smoke like fire

That day I went to Qiu Yisen's place.It was inconvenient to show up at the hair salon, and the car was left at the company, so he agreed on a location and he drove to pick him up.On the way, I didn't want to speak at all.He also didn't say anything.

The building he rents is very close to his first hair salon, both on Zhongshan North Road.He lives on the seventh floor.I don't come here often, and I always meet him in the hair salon or outside.

I occupy a sofa in his living room.Turn on the TV, just in time for the news, about the latest progress of Zhao Kuanyi and I.Just like what Ye Wenli said, the few passages I used to talk about but not talk about were excavated.On the screen, the female anchor spoke sharply and criticized me from head to toe.

And it's not just this part of me.An anonymous woman called a TV station, claiming that she had dated Zhao Kuanyi and had taken away the child for him.I don't even know where to find someone.Only then did I realize that the reason why he asked me not to go back was probably because he was also being pestered by reporters very tightly.Or there are two old aspects.

"This kind of news is simply not nutritious, don't watch it." Qiu Yisen said, walking over and turning off the TV.

I just lay down on the sofa and said, "Let me sleep here for one night."

Qiu Yisen: "Don't talk about one night, you can stay for a few days. But can you go back tomorrow? And the company... I don't think those reporters will be disbanded too soon."

I don't answer.Because I'm not sure either.There was a moment of silence here, before Qiu Yisen said suddenly: "Actually, as long as you come forward to clarify, this news will pass quickly."

"I have no way to deny it." I said in a low voice, "But I can't admit it—not at a time like this."

I am not lacking in courage, so I have to think deeply and have to be rational.I don't worry about me, I also worry about Zhao Kuanyi.He said to explain clearly to everyone, how can he not be moved when he hears such words in his heart?But that was a passing thought.I get it, and so does he.

Of course Qiu Yisen understands that coming out is not easy.He didn't succeed all at once.He didn't say anything.The next day, I went directly to the company and went home at night.

Probably the reporter came too much the day before, causing other residents to protest. At this time, they were completely evicted, and the security of the community increased a lot.I successfully entered the house, and it was dark inside.Zhao Kuanyi hasn't come back yet.In my impression, he has a dinner today.

I turned on the light, and it was nine o'clock in the evening.I opened the floor-to-ceiling curtains, pushed open the glass door, leaned against the wall of the balcony, and looked at the dim scenery below with street lights on.It was probably late, there was no one below, and it took a long time for a car to drive past.It's hard to imagine that a large number of people were guarding there in the past few days, and a large number of camera lenses were aimed at here.

But I can't see it now, maybe it's waiting for an opportunity somewhere nearby.

I should go in, thinking this way, still not moving.I took out my mobile phone and sent a message asking where Zhao Kuanyi was going.He's probably almost done there, and will send back soon.

I looked at it and sent another one. Without waiting for a response, I took another set of car keys and went out.I drove Zhao Kuanyi's black Phaeton and went to Yupinyuan.I don't know who he is having dinner with here today, it's always an established arrangement.Also never ask.

The journey went smoothly.But I was worried about the reporter's ambush, so I circled around twice before stopping.

Nearly ten o'clock, it took a long time to see cars and pedestrians crossing the road.The Imperial Court also closed, the gates opened and closed, and it fell silent after several batches of guests were sent away one after another.I called Zhao Kuanyi.He picked it up with a relaxed tone.I can't help but also feel comfortable.

I smiled and said, "I'm waiting for you outside."

He answered yes.

I hang up the call.After a while, the door of the restaurant opened again, and several men and women walked out, including Zhao Kuanyi, but I glanced at one of the western faces.No stranger, it is the long-lost Fred.He walked at the end, seemed to be drunk, his whole face was flushed.He doesn't talk to anyone.The other people in front hugged Zhao Kuanyi goodbye and parted ways.At this time, he stepped forward and hugged Zhao Kuanyi, but he didn't let go, as if he wanted to kiss him.

Of course Zhao Kuanyi pushed back.I couldn't help but opened the door and went down.As if seeing me, Fred babbled in English.Everyone who was cleaning up in the restaurant looked at it, and some people went outside.

Zhao Kuanyi pushed Fred away.He leaned forward again, this time seeming to use his strength to pull.Zhao Kuanyi flung it away and punched him right in the face.He staggered backwards and fell to the ground.

I couldn't help but froze. Fred seemed more at a loss, staring at Zhao Kuanyi with wide eyes.

Zhao Kuanyi scolded in English, and the tone was a little unkind.He turned around immediately, saw me, walked up in two steps, grabbed me and walked towards the car.

Zhao Kuanyi got into the driver's seat and drove the car onto the road without speaking.I don't know what he is thinking.I couldn't calm down for a while, and I couldn't imagine that he would beat someone.

The car didn't go the way back, but turned into Binjiang Street halfway and drove into Hebin Park.Because it was late, there was no one in the park at this time.Zhao Kuanyi drove the car in and parked in the driveway near the Dazhi Bridge.He turned off the fire, sighed, and looked at me.I also looked at him, and we were silent with each other, laughing for no reason.

"Get out of the car," he said, opening the door.

I followed and stood beside him.

In the distance, the star-like Dazhi Bridge is projected on the dark river below.The wind blowing was a bit cold, but it seemed to dispel all the anxiety, and I only felt peace in my heart.

I looked at Zhao Kuanyi and said, "I never thought you would hit someone."

Zhao Kuanyi seemed to hum softly, but did not speak.

I smiled, "I don't know if he wants it or not?"

Zhao Kuanyi said: "There will be nothing wrong."

I was silent, and said: "Actually, I knew Fred liked you a long time ago. He told me that he thought that our relationship was different. At that time, of course—" After a pause, I looked at him, "In short, I have never It's a bit hard to say why...it's cunning, isn't it?"

Zhao Kuanyi also looked at it, and said: "It doesn't matter if you don't say anything, of course I won't want anyone."

I was silent, but I didn't look away, feeling a kind of involuntary emotion.I bullied him, and he hugged me.His lips touched mine, and his tongue got in, wrapping around mine.It seems that they are more forgetful than ever before, in the whistling wind, they can vaguely hear each other's heartbeats.

Until we parted, he and I hugged each other and never let go.

I felt such a strong love in my chest, but for some reason, the heat in my emotions suddenly became cold, as if it was blown out by the river wind.

Or, it was because the wind was too cold.

The turmoil never stopped, but it seemed numb after dealing with it for a long time.Turning on the TV and listening to those criticisms, as well as those unkind eyes around anytime and anywhere, seems to have existed in life before.

Not entirely unfriendly either.There are always people who are open to this matter, or who simply regard it as hype.On the one hand, I feel nothing, and on the other hand, I don't think it is necessary to come forward to clarify.

Ye Wenli never mentioned that day to me again.In the company, he doesn't talk to me much except for official business.It's always been like this, so I don't feel disappointed.

Lao Li is going to retire in July, and Zhong Wenqi will be in charge of that department.But Chen Liren still wants me to assist her according to the situation.Frankly, I think she can handle it.

She still treats me the same way.It's just that I don't talk about her and Xu Chengcheng's affairs from time to time.

One day, I was surprised when I received a call from my aunt.

There are many reasons for asking me to meet, but in fact it is just an excuse.Because of some reasons from my mother, I will not refuse.She invited me to a Chinese restaurant in Neihu.It is one of her husband's properties, located in a hidden alley.

At exactly twelve o'clock at noon, I arrived, and she was already waiting.

She smiled and said, "I see, let's sit in the box at the back."

I smiled, did not speak, and entered a small box with five people with her.Tea and some appetizers have been placed on the round table.

She beckoned me to sit down, sat down herself, and asked kindly: "Have you talked to your mother on the phone recently?"

I paused, and then I heard her say: "Your mother and I talked two days ago, we didn't say anything, we talked about small things. Your mother cares most about you, and she has entrusted me to take care of you." Just look at me, "Oh, I didn't mention these recent things to her, but I don't guarantee that no one will tell her. There will always be news from Taiwan."

I remain silent.

She said again: "Auntie didn't come to you to scold you, it's a trivial matter, just clarify. You can't stop thinking about yourself just because you're worried about your friends."

I just said, "Auntie, I know."

She persuaded me for a while, saying the same thing, asking Zhao Kuanyi and I to draw a clear line and settle the matter so as not to add to my mother's distress.Or it may exacerbate the rift between me and my father.She pointed out that my mother did something wrong, and she should deal with my father for me, and ignore it improperly.

I am deeply disapproving.

Probably seeing that I am indifferent, Auntie stopped talking.The topic was taken away, she asked me to sit down, order the food in person, and never came back after going out.I was thinking about leaving, but the door of the box opened again. She came back, but she was leading a person.It was my father, and when he saw me, his stern face sank.

The big aunt laughed along with her.Because of the cooperation between my uncle and my father, it is appropriate for my father to come here.But I can't think of such a coincidence.

I got up immediately to go.

Father shouted: "Stop."

I stopped and didn't turn around.

The eldest aunt smiled and said softly, "Hey, you two have something to talk about."

Father raised his voice: "Speak well? What else is there to talk about? Look at the news—it's a mess! Is it disgusting?"

I paused, feeling full of anger.I turn around.The eldest aunt came to persuade first, and she said: "Hey, it's all chasing after the wind—"

I interrupted abruptly: "I'm gay and I'm no more disgusting than you—don't you look at yourself! Looking for a concubine and having an illegitimate child, everyone knows it, and you're so proud of yourself, it's shameless!"

Father was taken aback for a moment before his expression changed, as if he was also extremely angry. He took a breath, cursed the bastard, touched a cup by the round table and smashed it on the ground, making a loud bang.

The eldest aunt screamed, but went to stop the father who seemed to be rushing up.The people outside probably heard the sound and opened the door to come in. She hurriedly drove them away and signaled to me: "Don't be angry!"

I sneered and said, "I'm gay, so what?"

The eldest aunt opened her mouth, as if in a daze, and did not speak for a long time.

The father raised his voice: "Let him talk! Do you think you have the ability to go outside for a few years? You are gay, I really don't know what your mother taught you? Taught you such a disgraceful son!"

When I heard it, I couldn't be more angry, and the aunt stopped me immediately.I don't know where she got all the strength, but I couldn't break free for a while.

She said to me: "Don't say a few words, don't quarrel with your father!"

I let go of my strength, stood back, and looked at my father who was holding on to a chair as if trembling with anger.I said: "I have nothing to say at first." Then I turned around and opened the door to go out.

I could vaguely hear cursing from behind, but I didn't care about it.I went out of the restaurant, and in the garden outside, my uncle and a thin woman were standing in front of a small pond talking.

When they saw me, they fell silent.The uncle's face seemed embarrassing, while Ms. Xu looked cautious.I just walk one way.

I started the car when my phone rang.

At first glance, I don't want to be Miss Zhao.She asked me to meet, her tone was much more relaxed than before.She had dealt with it before, and the other party stopped suing and wanted to reconcile privately.Of course, Cao Zongqing never showed up from the beginning to the end.

I was still a little confused, I was about to refuse, but after thinking about it, I still agreed.

Going to the agreed place, it was an inconspicuous coffee shop. At this time, apart from Ms. Zhao, there was only an old couple sitting in it.

Ms. Zhao was sitting in a corner seat wearing sunglasses.I sat down on the chair opposite her.The waiter came to hand over the meal book, I didn't read it, and ordered a cup of coffee directly.

When the waiter walked away, she took off her sunglasses, looked at me, and said with a smile, "Huh? You look so bad."

I forced a smile and said, "What do you want me to do?"

Ms. Zhao said: "What else is there? Of course it is—" Pausing, looking around, "That report is too exaggerated."

I do not speak.

Ms. Zhao said: "This kind of hard work - hey, I have only suffered it." She sighed again, "Actually, it doesn't have to be so serious. It's all because of those reporters. It's abominable! They chased me so hard that I almost got to that point. It can’t be cleaned up, if you didn’t make new news to cover up the past, there is still trouble now, and there is no way to talk about reconciliation.”

I paused and asked, "What did you say?"

Ms. Zhao smiled, and continued: "You don't have to lie to me. I thought that Kuan Yi was really angry and ignored me. I never thought he would use this method. However, he still asks the lawyer to tell me what's going on. I can’t help but feel very sad.”

I was stunned for a moment, and blurted out: "Do you think this news...he did it for you?"

Ms. Zhao seemed to have something to say, she looked at me and asked, "Isn't it?"

I couldn't help but hold a breath in my chest, and I couldn't help but stood up and left.But straightening his back and looking at her face, he felt tired all of a sudden.I said, "Why would he hurt himself to fulfill you? A mother like you, like you—it's not worth it!"

Miss Zhao seemed to be stunned.She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

I am also silent.Because I really don't know what to say to her.At this time the waiter came and brought coffee.The sound of putting down the cup brought Ms. Zhao back to her senses.

She changed her face, looked at me with wide eyes, and asked in a low voice: "——what's going on? Since it's fake, why didn't he clarify? You don't clarify either?"

I can't speak.

She is still looking at me.After a moment of silence, he asked again: "Is it true?" Without waiting for my answer, as if stimulated, he said, "I really can't believe it—how could such a thing happen? Kuan Yi wouldn't be so foolish, He has always been—this kind of thing—how can you do this? How can you harm him? I trust you so much!"

At the end of her speech, her voice trembled faintly: "No, I can do whatever I want, anyway, my life is already a mess, but he can't! Do you know, he can't—"

I couldn't look at her anymore and couldn't help but look away.But she was still blaming me, and she didn't care about the eyes of others.I also seemed to be indifferent, and she only scolded me.She scolded until the voice seemed to choke up.

In the end, she fell silent.After a while, she put on her sunglasses again and left.

I sat alone in the coffee shop for a while.

It was raining while I was walking, so I walked slowly.When I got to the parking place, my whole body was soaked.I go straight back.The house was quiet, except for the faint patter of rain outside.

I took a shower, changed my clothes, and stayed in the study.I lit a cigarette and watched the clock hands on the wall go one by one.It was past nine o'clock in the evening.

Zhao Kuanyi went to Beijing two days ago.It was scheduled a month ago and cannot be cancelled.I didn't care about it at first, and I was even more glad that he was not here at this time, otherwise, I don't know what emotion I can use to face him now.I felt powerless for my persistence.

But I don't want to give up.It is also impossible.

Like a chain effect, things come one by one.

I received an invitation I couldn't turn down and drove to the Grand Hotel.Today's weather is unbelievably fine, perfect for a drive, but I'm not at all idle.

I arrived at the hotel, went into the lobby, and headed towards the Yuan Yuan on the right.

The waiter led me in, and the person who asked me was already in the seat, and ordered a pot of tea first.Seeing me, the well-dressed old man raised his eyebrows slightly and poured another cup of tea.

I greeted: "Old Zhao."

Mr. Zhao nodded, motioned for me to sit down, put a cup of tea in front of me, and said, "I don't know what kind of tea you like to drink, but the Pu'er tea here is not bad, try it."

I said: "OK."

The waiter came to ask for an order, Mr. Zhao flipped through the menu and asked my opinion.I depend entirely on him.He ordered several signature dishes.

The dishes came up one after another.Mr. Zhao only introduced me one by one, advised me to eat, and didn't say anything else. The atmosphere was pleasant.It was as if I came here specially to eat with a very close elder at home.

When it came to dessert, the waiter brought two bowls of sweet soup, as well as the famous red bean muffin here.

Zhao Laodao: "Many places actually make this sponge cake, but none of them are as delicious as here. You have to try it."

I didn't dare to ask him to serve, so I hurriedly said, "I'll do it myself."

Our table happened to be a seat facing the window, looking out at a bright riverside water.Mr. Zhao said to me again: "The Yuanyuan was not in this place before, it was upstairs, it can be said to be an attic, and you couldn't see the outside at all. But next to it is a semi-open kitchen, and you can see the chefs making dumplings——ha , I just remembered, when Kuan Yi was a child, he used to count how high the steamer can be stacked every time he came here."

I just smiled, not knowing what to say.

Mrs. Zhao poured tea and said, "Kuanyi's mother, you know, she didn't have much time to take care of him before, so he lived with us mostly. Well, my daughter doesn't know him at all. What he didn’t like, he just did it. In fact, he is easy to soften his heart. But sometimes he gets stubborn and can’t listen to other things at all. He insists on doing his things, such as his starting a company. It was planned that when he came back from the United States, he would be allowed to join Tiantian to take a position. Thinking about it later, it was too urgent, or he could make his own achievements first.”

He looked at me and continued: "You also don't go to your father's place. I also find it rare."

I didn't answer.

I heard him say again: "A few days ago, I asked him, and he said the news was not fake, and he said, you are together." After a pause, "Actually, I thought about it, and I don't think it's incomprehensible. The room has always been very good—remember? You have been to our old bungalow before? I am very impressed. He brought friends to meet us for the first time, and he didn’t mention anyone in particular in front of us, only you. "

I look at him.

He also looked at me, and said in a dull tone: "Xiao Cheng, you are indeed a very good boy, no wonder Kuan Yi regards you as a friend. You are also very smart, you have to think about it, because what happened to you There are many situations. I think, you should have a lot of troubles to deal with, not only yourself, but you may have to let Liren's company, including your father, have some bad influences. Look, there are too many troubles. Kuan Yi I won't talk about how he is, but you have to think about it, so as not to hurt yourself in the end—even if I agree, he is not someone who can be with you for a long time. "

I didn't speak, but I was in a trance, as if the person sitting here was not me.Seems like I'd already be gone without listening to him make up this outsourced sugar advice.

He won't say anything later.When he left, he insisted on paying the bill, and I didn't have the heart to argue.The car that picked him up drove to the entrance of the hotel, and he patted me on the shoulder before getting in the car.