Chapter 53: I was stunned when I arrived: "What are you doing here?"...

What does a divorced man have to do every day?

Besides work, it's still work.

It’s just a matter of thinking about what to eat when you get off work, and then thinking about whether you should cook for yourself in the evening before going to work.

Should I cook noodles? Or go to a friend's house for a meal?

Or go to the grocery store and buy some cookies and bread to make a meal.

It doesn't matter.

Life is filled with rational thinking, and the few bits of sensibility are all curled up in the corners and will not easily come out to show their presence.

Just like the migratory birds driven away by the severe cold in the north, they will not come back until the temperature warms up.

But humans are not machines that can only make correct decisions. Even if they really make the right decision, they will still feel regretful when it is late at night and everyone is asleep, and they will still be overwhelmed by remorse and assume another possibility.

Just like Yang Shuming at this moment, with his arms hanging, he was too lazy to go out to find food, so he simply held a bag of dry compressed biscuits, stood in front of the window, watching the unexpected summer showers, and silently making assumptions.

If he were a little more willful, he would at least talk to Yao Miaomiao first. Would there be any unexpected surprises?

Announcer is not a very regional job, it can be found in every city. Maybe she will find an opportunity to transfer here to work for him?

Maybe she doesn't mind his work, maybe she will wait patiently, maybe...

Maybe they will have a lovely child.

Yes, one is enough, no more.

She has two children with her ex-husband, and he also has a daughter with his ex-wife. Having another child would be enough to leave a long-lasting bond between the two of them.

Whether it is a son or a daughter, they will definitely be as graceful, smart and clever as her.

Maybe I will be as brave, fearless and unyielding as him.

Phew, Yang Shuming suddenly laughed. Is he brave?

Yes, he is a coward at work, but when it comes to love, he is an undisputed coward.

It was he himself who ended another possibility at the very beginning, but now, he is sad and depressed every day, like a complete idiot.

She's already on a blind date, and the man has a respectable job, is getting married for the first time, and lives in the same city as her. What can he compare to? He's out of luck.

What's more, in this job, he could lose his life at any time.

A complete defeat, a total loss.

After swallowing the dry compressed biscuits, Yang Shuming turned around and drew the curtains. Today was another boring day, so he decided to go to bed early.

The wound has not healed yet, so I cannot touch water. I can only wipe my body with a wet towel and rinse below the stomach every day.

It's so uncomfortable. It will take at least half a month. I have to wait until the follow-up examination to confirm that the wound is fine before I can take a good shower.

The doctor repeatedly told him to lie down at home and not to run around, but he just couldn't do that.

Loneliness is a ferocious beast that will eat him up without leaving anything behind.

Only a divorced man like him would use up his good sick leave and hang around at work all day.

The young policemen under his command finally breathed a sigh of relief, but he was still lingering around and gave them a headache just seeing him.

It's not that he doesn't know this, it's because he is so strict.

But he just wanted to go. At least there would be people around, voices, and the whole room wouldn't be so loud that you could hear a pin drop.

After cleaning, he boiled a kettle of water. He was too lazy to cover the kettle. It was a hot summer day, so it was a good time to let it dry and keep it for drinking.

Okay, we're done. Is there anything else you need to do?

Do you want to do laundry? Yes, and clothes.

These days, only his right arm can move, so his clothes are in trouble. He can only soak them in a bucket, step on them, shake them a few times, and then take them out to hang them out to dry.

What else could he do? He didn’t have the ability to grow a third arm.

His parents separated when he was very young and each of them started a new family, so he didn't expect anyone to take care of him.

There's no hope.

It turns out that misfortune is really hereditary. The marriage of the previous generation was broken, and there was no way to make it perfect for him.

Isn't this a family inheritance?

It’s funny to think about it.

Why would a man like him be so foolish as to hope that Commander Yao's daughter would take the initiative to cross the red line he drew and express her love to him?

He was simply ill, very ill.

Picking up the clothes in the bucket, he hooked the plastic stool next to him, held the clothes in one hand, threw them on the stool, pulled his right foot out of the slippers, raised his leg and stepped on one end of the clothes, grabbed the other end with his right hand, twisted it hard, and it was almost done.

Hanging clothes was also very painful. I could only hold the clothes rack with my mouth and try to maintain balance with my right hand. Unfortunately, the water that could be wrung out with both hands could not be wrung out with just one foot and one hand.

The wet clothes were indescribably difficult to control.

After struggling for most of the day, I finally hung up the shirt. Fortunately, it is summer, otherwise the clothes would not have time to dry.

There is only one pair of trousers left, which is easy to deal with. Just twist it in the same way, hold it on the clothesline, and put the trousers through it and hang it up.

You can actually hang shirts this way, but unfortunately, shirts hung out this way will easily lose their shape, and the fold marks will remain all day, damaging his image as a criminal police captain.

Finally, there is a pair of shorts. This is easy to deal with. Just hang it on the clothesline.

See, he can take care of himself.

What a bullshit.

The clothes I just changed into were already mostly wet during this short ordeal.

It was such a torture that I could only take it off, throw it on the back of the chair, and wait for the ubiquitous heat to dry the clothes.

Now that he was really done, Yang Shuming threw himself on the bed, emptying his mind and thinking about nothing.

Just as I was about to fall asleep, the phone rang.

Who is it? I hope it’s not another case. In his current condition, he really can’t go to the scene, otherwise he will become disabled and have to pack up and leave with honor.

Just ignore it.

But no, he is the captain of the criminal police team, what if something really happens.

At least listen to it. At worst, call the deputy captain to deal with it. He is just injured, not suspended.

I quickly got up, grabbed the phone, and just as I said "hello" I heard a barrage of curses from the other end.

"Yang Shuming, hello. Are you waiting for me to bow down to you and actively pursue you? I'm telling you, no way! Am I the type of person who can't get married? Do I need to be so humble and take the initiative to show my affection to a coy man? What are you thinking? I have so many matchmakers here that it's almost flattening the door. I can take my time and choose carefully. There are also unmarried men who are handsome, have good jobs, and have simple family relationships. He's their only child. Even if I lose my mind, I won't give up such a perfect match to find you. And you, don't keep holding my photo and thinking about it all the time. Send it back as soon as possible and don't make me angry! As for brother and sister, you can find whoever you want. I have an older brother, a younger brother, and a lovely sister. Siblings love each other, so I really don't need a brother who is not related to me at all. Stop being so disgusting! I'll give you a week. If you don't receive my photo, you can expect to be scolded every day!"

After cursing, Yao Miaomiao felt relieved of most of the anger in her heart, but it still wasn't enough.

So she added, "Remember, one week! If you don't listen, I'll have my sister come to your house and ask you to go. Then you'll be the one who gets hung up on the photo and embarrassed. You decide what to do!"

"Okay, I'll give it to you." Yang Shuming was stunned by the scolding. It took him a long time to reply. However, the person on the other end had already hung up, leaving only a busy tone.

He put down the phone, slid weakly to sit on the edge of the bed, and silently buried his face in his palms.

One week, one week.

Just give it to him. Her family photo is still with him. At worst, he can just return the individual photos and keep the family photo.

Unexpectedly, Yao Miaomiao also thought of this and called again: "Remember, return all the photos to me, not a single one missing! Including the one with Yao Jingjing! Yang Shuming, you are really not a man. You really opened my eyes and amazed me!"

After cursing, he hung up the phone immediately.

Yang Shuming wanted to say something, but he had no chance at all.

I had no choice but to sit alone by the bed, waiting for dark and then for dawn.

It was 2:30 in the morning and he was tired.

The phone didn't ring again and he didn't call.

The woman was right, he was indeed not a man, he was timid and looked like a joke.

I fell exhausted on the bed and slept in the hot room all night, forgetting even to turn on the fan.

The wound was stinging with pain, but I barely suppressed the heartache.

When I woke up the next day, it was already ten o'clock in the morning.

It's rare that he didn't go to the Public Security Bureau today. In fact, he didn't need to go there recently. He was injured and his company gave him a month's vacation.

Forget it, I'll just take a break once in a while. With the deputy captain here, nothing will go wrong.

The world can still function smoothly without him. He is not that important at all.

But he was already awake and couldn't fall asleep.

I had to get up, pack up the photos and send them back to Yao Miaomiao.

His gaze remained on the woman's smiling face. The pain from the wound was finally overtaken by the pain in his heart and was completely suppressed.

Why did she scold him?

It’s definitely not because I’m bored!

Why did she curse several times?

It must be to vent dissatisfaction!

So, why is she dissatisfied?

Of course it’s because he is not a man who waits for the lesbian to take the initiative.

He was so stupid, wasn't this a sign that she was interested in him?

That's right, she is so well-off, but she only agreed to go on a blind date after almost two years of divorce. Isn't she just waiting for him to take the initiative?

Why was he so stupid that he only realized it now?

But...is it really possible? What if he's just overthinking it?

Even if it is really possible, will she accommodate him to come here, or will he accommodate her to go there?

Or...why not just run back and forth between the two places and have a passionate love affair that spans half of the northern and southern borders?

It’s funny when you think about it.

But... I'm suddenly looking forward to it.

He is such a useless man. He is decisive and efficient at work, but he is hesitant in relationships.

She was right to curse him, she cursed him well, he was not a man, he was not even a thing.

Then he doesn’t do east and west, he does north and south, the north and south running from south to north!

Never mind, he was on vacation anyway, and she was the one who asked him to return the photos!

He found a manila envelope, put all the photos in it, and then took out the canvas bag and suitcase he used for business trips.

All the documents are inside, and it's not too late to get a letter of introduction now. He has a special status and often travels all over the country, so there's no need to wait for a letter of introduction.

As for a change of clothes, if they are not dry yet, then just bring your underwear and toiletries, that’s enough.

He even didn't change into his Liberation shoes, which was rare. He just slipped on his slippers, locked the door and went out.

When he got on the train carriage, he still felt like he was dreaming.

Did he just run onto the train? Did he just rush to the Northeast?

Suddenly I wanted to laugh. What a fool! He refused to accept my toast and had to drink the forfeit wine.

If they had thought it through earlier, maybe they would have even had a child.

He used all his self-proclaimed rational and calm brain to fight wits and courage with criminals.

Sighing, Yang Shuming leaned against the back of the hard seat, silently watching the scenery receding, wondering what to say when they met.

The green trains these days are so slow and shaky, and it takes two and a half days to get there.

When he got off the bus, his mind was blank, and the only thing left was a sigh: the Northeast is indeed much better developed than Yicheng.

When I dragged my suitcase to the bus stop in front of the train station, I saw Yao Taotao just getting off the bus.

Yang Shuming was a little surprised: "Xiaotao, are you here to see your sister?"

"Well, why is Captain Yang here? Looking for Sister Miaomiao?" Yao Taotao had noticed a long time ago that these two people were interested in each other.

It was the time when Yao Jingjing came to steal the child.

There were many people at the time and the scene was chaotic, but the two people looked at each other in the crowd and were seen by her.

She was a smart person and knew that the two were interested in each other, but they were trapped by reality and no one took that step.

Now seeing Yang Shuming coming over, she naturally thought that the two of them had finally figured it out.

He was quite happy and subconsciously reminded: "There are many people on the bus, be careful and don't touch the wound."

"Thank you, goodbye." Yang Shuming got in the car and drove to the address he had recited countless times in his mind.

When passing by a state-owned shopping mall, I remembered that it was not appropriate to go in empty-handed, so I quickly got out of the car, walked back, and bought something.

Yao Weiguo was busy in the accounting office, having been working for most of the day. After he finished calculating the last row of data, he quickly pushed open the door and ran to the bathroom on the third floor at the speed of a 100-meter sprint.

When I came out, I saw a silhouette, it seemed to be Yang Shuming?

Not sure, after all, he had only met the man once.

Maybe I was mistaken. Yicheng is so far away from here. Why would Yang Shuming come here for no reason?

Hurry back and continue to count the accounts. I am always so anxious at the end of every month. It is not easy to make money.

*

After buying the gift, Yang Shuming started to worry again because he had his arm hanging and couldn't pick it up.

I had to ask the salesperson for help to open the suitcase and stuff everything in.

The box is basically empty anyway.

The salesperson was quite enthusiastic and even found a friend passing by to help him carry the box downstairs.

Yang Shuming was very grateful and handed the other party a cigarette.

It’s true that people from Northeast China are very warm-hearted. They can show kindness to strangers even if they meet by chance.

He got back on the bus, which was full of people. Yang Shuming, carrying his suitcase, prepared to find a place to stand.

As soon as I grabbed the bracelet, an older woman stood up and offered me her seat: "Hey, comrade, please sit down. Your arm is badly injured, right? Come on, come on."

Yang Shuming did not refuse, as it would be a bit ungrateful. After sitting down, he thanked the aunt again and again. The aunt asked about his well-being and was very warm and concerned.

The atmosphere here is really nice, the people are not indifferent and cold.

When getting off the bus, the aunt took the initiative to help him carry the suitcase. Yang Shuming stood on the curb and waved vigorously.

I don’t know why, but I suddenly felt like a wanderer returning home.

It's so strange, he is obviously a native of Yicheng.

When I arrived at the gate of the compound and registered my name, occupation, and place of residence, the gatekeeper immediately stood in awe and said, "You are a police officer. Wait a minute."

He casually called out to a little girl at the door, and the guard shouted, "Xiao Ning, this is Officer Yang from Yicheng, looking for Chief Yao. Please show him the way."

Ning Feifei said "oh", trotted over, and helped carry the suitcase: "Let's go."

Yang Shuming followed with a smile. It turned out that the little girl's surname was Ning. Could she be Ning Zhengrong's niece?

I asked casually, and it’s true.

Ning Feifei stopped at the intersection with a smile: "Do you know me?"

"Your uncle married a colleague of mine." Yang Shuming smiled. Although criminal police and police officers are of different types, they are both in the police force after all, so they can naturally be considered colleagues.

Ning Feifei understood: "You know my uncle and aunt, so they are family. Come quickly, there is no one at their house right now, come to my house for a drink of water first."

"Oh? Where is she?" Yang Shuming thought Xie Chunxing should be at home.

Ning Feifei explained, "The final exams are coming up soon. Aunt Xie took Chaomei to the school to pick up Chaoying. Uncle Yao is in the army, and Sister Miaomiao is at the radio station. They won't be back until dinner time. Come on, come in. I'm not the only one at home. My mom and sister-in-law are here too. Come on."

Yang Shuming refused disrespectfully and hurried over to identify the person.

After a lively greeting, Xie Chunxing came back. The two families lived one in front of the other, so they could hear every movement.

Ning Feifei quickly helped him carry the suitcase: "Come on, Officer Yang, I'll take you there. Aunt Xie is back."

"Thank you, Xiaoning." Yang Shuming hurriedly followed.

Xie Chunxing was quite surprised to see him coming: "Xiao Yang, you didn't even tell me you were coming. I was waiting for you at home, and I didn't buy any more food."

"No, no, Miaomiao asked me for her things, so I brought them to her." Yang Shuming smiled and just sat down when Chaomei pounced on him and hugged his legs.

"Uncle, give me a hug!" Chaomei still remembered this kind uncle and lay on his knees and refused to get up.

Yang Shuming smiled and pulled the little girl into his arms: "She's so beautiful and has grown so tall."

"Chao Meili, have a good meal!" Chao Mei turned her head and saw her uncle's arm hanging. She felt so distressed that she quickly lowered her head and said, "Huhu, uncle, it doesn't hurt."

At this moment, Yang Shuming suddenly wanted to cry.

His eyes became hot, forcing him to hold back the tears. He kissed Chaomei's little face and said, "Uncle, it doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you, Chaomei."

"Grandma, medicine!" Chaomei was a good child. She knew to change the medicine on the wound. While shouting, she twisted her little body and slipped out of her uncle's arms and fell to the ground.

I got up and ran to the kitchen to ask grandma for medicine.

Xie Chunxing made a cup of hot tea and came over: "Come on, grandma is looking for medicine."

Chaomei followed her into the room, snatched the medical kit from her grandma's hand, carried it with great difficulty, and personally gave it to her uncle.

Yang Shuming was so touched that he hugged his little girl and kissed her forehead: "Thank you, baby."

"Where's Mom?" Chaomei knew that the uncle was looking for her mom. Her little brain was very smart.

Xie Chunxing tied on her apron with a smile: "Mom is working overtime today and will be back late. Grandma went to borrow some meat from next door. Chaomei, please don't run around."

"Okay, dear." The little girl squatted down in a baby voice, wanting to help her uncle open the lid of the first aid kit.

But the lid was too tight, Chaomei couldn't open it, so she had to run into the room and pull her brother out: "Brother, Yaoyao, open it."

Chaoying sighed like a little adult, leaned over and opened the lid: "Uncle Yang, you're late. My mom has already gone on a blind date. Seriously, you're so stupid."

Yang Shuming's face turned red. It turned out that even the two children knew about the twisted relationship between him and their mother.

I could only smile and say, "Uncle is here to give your mother something."

"Give yourself to her? You may not have the chance." Chaoying pouted and pulled his sister back to the room. "Let's go, Chaomei. Brother will go build blocks with you."

"But uncle is in pain." Chaomei still wanted to help uncle change the dressing.

Chaoying refused: "Uncle can change it himself. Come on, brother will teach you how to build a castle."

"Okay, castle!" Chaomei was coaxed away by her brother.

Yang Shuming was left alone in the living room.

Yang Shuming wanted to laugh, but as he laughed, he felt embarrassed.

Even the children knew that he was ungrateful and that he had no chance.

What is he doing here with such a thick face?

But now that I'm here...

When Xie Chunxing came back, he took out the photo, stood up and asked Yao Miaomiao for her workplace address.

"I'll go find him." Yang Shuming turned and left.

Xie Chunxing couldn't stop him and could only sigh.

What were you doing earlier? Now that Miaomiao has agreed to a blind date, are you anxious?

Oh, young people nowadays really don’t understand.

Yao Miaomiao is working overtime today. Several official documents have been issued by the superiors and need to be delivered to the people in a timely manner.

In addition, Nixon's visit to China in the spring of this year caused a huge uproar, so today's current political news is really overwhelming.

In fact, she was not originally responsible for the noon news, but the announcer went to give birth because she was the announcer director, so she naturally had to take over.

Because of this delay, we didn't get out of the radio station building until 12:45.

The summer breeze makes people feel intoxicated, and on the trees at the door, the locust flowers are clustered into waves like snowflakes.

Yao Miaomiao had been reading the manuscript for the whole afternoon and her mouth was dry. Now she was holding a kettle and drinking water while walking.

It’s getting late. If she doesn’t go back now, the child will be asleep. She has to go to school soon and work overtime at night. She may not be able to see her child all day.

He quickly quickened his pace and went to the parking shed to push his bike.

Hey, wait!

who?

Yao Miaomiao's sight swept across a figure with dangling arms and a huge manila envelope in his hand.

Yao Miaomiao took a few steps back and retreated to the side of the stairs she had just come down.

I couldn't help but stare in amazement: "What are you doing here?"