He had agreed with that at the time. Thinking of Yu Yin, Zheng Wei couldn’t help but sigh. They were considered a golden couple, with many anticipating their union. Unfortunately, Ye Zhengchen had seduced most of the beautiful women in the medical school. Apart from Yu Yin, no one knew his true thoughts, but Yu Yin always believed: “I am his final destination.”
At midnight, Zheng Wei drove Ye Zhengchen home.
The car sped past, wind almost piercing through the eardrums. Ye Zhengchen, eight-tenths drunk, took out his wallet, a gentle smile at the corner of his mouth. Zheng Wei, deep in thought, spoke, “Duoyue Bridge, made of reinforced concrete with a wooden surface, stands overlooking Lanshan’s red leaves. I’ve been there and it left a deep impression.” Ye Zhengchen tensed at his words. Zheng Wei sighed, “Beautiful women are indeed calamitous!”
The sky darkened as street lights illuminated the roads. In Osaka, despite the lights and cars, the city felt cold in its quietness. The small shop we owned was lively. It was only abroad that I realized: where there are Chinese people, there are laughter and warmth. The shop’s cold blue-green lights shone on Qin Xue’s rosy cheeks. After several Asahi beers, she laughed charmingly, stunning everyone.
Since Ye Zhengchen left, Qin Xue seemed to have transformed, laughing and chatting with the men around her, much to their delight. Previously, she preferred to remain reserved, laughing softly at jokes rather than engaging in conversation.
I glanced at the empty seat beside her and the untouched food in my bowl, realizing that I had changed too. Picking up my chopsticks, I chewed on the cold dish. The cola I had consumed left me feeling cold.
Before I could swallow, Brother Feng, slightly drunk, joined me, pouring a can of beer into my glass without asking. “Sister-in-law, let me toast you,” he said, a term that sent a shiver down my spine.
Before I could respond, Lin Rui, who was closest to Brother Feng, joked, “Old Feng, you’re flirting again while your wife isn’t around! Wait till she sees!”
Brother Feng answered, “At worst, I’ll kneel on the washboard at home. I’m used to it.”
Lin Rui’s girlfriend laughed and asked, “Brother Feng, where did you buy your washboard?”
