Chapter 109 Detailed Discussion
Zhang Wenxing, his friend, tossed his hair and glanced at him sideways through the rearview mirror: "Are you really going to follow him? That's Wu Zhou, your older brother. Aren't you afraid he'll mess with you?"
Wu Ming hummed in agreement.
Zhang Wenxing clicked his tongue and muttered "You're out of your mind," but he still stepped on the gas and started the car, taking Wu Ming with him as they followed Wu Zhou's car.
Wu Ming clasped his hands together and pleaded, "Wenxing, please help me."
Wu Ming breathed a sigh of relief. There weren't many people willing to help him these days, but fortunately, Zhang Wenxing and a few others were still willing to lend a hand.
Wu Ming glanced at the interior; it was very ordinary.
Zhang Wenxing borrowed an ordinary black car from somewhere.
Before getting into the car, Wu Ming took a special look at the license plate. There were no flashy numbers like 888 or 666. This car would blend into the crowd on the street, making it perfect for tracking others.
Most of Wu Ming's friends were arrogant and flamboyant, but fortunately, there was one who was willing to help him.
Although Zhang Wenxing is very impatient now.
Zhang Wenxing, sitting in the front row, repeated the sentence, smoothed his hair, and looked arrogant, but at this moment he was speechless: "Tsk, Jiang Xia, if he ignores you, he ignores you. If he had taken a lot of money from you before, I would definitely have taught him a lesson. But now you say he doesn't want your money, he just doesn't want to associate with you. Why don't you care about your pride?"
Zhang Wenxing was not familiar with Jiangxia. To be honest, he had only seen Wu Ming once in a hurry at his graduation ceremony, but that was at night and the two were far apart.
He didn't get a clear look at Jiang Xia at the time, only remembering that he was a very tall and thin boy.
Graduation season happened to be in the summer, and the weather was hot. Jiang Xia seemed to be wearing a loose-fitting off-white shirt at the time, with a wide collar that revealed her fair and slender neck.
He appeared to be the host of the graduation ceremony, with a matching belt around his waist, adding a touch of sophistication. He was leaning against the curtain on the right side of the stage, looking down at the script in his hands.
Although it was only one meeting, Zhang Wenxing did have a deep impression of him, even though he couldn't see him clearly.
Friends all say Jiangxia is good-looking, but he never plays games. Wu Ming said the same thing, so they didn't feel comfortable asking him to join them.
Although Jiang Xia has recently gained some attention for working as a translator at a ski competition, he hasn't become so famous that Zhang Wenxing has to know about him.
Zhang Wenxing hasn't been playing much in recent years, mainly because his family members have been sending him to work in other places from time to time.
When Wu Ming came to him for help this year, he decided to come and lend a hand since his friend needed it.
He was genuinely cursing Wu Ming: "You're really out of your mind. You have Xie Yinzhang, a perfectly good guy, but you're fixated on another man. What else could it be but a broken brain?"
Zhang Wenxing muttered, "What's so great about that Jiang Xia? He's a man, and you've been bewitched by him? I think you're so confused you can barely walk."
He considered things from Wu Ming's perspective as a friend.
But Wu Ming continued to speak to Jiang Xia: "You don't understand."
Finally, Zhang Wenxing muttered a couple of words and continued onward with Wu Ming.
Wu Zhou's driver drove cautiously, so it wasn't difficult for him to keep up.
Two cars, one in front and one behind, weaved through the traffic, with the front car guiding the rear car toward the commercial area.
Instead of going to find a partner as Wu Ming had guessed, Wu Zhou went to the company first.
Wu Ming was so angry that he punched the back of the chair.
Zhang Wenxing leaned back in his chair, his tone languid: "Don't hit it randomly. This is a car I borrowed with great difficulty. The other party only has this beat-up car worth a few hundred thousand."
He asked curiously, "Do you have any recent photos of Jiangxia?"
As he spoke, he took out his phone and searched for Jiang Xia. He found more than a dozen videos that contained Jiang Xia's face.
But those images flashed by so quickly, and the beauty data on Douyin was too powerful; all he felt was that the young man in the images was a bit too thin.
"What kind of terrible beauty filter is this? It smooths the skin so much that people are almost blurred."
He held out his hand: "Come on, let me see the photos of Jiangxia."
Wu Ming pushed his hand away: "Wait, stop messing with me."
Zhang Wenxing was speechless.
Wu Ming hid downstairs at the company building, not daring to go upstairs, and he basically couldn't get into the Jiusi Technology building.
Because Jiusi Technology is nominally owned by the Wu family, but the actual controlling shareholders are Wu Zhou and his investment partners, and no other members of the Wu family hold shares.
The Wu family also has other businesses, which can make money, but not much.
Wu Ming's 200 million yuan trust this year is still the old man's private property, so when he said he would give Jiang Xia a house worth tens of millions of yuan, it was possible to buy, but it wouldn't be cheap.
He wanted to wait until Jiangxia agreed before choosing a house and then buying it.
To avoid him buying a house only to have Jiang Xia refuse it, thus wasting his money.
Zhang Wenxing scoffed, lit a cigarette, finished it, leaned back in his chair, and said, "I'm going to take a nap. If you could drive, you wouldn't need to ask for help now."
Wu Ming instinctively replied, "Isn't that because Jiang Xia can drive?"
After finishing his sentence, he stopped abruptly, realizing he was in the wrong and shut his mouth.
I had to beg and plead with everyone I knew to find someone to help me throughout the whole process and cover for me.
In the past, if I called Jiang Xia late at night, he would come over from afar to help me.
But now, Jiang Xia has blocked all his contact methods. He could accept the two punches he received yesterday, but he couldn't accept being hit and not being able to say a few words to Jiang Xia.
Zhang Wenxing closed his eyes and said nothing more. He didn't try to persuade the other person to learn to drive, since he wasn't young anymore and would be thirty in two or three years.
Seeing Wu Ming's expression, Zhang Wenxing asked, "Judging from your appearance, do you want to settle down?"
This guy had his fill of fun and finally wanted to settle down, only to find that the best person in his life didn't want him anymore. It's not so easy for him to let go of that.
They've even resorted to begging their sister-in-law for help.
The two waited there in vain until noon, when Zhang Wenxing was suddenly woken up by a tap.
He was startled and woke up abruptly. He wiped his face and hurriedly asked, "What's wrong? Are we leaving for dinner?"
Wu Ming said, "Why did you sleep for so long?"
Zhang Wenxing exclaimed, "I'm getting old."
Wu Ming whispered, "Let's go. I know, I know where my older brother is going this afternoon. Let's go ahead."
Zhang Wenxing didn't ask any more questions and focused on driving.
Wu Ming gave the address: "Jingyuan Lane, Building 3".
Zhang Wenxing scoffed, "Can we even get in?"
Wu Ming said, "Don't worry, I'll take you in."
Although I don't have the password to my older brother's property, getting into the community shouldn't be a problem.
The two drove towards the residential area.
This morning, Jiang Xia was originally at the Zhan family's house playing with Wenwen.
It's not quite right to say he was keeping Wenwen company; to be precise, it was Wenwen who was playing with him. The little girl climbed up and down the stairs and shared a whole room full of toys with him.
But even the best gift is still an inanimate object. When Wenwen heard that Jiang Xia had three puppies, she went completely crazy.
She first expressed her thoughts to her uncle: "Uncle, I want to see the puppy!"
Zhan Lintian didn't agree immediately, so Wenwen rushed to Jiang Xia and said, "Auntie, I want to see the puppy."
Jiang Xia hadn't decided whether to refuse when Zhan Lintian, who was standing next to her, was amused by his niece's address of "auntie" and immediately nodded: "Let's go, we'll go this afternoon. Uncle will go together after I finish my online meeting."
But Wenwen disagreed.
My uncle has something to do, but Uncle Jiang is fine.
In the end, Jiang Xia took Wenwen with him.
The three puppies were brought back from out of town by Jiang Xia, and they were very attached to him. As soon as he entered the pet room, the three puppies, who were playing around, immediately rushed to Jiang Xia's feet.
Wenwen squatted down, and the three puppies quickly got used to her scent and started playing with her.
Children's energy comes on quickly but goes out quickly; they get sleepy before noon.
Fortunately, her aunt and uncle came with her. Her aunt was going downstairs to buy some tender meat to cook for the children.
However, Auntie asked Jiang Xia not to let Wenwen fall asleep first, because once she falls asleep, she won't be able to be woken up.
The aunt has taken care of Wenwen for several years and knows her very well.
It's fine if you really want to sleep with them, but don't let them fall asleep in bed.
Jiang Xia thought that the room was probably too warm, which made Wenwen very sleepy, so Jiang Xia took her downstairs for a walk.
There was no snow in the community; it had all been cleared away by the property management staff.
There is an outdoor landscaped pavilion in the style of ancient times downstairs in the community. The water in the path has dried up, revealing gray and white river stones.
Transparent windproof curtains were raised around the pavilion to protect it from the wind. As soon as Jiangxia walked in, he found that air conditioning had been installed. It was probably a place for the residents to enjoy the snow scenery.
However, it's still not as warm as home, so no one comes over.
Fortunately, Wenwen is older now, and she is dressed warmly and not afraid of the cold.
She has one thing in common: she doesn't like standing on the ground because it's too short and she can't see anything.
Jiang Xia wanted to pick her up, but Wenwen looked up and said, "Uncle said that if I let Uncle Jiang pick me up again, he will hit me."
Jiang Xia asked, "Did your uncle hit you?"
"No, but he'll yell at me, and if I don't obey, he'll hit me, so I'll obey before he hits me."
Jiang Xia chuckled softly.
The child couldn't speak clearly, but the meaning was very clear: he hadn't hit her.
Jiang Xia took the puppies out and put them on the ground.
"Wow." Wenwen circled around Uncle Jiang and the puppy.
It's lunchtime now, and there aren't many people coming and going in the neighborhood, except for a few residents who occasionally bring their children home for lunch.
At first, Jiangxia glanced at it several times, but later he got used to it.
Wu Zhou once said that all the houses in this community have been sold and renovated, but it won't be very lively during the Spring Festival period every year.
Most residents probably own a second home.
Just like Wu Zhou, he would never have celebrated a festival here before.
The somewhat deserted place led Wu Ming and Zhang Wenxing to come up from the underground parking garage, originally intending to go directly from the basement to the floor where their elder brother's house was located.
It couldn't be processed.
The two of them could only walk down to the first floor to see if there was any way to get there.
Zhang Wenxing didn't want to climb the stairs with him anymore; he couldn't stand it.
After the two left the basement, Wu Ming vaguely heard Jiang Xia's voice.
Zhang Xingwen was about to retort, "You're hallucinating. Holy crap, it sounds like someone is really talking."
The two walked towards the direction of the sound.
Low, broad-leaved shrubs formed an archway, blocking their view. Zhang Xingwen could see the scene inside the pavilion as soon as he looked up.
He was stunned.
Despite it being the second time we met, and despite all the lingering memories, I could still clearly recognize Jiang Xia at first glance.
Today, Jiang Xia wore a beige short down jacket and helped carry Wenwen's beige water bottle. The bright red straps crossed her waist and back, highlighting her waistline hidden under the jacket.
But in his memory, Jiangxia seemed much thinner a few years ago.
Jiang Xia sat in a chair, holding a cat toy in his hand, and gently twirling the pen.
The puppy at her feet spun around, and Wenwen followed its lead, barking and imitating its steps.
Jiang Xia sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation. What if this led Wenwen astray? Wouldn't Zhan Lintian be angry? When he scolded Wenwen, he might also scold him in the process.
but……
Jiang Xia smiled and said, "As long as the child is happy, there's no need to be so bitter and resentful."
Because of the hardships she experienced as a child, Jiang Xia hopes that Wenwen can live a happier and more carefree life.
So much so that when it was time to go upstairs, Wenwen acted spoiled and didn't want to walk, asking Jiang Xia to carry her. Jiang Xia hesitated for a moment but still agreed.
His back is fine, mainly because Wenwen is just a five-year-old girl and doesn't weigh much.
However, since he couldn't carry the puppy along with her, Jiang Xia could only tie the puppy's leash to the shoulder strap of Wenwen's clothes.
Jiang Xia's attention was entirely on them, and he didn't notice Wu Ming and Zhang Wenxing on this side.
Seeing this heartwarming scene, Zhang Wenxing turned to look at Wu Ming in disbelief and whispered, "He's married?"
He couldn't believe Jiang Xia was married, and Wu Ming still hadn't given up.
Zhang Wenxing stepped aside, looking at Wu Ming in disbelief. No wonder his older brother didn't want to help.
Zhang Wenxing then looked at Jiang Xia, whose daughter in his arms was muttering, her little face round and chubby, and she was wearing a light-colored coat just like Jiang Xia.
However, she was wearing an animal hat and nuzzled Jiang Xia's cheek, causing Jiang Xia to close his right eye.
Three dogs followed at his feet, moving close to the river gorge's feet.
Jiang Xia chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling, causing the fur collar on his coat to tremble slightly.
Zhang Wenxing was stunned for a long time before he finally managed to look away from Jiang Xia's face.
Zhang Xingwen really wanted to smoke another cigarette. He thought to himself, no wonder the others didn't help Wu Ming. Was he... here to steal Wu Ming's boyfriend for the mistress?
Moreover... Wu Ming has a fiancée.
If this gets out, I might as well not live anymore.
Zhang Wenxing desperately wanted to drag Wu Ming away, pleading with him: "Brother, other people's children are already several years old, and you're still stuck here feeling resentful? Are you only just becoming wise? I don't want to ruin my reputation with you!"
He was genuinely terrified, and regardless of whether the logic was correct or not, he felt like he had been tricked.
He just got back not long ago. He doesn't usually read domestic gossip or care about Montreal news.
Fortunately, Zhang Wenxing also came to his senses. The little girl looked to be five or six years old. Including the pregnancy, it must have happened at least seven years ago, but Jiang Xia was still in college at that time.
I've never heard of him having children... Hey, I'm just scaring myself. They're probably just his relatives' kids.
Zhang Wenxing figured it out and wasn't as scared as before. He just felt that if Jiang Xia had children, she would probably take them for walks every day, work a normal job, and live a peaceful and happy life.
When he was studying, Jiang Xia never went out to play.
He only exists in Wu Ming's words.
Since most of his acquaintances were studying abroad at the time, many people heard about him from Wu Ming but had never actually met him.
All I remember about Jiangxia is that she was outstanding, ambitious, and introverted...
At this moment, Wu Ming looked at Jiang Xia and then stepped forward.
Jiang Xia stopped and slowly turned around to look at him.
Jiang Xia just stared at him without saying a word.
Wu Ming's gaze shifted and he saw Wenwen in Jiang Xia's arms. She was Zhan Lintian's niece. Although she was of mixed race, it wasn't very obvious. She vaguely resembled Zhan Lintian, after all, she was his sister's child.
Wu Ming paused for a moment, his voice hoarse: "Jiang Xia, why are you here? Zhan Lintian also has a house here?"
Whether it's Zhan Lintian's old house or his residence here, it all shows that Jiang Xia and Zhan Lintian had a very close relationship.
Jiangxia offered no explanation.
“Wu Ming, let’s talk.” Finally, Jiang Xia spoke first.
But Wu Ming didn't feel relieved; it felt more like an impending verdict.
After Jiang Xia asked the aunties to take Wenwen and the three puppies upstairs, she asked Wu Ming to go to a nearby Western restaurant.
Before the New Year holiday, all the restaurants were booked out, and Jiang Xia was unable to reserve a private room. He also did not want to use the memberships or connections of General Manager Zhan or General Manager Wu.
Wu Ming didn't have much power either. He and Jiang Xia sat at a table by the window not far from the door.
Wu Ming looked closely at Jiang Xia, his face filled with shock. He had thought that Jiang Xia would suffer from an emotional backlash after being away from him for the past few months...
When Jiang Xia is in a bad mood, she doesn't want to eat, or she will vomit after eating. When she was under a lot of work pressure, she lost nearly ten pounds in a month while eating normally.
However, the young man in front of her had no fierceness in his eyes, nor was he thin; when he pursed his lips, a little soft flesh bulged out on both sides of his cheeks.
The light from above shone on his face; even though it was a warm-toned overhead light, it still made Jiang Xia's complexion appear fair and rosy.
When Jiang Xia pursed her lips, she looked delicate and a little cute, just like she did in high school, with less weariness in her eyes.
Jiang Xia looked up at the uneasy Wu Ming and asked calmly, "Were my two punches heavy?"
Wu Ming quickly waved his hand and chuckled, "It's not heavy, not at all, don't worry about me..."
"Then I should hit harder, to wake you up." Jiang Xia interrupted him, frowning slightly. He had clearly punched Wu Ming so hard that he bled.
Wu Ming's expression was stiff, and Jiang Xia admired his expression, as if he were venting his anger over the years.
Jiang Xia said softly, "Wu Ming, I used to like you."
Before Wu Ming could even feel the joy, Jiang Xia continued speaking.
"Wu Ming, I hate you now, but most of the time I don't think about you. I won't worry about whether you're drunk again, and I won't leave the door open for you. Saying I hate you is actually just that I loathe you so much that I don't want to think about you."
Each word struck Wu Ming's heart.
"Wu Ming, you disgust me."
Wu Ming still didn't know how to answer.
Finally, Wu Ming only said, "Can you tell me why?"
Jiang Xia leaned back, turning his head to stare at the scene through the window: "Because you already knew I liked you, didn't you?"
"You knew I liked you even before you started dating Xie Xingzhang, didn't you?"
"Isn't that so?"
Jiang Xia looked at him again: "Perhaps it was last year, maybe the year before, or even earlier, I was in a daze for a while."
"I feel as if this is how fate is."
"Why should I demand so much of myself during that period? Heaven won't see it, and fate won't change just because I have better qualities."
"If it falls to the side when I throw away the trash, I guess I'll just leave it as is."
"If someone makes me unhappy or I say something wrong, I think I'll just let it go, no need to apologize, it doesn't matter if I die."
"My qualities are drawing upon my increasingly barren spiritual sea."
"Others choose to go against the flow and reach their destination faster; they admire my failure as a conformist."
"I have not received any preferential treatment from society because of my qualities and character; instead, I have fallen into endless internal strife."
"It's like I like you, and I wait for you alone, but it's me who's trapped, not you."
Wu Ming continued, "Jiang Xia, I understand now. Give me a chance..."
He tried to grab Jiang Xia's hand, but it was pushed away.
"Too late! You've had your fun! You're tired of playing around! And now you want to come find me? What right do you have?!"
"Now, whenever I see you, I'm reminded of the pain I once felt. Nobody likes to reopen old wounds."
Jiang Xia stood up. In the restaurant, music played: "Wu Ming, seeing you makes me sick."
Jiang Xia said his last words to Wu Ming.
"From the second semester of junior high to the second semester of college, you started living a life of debauchery around the second semester of your second year. You were with me for seven years. From junior year to this year, it's been exactly seven years. I've been with you for seven years."
"Wu Ming, we're even now. Let's not see each other again."
Wu Ming tried to grab Jiang Xia's clothes, but Jiang Xia stopped and then pulled away forcefully.
The footsteps faded quickly into the distance; he left without a trace of mercy.
A note from the author:
Zhang Wenxing: [Fearful] You didn't say the person you're pursuing already has a child. [Angry]
*
Wu Ming: Jiang Xia, your heart is so hard.
Wu Zhou & Zhan Lintian: Really? [Question mark]
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