng Wenjun, but it should be called Nyla. Fung, my landlady lady.Still very young.I introduced Nyla to her yesterday, probably emotional and short-lived.I leaned back against the wall and didn't answer.It's really fickle, and now she believes it again - obviously don't believe it no matter what.But it doesn't matter, it doesn't affect the relationship between me and her.It didn't matter at all.Even if you kiss and go to bed, you are an adult, you love me.It's just that this time I was very unhappy with Nyla, and it was affected for no reason.

She was sobbing at this point.Maybe tears have been shed.She is beautiful, and she shouldn't be too ugly when she cries.Listening to that cry, I felt very calm.

Women are good at using tears, such as my mother.My mother knows how to cry better than any woman in the world. Every time there are tears in her eyes, she stares at her with grievances and says some hateful words, but the pain seems to be in her heart, no wonder She only blamed herself for not being angry.None of those who loved her could escape such accusations.I'm probably pretty immune.

The other side of the microphone is still crying.I said, "Laura, well, it's ok, really, you just need to understand, I'll tell Nlay you're sorry."

Laura's voice stopped and said, "Then you are not angry with me?"

I said, "Didn't I say nothing?"

Laura said, "Then do you love me?"

I couldn't help laughing and didn't answer. Laura immediately changed her subject: "Shall we go out as usual that night?"

I said: "Oh, of course, that's great, go to FatCat and meet at the door at six o'clock." After thinking about it, I changed my voice: "Wait, I'd better go find you first."

Laura smiled and said, "Okay."

I hang up the phone.Then the door at the other end opened, and my famous landlady came out.Her hair was tied up, and her shirt sleeves were rolled up, as if she was working just now.

She said, "Hey, I'm going to cook, what do you want to eat?"

I said, "I will eat whatever you do, it must be delicious anyway."

Feng Wenjun smiled and said, "Flatter." Then he asked, "Who called just now? I was in the darkroom just now, and I really couldn't spare myself to answer the phone."

I said, "A classmate of mine."

Feng Wenjun raised his eyebrows, "Isn't it a woman? Why don't you just say girlfriend."

I smiled and said, "Female friend."

Feng Wenjun snorted and said, "You should exercise restraint, don't have another female friend like yesterday, I don't want to be misunderstood again."

I put my hands in my trouser pockets and said, "Oh, that's her, she's sorry for you."

Feng Wenjun was about to walk away, but he heard me and looked at me.She shook her head and said, "I changed my mind, you come to help, so I won't give you free food."

I smiled, walked towards her, and said, "Mean."

Feng Wenjun glared at me and raised his hand to come over.The palm brushed the top of my hair with great force.I pushed her hand away, grabbed her neck with one hand, and messed with her hair at the same time.She laughed first, then screamed that she couldn't breathe.I let go and looked at her, and she pushed me away.

Her cheeks were a little red, and it seemed that she laughed and scolded me: "Smelly child."

I didn't speak, just looked at her and smiled.

She turned her face away, said cooking, walked away, and shouted, "Come and help!"

After eating, Feng Wenjun went out.She is dragging her luggage and will probably be out next week for Thanksgiving.I stood on the balcony and watched her drive the car away.

In the evening I went to see Laura as promised.There are other people in her apartment, a male and a female face-to-face, named Dylan and Olga, both students of NYU.I look over to Laura.

Laura said: "Olga and the others are planning to go to FatCat tonight. I think we might meet each other. Why don't we go together?"

Meeting by chance is not the same as agreeing, I thought, but said: "Then it's almost time to go out."

Dylan stood up with Olga, and he said, "I came by car, take my car."

I smiled and said, "Okay."

Dylan's car is a black Chevrolet. Olga went straight to the passenger seat. Laura leaned against me, took my hand, and whispered, "They're together."

I smiled perfunctorily. Laura was probably in a good mood, talking non-stop with Olga along the way. Dylan didn't seem to be in a bad mood either, accosting me, sometimes looking at me in the rearview mirror and smiling.

The car was parked a street away, and the four of us walked to FatCat.This is a club with lots of entertainment and live jazz to listen to.Because it costs very little money, you can stay for a whole day, and you can see people visiting from time to time.

We ordered the food first, and Dylan went to get the cards and play bragging.After two rounds, I threw away all my cards, and before they were over, I got up and went to the bar.

I'd like a glass of ciroc.After two sips, someone tapped me on the shoulder, it was Dylan.He smiled at me, "Why did you leave us behind."

I said, "You haven't come here yet."

Dylan smiled, and said after a while: "Yesterday Olga said that Laura was very sad. She said that if I dared to treat her like this, she would break up immediately." Look at me, "But frankly, I have to be so fierce to my girlfriend, not too much Beloved, otherwise they will all climb to the top, my mother doesn't care about me like that."

I said, "Two things, I didn't kill her, and besides, they are just friends."

Dylan looked at it and just smiled all the way.

I ignore him.After a while, Laura came over.As soon as she came, Dylan could only go to be with his girlfriend.I was still sitting at the bar, and Laura was standing next to me, with her head on my arm, listening to the song.Probably seeing that I was still ignoring her, she protested.

She seemed to be red-eyed, "I asked Olga and the others to come together, you're upset, aren't you?"

I said, "Just tell me first."

She was silent and said, "Sorry."

I said, "Nothing."

She came up and I had to kiss her.Her arms were about to wrap around my neck, and I was already backing away.Seeing that she seemed dissatisfied, I wiped my lips with my hand.

I frowned and said, "The lipstick is too thick."

She didn't speak, but her eyes were full of hatred and aggrieved.I stood up and said, "I'm going to the bathroom."

In the corridor outside the bathroom, there were two men smoking, looking weird.I pretended not to see it and pushed open the bathroom door.I wash the lipstick off my mouth with water.

Another person came in, it seemed to be one of the people outside just now.He stood by the door and gave me a hand as I passed by.He said, "Hey, do you want to go somewhere to play?"

I am speechless, but understand what that means.This is not a random place, and there is such a thing.I ignored him and shook off his hand.He tried to pull me again, and he tried harder.

Between pushing and shoving, I punched him hard in the stomach.

His face turned pale, and he hugged his stomach, as if his legs were too weak to stand up.I turn around and go out.The man outside saw me coming out, as if surprised, but did not move.

I went to find Laura, "Let's go."

Laura seemed hesitant: "But Olga and the others—"

"Then I'll go by myself," I said.

She immediately got her coat and put it on.

Go outside, the night is already deep, but there are still many people wandering on the street.She came to hold my hand and said, "What's the matter? She suddenly said she wanted to leave."

I said, "There are too many people."

She didn't speak, but laughed after a while."I feel the same way," she said.

I pulled my hand away, took out the cigarette and lit it.

After crossing the street, she suddenly said, "I'm going home for Thanksgiving, how about you? Where are you going to spend the holiday?"

I said, "I'm going back to France to visit my father in Rivières."

I've never been secretive about my heritage, and it's not a great secret anyway.In the United States and around the world, there are many people of mixed race like me.The reason why I met Laura is also because of my small part of French blood.

She seemed startled at this moment, then seemed very happy.

"I haven't been to Rivières, I heard it's beautiful."

I just laugh.She added: "Then let's go back together next week—I mean go back to France together, shall we?"

I took a puff on my cigarette and said, "It's up to you."

Laura booked the ticket after two days.While she was talking about travel plans, I just focused on writing letters.I went to another talent recruitment symposium in the morning, and had a pleasant talk with the representative of the other party. I want to write a thank you letter.I finished writing in no time, started putting things away, and getting back into my clothes.

Laura stopped talking at this point.She sat up from the bed and asked, "Are you leaving?"

I nodded, and threw the shirt at the end of the bed to her, "Put it on." After taking two steps, I turned around and said, "I have an exam before the holiday, I will come to you on the day I go back."

Laura got out of bed immediately.She was still shirtless, her breasts pressed against my arms.All I had to do was kiss her, and then she asked, "How about I call you these few days?"

"Whatever." I said, and pushed her away.

There is class at three o'clock in the afternoon, and I walk back to school.Meet Fred under the college building. Fred is a British man with a tall head. Today he is dressed formally and has just finished an interview.He told me the process.

I didn't listen very attentively, and I was already in the classroom perfunctorily.This class is about marketing, and the professor calls out students to ask questions.Today I called an Indian man with a strong accent, and he had to listen hard to understand what he said.The professor still asked a lot of questions.

I write randomly on the book.After the class, Fred came to strike up a conversation and asked me: "Seeing that you are so focused on writing, what are you writing?"

"It's nothing." I said, while putting away my things, "Are you going to eat?"

Fred smiled and said, "Go."

We went to a regular restaurant across the street.After applauding the meal, two men suddenly came to say hello.One of them is Dylan.He smiled and said, "I didn't expect to meet you here."

I smile. Fred also looked at him, then looked at me and asked, "Who is this?"

I said, "His name is Dylan, and he is also from our school."

Fred stood up immediately, smiled at Dylan, and held out his hand.The two shook hands and introduced themselves. Dylan introduces us to his friends again.

Dylam asked to sit together. Fred glanced at me, I smiled and said, "We have to talk about some reports, let's have dinner together next time."

Dylam seemed sorry, but nodded and walked away with his friend.

Fred whispered, "Kuan, are you familiar with him?"

I said, "Oh, you've met Laura, right? He's Laura's friend."

Fred nodded.After dinner, he talked to me about the progress of the report.After eating, I drank a cup of coffee and went to the bathroom.

Push the door open and Dylan is inside.He washed his hands and smiled at me from the mirror.

I also went to wash my hands and said casually, "Did you leave Olga today?"

Dylan said: "I see her almost every day, and I always have to be free occasionally, otherwise I will get bored. She also needs to have dinner with her girlfriends."

I turned off the water and looked up in the mirror.There's nothing but myself in the mirror, and Dylan.He still looked at me and just smiled.What I dislike most about him is his kind of smile, which seems to be calculated, and he is afraid of being seen through.

He suddenly stopped smiling.He stepped forward and whispered behind my ear: "Kuan, I've always wanted to know...you have many girlfriends, but have you ever tried to have a boyfriend?"

I looked at him in the mirror, he was about my height, and his whole face was very close to mine.Those lips seemed to be trembling.I smiled, turned around, and patted his face with my hand.

He seemed dazed and taken aback.I said, "I'm not interested in you, see you next time."

His face suddenly paled, as if frozen.I was bored and left him outside, telling Fred to leave.I asked for the money, and Fred said he had paid.

"Are you going back?" Fred asked as he walked out of the restaurant.

I said, "Yes, goodbye."

Fred whispered, "Okay."

I waved my hand and went to the subway.When the ticket was swiped to pass the station, the phone rang, and it was Laura calling.I didn't want to pick it up, when the car came, booming, just overshadowing the bell.But when I got in the car, I wanted to call her again.I want her to refund my ticket.Or set off on your own.

Although I promised my father to spend the holidays in Rivières, I still feel uncertain at times.Besides, it never occurred to me to bring a traveling companion.

However, he went to France as planned.

Laura asked her parents to drive to the airport to pick them up. They are a standard Chinese couple. When they saw me with their daughter, they were surprised but polite, kept polite, and smiled warmly on their faces.

I had always planned to stay in a hotel. When I was in the car, Laura suddenly asked me to stay at their house for a day. I politely declined and went to the hotel. Laura told her parents to follow me to Rivières.Her father, who still has grace towards me, turns around and immediately looks down on Laura.She was silent, and neither did I.Of course she went back with them after all, but she seemed reluctant to part.

I am bored.Not happy at all going on like this.

Not long after entering the hotel room, Laura called: "Kuan, I really want to find you."

I said, "I want to spend the holiday with my family. You can stay with your parents. Besides, I changed my mind. I have to take the overnight train today and return to Paris in two days. You don't have to wait for me. You can go back separately." "

Laura was silent for a long time before she said, "Are you angry?"

I said, "I'm not angry." After a pause, I said, "Laura, it's almost time, so be it."

She was silent.I continued on my own, "You know what I mean, try not to meet each other in the future."

Without saying a word, he cut off the call with a click.

I don't really care.Pack up the simple luggage, leave the rest in the hotel room, go to the train station at night, buy a ticket to Strasbourg, and then transfer to Marseille.

After a whole night, it was six o'clock in the morning, and it was still dark.A cafe near the station is already open, with warm brown lights and a bell hanging on the glass door. When the door is opened, there is a tinkling sound, and the aroma of coffee is everywhere.There is a radio in the store, and the songs are brisk, but the customers sitting inside are very silent, as if they are depressed.

I sat down and asked for a meal.The waiter delivered it quickly, and it was a bit bad. The scrambled eggs and bacon were mixed together, and the thin bread was completely soaked in the frying oil on the bottom of the plate; the coffee that came with the meal was the most ordinary kind.I took out my cigarette without moving a mouthful, and suddenly a man sat in front of me.

"It doesn't look very appetizing, but it tastes good," the man said to me.

I didn't speak, I still lit a cigarette.The man didn't seem to care, smiled, pushed up the brim of the baseball cap he was wearing, exposed his face, and glanced at the luggage bag next to me.

"Are you here to play? It's really early." The man said, looking at me, "Where did you come from?"

I said, "Paris."

The man seemed startled, and smiled: "Oh, I mean--I thought you would say something farther away, such as Asia and the East." Looking at me, he smiled again: "But you don't look like someone I'm familiar with. Orientals."

I smile.The man laughed too, looked at me without speaking.After a while, the man asked, "If you have cigarettes, how about having one?"

I said, "This is the last one."

The man didn't speak, with a look of regret on his face, he spread his hands and stood up and walked away.

I didn't pay attention to where the other party was going. After the cigarette in my hand burned out, I took another cigarette and lit it.It seems that such strike-ups actually happen very often.Both men and women, men sometimes no less than women.I'm not disgusted, it's pleasing to the eye, so it doesn't matter if we have a relationship.It's not because there are friends with such aptitude around, as if they were born with it.But I also like women in all aspects.It's all from the heart, never coping.

But you can talk about love with a woman, but you can't with a man.I absolutely will not.

After dawn, I checked the time and made a phone call.When my father and his wife Marina drove over, I was already very sleepy, so I muted my phone in the car and fell asleep immediately.

My father and mother divorced when I was less than one year old.During this period, they had no contact, and my mother never left a picture of my father. I never knew what he looked like.I shouted that my father had always been someone else.My mother was married three times and divorced three times.Her love is passionate and vigorous, but her fathers and some boyfriends abandon her on their own initiative.

Maybe it's because of too much love that I can't bear it.

My mother has never cared about me, she only thinks about it when she needs me.But I never thought of her too much.I didn't necessarily live with her when I was a child, I often followed my grandparents.Grandpa and grandma know how to discipline and follow the rules in everything they do. Some things will never be answered; such as the matter of parents and my birth.

They will never talk about my biological father in front of me.But my mother was just the opposite. She didn't avoid talking about her multiple relationships with me, especially when she was drunk.What she doesn't love the most is her father.She didn't want to see him again in this life. When she saw him, she had to remember that ridiculous sacrifice at that time.

One day, my grandparents received a postcard from Rivières.It was from Dad, who wanted to see me.

At that time, I had already gone to the United States to study.Grandpa and grandma told mom first, but she didn't say anything.Grandma insisted not to mention it to me, but grandpa hesitated.In the end he made me decide to forward the postcard to me.

After reading the postcard, I didn't want to see my father at that time.It said sorry to me, and said that he remarried... He has a good life, and I am not bad, it seems that there is no need to meet.

Later he also sent cards.I never returned.

In the coming year, it happened to be a holiday, and I decided to go to Europe for a trip. When I saw the postcard again, I changed my mind inexplicably.I didn't call him until I got to Paris.

There was nothing touching when we met, but luckily it wasn't embarrassing.Originally, I even thought about changing cars to go back on the way.Or thanks to Marina.

She is a good woman, a good mother.

When I got to my father's house, I drank tea and then went to sleep all day.In Rivières, there is really nothing to do.I can talk very little with my father, after all, it is the second meeting.After he asked me about my study life, he seemed to have nothing to say.

Of course Marina is eager, but this time, out of nowhere, I don't want to talk to her too much.

I didn't see Vonnie until dinner time.She is Marina's daughter.I don't see her as a sister, and she shouldn't see me as a brother.Like her mother, she is warm and cheerful.But she was still a little different from some of the girls I knew.Her kindness to me was somewhat polite.

Vonnie, who is five years younger than me, was preparing materials for applying to colleges. After dinner, she drank tea in the living room and asked me for my opinion.I saw that Stanford was on the list of her applications.

When I went back to my room at night, I looked at my phone, and there were several incoming calls.I read them one by one and didn't answer any calls, but I found a number and signed it as Cheng Jingcheng.It seemed like half a year had passed since the last time I actually called him.Usually we just chat on the Internet.

I dial out.

It took a while for the other end to pick up, and the slightly lower voice asked with a smile: "Hello? Why did you think of calling me?"

I suddenly felt a kind of nostalgia, and said, "I hit it when I thought about it. What are you doing?"

Cheng Jingcheng said, "It's nothing, just read a book."

I said, "Are you in California? Haven't you returned to Taiwan?"

He replied, "Oh, yeah, I didn't go back, what about you? In New York? Didn't you go out for the holidays?"

I said, "I'm in Rivières, and I'll be back in Paris in two days." After a pause, I changed my words again: "No, I'm going back to Paris tomorrow, and I plan to stay a few more days. Well, do you want to come and see me?"

He seemed to be taken aback, "What?"

I just asked, "Are you coming?"

He was silent, then smiled and said, "Then what time will you return to Paris?"

I said, "You tell me your flight, and I will pick you up."

Leaving early, Dad didn't say anything.He drove me to Marseilles and bought me a ticket to Paris.He hugged me like Marina and kissed me on the cheek.Every time he does this, I always think of my mother.

After arriving in Paris, I will go back to the hotel first.Not long after entering the room, the phone rang, it was Laura.I picked it up, and within a few words, she immediately said she would come to see me.

I said, "You don't need to come, I have to go out later."

She asked, "Where are you going?"

I said, "Go to the airport, I want to pick up a friend."

She was silent for a moment and asked, "Is that your girlfriend?"

I smiled and said, "I'm going to die."

She immediately said: "I don't mean anything, it's just——I just really want to meet you again, I have something to tell you face to face, and we agreed to go back together, don't leave me— "

Hearing that she seemed to be crying, I said, "Okay, come here if you want."

She laughed there.Not long after hanging up the phone, she arrived at the hotel.I asked her to wait in the lobby, and she looked at me, but didn't say a word.

I said, "I'm going to pick someone up."

She said, "I came here by car. Let me take you there, okay? I think your friend always has some luggage, and it's not easy to take the subway with you."

I didn't want to argue with her in public, so I let her go.When we arrived at the airport, she stayed with her every step of the way, so I went to find Cheng Jingcheng.It's very cold in Paris now, but he doesn't wear much, which may be why he looks very pale.Or he can't sleep well on the plane, I know it's too hasty to ask him to go out this time.I feel a little sorry.

He saw me and smiled.I went up and hugged him.Of course he saw Laura.He asked me in a low voice, I shrugged, didn't say anything at the time, and explained when I got back to the hotel.

Cheng Jingcheng has always been aware of my relationship with several women.He seemed to glance at Laura who was walking away, and said, "I think she seems very sad."

I didn't say anything, but said, "Leave her alone, let's go drink tonight."

The bar is near the hotel, I first talked to Cheng Jingcheng at the bar, and Laura called again.I picked it up twice, got really annoyed, and never bothered to answer after that.There was no time, and a woman came to accost me.But I just kissed her, did nothing, and went back to the hotel at night.

Laura came again the next day.She hugged me and cried, questioning again.The more she cried, the more indifferent I became.She left after all.

Cheng Jingcheng was lying on the sofa reading the newspaper at that time, saw me walking back, and sat up.He seemed to sigh, "Hey, you are such a bad man."

I threw a coat hanging on the hanger at him, and said with a smile: "Stop talking, let's go, let's go eat."

He took his coat, but he didn't put it on, he just looked at me.

I said, "Put on mine first, or you will die of cold. This is Paris, not California."

He smiled, stood up and put on his clothes.

Eating is a restaurant that can be found nearby.After eating, we walked along the road to the river bank and passed the newsstand, and I bought a Parisoscope.When paying, Cheng Jingcheng took a sports pictorial to read.On the cover was a dark-skinned girl in a bikini, posing, her breasts seemed to pop out.

I leaned closer and said, "So you like this look."

Cheng Jingcheng immediately put it back.He didn't blush and said, "I admire all beauties."

I smiled and said, "It's better to buy it back and appreciate it."

He coughed and said, "It's too ostentatious."

I still looked at him with a smile, he gave me a push and walked forward first.I walked behind, opened the magazine in my hand, and said, "Don't go to the Louvre because there are so many people, look at other things."

Cheng Jingcheng turned his head and asked, "What are you looking at?"

I said, "Well, it's time to watch a movie. You can buy a package ticket, and you can watch it in any of these theaters."

He stood next to me, looked at the magazine, and said with a smile: "Hey, the package is ten tickets at a time. How many days are we here? Can we read it all?"

I said, "Two volumes today, and three volumes tomorrow."

He took the magazine over and flipped through it, "No, you can't watch new films for this type of ticket, they are all literary films, and you will fall asleep after reading them."

I put my arms around his neck and said, "Don't worry, I will remember to wake you up after the show, and I won't leave you alone."

He turned his head to look at me, and smiled maliciously, "It's not sure who will wake up who."

I laughed.

After haggling all the way, I still went to buy a movie package.The first thing I went to see was the romance film, Jeuxd'enfants.Unexpectedly very interesting, no one fell asleep.

After watching, we talked about the movie just now and went out.Unexpectedly, it was raining outside.

Due to the light rain, few people held umbrellas on the road.Cheng Jingcheng flipped through the brochure and said, "Are you still watching it? The show started recently..."

I pulled him, walked out, and said: "Okay, let's go first."

Halfway through, the rain suddenly started to rain heavily, so we had to run, and we were already drenched by then.He seemed to be complaining, I shrugged, but laughed.He laughed too.

Of course, the movie ticket was also wet, and the ticket cutter checked the ticket repeatedly before releasing it.When we entered, the movie had already started.Unexpectedly, it was still a romance movie. Les Amants du Pont-Neuf.

If I knew it was this movie in advance, I probably wouldn't watch it.I watched it a long time ago. I can't say whether I like it or not, but it is heavy.Because love is so beautiful and crazy.

This time it turned out to be good, Cheng Jingcheng and I were silent.I don't know what he thought after watching it.I don't ask.

Walking to the street again, it was already dark.There is still a little drizzle, but the street is not deserted.At the intersection, I suddenly saw a man walking with a bunch of red and white love balloons. He stopped in front of a woman and knelt down on one foot.The people around were amazed and all stopped to look.

The man handed out a small box in one hand and shouted excitedly, "Please marry me."

The woman covered her mouth, as if she was crying, and remained silent for a long time.Someone beside her began to urge her, and she seemed to remember to agree, and went to pick up the ring.The man immediately got up and hugged her.

Everyone present applauded for them.

Cheng Jingcheng suddenly asked: "Will you get married in the future?"

I was startled, thought for a while and answered him, "Probably one day."

He remained silent, and said, "I think so do I." He smiled, "But I definitely don't want to do like this person, it's too embarrassing."

I couldn't help laughing, and said, "At that time, you don't want to." After thinking about it, I said, "Oh, maybe it's your girlfriend who proposed to you."

He looked at me and laughed.

Suddenly cheers came from around, and I looked at the couple.

They were hugging and kissing.As the man let go of his hand, a bunch of love balloons floated upwards.The red and white ones seemed to be crumbling in the cold air.

But further and further away.

Going farther and farther, those red and white balloons fluttered and headed straight for the high sky of gray mist.

I don't know where it came from, it's like a picture in my memory, but it's different.It was then and now, Paris and Taipei.At that time, it was impossible to predict how the relationship would change in the future.

I looked away and lit a cigarette in my hand.

Looking at Lao Cai on the sofa opposite.Lao Cai is a financial reporter, so it can be said that he has a very close friendship.He has done interviews in this area for several years.

Then he looked at the cigarette in my hand.I let it go.He smiled, turned off the recording, and said that he was quitting smoking recently.I immediately picked up the ashtray and put out the cigarette.

He seemed displeased, and said with a smile, "Oh, that's not what I meant."

I said, "I've also smoked less recently."

Lao Cai slightly raised his eyebrows and said with a smile, "Oh, because Miss He doesn't like it?"

I said: "It's mainly related to age, now I often can't smoke."

Lao Cai laughed and said, "Compared with other people, Mr. Zhao is still very young. In your industry, no one will live to old age. No matter how many people make money, they depend on you." He paused, "Speaking of which, he is now in his twenties. There are very few young people who can stand on their own.”

I smile.Lao Cai also laughed, but didn't speak.He looked in the direction I had just looked.

He said: "Your floor is high, and you have glass on three sides. Fortunately, it can be used as a reception room. If it is an office, you must not be able to sit still. Well, but the scenery is really good. When the weather is good, can you see Jinmian Mountain?"

I also took a look and said, "Probably, you know what kind of mountain it is."

"I used to live in Donghu, and then I moved to Shilin."

As Lao Cai spoke, he turned around and started talking about the real estate market.I looked at my watch, and he noticed that he put away his things and changed his words: "Sorry, too much chatting, I forgot you have a flight to catch."

I said, "It's still early. You're too polite, not like you."

Lao Cai laughed, picked up his bag and stood up.I got up too, shook hands with him, and walked out with him.Outside, the secretary got up and went to call the elevator first.

I am still with Lao Cai.He said: "Dong Zhao, really, let me ask a personal question, are you and that Miss He..."

I patted him on the shoulder and said, "When are you going to run the entertainment line as well?"

Lao Cai smiled and said, "Everyone has the heart to gossip."

"When the elevator arrives, I won't take you down." I said, pointing to the elevator, but motioning to the secretary.

Lao Cai shook hands with me again and entered the elevator.

I walked towards the office, and Fan Yuejiao was already standing outside the door waiting for me.She is my exclusive special assistant.She followed and reported to me.

She said: "About the project in Shanghai, the progress report has been sent to your mailbox, and another printed copy is on your desk. And this is from the Finance Department."

I sat on the office chair, took a look, and heard her ask: "Director Li from Fuyu called just now and asked if you have time for lunch."

I said, "See if you have time for him next week."

Fan Yuejiao said: "Understood."

I asked her to prepare the car.She said yes, and reminded before leaving: "By the way, your flight is at five o'clock in the afternoon, and you have to be at the airport at least before three o'clock."

I said, "You call me at two o'clock."

Fan Yuejiao responded and closed the door.I put down the report and light a cigarette.The desk calendar on the corner of the table shows today, but I think of a certain year.It's all because of the balloons I saw just now.

At that time, it was hard to imagine that one day, because my mother and Cheng Jingcheng were estranged.Not to mention his thoughts.Because I never regarded him as a love object.

Of course I like him, but I will not love.But when he spoke, he couldn't help but hesitate.If I refuse, I feel that I may really lose him.

That's not entirely out of complacency.

The extension rang, I pressed it, and Fan Yuejiao told me that the car was waiting downstairs.I smoked my cigarette, got up and put on the coat on the hanger at the side, adjusted it, and went out.

The lunch date is in the Accord of Mandarin Oriental, which is a private room.I came for a while before He Baoling arrived."Sorry, I'm late," she said.

I said: "It doesn't matter." I signaled to the following waiter to serve the food, "I have decided to order the dishes. If you don't like it, you can ask for something else."

He Baoling lowered her face slightly and said, "Yes, I like to eat."

The dishes came up one after another.He Baoling talked about her obsession with painting