Ji Linqiu pushed open the door, his eyes fell on the stainless steel basin they were holding.
"If I say no, are you planning to go back with this big pot of stuffing?"
Jiang Wang didn't change his face: "No, I'll take it to Aunt Wang downstairs."
"Capable." Ji Linqiu scolded with a smile, turned around on flip flops: "You guys go downstairs first, I'll come over with a change of clothes."
"Do you still need to change clothes?" Jiang Wang said casually: "How long have we known each other, come on."
After the summer vacation, Ji Linqiu didn't have to act like a gentle teacher at all times, he wore a loose white T-shirt at home, his hair was fluffy and his feet were bare, and he held a glass of coke with ice cubes in his hand.
It is estimated that some people will believe that he just graduated from university, and there is a sense of youthfulness on his body.
Ji Linqiu raised his eyebrows, taking Jiang Wang's words as a compliment, went back to the room and turned off the radio, and came over to make dumplings with them.
The child was very curious holding a large pot of cabbage and minced meat.
"Doesn't Teacher Ji usually watch TV?"
"Don't look," Ji Linqiu walked forward with his pocket in his pocket: "It's boring."
Peng Xingwang had never seen the teacher's style before, so he was a little at a loss.
On the contrary, Jiang Wang relaxed a lot, and felt more at ease than meeting him in school.
"Don't you usually watch a movie or something?"
"Occasionally watch in the office for a while after working overtime, and I just want to sleep when I get home." Ji Linqiu yawned: "Teacher training will be required for half a month in two days, so I don't have to sleep."
It was almost a year since the child entered school and saw Teacher Ji yawning for the first time, his eyes rounded for a long time.
The three washed their hands again and sat down, the two sat on the sidelines waiting to join hands, Ji Linqiu looked at the dough with his head propped up.
"How to pack?"
Jiang Wang's expression froze: "You can't either?"
"I'm not here to join in the fun," Ji Linqiu saw that his computer was on, and got up to watch the video again: "Oh, probably."
Then I came back and twisted a piece of skin casually, and tentatively kneaded the stuffing into the innermost part, pinching eight pleats decently.
Although it is not as good-looking as the fried dumplings sold on the street, it is much more presentable than the previous one.
As soon as Ji Linqiu studied it, he became serious, and he didn't talk to each other. He just concentrated on groping for skills.
It's easy to put it halfway down, and the more you go back, the lighter the bag is. The twelve pleats are neat and beautiful.
Jiang Wang was really being compared. He sat by the side and watched for a while, and clicked his tongue: "Is that how I am?"
Ji Linqiu glanced at Peng Xingwang who was playing with dough and kneading dinosaurs, and said with a half-smile, "Wrap one and let me see."
Jiang Wang rolled out the dough in front of him and kneaded the stuffing, half of the pleats were squeezed and the stuffing popped out.
"The grip is wrong," Ji Linqiu patted his tiger's mouth with his flour-stained fingertips: "It's tight here, but loose on the side."
Then, like talking about the subject-verb-object of the six tenses, clearly explain to him the main points before and after.
The two gradually became familiar with each other, "Approaching Science" was playing in the room, and there was a long row of velociraptor Tyrannosaurus rex kneaded from dough on the coffee table.
Jiang Wang didn't expect that the two men could make dumplings so well, and they still had time to watch Ji Linqiu when they were busy.
I couldn't help but praise it in my heart.
Men are born with excessive narcissism. When comparing themselves with Wu Yanzu Takeshi Kaneshiro, they are not guilty at all. It is difficult to admit that others are more handsome than themselves.
The lines at the end of Ji Linqiu's eyes stretched, and there was a sense of charm when he blinked lightly.
The brow bone is just right, the thin lips are light-colored and the skin is jade-white,
With a little packaging, it is more than enough to be a star when debuting.
Four drawers of freshly wrapped dumplings are boiled and fried, and the remaining one drawer is taken back to the refrigerator to freeze, which can last for two or three days.
The child was also hungry, so he didn't care about the vinegar and buried his head in eating it. Jiang Wang watched it for a long time, but still didn't want to give up.
Ji Linqiu saw something, and when they were parting, he tentatively asked: "Why does Brother Jiang seem to be in a bad mood?"
Jiang Wang smiled: "The child's mother is coming back, maybe I plan to pick him up."
"Not necessarily." Ji Linqiu said calmly: "The child will choose the life he likes more."
"What's wrong with going with my mother?" Jiang Wang didn't think too much about it: "I've been married for more than a year, and I think everything is stable."
Ji Linqiu has been teaching for nearly seven years and has witnessed too many things. At this moment, he only slowly shook his head and waved goodbye.
After closing the door, Jiang Wang looked at Peng Xingwang who was concentrating on watching TV, and walked into the balcony after a long while to close the door.
Then he called Du Wenjuan.
He played cards with people these days and heard a lot of news, and it took a little effort to get the new mobile phone number of the child's mother.
Du Wenjuan married a man who worked in a public institution, and it took four hours to travel by green train from other provinces. She also heard about Jiang Wang from her relatives and friends in City A.
Jiang Wang had almost no contact with this woman since he was an adult.
The woman called him several times after she got old, probably looking for a place to live for the elderly, but Jiang Wang's response was indifferent and simple, and she didn't intend to get any closer.
It was not there when I was young, and there is no need to show up again after twenty years.
His breathing gradually slowed to a minimum as he waited for the call to connect.
There was a heartbeat, and there was a long-lost anxiety.
This was probably also the first time in his own life that he took the initiative to contact his biological mother.
"Hello? How are you?" A young female voice came from the opposite side, who sounded like she had just turned 30: "Did you make a mistake?"
"No," Jiang Wang said calmly, "I'm Jiang Wang, and I'm currently taking care of Peng Xingwang."
The woman responded in surprise, with a flustered tone: "Hello, hello, I heard about you from a friend, and I just plan to come back in a few days."
"They said you are a relative of the Du family," she said hastily, not knowing how to express it herself: "It may also be that my parents have too many relatives, sorry... I don't remember clearly."
"You have a cousin. His family is doing business in Hong Kong, and he is kind to me." Jiang Wang said calmly: "They originally asked me to come and see the child when I was on a business trip."
"But what I saw...was not good. So they left me in City A to develop my business and take care of the children along the way."
The woman nodded in a panic, and said apologetically, "My mother has four or five brothers. I can't tell who is who, but they have always been very kind to me."
"Please be sure to convey my thanks for me, and I will thank you personally when my lover and I come over." She hesitated for a few seconds, as if she felt that she was not worthy of asking such a question: "Is Xingwang... better now?"
Jiang Wang thought for a moment that she was asking about his recent situation.
The man came back to his senses, and was silent for a few seconds before answering: "I got the second place in the class in the final exam. I gained a lot of weight, and I'm very healthy and cheerful."
It's a good kid.
When Du Wenjuan received the call, all the failures of being a mother came to mind again.
She felt that she was embarrassed to talk to this stranger opposite, but she had to ask him to take care of the child for a few more days.
"My wife and I bought tickets for July 20th, and we will come over after work on Friday, and we will contact you then."
Jiang Wang responded shortly, and didn't ask until the phone was hung up.
br>
How are you going to explain to Xingwang
In fact, the child has always missed you very much. If we meet, please hug him more.
The woman's mind was on the child, and she didn't explore his identity in detail.
The night wind blows people's nerves like they are immersed in ice cubes, and their thoughts are also dragged down, as if they are going to melt together with the restlessness of the summer night.
Jiang Wang squatted down like a child, holding his knees and looking at the dark distance.
He seemed to be roaming alone in the sea of stars before, and suddenly there was a small satellite scurrying around, and the two of them sat together on the Milky Way to watch the sun.
Now, the small satellite can finally return to the real harbor.
Peng Xingwang saw that both episodes were over in the living room, and he didn't wait until Jiang Wang came back to eat oranges with him.
The child slid off the rocking chair and ran to the balcony to look for him, but saw the shadow of the man crouching with his knees hugged outside the glass partition.
The moon was high, the sky was dark, and the world became quiet.
Peng Xingwang couldn't imagine why a man as omnipotent as his brother would be so sad.
He worked up the courage to go up, knocked on the door, and walked towards him with a big smile.
"Brother, there are mosquitoes outside!"
Jiang Wang squatted until his feet were a little numb, and reached out to touch the child's head.
"Brother wants to tell you something."
"Ang?" Peng Xingwang tilted his head: "Do you have a girlfriend?"
"… no."
"You're losing money in your business, so we have to pick up trash?"
"… impossible."
"What's the matter?" the child pinched his face: "Smile."
Jiang Wang laughed and slowly reached out to hug him.
"I have good news for you."
"Your mother is coming back to see you this Friday."
Peng Xingwang was taken aback for a moment, then quickly jumped up.
"Really!!"
"Is it really mom!!!"
What a little heartless bastard, forget it.
Jiang Wang led him back, his ears were almost deaf.
"Did mom come back from Hong Kong to visit me? She wouldn't fly to our balcony suddenly!"
"Does she miss me!! I haven't seen it for several years, will she confuse me with other children?"
"Ah, brother, I'm going to be so happy that I can't sleep tonight, my face is so hot that you touch it."
"Touch it!!!"
The older brother struggled to keep the kid under control.
"I'll take you to buy new clothes tomorrow and get a decent haircut."
"Stop jumping, and then jump downstairs and Aunt Wang will copy the broom and go upstairs to beat you."
... Do you want to tell him about Du Wenjuan's remarriage
Or should I keep it a secret, and wait for my mother to come and tell me
Jiang Wang cursed a dirty word in his heart while bathing the child whose neck was covered in flour like a mud monkey.
Grass, one or two of you, it’s cool to fall in love and start a family by yourself, can you think about children.
I have to come to help wipe my ass, why not.
Friday arrived in no time, the train said it would arrive at 9:30 in the evening and it might be late, Jiang Wang woke up at 5:00 in the morning.
After waking up, I couldn’t fall asleep no matter how much pancakes were made. First, I cleaned the house carefully and changed all the sheets and quilts. I even took the baby to wash it from beginning to end, and I was not allowed to roll in the grass with my classmates.
Then go to work and feel restless.
Men are always good at making excuses, pretending to be a conscientious parent, and sending messages to Ji Linqiu who is still sleeping.
[Xingwang's mother has come over these two days, is it convenient for Mr. Ji to chat with him about the child's situation? ]
The gentle and elegant Teacher Ji didn't wake up until half past twelve, and it was quite late to reply to the message.
[Come on. ]
[Ask me for help next time, don’t pretend, they’re all wolves with big tails. ]
The ginger big-tailed wolf recognized it with ease.
[Yes, I'm really a little cowardly, you will accompany me to see them these two days, my buddy will treat you to a drink later. ]
[Don’t drink, please help me write 8,000 words of teacher’s experience, hand it in as a WORD document, and send it to you in a text message. ]
[… Row. ]
When it was nine o'clock in the evening, the two big and one small dressed like dogs and took their seats at the station.
Peng Xingwang also imitated the routine on TV, and specially drew a small rainbow card with the words 'Welcome Mom Home' on it.
Jiang Wang was so ashamed looking at the license plate, and it was hard to dispel his enthusiasm for posting the stars and the moon all afternoon, and followed the welcome guests with a stern face.
It was getting late, and the old train station smelled of dust.
There are already homeless people dragging cardboard woven bags to find a corner nearby to lie down, and there are old people playing spinning tops in the small square nearby, making annoying noises.
Jiang Wang is used to the high-speed rail station airport routine, and it is hard not to feel disgusted when he returns to this kind of place. He started to beat mosquitoes within ten minutes of welcoming guests.
Teacher Ji changed back to the school routine, standing next to the child and patiently chatting with him.
It wasn't until 9:40 that the middle-aged men and women with suitcases came out in a hurry.
The woman was just thirty-one, and the man was estimated to be close to forty, and he was well dressed, at least much more decent than Peng Jiahui.
Jiang Wang had never met Du Wenjuan.
The mother in his memory is a gentle and vague shadow, even the face is not clear enough.
Twenty-seven years is enough for a person to forget many things.
But when the woman walked towards them, a cold desire like an intravenous injection suddenly surged in his heart, as if the dusty blood resonated, urging him to meet her.
At this moment, they are all just strangers.
"Star!"
"Mother!!"
The child jumped over with a cheer, and was hugged by the woman in her arms and rubbed her head vigorously.
"It's so tall, it's a little adult!"
Jiang Wang remained silent and took a step back.
Ji Linqiu didn't go there either, giving the mother and son enough intimate time.
He clasped his hands, and he had the docile look of an English teacher again.
"Sick of home? Go back and have a look when you have time."
"I can't go back." The man smiled lightly: "It's a pity."
Ji Linqiu's eyes changed slightly, and he patted his shoulder lightly.
People on both sides deliberately saved their dinner until this point, and they just made a little extra on the way.
Ji Linqiu made reservations for the restaurant in advance, and specially ordered a light casserole porridge after ordering.
The man next to Du Wenjuan was surnamed Chang, and he worked at the health bureau in the city over there.
"Would you like some wine?" He said courteously, "You two have worked hard, thank you for coming to pick us up."
Jiang Wang looked at the yogurt in Du Wenjuan's cup, and signaled the waiter to open two more boxes: "It's too late, let's drink something simple, it's okay."
Mr. Chang laughed stiffly, sat back and said, "Wenjuan and I are here this time.
, I also thought about looking at the stars. "
The child raised his head, as if he had understood something, he concentrated on eating and didn't ask much.
Ji Linqiu stood up and toasted them all. The husband and wife hurriedly returned the salute, and then began to chat about the primary education in the two cities.
"Yes, we are also grasping English over there. Hey, tutoring classes are rare now."
"Thank you Teacher Ji for caring about our Xingwang—"
Jiang Wang was shocked when he heard that.
What is our home, you just came today, okay
The woman also knew she was in the wrong, so she kept picking up food for the child at the table, and settled the bill while going to the bathroom.
Jiang Wang didn't stop, just quietly watched their interaction.
"I've been playing with Xingwang for the past few days." Du Wenjuan got up again and filled them with yogurt, smiling apologetically, "I didn't spend time with my child before. Tomorrow, I'll take him to the playground and zoo. It also happens to be summer vacation."
The child suddenly remembered something.
"Can I sleep with Mommy tonight?"
"sure."
"no."
Jiang Wang said yes without thinking, and raised his head when he heard the objection.
"The child is already nine years old." Mr. Chang smiled: "Xing Xing, you are already old, you have to learn to sleep by yourself, you know."
Peng Xingwang seemed to have been stabbed, pursed his lips and said, "I just turned eight years old, and I usually sleep by myself."
Du Wenjuan looked at Mr. Chang with disapproval, and the latter frowned and shook his head: "Be careful, what if you pinch a child?"
"Xing Xing," the woman bit her lip and said, "it's just late, and the towel and toothbrush haven't been brought here. Mom will pick you up tomorrow morning, okay?"
Peng Xingwang nodded, and continued to eat the last dessert.
The child ate slowly, and Teacher Ji was still drinking porridge. Mr. Chang got up and went out to smoke, leaving them chatting in the room.
Jiang Wang pretended to go to the bathroom, and went out to smoke after a while.
"Hello, hard work," Chang Hua shook hands with him in a businesslike manner: "I heard Wenjuan say you are her cousin?"
"Not to mention," Jiang Wang said casually, "There are several bloodlines, so there is only a relationship."
"Isn't it very familiar?" Chang Hua breathed a sigh of relief, took a deep breath and said, "I made you laugh just now, sorry."
"But we are all men, and you understand," he said in a delicate voice, "this child is also her ex-husband's son, so close... It's a shock."
Jiang Wang smiled: "I understand."
It's very annoying.
"Wenjuan is good everywhere, but she is muddleheaded. She only told me that she has a son outside a month before she got married." Chang Hua rolled his eyes at Jiang Wang with his back turned, and put out the cigarette on the railing: "The child's father also No matter what, let her worry about it every day."
"But you don't have to worry. When this child is taken to our place, I will definitely treat him like my own son." The middle-aged man said sharply again: "I will arrange a key elementary school for him, and he will definitely live as well as this."
Jiang Wangxu hummed, and threw the freshly lit cigarette into the basin.
It was eleven o'clock when the two groups of people parted ways, and the mother and child were a little bit reluctant to part.
"See you tomorrow," Chang Hua said with a full smile, "Sleep well, Xing Xing."
Jiang Wang twitched the corner of his mouth, and carried the child back into the car.
Ji Linqiu sat in the co-pilot, and did not relax until the car had gone far away.
He has been quietly adjusting the atmosphere, and now he is too tired to speak.
Peng Xingwang leaned on the car window to see his mother's figure going away, and whispered, "Mom, look at it well."
"She used to work hard, and now she finally has the opportunity to come and see you," Jiang Wang turned the steering wheel back, speaking very formulaic: "Tomorrow I have to get up early, go home and take a shower and sleep."
The child had been looking outside, and suddenly said: "Brother, you are an adult now, do you still miss your mother?"
Jiang Wang looked at the vehicles passing by like shooting stars in the distance, and said softly, "Yes."
"Maybe often."
Ji Linqiu laughed, his voice was sleepy: "There is only thinking and not thinking, there is no possibility."
Hearing their conversation, Peng Xingwang felt that maybe he wasn't so ashamed, and thinking about his mother wasn't something to be ashamed of.
"When I hugged my mother just now, it was like being in heaven," he whispered, "Her hair smells so good, and she kept kissing me."
The car drove all the way from the restaurant next to the station to the house, and the two men led the children upstairs. The corridor was still dark, and only a faint red light could be seen from the coal stove at the door of the old woman next door.
When it was time to say goodbye, Peng Xingwang asked again.
"In the future, do I want to call Uncle Chang Dad?"
"Won't."
"meeting."
Jiang Wang looked up at Ji Linqiu, surprised by his truth.
"There's no need to coax him at a time like this," Ji Linqiu looked at Jiang Wang: "He knows exactly what happened."
Peng Xingwang thought for a while, and acted generously.
"It's okay, I'm a very talkative kid," he waved his hand: "Thank you, Teacher Ji, good night!"
Jiang Wang fell back on the bed after taking a shower, feeling awkward for a while.
It certainly can't be done like this.
He has a violent temper, and he is very good at dealing with social gangsters and troublesome business, but he can't help it when he encounters this kind of twisted family relationship.
So much so that Raji Linqiu had to come over to help on the spot, otherwise he might have left in disgrace halfway.
It may also be that the three of them made dumplings and watched TV together before, which was too warm.
That warm scene gave him an illusion, as if he could raise his young self alone, without worrying about any lingering blood concerns.
Jiang Wang turned over and suddenly wanted to snatch the sheep beside Peng Xingwang's bed and hug him to sleep.
The door was suddenly knocked twice.
"Brother, are you asleep?"
"No."
"May I come inside?"
"Um."
The child fumbled over with the sheep in his arms, stood by his bed and looked at him.
Jiang Wang frowned, his heart was agitated, and he was not polite: "I'm not afraid of oversleeping tomorrow."
Peng Xingwang blinked.
"Brother, can I sleep with you?"
Jiang Wangxin thought it was strange that I adopted me when I was a child.
If you sleep with your arms around yourself at night, it's fucking Stephen King.
"... come up."
"If you move around, I will kick you down."
The child raised his head, hugged the sheep and slept next to him, obediently without moving, lying very upright.
Jiang Wang closed his eyes and continued to sleep.
After sleeping for a while, he took the child into his arms expressionlessly, and stretched out his arms to hug him tightly.
"No snoring."
Peng Xingwang clung to his chest like a cat, with his furry head resting on his chin, happily responding.
With a sound.
Then fell asleep very obediently, without snoring all night.