Chapter 6 The fourth part is full of doubts

one Barcelona, ​​1957 The dawn had already appeared, and I stopped in front of little Hu Lian's room. Ning Xin'er, who was sleeping soundly at the moment, smiled at the corner of her mouth.I heard Bi Ya's footsteps gradually approaching in the aisle, and then I felt her hands pressed against my back. how long have you been hereshe asked. It's been a while. what are you doing here Just look at him. Bi Ya approached Julian's cradle and kissed him lightly on the forehead. What time did you come back last night? I didn't say anything. How is Fermin? He's fine.

how about you? I forced a wry smile. Do you want to talk to me? next time! I always thought there were no secrets between us.Bi Ya said so. I think so too. She looked at me in surprise. Danny, what do you mean by that? nothing.I don't want to say anything now.I'm very tired, go to bed, shall I? Bi Ya took my hand and led me into the bedroom.After lying down, I immediately took her into my arms. I dreamed about your mother tonight.Bi Ya said.I dreamed of Isabella. The rain slapped on the glass windows, making a tinkling sound. I was a little girl and she held my hand.We were in a very big, old house with a very spacious living room with a grand piano and a walkway to the garden with a pond.There was a little boy by the pond about Julian's age, and I knew it was you, but don't ask me why.Isabella knelt down beside me and asked if I saw you.You were playing with paper boats on water.I told her I saw you.Then she said I must take care of you.I must take care of you forever, because she is going far away.

Then, we were silent for a long time, just listening to the sound of rain outside the window. What did Fermin tell you last night? the truth.I answered.He told me the whole truth. Bi Ya didn't say a word, quietly listening to me recount Fermin's past.At first, I still felt anger rekindled within me, but as I told it, it was replaced by deep grief and despair.It all came so suddenly for me, and I still don't know how to live with the secrets and entanglements that Fermin revealed.Those were events that happened nearly twenty years ago, and over the years I was forced to play the role of spectator as I watched my destiny take shape.

After the narration came to an end, I noticed that Bi Ya was looking at me worriedly, her eyes full of uneasiness.It's not hard to guess what's on her mind. I have promised my father that while he is still alive, I will not go to this man Vashi, I will not do anything.In order to appease her, I hastened to explain. While he was still alive?What's next?Have you considered both of us?Have you ever wondered what to do with Julian? Of course I thought about it.You don't need to worry!I'm talking against the will of the theory.After talking to my father, I can understand that these are old things and nothing can be done to undo them.

Bi Ya seemed dubious about my confession. It really is!I lied again. She looked me straight in the eyes for a while, after all, that was what she wanted to hear, and in the end, she had to believe it. two In the afternoon of that day, the rain still shrouded the empty streets full of potholes, and Shakado's savage figure, tempered by years, appeared at the door of the bookstore.His uniquely piercing gaze peered out at us through the window, the light from the manger illuminating his face.He was still wearing the same old suit he had worn on his first visit, completely soaked.I approached the door and opened it for him.

very beautiful!The manger, he said. won't you come in I held the door open for him, and Shakado limped into the bookstore.After walking a few steps, he actually stopped there with his cane.Fermin looked suspicious, standing behind the counter and watching his every move.Shakado grinned. long time no see!Fermin.He greeted him in a calm tone. I thought you were dead!Fermin was ungrateful. I thought you were dead too!Everyone thinks so.That's what the people in the prison told us.It is said that you tried to run away but were caught and shot. How can it be so easy to catch me? Seriously, I've always been optimistic that you'd be able to escape.You know, bad guys live longer

You really moved me!Sakado.when did you come out about a month ago. Don't ever tell me you got out of jail for good behavior! I think they got impatient waiting for me to die.They gave me amnesty!I still have a certificate of amnesty signed by Franco himself! oh!I guess you'll probably frame it! I put it on the top of the toilet, just in case there is a shortage of toilet paper, it can be torn off and used. Shakado moved a few steps closer to the counter, then pointed to the chair in the corner. Do you mind if I sit down?I'm not used to walking straight for more than ten meters, and I get tired easily.

Please sit down!I responded immediately. Shakado slumped on the chair, took a deep breath and rubbed his knees at the same time.Fermin looked at him, as if he was observing a mouse that had just crawled out of the toilet. You are really capable, everyone thought that the person who died the first turned out to be the one who lived the longest. Do you know how I survived all these years?Fermin If I don't know you well, I would probably answer Mediterranean diet and cool sea breeze. Shakado made a half-smile sound, which sounded like a hoarse cough, as if the bronchi were on the verge of bursting.

You are still the same!Fermin.That's why I've always liked you as a person.Those old days!However, I don't want to bother young people with our old-fashioned past, their generation has no interest in us anymore!The fashion in this day and age is the Charleston, maybe they have a different name now.Let's get straight to the point, shall we? Say it! It should be you who has something to say!Fermin.I've said all I need to say.Is it time for you to return what you owe me?Otherwise, the scene is too ugly, I'm afraid it's not good for you, right? Fermin did not respond for a long time, and the three present fell into an awkward silence.Shakado's gaze was fixed on him, as if he was about to spew out venom at any moment.Fermin gave me a look, but I just couldn't read him, so he sighed in frustration.

You are amazing, Shakado. Fermin took a small item from his pocket and handed it to him.A bunch of keys.That's the key!Shakado's eyes lit up immediately, as happy as a child.He stood up and walked slowly towards Fermin.He took the key with his only hand, trembling with excitement. If you're going to stick this thing up your anus again, please go to the bathroom, we're a busy place.Fermin reminded him angrily. Shakado regained his good looks and mood, looking contented. Think about it carefully, you have kept this key for me all these years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

This is the morality between friends!Fermin made fun of him.Hurry up and get away, and don't come back again. Shakado smiled and winked at us.He walked towards the door of the store, and the embarrassment of struggling has long disappeared.Before walking out of the shop, he turned his head and waved goodbye kindly. Fermin, I wish you all the best and a long life.Don't worry, I won't reveal your secrets. We watched him leave in the rain, an old man who was dying in the eyes of everyone, but at that time, I was really indifferent to the cold raindrops falling on his face, his long years in prison, and his lonely figure .I turned my gaze to Fermin. At this time, he had already fallen to the ground, his face was pale, and he was staring blankly at his cellmate many years ago. We just let him go?I asked. Don't you have a better plan? three Like the reaction of most people, after a minute of careful observation, we rushed to the street, each wearing a dark trench coat, and took Fermin's umbrella as big as a parasol, which he bought from the beach market. I came here, thinking that it would be used as a shelter from the rain in winter, and it would also be useful in summer when I took Bernarda to the little Barcelona beach to play in the water. Fermin, the stupidity of the two of us is too striking!It's like a duet to be sung on stage!I kindly remind him. do not worry!That shameless guy now only has gold, silver and jewels falling from the sky.Fermin dismissed my concerns. Sarcado was about a hundred meters ahead of us, walking briskly on Earl Street in the rain.We got a little closer, and then saw that he was about to get on a tram that was going down Leyetana Street.We quickly put away our umbrellas, ran forward, and finally jumped into the car before the tram left.We followed the best tracking traditions of the day and we got into the rear of the car as soon as we got in.Shakado found a seat at the front of the tram, and a well-meaning man who knew nothing about his evil deeds made way for him. That's how people get old.Fermin felt it.Everyone forgets that old people can be annoying jerks too. The tram passes Trafalgar Street and arrives at Victory Gate.We peeked forward to make sure that Shakado was still in the car.At this time, the conductor with a bushy mustache noticed the two of us and frowned. Don't think that you will get a discount if you buy tickets by hiding in the back of the car. I've been paying attention since you got on the bus! These days, no one takes social realism seriously.Fermin grunted.What country is this! We handed him a few coins and he handed us the tickets.I thought Sakado was probably asleep, but when the tram approached the northern station, he got up suddenly and pulled the electric bell to get off the bus.While the driver was gradually slowing down and preparing to stop, we jumped off the tram right in front of the dim modern building where the water and electricity company was located, and continued to follow the car to the stop.We watched as Sakado stepped off the tram, assisted by two passengers, and headed toward the train station. You must be thinking the same as me, right? Fermin nodded.We followed Sarcador to the station concourse, under the cover of Fermin's large umbrella, but perhaps that made us both more conspicuous.After entering the station hall, Shakado approached a large row of metal lockers against the wall, like a miniature cemetery.We found a bench in a dark corner and sat down.Sarkado stood in front of a long row of lockers, staring intently ahead. Could it be that he forgot which locker he hid the huge sum of money in?I asked curiously. How could he forget!For the past twenty years, he had been waiting for this moment!He is intoxicated now! That's what you said!I think he forgot. We continued to sit there, watching and waiting patiently. Why have you never mentioned to me where you hid the key after you escaped from the bunker? I will boldly start a new topic. Fermin gave me an impatient look. I don't want to talk about it, Dani. oh!forget about it. We waited several more minutes. Maybe he had an accomplice.I said.So he is still waiting. Sarkado is not the type to share with others. maybe someone else Hush!Fermin asked me to be quiet while pointing at Shakado, and at this moment he finally started to act. He approached one of the lockers and reached for the metal door.He took out the key and put it in the keyhole.He opened the locker door and peered inside.At this moment, two members of the gendarmerie walked around the corner of the hall from the platform, and approached Shakado who was about to take things out of the locker. Oops!Oops!Why can't I help but whine in a low voice. Shakado turned his head, and then greeted the two Gendarmerie members.The two sides chatted for a while, and then one of the gendarmerie took out a suitcase from the cabinet and placed it at Shakado's feet.The old thief thanked him warmly for his help, and the two gendarmes bid him farewell, waving their three-cornered hats, and resumed their patrol. snort!Long live Spain!Fermin murmured. Shakado gripped the suitcase tightly, then dragged it to one of the benches across from us. Shouldn't he just open it here?I asked. He had to make sure everything was in there.Fermin sees it differently.This scoundrel waited so hard for so many years and endured all kinds of torture, just to get back his huge sum of money! Shakado looked around again and again, after making sure that there was no one around, he finally made a move.We watched as he opened the suitcase a few centimeters and peered inside. He looked at it like this for nearly a minute without moving.Fermin and I looked at each other in blank dismay.In an instant, Shakado closed the suitcase and got up immediately.He walked straight to the exit of the station, left the suitcase behind, and put it in front of the open locker. What is he doing?I asked. Fermin stood up and gestured.You look at that suitcase, I'll follow him Before I had time to react, Fermin was already running towards the exit in a hurry.I walked quickly to the suitcase Shakado left behind.There was a cunning guy on the bench next door who was reading a newspaper, and he also took a look at the suitcase. After looking left and right to make sure no one was staring at him, he immediately got up, and then pounced on the prey like a vulture .I quicken my pace.Miraculously, I grabbed the suitcase just in time, just as the stranger was reaching for it. This is not your suitcase.I snapped. The man glared at me hard and clung to the handle. Should I call the gendarmerie?I question him. The rascal panicked when he heard that, and immediately let go of the suitcase, and ran towards the platform as if flying away, and disappeared immediately.I pulled the suitcase over to the bench, and after making sure no one was around, I opened it. It was empty. At this moment, there was a commotion at the exit of the station. In order to see the commotion clearly, I raised my head and looked around for a while.Then I stood up, and immediately saw the two gendarmerie outside the glass door, busy pushing their way into the curious crowd of onlookers in the rain.When the crowd finally dispersed, I saw Fermin kneeling on the ground, holding Shakado in his arms.The old man opened his eyes wide, letting the rain drip.A woman who happened to pass by covered her mouth in shock. What's wrong?I went up to ask. There was a poor old man who suddenly fell to the ground and died suddenly, she replied. I walked out of the station and slowly approached the crowd of onlookers.I watched Fermin look up and chat briefly with the gendarmerie.One of the gendarmes nodded.At this moment, Fermin took off the windbreaker, spread it over Shakado's body, and covered his face.When I arrived at the scene, the hand with only three fingers was exposed under the windbreaker, and there was a key in the palm, which was extraordinarily bright after being washed by the rain.I took an umbrella to cover Fermin from the rain and put my arms around his shoulders.We left there at a slow pace. how are youFermin My buddy just shrugged. We go home!He said so suddenly. Four As I left the train station on foot, I took off my trench coat and draped it over Fermin's shoulders.His trench coat had been taken to cover Shakado's body.I saw that Fermin really didn't have the strength to walk, so I decided to flag down a taxi.I opened the car door for Fermin, and after he sat down in the car, I closed the door and walked around to the other side to get in the car. The suitcase is empty.I told him.Shakado was placed one by one. black eat black Who do you think it will be? Maybe he was the one who told him I had the key, and told him where I was.Fermin murmured. Will it be Wass? Fermin sighed, looking depressed. I do not know either!Dani.I'm at a loss. I caught a glimpse of the driver's gaze in the rearview mirror, and he was still waiting. We go to the entrance of the Plaza Royale, the one on Rue Fernando. Shall we not go back to the bookstore?asked Fermin, too exhausted to discuss where the taxi should go. It's true that I want to go back to the bookstore, but you go to Mr. Gustavo's house, and stay obediently at Bernarda's place today! On the way, we were speechless all the way, and Barcelona was hazy in the rain.The car arrived at the arch of Fernando Street, where I met Fermin many years ago.I paid the fare and got out of the car.I accompanied Fermin to the gate of Mr. Gustavo's house, and stepped forward to hug him. Take care, Fermin, eat something at least, otherwise Bernarda will hug a skeleton on her wedding night! Don't worry about it!Once I try to gain weight, I can't even gain weight faster than a tenor.After going upstairs later, I will immediately go to get the butterscotch shortbread that Mr. Gustavo bought at Gillis Company, and I will eat it until I am full. When you see me tomorrow, I will look like a piece of fat pork again! It better be like this!Give my regards to your lovely fiancée. I will, but, with regard to the legal procedures and preparations for the wedding, everything is lost, and I feel very guilty and feel like a sinner. No such thing!Do you remember what you said to me?Fate doesn't knock on every door, we have to find it ourselves! I'll tell you the truth, this is a sentence I borrowed from Callas' book.Sounds pretty good. I believed it as soon as I heard it, and it still makes sense to this day.So, let me tell you, it is your destiny to bring Bernarda home without a hitch, with all the necessary papers, the priest, the rice, and your name, according to the appointed date. Fermin looked at me suspiciously. I assure you in the name of Dani that you will be able to accomplish the great things of your life with integrity.I made a promise to the dejected Fermin, even if there is his beloved Swiss sugar in front of him, even if there is Jin Luhua wearing a lace bra in the movie, even a tough guy with a strong heart will be tempted, but he will probably just turn a blind eye! Dani, since you said so You give me back the truth and I tell him.In return, I will return your name to you. five That afternoon, after returning to the bookstore, I immediately launched a secret plan to salvage Fermin's ID card.The first step was to go to the back room and make several phone calls and draw up a project schedule.The second step is to recruit highly skilled experts.At noon the next day, under a bright sun and a clear sky, I walked to the Carmen Library, where I intended to meet Professor Ambergerk, who I was sure knew nothing about my visit, because no one knew about it. I found him in the lobby of the reading room, and I saw him buried in the pile of books and documents, with a focused expression and a pen scribbling.I sat across from him on the other side of his big table.It took about a minute before he noticed my presence.He looked up and looked at me in surprise. Seeing that you are writing so vigorously, you must be writing some kind of eclectic and exciting novel!I deliberately made fun of him. I'm working on a series of articles about the unfortunate underappreciated writers in Barcelona.he said.Do you still remember Julian?Callas, right?The author you recommended to me at the bookstore a few months ago? certainly!I agree. I am researching this writer and his experience is incredible!Do you know?There's a villainous character who has spent years hunting down Callas' works just to burn them! Really?I feigned surprise. A very weird thing.When I finish writing, I'll show it to you. You should write a book on this subject.I propose to him.Based on unfortunate writers and books banned by the government, the secret history of Barcelona is written. Professor An seemed quite interested. In fact, I also had this idea, but I have to juggle the newspaper column and university courses, I am too busy If you don't write, I'm afraid no one will That's true, maybe I should have no hesitation and just plunge into writing.I don't know where to find the time, but Sempere & Sons Bookstore is happy to provide you with the required books and consulting services. Well, I'll take this to heart.How about it?Shall we go to lunch? Professor Ambergerk finished the day's work, so we came to Leopoldo's restaurant together, had a few glasses of red wine, served with slices of raw ham, and waited patiently for the special stewed oxtail to be served on the table. How is our good friend Fermin?When I bumped into him at Lewis's a few weeks ago, he looked downcast. Actually, I was just about to talk to you about him.Because the matter is sensitive, please keep it confidential. of course!can i help So I outlined the problem, trying to be as concise as possible, deliberately avoiding tricky or unnecessary details.Professor An seemed to realize that things were not as simple as they appeared on the surface, but he remained calm and cautious as usual. Listen to whether my understanding is correct, Professor An said.Fermin could not use his identity card because he had been officially declared dead nearly two decades earlier and therefore, to the Ministry of the Interior, he did not exist at all. That's right. However, according to your description, the revoked ID card was originally a fake, and it was the name Fermin gave himself to save his life during the war. That's right. I just don't understand this part, please help me clear it up!Dani.If Fermin had taken a fake ID card before, why not just forge a new ID card under another false name in order to get married? There are two reasons, Professor An.The first reason was pure convenience, since he would have to come up with a name anyway, and since he didn't have any identification papers, any name he decided to use had to be invented out of thin air. But I guess he wants to keep being Fermin, right? Completely correct!This is the second reason, which has nothing to do with practical considerations, but can be said to be an emotional factor, and it is much more important.Fermin wanted to continue being Fermin, because that was the man Bernarda fell in love with, and that man was a friend of all of us, he was someone we knew well, and he wanted to be that man.Over the years, for him, the old self has long since ceased to exist.That is the skin that has been discarded for a long time.I'm supposed to be his best friend, but even I don't know what his real name is.For me, for all those who loved him, and especially for himself, he is Fermin.Romero.Torres.So, to put it bluntly, since a new ID card was going to be made for him, why not just do what he wanted? Professor Ambergerk finally nodded in agreement. indeed so.He said so. So, do you think this is feasible?professor Well, this matter, just like Don Quixote's hard pursuit of the windmill giant, can be regarded as a rare and difficult task!Professor An assesses the situation.Our thin La Manga squire, Fermin, intends to marry his beautiful Bernarda under the witness of God, but how do we get all those fake papers? I have thought about this question and checked legal books.I said.In this country, a person's identity card is applied for with a birth certificate. If you study it carefully, it is actually a very simple document. Professor An frowned. Your idea is really bad!Not to mention that it is still a very serious crime! Still unprecedented, at least not in the Legal Annals.I have already checked. You keep talking!The more I listen, the more interested I become. Hypothetically, I mean hypothetically!He can obtain channels to enter the office of the household registration authority, and then he can insert the birth certificate into the file database. If a person's ID card is to be issued, this basic information should be enough, right? Professor An shook his head frequently. If it's a newborn baby, that's fine, but assuming we're talking about an adult, you'll need to have all the supporting documents from childhood to adulthood.Even if you have the pipeline to mix into the archival database, I mean hypothetically, where are you going to get that pile of supporting documents? For example, we can make a series of almost authentic replica documents.Do you think this is possible? Professor An thought about it for a while. The main risk is in case someone becomes aware of this fraud and tries to find out.You know, in this matter, the potentially suspicious and threatening part is the production of insufficiently rigorous documents, and there are two problems we have to solve. One, get the pipeline and put a certified Fake folders are placed into the data system, and second, all the documents required to apply for an ID card are produced.This refers to documents of various colors and grades, such as church baptismal documents, various certificates and certificates On the first point, I understand that you were commissioned by the City Council to write a series of excellent articles on the Spanish legal system in honor of the Constitution.I roughly studied the content and found that during the war, some household registration materials were destroyed by air strikes.This means that tens of thousands of household registration data must be copied and restored in a very rough way.I'm not an expert, but I'd venture to assume that this means that there is indeed a loophole, as long as someone is well-informed, well-connected, and well-planned Professor An squinted at me. It seems that you have really done your research seriously!Dani Forgive my presumptuousness, professor, but for Fermin's happiness, it is nothing. He is indeed worth it.However, if the deeds are revealed, it may cause him to be sued, which is not a light crime! So I've thought about it, assuming someone can get access to those post-war rebuilt census databases, maybe he can bring an assistant in and let the assistant handle the most dangerous procedures, so to speak. If so, that putative assistant should offer the person who got the access a 20% discount for life on all books purchased at Sempere & Sons.In addition, he should also be invited to the wedding of the reborn party soon to be held. That `s a deal.Moreover, I will increase the discount to 25% for you.But I know very well in my heart that there is a person, I mean hypothetically, who takes pleasure in fixing this corrupt and corrupt government, and he should agree to cooperate 100% unconditionally. I am a scholar!Danny, empathy doesn't work for me. In this case, let's look at it for Fermin's sake! Those are two different things.Let's talk about technicalities! I showed him the thousand-yen bill that Shakado had given me. I intend to use this money to cover all expenses and application processing fees.I told him. I think you are really going all out!However, you should keep this money to cover other costs of this feat, as I am providing you with absolutely free.Professor Ann said.I said, dear assistant, the part that worries me the most is all the documents required for the application.The newly appointed government officials, in addition to ignoring the reservoir and the missal, made the already complex bureaucratic structure even more complicated. This kind of nightmare, even Kafka would not be able to bear it.As I told you, this case requires all relevant documents, including letters, petitions, petitions and other documents, and these documents must have a certain degree of authenticity, and must have the unique texture of old documents, The tint and the smell, plus it's dusty, absolutely unmistakable We can all do these things.I said. I'll have to see the list of accomplices in this operation so I can see if you're talking big. So I explained the other details of the project to him. This should work.He made this conclusion. When the long-awaited main course arrived, we stopped the topic for a while and chatted casually about other things.When it was time for coffee and dessert, I wanted to try both, but I was already too full, so I pretended to casually ask a question. By the way, professor, a customer talked to me about something in the bookstore a few days ago, and he mentioned Mauritius in the conversation.The name of Washi, this person once served as the Minister of Culture and other high-level positions.Do you know this guy? Professor An frowned. About Vash?I think what I know is about the same as everyone knows! You must know more than anyone else, professor, and much more! Um!It's been a while since I've heard that name mentioned, but, until not so long ago, Mauritius.Washi has always been a well-known big shot.As you said, he served as the Minister of Culture for many years. He performed brilliantly and was highly respected. He also served as the director of many organizations. The darling of the media art section, as I just said, he was once a very famous big shot. I smiled slightly, as if I was optimistic about this turn of events. Isn't it now? Seriously, I think he's been missing from this world for a while, at least not in public.I'm not sure if he's stationed in a foreign embassy, ​​or if he's been transferred to an international agency or something, you know, political circles can get windy every once in a while, but I haven't really seen him anywhere in a while Well, I know that he has partnered with several people to open a publishing house and has been running it for many years.The business of the publishing house is booming, and the publishing of books has never been interrupted.So every month I get invitations to book launches Does Wasi also participate in such activities? Years ago, he always showed up.We joke about it a lot because he always talks more about himself than about new books or authors, but that was a long time ago.I haven't seen him in years.I said, Dany, may I ask you why you are so interested in him?I thought you only paid attention to romance in literature! Nothing, just curious. That's it! Then, Professor Ambergerk squinted at me while paying the bill. Why do I always feel that you have hidden things in your heart, not only half of them, but almost all of them? I'll make it clear to you another day, Professor.I promise you! You must tell me!Because cities have no memory, there must be someone like me, a wise man with clear thinking, to continue the life of the city. Let's make a deal like this: you help me solve Fermin's problem, and one day I will tell you about the past that Barcelona would rather forget, and use it as material for your secret history. Professor An held out his hand to me, and I shook his hand immediately. I will remember.Now, back to Fermin, where are we going to get those papers? I think I have found the right person for this task. six My old acquaintance Oswald.Dario.Mortensen, the king of writers in Barcelona, ​​is enjoying his leisure time in the writing booth next to the Verina Palace. There is a cup of brandy coffee on the table and a cigar in his mouth. When he sees me approaching, he immediately looks at me. wave to me. The proud son of heaven is back!Have you changed your mind?Let's write a hot love letter this time, shall we?Guaranteed to win the heart you've been wanting for so long, how about it? I showed him the ring again, and he nodded, remembering me. I'm so sorry!I'm used to opening remarks like this.You are so old-fashioned!Is there a place where I can serve you today? I finally remembered where I had read your name the other day, Mr. Osvaldo.I work in a bookstore and there is a novel of yours published in 1933: The Twilight Rider. Oswald thought back to those days, with a nostalgic smile on the corner of his mouth. That was a long time ago!Those two bastards, Barido and Escobias, my publishers, scammed me out of nothing.snort!Hope they are all thrown into the 18th level of hell!However, no one can deprive me of the joy I gained in the process of writing that novel. I'll bring the book another day, can you sign it for me? Needless to say, what an honor!The world just can't accept a western adventure novel set in the Elbro delta, with bandits traveling around on horses, instead of canoeing. You are the Zan Gray of the Mediterranean. 【Annotation】Zane Gray, 1872︱1939, American novelist, famous for writing western adventure novels. I also wish I had this ability.Well, young man, what is your business here today? I would like to use your extraordinary talent and wisdom to help me complete a very risky and difficult task. I'm all ears. I would like you to help my buddy to make a previous document so that he can legally marry the woman he loves. Is he a nice guy? One of the nicest people I've ever met in my life. Well, you don't need to say any more.Weddings and baptisms have always been my favorite occasions. He will probably need petitions, reports, applications, and identification. no problem!We handed over part of the work to Xiaolu, you know him, a very reliable person, and he is a master who can write twelve different fonts. I took out the thousand-yen bill that the professor declined, and handed it to him.Oswald's eyes widened, and he quickly collected the money. Who said you couldn't earn a living by writing in Spain?he said. Is this money enough to cover various expenses? More than enough!I'll tell you the final amount when I've got the details and it's all arranged, but I can tell you right now that fifteen dollars is too much. I leave this matter to you, Oswald.My good friend Professor Amberger Kerk ah!Amazingly good writer!Oswald interrupted suddenly. Also an admirable gentleman.What I want to tell you is that Professor An will come over another day, and he will tell you all the required documents and all the details.If you need anything, you can find me at Sempere & Sons Bookstore. As soon as he heard the name of the bookstore, he was immediately in high spirits. 那是我的殿堂啊！年輕時，我每週六都會到書店，多虧森貝雷先生為我開展了視野。 那是我祖父。 但是我已經好多年沒去了，沒辦法，阮囊羞澀呀！我只能到圖書館去借書。 奧斯瓦鐸先生，請您務必再度光臨，這是您的家呀！您喜歡的書，拿回去看就是了。 好的，我會再去的。 他伸出了手，我隨即握住。 能為森貝雷家族服務是我的榮幸。 希望這只是合作的開端。 還有那個跛腳的呢？您大費周章緊盯了老半天，是不是什麼大有來頭的人物啊？ 雖然閃閃發光，可惜不是金子。I said. Um!這是我們這個時代的特徵 seven 巴塞隆納，一九五八年 那年的元月，天空就像琉璃般澄澈，冰冷的陽光映照著城市屋宇上那層糖霜般的細雪。日日天晴，豔陽下的巴塞隆納光潔剔透，建築物牆面上光影交錯，雙層公車頂著空空蕩蕩的上層車廂行駛在街道上，每逢電車駛過，車軌上總會留下一束蒸汽。 舊城區的街道上方，環狀聖誕燈飾上的藍色燈光閃閃發光，商家們高分貝播放著頌揚慈悲與和平的聖誕歌曲，處處可聞的甜膩歌聲吟唱了一遍又一遍，甚至穿透了人們的腦波，有人突發奇想，隨手替聖雅各廣場上的市府馬槽裡的聖嬰戴上了長尾貝雷帽，巡邏的警衛發現了，非但沒有把他揪進警察局嚴辦，甚至興致盎然看了老半天，直到大主教官邸接獲通報，三名修女趕往現場，總算才恢復馬槽原來的樣子。 聖誕節買氣高漲，伯利恆之星把森貝雷父子書店帳簿裡的赤字化成了盈餘，保障我們至少有錢可以繳交電費和暖氣費，誰知道，或許一天至少還可以吃一頓熱騰騰的飯菜。父親似乎因此恢復了工作的動力，並宣布明年不該拖到最後一刻才布置書店。 咱們的馬槽已經擺得夠久啦！費爾明訕訕地咕噥著。 三王節過後，父親交代我們小心翼翼地將馬槽裝箱收好，然後要我們拿到地下室存放，以備下次聖誕節使用。 Be careful!父親提醒我們。費爾明，別以為我不知道，您常常在地下室亂翻一通。 森貝雷先生，我一定會拚了這條命去保護這個馬槽以及所有的牲畜們，您放心，我會把它們當成無價之寶一樣，小心地捧在手心裡的！ 聖誕裝飾一一裝箱之後，我瞥了地下室一眼。上次在那個被遺忘的角落裡，我們的談話岔入了費爾明和我都不願再提起的話題，然而，那些話題至少仍在折磨著我的記憶。費爾明頻頻搖頭，似乎看穿了我的心思。 您該不會還在想著那個笨蛋寫的那封信吧？ It's time! 您沒跟碧雅小姐提起這件事吧？ No.我把信放回大衣口袋裡，一個字都沒提。 What about her?她沒跟你說她收到那個花花公子寄來的信嗎？ I shake my head.費爾明皺著鼻子，擺明了那不是什麼好兆頭。 您決定要怎麼做了嗎？ 什麼怎麼做？ 少裝傻啦！Dani.您到底要不要跟蹤妻子到麗池大飯店，當場揭發舊情人幽會，然後再好好鬧他一場？ 您認為她會赴約啊？我立刻表達不滿。 難道您不是這麼想的嗎？ 我自慚形穢地低下頭來。 連自己的妻子都無法信任，這是什麼樣的丈夫啊？ 您要我報上姓名，還是給您統計數字就可以了？ 我相信碧雅。碧雅不會做出對不起我的事情。她不是那種女人。如果真有什麼事應該告訴我的，她會當面說清楚，不會偷偷摸摸的。 既然這樣，那您就沒什麼好擔心啦！isn't it? 費爾明話裡有些不太尋常的語氣，我心想，自己這陣子的懷疑和不安，已經讓他對我大失所望了，雖然他永遠不會在我面前承認，但他一定很難過，因為我把寶貴時間浪費在卑劣的想法上，還懷疑一個不該受到質疑的女人原有的忠誠。 費爾明，您一定會想，我是個無知的笨蛋。 費爾明搖頭否認。 No such thing.我認為您是個很幸運的人，至少在愛情這方面，您就像幾乎所有的人一樣，人在福中不知福。 上方的樓梯口傳來用力的敲門聲，我們倆不由得愣了一下。 你們倆是在下面挖到石油啦？拜託，快點上來！有工作等著。父親在召喚我們了。 費爾明哀嘆一聲。 well!自從赤字消失之後，他就變成一個暴君了。Fermin said.業績變好，他也神氣起來了，真是此一時也，彼一時也 The days passed.費爾明總算鬆口答應授權父親和古斯塔佛先生去打點婚禮和婚宴籌備事宜，兩人也分別擔任主婚人和證婚人角色。我呢，以男儐相的身分，為婚禮籌備委員會提供諮詢服務，碧雅擔任的是藝術總監，並以鐵腕協調安排所有相關事宜。 費爾明，碧雅交代我，我們得去一趟邦塔里歐尼西服店，您得試穿西裝。 可是那又不是條紋西裝 我對他發了誓，甚至下了詛咒誓約，一定會讓他的名字合法，也一定會讓他的神父好友大聲宣布：費爾明，你已經結婚了！我們絕不會被那一疊十六開的文件打敗的。不過，隨著日期逐漸逼近，費爾明內心飽受苦惱和焦慮的腐蝕。貝娜妲每天懸著一顆心，靠著祈禱和焦糖蛋黃布丁熬過了每一天，不過，自從那位熟識且親近的醫師確認她懷孕之後，她的大部分時間都用來應付噁心和頭暈，由此可見，費爾明這個孩子尚未出娘胎已經開始惹麻煩了。 那段日子，表面上看來風平浪靜，但內心的洶湧暗潮，卻緩緩將我拖入情感深處一個難以抗拒的新感受：仇恨。 工作之餘，我沒跟任何人提起去處，偷偷溜進卡努達街上的藝文協會，為了調查毛里修．瓦士的過往，時間就在期刊閱覽室和目錄檔案室消磨掉了。多年來一直是模糊不清也從未關注過的人物，日益浮現出令人傷痛的清晰影像。藉由種種調查資料，我逐漸重建了瓦士過去十五年來在公眾場合的經歷。此人從政之後，仕途平步青雲。根據報章的說法（但費爾明常說，相信報紙就跟相信盒裝果汁真的是拿瓦倫西亞的新鮮柳橙榨出來的一樣可議），瓦士先生的影響力逐日增加，野心勃勃的形象也鮮明了起來，終於成了西班牙藝文界一顆燦爛的巨星。 他的升官速度可謂無可匹敵。一九四四年起，他開始在官方的學術和文化機構擔任官職。他的文章、演講和著作多不勝數。任何文學研討會、學術會議或文化界盛事，只要有瓦士先生出席，便可盡情吹捧一番。一九四七年，他和幾位合夥人共同創辦了艾里亞納出版社，並分別在馬德里和巴塞隆納設立了辦公室，當時的媒體迫不及待地奉為西班牙出版界的龍頭。 一九四八年，同樣這家媒體開始固定將毛里修．瓦士稱之為嶄新的西班牙最耀眼、最具聲望的知識分子。國內所有自認是知識分子並希望打入主流圈子的人，似乎都與毛里修先生關係相當密切。藝文版的記者們毫不吝惜地讚揚和奉承，希望可以藉此分一杯羹，運氣好的話，存放在抽屜裡的稿子說不定能在瓦士的出版社付梓成書，從此打入官方學術圈，然後可以嚐點甜頭，就算只是零頭也好。 瓦士深諳遊戲規則與操弄人心，其技巧無人能及。五〇年代初，他的知名度和影響力已傲視政治圈，並開始擴及所謂的社會大眾以及追隨者。毛里修．瓦士只要登高一呼，為數僅三、四千人的西班牙高級知識分子們，平日趾高氣揚，眼睛一向長在頭頂上，這時候一定像個聽話的學生一樣，乖乖地將瓦士的談話奉為圭臬。 邁向權力巔峰的過程中，瓦士身邊總是聚攏了一群搖尾乞憐、極力巴結的嘍囉們，在他的主導之下，這些愛將也逐漸被安插到各種機構以及高階權位。如果有人膽敢質疑瓦士的言談或他的地位，媒體會毫不間斷地大加撻伐，並編造各種謬論去攻擊這個可憐的傢伙，直到他被社會唾棄，成了一個聲名狼藉的罪人，到處吃盡閉門羹，唯一的下場，不是遺忘就是流亡。 連續幾個小時不斷查閱，我在字裡行間對照了各種事件和版本，整理出重要日期，列出了他的各項成就，也挖掘出隱匿多年的冤魂。換了別的情況，假若我的研究對象只是單純的個人，我大概會對瓦士以及他高人一等的手段肅然起敬。不容否定的是，他確實精於掌握人們的想法和情緒，並且能夠巧妙地操弄百姓的渴望、期待與夢想。 經過多日埋首研究瓦士的官方資料之後，我可以確定的是，戰後的西班牙政局結構日臻完善，瓦士能夠快速竄升權力巔峰，恰恰可以說明，一個步步高升的政壇天王，不但前途似錦，並且可以安度各種政治風暴，從政數十年間，其權力已深植各個領域，任何人都難以撼動。 一九五二年起，當時的瓦士已經攀至巔峰，出任文化部長也已經三年了，此時的他仍傾力鞏固自己的權力範圍，並忙著替身旁那些官職尚未到手的走狗們卡位。他在公眾場合依舊是獨霸一方的大人物。他的談話常被節錄引用，總被奉為真知灼見。當他現身各種評審團和評判委員會時，急著拍馬逢迎的人從未間斷。他累積的各種獎狀、榮譽和其他錦上添花的肯定仍然不斷增加。 突然間，怪事發生了。 我在初次查閱資料時並未發覺有異。關於毛里修．瓦士的各種溢美之詞和相關消息始終沒斷過，不過，自一九五六年起，對照在此之前的所有相關報導，隱約可嗅出一股不尋常的氣息。所有訊息的語調和內容與過去無異，然而，經過一次又一次的重讀和比較，我找出了啟人疑竇之處。 毛里修．瓦士先生從此不再現身公眾場合。 他的名字、他的聲望、他的名氣，以及他的權力威風如昔，獨缺一樣：他本人的身影。一九五六年之後，他的照片不再出現，也沒有任何報導提及他出席公開場合。 毛里修．瓦士最後一次公開現身是在一九五六年十一月二日，當時的場合是在馬德里藝文協會舉辦的年度最佳出版社頒獎典禮，出席者冠蓋雲集，盡是當時的社會菁英。新聞稿依舊是此類稿件一貫的筆調，基本是一則簡短特稿。最有意思的是搭配的照片，那是瓦士即將過六十大壽不久前最後一次公開露面。照片中的瓦士穿著一套剪裁精緻的高雅西裝，笑容可掬，面帶謙和親切的神情，大方接受在場群眾的簇擁歡呼。與他合照的是其他幾位在這類場合常見的面孔，而他的背後，兩名戴著墨鏡、一身黑衣的壯漢分別站在兩旁，影像略顯模糊，神情嚴肅且神祕。他們看起來不像是與會的嘉賓。兩人的表情相當嚴厲，與當時的場面格格不入。他們正處於警戒狀態。 藝文協會那一夜的盛會之後，再也沒有人拍攝過毛里修．瓦士的照片，也沒有人在公開場合看過他。我努力找了又找，就是尋不著他的蹤影。我厭倦了徒勞無功的搜尋，索性從頭來過，並開始重建這個人的過去，甚至到了可以熟背的地步，彷彿那是我自己的人生。我追索著他的蹤跡，期望可以找到一點蛛絲馬跡，讓我可以查出那個在照片中笑臉迎人，靠著奴役和虐待別人滿足內心虛榮的男人。我要找出那個謀殺我母親的凶手，他下此毒手，只為了掩飾那將東窗事發的恥辱，殺人滅口之後，似乎就沒有人能夠揭發他了。 那些孤獨的午後，我在藝文協會的老舊圖書館裡學會了仇恨，就在幾年前，我在這裡僅為單純的理由而苦惱，或是為了我絕望的初戀情人盲女克萊拉，或是為了神祕的胡立安．卡拉斯以及他的小說《風之影》。瓦士的線索越是難尋，我就越加無法接受他也有失蹤的權利，他可以將自己的名字從那段往事中刪除。但那也是我的往事。我必須弄清楚他究竟是怎麼了。我必須直視他的雙眼，就算只能提醒他，有一個人，宇宙間就這麼一個人，這個人知道他的真面目，以及他過去的所作所為。 eight 某日午后，我著實厭倦了往日幽暗魅影的糾葛，於是，我取消了期刊閱覽室之行，並和碧雅帶著胡立安出外散步，重溫自己幾乎已不復記憶的那個潔淨、晴朗的巴塞隆納。我們出了家門後，一路逛到了城市公園。我坐在長椅上，看著胡立安和媽媽在草坪上嬉戲。凝望著他們母子的身影，我對自己一再重複著費爾明的話。此生何等有幸的男子，那人就是我，達尼．Senbere.這個幸運兒卻任由盲目的怨氣在內心茁壯，直到連自己都無所適從。 我默默看著兒子正專注於他最鍾愛的遊戲之一：使勁地往前爬，不一會兒就迷失了方向。碧雅緊跟在後。偶爾，胡立安會突然停下來，然後朝著我這邊張望。一陣微風驟然揚起了碧雅的裙襬，胡立安樂得哈哈大笑。我拍手助陣，碧雅隨即朝著我拋出了責備的眼神。我看著兒子的目光，接著，我告訴自己，不久後，他會開始以崇拜的眼神看著我，彷彿我是世間最睿智、最優秀的人，在他眼裡，我將是所有疑難的解惑者。這時候，我告誡自己，此後絕不再提起毛里修．瓦士這個名字，也別再對他留下的陰影窮追不捨了。 碧雅朝著我走過來，並在我身邊坐下。胡立安跟在後面，一直爬到長椅邊。接著，他爬到我腳邊，於是，我將他抱在懷裡，這時候，胡立安開始在我的外套領子上擦拭雙手。 Oops!剛從乾洗店拿回來的外套呢！Bi Ya said. 我聳聳肩，淡然以對。碧雅往我身上靠過來，並握住我的手。 好一雙性感美腿啊！I said. 你別這麼不正經！小孩會跟著學的。還好旁邊沒有別人。 oh!那邊有個老先生躲在報紙後面，我看他八成因為心跳過快而昏過去了。 胡立安認為心跳過快是他這輩子聽過最好玩的詞兒，後來回家的路上，他泰半時間都在哼唱著心、跳、過、快，碧雅則始終走在我們前頭，一路都在生悶氣。 那天晚上，元月二十日，碧雅把胡立安哄睡了，然後就在我身旁的沙發上睡著了，當時，我正第三次重讀大衛．馬汀的其中一本舊作，那是費爾明當年逃亡期間找到並保存多年的書。我想好好品味書中的每個轉折，仔細研究每個句子的結構，我心想，倘若能夠參透那些句子的詩韻節奏，或許能夠更深入認識這個我從未謀面的人，大家都向我保證，這個人絕非我的生父。不過，那天晚上，我就是靜不下心來。連一個句子都沒讀完，思緒卻已經從書頁間飄走了，眼前出現的所有文字，在我看來都是巴布羅．Jasques.布恩迪亞寫給我的妻子那封信，隔天下午兩點鐘，他約了她在麗池大飯店見面。 我終於闔上書本，接著，我凝視著在我身旁熟睡的碧雅，比起馬汀的故事以及他那座充滿悲慘不幸的邪惡城市，我總覺得她身上隱藏的祕密甚至還要多得多。當碧雅睜開雙眼時，早已過了午夜時刻，她發現我正在仔細打量她，隨即對我嫣然一笑，只是，我臉上的神情卻引出了她內心不安的陰影。 what's on your mind?she asked. 我在想我是個多麼幸運的人。I answered. 碧雅直視我良久，眼神中盡是疑惑。 你的口氣卻好像你根本就不這樣想。 我立刻起身，並向她伸出手來。 我們上床睡覺吧！ 她牽著我的手，跟著我經過走道進了臥房。我往床上一躺，默默盯著她看。 你整個人都不太對勁呀！Dani.What's wrong with you?我說錯了什麼話了嗎？ 我用微笑否定她的問題，笑容有如謊言那般虛偽。碧雅逕自點著頭，接著緩緩褪去身上的衣服。她寬衣解帶時態度一向大方，從未背對著我，也不會像政府提供的婚姻衛生保健手冊上建議的躲進浴室或門後。我靜靜觀望著她，仔細端詳著她的胴體曲線。碧雅直視我的雙眼。她套上我憎惡的那件睡衣，然後鑽進被窩裡，背對著我。 Good night!她說，語氣顯得拘謹，在一個對她有深刻了解的人聽來，心裡實在不好受。 Good night!我輕聲回應她。 我默默聆聽著她的呼吸，因此知道她躺了半個多小時才睡著，一天下來的疲憊終究比我的怪異舉止更具威力。我躺在她身旁，猶豫著是否該叫醒她並向她道歉，抑或，只要親吻她就好。但我始終裹足不前。我依舊躺著不動，只是望著她的背部曲線，並忍受著內心的陰鬱，不斷地在心裡告訴自己，再過幾個鐘頭，碧雅即將密會前任未婚夫，此後，她的雙唇和肌膚將不同於以往，一如那個騙子在信中所做的暗示。 早上醒來時，碧雅已經出門了。我一直輾轉反側到清晨才睡著，九點鐘一到，教堂準時敲鐘，我猛然驚醒，隨手抓了衣服急忙穿上。屋外等著我的是寒冷的週一早晨，雪花凌空飄灑，然後攏聚在街道中穿梭疾行的路人身上。一踏進書店，映入眼簾的是高高站在凳子上的父親，此時正忙著更換日曆上的數字，元月二十日。 貪睡的懶惰蟲！就算十二年後你也沒那個本事接手書店經營的。他悻悻然說道。今天輪到你開店門！ sorry!晚上沒睡好，以後不會了。 接下來的幾個鐘頭，我想盡辦法讓腦袋保持忙碌，雙手也忙著幹活，然而，填滿思緒的依舊是我對自己複述了一次又一次的那封討厭的信。近中午時，費爾明偷偷摸摸走到我身旁，並且遞了一顆瑞士糖給我。 就是今天了，不是嗎？ you shut up!費爾明我突然厲聲喝斥，被驚動的父親當下挑起了眉頭。 我躲進後面的工作間，並聽見兩人在店裡低聲交談。我在父親的書桌前坐了下來，然後看了看手錶。這時候是下午一點二十分。我多麼希望時間加速快轉，然而，錶針就是如如不動。當我再度踏入書店時，父親和費爾明同時憂心忡忡地看著我。 達尼，我看你今天還是休個假吧！父親提議。店裡的事由我和費爾明來打點就可以了。 Thanks!我想這樣也好。我昨天晚上幾乎沒睡，身體不太舒服。 我靜靜溜進工作間，不敢多看費爾明一眼。我三步併作兩步，急著爬上五層樓。打開家門時，我聽見浴室傳來水流聲。我拖著腳步踱到臥室，並駐足在門口。碧雅端坐在床沿。她沒看見也沒聽見我進門。我看著她套上絲襪，然後穿上衣服，兩眼緊盯著鏡子。直到過了好幾分鐘之後，她才發現我在那兒。 我不知道你在那裡。她似乎又驚又惱。 妳要出去啊？ 她點點頭，同時在唇上塗抹著口紅。 妳要去哪兒啊？ 我有好幾件事情要辦。 妳打扮得很漂亮呀！ 我可不想邋遢出門。她沒好氣地反駁我。 我靜靜看著她描畫著眼影。好一個幸運兒，我的內心浮現這樣一個嘲諷的聲音。 What to do?I asked. 碧雅回過頭來盯著我看。 What did you say? 我在問妳妳要去辦什麼事情？ 就是有幾件事要辦嘛！ 胡立安呢？ 我媽過來把他接走了，她帶他去散步。 oh! 碧雅走近我身旁，惱怒已逐漸消散，卻面帶憂慮看著我。 達尼，你怎麼了？ 我昨晚整夜沒睡。 你為什麼不去睡個午覺呢？睡一覺起來，你會感覺舒服多了。 I nodded. Um!good idea. 碧雅勉強擠出一絲微笑，並陪我走到床邊。她安頓我上床躺下，替我蓋了被子，然後在我額頭上親吻了一下。 我今天會晚一點回來。she says. 我目送著她走出房門。 Biya? 她駐足在走道上，回眸一望。 Are you pissing me off?I ask her. 我當然愛你呀！你這是什麼傻問題啊？ 我聽見大門關上的聲音，接著，碧雅輕盈的步履以及她踩著細高跟鞋下樓的足音，逐漸遠去。我連忙拿起電話，然後等著接線生出聲。 請接麗池大飯店。 線路耽擱了好幾秒鐘才接通。 麗池大飯店，您好！需要我們為您服務嗎？ 麻煩您，能不能幫我查一下有位房客是不是入住貴飯店？ 能否麻煩您告訴我房客姓名呢？ 巴布羅．Jasques.布恩迪亞。我想他應該是昨天到的 請您稍等一下。 漫長的等候，細碎的低語，夾雜著線路的回音。 gentlemen? Yes. 目前我的名單當中，找不到您提到的這位房客電話另一頭大大鬆了口氣。 有沒有可能他是以公司名義訂房呢？ 我馬上幫您查一下。 這次的等候時間大大縮短了。 確實，先生說得沒錯。Jasques.布恩迪亞先生我找到了。含早餐的歐式套房，房間是以艾里亞納出版社的名義預定的。 抱歉，您說什麼？ 我剛剛是跟先生說，賈斯柯斯．布恩迪亞先生是以艾里亞納出版社的名義訂房。先生要不要我把電話轉到房間去？ 電話忽地從我手中滑落。艾里亞納出版社正是毛里修．瓦士多年前創辦的出版社。 賈斯柯斯在瓦士手下做事。 我狠狠掛上電話，隨即出門去跟蹤妻子，內心正飽受猜疑的折磨。 Nine 當時，天使門往加泰隆尼亞廣場方向的人潮中，絲毫不見碧雅的蹤跡。直覺告訴我，那應該是妻子前往麗池大飯店會選擇的路徑，不過，碧雅是永遠說不準的。她向來喜歡嘗試不同路線。未幾，我放棄在人群中找尋她的念頭，並猜想她大概搭了計程車，這個選擇比較符合盛裝赴會的她。 我花了十五分鐘趕到了麗池大飯店。室外溫度應該不超過十度，我卻滿身大汗，氣喘吁吁。門房偷偷瞄了我一眼，但還是勉強替我開了門。飯店大廳看起來就像懸疑間諜片或文藝巨片的場景，看得我頭暈目眩。鮮少涉足豪華飯店的我，一時根本分不清哪種設施在哪裡。這時候，我瞥見了櫃檯，後面佇立著衣著光鮮的接待員，此時正以好奇且帶著些許不安的眼神觀望著我。我走近櫃檯，臉上堆滿了笑，而他卻無動於衷。 請問餐廳在哪裡？ 接待員以略帶懷疑的目光打量著我。 先生有預約嗎？ 我和貴飯店房客有約。 接待員冷冷一笑，並點了點頭。 先生您在那條走道盡頭就會看見餐廳。 Grateful. 接著，我往餐廳走去，一顆心七上八下的。倘若真