Chapter 43 four two

Zhiyun and Xiao Hansi returned to the hotel, and He Shaoxiang was looking at things under the lamp. Seeing them coming back, he stood up and sighed, complaining: Where have you been?I've been back for almost two hours, and I haven't seen you all. I've been waiting so anxiously. Tired of waiting two hours?How do we endure the waiting as adults?Zhiyun thought that He Shaoxiang only blamed her for coming back late and didn't care about her safety at all, so he sneered angrily. He Shaoxiang pushed the glasses frame, stared blankly at Zhiyun for a while, and then sighed heavily.road:

Where have you been?have you eaten yet? If you haven't eaten yet, you may be paralyzed from hunger.Zhiyun saw that He Shaoxiang didn't pay attention to the safety on the road all the time, he only paid attention to eating and where did he go?My heart is still unbearable, and the tone of my speech is still cold.Zeng Manlin and I went shopping, we went to eat after shopping, it was too late to talk. Did Zeng Manlin send you back? I didn't ask her to take it off, it was too late for her to leave.Zhiyun's tone softened a bit. Oh, He Shaoxiang snorted, and sat in front of the desk lamp again flipping through a stack of papers typed with a typewriter. Zhiyun took little Hansi to the inner room and sent him to bed.When he came out of the inner room, He Shaoxiang was completely engrossed in the stack of papers, and he didn't seem to be aware of her appearance at all, and he didn't even raise his head.

Zhiyun stood awkwardly in the middle of the ground for a while, then sat on the chair opposite He Shaoxiang, accosting him and said: Seeing Zeng Manlin like that made me feel so sad. He Shaoxiang still didn't look up, his whole mind was on the stack of papers. Is it rude to talk to you?Zhiyun was not too happy. I heard it, but I can only answer you after reading this paragraph.He Shaoxiang raised his eyes and pointed at the stack of papers.This is their experiment report. I have to finish reading it tonight, and I can exchange opinions with them tomorrow.What did you say?Zeng Manlin made you so sad?What's up with her?

She was alone, very lonely, in a bad mood, and in poor health.I feel so sorry for her.Zhiyun's worried expression made He Shaoxiang couldn't help laughing. Helena, you're a fussy, needless person.You can't solve Zeng Manlin's problem for her, so stop thinking about it and go to sleep!Don't go out with her tomorrow, someone invited us to dinner!After he finished speaking, he lowered his head to read the stack of experiment reports. Even if you want to go out with her tomorrow!She was out for days.After Zhiyun finished speaking, he really went to the inner room to sleep, but couldn't fall asleep because of tossing and turning. As soon as he closed his eyes, Zeng Manlin's thin and lonely face was spinning in his mind.So she thought of Xie Jinchang again, and wondered if it was possible to bring these two lonely people together?

Zhiyun was quite excited about this idea for a while, but then felt something was wrong.She has always hated things like matchmaking and introduction the most. She thinks it is vulgar and ridiculous, and it is simply ironic about love.Furthermore, although Zeng Manlin's appearance is not attractive, she can be regarded as a leader in knowledge among women, will she fall in love with Xie Jinchang?I heard that Xie Jinchang's ex-girlfriend was good-looking, and she even ran for Miss!Will he be interested in Zeng Manlin?Maybe her idea will offend both parties.Thinking of this, she immediately suppressed this ridiculous thought.

Zhiyun's family only stayed in New York for five days, and the day before leaving, Zeng Manlin had no classes after ten o'clock, so she had already agreed to spend a good day with Zhiyun.They visited the school taught by Zeng Manlin first, and then returned to Zeng Manlin's apartment, preparing for the two of them to cook a lunch together, and then chat happily. Zeng Manlin lived on the third floor of an apartment building, with a bedroom, a living-dining room, and a study.The room is bright and bright, and the decoration is elegant and clean.As soon as Zhiyun entered the door, he noticed a large row of martial arts novels on the bookshelf, and couldn't help saying in surprise:

Do you also read martial arts novels? It's been two years since I got addicted to it.Let me tell you, Yu Zhiyun, martial arts novels are really good!It is many times better than those literary novels nowadays.It not only makes people forget the role of reality, but also finds a little real Chinese taste in it.If you don't believe me try it.Zeng Manlin took two copies of Jin Yong's Heroes of the Condor Shooting from the shelf and passed them to Zhiyun.Zhiyun flipped through a few articles, then put them back on the shelf.He smiled and said: Listen, this is what the professor who teaches Chinese said!I have no appetite for martial arts, and I have tried it, but I just can't stand it.

If you really can't stand martial arts, it proves that your loneliness is not real, and you should force your worries.I have already said it!You have a husband and children, how can you be lonely!Zeng Manlin said and took the big bag of food she bought back to the kitchen.Come to the kitchen to cover it!Watch me perform for you.Little Hans, sit here obediently, and Auntie will serve you a big cup of ice cream. When Zhiyun walked into the kitchen, he saw little Hansi sitting at the table eating ice cream.Zeng Manlin has rolled up her sleeves, is wearing an apron, and is picking up the prawns.

Didn't you say that you can't eat fresh prawns in Europe?I bought this just for you. My usual lunch is a cup of coffee and a sandwich.Zeng Manlin took off the head of the shrimp and peeled off the shell skillfully.You said that you also officially have a big meal at noon in Europe? In continental Europe, the noon meal is the most important. Unless there is a banquet in the evening, people eat very simple, which is the opposite of the United States.how can i helpZhiyun also rolled up the sleeves of her brown velvet suit. You are accustomed to Europe, and I am accustomed to the United States, but please use the Datong electric cooker to make some Chinese white rice!Zeng Manlin said humorously.

Zhiyun opened the cabinet and saw that there were cardboard boxes, bottles and jars inside, which were full, so he smiled and said: You've got everything you need here. Just to make a joke, my family lacks everything except a male master.Zeng Manlin had finished peeling the prawns and was taking them under the faucet to wash.My life can really be said to be two shadows of me. Zhiyun plugged in the electric cooker, stared at Zeng Manlin's back, and considered whether to do more about it. Zeng Manlin, what are your criteria for choosing a partner?She finally asked, realizing how vulgar this sentence was.But what else to ask?Since it is not a natural and spontaneous love, can there be no conditions for finding a partner?

What else can I ask for?After washing the shrimps, Zeng Manlin then washed the vegetables, as if she said very casually: At first, I thought I was a Ph. D., and the partner must also be a Ph. D. to match.Later, I couldn't see the shadow of the doctor, so I thought: let's settle for the next best thing!A master's degree is fine, a doctor's degree is just a title, how much worse is it?However, I didn't even see a master's degree.She sneered loudly, as if telling a joke about an irrelevant person.Now I almost don't have any conditions, as long as I am a man who is willing to treat me sincerely.I also thought about it: there are many people who are not married, aren't they all alive?Instead of marrying a man who has no feelings and coming back to raise him, why not live alone?But, Yu Zhiyun, you don't know what it's like to live alone.I was so scared. Zeng Manlin turned her face to the faucet. After washing the vegetables, she washed the beef, and after washing the meat, she washed her hands. As she continued to wash, her voice became smaller and smaller. I often think, as long as there is such a person, treat me sincerely.He can understand that I am lonely and hard. He can take care of me when I am sick and unable to get up in bed.On days when there is heavy snow and strong wind, it would be nice to have someone to accompany me in the house, and someone to talk to me when I come back from school every day.I wouldn't cry out of the window alone during Chinese New Year. Zeng Manlin seemed to have something stuffed in her throat, and she was too hoarse to speak. Zhiyun felt unspeakably sad, thought for a while, and said: Zeng Manlin, this situation will definitely change, otherwise I advise you to go back to China, you can still be a professor when you go back, and you will be more respected than here, what is the point of suffering this abroad. Just go back like this?No!That's not good.Zeng Manlin had regained her composure, turned around and opened the drawer to take out a pack of cigarettes, and asked Zhiyun if she wanted one?Zhiyun shook her head to say no, Zeng Manlin lit one and smoked it herself, with a very skillful gesture. Since when did you start smoking?Zhiyun was stunned. three years.Originally, I was quitting, but I couldn't control my emotions when I got angry.Zeng Manlin inhaled heavily and exhaled smoke rings lightly. In the afternoon, Zhiyun said why not go shopping in Chinatown and watch a Chinese movie. Do you want to watch Chinese movies too?remember?At that time we always said that Chinese movies were neither Chinese nor Western, they were superficial and nasty, and if you didn’t kill them, you would chop them up, where would you watch them?It’s different when I go abroad. I used to go to Chinese movies alone!They are all old-fashioned movies, and they can't talk about anything, but seeing places in China and listening to pure Mandarin can still relieve nostalgia.Zeng Manlin said. I knew there were Chinese movies to watch here in Europe, so I came here with high hopes? Well, if you are interested, let's go!In fact, the law and order in Chinatown is extremely bad now.Zeng Manlin spoke in the tone of risking her life to be with a gentleman. They took a local car to Chinatown.Zhi Yunben said that the streets of New York are dirty and messy, and he didn't know what is dirty and messy until he got there.The fruit peels, cigarette butts, and thick phlegm on the ground almost frightened little Hans, asking repeatedly: Mom, what place is this?Are we walking in a dumpster?Zhiyun almost didn't want to say that this was Chinatown, because he didn't want little Hansi, who had an infinitely beautiful longing for China but had no impression of China, to see such a China.But she still said: This is called Chinatown, and all the people who live here are Chinese.Zhiyun said simply. Oh, the people who live here are all Chinese!Little Hans was very surprised, with two big black eyes, he looked at every passerby on the road. Is there no Chinatown in Europe?Zeng Manlin asked. There are London, Paris, and Amsterdam, but the scale is far from here.London's China Street is much cleaner and more presentable than this one, but it is a pity that it belongs to the weathered area, and many pornographic places are there.There are only two or three Chinese shops and a few Chinese restaurants in Paris.Amsterdam's Chinatown has become the largest drug trafficking center in Europe, and no one dares to go there.Zhiyun spoke casually, and never let go of his observation of the surroundings. She saw a few compatriots passing by on the street, with dry, thin, sallow faces, black lips, broken shoes on their feet, and a blank expression on their listless faces.Some hooligan-like teenagers on the side of the street gathered together in groups of three or four, chatting and discussing for some reason?Some had cigarettes in their mouths, and some had their hair permed up on end, like black hair. Their attitudes were primitive and rampant. When Zhiyun and Zeng Manlin walked by, they whistled frivolously. did you see thatThose little hooligans are making trouble in Chinatown all day long.It was a good pleasure to come here to buy food, eat and watch a Chinese movie, but now it is no longer possible, and I really want to come here with an adventurous mood.Zeng Manlin lowered her voice and said. That being the case, I will go back and forget about buying something.Zhiyun was a little terrified by Zeng Manlin's words. It's not really that scary. If you come here, you can rest easy. You should eat and watch it. Let's play with us. If you want to buy something, we will go to the store first.Zeng Manlin pointed to a Nanhuo store not far away. When Zhiyun walked in, he was immediately refreshed. In the eight years in Europe, he had never seen such a complete Chinese shop.She bought Wilkinia ham from preserved egg sausage floss, packed two big boxes, and asked the store to send it directly back to Switzerland.After the major purchases were completed, they went to a small cinema to watch a movie.Sure enough, as Zeng Manlin said, it was an outdated movie, and the movie "Blue and Black" starring Lin Dai was being staged. Zeng Manlin scolded: Why is it still this one?But Shiyun said happily that she didn't want to watch movies about fighting and killing, but would rather watch this kind of older literary movies.Judging from Zhiyun's appreciation level, this movie is not considered brilliant.But she still watched it with gusto, and was even quite moved.The melodious Chinese, the mountains and rivers of the motherland, the houses and streets, and the Chinese atmosphere between people and things all made her forget that she was in a foreign country. Little Hansi was bored watching it, and fell asleep in Zhiyun's arms like a hibernating animal, and didn't wake up until the movie was over. Coming out of the movie theater, Zeng Manlin pointed around and said: The so-called Chinatown is just like this, you finally saw it. Zhiyun also glanced around and said with a smile: I don't take the problem so seriously, Rome was not built in a day, it has to be done slowly.I think this is still a matter of education. If every Chinese living here understands what national pride is, they may not spoil a good place like this, and feel that it doesn't matter. Ah, Yu Zhiyun, you have so many theories!Zeng Manlin giggled. On this day, He Shaoxiang was going to give a speech at a university near New York. After the lecture, he had to exchange views with several professors from that school, and then he was invited to dinner. The program was full.When Zhiyun and Zeng Manlin returned to the hotel, he hadn't returned yet. Yu Zhiyun, it's almost eight o'clock, it's too late and I don't dare to leave, I have to go back, I have class early tomorrow morning, I won't drop it off if you leave.Zeng Manlin's already gloomy face looked even darker. you go back!Zeng Manlin, come to Europe to have fun!Zhiyun was also shrouded in the atmosphere of parting, and couldn't find anything else to say for a while. A trip to Europe is too expensive, and I can't bear the money.Although I have everything, I am actually very frugal. I rarely buy things when there is no price reduction, and I have to send money to my family every month!forget it!Anyway, I will not go to Europe in the past few years.She held Zhiyun's hand, and the eyeballs behind the glasses seemed to be covered with water, shining brightly.This time we got together for two days, and we had such a fun talk, which is not bad.Hope you come back soon, seeing old friends abroad is not easy!Yu Zhiyun, I'm back, I'll write a letter when I have time, don't live happily ever after, just forget about this lonely old classmate! Zhiyun escorted Zeng Manlin out of the hotel gate, saw her leave in a hurry, and when she returned to the room, she felt a sense of melancholy and depression. On the plane to California, Zhiyun asked He Shaoxiang: Shaoxiang, do you think Zeng Manlin and Xie Jinchang are compatible? He Shaoxiang was silent for a long time, then he smiled implicitly and said: what are you thinking dearZeng Manlin is also a Ph.D., who teaches at a university.What is Xie Jinchang?Can't even read the books, I don't think they match at all. When Zhiyun was told by He Shaoxiang, her enthusiasm cooled down, and she dismissed this idea that she herself thought was absurd. As soon as Zhiyun and He Shaoxiang arrived at the Los Angeles airport, they saw Chen Lingling and Dr. Zhan Sheng coming to pick them up.This is what they agreed: as soon as they arrive at the West Bank, they will temporarily separate. Zhiyun will take little Hansi to live at Chen Lingling's house, and He Shaoxiang will let him go to the research institute where he is on business, and send someone to pick him up. meet. Chen Lingling waved to Zhiyun, raised her voice all the way, said hi, and then hugged Zhiyun affectionately. Hi, Yu Zhiyun, Hai Lanna!Chen Lingling cried. Zhiyun didn't expect that Chen Lingling would give her a Western-style hug, so he was caught off guard for a moment and felt a little embarrassed. Chen Lingling, nice to meet you.After Chen Lingling let go of her hand, Zhiyun had the time to look at her carefully.Chen Lingling combed the popular boyish hairstyle, wore jeans, and chewed gum in her mouth, as if she looked more like a girl than when she was a student.Chen Lingling, why are you getting younger and younger!Zhiyun said with a smile. uh-huh!I have good health skills!Chen Lingling smiled at Mimi, her tone was very humorous and very proud. Zhiyun introduced He Shaoxiang and Dr. Zhan Sheng to Chen Lingling. They exchanged some pleasantries, and He Shaoxiang followed Dr. Zhan Sheng away. Let's go too!Chen Lingling took Zhiyun and Xiao Hansi out of the airport, went to a cream yellow cabriolet in the parking lot, opened the door, and let Zhiyun and the others in. What a beautiful car!Zhiyun put little Hansi in the back seat, and sat next to Chen Lingling himself, and couldn't help saying admiringly. How about it?Is this color fresh enough?Chen Lingling started the car and drove out slowly.This is the latest style of this year, and it has only been bought for three months. American cars are big and beautiful.We all drive small cars in Europe, because there are many mountain roads in Europe, small cars are flexible, and it is usually fuel-efficient and easy to find a parking place.Zhiyun said while carefully observing the traffic on the highway. We have three cars, this one is mine, Dawei also has a European car, he also said it is fuel-efficient, but I don’t like his car, it’s so ugly, I said, just drive when you go out alone, come out with me But no, who wants to take that petty car.Chen Lingling was the same as before, her nasal voice was very heavy when she spoke, her mouth was not fully opened, as if deliberately keeping her soft voice inside, some people said that this was the most charming part of Chen Lingling.We also have a big car with a big trunk in the back. If the family goes out together, we will drive that one. Well.Zhiyun replied thoughtfully.Chen Lingling's words made her sound unpleasant. How many cars do you have?Chen Lingling asked. one car. one?Chen Lingling turned her face and glanced at Zhiyun, then quickly turned to look ahead.How can a car be enough?What do you do if your husband drives the car away at work? We are in Switzerland, there are trams or car trains to any small place, and we can still move around without a car.Since the Arab countries raised the oil price, only one car was left for those who originally had two or three cars.But we've always been that one.Zhiyun is very comfortable.I don't understand why Chen Lingling was so surprised when it was said that there was only one car. Chen Lingling chewed gum for a while, and said: It seems that the standard of living in Europe is still not as good as that in the United States. If I were there, I would definitely not be able to bear it. Zhiyun couldn't continue talking for a long time, feeling that a rising tide lifts all boats.She still vividly remembers the time when she and Chen Lingling crowded the bus together in Taipei. Didn't they have a good time at that time?Today's Chen Lingling is someone who can't live without owning three cars.She has never liked driving very much, and she is not very interested in cars, so she doesn't want to talk about this boring topic anymore. The old friend met in a foreign country thousands of miles away, and she has a lot of feelings. I don't know how much to talk about?I don't know where to start talking, what is it to talk about cars as soon as we meet?However, if she didn't talk about cars, she didn't know what to talk about?A lot of things I thought I was going to pour out, but I can't seem to spit them out.Because, from the moment they met, she could see that Chen Lingling was no longer the Chen Lingling who used to eat, play with, and cover up with her all day long.She looked so strange, so strange that it was almost as if she had never known her before.Chen Lingling turned the steering wheel skillfully, talking about various things about cars, Zhiyun couldn't get a word out of her mouth. No wonder the west is better than the east, the weather is lovely.Zhiyun looked at the blue sky and the soft sunshine, and finally found a sentence. California is nothing to say, it can be regarded as the best place in the world.The house is really comfortable, and we have everything we need to eat and use.It is not cold in winter and not hot in summer.The pride in Chen Lingling's tone made anyone think that California belonged to her alone.well!After living in California for a long time, people are spoiled and can't live anywhere else.She sighed again. yes!It must be very comfortable to live here.Zhiyun responded casually. There are many places to see around here, such as Hollywood!Las Vegas!Everyone should get to know each other.look!Hope I can walk away.Chen Lingling's good mood suddenly dropped, and she sighed faintly, as if there was something hard to say. The purpose of my coming to the West Bank is to see you. It would be a pleasure for the two of you to have a heart-to-heart talk, and I'm not interested in going out to play.If you have something to do, just go and do your work, don't delay you because of me.Zhiyun quickly said wisely. It's not that I have anything to do these two days, the main thing is that my heart is so annoying that I have no interest in doing anything.Chen Lingling explained. What's bothering you so much?Zhiyun really became concerned. My worry is that my whole family from Taiwan has come, not too early or too late, just three weeks ago, five people, big and small, all squeezed into my place.I had to find them a place to live, and I had to find a job.I just found a place for my nephew to study homework, and I have to find a way for my sister and brother-in-law to work in the bank Your sister and they are here too?Isn't your brother-in-law working hard as a lecturer?Zhiyun interrupted Chen Lingling. He was promoted to associate professor early, and he taught Chinese economic history.Chen Lingling said with a bit of contempt. He is a teacher, why is he looking for a job in a bank? Even if he teaches, he can't teach in the United States!People like my brother-in-law don't have any skills here.I told him to go to a crash course to catch up and learn the technology of punching holes. If he can find a job in punching holes in a bank, he can earn several hundred dollars a month. For them, it is not bad, at least It's more advanced than serving plates in restaurants.Chen Lingling let go of the steering wheel with one hand, and made a gesture of holding the plate.My sister has always worked in a bank, but her English is so poor that she can't take advantage of it.I told her to study English in an adult school.There was an undeniable authority in his tone. Oh Zhiyun couldn't do it for a long time, and couldn't think of a professor who was a scholar, how could he come to the United States to improve the technology of punching holes, in order to find a minimum clerk in a bank.In Switzerland and Germany, this kind of hole punching work is done by students who graduated from junior vocational schools. I still have to find work for my parents.Like them, old is not considered old, and they can't just sit and wait for food.But it is more difficult for them, I am afraid that they can only use their brains in the car clothing factory.Chen Lingling chewed gum for a while, then said. Wu Zhiyun didn't even know what to say.She used to go to Chen Lingling's house to play, and knew everyone in the Chen family.In my memory, Chen Lingling's father was a civil servant with a high status. He was polite and taciturn, and he was an old-fashioned Chinese scholar.What kind of brains can he use in the car clothing factory?Are you going to sew clothes for someone?Chen Lingling's mother is a pure housewife. She looks like a good mother and a good wife at first glance. She always speaks softly and gently.I remember Chen Lingling once said: Her mother got married before graduating from high school, and she never went out to work.Now even this old lady who is nearly 60 years old has to use her brains to work. What happened to the Chen family? Although Zhiyun was puzzled, it was inconvenient to ask further questions, so he only tentatively said: Why are they coming to America? Now the Chinese don't want to come to America?They wanted to come, and I encouraged them to come, but I wrote letters repeatedly asking them to learn the skills and English to make a living, so that they could find work when they came.Unexpectedly, they simply ignored my words and just came here, bringing a lot of difficulties.Chen Lingling let go of the steering wheel and gestured again, with dissatisfaction in her voice, such a big family, can't wait for me to support it?Now they are all crowded in my house. When I enter the house, there are many people in my eyes and many problems. I feel really unhappy.After Chen Lingling finished speaking, she chewed gum vigorously. When Chen Lingling talked about her family, her arrogant attitude and tone made Zhiyun extremely uncomfortable.After hesitating for a while, he pretended not to care and said with a smile: Chen Lingling, there are so many people in your family, plus Xiao Hansi and I can afford it, I think we should find a hotel to live in!She really regretted why she let He Shaoxiang go without asking. It doesn't make sense. I was afraid that you would think so, so I didn't tell you when we called.They moved out the day after tomorrow.Chen Lingling said quickly. But how do you live these two days?Five people plus you four, plus the two of us, a total of eleven people.No, there are too many, Chen Lingling, help me find a hotel!Zhiyun really felt that it was inconvenient to go live. It must be able to live, and it must make you live comfortably.My house is big, with five bedrooms, the basement is as big as a small auditorium, and I can dance fifty pairs.Chen Lingling lifted her chin up, her lips were exaggerated when she spoke, and the corners of her eyes and brows were full of pride.Hey, Yu Zhiyun, let's close the door and say something intimate, among the classmates we know, we are the two who get along the best. us two?Zhiyun looked at Chen Lingling, who was chewing gum vigorously, in bewilderment. Of course it's the two of us.Your husband is a famous scientist, and my Dawei is a famous doctor here.Chen Lingling glanced at Zhiyun playfully, and laughed out loud. The two talked and talked, and they will arrive soon.Chen Lingling turned the car behind a row of woods, and a two-story white wooden house with a very novel style appeared in front of Zhiyun's eyes. Chen Lingling's house and courtyard are really big, and the environment is quiet. There is also a swimming pool, tennis court, and glass greenhouse behind the house. What do you think of the exterior of the house?Chen Lingling asked as she got off the car. It's nice, spacious, and beautiful.Zhiyun led little Hansi down from the back seat, stood on the grass in front of the house, and looked at the house carefully. It was entirely my idea to buy this house. It cost 120,000 yuan four years ago, and everyone said it was expensive.You know, in our circle of friends, Dawei has the most income, so our house must be stronger than others.Chen Lingling pointed at the eaves with one hand, and smiled triumphantly: "Recently, housing prices have risen rapidly. My house is already worth 300,000 yuan, because the area is noble, and new residential areas are being built nearby."Now people admire my vision again. You have become so economically savvy!Zhiyun also praised it. My economic acumen is more than that!Let me tell you about my achievements slowly!Chen Lingling raised her chin again, all the smugness emerged from the tip of her chin.Let's go in! The box is not out yet!Zhiyun reminded Chen Lingling. Put it in the garage first, and get it when my brother-in-law and the others come back.As Chen Lingling said, she had already stepped up the steps, and Zhiyun followed behind her. Chen Lingling's mother and elder sister were making dinner in the kitchen, when they heard someone coming in, they thought Zhiyun was here, and hurriedly came out with a smile on their faces. Zhiyun called Chen Lingling's mother "auntie", and Chen Lingling's mother grabbed Zhiyun's hand affectionately, and said with a smile on her face: Ouch, Zhiyun, how long have you seen me!I really didn't expect to see you here.You are still so pretty.At that time, I said, among Lingling's friends, you are the best born.She let go of Zhiyun, and took little Han Si with both hands to face each other.The child's eyebrows and eyes are so smart, just like his mother. You haven't seen his father, how do you know he looks like his mother?Although Chen Lingling was smiling, it sounded like she was arguing. I heard that your husband is a great physicist, very good!Why didn't he come together?Chen Lingling's mother asked with a kind smile. Yu Zhiyun's husband is on business, so where is the time?Even if he had time to come, our place is in such a mess that we can't entertain him.Before Zhiyun could answer, Chen Lingling answered for her. Chen Lingling's older sister is called Chen Peipei. In Zhiyun's impression, she is much more beautiful than Chen Lingling, especially her big clear and bright eyes, which seem to be pure and untouched by human fireworks.But looking at it now, she only feels haggard, with a heavy melancholy in her expression. Zhiyun chatted with Chen Peipei for a while, and asked her if she liked America?Chen Peipei said softly and politely: There is always a sense of novelty, but a foreign country is a foreign country after all, which makes people feel a little out of touch.I think it may be because of the relationship when I first came here, maybe it will be fine after a long time. I have been out for many years, and I also feel this way!Zhiyun smiled and sighed.While talking, she saw Chen Lingling's father coming in with Zhiyun's box. ah!Uncle Chen, long time no see.Zhiyun went up to greet him and wanted to take the box.It's so good that Uncle Labor will carry the suitcase for me. You're welcome, I can still move.Chen Lingling's father did not give the box to Zhiyun.He was wearing a pair of home-worn trousers and a plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up, as if he had just been at work.I was cleaning the yard next to me, and I didn't see you coming. I went to the garage to put things away and saw a box on the ground. I thought it was yours, so I brought it in.I'll help you bring it to your room!He said kindly, and went upstairs with the suitcase. Chen Lingling's two children can't speak Chinese, and of course they don't understand German, and little Hansi can't speak English, so the three of them have no language at all, and they can't play together, they just look at each other and giggle. Lingling, you should also teach Cathy and Jeff to speak Chinese. You can see how well Yu Zhiyun taught their children, and they can speak Mandarin well.Chen Lingling's father had come down from upstairs, looking at the three children with a smile. Will it be said that Chinese is not important at all in the United States, can you find a job if you can speak Chinese?Chen Lingling nods to her father without a smile. Chen Lingling's father only glanced at Chen Lingling, and then stopped talking.Chen Lingling's mother continued to chat with Zhiyun endlessly.Zhiyun could tell: she had been here for three weeks, and she had probably been bored for three weeks. Seeing her, she finally found someone to talk to. Mom, let's chat with Yu Zhiyun later, we have to eat quickly.Chen Lingling looked down at the platinum luxury watch on her wrist, interrupting her mother's words.The guests are hungry, and Dawei is coming back. Mrs. Chen stopped immediately, smiled at Zhiyun, and said: I'll get you some food, you must be hungry.Just go to the kitchen.Chen Peipei also followed. After a while, Chen Lingling's husband Dawei, her brother-in-law who went to tutor her, and her nephew who tutored her homework all came back.Dawei was really dark and strong, looking like an outdated weightlifter.As soon as Dawei entered, Chen Lingling went up to give him a loud kiss. Darling, are you tired?She spoke in English, her voice drawn low and slowly. There are many patients, but they are not tired.Dawei let go of Chen Lingling in his arms, and also put down the small suitcase for visiting. Darling, look here is Helena.Chen Lingling pulled Zhiyun over. Hi!Helena, Linda often mentions you and tells about your college days. It's very interesting!Dawei smiled apologetically.Hylana, I can't speak Chinese, I can only speak English to you, sorry! Helanna doesn't care, she can speak English, and she's not a country bumpkin who hasn't seen the world.Chen Lingling's eyes mischievously swept across Dawei and then Zhiyun. Zhiyun chatted with Dawei for a while, and then dinner was called outside.Zhiyun followed Dawei to the dining room, and saw a large long dining table full of people.Several large plates were filled with fried fish, stewed meat, chicken legs, fried shrimp, and two kinds of vegetables. I'm sorry, I have to treat you to a big pot meal. We will go out to play tomorrow, and I will treat you to grilled steak.Chen Lingling gave Zhiyun the seat on Dawei's right hand, Dawei took the head seat, and Chen Lingling took the hostess seat on the other end. My aunt has cooked so many dishes!Thank you for your hard work.Zhiyun ignored Chen Lingling's words, and said to Mrs. Chen who was standing aside with a wry smile on her face. They are foreign rules, drink soup first.Chen Peipei's child, Tu Jianzhong, is fourteen or fifteen years old. He is tall and big, as strong as a calf. He drinks soup like a cow, whistling loudly.In fact, he was not the only one who sipped the soup, Chen Lingling's parents also made a slight whimpering sound, her brother-in-law was a little better, only Chen Peipei was drinking slowly, without making any sound. Jianzhong, how many times have I said, don't make any noise when drinking soup, Dawei is most afraid of hearing this kind of sound.Chen Lingling spoke to her nephew in Chinese. Jianzhong, drink slowly, be careful, don't make a sound.Chen Peipei also said. The calf immediately lowered its eyelids in embarrassment, and it took a long time to take a sip, but occasionally there was still a whirring sound.It is too late for you to teach him now, you should train him before you go abroad, the manners at the table are the most important, it shows a person's standard and family education.Chen Lingling said.The members of the Chen family and Zhiyun were all silent in embarrassment, only Dawei spoke blunt Chinese.Compliments his mother-in-law for the soup.Jeff and Cathy argued: I don't want Chinese soup, I want chicken legs. After finishing the soup, Chen Peipei stood up and took the soup plate down. Chen Lingling took chicken drumsticks for Jeff, Cathy, and Little Hans, and let Zhiyun eat vegetables frequently. Wei's plate explained that Dao Dawei loves seafood the most. After the meal was finally finished, Zhiyun felt that his spirit and stomach were not feeling well. After chatting with everyone for a while, he said that Little Han was tired, and he should be put to bed earlier and returned to his room. Zhiyun and Xiao Hansi were arranged to sleep in the guest room. It was a large and exquisitely furnished room. It is said that Chen Lingling's parents lived here, but now her parents sleep in the room where her sister and brother-in-law used to live, and her sister lives in Jianzhong. Jianzhong, her brother-in-law, father and son lay down on the floor of the dining room to sleep in the study, just like the great migration of the Germanic peoples.Chen Lingling accompanied Zhiyun to the room, and whispered: My mother is also confused. She actually suggested that I put Cathy to sleep in Jeff's room, saying that Cathy's room should be given to my sister and brother-in-law.Look, isn't this soil?How can a child give up the room to someone else?That affects the mind.The sudden arrival of such a large group of people at home has made the child very uncomfortable.well!What a headache.Chen Lingling pouted.Fortunately, they moved the next morning, otherwise I would go crazy if I was not bored to death. Chen Lingling talked for a while before leaving, and made an appointment to go to Laguna Beach tomorrow.The atmosphere in Chen Lingling's house made Zhiyun feel uncomfortable, and he didn't even sleep well all night.The next morning when He Shaoxiang called, Zhiyun saw that there was no one around, so he lowered his throat and said: When will your work be over? Come pick me up early, okay? Everything is arranged, how can it be early?He Shaoxiang's tone did not allow any room for negotiation.Zhiyun complained a few words to him angrily, but everything went according to the original plan, and he had to stay at Chen Lingling's house for six days. 早飯之後，陳玲玲就開車帶織雲和小漢思去拉古納海灘，說在去以前還要帶織雲看一點她的成績。織雲先還不懂成績兩字指的是甚麼？待陳玲玲把車子停在一塊大空地上面，她才明白了，原來這塊地皮屬於陳玲玲，是她經營的成績。 這塊地算是買著了。到目前為止已經漲了五六倍，現在有人動腦筋在這裏蓋購物中心，想買，我正在提價錢。陳玲玲嚼著口香糖，一手叉腰，另隻手向四週指指點點。 你現在真不得了。士隔三日，刮目相看，你的經濟頭腦好厲害。其實織雲對房地產毫無興趣，但不得不表示欽佩。 我還玩股票，眼光準得很，弄了幾年，總是賺。陳玲玲無限得意的，又道：我另外還有兩幢房子，租出去了。她重新上車，開上公路。你有幾幢房子？ 一幢也沒有。織雲坦白的笑笑。我們的房子是租的。 real?陳玲玲提高了聲音，彷彿無法相信這是事實。你們的房子真是租的？ 我騙你做甚麼？of course it's true. 為甚麼要租？不買？陳玲玲試探的。 織雲聽出了陳玲玲話中的輕蔑，便故意誇張的道： 買不起，太貴了，紹祥的收入不能跟你的大偉比，我又不像你這麼會經營，拿甚麼買！ 何紹祥不是很出眾的科學家嗎？怎麼會賺得那麼少？在美國，這種人的收入很高的。 歐洲就是歐洲嘛，跟美國不一樣，所以我說我不能跟你比。織雲對陳玲玲的心理十分反感，話裏也就有些諷刺的味道。你有好幾幢房子，為甚麼不讓家裏人住？還叫他們出去租房子？she asked deliberately. 不行，親戚家人最好不要有金錢來往。如果我把房子租給他們住，他們不付租金我怎麼辦？還是租給外人保險，不付房租我就找警察。過了一會，陳玲玲又像開玩笑的道：這話你可別對我家那幾個人講啊！他們已經在怨我對他們不好了。well!我真是吃力不討好，真後悔叫他們來。 織雲沉吟了好久，才慢吞吞的道： 陳玲玲，你已經是一個純粹的美國人了。 Yes I am.陳玲玲毫不猶疑的說。嚼著口香糖，悠閑的開著敞篷車，微塌的鼻樑上架著的太陽鏡，閃閃生光。 織雲終於懂得了曾曼琳那句陳玲玲太得意了，指的是甚麼？而且也清楚的感覺到，陳玲玲對她的態度，已不像初來時那麼熱烈。但因別無它處可去，還是只好捱過這幾天。 陳家一家老小搬走的時候，織雲也幫了些忙，還到他們的新居去看了一趟。那幢新居離陳玲玲的住處不遠，走路只二十分鐘，是在一所大宅門的後院，一共三間。看那簡陋敗破的情形，織雲猜想是原先的房主人蓋給園丁或佣人住的，現在這所大宅門已經幾易其主，看那光景該是家道中落了，不然也不會把後院這幢小房子出租的。 陳玲玲的父親和她姐夫合資買了部二手貨的汽車，據說才花了八百美金，由她姐夫駕駛，做一家人的出入交通工具。新居雖說簡陋，五口人卻個個歡喜，彷彿鬆了一口大氣，那種小心翼翼的緊張表情，在臉上消失了。 那天從新居回來，陳玲玲也鬆了一口大氣說： 他們有了落腳的地方，算是才走了一步。一大家人，個個要安排，全得靠我，我又不是三頭六臂。 陳玲玲，我說一句老實話，你根本不該鼓勵他們來。他們在國內過得好好的，有理想的職業，生活安定，到這裏甚麼都沒有，只有你，你叫他們不靠你靠誰？你覺得不勝負擔，他們何嘗不覺得委屈？做個這樣的外國人，算甚麼生活！織雲本不想說，最後還是把悶了幾天的話說了。 他們想來嘛！說是再不出來的話，等建中到十六歲就出不來了。現在有辦法的人全辦移民，弄綠卡，我忍心不管他們嗎？想不到事情弄得這麼讓人傷腦筋。跟你說句真心話，我一看到他們就頭痛。陳玲玲不停的唉聲嘆氣。 織雲想想，那麼一大家人等著陳玲玲一個人想辦法，也確實是個負擔。再想想母親加諸在她身上那些責任的沉重，也就原諒了陳玲玲。 你那天從紐約打電話，說曾曼琳讓你躭心，擔甚麼心？What's up with her?陳玲玲突然想起來問。 她太寂寞了，看到她那種日子，我真難過。織雲沉默了半晌，悻悻然的微笑著道：人就是這個樣子，只看到別人而看不到自己。其實寂寞的何只曾曼琳？那個在國外的中國人不寂寞？難道我不寂寞？各有各的寂寞罷了。 我就不寂寞，我也不相信你會寂寞。我每天忙得時間都不夠用，這裏的環境這麼好，生活不知比國內好了多少倍，怎麼會寂寞？我們這裏也有些中國人整天叫寂寞，再不就是甚麼失落無根的，我就不懂他們是怎麼回事陳玲玲說著，眼光漸漸的停在長窗前的一棵大樹上，正有幾隻麻雀在枝葉間躥跳。余織雲，你還記得小段嗎？她像想起了幾千年前的往事，慢悠悠的，聲音彷彿離得很遙遠。 小段？織雲幾乎有點驚愕，今天的陳玲玲，還會想起小段？還會有這份閑情來回憶？I remember him.she says. 余織雲，有時候我也會想，我想，現在的一切都比從前好，不過沒有從前美。那時候我們到底年輕。陳玲玲的聲音有點傷感，眼光從樹上收回來。 人都年輕過，可是也都要長大，這是沒辦法的事。織雲像在自言自語。你為甚麼提起小段？she asked. 唔，不過是提一提，過去的就是過去了。那時候我不是總說，上飛機的樓梯，就是我兩段人生的分界線？小段是屬於樓梯下面那段人生的，早已成為過去式了。不過她頓一頓，笑了。不過，有時候我會覺得，我喜歡那個時候的自己，好像比喜歡今天的自己多一點。 唔陳玲玲織雲本來想說：我和你一樣。但沒有說出來。 出乎織雲的意料之外，那天晚上何紹祥打電話來，說他要坐別人的私家飛機去舊金山，將在那裏逗留兩三天，叫織雲後天一早就帶著小漢思也去，他到機場接他們。 這個電話使織雲鬱悶的心情開朗了一大半。她實在不願再在陳玲玲家住下去了。和曾曼琳在一起，她覺得那還是以前的曾曼琳，而陳玲玲卻只是似曾相識的另一個人了。她們之間沒有多少知心話可談，陳玲玲一開口就是房地產、股票和錢，她既無興趣也搭不上嘴。當織雲對陳玲玲說要提早離去的話時，陳玲玲也只虛留了幾句。 離開的前一天，織雲特別到陳玲玲父母的新居去了一趟。陳玲玲本來是不贊成她去的。說：他們那邊太窄小，你去了連個轉身的地方都沒有。織雲卻說：還是去辭個行吧！也算是做小輩的禮貌。以前我到你家去玩，你媽媽總做糕做餅的招待我，對我那麼好，我怎麼好意思就不聲不響的走了。於是陳玲玲就不再堅持，只說：那怎麼辦？我不能陪你去，下午我去銀行有重要事情。織雲忙說她根本不需要陪，走路不過二十分鐘，帶小漢思走路去蠻好，在歐洲住久了，早養成每日散步的習慣，來美國這些日子，一出門就坐車，真有點不習慣呢！ 織雲帶著小漢思到新居的時候，只有陳玲玲的母親一個人在；她正拿著電熨斗在燙衣服。織雲的來訪，使她有出乎意外的驚喜。 你坐呀！Zhiyun.我燒茶給你，哎喲！在這裏傢伙也不全，美國的廚房我也用不慣，不能做點心給你吃了。陳太太把一張椅子上剛燙好的幾件衣服拿開。叫織雲坐，又忙著去澆茶，還拿出碟餅乾給小漢思吃。 伯母，你不要張羅，我坐坐就走。織雲擋住忙得不亦樂乎的陳太太，親熱的說。我明天一早飛舊金山，就要回歐洲了，特別來跟你老人家辭行的。 明天就要回去啦！為甚麼要早走呢？陳太太看看小漢思又看看織雲。你這孩子是有福氣，嫁了個好丈夫，又有好兒子。你還沒回過娘家吧？怎麼不回去看看呢？你媽媽一定很想你呢！你也是變了。她仔細的端詳著織雲。Um.變了不少。在外國這麼多年，你過得很慣吧？一定過得很慣，這就是年輕人和老年人不同的地方啊！她像是悶得很難過，要一口氣把所有的話都傾吐出來。 習慣也算習慣了，想家還是想的，反正中國人在國外就是這個樣子。織雲淡笑著說，朝四週看看。又問：伯父和姐姐他們呢？怎麼就伯母一個人在家？ 你伯父、珮珮跟她先生，全唸英文去了，建中去上補習學校。他們叫我也去學英文，我說算了吧！學也不會學好的。八十歲學吹鼓手，年齡這麼大了，還學甚麼？ 織雲靜靜的聽著，也插不上甚麼話，心裏卻想：這可算個甚麼生活？一家大小全去學英文，只為了找餬口的小事。放著那麼好的日子不過，來受這個罪，此為何來？她正想著，陳太太又說了： 織雲，我這輩子沒做過一件事比移民美國更讓我後悔的。我們在國內，過得好好的，公家給那麼大的宿舍，你伯父賺的錢夠我們用。珮珮和她先生，一個教書一個做銀行職員，薪水多得花不完。到了美國，棟才還得補習英文學打卡洞，好到銀行裏去當臨時雇員。連你伯父也得去學英文，從頭來起，這叫甚麼日子？織雲，這話是咱們娘倆說呀！跟玲玲我那裏敢提？我們已經夠拖累她了，再表示不滿意，她更認為我們不知好歹了。陳太太一句一個嘆息，眼圈也紅了。 慢慢就會好的，開始總是難一點。織雲只好這麼安慰她。 好也好不到那裏去。來了不到一個月，我已經想臺灣，想老朋友、老鄰居，想得受不了啦！看樣子呆久了會想得更厲害。well!人老了，沒辦法適應外國的生活了。就像一棵老樹從根被鋸斷了，再種在那裏也活不了啦！我跟你伯父說：咱們回去算了。他說：既然大張旗鼓的來了，怎麼能回去呢？那不是鬧笑話給人看嗎？我想想也對，我們出國前那兩個來月，有多少朋友親戚給餞行，都說我們到美國來求發展來了，羨慕得不得了，假如回去唉！既然來了，就打掉牙齒和血吞吧！陳太太說得傷心，眼淚也流了下來，拿著燙衣服的墊布，頻頻擦眼睛。 織雲聽得心中黯然，可也找不出適當的話來說，只連連的道： 伯母不要傷心 well!你姐夫有句話說得真對，他說：在國內我們是比誰也不差的人，在這裏我們就甚麼也不是。我現在想想，真不明白這麼發瘋似的要來美國做甚麼？你看我們，跟逃難的難民有甚麼分別？如果真是大難臨頭倒也罷了，可是又沒有。人蠢起來真沒辦法，看別人一家家的出來就眼紅，自己出來才知道是怎麼回事。唉唉陳太太已經不流淚了，可是口氣中的自怨自艾使織雲聽了老大不忍。織雲告辭出來時，陳太太又囑咐她。 織雲啊！咱們娘倆說的這點知心話，可別跟玲玲說呀！她會不高興的 伯母，你放心，我甚麼也不會說。 陳太太一直送織雲到外面的馬路上，萬分不捨的樣子。在拐彎處織雲回頭看看，還遠遠的看到背有點佝僂，梳著小髻穿著旗袍的陳太太站在那裏。 織雲牽著小漢思，迎著正在西沉的夕陽，慢慢的向陳玲玲家那幢華麗的大白房子走去。