Peach responded very rationally to my words of comfort, saying, "I hope so... I also advised Tie Nan not to be so impulsive in taking over the Seaview Inn, but I want to try to understand him... He's been quite negative and had a tough time these past few years. Now he wants to strive, and as his only family member, if even I don't support him, how sad would he be... Besides, his desire to strive is largely for my sake!"
"Um."
Peach looked up at me, then said apologetically, "I'm not saying this to defend Tie Nan, I just hope you won't hold a grudge against him... Now there are only the three of us left in Dali. If even we have conflicts with each other, then human relationships are too cold!"
I lowered my head, then looked up at Erhai Lake bathed in sunlight. My mind drifted back to the bustling atmosphere when I first arrived in Dali, with Coach Ma, Bai Lu, Ye Zhi, and Yang Sisi. Just yesterday, even Yang Sisi left Dali. It felt like a dream; all those people from back then have gone far away, and those who remained aren't doing so well. Tie Nan and I are both struggling for money. Since we have the same goal, but chose different paths, why should I blame him?
I should understand him better than Peach.
Amidst a faint sadness, I lit a cigarette, then smiled at Peach, indicating that I wasn't taking it to heart at all.
...
A moment later, I asked Peach, "You said Tie Nan only gave half the money, so what about the rest?"
Peach thought for a moment and replied, "I'll see if I can borrow some from my old friends..."
Looking at Peach's exhausted face, I felt terrible. After a long while, I said to her, "I'll try to think of something too. This isn't a small amount!"
“I heard that the shop you opened in Jiulongju also cost a lot of money. We can’t possibly add to your burden… Don’t worry, I have my own way.” After a slight pause, Taozi said sadly, “If it weren’t for the burdens I’ve been carried by my family all these years, I wouldn’t have to worry about this money at all.”
Before coming to Dali, Taozi and I were already good friends, so I knew her situation better than anyone else. I couldn't help but feel that her situation was unfair. I patted her on the shoulder and said to her with an encouraging smile, "Things will get better slowly... Believe me, believe in everyone around you who cares about you."
"Hmm...it will be alright, it will definitely be alright."
Peach smiled as she spoke to me, but after she finished speaking, she turned her back to me. In her back, I saw tension and unease about her current life... I felt the same way, unable to judge whether Tie Nan's choice this time was right or wrong.
...
It was noon soon. I arrived at "Gucheng No. 1 Courtyard", where I had booked a table yesterday, before Cao Jinbo and Sun Jiwei. Before that, Sun Jiwei had called me and said that Cao Jinbo would arrive around 12 o'clock, and that he himself would come over immediately after finishing his work.
This should be considered my first formal meeting with Cao Jinbo. Although I wouldn't say I was particularly nervous, I wasn't very confident because I didn't really understand his personality... I've decided that if I can't reach an agreement with Cao Jinbo today, I'll give some of the money I have to Tie Nan. I don't want Taozi to suffer in this kind of situation after finally getting out of that circle.
...
Ten minutes later, my cousin Dai Qiang called me. As soon as I answered, he couldn't contain his excitement and said, "Brother, I'm going to France with our manager for a study tour. Doesn't that mean I'm highly regarded by the higher-ups?"
"Aren't you his assistant? When he goes abroad for research and study, who else would he take if not you?"
“Our manager has two assistants, and I was chosen this time. Doesn’t that speak for itself?”
I replied seriously, "Dai Qiang, whatever progress or opportunities you have at work in the future, you can enjoy them on your own. You really don't need to share them with me... I've lived for almost 30 years, and I've never even been to Hong Kong, let alone abroad... You've gone all the way to France. Have you considered how I feel?... By the way, isn't there a Champs-Élysées in France?"
"I love seeing your naive and innocent look. The full name is Champs-Élysées... I've already done my research, and I'm definitely going to enjoy the sights of Paris this time."
Dai Qiang's words conjured up a scene in my mind: a street boy who used to sell braised food was now watching with utmost excitement every brick and tile on the Champs-Élysées, every white dove, and every smile and frown of a person...
I didn't find it funny, because this was a scene that was about to become a reality... But the world changes too fast... Or perhaps, one must choose the right direction to be like Dai Qiang, who can speak to me with such high spirits in such a short time.
I finally said, "I've come all this way to France, don't let it be a wasted trip. Bring me back a few leaves from the Champs-Élysées."
Dai Qiang asked, puzzled, "What do you need the leaves for?"
Have you ever heard the song? Gifts don't need to be the most expensive, just the fallen leaves from the Champs-Élysées.
"Jay Chou's Confession Balloon... one of my favorite singers!"
"Hmm, make me a lot, I'll use it to pick up girls... and be romantic."
"Stop joking... You have your sister-in-law right here, why are you even trying to pick up girls!"
"I'm not kidding... You should bring back more; I need them."
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