Before I knew it, it was already one o'clock in the morning. Since some guests hadn't returned yet, I had to wait a while longer... In the past two days, the police station issued a public security assistance notice to us innkeepers, asking us to help confirm the whereabouts of each guest in order to prevent any guests who didn't return home at night from having an accident outside.
I support this people-centered approach because the surge in tourists has increased the likelihood of accidents. However, local police resources are limited and cannot monitor every corner. Therefore, it is even more necessary for us guesthouse owners to track the safety of our guests from the source.
I texted the guests, and they replied that they were at the bar and wouldn't be back until around 2 a.m. I didn't rush them and, as always, chose to wait patiently...
Before this, I was a bit lost, thinking that making money was easy; but after really delving deeper, I gradually realized that what I was earning was hard-earned money, because every penny was accumulated with my hard work.
What about Tie Nan? He also works very hard, because he does the same job as me; it's just a pity that his earnings couldn't satisfy his desire for material things, so he chose to take a dishonorable and evil path. I can sympathize with him, but I will never condone him... And this is my bottom line when examining human nature.
Thinking about it, desire is truly a terrifying thing. Once you're controlled by it, you stop living like a human being... I still remember the first time I met Tie Nan; he was so outstanding and unrestrained, but in just six months, he changed...
I really want to know what kind of mental journey he went through before this change, but I never had the chance to get to know him better... All I know, or rather, all I see is him who will never be able to fly again.
...
After stopping these thoughts, I said to Yang Sisi, who had been by my side, "Go to sleep. If you need hot water, you can boil some in a kettle... I have a thermos here, you can take it."
Aren't you going to sleep?
"I have to wait for the last group of guests to return."
Yang Sisi complained, "How can these people be so inconsiderate? Don't they know you're waiting for them?... To be honest, you're pretty clueless too. You're not their guardian, so why are you watching over them like a parent?!"
"These working people only get to go out and have fun once or twice a year. It's understandable that they want to enjoy themselves to the fullest, so don't complain."
"Can't you be a little more sensible? Go to sleep."
I looked at Yang Sisi, rubbing my temples as I replied, "This isn't being naive, it's a responsibility... Do you remember our slogan when we opened that inn (Waiting for You Amidst Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon)?"
Yang Sisi blurted out: "Every guest is our family."
I smiled and said, "Then why not wait for them?" After a short pause, I added, "Although this is just a temporary inn, I still want to carry on this spirit... because I'm waiting for my benefactors, my family."
Yang Sisi looked at me, and asked with some skepticism, "Are you really someone who holds so many beliefs in your heart?"
"What I can persevere in, I choose to persevere in; what I cannot persevere in, I choose to give up... just like Shanghai, or a certain person..."
"Then what can you hold on to?"
"Stay in Dali."
Yang Sisi looked at me with a knowing look, then moved a chair over and sat down next to me before saying, "You'll be back at two o'clock, right? I'll wait with you."
"Go to sleep, you've had a long day."
Yang Sisi replied with an air of obsession, "I like waiting, and the feeling of actually being able to wait... unless those guests are lying to you and they don't come back all night."
After saying that, Yang Sisi sat down in the chair and picked up her phone, seemingly playing a mobile game.
However, I can't get used to her silent companionship... because I feel guilty... If there has to be a measure between us, the little bit of kindness I showed her is nothing compared to her current companionship.
This is truly sharing the hardships; moreover, she traveled all the way from abroad back to Shanghai, and then from Shanghai to Dali, encountering a terrifying super turbulent airflow along the way...
As I thought about these things, my feelings gradually became complicated, and then I secretly glanced at her again... Actually, she and I have a lot in common... The most stubborn and the worst thing about us is our mouths; if you don't care about the things she says that can choke you to death, she really is the most well-behaved girl in the world.
Unfortunately, I truly understood her when she faced difficulties, not during those carefree times.
...
Exhausted, Yang Sisi only lasted twenty minutes before falling asleep in her chair, her phone lying between her legs, flickering slightly… It was the first time I noticed her with her eyes closed. I realized how long her eyelashes were and how fair her skin was, like a porcelain doll that would shatter if touched carelessly.
The next moment, I gently picked her up and placed her on my bed. She was fast asleep and didn't notice anything. Even when I took off her shoes, she remained in the same position and didn't move.
Before I turned off the lights, I found the key to another room and left alone. On the way, I finally ran into the group of customers returning from the bar. I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, thinking I could finally get a good night's sleep.
However, as I lay in bed, a new problem arose: if the police asked me to assist with an investigation tomorrow, should I tell them the details of Tie Nan's house purchase?
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