Can't cross by oneself

70.

It's a rare day that Mr. Xia is free, and we're going out on a date.

After being separated from him for more than half a year, I feel that he has changed a lot.The previous lazy and casual attitude has disappeared, and now and then there is a sharp and rigorous expression.

When I told him this, he also spread his hands helplessly: There is no way, life forces us to do so.

We walked around the lake in T-shirts, jackets, and jeans.The air in the morning is moist, and peach blossoms and magnolias are blooming happily.Especially the pink peaches, which are clustered in clusters with green leaves.Different from the light beauty of cherry blossoms, it is a vibrant pink.

Not many people.

He hooked me lightly with his fingers.There is a slight smile on the corner of the mouth.With the black suit off, he looked a few years younger.

Stand and I'll take a picture for you.

He pushed me under a peach tree.

Facing the camera, I stood there awkwardly and dryly, not knowing how to place my hands and feet.

Smile.

Look good with a smile.

No, no, don't laugh.

Don't put your hands behind your back.

Oops, relax.

Mr. Xia seemed to give up, and let me stand there like I was taking a graduation photo, clicking.

Immediately, I grabbed a grandfather who was jogging in the morning and asked him to take a group photo for us.

Under the peach blossom tree, we stood side by side.

Mr. Xia put his right arm on my shoulder.

Here we come, three two one

I was so nervous that I held my breath.

Click!

71.

I want to go to a cozy coffee shop, bookstore or teahouse as a bartender or organizer.

When I told Mr. Xia this, he couldn't stop laughing and said I was worthless.

I don't feel it.Anyway, left and right are alone, as long as they can support themselves.My temperament is not suitable for working hard in the workplace. It is better to find a leisurely job and write in my spare time.

Mr. Xia thought about it and agreed.

I will find it for you.

72.

There is a small shop near Mr. Xia's company.Books are sold, as well as coffee.

The aroma of books and coffee blend together, and there is a moment when time stops in the summer evening, and there is a lazy taste.

Before the interview, I learned about the classification of books and coffee-related knowledge.

All went well and I stayed.09:30 am to 05:30 pm.The salary is one thousand and three.

At the beginning, I had to learn the coffee machine, extract the coffee liquid, and then learn how to froth milk and latte art.The barista is a man named Jay who is a few years older than me.

He looked very young, like a college student, accustomed to wearing a white shirt and a striped vest.Very charming person.

There is also a friend named Jie in Murakami's book, but he runs a bar.

I laughed and teased him.

His hands are beautiful, with well-defined joints and smooth movements. The mint-colored coffee cup seems to have spirituality under his hands.

Not many people drink coffee, they are all white-collar workers or foreigners, and a cup of coffee sells for twenty or thirty dollars.Jie told me that a cup of coffee abroad costs only four or five yuan.

My daily job is to clean up, make a dozen cups of coffee, take care of a few mint plants at the door, and cashier by the way.Doing nothing half the time.I either read books, wrote short stories, or chatted with Jay.

The days are free.

73.

Hear Jay tell his story.

Jie entered the society after graduating from high school.For eight years, I have worked as a waiter and salesman, and then I learned coffee from someone by chance, and fell in love with coffee ever since.

He has many books on coffee knowledge, and his greatest wish is to study abroad in Mexico.

He said it lightly, as if it was insignificant.

Jie is a very clean and persistent person, different from his good friend in high school.

74.

I'm going to pick up the photos after work today.

I have always thought that the film is a mysterious object, its design is like a train track, and the black negative film reflects a strange figure with distorted colors.It took a lot of concentration to barely see.

The photo studio is very old, with mottled exterior walls and green creepers.Just the right amount of old.The space in the house is not large, and the walls are covered with photos, as if entering a museum.

I don't know how to develop photos, and I always feel that it is a rather mysterious job.In a darkroom, photos don't need a ray of light, and the people who develop the photos don't need light either.The master of the photo studio wanders among the bags of film every day. He is silent and doesn't have to think about things outside the house. The developed photos are his world.

It is a kind of testimony to reflect the happiness of others on paper one by one.It seems that I am also happy.

What an elegant profession.

We didn't shoot much.At a glance, I saw the picture that the old man took for us.

In the photo, I was obviously nervous, looking at the camera with wide eyes like a frightened animal.And he looked at me, turned his face slightly, and chuckled at me, his eyes were full of pampering that could be felt through the photos.

My heartbeat suddenly became chaotic.

75.

Mr. Xia looked at the photos over and over again as if he had found a treasure.He really liked the one under the peach blossom tree too.

Why were you looking at me then?

I just saw that your hair was a little messy.

Do you think any old man happened to be a photographer.

Then he is a witness sent by God to us.

If the old man really knew and witnessed it, it would be good if he didn't throw the camera in our faces.

He paused and looked at me with complicated eyes.

what happened?

Baby, my mother is coming tomorrow.

I choked.The warmth of the room was instantly shattered.

Then I will avoid it tomorrow.

Need not.I told her I have friends.

it is good.

76.

Will you come out?I asked.

I......

I remembered that half a year ago, when we had just separated and my mother was seriously ill, Mr. Xia pulled me to come out.I refused.

There were too many things at that time, and my mother couldn't bear the excitement.I never thought about it.And now, I'm alone, it doesn't matter.Mr. Xia, do you still dare?

I also dare not.same as me.If you and I have nothing to worry about in this world, we must be able to be together easily.

The further people go, the more they are afraid of turning back.

I laughed.

Just kidding, I won't force you.

Then will you still be with me?

Maybe not.

Then where are you going!

do not know.

77.

Unsurprisingly, my aunt came.Similar to last time, carrying several bags of vegetables and fish.Walked around the house like a scrutiny, and tidied up twice quickly.into the kitchen.

Mr. Xia's complexion is not very good.

Auntie sat opposite him, still so plump and kind.Talking and doing things like a spinning top can't stop.

Xiao Su, come, eat some fish, this is the hometown dish made by my aunt, try it.

Xiao Su, tell your aunt how they get along.

I swallowed the fish, and felt bitter for a while. I used to avoid Mr. Xia when I asked me about it, but now I asked him directly in front of him.It would be better to ask him directly.

Very good, very good match.

Yes, that girl is too nice to say.He is sensible and well-behaved.I see, it has to be settled sooner.

mom!

Look, I'm shy again.Didn't you say you liked her a few days ago?

When did I say that.

She also said no, wasn't the bracelet on her hand a gift from you?

It was a birthday present, so I had to give it away.

Isn't this like people?I don't like giving gifts.

I......

Start a family and start a business, start a family first and then start a business.Mom will be at ease when you settle down.

Mom, stop talking.

Hey, Xiao Su, do you have a girlfriend?

not yet.

Then you have to find it quickly, they are in their twenties.How about Auntie introduce one to you?

No, I'm in no hurry.

Auntie doesn't understand the thoughts of you young people.

Yes, we don't understand ourselves.Who can understand?