Chapter 2 Part 1 (2) 5

At that time, she knew him only a little bit, but now, after nearly two years of marriage, this understanding has not improved much.At first she was touched by his concern, surprised and pleasantly surprised by his enthusiasm.He is very considerate and does not forget to make her comfortable at all times.As long as she opened her mouth, even if it was a trivial matter, he would not delay for a moment.He often brings her small presents.If she happened to be ill, no one could be more considerate than him.If there was something annoying she was too lazy to do, she was doing him a great favor.He was always courteous to her.As soon as she came in, he would get up and stand.She wants to get out of the car, and he will reach out to help her.If he happened to meet her in the street, he would take off his hat to her.When she wants to leave the house, he will graciously open the door for her.Before entering her bedroom and dressing room, he had to knock on the door.He did not treat Katie as any man she had ever seen treated his wife, but rather as a fellow from the country.This comic situation made her happy for a while, but she was also tired of it.If he could be more casual, they would be closer.Now they are only in the name of husband and wife, and their relationship is far from the usual closeness of husband and wife.He was also fiery, hysterical, and sentimental.

She was surprised how emotional he was.His normal self-control either stemmed from shyness or a long-standing habit, she wasn't sure which.When she was lying in his arms and he became contented, the person who would never dare to say nonsense or do nonsense at ordinary times was full of childish words.This made her somewhat despise him.Once she sneered that he was talking the scariest nonsense in the world.She felt his arm loosen, he didn't speak for a long time, and then let her go back to his bedroom alone.She did not want to hurt his feelings, and after a day or two she said to him:

You silly guy, I don't feel bad at all about what you said. He just smiled shyly.After a while she found it difficult for him to integrate into other people's circles.He was too embarrassed.If at a party, everyone starts singing, there will be no Walter in it.He sat aside with a smile on his face, and seemed to get pleasure from it, but in fact his smile was fake.His smile is more like mocking, making people feel that these self-entertaining people in his heart are a bunch of fools.Katie was delighted to take turns singing, but he refused to join in.On the way to China they went to a masquerade ball, and there was no way he could be dressed in fancy clothes like everyone else.Apparently he thought it was all boring, which put her off.

Katie was naturally lively, and she was willing to talk and laugh all day long.His silence often dampened her enthusiasm.She resented that he never responded to the small talk she said.Those topics really don't require a specific answer, but it's nice to have a response.If it's raining outside, she will say: It's raining so hard.She waited for him and said: Well, yeah.However, he is like a boring gourd.Sometimes she really wanted to go up and shake his head. I said it was raining heavily!she repeated. I heard.he replied, with a friendly smile on his face. This shows that he didn't mean to annoy her.He doesn't speak because he has nothing to say.But then Katie thought, smiling, that if everyone only spoke when they had something to say, it wouldn't be long before humans stopped talking.

six Although Katie has met Charles at tea parties many times.Tang Sheng's wife, but first met him in person a few weeks after she came to Hong Kong. She likes Charles very much.Tang Sheng.This is what she did not expect.He's pretty much the most popular guy in the colony.It is said that the Chief Secretary of Hong Kong will soon step down, and everyone hopes that Tang Sheng will take over this position.He played tennis, polo and golf, and had a racehorse of his own.His horses can outrun anyone with ease and almost never let the champion go.He never put on airs.Katie didn't know why she didn't take it seriously when people praised him before. She thought he must be a pompous person.It seemed she was dead wrong.If there was anything he could have displeased her with, it was this mistake she had made.

He was tall, she thought he was at least six foot two.His figure is quite fit, almost every part of his body is perfect, and there is not a single bit of excess fat on him.He had the most elegant haircut of any man in the room.He was also very well dressed.She likes such a handsome and neat man.Her eyes turned to Walter, his image really should be improved.She also noticed the links on Townsend's cuffs and the buttons on his vest, similar ones she had seen in Cartier jewelry stores before.The Tang Sheng family is obviously well-to-do.His face was tanned by the sun, but he looked even healthier.She liked his curly mustache, which was neatly trimmed and did not cover his red lips at all.He has short black hair, well combed.But to say that the most charming place should be the eyes under the thick eyebrows.They were very blue, and there was a kindness in their eyes, which showed how good-natured he was.Look at these blue eyes, how could its owner hurt others a little?

She was sure he was charmed by her.If he said nothing, those eyes that shone with admiration betrayed him too.He seemed overly excited, but he didn't realize it.This scene was all too familiar to Katie.They joked with each other all the time, but now and then he would add a few flattering words, which pleased her very much.When it came time to shake hands, the strength of his hands was even more unmistakable. Hope to see you soon.He said it very casually, but his eyes showed his secrets, and there was no deep meaning behind the words. Hong Kong is not a big place, is it?she said. seven

Who would have thought that they would develop to this point in just three months?He told her he was going crazy the night he first met her.She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life.He had vivid memories of how she had dressed that night, in her bridal attire, which seemed to him like a lily of the valley.Even if he didn't tell her, she already knew that he was in love with her.But at the time she purposely kept a short distance from him, and now she was a little surprised by it.He was so passionate that it was almost too much for her to refuse.She dared not ask him to kiss her, for fear that her heart would beat fast if she was held in his arms.She had never really been in love before, and it turns out that love is so wonderful.Now that she had tasted love, she suddenly felt a little sympathy for Walter, though his love had once tormented her.She teased Tang Sheng half-jokingly at first, but she was very helpful when she didn't want him.At first she was a little apprehensive, but now she's completely confident.She teased him playfully, and he laughed as soon as he got her point, which amused her enough.He was surprised and delighted by her, and she thought that the playfulness these days must have made him much smarter.However, after enjoying the taste of passion, she adjusted her technique and began to play hard to get, and her interest in playing was much weaker than before.She tried to be as painless as a harpist's hand caresses the strings.He was confused and she laughed.

When Charlie ends up being her lover, the relationship between her and Walter seems implausible.She even couldn't help smiling at him who was so restrained.That was when she was in full bloom, and she couldn't stop smiling at anyone.But then again, she wouldn't have known Charlie if it wasn't for him.She hesitated for a long time before finally falling into Charlie's arms.It's not that she is unwilling to surrender to Charlie's passion, because she is not inferior to him in terms of passion.The family education and benevolence and morality in her bones are still at work.She was amazed to find afterwards (their union ended up being accidental, a chance that neither of them expected) that she hadn't changed at all.She felt that she would be a little different no matter what, such a big change in her heart would definitely make her feel like another person.But when she chanced to sit in front of the mirror, she was bewildered to see the same woman in the mirror as the day before.

do you hate me?he asked her. I admire you.she whispered. Don't you feel silly for wasting so much time? I am a fool. This often irrepressible joy gave her a second life.Before she got married, her youthful beauty had gradually faded, giving her a dark pearly yellow look.Someone cruelly concluded that her beauty was gone forever.But there is a world of difference between a twenty-five-year-old woman and a twenty-five-year-old girl.Before she got married, she was a rose bud, and the edges of the petals had turned yellow, and then the rose bloomed overnight.Her clear and transparent eyes seemed more tender and watery.Her skin (which she is most proud of and takes care of) is breathtaking: you can't compare it to a peach or a flower, but the other way around.She looked like an eighteen-year-old girl again, and she was more attractive than ever.Everyone was watching, and her girlfriends were jealously urging her to have a baby.Those who had sworn that she was just a lovely woman with a long nose had to admit that they were mistaken.She was best described by the word Charlie had said the first time he saw her: she was absolutely beautiful.

eight Of course, Walter shouldn't have caught any tell.If this is the case, letting nature take its course is the best course of action.If he found out, well, it would be a relief to everyone after all.In the first tryst with Charlie, if she didn't want to be so sneaky, she at least let it go.As time went by, her passion grew stronger, and the barrier that had kept them from being together could no longer be tolerated.He regretted more than once that it was his identity that bound the two of them and prevented their relationship from being aboveboard.How wonderful things would be if they were both free.She understood what he meant, no one wanted a scandal to happen to them.Besides, one should always think twice before making such an important decision.However, if Liberty came to the door by himself, things would be much simpler. No one seemed to have much to lose from the turn of events.She had seen through the relationship between him and his wife.She was a cold woman, and there had been no love at all between them all these years, long habit, convenience, and children keeping them together.Katie's side is a little more difficult than Charlie's.Walter loved her, but after all his work made him unhappy, and men had clubs to go to.He'll be a little distraught at first, but he'll get over it after a while.There was no telling whether he would not take another wife.Charlie wondered, Walter.What kind of clever method did Fein use to make her willing to give up the rest of her life to him. She wondered that she was afraid that Walter would see them just now, but now she smiled again.The scene of the doorknob turning slowly was scary, but what could Walter do?They are not afraid of him.Charlie would join her in the relief that they were about to get what they wanted most in the world. Walter was a gentleman, she admitted that in good conscience.He still loves her, and he will definitely show his grace by agreeing to divorce her.Their union was a mistake, luckily it was not too late to find out.She had thought about what she was going to say to him then and how the relationship between the two of them would be afterwards.She will be peaceful, smiling, but firm.They don't need to argue.After that she was still willing to maintain a friendly relationship with him.She sincerely hoped that the two years spent together would become his cherished memories. Things will be extremely simple, there will be no scandals, and everyone will have a happy ending.Then she married Charlie.Katie let out a long breath of relief.Happy days are coming, and the previous fears will be worth it.Pictures of future life appeared in her mind one after another. They would travel around and live in a new house. His official career was going smoothly, and she would be his capable wife.He is proud of her, he is her idol. But when these daydreams flashed one by one, there seemed to be a vague worry lurking in her heart.The feeling is rather odd, as if an orchestra were writing an idyllic pastoral with woodwinds and strings in the melody part, while the drums beat vaguely ominous rhythms in the bass part.Walter was coming back sooner or later, and her heart beat faster at the thought of meeting him.It always seemed strange to her that he left without saying a word that afternoon.Of course she wasn't afraid of him, he couldn't do anything, she kept saying to herself.However, the uneasiness in my heart is difficult to completely dispel.She repeated in her heart what she wanted to do with him.Quarreling will not help.She was sorry, God knew she didn't mean to cause him pain; she didn't love him, and there was nothing she could do about it.It's no good pretending it's okay, it's better to just tell him the truth.She hoped he wouldn't be too upset that they had made a mistake and the only sensible thing to do now was to admit it.She would recall him with fondness. She said these words to herself, but a sudden terror made her palms sweat.She was still scared, and it made her angry.If he wants to make trouble, then he has to be careful.Don't be surprised when he can't bear it anymore.She wanted to tell him that she never cared about him, and she regretted it from the day they got married, and regretted it every day.He was a curio, and she hated, hated, hated!It's ridiculous that he thinks he's so high that no one can compare to him.He has no sense of humor.She hates him for being lonely and self-admiring, and for being indifferent and self-controlled.Self-control is so easy when one is only interested in oneself.He disgusts her.His kiss disgusted her immensely.Why is he so self righteous?He danced terribly, he threw cold water at parties, he couldn't play an instrument, he couldn't sing, he couldn't play polo, he couldn't play tennis worse than anyone else.He can play bridge?Who cares about bridge. Katie screamed hysterically.Tell him to dare to blame her, everything is his fault.He knew the truth, she thanked God.She hates him and never wants to see him again.Yes, it was all over, she was very grateful.Why doesn't he stay away from her, he pestered her and eventually she married herself to him, now she's had enough. fed up.She repeated aloud, her voice trembling with anger, Enough!enough! Nine The next day, she was taking a nap after lunch when she was awakened by a knock on the door. who?she cried impatiently. No one has ever disturbed her at this time. I. She recognized her husband's voice and sat up quickly. come in. Did I disturb your sleep?He walked in and asked. As a matter of fact yes.She kept the natural tone she had been used to for the past two days. Could you please come to the next room.I have something to talk to you about. Her heart constricted violently. I put on my dressing gown first. he left.She slipped her bare feet into the slippers, picked up a dressing gown and threw them on.She sat in front of the mirror and found herself pale, so she put on lipstick casually.She stood outside the door for a while, trying her best to cheer herself up, and then walked in with dignity. What kind of pretense did you make up to come back from the lab at this time?She said, it's strange to see you at this moment. won't you sit down He didn't look at her, and his voice was very dark.She longed for him to tell her to sit down, her knees trembled a little.She didn't make any more remarks, because she found it difficult to continue the witty conversation before.He sat down with her and lit a cigarette.His eyes kept looking around, as if he had encountered great difficulties and could not open his mouth. His eyes suddenly turned on her.He hadn't looked at her for a long time, and this sudden direct look caught her off guard and almost made her cry out. Have you ever heard of Meitan House?He asked, there have been many reports in the newspapers recently. There was a plague in that place.I think this is the worst in many years.There used to be a church doctor there who died of cholera three days ago.There is also a French nunnery who helps save people, and of course a customs person.Everyone else withdrew. His eyes were fixed on her all the time, and after they met, she never had the courage to move away.She tried to read his expression, but perhaps her nerves were too tense to see anything but his rare severity.Where did he have the guts to keep looking at her like that without even blinking? The French nuns of the convent have done what they can.They have converted the monastery into a makeshift hospital.But people still died one by one like flies.I have already applied and am going to take over. you? she screamed.It occurred to her at once that if he was gone, she would be free and see Charlie without fear.But she was taken aback by the thought, and she felt a sudden flush in her face.Why is he still looking at her like that?She turned her face away in shame. is it necessary?she stammered. There is not even a single foreign doctor in that place. But you're not a doctor, you're a bacteriologist. I'm an MD, you know.I did a lot of day-to-day care in hospitals before I specialized in bacteria.I am first and foremost a bacteriologist, which is more advantageous, and this will be a rare research opportunity for me. He was almost speaking rudely to her.She glanced at him and was surprised to see what seemed to be a mocking look in his eyes, which puzzled her. But isn't it dangerous? very dangerous. He smiled, still oddly mocking.She covered her forehead with one hand.It was suicide, and there was no other explanation.She never expected him to take this trick, she had to stop him, otherwise it would be too cruel.It's not her fault that he doesn't love him, he can't commit suicide for her sake.Thinking of this, her nerves could no longer bear it, and tears trickled down her face. why are you crying? he said in a cool tone. Nobody forced you to go, did they? Yes, I am applying voluntarily. Don't go, please, Walter.It would be terrible if something happened.What if you die there? The expression on his face was still indifferent, but there was a mocking smile in his eyes.He didn't answer her. Where is that place? You mean Meitan Prefecture?A tributary of the Xijiang River just passes through it.We first went upstream along the Xijiang River, and then changed to sedan chairs. us? you and me. She looked at him in shock.She wondered if she had heard wrong.And the sneer in his eyes had already appeared on the corners of his mouth, and his black eyes were fixed on her. You want me to go with you too? I thought you would like to go with me. Her breathing quickened suddenly.She felt a spasm go through her body. But obviously that's not where women should go.The missionary doctor sent his wife and child away weeks ago.The pastor and his wife have just arrived in Hong Kong. I met his wife at a tea party.I just remembered she said they had just left a place where there was cholera. There were five nuns there. Horror overwhelmed her. I do not understand what you mean.It would be crazy if I went.You know how fragile my body is.Dr. Howard insisted that I find a place outside Hong Kong to escape the heat.The heat here is enough for me, not to mention cholera.Listening to it makes me go crazy with fright. Isn't going to that place just asking for trouble?I have no reason to go with you, I will die. He didn't make a sound.She looked at him in hysterical despair, ready to cry at any moment.His face turned dead gray, and she became even more frightened.She saw hatred in his eyes.Did he intend to kill her on purpose?She cried out furiously. It's ridiculous.If you think you should go, that's your business.You don't want to pull me up.I hate disease. It was cholera.I won't pretend to be a hero, I can tell you frankly that I don't have the guts.I should stay here until the time comes when I leave for Japan. When I decided to embark on this dangerous journey, I thought you would be willing to accompany me. He was mocking her openly.She was confused as to whether he meant it or was just trying to scare her. I don't think anyone can blame me for refusing to go to a place where I have nothing to do with it and where I can't help. You will be of great help.You can encourage me and comfort me. Her face became paler and paler. I do not understand what you are saying. I guess it doesn't take much intelligence to understand that statement. I won't go, Walter.It's rude of you to force me to go. If so, I have no intention of going again.I am withdrawing my application. ten She looked at him blankly.His words were more and more beyond her expectations, and it was almost impossible to understand the meaning of the words at first glance. what are you talking about?she said choked up. She herself felt that she was asking the question knowingly.She saw the look of contempt on Walter's stern face. I think you're taking me for a big fool. She was at a loss for words.Whether to continue angrily insisting that she was too weak and innocent to go, or to whip him in a rage, she could not make up her mind.He seemed to read her mind. I've got enough evidence. She began to cry, and the tears rolled down quickly and without lingering.She didn't mean to wipe away the tears, and crying for a while now was a chance for her to breathe, and she had to take this opportunity to stabilize her position.Yet her mind went blank.He stared at her indifferently, and she didn't expect him to be unmoved in the slightest.He's getting impatient. It's no use crying, you know that. His tone was cold and harsh, which aroused her indignation.Her confidence is back. I do not care.I don't think you should object if I propose a divorce.To a man, divorce is a trivial matter, not a big deal. May I venture to ask, why do I have to go through the trouble my divorce from you has brought me? It's no different for you.There's nothing too wrong with asking you to act like a gentleman. I am concerned about how you will be able to get support for living in the future. What do you mean by that? If Tang Sheng wants to marry you, he naturally needs to take the same steps as you.But it would be base and outrageous for him to divorce his wife. You have no idea what nonsense you are talking about.she cried. You stupid. She blushed with anger at incurring such an insulting word.Probably because she was used to his usual sweet talk and courteous flattery, which annoyed her even more.In the past, if she lost her temper, he would coax her obediently. If you want to know the truth, that's up to you.He couldn't wait to marry me.Dorothy.Tang Sheng was eager to leave him.We'll get married as soon as it's over. Did he tell you so clearly, or did you just guess it from his actions? Walter's eyes were obviously bitter and sarcastic.Katie was also a little uneasy, and she didn't seem to be quite sure whether Charlie had told her himself. He said it more than once. He is lying, and you yourself know he is lying to you. He loves me with all his heart, he loves me as deeply as I love him.Now that you know, I won't hide it anymore, and will tell you all about it.Why can't it be said?We've been dating for a year now and I'm so proud of it.He is my everything, glad you finally know that.We're tired of being sneaky and fearful.It was a pure mistake that I married you, I should never have done it, I was so stupid.I don't care about you at all.We have nothing in common.The people you like hate me, and the things you're interested in bore me to death.Thank goodness it's all over now! He was still staring at her, his body didn't even move, and his face didn't turn away at all.Although he listened intently to her words, the expression on his face remained unchanged, apparently unmoved by her words. Do you know why I want to marry you? Because you don't want to fall behind your sister Doris. He was right, so ironic that it surprised her.Now, though she had been terrified and angry, the words aroused a tinge of pity in her.He smiled. I have no illusions about you at all.He said, I know you are stupid, frivolous, empty-headed, but I love you.I know your intentions, your ideals, you are snobbish and vulgar, but I love you.I know you're a second-rate guy, but I love you.I've done my best to appreciate what you're passionate about, I've taken pains to show you that I'm not ignorant, vulgar, gossip, and stupid.I know wisdom is going to blow your mind, so play it safe and make sure you look as foolish as any man you're with.I know you are only marrying me for your own sake.I love you so much that I don't care.From what I've known, people who fall in love with someone and don't get it back tend to feel sad and disappointed, which turns into anger and bitterness.I am not like that.I never expected you to love me, I never imagined that you had reason to love me, and I never thought myself attractive.For me to be given the opportunity to love you should be grateful.Whenever I think of the joy you have with me, when I see joy in your eyes, I am overjoyed.I try my best to keep my love to the limit of not annoying you, otherwise I know that I can't bear the consequences.I keep an eye on your expression, and if there is any sign of your boredom, I will change my approach.A husband's right seems to me a boon. Katie has been pampered since she was a child, and she only listens to flattery. She has never encountered such a bastard speech.A nameless anger suddenly rose in her chest, and the fear just now had long since disappeared.She seemed to be choking, and she felt the veins in her temples swell and throb.A blow to vanity will inspire more hatred in a woman than a lioness whose cubs are slaughtered.Katie's jaw, which had been flat, now protruded menacingly, like an ape.Her pretty eyes were darkened with malevolence.But she didn't break out. If a man is incapable of winning a woman's love, it's his fault, not hers. Not bad at all. His sarcastic tone only fueled her anger.However, she felt that if she stood still at this moment, she would gain the upper hand. I am neither highly educated nor intelligent.I'm just an ordinary young woman.Since I was a child, I like what the people who accompany me like.I am fond of dancing, playing tennis, and watching the theater.I also have a soft spot for men who love sports.You're right, I'm sick and tired of you and your stuff.They are worth nothing to me, and I have absolutely no intention of making them worth anything in the future.You dragged me through those tedious galleries in Venice when I'd rather be enjoying my golf balls in Sandwich. as I expected. It's a pity that I didn't become the kind of woman you expected.And I have unfortunately discovered that you are the kind of person who is naturally unapproachable.You can't blame me for that, I'm afraid. I never meant that. If Walter growled and raged, Katie would be in control of the situation with ease.She can fight tit for tat, tit for tat.Yet he remained so calm and composed that he had seen the devil.Now she hated him more than ever before. I don't think you deserve to be a man at all.Since you know Charlie and I are hiding in the house, why don't you rush in?You should at least fight him, are you afraid? Her face flushed as soon as the words were finished, and she was ashamed of the truth presented in the words.He kept silent, but looked at her coldly with contempt in his eyes.Then, he twitched the corner of his mouth and smiled. Perhaps from an ancient character, I disdain force because of my pride. Katie was momentarily speechless, but shrugged her shoulders.Yet his eyes were fixed on her. I think I have said all I need to say, if you refuse to come with me to Meitan, I will withdraw my application. Why don't you agree to divorce me? Finally, he averted his eyes from her.He leaned back in the chair, lit a cigarette, and smoked it without saying a word.Then he threw away the cigarette butt, smiled slightly, and looked back at her. If Mrs. Townsend is willing to tell me that she will divorce her husband and that he is willing to marry you within a week after the two divorce agreements are signed, I will readily agree. His proposal made her vaguely uneasy.But pride left her no choice, and she accepted it solemnly. You are very generous, Walter. He laughed suddenly, which surprised her.She blushed and was very annoyed. why are you laughing?I don't see anything funny in it. Please forgive me.I think my sense of humor is a bit uncharacteristic. She frowned and stared at him.She had to say something mean and slanderous, but she searched her brains to no avail.He looked at his watch. If you want to see Tang Sheng in the office, you must hurry up.If you finally decide to follow me to Meitan Prefecture, you have to start the day after tomorrow. You mean I'll tell him today? As the saying goes, time waits for no one. Her heartbeat suddenly accelerated.It wasn't uneasiness she felt now, but she wasn't sure what it was.She had wished there had been more time, so that Charlie could be prepared too.But she is confident in him, and he loves her as deeply as she loves him.Charlie had no qualms about divorce, and even if she had the slightest doubt about his determination, it would be a shameless betrayal of him.She turned solemnly to Walter. I don't think you know what true love is at all.You haven't imagined how desperately Charlie and I love each other.If sacrifices had to be made for love, neither Charlie nor I would hesitate. He stopped talking, bowed slightly, bowed to her, and watched her walk out of the room with haughty square steps.