Throughout the Spring Festival, except for the unforgettable reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, there was nothing else to say.
Usually there are dozens of people renting in the guild hall. Some go home for the New Year, while those who don’t go home also make appointments with three or five friends to go out and have some fun, making the place increasingly deserted.
This is cheaper for David.
He always liked quietness, so he returned to the clubhouse, picked out a few thick foreign novels from the bookcase, and read them comfortably while lying on the bed.
The guild hall pays for food per person. Although the food is not exquisite, the waiter is still good at greeting him. He figured out David's temperament and didn't ask him to come out to eat after the meal was ready. He cleverly made a small plate and put it on The hot rice and dishes were brought in and he was allowed to eat quietly in the room.
This continued for several days, and David was so attentive that even David felt embarrassed. Although he was short of money, he still took out fifty cents from the envelope and handed it to the waiter as a New Year's red envelope.
Before you know it, spring break has passed.
David still went to school to teach.
At the beginning of March, when David came home from class, the clerk in the club spotted him as soon as he walked in. He ran over and said, "Mr. Xuan, you came back at a good time. Mrs. Nian just called and wanted to see you. I was about to hang up when I turned around and saw you walk in."
David thanked him and went to the phone booth to pick up the phone.
It turns out that his sister asked him to go over to attend the cocktail party tonight.
"David, please don't come over. Your brother-in-law and I have been preparing for tonight's reception for a long time. If you don't obey me, don't call me your sister in the future." Julia said a lot of musts like pouring beans into a bamboo tube. The reason for coming to the meeting was finalized, "Come before seven o'clock in the evening. Remember to put on the new clothes I made for you and look nice."
Speaking of which, David's excuses would be in vain.
After hanging up the phone, I lingered in the room until six o'clock. I estimated that it would take about an hour to get there, so I changed into the new suit I made for the Spring Festival and went out.
When we arrived at the Nian residence, it was exactly seven o'clock.
The sun has fallen below the horizon, and there is only a vague gray cloud in the distant sky.
David looked from afar and saw that the Nian residence was brightly lit in the twilight, like a woman who had spent all her time dressing up, waiting for her lover to arrive.
Probably all the lights that could be turned on were turned on.
There were several brightly painted cars parked outside the gate, some of which had small government flags on the front. The blue and white flags occasionally swayed in the evening breeze.
David arrived at the gate.
The concierge of Nian's house recognized him, called "Master Huai Feng", opened the door, and asked him to go in and find Mrs. Nian.
It was said that the reception started at seven o'clock, but in fact, guests had already arrived. Nian's house seemed to have become a small open park. From the gate to the corridor, there were people standing in twos and threes everywhere. Most of the men were wearing suits, and the women were dressed up. They were all different, some were in Western-style skirts, and some were wearing cheongsam. They were holding drinks and talking and laughing freely. When they saw David passing by, they couldn't help but glance at his handsome and slender back.
David knew almost no one here, and he didn't like chatting with people, so he just stopped a maid carrying a wine tray and asked, "Where is the madam?"
The maid smiled at him and raised her chin toward the living room, "It's in there. I'm afraid I won't be able to get away now."
David walked towards the living room.
Before entering the door, I heard the sound of rustling
The sound came out, and I went in to see that it was very lively and crowded.
The original set of Eight Immortals tables and chairs in the living room have long since disappeared. There is now an oversized long table against the wall, covered with burgundy imported velvet, and various snacks are served in crystal clear glass dishes. .
There are six or seven mahjong tables that take up almost the rest of the living room. There are many people around each table watching the game. The sound of shuffling cards one after another, as well as the shouts and laughter of people eating nonsense are mixed together, even if they are sitting next door. People had to speak at the top of their lungs, and everyone's ears were buzzing.
"David! Here!" Julia was playing mahjong. He touched the cards with one hand and raised the other hand in the air and waved twice at David.
Only then did David see his sister from beside one of the mahjong tables. He leaned sideways in the crowd and slowly walked over.
"Why did you arrive at this time?" Julia asked him casually while staring at the cards on the table.
"Isn't it seven o'clock? I'm not late."
"I told you to arrive early. But it's okay. Those who are here early are just some acquaintances. The big shots haven't arrived yet. The director and several directors of other departments are coming here today," Julia played an 80,000 note and reminded him, "When they arrive, don't be shy. Go up and say hello to them, chat and laugh..."
Before he finished speaking, Julia's opponent suddenly chuckled and turned over the cards, "Win!"
Everyone shuffled the cards again.
Julia took out his small wallet, gave the lost money to his opponent, stood up and said, "I forgot to tell Mom Zhang about something, please play two games for me first."
David waved his hand, "I don't like gambling."
Julia sneered, "It's only one dollar a chip, how can that be considered gambling? If you lose, I'll give it to you." He pulled David to push him onto the chair.
"Sister, I can't."
"Then learn. If you don't even know mahjong, how will you get along with your colleagues and bosses in the future?"
As they were arguing, Henry hurried in from outside the living room. His face was red and black, perhaps because he was tired or anxious. Along the way, he pushed away several guests who blocked his way with his hands.
"You're still playing this bullsh!t mahjong!" He came in front of Julia and stamped his feet desperately, "Quickly retreat! Quickly clear the table!" He turned around and looked at the people at the mahjong table who were staring at him blankly, and pushed them away with both hands in the air, "No more, no more."
Julia asked curiously, "What happened?"
"What's going on? It's a big deal!" Henry immediately turned his head back, "Director Bai's deputy just called and said that Director Bai will be here tonight too!"
Julia still didn't understand, "What Chief Bai? Isn't the chief of your department Chief Liao?"
"I don't have time to talk to you now!" Henry was so anxious that his forehead was shining, and he was rubbing his hands and turning around, "Hurry up and tell the servants to clear the table. Chief Bai is a great man that we can't invite, and this time the pie has fallen on our heads. He just returned from studying abroad, a young talent, and I heard that he hates government officials playing mahjong and singing opera the most." He paused suddenly, raised his voice and shouted to the servant outside the window, "Nian Gui! Make a phone call to cancel the opera troupe that was prepared tonight! Tell them not to come!"
Turning around, he saw a group of guests who were addicted to playing mahjong. They all looked at him and shouted, "Remove the table!"
Everyone seemed to have just come back to their senses. They stood up and turned around. Several maids and waiters hurriedly came up to move the tables.
A footman went over to ask for instructions, "Sir, two of the mahjong tables were borrowed from Mr. Zhang's house next door. Can you return them to his house now?"
"What else? Throw them all away! Don't keep them! Throw away the mahjong as well!"
Julia frowned, "What are you doing?"
"Stop talking nonsense. I can't let Mr. Bai see the mahjong table in my house. Hurry up! Hurry up! Haven't you eaten yet? Just wait and see!"
David stood aside, Henry didn't even glance at him, he just urged everyone to clean up the living room, gesticulating and shouting loudly.
"Sir," Nian Gui suddenly ran in from outside the door, "A lot of cars came outside all of a sudden, and a lot of noble people came. Director Zhang seems to be inside too?"
Henry took a breath and turned pale, "I just called, why did it come so fast?"
Looking around, the familiar people who came to the hall to ask for free food and drinks were standing everywhere, but only five mahjong tables were cleared, and two tables had not been cleared in time.
Henry was so nervous that his fingers twitched, and he pushed Julia hard on the back, "Hurry up and block him, and welcome him in later."
Julia was also overwhelmed by her husband's nervousness. He staggered forward and was about to go out of the living room to greet the group of noble people. A shadow flashed at the door of the hall, revealing that the guests had arrived.
There were several familiar faces in the crowd, including Director Zhang, Henry's immediate superior, Director Chen from the Materials Department, several deputy directors from the bureau, and Director Liao, who was in charge of the Education Department and who rarely came to the office. These people were followed by their beautiful and young, fashionable relatives.
This group of people are all officials with some status. They usually appear as majestic figures, but now all the limelight is taken up by the young man standing in the middle.
He was no more than twenty years old, with deep and distinct facial features as if they had been carefully carved by a master with a knife, and his eyes and brows showed a capable and shrewd look, which would have made people aware of his power and alert. However, the corners of his lips raised slightly and easily, as if he was smiling all the time, which made people relax their vigilance unconsciously.
Among all the men in suits, he was the only one wearing a moon-white silk camel-hair robe, which highlighted his slender and well-proportioned figure, which was much taller than that of most men. His elegant and graceful posture was like a jade tree in the wind, which made people's eyes stop on him at first sight.
Everyone came in with him and surrounded him like stars surrounding the moon, but they seemed afraid of offending him and did not dare to get too close to him.
The grandeur and majesty was even greater than if the Prime Minister had been present.
The living room suddenly became quiet.
Henry looked at the mahjong table that the waiters were clumsily moving to the door, and wished he could faint when his vision went dark.
Faced with the awkward silence, the man who was like a shining star stood in front of the door, looked around the hall, and then laughed, "It's really impolite for you to visit me so suddenly. But, the host wouldn't be unwilling to welcome guests, right?" His tone was kind and friendly.
As soon as he opened his mouth, the whole living room became alive.
"That's right! Xiao Nian, a distinguished guest has come to visit, but why are you the host standing there?" Chief Liao, who was standing next to him, immediately laughed and said to Henry, "This Chief Bai from the Customs is a distinguished guest that I usually can't invite. I was surprised that he was willing to come to your place today."
Maxwell Bai turned her head and smiled at him, "Mr. Liao, you are kidding me. When did I ever refuse your invitation?"
After a while, Henry finally found his tongue. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and hurriedly went up with Julia.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so flattered and stunned by the sudden visit of such a distinguished guest." Henry smiled and apologized to the two directors general, then shook hands and greeted several department heads.
Julia also quickly said hello to the ladies and ladies who followed him.
After welcoming the guests into the living room, the maids came up with drinks. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the waiters quickly continued to move the remaining mahjong tables out.
The Nian couple naturally accompanied the two general managers in greeting.
"Section Chief Nian likes to play mahjong?" Maxwell asked.
Henry's heart nearly jumped out of his throat. He immediately shook his head firmly, "I hate people who play mahjong the most. They are noisy and unruly. If all the Chinese people did serious work and didn't waste their time on boring things like mahjong, China would have been rich and strong long ago."
This Chief Bai's family background and strength should not be underestimated, he is a great Buddha that must be worshipped. When he took office at the Customs last month, several articles he wrote were read respectfully by Henry.
Henry slyly quoted a sentence from General Bai's article. Thinking of the mahjong table in his living room, he had to give a reasonable explanation. He coughed twice, pointed at his wife beside him and said seriously, "I am really ashamed to say that my wife also loves to play mahjong. We have argued about this several times. When I came home today, I saw the mahjong table in the living room again. I was so angry that I couldn't speak. I asked the servants to throw away the mahjong table and mahjong for me."
In fact, it was Henry's idea to set up the mahjong table.
How many officials these days don't go to prostitutes, gamble, or play mahjong? Director General Liao and several section chiefs not only love playing mahjong, but also love gambling. Because they were going to hold a cocktail party, they specially set up a mahjong table to cater to their preferences, but they didn't expect that they would end up shooting themselves in the foot.
Julia took the blame, but since it was related to her husband's career and her own interests, she certainly didn't argue. She just smiled and said, "I also know that I shouldn't fight, but I was dragged by a few close friends. I'm the host, so I couldn't agree to it. Liangfu is very good in this regard. He never touches mahjong."
Maxwell smiled knowingly, "Section Chief Nian has read the article I wrote, right?"
In one sentence, Henry felt very embarrassed. He waved his hands to explain, "No, no, no..."
"Those are just polite words, do you take them seriously?" Maxwell seemed to be born with a smile on her face, and said lightly, "Mahjong is a national treasure, and I play it often. Since Mrs. Nian is a mahjong expert, why don't you find time to have a mahjong game with Mrs. Nian in the future?"
He was talking and laughing, and the atmosphere suddenly became lively.
No one expected that this new chief with an extraordinary background could be so kind. He was really well-informed and the atmosphere that had been filled with fear suddenly became much more relaxed.
"So Chief Bai is also into this. I was saying, we are all Chinese, how can we not play mahjong? National quintessence, um, the word is used brilliantly!" Chief Liao laughed a few times, shuffled the cards, and glanced at Maxwell, "Chief Bai, I think it's better to do it now than to wait for a better day. There's no need to postpone this card game. Let's start it now, how about it?"
Henry felt relieved and instantly beamed with joy. He quickly asked Nian Gui to bring back the mahjong table and mahjong that he had just "thrown away" and personally placed them in the center of the living room.
Nian Gui asked again, "Sir, do you want to put the other mahjong tables back?"
Before Henry could say anything, Director Zhang had already shaken his head, "No, no, no, no, no, no, there are several mahjong tables placed together. It's so noisy that it disturbs the chief executives' interest in playing cards."
Julia showed an awkward expression, "Won't the director and his wives be bored?"
"How can it be boring?" Several people said, "It's rare to see the chief play cards. We want to watch the game. It's a good opportunity to learn some skills."
There was only one mahjong table in such a living room, and the rest of the people looked like they were going to watch the game.
It's just that mahjong is not bridge. It can only be played by four people. In a room full of guests, Mr. Bai and Mr. Liao will definitely play, but it is difficult to choose the remaining two.
Henry did not dare to offend his immediate boss, so he repeatedly asked Director Zhang to take a seat. As he was planning who to invite, Director Liao, who was already itchy, waved his hand towards Julia, "Mrs. Nian, take a seat."
"How can this be possible?"
"Mrs. Nian is the host, and she is also the card player that Chief Bai has designated to compete with. Mrs. Nian, if you don't participate, you are not giving Chief Bai face."
Maxwell looked at Julia with a smile.
Julia herself felt a little flattered, but she was also the commander's daughter after all. She had seen many big scenes. Although she was happy in her heart, her face was still polite and reserved. When she glanced into the hall from the corner of her eyes, she suddenly realized that her brother was nowhere to be found. , David slipped away without her noticing.
This cocktail party was specially prepared at great expense in order for Henry to curry favor with his superiors. Julia specially invited David to attend in the hope of finding a way out for David.
Now was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to introduce David to these heavyweights. Julia couldn't let it go no matter what. He didn't look over his shoulder and whispered to the maid serving drinks next to him, "Hurry up and find Master David. Said I had something important to tell him and asked him to come over quickly."
After saying that, he smiled and nodded at the two chiefs and the division chief before finally taking his seat.
David quietly went out when the living room was in chaos. He had planned to meet Helen and then go back to the guild hall. He was talking to Helen when the maid came and said hurriedly, "Master David, the mistress wants you to come over. She said there is something important."
"What's up?"
"It's just an important matter."
David didn't know what was going on. He couldn't turn a deaf ear to his sister's words, so he had to go over again.
When I arrived at the door of the living room, I stood on the steps and saw that they were playing mahjong again. I turned around and wanted to leave without saying anything.
But Juliaren was sitting at the mahjong table, but his mind was not on mahjong. He was anxiously waiting for David to come over, constantly looking up.
Although the people watching the battle at the table were surrounded by three floors inside and three floors outside, David was tall and was on the steps, so she could still see him at a glance.
Seeing David turn around, Julia knew that his brother was disobedient again. He became anxious and shouted, "David! Stop!"
She suddenly raised her voice and shouted, turning everyone's attention to David.
Henry's face suddenly darkened, but out of consideration for the presence of the guests, he held back a sneer.
David was stopped by her, so he could only turn back, walked to the table, and asked in a low voice, "Sister, what do you want from me?"
In front of so many people, Julia felt embarrassed - he couldn't say that he wanted David to come and get to know the two directors and seek a position.
Fortunately, she reacted quickly, smiled at the directors and section chiefs at the table, and pretended to mention casually, "This is my younger brother David, he is young and returned from studying in the UK."
After saying that, he raised his head and glanced at David, saying, "I asked you to come here because of course I have something to ask. Can't you see I'm playing cards? I've been beaten twice in a row. Come over and help me."
David smiled softly and said, "I don't know how to play mahjong."
"It doesn't matter if I don't know." It happened to be Julia's turn to draw a card. She drew a mahjong in her hand, but did not turn it over immediately. She passed it to David's mouth, "Please lend me your blessing and help me blow it."
In front of everyone, it was David's turn to be embarrassed, and he said in a dumbfounded voice, "Do you believe this old trick?"
"Are you going to brag?" Julia glared at him with a half-smile and a half-angry look, "If you don't brag, don't call me sister in the future."
David had no choice but to lower his head and blow on the back of the card.
Unexpectedly, Julia turned over the cards, took a look, and immediately laughed. He said to the three of them, "Sorry, I really won." Then he pushed the cards lightly.
He actually drew a full set of cards, with two clubs as well.
The money they paid for playing mahjong was higher than usual, ten yuan per chip. Based on the current number, each person had to give Julia one hundred and twenty yuan.
The three losers didn't take the small amount of money seriously. They counted the money with a smile, handed it to Julia, and shuffled the cards again.
While shuffling the cards, Mr. Liao chatted, "Mrs. Nian, your brother is a very talented person."
"You're flattering me. In fact, young people don't care about their appearance. It's good if they can actually do things."
"I think he is very good at his job. Where is your brother now?"
"That's what's bothering me. He majored in mathematics, which is not popular these days."
David saw that the card game was endless and wanted to withdraw, but Julia secretly grabbed his trousers and touched the cards with one hand. He smiled and said to Director Liao, "When my brother was studying in the UK, the professors said he was diligent and obedient. Unfortunately, after returning to China, he had no chance to be appreciated, and not many people were willing to use him..."
"Great, I just wanted to borrow it, but I'm embarrassed to say it," Maxwell, who was sitting opposite her, suddenly interrupted her.
Everyone looked at him in confusion.
Maxwell pointed at the cards in front of him and said, "Mrs. Nian, I have a terrible hand. How about borrowing your brother's blessing and letting me win a big hand? If I win, I'll treat you to a meal."
Everyone finally understood what he meant and burst into laughter, trying to please him, "Yes, yes, we can't let all the blessings go to Madam Nian."
"Otherwise it's too unfair. I should borrow it from Mr. Bai."
"What about Director Liao and Director Zhang? Why not treat them equally?"
Mr. Liao was also a funny man who knew how to talk and laugh. He waved his hand and said proudly, "Give Mr. Bai the blessing. Anyway, if he wins money, he will be a host. We can just get the money back."
Director Zhang said, "I have a big appetite, so I support Director Liao's words with both hands."
Everyone laughed again, very happy.
Maxwell ignored the people around her and laughed. The corners of her mouth were always slightly raised, and her eyes were slightly raised upwards, falling directly on David's face.
Although he was looking up slantingly, his eyes were like looking down, with a kind of pressure hidden in the relaxed and leisurely way.
It was his turn to draw the cards. He took the cards in his hand but refused to turn them over. His eyes were still staring at David who was standing behind Julia. The gesture of not turning over the cards.
After such a delay, the entire mahjong game stopped, and the players and spectators were waiting helplessly.
The atmosphere changed and fell silent.
Henry was determined not to let anything go wrong in this game of cards that depended on his future. Seeing David standing there as straight as a wooden pole, he wanted to kick this ignorant brother-in-law twice. He hurried over, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a forced smile, "Come on, give General Bai a blow." He then gave him a strong push.
David staggered slightly as he pushed him, then stood up straight again, raised his eyes, and slowly scanned the surrounding area.
His appearance was inherited from his beautiful mother who died young. His eyes are big, bright, and extremely lively. When his black and white pupils move, the brilliance flows. People who are caught by his gaze can't help but suddenly flash their eyes, and they want to take a closer look at those eyes. When he opened his eyes, David had already turned around and walked straight to the hall door.
Everyone was stunned, looking at his tall and stubborn back.
Henry cried out in his heart that it was terrible, but Julia was a little worried that his younger brother, who had always been spoiled by his father, could not stand this kind of anger. Just as he was about to call him to comfort him, someone else got there first.
"David!" To everyone's surprise, the first one to shout was the popular Mr. Bai. Maxwell called out to David's back. Seeing that he not only didn't stop, but also showed signs of speeding up, she simply stood up and chased after him, "We haven't seen each other in a few years. It's just a joke. Why do you have to be angry..." ..”
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