Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven Residence

Albert received the silver medal.The final judging of the jewelry artisan competition is broadcast on TV.In addition to free creation, the competition is to correctly complete a fixed amount of work within a certain period of time, and to create highly original works with established materials.TV programs are highly entertaining in their own right. Winning or losing doesn't matter.The focus and enthusiasm of Albert, who worked silently, seemed fresh, and Daniela, Luca, and I cheered for him directly in front of the TV.Although it is not a gold medal, after watching it, we all said it was great!Alesia snored slightly in the corner of the room.

In 1999, autumn.It has been three months since I moved out of Ma Wu's apartment. Another bottle?Daniela asked, holding an empty wine bottle. No, I can't drink anymore, I have to go back. I stand up.Both Daniela and Luca shrugged lightly and said: No hurry!My warm and touching friend. You can sleep here too. Even though I heard Luca say that, I still put on my coat.Probe to look at Alesia's face, say goodnight, kiss Daniela and Luca on the cheeks, and walk out of the house.A night with clear skies.It was rare for Milan to see the stars so clearly. Be careful on the road! Watched by them holding hands, I got into the car.Not a Mercedes, but a medieval Fiat.dark green.It doesn't matter as long as the car can go.Put on your seat belt and start the engine.

The day I left Mawu's apartment, I moved into Daniela's house.Daniela took me in readily and hugged me emotionally several times to listen to my story.Of course, I couldn't make her fully understand.Three weeks later, before renting the apartment I live in now, during the days when I lived with Daniela, she kept telling me that I should go back to Mawu. Ma Wu loves you very much. That summer evening, after some conversation, she brought out iced tea and said. You should be more mature too. yes! I said, Daniela looked slightly startled. Let me put it this way, Ma Wu is perfect.

I smiled slightly and could only say yes again! In the evening, Ma Wu came to pick me up. Hope you go back with me. Still angry face, but trying to stay calm. Go back and talk slowly. However, I have nothing to say.Not a word.This is very clear.Therefore, I cannot go back. Ma Wu came again the next day.Ma Wu also knew the same result. You are so stubborn! Ma Wu said, smiling lonely. I don't give up!That house awaits your return. I don't know what it means to go back.I seem to have been looking for the place to go back but never found it. I want to see Shunzheng. Fantastic enthusiasm, just think so.I know it's okay to see him.I don't think we can still love each other like we used to.Tokyo is not a place I want to go back to.Just wanted to talk to Shun Jung.Only Shunzheng understands my words.

Just because the bathtub is so big, I decided to rent a small apartment near the Nabrio Canal.Living room with small kitchenette, plus a small bedroom, small and neat apartment.Take the elevator that seems to be broken down to the third floor, the room at the end of the corridor.From the balcony, you can see the flagstone slope.Poor sun exposure, but quiet and comfortable for my stay. Jobs in jewelry stores start full-time shifts from this month.When I met Ma Wu, I felt like living in the past.The time in the store is calmed by at least having something to do.Work can stabilize the mental state.

My range of action is still very narrow.Apartments, shops and libraries.The others are the San Pioneer Park next to the store, Daniela's home, the supermarket and the frog garden where I often go for a walk. bookworm. It's still like what was said when I was a child, when there is no one in the store, I read books.It looks like I haven't grown much. After calling to congratulate Albert and thanking Daniela, take a shower.Albert was away, leaving a message on the answering machine.Until now, I still drink Amaret before going to bed.But there is no crystal wine glass here, so I can only drink from ordinary cups.

Albert's celebratory party was held in a restaurant next to the jewelry store.Only the very close ones come.Party with heart.The high-pitched emotions on the day of the game seemed to have never happened before, and Albert was always shy and reticent, as if restless. Hey, why didn't you see Ma Wu today? Several people have asked me.Albert's girlfriend and customer at the store.Each time, I had to shrug and smile and say the relationship was over.A party without a guy.The music in the restaurant is loud, the heating and popularity are mixed, and the smell of perfume, food and alcohol is mixed.

all right? Daniela asks me from time to time. Halfway through the party, Gina and Paula sing, and only then does the background music pause.After the singing, the venue burst into cheers.Needless to say, Paula, who is usually cheerful, and Gina, who is awkward, went back early, but she also had a good time. Albert, who is serious and works with the mentality of a boy who loves work more than a craftsman.Because of him, everyone rejoiced at the award. After the party, I went to Biffi with Daniela, Luca, Albert and his girlfriend. Biffi is Gina, Paula, and Federica's favorite shop.Old little bar.

Congratulations! We toast again. You guys congratulate me like this, which makes me happier than winning an award.Albert said: I think life is so happy! For some reason, this sentence makes me feel so lonely. After November, the rainy days continued.Cold, gloomy, rainy in this city. Ma Wu often shows his face in jewelry stores.just like before.The same burly, well-fitting suit, generous, and clean-smelling Ma Wu. What do you think? After comparing several accessories, Ma Wu must ask for my opinion.However, we no longer went back together, and I did not agree to his invitation to eat, drink and watch movies.

The days passed quietly.outside of me.Carrying only Mawu, Daniela and Albert. There is a poster on the door of the apartment.I bought it because I liked it at an exhibition I went to to refresh my mind.Book Week poster for American Libraries. Rooms are no longer decorated with flowers.Because there is no money, the floral decorations also add to the unnecessary lonely atmosphere. The time outside of work is all spent on myself, which is very free.Free and idle. I still take showers several times a day and read in the tub. Want to escape into the bathtub again? Ma Wu said so that day.Ma Wu is right.Yes, and open-minded.

Recently, I just listen to Mozart.I like the balanced beauty of Mozart's melody. Would you please send me the lambskin caravan for you?Wine red, with fur lining. Ma Wu said so some time ago. Of course it will be sent by mail, I will not send it in person, you can rest assured. Talking and laughing.However, I did not ask him to send overcoats and beautiful underwear, beautiful shoes, expensive jewelry and warm winter clothes. I have very little luggage.When I lived with Ma Wu, I didn't bring anything, and I don't take anything now either. Even if it stays with me, it won't work. Having said that, those things are not mine.One day, after Ma Wu has a new lover, let that woman handle it! There was nothing left in that apartment that I cared about. residence. If Shunzheng writes another letter, will Ma Wu forward it? Probably will! Because Ma Wu is open-minded.Because he is a mature person.Because he is a considerate person. But what about the phone? Thinking of this makes me sick of myself.What am I waiting for? On the other hand, I think I love Ma Wu after all.Whenever night comes, the immensity of the bed makes me shudder.Longing for Ma Wu's skin, smell, body temperature and snoring.I want to live with someone, I want to have someone by my side all the time.Although He Shunzheng often spent the night at each other's residence, we did not live together.Ma Wu taught me the peace of mind, the warmth and the hassle of living with someone. I won't give up, that home is waiting for you to go back. In that kind of night, I always think of Ma Wu's deep and steady voice. Drinking Amaret from a crystal wine glass will feel more mellow. back to the place. How on earth does one find that place? Sleepless nights, I have to be careful not to think about things with the mind of attachment to humanity and love. How is your mother? Friedrichka asked as usual, lighting a cigarette with wrinkled hands.Rainy Saturday.I really don't understand why Federica keeps thinking about my mother who is not familiar with Milan after all. Are you used to working full time? Um.I answered, picking up a jelly.The opaque pink glass compote is here from the old days, so nostalgic.When I was in elementary school, fruit bowls were filled with biscuits and served with milk. Very busy, but felt worthwhile. In fact, after Albert won the silver medal, the business in the store continued to flourish. That's good. Federica laughed.Quiet afternoon.The radio was playing a talk show at very low volume. Going to Japan for Christmas?Federica asked suddenly. Japan?Don't go!how? Friedrichka didn't answer, but exhaled a thin puff of smoke.Sweet aroma. I'm here at Christmas, I should be! Haven't decided yet, but I think maybe read Moravia's autobiography. Why?asked Federica. ah? Why not go to Japan? This time it was my turn to be silent. You broke up with American men, there must be some reason for you to make up your mind! I tilted my head and didn't know what to say, so I could only answer: I didn't make up my mind. Federica asked with a smile in her brown eyes: Is this really okay? Even at home, Friedrichka sat neatly dressed with lace-up shoes and her knees pressed together. I moved out of that apartment, I said, because I felt it wasn't my place, any more than Japan wasn't my place. I am different from my mother, I am from this city.Regardless of nationality. It was still raining outside the window.There is no sound, and there is no stopping breath. sunflower. Federica's home is incredible.The whole room looks like Federica. Well? The finger holding the cigarette is also wearing the opal ring given by her husband today. A person's abode exists only in one's heart! Federica said without looking at my face.Half soliloquy. On your way home, drop by Frog Court.Because of the rain, I walked around the covered corridor.A cloudy sky.The courtyard is cut into beautiful quarters along a cross-shaped path.Four trees and four frogs are like a fountain surrounding the center.The dead branches of white magnolia set off the surrounding greenery and arches, reminiscent of Raphael's early paintings. in someone's mind. Breathing in the cold rain-smelling air, I pondered this sentence.I'll be in someone's mind!Then, there will be someone in my heart!Who is it? I want to see Shunzheng.I want to talk to Shunzheng.That's all. When I got home, I put hot water in the bathtub and took a bath.The bathroom here is large, but has no view.The paint on the wall is mottled, and the pink towel hanging on the rack is so lonely.Large bottles of shampoo and laundry detergent. At night, Daniela called.He said he was going out to eat with Luca, and wanted to drop by to see me.After I broke up with Ma Wu, Daniela often took care of me like this. At last they came at ten o'clock.After kissing and hugging in front of the black poster painted by Paul Rand at the door, the 1958 Book Week poster, they went to the living room to pour a glass of wine for each of them.Get out the crackers and canned olives. well enough? Alesia didn't know whose mother she asked to take them, they often went out like this recently. I mentioned going to see Federica during the day and the movie I saw last week. Such a beautiful bracelet! Daniela compliments my recent purchase of a silver bracelet. They went to Novicy for dinner today, and Daniela said she ate the huge kopi all by herself after the meal. I really want to go to the movies together again!Luca said. Every Thursday in the past, the four of us would go to the movies together. yes!I replied with a smile, but I didn't intend to go with three people, and I didn't feel angry. busy?I asked Luca. Luca shrugged and raised his eyebrows in a helpless gesture. Let's go shopping together in a few days!Daniela said. OK!I answer, raising my wine glass. my life.my city.Time does indeed pass.There are friends like Daniela and Luca, there is Federica, there are jobs, there are Gina and Paula and Albert.Besides, what else could I expect! In December, several Christmas cards came in.From my parents in the UK and Angela in the US.Angela wrote on her card that she regretted not being able to meet because of the cancellation of the summer trip, regretted that I broke up with Ma Wu, and said that it would be okay even without Ma Wu, and hoped that I would contact her when I went to the United States.Angela's letter was written like Angela's frankness and indifference, of course it was also warm, but after I read it, I felt as if I was told that I really broke up with Ma Wu.When you are lonely, kindness and friendship will highlight this loneliness. Winter is the season of awakening memories. The hot soup cooked by my mother, the ballet classroom with Daniela walking breathlessly, the street walking with Ma Wu, and Shunzheng. sunflower. Shunzheng is always late for appointments.I could not care less.I read a book and wait for him.I like to wait for Shunzheng's time.For example, the little restaurant in front of Mayhill Station.A restaurant with a wide variety of salads.The roast beef sandwich was delicious.You can see the level crossing and the platform from the window.Drink champagne at Christmas.A small restaurant in line with the simple life of students.I remember the hooded duffel coat that Shunzheng was wearing. Losing Shunzheng was also in winter.Dry and cold Tokyo winter. When Christmas was approaching, Paula told me: I have something to tell you!So, I stayed after closing that day.Albert also stayed. Gina will be here soon, let's have a cup of tea first!said Paula. Albert went to prepare.Albert is good at making tea.The heating was turned on in the store, and it was warm, and there were Christmas red potted plants by the door.Even so, the store still feels deserted after closing. Soon, Gina came with the dog. It's cold, like it's going to snow.She said sullenly. Well, it's all here!Paula started with a grin, the matter is very simple, I want to end the antique business. Surprised! Gina and I are too old to do it.Fortunately, the creations are very popular and two branches have opened, so we have nothing to worry about.Paula smiled and explained: Your jobs have not changed, and the store is fine. Gina sat on a stool, stroking the dog on her lap.Thin legs. Thinking about it carefully, this is also a matter of course.Compared with the jewelry created by the workshop centered on Albert, the antique jewelry purchased by Gina and Paula does not change every year.Not to mention Paula, for Gina, who has weak waist and legs, searching and shopping around is a heavy burden. it's time!There was a smile on Paula's chubby face, and her voice was a little lonely. I also knew that Aoi and Albert would be reluctant. I don't know how to answer.Albert played with the teacup. no way.He raised his face and spoke clearly. That's right!Gina said too. I didn't speak until the end.It feels like it's not something I can talk about, and I know it won't help.However, I am so lonely.Helpless like a child who can't tell the good from the bad. Don't be so listless!Paula said, there are still a lot of stock in stock now, and it won’t work unless they are sold out!she said strangely at last. And it is true. The days passed as usual.outside of me. At Christmas, Ma Wu sent a bouquet of flowers.Big bouquet of deep red roses. Much like Ma Wu. Although I thought so, I didn't have such a big vase at home, so I had no choice but to put it in a noodle pot and put it in the bathroom.Uninteresting bathroom.