Chapter 37: Respect for Freedom
During the Spring Festival, the provincial capital's streets were festooned with lights and colorful decorations. The cacophony of firecrackers mingled with the wisps of rising smoke, and the air was thick with the faint scent of gunpowder. Ji Feng, carrying gifts for his parents, a smile spread across his face as he slowly pushed open the door of his home, which was covered in vibrant spring couplets and upside-down "Fu" characters.
The parents were overjoyed to see their son return as expected. They had heard from somewhere that Jifeng had returned from Yishijiang, darker and thinner, a completely different person, a true coal miner. Now that their son was standing before them, they couldn't help but stare at him from head to toe, chattering to themselves with a mixture of surprise and heartache.
"Xiaofeng, you didn't go home the last time you came back from Yishijiang. What kind of suffering did you suffer in Yishijiang? It's only been two months and you've become so thin!" The mother held his hand with concern, tears in the corners of her eyes.
My father took over the conversation and sighed softly, "Your mother has been thinking about you over there, but she's afraid it'll affect your work, so she doesn't dare call you. She's been nagging and worrying about you all day. Now that you're finally back, tell your mother about it as soon as possible."
As he spoke, his father, who never touched the stove, rolled up his sleeves and prepared to go into the kitchen to cook him a meal. Ji Feng had no choice but to lie, saying he had already eaten on the road. Then, without further ado, he pulled his father to sit down with him and vividly recounted his experiences in Yishijiang and Lan Valley over the past few months, only sharing the good news and not the bad. Fortunately, elderly parents are easily fooled.
Ji Feng gazed at his parents' frosty silver hair, thinking of Lu Chenzhou's parents, and a sense of unprecedented contentment welled up in his heart. He truly understood the deep affection imbued in the saying, "A mother worries about her child even when he's thousands of miles away." Yet, all he could offer in return were a few perfunctory lies. He stammered, "It wasn't that hard. I just had a little trouble adjusting to the climate at first, but I quickly adjusted."
"Don't lie to me. If it's just because you can't adapt to the climate, how can you be so thin?"
"Really, Mom. It's really cold over there. Heat expands and cools, haha."
After hearing this, the mother still didn't believe it: "What nonsense! Thermal expansion and contraction are applied to this. Also, how is your relationship with Hua Ailing now? Are you still in touch?"
Ji Feng was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head and evaded the question, "We... are just ordinary colleagues, don't think too much of it."
"I think Ailing is a good child..." Ji's mother was still chattering, but Ji Feng was already absent-minded.
Just one day later, the world was like a bucket of cold water suddenly poured into the frying pan of New Year's Eve dinner, splashing everywhere.
Along with the sound of firecrackers on New Year's Eve, greetings to the new year are accompanied by the fluttering of snowflakes. The sound of thousands of firecrackers blasting together seems to shake all the snowflakes off the sky, and they will not stop until they achieve their goal.
Outside the window, sporadic fireworks bloomed one after another, flickering and filling the room with colorful lights.
Ji Feng stood on the balcony, gazing at the dazzling fireworks in the distance, a sense of indescribable melancholy welled up in his heart. The warmth of home gently enveloped him, yet a sense of indescribable stagnation still swirled through his mind. Ever since their last meeting at the airport, whenever he thought of Hua Ailing, he felt a knot in his stomach. Was it a debt, regret, or pity? He couldn't put his finger on it, or perhaps it was all of the same...
Over the sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner, he simply wanted to spend the holiday with his parents, trying to avoid the distant, blurry images in his mind. He repeatedly filled his father's glass and carefully served his mother food, his movements revealing a long-lost tenderness. While detailing his future plans with his father, he listened to his mother ramble on about which neighbor's child had brought home a new partner, or which colleague's child had gotten married. He smiled and agreed to his mother's request, his tone revealing an unquestionable confidence, as if everything was under control. Yet, a lingering sense of uncertainty crept silently through his heart, lingering.
Even if the din of firecrackers blasted through the night, it couldn't shake off all the snowflakes. Instead, the snowflakes, stirred by the clamor, danced even more merrily, fluttering and dancing even more freely. The tiny flakes danced lightly in the air like fairies, chasing and playing with each other, before drifting down leisurely, covering the ground with layers of thin white veil. The scarlet firecracker debris fell on the snow, like dots of cinnabar sprinkled on a holy wedding dress, dazzling and poignant.
Ji Feng had a hard time choosing his outfit for his New Year's visit to Dean Lu's home. Whether it was casual clothes or his police uniform, they were as loose as a sack on his skinny frame. He had just been forced to leave work the night before, so he hadn't had time to buy new clothes. In truth, he hadn't even considered the idea. Helplessly, he put on a thick down vest to make his uniform look a little more prominent.
He rang the doorbell at Dean Lu's house, treading through the thick snow. Visiting on Lunar New Year's Day was a ritual he never missed. As the door opened, warm air, wrapped in the festive atmosphere, washed over him. Dean Lu, dressed in a red Tang suit and smiling warmly, welcomed him in.
After settling down, Dean Lu looked him up and down, his gaze lingering on those slightly tired yet still sharp eyes. His tone unconsciously deepened with concern, "You've suffered, but you've also grown. Regardless of whether you can solve the case on schedule or not, you're a winner. Congratulations."
"A thought arises, and thousands of mountains and rivers appear." The tone was calm, but it could not hide the unspeakable depth between the brows.
Dean Lu was startled when he heard this. His smile gradually faded, and his eyes became deep. He was silent for a moment, then patted Ji Feng's shoulder heavily, as if to express silent recognition and comfort. "Have some tea."
The fragrance of Jin Jun Mei tea instantly penetrates into my heart and fills the whole house with fragrance.
The topic naturally revolved around the case. Ji Feng spoke in a calm voice, detailing the progress of the case and the bottlenecks encountered. His narrative was coherent and unhurried, like a turbulent glacier originating from a high mountain peak, flowing quietly and gently across the vast plains, finally dissolving calmly into the sea.
Dean Lu listened intently, nodding occasionally and occasionally interjecting with questions, his words revealing a sophisticated and intelligent mind. He looked at Ji Feng, a touch of relief in his eyes—this once unruly young man had now shed his impetuousness and become steady and composed.
He knew his disciple's nature well, understanding that this was both the price of growth and a quest he had no regrets about. As he had said at the outset, no matter what the outcome, the changes in Jifeng alone were enough to satisfy him.
When Jifeng stood up to say goodbye, he realized that the snow outside had stopped at some point.
Dean Lu sent him to the door. He stood there for a long time, looking at Ji Feng's increasingly thin and determined back and a long string of footprints, as if there were thousands of thoughts hidden in his heart.
Ji Feng was walking on the crackling snow, and was about to send a New Year's greeting WeChat message to Hua Ailing. Just as he took out his mobile phone, Mao Buyi's song "Xiaochou" rang at the right time - this was Hua Ailing's ringtone that he changed after returning from Yishijiang. He pressed the answer button to answer the call.
Since Hua Ailing stayed at the school to work, her parents left their hometown in Sichuan and came to this unfamiliar northern city to live with their daughter, saving Hua Ailing from having to "contribute" to the Spring Festival travel rush every year.
After exchanging New Year's greetings, Hua Ailing invited him to a get-together the day after tomorrow. Every Spring Festival, classmates in the provincial capital would take turns hosting the get-together. This year, it was Hua Ailing's turn, and Jifeng had no reason to refuse, so he readily agreed. Perhaps meeting and chatting would make him feel more at ease, he thought.
The gathering took place at a Sichuan restaurant. Though we'd been away from home for years, the genes etched in our bones were hard to change. Of course, the female students also loved Sichuan cuisine, but the male students didn't seem to care much about the food; they were more interested in drinking and bragging. It had been a year since we'd last seen each other, so the inevitable exchange of questions and reminiscing about how we'd changed over the past year was abrupt.
Of course, the hottest topic was Jifeng's astonishing transformation. Everyone was amazed at his boldness. Previously, his appearance of "unconventionality" was superficial: wearing a police uniform with frayed cuffs, driving a feminine sports car, carrying fried dough sticks in an LV bag, wearing a strange wooden barrel accessory, and using an incomprehensible WeChat nickname... While these behaviors were puzzling, they were superficial. This transformation, however, was more like a rebirth.
However, who could have known that all these "unreasonable" things had been forcibly smoothed over within ten months? The students present only saw him transform into "Black King Kong" to solve cases, but knew nothing of Jifeng's profound philosophical thoughts and his unattainable pursuit of perfection.
They don’t know that what they think is “hard work” is far from satisfying Jifeng’s pursuit of endorphins and “naturalism”. What makes Jifeng feel satisfied is precisely the “self-abuse” that they will never be able to understand in their entire lives.
In ten months, like a "file", his edges and corners were "smoothed" bit by bit.
He enjoyed the process of being "filed down" and greedily "tasted" the pleasure of delayed gratification. No one could understand this perverted and extreme experience. Of course, there was one exception.
The atmosphere of the party was warm and relaxed. While expressing admiration for Jifeng's "courage", everyone also wished him well and hoped that he would solve the case as soon as possible.
Of course, the ambiguous relationship between Ji Feng and Hua Ailing was also a topic that could not be avoided. Just like the Qingrenba gathering a few months ago, it was like a replay of the video, with everyone trying to "match" the two of them.
"Everyone, this year Ailing is the host, and next year it will be my turn. I wonder if you all have any objections if I exercise my authority first?" The eloquent Chen Lu suddenly spoke, her tone relaxed but with a hint of tentativeness.
"No problem, we all have no problem with that."
"First of all, no one can take leave from the party next year. No one can be left out."
Everyone nodded in agreement, little knowing that this was just a foreshadowing set by Chen Lu.
"Second?" Chen Lu deliberately stopped and looked at Ji Feng and Hua Ailing with ill intentions.
"Secondly, everyone must bring their family members. No one is allowed to attend appointments alone. Even if you don't get a marriage certificate, confirming the relationship first still counts."
This was clearly directed at Ji Feng and Hua Ailing, the only two still unmarried. This suggestion was immediately met with unanimous response, and everyone cheered loudly in tacit agreement.
"This is a good proposal. I fully agree with it." Li Chen was the first to raise his hands high above his head.
"Yes, singles and dogs are not allowed to enter." This caused laughter.
“But there’s a loophole here.”
"What loophole?"
"If they insist they're in a relationship even though they haven't, then that's just like they're just trying to get free food and drinks."
This caused another burst of laughter.
"In that case, there is a way. Either we can get the "certificate" from the marriage registration office, or... the "certificate" from the hospital.
"Hospital certificate?"
Those who were slow to react were still wondering, while those who were quick to react were already laughing so hard that they were rolling on the ground.
This slightly "excessive" joke, under the stimulation of alcohol and the noisy atmosphere, became the "fuel" that pushed the mood to a climax. This "bad idea" was passed amid the laughter of the crowd.
Even though she is from Sichuan, she couldn't help feeling embarrassed when faced with this topic, and a blush crept up Hua Ailing's cheeks.
"Hey, Jifeng, everyone has expressed their opinions, it's your turn."
Ji Feng smiled slightly, "No problem, I agree."
When everyone heard this, they cheered and applauded happily, and all turned their eyes to Hua Ailing.
"Why are you looking at me?" Hua Ailing said shyly.
"Don't play dumb. Jifeng has already said it. It's your turn to express your opinion."
"That's right, I think this can be considered a confession, don't you think?"
"Yes, it's a confession."
"Hey, be quiet for a moment and listen to me." Ji Feng quickly waved his hand to stop him. "This isn't a confession. A confession should be formal, with a diamond ring and kneeling on one knee. Nothing like that in today's setting. No, no."
"Hey, boy, why did you change so quickly?"
"Hua Ailing, tell me quickly, do you agree or not?"
"What do you mean by agree or disagree? I don't understand." Hua Ailing avoided the question.
"Quiet down, comrades." Ji Feng spoke again: "Let me say a few words."
"Tell me quickly, or we can go buy a ring now." Zhang Yue encouraged.
Ji Feng cleared his throat and said, "Don't make things difficult for Hua Ailing. I'll answer for her. I agree with Chen Lu's suggestion and bring my family to the party next year!" After saying that, he raised his hands high above his head.
As soon as the words fell, the room immediately boiled over and everyone's attention was focused on Hua Ailing again.
Hua Ailing opened her eyes wide and looked at Ji Feng in surprise, "Why do you make the decision for me? I haven't agreed yet."
Ji Feng winked at Hua Ailing, meaning, don't worry about it, I'm here.
Hua Ailing looked at Ji Feng with a confused look, not knowing what to do.
Zhao Ran, who was smart, noticed Ji Feng's look and felt something was wrong. He immediately pointed at Ji Feng and said, "Don't play tricks, kid. We are all witnesses."
"Yes, they are all witnesses, that's right, all of them, all of them." Ji Feng said hurriedly.
"This kid agreed so readily, he must be trying to be cunning." Li Chen said from the side.
"That's right, when things are out of the ordinary, there must be something fishy going on."
Hua Ailing frowned and looked at Ji Feng, puzzled.
"I'm not playing tricks. Next year I will definitely bring my family to participate and I'll put it in writing as proof." The more certain Ji Feng was, the more everyone thought there was something fishy going on, so they all turned to Hua Ailing.
"Ailing, please say something. Don't let Jifeng say it for you. Say it yourself."
"Hey, any of you guys who say otherwise, I can agree on her behalf, no problem."
"Who wants you to take over?" Hua Ailing finally spoke up.
Ji Feng winked at Hua Ailing: "Just agree to it, no problem."
"Oh, let me say something." Chen Lu, the initiator, spoke again.
"Jifeng, raise your right hand and swear that you will bring Hua Ailing with you to the party next year, and you will be each other's family members." Chen Lu is not only eloquent, but also thoughtful.
"That won't work. I just agreed to bring family members to the party, but I didn't say to bring Hua Ailing. Also, I agreed on Hua Ailing's behalf, and I didn't say which family member Hua Ailing should bring to the party. I plan to bring my parents to the party next year. They are family members too, right?"
As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar, and everyone accused Ji Feng of being cunning and playing word games. Hua Ailing finally understood Ji Feng's intention and breathed a sigh of relief.
However, the other students were not going to let them off easily and asked them to clarify their relationship.
"Oh no, I forgot something important." Ji Feng slapped his thigh, an anxious look on his face.
"What's wrong? Don't change the subject." Everyone asked in unison.
"There's a guy named Lu Chenzhou among our classmates. Do you still remember him?"
“I have an impression.”
"It's more than just an impression. It's incredibly familiar. He's a criminal psychology expert."
"Before the holiday, I told Yong Xiangdong that I would call Lu Chenzhou's parents on the first day of the new year to wish them a happy new year. But I completely forgot about it. It's already nine o'clock now. Isn't it a bit late?"
When everyone heard this, they were a little confused and asked, "Why did you call his parents to wish them a happy new year?"
"Let Hua Ailing tell you the specific reason. I'll make a phone call first. The two old people will need to rest if it's too late." After saying that, he picked up his phone and walked out of the private room.
About ten minutes later, Ji Feng came back from outside with a cold look on his face. The atmosphere in the room was obviously much quieter than before he left.
He blew his warm breath on his hands and said, "Everyone knows about this. I didn't want to spoil the holiday, so I did promise to call them and wish them a happy new year. I almost forgot just now. Luckily, the old man hasn't gone to bed yet, so I finally put my mind at ease."
"Oh, it's so pitiful."
"You mentioned Yong Xiangdong just now. How is he?"
"Yeah, I haven't had any contact with Yong Xiangdong since graduation."
"What does he do now?"
Everyone threw all their questions about Yong Xiangdong to Ji Feng.
"Xiangdong is doing well. He opened his own trading company and his business is doing well. The reason I contacted Chen Zhou's parents through Xiangdong is because Xiangdong and Chen Zhou had a very good relationship during school, almost like brothers. After Chen Zhou passed away, Xiangdong was very sad."
"Yes, now that you mention it, I remember that they were inseparable during school. It seems they are from the same hometown."
"Yes, we are all fellow Modao people. In fact, I have heard about Chen Zhou's death from other classmates before, but I just didn't tell you." Zhao Ran said.
"You knew it a long time ago?" Zhang Yue was a little surprised.
"Yes, I knew that a long time ago. I also know that Yong Xiangdong handled Lu Chenzhou's funeral."
"Oh, so that's how it is. What a brotherly love."
"Xiangdong and a leader from Chen Zhou's unit handled all the funeral arrangements together. Xiangdong also paid for the cemetery because Chen Zhou had no other relatives and the unit was unable to pay for it."
"The sinking of the boat is unfortunate, but also fortunate." Everyone sighed.
"Finally, Xiangdong packed all of Chen Zhou's belongings into a package and asked a courier to send it to Chen Zhou's parents in Yishijiang."
"Alas, with such a good brother, the soul of Shen Zhou in heaven can rest in peace."
At this point, Ji Feng felt that he couldn't continue this heavy topic. Seeing that it was getting late, he said to Hua Ailing, "All good things must come to an end. It's getting late. You're the host today, so please say a closing remark and we'll leave."
In the current atmosphere, no one mentioned the inappropriate topic of trying to bring Ji Feng and Hua Ailing together. Everyone was quietly waiting for Hua Ailing's closing remarks.
Hua Ailing nodded slightly, lowered her head and thought for a while, then picked up the wine glass, "Thank you all for taking the time to get together today. I am very happy to see you all. It's getting late, so let's stop here today. I wish you all a happy New Year. Finally, I want to say," Hua Ailing paused.
Everyone was slightly startled, and the hands holding up their wine glasses stopped in mid-air, waiting for Hua Ailing's final speech.
Hua Ailing stood up, raised her glass high, and said in a slightly drunken but firm tone: "To freedom!"
Everyone was stunned. No one expected such a nonsensical statement at the end, but they still stood up and clinked their glasses. The glasses clinked, and everyone chorused, "To freedom!"
Ji Feng looked at his classmates' confused expressions, and a complex mix of emotions surfaced in his heart again. He knew that Hua Ailing's words "respect freedom" were more like a way out for herself, and also a gentle reminder to everyone that some relationships can't be forced.
When the party was over, the classmates unanimously asked Ji Feng to take Hua Ailing home. The two were too lazy to refuse, so they generously met the classmates' request.
The snow had begun to fall again, and the roads, which had only just melted, were now covered with a fresh coat of white. Taxis were passing by, their "passenger" lights flashing beside their windows.
The snowflakes flying all over the sky fell on the two of them. Soon, their clothes and hats turned white.
They were chatting about irrelevant topics while walking with one foot deep and one foot shallow. Ji Feng almost slipped accidentally, which made Hua Ailing laugh and briefly broke the awkward situation.
After sending Hua Ailing downstairs, after a brief silence, the two waved goodbye in a subtle atmosphere.
Walking alone on the empty street, the street lights stretched his shadow into long and slender shapes, and time seemed to freeze between his steps.
One to freedom and one to death
Forgive my ordinariness and dispel confusion
Well, after dawn, I always leave in a hurry
Sober people are the most absurd
Sober people are the most absurd
......
He understood that after this night, something had quietly changed in the midst of conversation and laughter.
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