I looked at Lu Jia, unable to find the words to refute her. I've been through a lot in society, and I've seen enough of the selfish and pragmatic side of human nature. So I know she's right... But does it really have to be this pragmatic?

At least, in my life, there was a woman named Wang Lei who was very sincere with me, so why can't I be more sincere to her best friend in life?

Yes, because of Wang Lei, I've always been very concerned about my friendship with Taozi. I feel that there shouldn't be any division between us; only by uniting can we broaden our path in Dali... Unfortunately, Tie Nan doesn't understand this principle, and that's where I feel powerless.

I took out another cigarette from the pack, and as I was about to light it, Lu Jia stopped me. She said, "Michael, you are a man with very obvious strengths and weaknesses. I know that I have no right to criticize you now, but I sincerely hope that you can get better and better... This is my concern, so I came to Dali for no other purpose than to see... Although you are not a successful man yet, you are in a much better state than when you were in Shanghai. I am very happy to see you like this... It also makes me feel that choosing to break up with you was the right decision."

I looked at Lu Jia, feeling a mix of emotions.

I finally spoke up: "You've told me so much about myself... What are your plans for the future?... I remember you said you wanted to find a boyfriend over there."

“Me?…” Lu Jia smiled and said, “I do have that thought… but this isn’t a competition between you and me. Just because you had a girlfriend before me doesn’t mean I should rush to find a man… At my age, I really don’t have the luxury of being casual about relationships!”

I asked in a low voice, "Do you feel like I've wasted your youth?"

"If that's what I'm thinking, can you take responsibility?"

"I……"

"Scared, aren't you?... Haha, you want to take responsibility for me but I'm not willing... I think it's ridiculous for a woman to place all her hopes on a man, which is why I chose to study abroad, rather than passively waiting like this... There's no right or wrong between us, only choices... So can you feel at ease now?"

"Yes... there is no right or wrong, only choices."

Lu Jia looked at me, then at the unfinished beer, and said, "I can't drink this anymore. You can keep it here and use it to entertain other friends later."

"I'll listen to you."

"Go pay the bill... I'll sit here for a while longer."

"Should I save a few more bottles for you?"

"No need, I'll just sit for a while."

...

After paying the bill, I left the bar. As I walked along Renmin Road in the ancient city with the crowds, I couldn't help but have many complicated thoughts. It felt like I was trapped in a complicated web of relationships.

I don't know what my relationship with Ye Zhi is right now, nor do I know how much of Lu Jia's understanding and nonchalance is believable...