I don't know how much time passed, but the last bus that left only left the light of its taillights in my sight. "Majiuyi" finally returned to calm, but I stood in the deep night, feeling like I couldn't breathe... I kept my mouth open, staring blankly at the bustling Haidong New City on the opposite bank, even ignoring the sound of the tide in Erhai Lake.
How can I save Tetsuo?
At that moment, I saw a small version of myself. Although I said some confident things to reassure Taozi, I didn't actually have the ability to influence the situation. To be realistic, I was just an outsider who had recently made a little money and hadn't really built my own network in Dali.
Therefore, if Sun Jiwei can't handle this either, then the possibility of Tie Nan failing is almost 100%.
At this moment, like Peach, I also feel flustered because I am uncertain.
...
Back at Tie Nan's inn, I said to the distraught Tao Zi, "I just saw Tie Nan in the law enforcement vehicle."
Peach looked at me, as if suddenly waking up, and said, "Is there a way?"
"Peach, listen to me. We absolutely cannot act rashly in this crisis... We need to carefully analyze the ins and outs of this incident. Quite a few inns have been inspected, and many people have tried to pull strings to plead for leniency... but I estimate the effect won't be significant. Think about it, you've told me before that these inn owners have some connections locally, but no one has heard anything about a surprise inspection. What does that mean?... It means that the higher-ups are very determined about this crackdown, so they've strictly controlled the leak of information... I estimate that these inn owners who have been inspected will be severely punished as negative examples... Trying to plead for leniency at this time is like walking into the line of fire."
Taozi finally grasped the key point and asked, "Then why could Sun Jiwei hear the wind?"
"Maybe it's because he's part of the system... It's a pity you didn't believe him!"
Peach lowered her head, and after a long while asked me, "Is it still useful to ask him for help now?"
"Let's see what he says first." After a slight pause, I continued, "This person is quite complicated. When he's willing to help, he really is... but if it affects his career, he'll have a lot of thoughts... In this matter, I estimate that the big shots above are serious. Going to plead for him at this time would undoubtedly be asking for trouble... Do you understand what I mean?"
"What should we do if Sun Jiwei refuses to help?"
"Don't think too much about it now. All we can do now is calmly wait for the outcome from above... If it's just a fine, then we won't have to go through all this trouble. We can figure out a solution ourselves."
Taozi was clearly unable to remain calm. She said, "If Sun Jiwei can't do it, I'll go to Bai Lu... Isn't her uncle the director of the tourism bureau? If he's willing to step in, he can definitely make an exception."
"Peach, this is a last resort. Bai Lu and her family have gotten into such a mess that it's best not to bother her and Coach Ma unless it's absolutely necessary."
"Then what should I do... Is it really that hard to live a peaceful life in Dali?"
After Taozi finished speaking, she burst into tears.
I felt guilty amidst her cries. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have come to Dali, wouldn't have met Tie Nan, and wouldn't be in this predicament today... In an instant, I rejected that thought. She couldn't stay in nightclubs forever, and whether in nightclubs or in the real world, things can't always go smoothly. So what happened today was both accidental and inevitable.
As her only friend she can rely on, what I should do is not blame myself, but make a promise that will put her at ease.
I finally spoke to her and said, "Get some sleep first. I'll call Sun Jiwei as soon as it's light... Don't worry, no matter how difficult this is, I'll find a way to make sure Tie Nan doesn't suffer."
"My mind is in such a mess, I can't sleep!"
"Then I'll stay up with you..."
Peach looked lost in thought, and after a long while she whispered to me, "You have a lot of things to do too, you should go back to sleep... I'm afraid we can't rely on anyone else for this, so don't stay with me and ruin your health."
"Okay, I won't go back either. I'll sleep on the sofa in your living room for a while."
...
I took a blanket from the guest room and lay down on the sofa in the inn's common area, still dressed. Although it was still pitch black outside, there were only a few hours left until dawn. I really wanted to sleep for a while, but with so many worrying things happening at once, I couldn't fall asleep at all. Besides, I could faintly hear Peach sobbing.
I turned over and changed my sleeping position, but I still couldn't fall asleep. I picked up the cigarette pack, took out a cigarette, lit it, and then wondered if there was anyone more reliable than Sun Jiwei; or if there was a way to legally mitigate Tie Nan's mistakes.
I don't know how long I endured this torment, but then I faintly heard the sound of firecrackers outside the window. I picked up my phone; it was already 5:30 in the morning...
If you're spending the Lunar New Year in your hometown, it's about time to get up around this time, and then you start visiting relatives and friends. After a round of visits, your pockets will be stuffed full of cigarettes and melon seeds.
At this point, I could no longer feel the festive atmosphere of the New Year, and I even felt particularly anxious.
...
I got off the sofa, rinsed my face with cold water, filled a cup with water, and went to the shore of Erhai Lake... The cramped room really made me feel claustrophobic, so I wanted to feel the sea breeze...
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