After a moment of confusion, I came to my senses and found Chen Jin looking at me with a strange gaze. He said to me, "Dude, are you getting a little out of character? I've only told you half of my story."
I glanced at Ye Zhi on the TV screen again, then smiled and said to him, "I've been thinking about something. Go on."
Chen Jin glanced at the television following my gaze, but didn't notice anything amiss. He then turned to me and said, "A while ago, I put a lot of effort into creating a public relations plan for this quarter. The higher-ups approved of the plan and allocated funds to our department... But Ding Lin took that approval as a threat; later, she sold the plan to a competitor... and then played the 'thief crying 'stop thief!' trick, running to the leadership to complain that I leaked company secrets... Tell me, am I fucking innocent?"
I nodded and then asked, "Who is the leader handling this matter?"
"Your former boss, Huang Heping."
I replied with some surprise, "He's a bit shrewd in his dealings with people, but he's principled when it comes to work. He can't possibly turn you into a tragic figure like Dou E, can he?"
"It wasn't him who took care of me, I took the blame myself..." Chen Jin lit a cigarette and forced a smile. "She's heartless, but I can't be ungrateful... If she's really found out, I can stay at the company, but she'll definitely be fired. You tell me, she's a girl from Northeast China, all alone in this place. If she really ruins her reputation in this industry, how will she ever be able to stay in Shanghai?" He paused for a moment, then asked in a low voice, "Michael, I want to hear the truth from you, how did this go, buddy?"
“He’s a real man… However, I think Ding Lin only dared to do such a thing because she knows you.”
"Who says otherwise..."
I couldn't understand what it felt like to be betrayed by the woman you love, so I couldn't offer the most effective comfort. In the end, I could only change the subject and say to him, "You really have to thank Lao Huang for this. If he had taken legal action against you, you would have been in deep trouble."
Chen Jin shook his head and replied, "It's Ding Lin who should thank Lao Huang. If we really have to go through legal procedures, I won't take the blame... Men should be loyal, but they can't be foolish. What will happen to my parents if I go to jail because of this?... To be honest, my parents are my bottom line. As long as they are not offended, she can go as far as she wants!"
Looking at Chen Jin, I felt a mix of emotions, because I also have parents… But I didn't know if what I was hiding would disappoint them terribly. Ye Zhi's coldness at this moment was like a bucket of cold water poured over my head. I even suspected that her feelings for me only stemmed from her environment and impulse in Dali, and that once she calmed down, she was still that woman shrouded in pride and glory.
I raised my glass to Chen Jin, gesturing for him to drink, but he smashed the glass in his hand in front of everyone...
Of course, this wasn't directed at me. What he was angry about was Ding Lin's infidelity and ruthless methods in the relationship. That's how people are; some things are better kept inside, but once they're spoken out, they need an outlet to vent them all out.
I patted Chen Jin on the shoulder, signaling him to take it easy, but he covered his face with his hands and burst into tears... I could finally feel the helplessness and reluctance behind his cries... And the pain in a relationship is nothing more than this!
...
After what seemed like an eternity, Chen Jin finally recovered. He wiped the tears from his face and said to me, "I just suddenly felt like I couldn't swallow... I'm sorry you had to see this!"
“Between brothers, there’s no need for such formalities.” After a short pause, I continued, “If you’re free lately, come with me to Dali for a few days… If you stay in Shanghai and keep thinking about this, you’ll never get over this.”
When are you going back to Dali?
"Just these two or three days."
"I haven't even asked you yet... what did you come back to Shanghai for this time?"
"Would you believe me if I said I was just playing around?"
"I don't believe it. Shanghai is not a place you can just play around in."
I looked up again at the television set hanging on the sycamore tree. Ye Zhi was still being interviewed by the host... I sighed softly, feeling an indescribable bitterness in my heart, and even more embarrassed to speak.
I changed the subject again, saying, "Let's not talk about these unhappy things... We finally get to see each other, so we have to drink to our hearts' content."
"Drink up, whoever drinks less is a coward."
Chen Jin and I drank from dusk until night, but because I was thinking about Ye Zhi, I refused to drink anymore at 9:30. Chen Jin didn't force me too much; he left me a key and said that I could stay at his place after I finished my business.
His house wasn't big, but it had two beds, so it was manageable if we squeezed in.
I didn't refuse because I knew this guy was in a bad mood, and having someone to talk to would be a comfort.
...
After walking out of the alley where I ate barbecue, I walked a few more stops and arrived at the Bund where I had arranged to meet Ye Zhi around 10 o'clock.
I was prepared for a long wait, so when I passed a newsstand, I bought a pack of cigarettes and specifically chose a bench near the trash can to sit down, just so I could easily throw away my cigarette butts.
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