smoke like fire
Chapter 77 A little life
After returning to Taiwan from New York, Zhao Kuanyi and I started looking for a new house.Now each other's places are very good, but because of many new and old reasons, they are no longer suitable and can't be clean.
There has never been an impenetrable wall in this world. We do not hide the fact of our marriage. Besides, the same ring on the ring finger has to be noticed, which will lead to many storms.Or the state of mind, and the difficulties of the past are no longer there, let it come and go, the resistance in all aspects seems to have nothing to do with us.
The momentum always passes.Always live.
Although the pressure from close relatives is still not easy to deal with.But I don't need my father to understand.To him, I don't feel guilty, in the past and now, I don't owe him any more.It's up to him to look forward to or be disappointed.
And the rest of the people, the relationship is further away.After I don't go to my father's house, of course I still have to contact Xu Chengcheng at the company. He has no objections, but he is rarely silent.Perhaps it was because of Zhong Wenqi's dealing with it.However, they have never asked about the private affairs of the two parties.
As for Zhao Kuanyi, what he faced was even more difficult than mine.The attitude of the two elders is very tough, especially Zhao Lao.But those pressures did not come to me.Of course he can use tricks on me, but his upbringing made him disdain despicableness, and what he told me before was already his greatest threat in private.
He used factual interests to ask Zhao Kuanyi to choose.
I didn't know it at the time.After a long time, Mr. Zhao was on the sick bed, accompanied him several times, and the old lady who had softened already confided to me that Zhao Kuanyi had given up the right to succeed Liantian at the beginning.
Looking back, I spoke to Zhao Kuanyi.
Zhao Kuanyi said: "If I thought about taking over, I wouldn't have to start another career."
I sighed, "You can tell me earlier."
Zhao Kuanyi looked at me.I said, "You are no better than me. The relationship between you and grandpa and grandma is really good. It is a company founded by grandpa. No matter how talented the Zhao family is, he may not be interested in it, so you have to be reluctant."
Zhao Kuanyi said nothing, but come and shake my hand.He said after a long time, "I am willing."
I didn't make a sound, only clenched his hand even more.
Like the time when we promised each other to live together, like every moment that has passed for so long.
Although most of the general environment does not understand, there is always support.My mother heard me that finding a house was not going well, so she mentioned a house owned by Xizhi.It was one of her grandfather's inheritances.
She has decided to accept Logan's marriage proposal and has since settled down in London.She said: "The house is old, but the environment is clean. Take a look. If you like it, I'll give it to you."
I say yes.Two days later, when Zhao Kuanyi came back from Shanghai, I went to see it.That place is very secluded, it is really in the mountains, and it takes more than ten minutes to walk to the nearest neighbor to visit.
The house was built high, and there was a circle of long stone steps between the outermost iron gate and the road.My mother had hired a manager to take care of her. The other person, surnamed Chen, arrived before us; he was standing in front of the uncovered garage in the hot June, his brow covered with sweat.He shook hands with us and handed us his business card.
"Hello, both of you, please call me Xiao Chen." Xiao Chen said with a smile, opening the garage door.
The garage is wide and deep, no problem for parking multiple cars.However, it has not been tidied up for a long time, the sundries are piled up, and the air is bad.Xiao Chen smiled and said, "That's how the garage is. It's not very attractive. Let's go up there."
Going to the iron gate above, Xiao Chen took out the key to open the door.After the gate, I saw the garden first. Although it was not overgrown with weeds, it was not neat.It's not surprising that when my grandfather was still alive, he hadn't come here for many years. After passing it to my mother, my mother only came once.
Xiao Chen let us in, and then said: "We will send someone to tidy up every month, but this place is... at best, it can only be maintained."
I smile.The house is old, I know it.I looked at Zhao Kuanyi, and he looked too.I asked, "How is it?"
Zhao Kuanyi said: "It should be good after tidying up."
Xiao Chen said, "Yes, let's go inside and have a look."
Zhao Kuanyi nodded.Xiao Chen gave way and took us in, talking about the housing situation.
This is a three-story building with very old decoration. There is a dining room and kitchen on the first floor, and the second and third floors are similar, with three rooms.The furniture was still there, but it was old and worn out.But overall the layout is still good.
Xiao Chen said: "What do you two think? If you are interested in staying here, we can go through the formalities for handover right away, and your wife will give us instructions."
I said, "We need to discuss it."
Xiao Chen said with a smile: "Okay, then, I will smoke at the gate outside, and if you have any results, you can call me back."
I smiled and watched him walk away and look towards Zhao Kuanyi.
"How about it?"
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Not bad. What do you think?"
I smiled and said, "I think it's good too, but it probably takes a lot of work to sort it out."
Zhao Kuanyi didn't speak, looked around, and then said: "Then spend time on tidying up, I don't think there may be a more suitable one in the future." Pause, "You can't live separately forever."
I smiled and moved closer to him, kissing his lips very smoothly.He wrapped his arms around my back.I embraced him with both hands, and sighed, "Think about it, I haven't seen you for two days again, if we live together—at least we live together."
Zhao Kuanyi remained silent.I looked at him and said, "I'll stay with you tonight." After thinking about it, I smiled and said, "It's like having an affair."
Zhao Kuanyi seemed to sigh, and then said: "Let's hurry up and really live together."
I went to kiss his face and let go, "I'll call Xiao Chen."
Zhao Kuanyi smiled slightly, "Okay."
So it was decided.However, there are too many places in the house to be tidied up, and the transfer of title must be done, so I can't move in immediately; all the furniture has to be replaced.For the decoration design, a friend of Zhao Kuanyi surnamed Zhou was hired to do the decoration. He was looking for him for the decoration of his house on Songren Road.Due to the tacit understanding, the details of the project were quickly negotiated, and the purchase of furniture was also entrusted with carte blanche.
There is only one, and I feel strongly that I should choose it myself.
This afternoon, Zhao Kuanyi and I took time to go to bed together.A friend of Wang Ziyang is an importer in this area. In recent years, he has opened a flagship store on Nanjing East Road.I have had dinner with him a few times, and I have a little friendship with him. I probably heard that I am looking at the house, so I can find it whenever I need it.
I had contacted before I went, and when I arrived at the scene, special personnel came to receive me immediately.It was Ms. Li, and she said with a smile: "Cheng Dong welcomes you. Our chairman called yesterday to explain. You can watch whatever you want. If there is no one you like, we also have catalogs. It can be ordered, and it will be specially delivered from abroad when the time comes, and you can decide to order if you are satisfied with it.”
I smiled and said, "Okay, just introduce yourself."
Miss Li smiled and looked at Zhao Kuanyi.Greetings first, and apologizing after knowing his background, said: "I didn't know you would come here today, I'm afraid I won't be considerate, I will call another person to serve you right away."
Just as I was about to speak, Zhao Kuanyi said, "No, we'll watch it together."
Of course, Miss Li is not a young man just out of society. At this time, her expression has not changed a bit, she is still smiling, but she looks at me again after a pause, and she hesitates somewhat, but she just nodded and said nothing.She led us in and introduced several types of beds displayed in the store, all of which were detailed.
Buying a bed is not only about seeing but also about trying it out; the beds here are all very good beds, and the feeling of lying on them is not bad, but it seems that they are not satisfied in terms of satisfaction.It may be seen that we are not satisfied, Ms. Li took us up to the showroom on the second floor.She smiled and said, "The ones on the second floor can be said to be the treasure chests of our store, otherwise I really had to make a catalog."
I smiled and glanced at one of the carefully arranged beds.I probably noticed that Ms. Li introduced the calendar.It is a hand-made custom-made bed imported from Italy, and the matching leather bed set is also an Italian brand.I nodded, and went straight up to touch the bed. It felt comfortable and elastic.
I looked at Zhao Kuanyi and said, "I think it's good."
Zhao Kuanyi walked over without saying a word.He seldom expressed his opinions just now, and of course he would try to lie down, but it seemed like a superficial touch.At this time, he stretched out his hand and pressed the edge of the bed, then sat down and said, "This support seems to be okay."
Ms. Li smiled and said: "You are a little bit off. This is very good. The spring system here is an independent pocket spring, and it is double-layered, which can withstand more than [-] kilograms and millions of times of crushing." The beating is not deformed and distorted, and because it is completely hand-made, the spring strength can be adjusted by yourself.”
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Oh."
Miss Li looked at me vaguely, still smiling.I laughed and said, "Lie down and have a look, you will know after you try it." I gave him a hand and lay down together, "How is it?"
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Just lying down like this, how do you know whether the elasticity is really good or not? At least you have to move like last night."
What kind of activity was that last night, of course I understand very well, my face is getting hot just thinking about it.But Ms. Li heard it and said enthusiastically, "You can do whatever you want."
Zhao Kuanyi tilted his head to look, his eyes were very interesting.I feel very scratchy, if there is no outsider outside, I really want to grab his collar and kiss him.
I coughed, sat up in a panic, and said, "That's fine, just this bed!"
Ms. Li smiled and said, "Okay, please wait a moment."
Seeing her walk away, I immediately looked at Zhao Kuanyi.
He was still lying down, with his hands behind his head, looking very comfortable.He also looked at me and laughed, I couldn't bear it anymore, I bent down and kissed him.He hugged me and said on my lips: "Forget about the new bed, try your old bed again tonight."
I laughed and just kissed him again.
The renovation project is still in full swing. I thought it would be completed within three months without a hitch, but July and August this year were more windy and rainy than usual; typhoons came several times, but the project was delayed once or twice. matter.
Mr. Zhou Fangyan, who is in charge of the decoration design, is well-known in the industry and has a full schedule of work, so he still continued to do it at the beginning.He is not sloppy, and spends time discussing details with us beforehand, and communicates diligently when encountering problems during the period.
Because of being busy, Zhao Kuanyi and I can't often go to see the progress of the project together.Sometimes when I go alone, I have the opportunity to get acquainted with Zhou Fangyan, and then I know that he and Zhao Kuanyi are high school classmates.
At that time, Zhao Kuanyi went to an American school, and I could only meet him on Sundays and holidays.At that time, my feelings towards him were often complicated. He had already had several female companions at that time.After entering the third year of high school, we became estranged for some reason; he didn't mention it after that, and applied to a good school to go abroad.
Thinking about it for a while, I really hate it.Of course, I didn't think it was a thing at all later, but I made fun of myself; at the age of seventeen or eighteen, who has never had an awkward temperament and wanted to say nothing.But I am still curious about everything about Zhao Kuanyi in American schools. I have been with him for many years, and I don't know much about his period.He never mentioned it, always thinking that he had almost lost contact with his high school classmates, but he never thought that there was such a Mr. Zhou.
When Zhou Fangyan called, I was about to go back to the company, so I went to his office to discuss the changes of the third floor reconstruction.A few days ago, Zhao Kuanyi had a conversation with him on the phone, and he just changed the design this time, so he wanted us to have a look; but Zhao Kuanyi went to Shanghai yesterday.
The new design was very good, and the negotiation went smoothly. Zhou Fangyan put away the drawings and said, "You are so busy, it is not easy to find time to come here."
I smiled and said, "There's always time. Besides, it's where I want to live, and you, the designer, are working hard, so I can't ignore it."
Zhou Fangyan smiled and said, "In my opinion, you spend much more time here than Kuan."
I smile.I heard him say again: "But that means he trusts you very much." He looked at me and paused, "Actually, I have something to say all the time, I hope you don't mind."
I said, "Please speak."
Zhou Fangyan said: "I really didn't expect you to get married. Back then, when the news was so big, he made an exception to clarify. Although there was a big circle, you were together again, but the few old friends around us didn't take it seriously. , although it is also because he seldom talks about it, but when you separated back then, there was social pressure to some extent, even now..."
I do not speak.
Zhou Fangyan glanced at me and said, "You really don't mind, I said this..."
I smiled, "I understand, I don't mind."
Zhou Fangyan nodded slowly, and then said, "You are also married now, not back then. In our hearts, we are very happy to see him and you have a happy ending." Smiling, "It's a pity for us, after so many years Waiting for his wedding. Of course you know the situation of his family, so it will be very grand for him.”
I smile.Because the marriage registration was a sudden event, Zhao Kuanyi and I didn't treat ourselves to a drink.Feng Wenjun, who was in New York at the time, didn't even invite friends and close relatives here in Taiwan, and of course it was even more impossible.There is a tacit understanding, and we don't want to make public.Zhao Kuanyi has never liked holding banquets very much.
But of course it doesn't matter if you invite guests in general titles.I said: "When the project is over, we should invite you."
Zhou Fangyan smiled and said, "Then you can't just invite me, otherwise, other people will definitely criticize me when they know."
I was curious and asked: "What you said - those other people, and Kuan Yi are also high school classmates?"
Zhou Fangyan didn't seem surprised, I don't know, smiled brightly, and said, "I know he must have never mentioned it to you. He never likes trouble, and he doesn't like to explain. It's not interesting to save this to you, isn't it?"
I smiled.
Zhou Fangyan smiled and said, "Don't blame him. In fact, the few of us meet very occasionally. We usually contact each other by sending emails and making phone calls. Some of us are not in Taiwan."
I laughed and said, "Actually, seeing each other every day doesn't necessarily mean good friendship."
Zhou Fangyan smiled.There was a knock on the door, and his assistant opened the door to ask him to answer the phone.I took my leave, and he still walked me to the door.
I still had a meeting to host at the company, so I told the driver to drive back.On the way, I sent a message with my mobile phone.When the car is about to drive into the company's parking lot, you will see the reply immediately.Only three words.I looked at it but wanted to smile, and I was still smiling when I went to the office.
The secretary paid attention to me and asked, "The chairman seems to be in a good mood."
I don't want to hide my good mood.There are a lot of love words that I have spoken to coax people before, but they are far less than Zhao Kuanyi's simplest sentence at this time, I miss you.
I sat on an office chair and looked at the large glass windows on the side.The sun is still high in the afternoon, and it is almost September, and it is still hot in Taipei every day, and it is probably the same in Shanghai.Sometimes it seems that the two places are separated like this, and I am very used to it-but I never like it.I can no longer think about parting.When I think about it deeply, I will be a little bit afraid of the past.
It's a good thing I didn't miss him again.
When it was time to go to the meeting, I remembered to tell the secretary: "Remind me to make a restaurant reservation the morning after tomorrow at the latest."
The secretary nodded and asked, "Or should I do it for you?"
I smiled, "No way."
Because the date is Zhao Kuanyi, I have always arranged carefully, and I am not willing to be perfunctory.
In the evening, I set aside social activities and had dinner with Qiu Yisen.He and his boyfriend flew abroad for vacation a while ago, and when he came back these few days, he dated me.
Since he and his current boyfriend have been in a stable relationship, we have always met at his boyfriend's restaurant, but not this time.I didn't ask any more questions on the phone, and I arrived on time at night at Jin Fu in the alley of Minsheng East Road for the appointment.
Jin Fu eats Japanese food, and the business is very good; we sat at the bar and each ordered a set meal, admiring the chef's cooking skills, while eating and chatting.
Qiu Yisen took a sip of his wine and asked, "By the way, how does your house look?"
I said, "I'm already looking forward to it. You were going out to play at that time, and I was also busy. I forgot to mention it to you later. Now the renovation has started."
Qiu Yisen looked over with a smile, "Oh, you really are going to live for a long time."
I laughed and said, "What are you making a weird noise about?"
Qiu Yisen smiled, raised his glass and approached, "I'm also happy to see that you are serious, it's not easy, I envy you."
I glanced at him, smiled, and clinked glasses with him.Casually: "Don't be envious, you and Glenn are fine too."
Qiu Yisen sighed, "I'm the one who has to worry."
I asked, "What's wrong?"
Qiu Yisen calmed down for a while before saying: "You know, Glenn has already come out of the closet like me, and we have no burden. If we get married, there will probably be no surprises." He glanced at me and whispered: "But I don't Not going to get married."
I knew that he was holding on to non-marriage, so I thought about it: "Did he talk to you?"
Qiu Yisen shook his head, "No, but this time we are going out, we will drop by to attend the wedding of one of his friends, I think he seems to have that intention."
I am silent.Hearing him say again: "He wanted to talk to me several times, but I-he seemed to notice that I was not very happy to bring up the matter of marriage."
I said, "That's why you avoided him today?"
Qiu Yisen said: "It's not all because of this reason, his friend booked out the whole store today to celebrate his birthday."
I laughed and looked at him, "I remember he opened two stores."
Qiu Yisen stopped talking.
I thought for a while and said, "I don't think you need to think too much, and you don't need to completely reject the possibility of marriage. There is nothing wrong with getting married."
Qiu Yisen turned his eyes sideways, and said as if sour: "Yes, it's great to be married! Who doesn't know how happy you are after getting married."
I laughed instantly, without any excuse, and raised a glass of wine to him.
Qiu Yisen glared at me.He drank the wine in his glass, and said dejectedly: "I shouldn't talk to you now—" Suddenly, he took a breath, and said with a bit of viciousness: "Anyway, marriage has always been the tomb of love! After you I will know."
And who knows that he agreed to Glenn's marriage proposal after a few years...
Mother's wedding was scheduled for early October.Because of the second marriage, the mother originally planned to register, but she changed her mind after being persuaded by her cousin and sisters.Also because, to be fair, this is Logen's first marriage. Logen was engaged when he was in his 20s, but the contract was terminated for some reason. Afterwards, there were two fixed conversations. It was not until he met his mother that he thought of getting married again.
My mother called and asked me to be there.I vaguely understood, and agreed first on the phone.Turn around and tell Zhao Kuanyi, he said yes without hesitation.
Since we were going, we decided to go for a couple of weeks and transfer to France by the way.Around this time every year, Zhao Kuanyi will go to Rivières to visit his father, but last year Vonnie and her husband returned to Paris for work, and gave birth to a child last month. Mr. and Mrs. William came to their home to help take care of them, and they will probably stay for a long time ; A few people can meet directly in Paris when the time comes.
But you can't just leave, because there are many things that need to be rescheduled, especially the company.I don’t have any major projects in the second half of the year, so it’s easy to arrange, but Zhao Kuanyi’s company has been discussing cooperation with Shanghai since July; I asked him on the day he went together, the day they just decided to sign a contract, at the beginning of October a few days.
I don't feel very sorry, Zhao Kuanyi has already coordinated.In the end, the signing date was barely moved forward to two days before the mother's wedding.At that time, I will fly out first, and he will start from Shanghai after the end and meet me in London.
In the meantime, the construction of the house is coming to an end, and the rest are trivial configurations, except for the garden.Zhao Kuanyi and I don't want to spend too much time taking care of it in the future, and we can't watch it go to waste.
Zhou Fangyan found the garden design he had always cooperated with.However, there was an unreasonable delay when the other party came up with the design, and the weather caused the construction to start very late, and there were even problems with drainage; the general acceptance was originally expected at the end of September, but now it is bound to be postponed.
No matter how experienced Zhou Fangyan is, it is difficult to predict mistakes in long-term cooperation.He called to plead guilty.I was surprised for a while, but not angry.
I said, "It doesn't matter if you take your time, it's better to be careful."
Zhou Fangyan apologized again.I comforted him again and again, and finally he changed his mouth.He said in a slightly joking tone: "I thought that you, the bosses, want to be quick in detail."
I smiled and said, "But I always prefer to be more cautious. Besides, there are specialties in the art industry, but you have the final say."
Zhou Fangyan smiled again and assured me that I would be able to accept it when Zhao Kuanyi and I came back.
When I went to Zhao Kuanyi's place in the evening, I started talking because I asked, "Did he call you first?"
Zhao Kuanyi said: "No."
I was startled, and smiled, "Then he called me specifically."
Zhao Kuanyi didn't say anything, but it didn't seem strange.
I said, "After all, he knows you better, so calling you seems more reasonable."
Zhao Kuanyi said flatly: "That's why. If he had told me first, he would not be able to express his apology. It is rare for him to make mistakes, but it is his usual style to admit mistakes. He found the person who cooperated this time. , he thinks it was his negligence, and he can't just mention it lightly because of my friendship."
Thinking of Zhou Fangyan's frequent apologies on the phone, I joked: "I knew it earlier——I should scold him well."
Zhao Kuanyi was lighting a cigarette, when he heard it, he said, "Oh, he's a bit psychotic in this respect, maybe he'll feel better if he scolds him."
I can't help laughing.But I am even more curious about the depth of friendship between Zhou Fangyan and other people in Zhou Fangyan's mouth.The friendships established during that period lasted so long, which is simply precious.It's different with me.
I said, "You seem to know him well."
Zhao Kuanyi looked at me with a smile that was not a smile.I suddenly felt guilty, although this problem is nothing, moreover, aboveboard.
Zhao Kuanyi said: "He has always been like that. You will know him after a long time, and you don't need to know too much."
I nodded, thought about it, and then asked, "I heard him say that you've been in touch with him—some of your high school classmates."
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Not all the time. When I first went out to study, I completely lost contact. Later, some people also went to New York. I was also there. I saw each other at the event, and gradually contacted each other until now. Sometimes we find a place to get together. Not often.”
I said with emotion: "It is not easy to be able to communicate for so long."
Zhao Kuanyi smiled while smoking a cigarette.He said, "It's not easy for us either."
I stared at him blankly, suddenly my heart was full of heat.The same is true for my brain, it seems that it is not working, because I asked: "Why didn't you tell me... then you went abroad?"
Zhao Kuanyi remained silent when the phone at the other end of the aisle suddenly rang.I was startled and came back to my senses.He immediately put out the cigarette and got up to pick it up.
I looked at the figure walking away, unable to express my thoughts for a moment.
After Zhao Kuanyi turned around, I didn't repeat what I said before.Because I really didn't feel the need to care, I didn't want to know that way.It's been so long, and the relationship is not what it used to be. It doesn't matter at all whether you say it or not.
The day before I was going to London, I received a call from Zhong Wenqi.
After she got married, she still stayed in Chen Liren's company.But after giving birth, she asked for leave for a year and just returned to work in September this year.I just met her at a dinner party a few days ago.She came to say hello.There was a lot of chatter around, and we didn't talk about anything.
But there is nothing to talk about.I've never been very congenial to her, talking like chickens and ducks.But for some unknown reason, she always had to strike up a conversation, and later she called when she couldn't see each other; when she was still resting, she would call at least twice a week.Because I understand that it is depressing for women to take care of children at home, I do not refuse.But I can't understand.I didn't quite understand her thinking before, and I can't now.
"...Dad is in good health recently and often goes out, but now that the child is one year old, he always wants to take her out together. Children in this period are most likely to lose their temper. Although there is a nanny, but Dad likes to coax her by himself. Okay. Mom hates it very much, and has been bothering Xu Chengcheng for me to quit my job these days."
She paused and finally stopped.Sighing, the topic changed: "By the way, thank you for your birthday gift."
We said, "You're welcome."
Zhong Wenqi said: "You can't come to the party that day, otherwise you will see how lively the scene is. Both adults and children are having a great time."
I said, "Oh, that's lucky I didn't go."
Zhong Wenqi didn't seem to hear her, so she said: "Now that the child is one year old, I plan to take her out for a while. Anyway, Dad often takes her out, so it doesn't make sense for Mom to object. By the way, I'm free." Take her to you. You've only seen her less than five times."
I said patiently: "You are free, I don't even know if you are free—anyway, children don't have a lot of chances to see me, so don't be special."
Zhong Wenqi said: "There are few opportunities, but there are still opportunities." After a pause, he said: "We are all a family, and it is impossible to avoid seeing each other forever."
I was silent, and then said: "This kind of thing, you can just say it now."
On the other end, Zhong Wenqi was silent.My father has always been tolerant of her daughter-in-law, or because of his age, sometimes his direct attitude towards her has a kind of appreciation.But there are always things that cannot be mentioned.like me.
It is really difficult for my father to intervene in the company's affairs now.Back then he fell ill and couldn't help himself. Later, for some unknown reason, he seemed to really trust me with full authority.Now he hates the weather that day.The relationship cannot be easily severed.
The surroundings are not without persuasion.The father is getting older, and the son doesn't have much time to compromise anyway.But I have nothing to say to my father.Besides, it doesn't make sense.
My mother is the most understanding person and never persuades me.
Forget about Zhong Wenqi's episode, I flew to London early the next morning.More than ten hours later, at around four o'clock in the afternoon European time, the plane finally landed at Heathrow Airport.The weather in London in early October is cooler than in Taipei, but it's not raining, so it's quite comfortable.
My mother and Logen drove me back to their apartment downtown.Originally, I had already booked a hotel, but my mother wanted me to return it because I was afraid of being disturbed. This time, she insisted that Zhao Kuanyi and I stay at their house.
My mother should have told Logen about me, he was always kind to me and approved of my mother.They didn't set off until two days after the wedding, and he told me he could show us around London first.This is second, and I considered compliance in the future.
Logen's apartment is located near Sloane Square.There are two households, upper and lower, with the same layout, but the layout of the upper floor is much simpler.His parents used to live in this place, and after the old people passed away, they occasionally lent it to friends.
Because the entrances of the two houses were separated, I packed my luggage and went downstairs to drink tea with my mother.
The day after tomorrow's wedding ceremony was held at a private club near Bond Street, where the subsequent banquet was also held, in the form of a cocktail party.I listened to them talking about the guest list. In addition to me, my mother flew here from Taiwan and her two brothers and sisters.
After my mother lived in the UK for a long time, my aunts and uncles and I had fewer opportunities to meet.In the first two years of Chinese New Year, I was too busy to go back with my mother. Later, when my grandfather passed away, we met once, but I didn’t have the time to chat with each other. After the Chinese New Year, even this year, I didn’t go back.
At this time, the mother did not say which one was coming.
It was agreed to go out to eat in the restaurant at night, maybe I was tired, so my mother changed her mind to eat at home.Logen is in charge of cooking. He always likes to cook, and he has more time to study after retirement. Now he can still cook Chinese food for his mother.
During the meal, Logen opened a bottle of wine, but under the care of his mother, he only drank a glass.He said, "Okay, but you have no reason to stop me drinking the day after tomorrow."
Mother said: "You can't get too drunk, don't forget to have dinner with Fannie and the others at night."
Logen still smiled at his mother's advice.Mother went to slap him on the shoulder, and she couldn't say how angry she was, but she seemed very happy.
After eating and tidying up, a phone call came, and Logen walked away to answer it.My mother suddenly asked me, "What time is his flight tomorrow?"
I said, "It's 11:30 in the morning in Shanghai."
The mother nodded, as if thinking of something, she looked at her and said, "By the way, there is a custom here in England that couples can't meet each other the night before their wedding, so I will stay at your cousin's daughter's house tomorrow night. Logen is not here, his sister I’m afraid that he won’t be able to come alone in the morning of the wedding, so I ask him to come. Then you will have to go to the venue the day after tomorrow by yourself, do you know how to get there?”
I said, "I have the address, and it won't be difficult to get a taxi there."
Mother nodded again and silently wiped the table.After a while, he said again: "You called me before and told me that you already..." After a pause, he looked at me, "I really didn't expect that."
At the end of last year, I reunited with Zhao Kuanyi. At that time, some people thought that we were resuming friendship, and some couldn't help remembering the old news, and there were constant rumors.But even if we knew the inside story, we probably never expected that we would get married one day.
I never thought about it myself.
Except for Feng Wenjun who witnessed it at the time, only my mother was the first to know about it.My mother is in the UK, and there is no shortage of people who can tell her about Taiwan. Even if I don't mention it, she will hear about it one day.
But suddenly I wanted to tell her myself.The day after registration, I called.She didn't know that Zhao Kuanyi and I were together again.In the past, I didn't even admit it to her.
At that time, my mother was still calm on the phone.
At this time, seeing that I was silent, my mother said again: "I said before, I don't care whether you get married or not, it doesn't matter if you plan to be with anyone, but when I heard you say that, I was still shocked, and thinking about it later, I was a little angry .”
I looked at her incomprehensibly.
Mother said: "London is not far from New York. Since you have decided to get married, you don't need to inform me first."
I froze for a moment, then Fang said, "We also made a temporary decision."
Mother said: "Anyway, it's all decided, don't be anxious at that moment, so careless." After a pause, she looked at me again, "Do you think I will be as stubborn as your father?"
I was a little dumbfounded.I looked at my mother, as if I didn't know her, and I simply didn't know how to explain it.Or leave it to Zhao Kuanyi to explain.Fortunately, at this time Logen ended the call and came back.Mother finally dropped the topic and stopped talking about it.
The next afternoon, Logen left the car for me while he and his mother took a taxi.I waited for the time to go to the airport, and soon picked up Zhao Kuanyi.
Let me tell him about the hotel first.I said, "I can't say enough about them."
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Staying in a hotel is convenient, but it's a bit strange."
I said, "I was afraid of being disturbed at first, but fortunately, it's not inconvenient to do anything upstairs and downstairs."
When Zhao Kuanyi heard this, he raised his eyebrows and looked over with a somewhat interesting expression.I suddenly realized that what I just said was too ambiguous.I coughed and quickly changed the topic.
I asked if I was going to eat, Zhao Kuanyi nodded.
In fact, Zhao Kuanyi can be said to be very busy these days.Due to the early signing of the contract, all his arrangements for cooperation have also been greatly advanced.But he was always tired and had jet lag. When he went back to the apartment to rest at night, he couldn't say a few words to me. When he turned around, he was already asleep on the bed.
Mother's wedding, as a son, I don't have to be very busy.Mother also refused.Because of the remarriage, and the age is not young, it is inevitable that there will be some awkwardness when the son intervenes.Besides, I don't need to call Logen's father in the future.
That morning, Zhao Kuanyi and I got ready and called a car to go to Portman Square at ten o'clock.
The private club is located between a row of old and new buildings next to the square. There is no sign, only the door number.Today, we specially arranged a reception at the door, and the other party invited us in.Behind the door is a magnificent arc-shaped staircase. After walking up, another person led us to the ceremony hall.
The hall in that room was spacious, and the chairs for the ceremony were lined up on both sides, all facing the wedding table in front.The sunlight is sparse, coming in from the glass window facing the garden at the rear, and shining on the rose vases on the table; the crystal candle chandelier hanging on the top is flickering, reflecting the overflowing joy.
The guests in the venue gathered together, sitting or standing, talking and laughing.
mother in
There has never been an impenetrable wall in this world. We do not hide the fact of our marriage. Besides, the same ring on the ring finger has to be noticed, which will lead to many storms.Or the state of mind, and the difficulties of the past are no longer there, let it come and go, the resistance in all aspects seems to have nothing to do with us.
The momentum always passes.Always live.
Although the pressure from close relatives is still not easy to deal with.But I don't need my father to understand.To him, I don't feel guilty, in the past and now, I don't owe him any more.It's up to him to look forward to or be disappointed.
And the rest of the people, the relationship is further away.After I don't go to my father's house, of course I still have to contact Xu Chengcheng at the company. He has no objections, but he is rarely silent.Perhaps it was because of Zhong Wenqi's dealing with it.However, they have never asked about the private affairs of the two parties.
As for Zhao Kuanyi, what he faced was even more difficult than mine.The attitude of the two elders is very tough, especially Zhao Lao.But those pressures did not come to me.Of course he can use tricks on me, but his upbringing made him disdain despicableness, and what he told me before was already his greatest threat in private.
He used factual interests to ask Zhao Kuanyi to choose.
I didn't know it at the time.After a long time, Mr. Zhao was on the sick bed, accompanied him several times, and the old lady who had softened already confided to me that Zhao Kuanyi had given up the right to succeed Liantian at the beginning.
Looking back, I spoke to Zhao Kuanyi.
Zhao Kuanyi said: "If I thought about taking over, I wouldn't have to start another career."
I sighed, "You can tell me earlier."
Zhao Kuanyi looked at me.I said, "You are no better than me. The relationship between you and grandpa and grandma is really good. It is a company founded by grandpa. No matter how talented the Zhao family is, he may not be interested in it, so you have to be reluctant."
Zhao Kuanyi said nothing, but come and shake my hand.He said after a long time, "I am willing."
I didn't make a sound, only clenched his hand even more.
Like the time when we promised each other to live together, like every moment that has passed for so long.
Although most of the general environment does not understand, there is always support.My mother heard me that finding a house was not going well, so she mentioned a house owned by Xizhi.It was one of her grandfather's inheritances.
She has decided to accept Logan's marriage proposal and has since settled down in London.She said: "The house is old, but the environment is clean. Take a look. If you like it, I'll give it to you."
I say yes.Two days later, when Zhao Kuanyi came back from Shanghai, I went to see it.That place is very secluded, it is really in the mountains, and it takes more than ten minutes to walk to the nearest neighbor to visit.
The house was built high, and there was a circle of long stone steps between the outermost iron gate and the road.My mother had hired a manager to take care of her. The other person, surnamed Chen, arrived before us; he was standing in front of the uncovered garage in the hot June, his brow covered with sweat.He shook hands with us and handed us his business card.
"Hello, both of you, please call me Xiao Chen." Xiao Chen said with a smile, opening the garage door.
The garage is wide and deep, no problem for parking multiple cars.However, it has not been tidied up for a long time, the sundries are piled up, and the air is bad.Xiao Chen smiled and said, "That's how the garage is. It's not very attractive. Let's go up there."
Going to the iron gate above, Xiao Chen took out the key to open the door.After the gate, I saw the garden first. Although it was not overgrown with weeds, it was not neat.It's not surprising that when my grandfather was still alive, he hadn't come here for many years. After passing it to my mother, my mother only came once.
Xiao Chen let us in, and then said: "We will send someone to tidy up every month, but this place is... at best, it can only be maintained."
I smile.The house is old, I know it.I looked at Zhao Kuanyi, and he looked too.I asked, "How is it?"
Zhao Kuanyi said: "It should be good after tidying up."
Xiao Chen said, "Yes, let's go inside and have a look."
Zhao Kuanyi nodded.Xiao Chen gave way and took us in, talking about the housing situation.
This is a three-story building with very old decoration. There is a dining room and kitchen on the first floor, and the second and third floors are similar, with three rooms.The furniture was still there, but it was old and worn out.But overall the layout is still good.
Xiao Chen said: "What do you two think? If you are interested in staying here, we can go through the formalities for handover right away, and your wife will give us instructions."
I said, "We need to discuss it."
Xiao Chen said with a smile: "Okay, then, I will smoke at the gate outside, and if you have any results, you can call me back."
I smiled and watched him walk away and look towards Zhao Kuanyi.
"How about it?"
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Not bad. What do you think?"
I smiled and said, "I think it's good too, but it probably takes a lot of work to sort it out."
Zhao Kuanyi didn't speak, looked around, and then said: "Then spend time on tidying up, I don't think there may be a more suitable one in the future." Pause, "You can't live separately forever."
I smiled and moved closer to him, kissing his lips very smoothly.He wrapped his arms around my back.I embraced him with both hands, and sighed, "Think about it, I haven't seen you for two days again, if we live together—at least we live together."
Zhao Kuanyi remained silent.I looked at him and said, "I'll stay with you tonight." After thinking about it, I smiled and said, "It's like having an affair."
Zhao Kuanyi seemed to sigh, and then said: "Let's hurry up and really live together."
I went to kiss his face and let go, "I'll call Xiao Chen."
Zhao Kuanyi smiled slightly, "Okay."
So it was decided.However, there are too many places in the house to be tidied up, and the transfer of title must be done, so I can't move in immediately; all the furniture has to be replaced.For the decoration design, a friend of Zhao Kuanyi surnamed Zhou was hired to do the decoration. He was looking for him for the decoration of his house on Songren Road.Due to the tacit understanding, the details of the project were quickly negotiated, and the purchase of furniture was also entrusted with carte blanche.
There is only one, and I feel strongly that I should choose it myself.
This afternoon, Zhao Kuanyi and I took time to go to bed together.A friend of Wang Ziyang is an importer in this area. In recent years, he has opened a flagship store on Nanjing East Road.I have had dinner with him a few times, and I have a little friendship with him. I probably heard that I am looking at the house, so I can find it whenever I need it.
I had contacted before I went, and when I arrived at the scene, special personnel came to receive me immediately.It was Ms. Li, and she said with a smile: "Cheng Dong welcomes you. Our chairman called yesterday to explain. You can watch whatever you want. If there is no one you like, we also have catalogs. It can be ordered, and it will be specially delivered from abroad when the time comes, and you can decide to order if you are satisfied with it.”
I smiled and said, "Okay, just introduce yourself."
Miss Li smiled and looked at Zhao Kuanyi.Greetings first, and apologizing after knowing his background, said: "I didn't know you would come here today, I'm afraid I won't be considerate, I will call another person to serve you right away."
Just as I was about to speak, Zhao Kuanyi said, "No, we'll watch it together."
Of course, Miss Li is not a young man just out of society. At this time, her expression has not changed a bit, she is still smiling, but she looks at me again after a pause, and she hesitates somewhat, but she just nodded and said nothing.She led us in and introduced several types of beds displayed in the store, all of which were detailed.
Buying a bed is not only about seeing but also about trying it out; the beds here are all very good beds, and the feeling of lying on them is not bad, but it seems that they are not satisfied in terms of satisfaction.It may be seen that we are not satisfied, Ms. Li took us up to the showroom on the second floor.She smiled and said, "The ones on the second floor can be said to be the treasure chests of our store, otherwise I really had to make a catalog."
I smiled and glanced at one of the carefully arranged beds.I probably noticed that Ms. Li introduced the calendar.It is a hand-made custom-made bed imported from Italy, and the matching leather bed set is also an Italian brand.I nodded, and went straight up to touch the bed. It felt comfortable and elastic.
I looked at Zhao Kuanyi and said, "I think it's good."
Zhao Kuanyi walked over without saying a word.He seldom expressed his opinions just now, and of course he would try to lie down, but it seemed like a superficial touch.At this time, he stretched out his hand and pressed the edge of the bed, then sat down and said, "This support seems to be okay."
Ms. Li smiled and said: "You are a little bit off. This is very good. The spring system here is an independent pocket spring, and it is double-layered, which can withstand more than [-] kilograms and millions of times of crushing." The beating is not deformed and distorted, and because it is completely hand-made, the spring strength can be adjusted by yourself.”
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Oh."
Miss Li looked at me vaguely, still smiling.I laughed and said, "Lie down and have a look, you will know after you try it." I gave him a hand and lay down together, "How is it?"
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Just lying down like this, how do you know whether the elasticity is really good or not? At least you have to move like last night."
What kind of activity was that last night, of course I understand very well, my face is getting hot just thinking about it.But Ms. Li heard it and said enthusiastically, "You can do whatever you want."
Zhao Kuanyi tilted his head to look, his eyes were very interesting.I feel very scratchy, if there is no outsider outside, I really want to grab his collar and kiss him.
I coughed, sat up in a panic, and said, "That's fine, just this bed!"
Ms. Li smiled and said, "Okay, please wait a moment."
Seeing her walk away, I immediately looked at Zhao Kuanyi.
He was still lying down, with his hands behind his head, looking very comfortable.He also looked at me and laughed, I couldn't bear it anymore, I bent down and kissed him.He hugged me and said on my lips: "Forget about the new bed, try your old bed again tonight."
I laughed and just kissed him again.
The renovation project is still in full swing. I thought it would be completed within three months without a hitch, but July and August this year were more windy and rainy than usual; typhoons came several times, but the project was delayed once or twice. matter.
Mr. Zhou Fangyan, who is in charge of the decoration design, is well-known in the industry and has a full schedule of work, so he still continued to do it at the beginning.He is not sloppy, and spends time discussing details with us beforehand, and communicates diligently when encountering problems during the period.
Because of being busy, Zhao Kuanyi and I can't often go to see the progress of the project together.Sometimes when I go alone, I have the opportunity to get acquainted with Zhou Fangyan, and then I know that he and Zhao Kuanyi are high school classmates.
At that time, Zhao Kuanyi went to an American school, and I could only meet him on Sundays and holidays.At that time, my feelings towards him were often complicated. He had already had several female companions at that time.After entering the third year of high school, we became estranged for some reason; he didn't mention it after that, and applied to a good school to go abroad.
Thinking about it for a while, I really hate it.Of course, I didn't think it was a thing at all later, but I made fun of myself; at the age of seventeen or eighteen, who has never had an awkward temperament and wanted to say nothing.But I am still curious about everything about Zhao Kuanyi in American schools. I have been with him for many years, and I don't know much about his period.He never mentioned it, always thinking that he had almost lost contact with his high school classmates, but he never thought that there was such a Mr. Zhou.
When Zhou Fangyan called, I was about to go back to the company, so I went to his office to discuss the changes of the third floor reconstruction.A few days ago, Zhao Kuanyi had a conversation with him on the phone, and he just changed the design this time, so he wanted us to have a look; but Zhao Kuanyi went to Shanghai yesterday.
The new design was very good, and the negotiation went smoothly. Zhou Fangyan put away the drawings and said, "You are so busy, it is not easy to find time to come here."
I smiled and said, "There's always time. Besides, it's where I want to live, and you, the designer, are working hard, so I can't ignore it."
Zhou Fangyan smiled and said, "In my opinion, you spend much more time here than Kuan."
I smile.I heard him say again: "But that means he trusts you very much." He looked at me and paused, "Actually, I have something to say all the time, I hope you don't mind."
I said, "Please speak."
Zhou Fangyan said: "I really didn't expect you to get married. Back then, when the news was so big, he made an exception to clarify. Although there was a big circle, you were together again, but the few old friends around us didn't take it seriously. , although it is also because he seldom talks about it, but when you separated back then, there was social pressure to some extent, even now..."
I do not speak.
Zhou Fangyan glanced at me and said, "You really don't mind, I said this..."
I smiled, "I understand, I don't mind."
Zhou Fangyan nodded slowly, and then said, "You are also married now, not back then. In our hearts, we are very happy to see him and you have a happy ending." Smiling, "It's a pity for us, after so many years Waiting for his wedding. Of course you know the situation of his family, so it will be very grand for him.”
I smile.Because the marriage registration was a sudden event, Zhao Kuanyi and I didn't treat ourselves to a drink.Feng Wenjun, who was in New York at the time, didn't even invite friends and close relatives here in Taiwan, and of course it was even more impossible.There is a tacit understanding, and we don't want to make public.Zhao Kuanyi has never liked holding banquets very much.
But of course it doesn't matter if you invite guests in general titles.I said: "When the project is over, we should invite you."
Zhou Fangyan smiled and said, "Then you can't just invite me, otherwise, other people will definitely criticize me when they know."
I was curious and asked: "What you said - those other people, and Kuan Yi are also high school classmates?"
Zhou Fangyan didn't seem surprised, I don't know, smiled brightly, and said, "I know he must have never mentioned it to you. He never likes trouble, and he doesn't like to explain. It's not interesting to save this to you, isn't it?"
I smiled.
Zhou Fangyan smiled and said, "Don't blame him. In fact, the few of us meet very occasionally. We usually contact each other by sending emails and making phone calls. Some of us are not in Taiwan."
I laughed and said, "Actually, seeing each other every day doesn't necessarily mean good friendship."
Zhou Fangyan smiled.There was a knock on the door, and his assistant opened the door to ask him to answer the phone.I took my leave, and he still walked me to the door.
I still had a meeting to host at the company, so I told the driver to drive back.On the way, I sent a message with my mobile phone.When the car is about to drive into the company's parking lot, you will see the reply immediately.Only three words.I looked at it but wanted to smile, and I was still smiling when I went to the office.
The secretary paid attention to me and asked, "The chairman seems to be in a good mood."
I don't want to hide my good mood.There are a lot of love words that I have spoken to coax people before, but they are far less than Zhao Kuanyi's simplest sentence at this time, I miss you.
I sat on an office chair and looked at the large glass windows on the side.The sun is still high in the afternoon, and it is almost September, and it is still hot in Taipei every day, and it is probably the same in Shanghai.Sometimes it seems that the two places are separated like this, and I am very used to it-but I never like it.I can no longer think about parting.When I think about it deeply, I will be a little bit afraid of the past.
It's a good thing I didn't miss him again.
When it was time to go to the meeting, I remembered to tell the secretary: "Remind me to make a restaurant reservation the morning after tomorrow at the latest."
The secretary nodded and asked, "Or should I do it for you?"
I smiled, "No way."
Because the date is Zhao Kuanyi, I have always arranged carefully, and I am not willing to be perfunctory.
In the evening, I set aside social activities and had dinner with Qiu Yisen.He and his boyfriend flew abroad for vacation a while ago, and when he came back these few days, he dated me.
Since he and his current boyfriend have been in a stable relationship, we have always met at his boyfriend's restaurant, but not this time.I didn't ask any more questions on the phone, and I arrived on time at night at Jin Fu in the alley of Minsheng East Road for the appointment.
Jin Fu eats Japanese food, and the business is very good; we sat at the bar and each ordered a set meal, admiring the chef's cooking skills, while eating and chatting.
Qiu Yisen took a sip of his wine and asked, "By the way, how does your house look?"
I said, "I'm already looking forward to it. You were going out to play at that time, and I was also busy. I forgot to mention it to you later. Now the renovation has started."
Qiu Yisen looked over with a smile, "Oh, you really are going to live for a long time."
I laughed and said, "What are you making a weird noise about?"
Qiu Yisen smiled, raised his glass and approached, "I'm also happy to see that you are serious, it's not easy, I envy you."
I glanced at him, smiled, and clinked glasses with him.Casually: "Don't be envious, you and Glenn are fine too."
Qiu Yisen sighed, "I'm the one who has to worry."
I asked, "What's wrong?"
Qiu Yisen calmed down for a while before saying: "You know, Glenn has already come out of the closet like me, and we have no burden. If we get married, there will probably be no surprises." He glanced at me and whispered: "But I don't Not going to get married."
I knew that he was holding on to non-marriage, so I thought about it: "Did he talk to you?"
Qiu Yisen shook his head, "No, but this time we are going out, we will drop by to attend the wedding of one of his friends, I think he seems to have that intention."
I am silent.Hearing him say again: "He wanted to talk to me several times, but I-he seemed to notice that I was not very happy to bring up the matter of marriage."
I said, "That's why you avoided him today?"
Qiu Yisen said: "It's not all because of this reason, his friend booked out the whole store today to celebrate his birthday."
I laughed and looked at him, "I remember he opened two stores."
Qiu Yisen stopped talking.
I thought for a while and said, "I don't think you need to think too much, and you don't need to completely reject the possibility of marriage. There is nothing wrong with getting married."
Qiu Yisen turned his eyes sideways, and said as if sour: "Yes, it's great to be married! Who doesn't know how happy you are after getting married."
I laughed instantly, without any excuse, and raised a glass of wine to him.
Qiu Yisen glared at me.He drank the wine in his glass, and said dejectedly: "I shouldn't talk to you now—" Suddenly, he took a breath, and said with a bit of viciousness: "Anyway, marriage has always been the tomb of love! After you I will know."
And who knows that he agreed to Glenn's marriage proposal after a few years...
Mother's wedding was scheduled for early October.Because of the second marriage, the mother originally planned to register, but she changed her mind after being persuaded by her cousin and sisters.Also because, to be fair, this is Logen's first marriage. Logen was engaged when he was in his 20s, but the contract was terminated for some reason. Afterwards, there were two fixed conversations. It was not until he met his mother that he thought of getting married again.
My mother called and asked me to be there.I vaguely understood, and agreed first on the phone.Turn around and tell Zhao Kuanyi, he said yes without hesitation.
Since we were going, we decided to go for a couple of weeks and transfer to France by the way.Around this time every year, Zhao Kuanyi will go to Rivières to visit his father, but last year Vonnie and her husband returned to Paris for work, and gave birth to a child last month. Mr. and Mrs. William came to their home to help take care of them, and they will probably stay for a long time ; A few people can meet directly in Paris when the time comes.
But you can't just leave, because there are many things that need to be rescheduled, especially the company.I don’t have any major projects in the second half of the year, so it’s easy to arrange, but Zhao Kuanyi’s company has been discussing cooperation with Shanghai since July; I asked him on the day he went together, the day they just decided to sign a contract, at the beginning of October a few days.
I don't feel very sorry, Zhao Kuanyi has already coordinated.In the end, the signing date was barely moved forward to two days before the mother's wedding.At that time, I will fly out first, and he will start from Shanghai after the end and meet me in London.
In the meantime, the construction of the house is coming to an end, and the rest are trivial configurations, except for the garden.Zhao Kuanyi and I don't want to spend too much time taking care of it in the future, and we can't watch it go to waste.
Zhou Fangyan found the garden design he had always cooperated with.However, there was an unreasonable delay when the other party came up with the design, and the weather caused the construction to start very late, and there were even problems with drainage; the general acceptance was originally expected at the end of September, but now it is bound to be postponed.
No matter how experienced Zhou Fangyan is, it is difficult to predict mistakes in long-term cooperation.He called to plead guilty.I was surprised for a while, but not angry.
I said, "It doesn't matter if you take your time, it's better to be careful."
Zhou Fangyan apologized again.I comforted him again and again, and finally he changed his mouth.He said in a slightly joking tone: "I thought that you, the bosses, want to be quick in detail."
I smiled and said, "But I always prefer to be more cautious. Besides, there are specialties in the art industry, but you have the final say."
Zhou Fangyan smiled again and assured me that I would be able to accept it when Zhao Kuanyi and I came back.
When I went to Zhao Kuanyi's place in the evening, I started talking because I asked, "Did he call you first?"
Zhao Kuanyi said: "No."
I was startled, and smiled, "Then he called me specifically."
Zhao Kuanyi didn't say anything, but it didn't seem strange.
I said, "After all, he knows you better, so calling you seems more reasonable."
Zhao Kuanyi said flatly: "That's why. If he had told me first, he would not be able to express his apology. It is rare for him to make mistakes, but it is his usual style to admit mistakes. He found the person who cooperated this time. , he thinks it was his negligence, and he can't just mention it lightly because of my friendship."
Thinking of Zhou Fangyan's frequent apologies on the phone, I joked: "I knew it earlier——I should scold him well."
Zhao Kuanyi was lighting a cigarette, when he heard it, he said, "Oh, he's a bit psychotic in this respect, maybe he'll feel better if he scolds him."
I can't help laughing.But I am even more curious about the depth of friendship between Zhou Fangyan and other people in Zhou Fangyan's mouth.The friendships established during that period lasted so long, which is simply precious.It's different with me.
I said, "You seem to know him well."
Zhao Kuanyi looked at me with a smile that was not a smile.I suddenly felt guilty, although this problem is nothing, moreover, aboveboard.
Zhao Kuanyi said: "He has always been like that. You will know him after a long time, and you don't need to know too much."
I nodded, thought about it, and then asked, "I heard him say that you've been in touch with him—some of your high school classmates."
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Not all the time. When I first went out to study, I completely lost contact. Later, some people also went to New York. I was also there. I saw each other at the event, and gradually contacted each other until now. Sometimes we find a place to get together. Not often.”
I said with emotion: "It is not easy to be able to communicate for so long."
Zhao Kuanyi smiled while smoking a cigarette.He said, "It's not easy for us either."
I stared at him blankly, suddenly my heart was full of heat.The same is true for my brain, it seems that it is not working, because I asked: "Why didn't you tell me... then you went abroad?"
Zhao Kuanyi remained silent when the phone at the other end of the aisle suddenly rang.I was startled and came back to my senses.He immediately put out the cigarette and got up to pick it up.
I looked at the figure walking away, unable to express my thoughts for a moment.
After Zhao Kuanyi turned around, I didn't repeat what I said before.Because I really didn't feel the need to care, I didn't want to know that way.It's been so long, and the relationship is not what it used to be. It doesn't matter at all whether you say it or not.
The day before I was going to London, I received a call from Zhong Wenqi.
After she got married, she still stayed in Chen Liren's company.But after giving birth, she asked for leave for a year and just returned to work in September this year.I just met her at a dinner party a few days ago.She came to say hello.There was a lot of chatter around, and we didn't talk about anything.
But there is nothing to talk about.I've never been very congenial to her, talking like chickens and ducks.But for some unknown reason, she always had to strike up a conversation, and later she called when she couldn't see each other; when she was still resting, she would call at least twice a week.Because I understand that it is depressing for women to take care of children at home, I do not refuse.But I can't understand.I didn't quite understand her thinking before, and I can't now.
"...Dad is in good health recently and often goes out, but now that the child is one year old, he always wants to take her out together. Children in this period are most likely to lose their temper. Although there is a nanny, but Dad likes to coax her by himself. Okay. Mom hates it very much, and has been bothering Xu Chengcheng for me to quit my job these days."
She paused and finally stopped.Sighing, the topic changed: "By the way, thank you for your birthday gift."
We said, "You're welcome."
Zhong Wenqi said: "You can't come to the party that day, otherwise you will see how lively the scene is. Both adults and children are having a great time."
I said, "Oh, that's lucky I didn't go."
Zhong Wenqi didn't seem to hear her, so she said: "Now that the child is one year old, I plan to take her out for a while. Anyway, Dad often takes her out, so it doesn't make sense for Mom to object. By the way, I'm free." Take her to you. You've only seen her less than five times."
I said patiently: "You are free, I don't even know if you are free—anyway, children don't have a lot of chances to see me, so don't be special."
Zhong Wenqi said: "There are few opportunities, but there are still opportunities." After a pause, he said: "We are all a family, and it is impossible to avoid seeing each other forever."
I was silent, and then said: "This kind of thing, you can just say it now."
On the other end, Zhong Wenqi was silent.My father has always been tolerant of her daughter-in-law, or because of his age, sometimes his direct attitude towards her has a kind of appreciation.But there are always things that cannot be mentioned.like me.
It is really difficult for my father to intervene in the company's affairs now.Back then he fell ill and couldn't help himself. Later, for some unknown reason, he seemed to really trust me with full authority.Now he hates the weather that day.The relationship cannot be easily severed.
The surroundings are not without persuasion.The father is getting older, and the son doesn't have much time to compromise anyway.But I have nothing to say to my father.Besides, it doesn't make sense.
My mother is the most understanding person and never persuades me.
Forget about Zhong Wenqi's episode, I flew to London early the next morning.More than ten hours later, at around four o'clock in the afternoon European time, the plane finally landed at Heathrow Airport.The weather in London in early October is cooler than in Taipei, but it's not raining, so it's quite comfortable.
My mother and Logen drove me back to their apartment downtown.Originally, I had already booked a hotel, but my mother wanted me to return it because I was afraid of being disturbed. This time, she insisted that Zhao Kuanyi and I stay at their house.
My mother should have told Logen about me, he was always kind to me and approved of my mother.They didn't set off until two days after the wedding, and he told me he could show us around London first.This is second, and I considered compliance in the future.
Logen's apartment is located near Sloane Square.There are two households, upper and lower, with the same layout, but the layout of the upper floor is much simpler.His parents used to live in this place, and after the old people passed away, they occasionally lent it to friends.
Because the entrances of the two houses were separated, I packed my luggage and went downstairs to drink tea with my mother.
The day after tomorrow's wedding ceremony was held at a private club near Bond Street, where the subsequent banquet was also held, in the form of a cocktail party.I listened to them talking about the guest list. In addition to me, my mother flew here from Taiwan and her two brothers and sisters.
After my mother lived in the UK for a long time, my aunts and uncles and I had fewer opportunities to meet.In the first two years of Chinese New Year, I was too busy to go back with my mother. Later, when my grandfather passed away, we met once, but I didn’t have the time to chat with each other. After the Chinese New Year, even this year, I didn’t go back.
At this time, the mother did not say which one was coming.
It was agreed to go out to eat in the restaurant at night, maybe I was tired, so my mother changed her mind to eat at home.Logen is in charge of cooking. He always likes to cook, and he has more time to study after retirement. Now he can still cook Chinese food for his mother.
During the meal, Logen opened a bottle of wine, but under the care of his mother, he only drank a glass.He said, "Okay, but you have no reason to stop me drinking the day after tomorrow."
Mother said: "You can't get too drunk, don't forget to have dinner with Fannie and the others at night."
Logen still smiled at his mother's advice.Mother went to slap him on the shoulder, and she couldn't say how angry she was, but she seemed very happy.
After eating and tidying up, a phone call came, and Logen walked away to answer it.My mother suddenly asked me, "What time is his flight tomorrow?"
I said, "It's 11:30 in the morning in Shanghai."
The mother nodded, as if thinking of something, she looked at her and said, "By the way, there is a custom here in England that couples can't meet each other the night before their wedding, so I will stay at your cousin's daughter's house tomorrow night. Logen is not here, his sister I’m afraid that he won’t be able to come alone in the morning of the wedding, so I ask him to come. Then you will have to go to the venue the day after tomorrow by yourself, do you know how to get there?”
I said, "I have the address, and it won't be difficult to get a taxi there."
Mother nodded again and silently wiped the table.After a while, he said again: "You called me before and told me that you already..." After a pause, he looked at me, "I really didn't expect that."
At the end of last year, I reunited with Zhao Kuanyi. At that time, some people thought that we were resuming friendship, and some couldn't help remembering the old news, and there were constant rumors.But even if we knew the inside story, we probably never expected that we would get married one day.
I never thought about it myself.
Except for Feng Wenjun who witnessed it at the time, only my mother was the first to know about it.My mother is in the UK, and there is no shortage of people who can tell her about Taiwan. Even if I don't mention it, she will hear about it one day.
But suddenly I wanted to tell her myself.The day after registration, I called.She didn't know that Zhao Kuanyi and I were together again.In the past, I didn't even admit it to her.
At that time, my mother was still calm on the phone.
At this time, seeing that I was silent, my mother said again: "I said before, I don't care whether you get married or not, it doesn't matter if you plan to be with anyone, but when I heard you say that, I was still shocked, and thinking about it later, I was a little angry .”
I looked at her incomprehensibly.
Mother said: "London is not far from New York. Since you have decided to get married, you don't need to inform me first."
I froze for a moment, then Fang said, "We also made a temporary decision."
Mother said: "Anyway, it's all decided, don't be anxious at that moment, so careless." After a pause, she looked at me again, "Do you think I will be as stubborn as your father?"
I was a little dumbfounded.I looked at my mother, as if I didn't know her, and I simply didn't know how to explain it.Or leave it to Zhao Kuanyi to explain.Fortunately, at this time Logen ended the call and came back.Mother finally dropped the topic and stopped talking about it.
The next afternoon, Logen left the car for me while he and his mother took a taxi.I waited for the time to go to the airport, and soon picked up Zhao Kuanyi.
Let me tell him about the hotel first.I said, "I can't say enough about them."
Zhao Kuanyi said: "Staying in a hotel is convenient, but it's a bit strange."
I said, "I was afraid of being disturbed at first, but fortunately, it's not inconvenient to do anything upstairs and downstairs."
When Zhao Kuanyi heard this, he raised his eyebrows and looked over with a somewhat interesting expression.I suddenly realized that what I just said was too ambiguous.I coughed and quickly changed the topic.
I asked if I was going to eat, Zhao Kuanyi nodded.
In fact, Zhao Kuanyi can be said to be very busy these days.Due to the early signing of the contract, all his arrangements for cooperation have also been greatly advanced.But he was always tired and had jet lag. When he went back to the apartment to rest at night, he couldn't say a few words to me. When he turned around, he was already asleep on the bed.
Mother's wedding, as a son, I don't have to be very busy.Mother also refused.Because of the remarriage, and the age is not young, it is inevitable that there will be some awkwardness when the son intervenes.Besides, I don't need to call Logen's father in the future.
That morning, Zhao Kuanyi and I got ready and called a car to go to Portman Square at ten o'clock.
The private club is located between a row of old and new buildings next to the square. There is no sign, only the door number.Today, we specially arranged a reception at the door, and the other party invited us in.Behind the door is a magnificent arc-shaped staircase. After walking up, another person led us to the ceremony hall.
The hall in that room was spacious, and the chairs for the ceremony were lined up on both sides, all facing the wedding table in front.The sunlight is sparse, coming in from the glass window facing the garden at the rear, and shining on the rose vases on the table; the crystal candle chandelier hanging on the top is flickering, reflecting the overflowing joy.
The guests in the venue gathered together, sitting or standing, talking and laughing.
mother in
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