The rain never stopped, dripping all day long.
Zhan Xi, holding an umbrella in one hand and a black box in the other, walked into Qingque Jiayuan on the wet ground.
The subway station was between the company and the residential area. Zhan Xi had to move the next day. He didn't want to take the bottle of lilies back to his brother's house, but he was reluctant to leave it at the company over the weekend, so he simply put it in 802 after get off work.
After entering the rental house, Zhan Xi took out the glass bottle and placed it on the dining table. He sat at the table and looked at the purple lily with his chin in his hand. He reached out and touched the petals, feeling the raised spots on them. Zhan Xi couldn't figure out how the spots were made, and how the veins on the leaves were made.
It wasn't as intuitive when looking at the photo, but when the real thing was in front of her, she realized how dexterous Xiaoyu's hands were.
Of course she saw the message Xiaoyu sent, but she hardened her heart and did not reply.
The sticky rainy day affected her mood. She was scolded by her mother and was inexplicably stood up by Xiaoyu. She could only apologize but didn't explain the reason, which made her very upset.
She thought, if he doesn't want to come, then he doesn't want to come, it's not a big deal, but he should at least tell her in advance, is it so difficult to send a WeChat message? It only takes a few seconds! As long as he told her in advance, she would definitely understand.
In short, leave him alone for now. The child is so ignorant. She is the egg teacher, so she can teach him how to treat people and deal with things!
After leaving 802, Zhan Xi took the subway back to his brother's house. As soon as he entered the door, he was met with Zhan Jie's dejected face.
Seeing Zhan Xi coming back, Zhan Jie asked, "Did Mom call you?"
"Yeah." Zhan Xi knew without asking that since her mother couldn't get through to her on the phone, she must have called Zhan Jie and probably scolded him severely.
On certain concepts, Zhan Jie and his parents agree. For example, he should take good care of Zhan Xi. His sister is the little darling of the family, well-behaved and pretty. She was almost 35 when his parents wanted her, and now she is nearly 60. As a brother, he is much older than his sister and should help her more.
But on other issues, Zhan Jie also felt that his mother was too strict with Zhan Xi. Zhan Jie thought it was normal for a girl who had just graduated from college to strive for a career, but his mother didn't think so. She thought the greatest happiness for a girl was to marry a good husband, and forcing Zhan Xi to take the civil service exam was also based on the consideration of being beneficial to her mate.
In the afternoon, Zhan Jie was scolded by his mother on the phone. After arguing with her for a few words, Chi Guilan actually cried and said that both of them wanted to piss her off to death. She also scolded him for forgetting his mother after getting married, for being a traitor, and for teaming up with Qin Fei to instigate Zhan Xi to be disobedient, blah blah blah…
Zhan Jie was overwhelmed and tried to coax him for a long time. He finally promised to go home and apologize on New Year's Day before he was allowed to hang up the phone.
Since Zhan Xi went to the hospital last Sunday, Qin Fei has not paid much attention to her in the past few days. The atmosphere during dinner was quite dull. After dinner, Zhan Xi wanted to wash the dishes, but Qin Fei stopped her and said in a strange tone: "You just recovered from your illness, I will wash it, I dare not trouble you."
Zhan Xi was quite embarrassed. While Qin Fei was washing dishes, she took the embossed brooch into the kitchen and said, "Sister-in-law, I have troubled you these past few months. This brooch is handmade and looks really nice! I give it to you. Thank you for taking care of me."
She opened the box. Qin Fei took a look and her expression eased. Seeing that Zhan Jie in the living room didn't notice, she whispered, "Zhan Xi, I don't have any problem with you. We've lived together for half a year. You should know me. I'm not a difficult person. Since you're moving out tomorrow, I'll tell you the truth. You're Zhan Jie's biological sister. I welcome you to stay for a few days, but if you stay here all the time, to be honest, it's really not very convenient."
Zhan Xi said, "I know, sister-in-law, I feel embarrassed to live alone."
"Your mother is such a person... Oh..." Qin Fei sighed, not knowing what to say to Chi Guilan, "It's a good thing I don't live with her, otherwise your brother and I would have divorced a long time ago. I know it's not easy for you either. By the way, what do you think? Do you want to take the civil service exam?"
Zhan Xi told the truth: "I don't want to take the exam."
She didn't say she wanted to transfer to another department. She knew Chi Guilan too well. She couldn't tell this to her family. If her mother found out, she would definitely scold her to death.
Qin Fei said: "If you want to take the exam, it's good to join the system, it's stable. But I think your mother asked you to take the exam, not for your career development, you understand what I mean?"
How could Zhan Xi not understand? He lowered his head and muttered, "I know, but I can't argue with her."
Qin Fei was washing the dishes. "Zhan Xi, let me advise you. You have to be selective with what your mother says. After all, she is old and her thinking is not up to date. In today's world, women have to be able to handle things, and can't just rely on men. I feel sick just listening to your mother's point of view! If you were a rich lady, it would be another matter. But are you? We are all ordinary people. You are young and beautiful now, but you will grow old! Only when you have skills in your hands, you will have confidence in your heart, and you will not be afraid even if you are old."
Zhan Xi looked at Qin Fei's profile. His sister-in-law was very beautiful when she was young, and Zhan Jie was thin and handsome at that time. But nearly ten years have passed, and Qin Fei has been working hard for the family. There are fine lines and spots on her face, and Zhan Jie has also grown a belly. Fortunately, his hairline is still firm and he is not bald.
Zhan Xi put the gift box on the table and said sincerely: "I understand, sister-in-law, thank you."
After taking a shower, Zhan Xi lay down on the bed, thinking about Qin Fei's words in his heart.
What Qin Fei said was right. Zhan Xi had never thought of changing her fate by getting married. Instead, the idea of taking the civil service exam made her feel disgusted because of Chi Guilan's brainwashing.
Zhan Jie works as a backend maintenance worker at an Internet company, earning around 150,000 yuan a year. Qin Fei is better than him, she works in sales and is said to earn 180,000 yuan by the end of the year. The couple lives a happy life, but Chi Guilan just doesn't like Qin Fei.
She disliked Qin Fei because she was from the countryside, but Zhan Jie was obviously also from a small town!
She disliked that Qin Fei only had a technical secondary school degree, but Zhan Jie was only a college student!
She hopes Zhan Jie can marry a teacher or a nurse, or an employee of a state-owned enterprise. It doesn’t matter if the salary is a little lower, as long as it is stable. But Zhan Jie himself is just an employee of a private enterprise!
Zhan Xi remembered that when Zhan Jie and Qin Fei were dating, Chi Guilan introduced Zhan Jie to a girl who was on duty at a rapid bus station, under the pretext that the Municipal Public Transport Group was also a state-owned enterprise.
That girl's monthly income was only over 1,000 yuan! At that time, Qin Fei could already earn 4,000 or 5,000 yuan a month. This incident almost caused them to break up. Zhan Jie chased Qin Fei for a long time before he got her back.
After working in HR for half a year, Zhan Xi knew the official income of all employees in the company. For example, Wen Qin's annual salary was 220,000 yuan, Yuan Sichen who was in charge of recruitment was 130,000 yuan, Lin Yan in the technical department was 180,000 yuan, and Zhan Xi himself had a monthly salary of 7,500 yuan before tax.
The salary in the planning department fluctuates greatly. The highest salary is around 300,000 to 400,000 yuan, while the lowest is over 100,000 yuan. It depends on performance, projects, experience and ability, as well as luck.
Just as she was daydreaming, Zhan Xi's cell phone rang. She picked it up and saw that it was a text message.
138…: Zhan Xi, I am Wang He, why did you block me
Zhan Xi got angry when he thought of Wang He and couldn't help but reply.
Zhan Xi: I’m sorry, I don’t think we are suitable, let’s just forget it.
Wang He: What happened? We were chatting happily! Didn’t we agree to meet next weekend
Zhan Xi: I was chatting with you and told you some private things based on trust, and you turned around and told my mother. Have you ever thought about my feelings
Wang He: Just because of this
Wang He: Is it about your moving? Then I need to explain, you wronged me! My mom asked me if I met you, I said no, because you were moving this weekend, that’s all I said, I didn’t contact your mom at all! !
Zhan Xi stared at the text message in a daze. If what Wang He said was true, then it couldn’t be entirely blamed on him.
However, they chatted for two weeks without coming to any conclusion. Zhan Xi just felt it was boring and was not as enjoyable as chatting with "A Big Fish".
After all, she had two blind dates before, and she knew that there was a high probability that she and Wang He would not have a chance. At this time, the other party came to explain in a hurry. Zhan Xi's education made her unable to make trouble unreasonably. After thinking about it, she decided to meet with Wang He. It would be more convincing to say that it was not suitable after the meeting.
So she added Wang He back on WeChat and made an appointment to have dinner together next Saturday.
When adding WeChat, Zhan Xi saw the dialog box of "What a big fish" again. His last message was sent half an hour ago when Zhan Xi was taking a shower. This was the fourth WeChat message he sent that day.
Whether it is the length of the message, the sincerity of the language, or the error rate of grammatical errors, they have all reached new highs!
Big fish: Mr. Egg, I know you are angry and don't want to answer me. I have been thinking about it for a long time. I still owe you a debt! I explained my reasons. My condition is really bad. If you see my true appearance, you will hate me. I don't want you to hate me. I am afraid. Many people hate me. I don't want you to be the same. I really didn't mean not to send flowers. I was very sad and afraid. You gave me a gift, I like it very much, and I am very happy in my heart. But I want you to be angry. Can you not be angry? I was wrong. I was afraid that you would see me. My condition is really bad! But I want to chat with you. You said something wrong and asked me to correct it. You said that we should be friends. I remember it. Mr. Egg, please forgive me
Zhan Xi was actually no longer angry.
A boy was rejected by a girl during a blind date because of his poor conditions. Now he is afraid to meet her because of his poor conditions. He said that she would be scared and hate him when she saw him.
Zhan Xi thought, what condition is not good? Not good-looking? Or too short? Whatever it is, after seeing him take the trouble to send such a long message, Zhan Xi's heart softened and he felt that no condition was important.
The little boy seemed very aggrieved, but Zhan Xi still planned to scold him.
Egg Pudding: I forgive you. Xiaoyu, actually it doesn't matter if you don't come to see me. I'm just angry that you didn't tell me in advance and didn't explain anything beforehand. This makes me feel that you are very rude and disrespectful to me.
When Luo Jingyu received the reply from "Egg Pudding", she jumped up from her chair. After reading her words carefully, she felt like a bucket of cold water was poured on her and she felt very unhappy.
He has been living alone these years, doing handicrafts to make money every day, and seldom interacting with others. He really doesn't know how to behave in society, and thinks that it's enough to just listen to Fang Xu's words.
It’s not that he didn’t think about sending the other party a WeChat message to explain in advance, but he just didn’t dare.
Fortunately, she said she forgave him, and Luo Jingyu was relieved.
What a Big Fish: I won’t do that again next time, Teacher Egg, I respect you very much.
Well, now that everything has been brought up, Zhan Xi didn't want to dwell on this issue any longer, so she started chatting with him.
Egg Pudding: My flowers are done, what are you going to do next
What a big fish: A lot of jewelry is missing from the online store, I need to make more, there is a limited time for Christmas, many, many! I have to finish it quickly, I worked from morning to night, I was afraid I would be too late!
So busy? Zhan Xi didn't expect it.
Egg pudding: a limited edition Christmas ornament
Big Fish: Yes! Wrong number, limited edition accessories.
Egg pudding: I'm going to Kang Kang~
What a big fish: What is Kang Kang? [Question]
Egg Pudding: [Covering face] It’s internet slang. I just went to take a look.
What a big fish: I have it, let me show it to you.
He sent Zhan Xihuan several pictures, all of which were limited edition Christmas accessories made with hot stamping, including hairpins, brooches, earrings, bracelets... Each one had Christmas elements, in red, white, green and brown tones, and was delicate and cute.
Big Fish: Which one do you like? I'll give it to you.
Egg pudding:
Egg Pudding: No need! You have already given me a gift, and I haven't said thank you yet! The lily is very beautiful, and the brooch is also very beautiful. I have given it to my sister-in-law, and she likes it very much. Thank you, Xiaoyu.
Big Fish: You’re welcome, it’s just a small thing. If you like it, tell me and I will give it to you.
Egg Pudding: Really, that’s not necessary. You’re also a worker and it’s not easy.
Luo Jingyu looked at the word "worker" and was a little confused. Although he was not a big boss, he was still a freelancer. Whether before or after the cooperation with Fang Xu, he did not feel that he was working for anyone. No one paid him a salary, and every dollar he earned was earned by himself.
However, since the other party insisted on not wanting it, he did not force it. He thought about designing a set of accessories specifically for Teacher Egg when he had more free time, one-of-a-kind in the world, and giving it to her.
Egg Pudding: Oh, by the way, I'm moving tomorrow! [Smirk]
What a big fish: Is it too much to bow
Egg Pudding: Not much, just some clothes and quilts. My brother will drive me there.
What a Big Fish: You live alone, can you cook
Egg pudding:…
Egg Pudding: To be honest, I'm not very good at being shy, but I can learn! [Come on]
A big fish: I can cook [grin]
Egg pudding: What level
What a big fish: Very delicious! [Proud]
Egg pudding: Eat a whale.jpg
What a big fish:
Egg Pudding: Humph, I don't have anything to eat, you can just blow it. [Left Humph]
Luo Jingyu wanted to type: I'll cook it for you...
He stopped after typing three words. He didn't even dare to meet her face and tell her the truth, fearing that she would be scared and hate him. How could he have the nerve to say he would cook for her? No wonder she said he was bragging.
He thought for a long time and finally uttered a word.
What a big fish: I can make a cake and send it to you by express delivery.
Egg pudding: bake a cake
What a Big Fish: Yes, it’s delicious. Everyone who has eaten my cake gives it a thumbs up.
Egg Pudding: I love cake!
Egg pudding: cat drooling.jpg
Luo Jingyu curled up in the chair and smiled.
Big Fish: I have your work address. I will deliver it to you. It is delicious. I am not lying to you.
Zhan Xi felt warm inside, his brain seemed to be on the wrong track, and he replied to him while hiding in the quilt.
Egg Pudding: Okay! I'll be waiting for you!
—
On Saturday morning, Zhan Jie drove with everyone in the family and loaded Zhan Xi's luggage. He first sent Qin Fei and Wei Wei to the Children's Palace for class, and then sent Zhan Xi to Qingque Jiayuan.
Zhan Jie asked about the size of the bed in the rental house, bought a new mattress and quilt for his sister, and prepared two sets of brand new four-piece bedding.
After moving everything into 802, Zhan Jie walked around the house, looked at the kitchen cabinets, and came out to ask, "Huan Huan, are you going to buy a rice cooker? There's nothing here. Are you going to cook for yourself?"
"I can buy it myself." Zhan Xi was opening a suitcase. "I'll eat takeout for two days. I'll learn to cook."
Zhan Jie rubbed her head: "The little brat has grown up and dares to live alone. Let me tell you, the most important thing for a girl living alone is to pay attention to safety and not let anyone in casually, understand?"
"I know!" Zhan Xi smiled and was in a very good mood.
Zhan Jie asked, "Is the money enough? You need to add a lot of things. If it's not enough, I'll give it to you."
"That's enough. I'm saving my salary." Zhan Xi urged him, "Are you going to work? Go quickly. I can pack it myself."
Zhan Jie was indeed going to work overtime at the company. Before leaving, he noticed the sunflower lily in the glass bottle on the dining table and wondered, "Is this flower... the one you showed me last time?"
Zhan Xi remembered showing the photo to his brother while receiving an IV in the hospital, and replied, “Yeah, it’s a gift!”
Zhan Jie wanted to touch it, but Zhan Xi jumped up and slapped his hand away: "Don't touch it! What if you break it?"
"..." Zhan Jie rubbed his hands and said angrily, "Your brother is not as good as a flower?! If you don't know, you would think it was given by your boyfriend!"
"You're so annoying! Let's go!" Zhan Xi shouted.
After giving a few more instructions, Zhan Jie went to work.
After he left, Zhan Xi stayed in the house for a while, planning to clean it, go out for lunch, and buy some daily necessities.
She did it right away. She took off her coat, rolled up her sleeves and began to wipe the furniture, sweep the floor, mop the floor, and clean the toilet... Fortunately, the house was small and there were few pieces of furniture, so by noon, the whole house was clean.
Zhan Xi was tired and hungry. After resting for a while, he made a shopping list and prepared to go out for dinner.
She went out carrying a garbage bag. She didn't wear a mask, but she didn't put on any makeup either. She was wearing a very thick gray down jacket with her face exposed. She was wrapped up like a ball, and she also tied her hair into a ponytail because she was working.
When the elevator went down to the eighth floor, the door slowly opened and a black figure appeared inside. Zhan Xi opened his eyes wide in anticipation, and when he saw clearly that it was an old man, he secretly curled his lips and laughed at himself for being like a crazy fangirl.
There were already three people in the sedan, in addition to the old grandfather, there was an older sister with a handsome little boy about ten years old.
At first, the four of them were silent. The little boy glanced at Zhan Xi for a few seconds and then asked, "Sister, where do you live?"
"Ah?" Zhan Xi didn't understand.
The little boy blushed and said, "My name is Gu Xinchi, Xinchi means the Xinchi of longing. I live in 1501. What's your name? Live in..."
The old man laughed loudly. The boy's mother covered her son's mouth and smiled awkwardly at Zhan Xi: "Don't be surprised, he talks a lot."
Being approached by such a young child, Zhan Xi blushed and answered the question: "My last name is Zhan, the one without the four water drops."
Gu Xinchi broke free from his mother's hand and looked up at her: "Sister Zhan, you are so beautiful! Come to my house for dinner when you are free!"
Zhan Xi: “…”
When the elevator reached the first floor and they walked out of the unit door, they met someone.
Zhan Xi's eyes lit up. Hey! It's really him this time!
The road in front of the unit entrance was not wide, and the young man who had been seen twice was moving to the side of the road to let them pass first.
Zhan Xi thought, this guy is really amazing! How can he dress the same way every time? Black clothes, black pants, black shoes, hat pulled up, wearing a black mask! With his hands in his pockets, he looks like a moving shadow.
Gu Xinchi, carrying a small schoolbag, called him, "Brother Xiaoyu! Are you back?"
The two words "Xiao Yu" attracted Zhan Xi's attention. She turned her head to look. Perhaps she found that Zhan Xi was looking at her, the man in black's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, and their eyes met briefly.
Zhan Xi discovered that the pair of eyes revealed under the brim of his hat and above the mask were really beautiful, with double eyelids and clear black pupils. His eyes were gentler than she had imagined, and his eyelashes were very long.
His surname is probably "Yu"? Or "Yu", "Yu", "Yu"... Ah! There are so many characters for the surname "yu"!
Out of politeness, Zhan Xi smiled at him. The man in black didn't react and quickly looked away.
They passed each other, one went upstairs and the other went out, and neither of them stopped.
This day is December 7th, the Big Snow solar term.
After the rain in Qiantang, the sky cleared up and there were still patches of water stains on the ground. The air was not so dry and you could smell the unique fresh scent of earth after the rain.
Gu Xinchi turned around and waved to Zhan Xi: "Goodbye, Sister Zhan! I'm going to Xueersi! My math grades are very good! I..."
His mother probably felt too embarrassed, so she dragged her son away.
Zhan was so happy that she walked briskly in this strange neighborhood, swinging the garbage bag. Looking back, the man in black was no longer there. She suddenly felt very happy and couldn't help humming a song: "Good luck, good luck, good luck brings happiness and love..."