文学｜谢宏：花与果（English Version Attached Translated by Sun Jicheng）

编者按：谢宏为深圳本土作家，被视为「城市文学」的代表性作家。高中时期（1984年）开始文学创作，毕业于上海华东师范大学，拥有经济学学士学位。现移居新西兰。谢宏的作品有《我很重要吗》（2012年）《纹身师》（增订版，2011年）《青梅竹马》等，多以深圳为背景，探索都市人的情感、价值观与生存状态，体现城市化对个人精神与物质生活的影响。谢宏同时也用英文创作。本篇小说《花与果》体现了谢宏小说的典型特点。

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杨志记住了那句话，“上海咬了深圳一口”；当然，他也记得自己说的话，“深圳也咬了上海一口”。这本是他和吕雪青之间的玩笑话。但他记住了，而且记得很牢。也许过了很多年他都记得，甚至有可能一生都会记得。

当时，杨志在房间里无聊透了，只好走来走去，忽而拉开窗帘，看看路上走过的行人和汽车，然后又倒在床上看电视。他在上海呆五天了。该办的差事都办了，该见的老同学也见过了。

之后就开始越发无聊了。当然，他如果不想无聊，马上回深圳就得了，但一想到那些烦心的琐事在等着他，就想赖多一两天也好。他对深圳那边撒谎说快了，事情办得差不多了，就剩一点点尾巴了。

他刚到的那天，十几个老同学，从上海的各个角落赶来给他洗尘，他们当中有的混得不错，已是上海滩上有头有面的人物。大家喝了点酒，情绪高涨，在酒席上指点江山，真有点数风流人物，还看今朝的气势。那个饭局的确搞得很热闹，让杨志很感动也很感慨。

杨志办完了差事，白天呆在宾馆里觉得无聊，他打过几次电话，想找老同学再聊聊，但他发觉他们都很忙，想想也是，此时你是闲人，人家是在上班呢。杨志试过晚上约他们，但他们大多还有其他应酬，婉拒了他。

杨志的心情受到了打击，再也没有热情邀约老同学了。他倒在床上给人家找理由，人家也陪你了嘛，招待也蛮热情的。这样一想杨志也释然了。但一觉醒来，还是觉得无聊。

杨志本来想出去走走的，但到处都是人和车子，顿时失去了兴趣，又倒回宾馆的房间。杨志看了一会电视，就忍不住掏出通讯录来翻看。他的目光落在那些上海同学的名字上，又在犹豫中一个一个跳了过去。最后，他的目光落在了一个名字上。吕雪青。这个名字不是他的同学，是他的师姐，高他一届。

杨志对是否去找她有点犹豫。他已经有十五年没见她了。也不知道她现在的情况。电话还是她毕业后给他留的，几年前，他与她通过几次电话。后来就没再与她联系了。杨志又将通讯录翻过去，后来又翻回来。最后还是在这个名字停住了。他合上通讯录，打开电视机看了一会节目，又关了，决定还是去找她。

杨志试着在原来的电话号码前加了个字头，因为上海的电话号码升位了。拨通后电话那头有人接了，是个女人。杨志就说他找吕雪青。那头愣了一下说，我，我就是，哪位？杨志也愣了一下，然后有点顽皮地问，听出我是谁吗？吕雪青愣了一下说，抱歉，听不出来。杨志就嘿嘿笑了，说我是杨志啊。

吕雪青顿了一下，才想起来，也笑了，说这么鬼。杨志说，没想到吧？吕雪青开心地笑了，说多久没见呀，在哪里呢？杨志说他在上海。吕雪青说出差吗。杨志说已经办完了差事。

吕雪青说，那我请你吃饭。杨志笑了，说应该我请你吃饭。吕雪青说我是地主嘛。杨志说他是吃公家的，就搞点小腐败吧。吕雪青犹豫了一下，说晚上怎么样。杨志说好啊，省得我一个人度过漫漫的长夜。

吕雪青笑了，说你真的是杨志吗。杨志问她干吗这么说。吕雪青说，原来的杨志是半个哑巴啊。杨志一听，哈哈开心大笑，说我是杨志的儿子啊。吕雪青也给搞笑了，说晚上见吧。他们说好了地点，就在衡山路的“鱼刺”酒吧见面。杨志想这酒吧的名字有点那个啊。

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杨志不知道上海酒吧的情形是怎样的，他和客户应酬都是在酒楼吃饭。他没什么酒量，所以先吃点东西垫垫肚子。他打车去了，发觉衡山路真的蛮有味道，整条街都是酒吧和咖啡馆，很有点夜上海灯红酒绿的情调。他在街口就下车了，慢慢地逛去过。

他进了鱼刺酒吧，站在门口张望。吕雪青在角落里朝他招手。杨志笑眯眯地走过去坐下。吕雪青问他想要什么。杨志说他随便吧。吕雪青就对小姐说，给他来杯随便。

小姐笑了，问他要什么。杨志还是说他不懂，就随便吧。那个小姐回到吧台前，和酒保小声说了几句。吕雪青说，你这不难为人家吗。杨志说自己真的对酒没有认识。

后来，小姐给他端了一杯酒。杨志问是什么酒。那个小姐倒机灵，说是随便。三个人都笑了。杨志端起来，放在眼前端详了好一会，说颜色真好看。好喝吗？他又问了一句。

吕雪青说，个人口味不同嘛。杨志问她是否常常来。吕雪青说不一定。杨志扭转脖子，环视了一下酒吧的各个角落，说环境挺好的。吕雪青没有说话，含笑拿了酒杯和他碰了碰，喝了一小口。

杨志也喝了一口，发觉味道有点怪。他说好像不纯呢，杂味。吕雪青就笑他了，说这是随便酒啊。杨志就说，看来你有点小资情调了。吕雪青说，打发无聊的时间而已。

杨志往椅子上一仰身，不仅感叹说，一晃就这么多年过去了啊。吕雪青也说，是呀，物是人非。杨志却笑了，说他发觉有个人没变。吕雪青就问是谁。杨志说你啊，还是那么年轻，让人还心动呢。

吕雪青愣了一下，就开心地说，都变老啦。其实杨志没说错，吕雪青好像不会老似的，尽管都四十了，但模样跟大学时候没多大的改变，岁月的流逝好像没怎么在她的脸上留下太多的痕迹。她的肤色还是那么白，脸色的肌肉还是那么紧绷绷的，在柔和的灯光下，发出微白的光。杨志望着她，有点走神了。

吕雪青问他这些年过得怎么样。杨志很坦白地告诉她，自己工作平淡，琐碎，离过婚后又结婚了。吕雪青哦了声，说也挺好的。杨志就笑了，说这还挺好的呀。吕雪青说，毕竟你还有个过程嘛。

杨志有点诧异她这么说，但他没有马上说什么。他沉默了一会，才问她的生活情况。吕雪青抬头笑了一下，说还是老样子。杨志不解，但他想了想，没马上问她指的是什么。

他们两个人慢慢地喝着酒，扯些大学时的趣事。那时他们都在搞校文学社。吕雪青是社长。后来她退下来的时候，将他推了上去。他也没让她失望，还真的将文学社搞得生气勃勃的，在上海乃至全国的高校中都有点名气。

那时杨志喜欢上了文学社的一个上海的小妹妹，是吕雪青系里的，他没胆量，嘴巴也不会说，只好都写在了诗歌里，那个小妹妹都看见了，全校的诗歌爱好者也看见了。吕雪青明白他的心思，也不时帮他的忙，但他与她的事情还是没什么大的进展，最后这个爱情故事以失败告终。杨志与吕雪青的关系却近了。他有时候就叫她大姐，有什么心事也和她说。

吕雪青呢，也总是耐心地听他讲。以至于有时杨志会想，要是和吕雪青好，可能就没那么多烦恼了。当时吕雪青也正在恋爱中，男友还是学校的学生会主席，叫董日军。杨志的那个念头只好一闪而过。

想到这里，杨志说不知道那个小妹妹现在过得如何了。吕雪青说她结婚出国了，听说现在又离婚了。杨志叹息了一声，说真没想到。吕雪青说，也好，毕竟还有过过程。杨志感到又点口渴，就端起酒杯和她碰了碰，喝了一口。他感到酒气已经在他的脑里和身体里游动了。他可以听到那种游动的急促的脚步声。

这时，吕雪青突然抬头望了眼墙上。杨志注意到了，也抬起手表看了一眼，问了一句，说晚了回去，没关系吧。吕雪青笑了一下，说放心，她自己管自己。杨志一听，有点诧异，他又和她碰了碰酒杯，喝了一口。

吕雪青低头看了一眼酒杯，问杨志，他怎么样？杨志知道她问的是董日军。董日军比吕雪青高一届，毕业后就先去了深圳，他们说好等她毕业，也过去。吕雪青毕业后先留在上海，正等着办调动。

后来，不知道怎么搞的，两个人却分手了。据董日军的解释，说是没办法，他在深圳要生存，加上也遇到了合适的人选。吕雪青在信上和杨志简单谈过这事情。那时杨志毕业后也去了深圳。

杨志见她这么问，就说在校友聚会见过董日军，他在搞贸易公司。吕雪青说他来过上海，听他说搞得不错，说什么都有了。杨志啊了声，说你们还见过啊。吕雪青仰了一下身体，说都是好几年前的事了。杨志哦了声，没说什么。

过了一阵子，杨志说，你也该有点改变了。吕雪青叹息了一声，说是呀，我正在变老啊。杨志说，要有点主动性嘛。她问怎么主动呀，她说过就笑了。杨志也笑了。他说以前是你开导我呢。

吕雪青说，医人容易，治自己难啊。杨志说有个过程的，他望住她一会说，你真的还很漂亮。吕雪青说，都老太婆了。杨志说，真的没怎么变化。这话说得吕雪青有点不好意思了，她低下头在浅笑。杨志嘿嘿笑了，说要是我当初有胆量追你，那多好啊。杨志不知道自己怎么说出这样的话来。

吕雪青听了这话，愣住望了他没说话。杨志被看得笑了起来，说现在才发现我好看呀。吕雪青也笑了，说不过你倒是真的变了。杨志问她自己是变得可恶了还是可爱了。吕雪青说变得豁达了，当然，她补充了一句，也变得油嘴了。

杨志没回话，只是嘿嘿地笑，问她这是好事还是坏事。吕雪青皱了一下眉头，作状想了想，说，不知道呢。不过，她说这下好了，她可以认识两个版本的杨志了。杨志就逗她说，喜欢哪个呢？吕雪青说，两个都喜欢。杨志开心地笑了起来，拿杯子和她碰了碰。

时间慢慢地过去了，杨志看着有人摇晃着出去，又有人兴冲冲地进来。他暗暗有点吃惊，自己竟然还是蛮能喝酒的。他已经喝了不少了，头脑有点眩晕，上洗手间的时候，他感到脚步有点飘。

他想到了那次因伤心而喝酒，也喝到了这个程度，出去解手的时候掉到校园的河里，差点没淹死。那是他平生第一次喝成那样，此后他总是对酒敬而远之。

杨志在轻轻地摇着酒杯里的酒。吕雪青说你不是不能喝吗。杨志说今天不一样，有美人坐对面。吕雪青摇摇头，笑着说，你的嘴巴呀！今晚你喝的是酒啊，怎么像喝了蜜糖呢。杨志问她是否常来。

吕雪青说想来就来啊。她沉思了一会，突然抬头对他笑了一下，没说话。杨志就问她在想什么。吕雪青有点严肃地说，她在想，要是当初你敢追我，会是怎么一番景象呢。杨志笑眯眯说，那还是坐在这里喝酒呀。吕雪青仰着头，将头发往后梳理了一下。

杨志看见她的脖子白光一闪，脸上微红的娇媚十分动人。杨志举起杯子与她碰了碰，然后喝光了。他朝吧台那边招了招手。

杨志端了起酒杯，又想想，说不过，如果他们喝酒，最好换一家酒吧。吕雪青说这不是很好嘛。杨志说，这个酒吧名字不好，叫什么“鱼刺”，哽在喉咙里，这叫人怎么痛快呢，大都是失意的人才来的。杨志有点兴奋，便信口开河胡说一通。

没想到吕雪青竟然掩脸抽泣起来。杨志一时慌了手脚，不知道她干吗哭。他向她道歉，说自己不该胡说八道。吕雪青接过杨志递过来的纸巾，擦掉脸上的眼泪，说不关他的事。然后说上上洗手间。

杨志有点忐忑不安，他感到自己说错了话。他喝了一口酒，朝洗手间的方向张望。过一会，吕雪青出来了，整张脸又焕然一新。

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他们又聊了好一会，杨志看看表，已经是凌晨的3点了。他想也该回去了，他是毫无睡意，但吕雪青明天还要上班呢。杨志醉眼惺忪地望住吕雪青，说找时间再聊吧。吕雪青也望了他，说本来不想走，但你喝多了，我送你回去吧。

杨志说，应该是我送你。他们两人让来让去，直到出了酒吧的门口，还站在路边争论。一辆的士停在了他们的面前。吕雪青拉住杨志的手，推他上车，然后对司机发号施令。

杨志也奇怪，她一捏他的手，他就安静下来。杨志上了车，就反过来抓住了她的手。吕雪青也任他抓住，后来还与他握在了一起。

车子绕来绕去，在宾馆门口停下了。杨志拉了吕雪青的手下车。他奇怪自己怎么会这样作。他本来想让司机送她先回去，他再坐车回宾馆的，但吕雪青不肯，说她是地主，他只好依了她。他看她的样子，心里也不放心。

等两人进了房间，吕雪青说那她就走了。杨志看她走路脚步有点飘，放心不下，就拦了她。他说晚上你就住这里吧，明天直接去上班好了。

吕雪青在门口抱住他，搂住他的腰，伏在他的肩膀，喃喃地说，也好吧。杨志感到身体骤然热了起来。他记起自己还没开空调呢，但这时他也不想开了。吕雪青的身体真的很柔韧。

杨志有点舍不得放开，他用手环抱住她。过了很久，他才说，去洗个澡吧。吕雪青开始抱住他不动，过一会才松开他，将手袋丢床上，进浴室洗澡了。

杨志走回床沿坐下，有点手足无措。他呆呆地想着心事。也不知道什么时候，吕雪青出来了，用浴巾围了身体。她的身体在不太明亮的灯光下，发出柔和的光。她脸色红润，她对杨志说，你去洗吧。杨志回转身，怔怔地望了她一会，说你真漂亮。

吕雪青有点羞涩地低下头，长发垂了下来，遮住了她的半张脸。杨志站起身进了浴室。他在里面洗得很慢，脑袋里闹烘烘的，心情十分复杂，不知道自己该怎么办。

杨志出来的时候，发现吕雪青正趴在枕头哭泣。他慌了手脚，连忙过去问她怎么啦。吕雪青不答应他。杨志就用手去抚她的头发，说有什么心事就说出来，说出来会舒服点的。

他看不见她的脸，只看见她半裸的背在起伏抽动。他说，不哭啦。吕雪青的声音去大了起来。他觉得自己说错了话，就说哭出来吧。吕雪青就呜呜地哭。

过了好一会，她不哭了。杨志扶起她，看她泪眼朦胧，十分惹人怜悯。他伸手揩去她的眼泪，她的眼睛细长细长的很好看。吕雪青垂了长发，轻轻地抽泣。杨志觉得她真的十分可爱，就捧了她的脸，去吻她的眼睛。她躲闪了一下，就安静下来，任杨志吻她。

后来，杨志嘴巴的活动范围扩大了，游动在她的眼睛、鼻子、脸颊、头发，最后游动到了她的脖子。刚开始吕雪青很害羞，渐渐地体内的酒精被杨志点燃了，越烧越旺。然后他们就像两团面粉揉成了一团，也像两条有着白鳞的大鱼交织在一起，在床上翻腾起来。

事后，杨志看到床上的一滩血，顿时慌了手脚。他小心又着急地翻开吕雪青的身体察看，他以为弄伤她了。他问她疼不疼。吕雪青心满意足地点点头。杨志说，等会去医院检查一下。吕雪青小声说不用了。杨志说那不行，说可能是内伤了。

吕雪青沉默了一下，说没问题的。杨志亲了她一下，说还是检查一下放心。吕雪青有点害羞地说，没事的，是处女膜撕裂了。杨志听了，顿时愣住了，好一阵子没说话。这是他没想到的结果。吕雪青竟然还是处女！他感到有点超现实我意味。

杨志没说话，他拥着吕雪青，用手抚弄着她白嫩的后背。他将她的头发拿起几绺，放在她的后背。白色和黑色形成十分鲜明的反差。他呆呆地看着这种对比，心里有无限感慨。

此时，他由于激烈的运动，身体里的酒气散得差不多了，他的脑袋渐渐地清醒起来，就像窗外的天色一样，也渐渐地亮了。

吕雪青见他不说话，就问他在想什么。杨志坦白说他没想到。吕雪青问他没想到什么。杨志说没想到她还是处女。吕雪青就用手捏住他的耳朵说，你还曾经是个文学青年呢。杨志说这有点超现实啊。吕雪青叹息一声，说你们男人呀，她就没有说话了。

杨志也没说话，催她赶紧再睡一会。吕雪青却撒娇地说，我病了。杨志问她是否去上班。吕雪青说真上傻瓜，我都说了，我生病了。她说她会给单位打个电话请假的。杨志笑了说，那我也病了，也休假吧。他们两人就抱在一起，睡得很沉实。

当然，两人醒来的时候，他们又控制不住了，又揉成一团面团了。然后，杨志忍不住地说，真没想到你还是个处女。吕雪青说那又怎么样。杨志就开玩笑说，那董日军是个傻子。

吕雪青打了他一下，说你捡了便宜还说风凉话。杨志赶紧说对不起。吕雪青说没什么，这我得谢谢你，其实我们双方都有问题。杨志似懂非懂，却又说不出什么来。吕雪青就顺了这个话题，谈了许多她与董日军之间的往事。

杨志边听边点头，说原来是这样，真没想到。吕雪青说完这些，好像卸掉了什么大包袱，深深地喘了一口气，然后看住杨志。杨志被看得心里有点发愣。就笑了问她在想什么呢。

吕雪青推倒他，狠狠地在他的肩膀上咬了一口。杨志疼得嘶嘶地吸气。他没有叫喊出声来。等吕雪青松开牙齿，杨志用手捂住肩膀，他可以摸到凹凸不平的牙齿印痕。

杨志说，你快咬死我了。吕雪青笑眯眯地说，上海咬了深圳一口。杨志被她搞笑了，说你这是什么理论呀。吕雪青说，超现实主义理论。杨志也笑了，捏了她的耳朵说，那么深圳也咬上海一口。他扳倒吕雪青，装模做样地在她的肩膀上也咬了一口。吕雪青装做反抗。两个人在床上打闹起来。

停下来后，吕雪青的嘴巴凑在杨志的耳朵边，她吹了口兰气，小声说，你是值得咬的。杨志也在她耳朵边说，当然，你更值得咬。他说她有种成熟与单纯的女人味。

4

杨志和吕雪青是中午过后才起来的。两人吃过午饭，商量了一下，决定去母校走走。两人打了车去。学校的大门已经大变样了，大门口通向校园的林荫大道左边的铁皮屋已经拆了，代之而起的是一座大型的体育馆。再走进去，又见到一些新的大楼也建了起来。

杨志走到第一座桥，站在那里，指着不远处河边说，差点就死在那里。吕雪青指着不远处那个咖啡馆说，几乎没大变化。两人又沿着每一条路逛了过去。走得有点累了，就坐在凉亭里休息。

杨志朝四周张望了一下，说，你说我们是否来迟了。吕雪青不明白他说什么意思。杨志就说，当初我们要是恋人，早就这样将每一条路都走过了。吕雪青有点不好意思，说你别胡说八道了。杨志却赖皮地说，当然，现在我们就是恋人，在补习功课呢。他说着就凑过去想抱她。

吕雪青就伸手狠劲地拧了一把他的大腿。杨志这下可是嚎叫起来了。远处有人朝这边张望。吕雪青也有点紧张了。他还想抱她，说你干吗呀。她推开他，说别人看见的。

杨志说，谁怕谁呀，再说我不认识他们，他们也不认识我们。吕雪青说，我有同学留校呢。杨志只好住手。他说干脆就在这吃晚饭了。吕雪青说也好。

说过，他们离开凉亭，又上图书馆等地方去转悠，直到日落西天，他们就坐在草坪上看落日。看那些放学离开教室回宿舍的学生，然后又看见他们拿了饭盒去食堂打饭。杨志一把拉起吕雪青，说我们也去吃饭吧。

他们去了学校的酒楼吃饭，也当是一种怀旧方式。不过，吃过晚饭，他们没有去衡山路酒吧一条街，而是直接回了宾馆，他们都有点心照不宣。进了房间，他们都有点迫不及待了。他们又像鱼那样在床上翻腾，将床上的东西都掀到了地面。

事后，两个曾经的文学青年，躺在床上做了一番还算有点文学意味的对话。

杨志问，这就叫鱼水交欢吧。吕雪青就说，是叫水乳交融吧。

吕雪青笑嘻嘻说，哎，原来深圳呀------

杨志也嘿嘿笑了说，嘿，上海呀，原来-----

5

杨志在第二天回了深圳。因为公司从深圳不断打来电话，催他赶紧回去。杨志说事情还差点才办好。公司老总说，这边的事情更重要。杨志还是不甘心，说那上海这边的事情怎么办。老总说，那实在不行，我再派个人替你。杨志这才慌了手脚，说，那我明天再催催。

杨志是搭中午的飞机回来的。他直接去公司，向老总汇报说，他上午将事情搞掂了。老总很高兴说，那好那好。杨志就赶紧去办那件更重要的事情了。

晚上回到家，妻子问他事情办得怎么样。杨志想也没想就说，非常顺利，有点出乎意料。妻子就有点奇怪了，说原定不是说三天搞好的吗。都去了一个星期了，还说非常顺利。杨志心里一惊，赶紧说，公司又另外布置了一个新任务。

妻子听了，释疑地啊了声，就拿过他的皮箱，想将他换下的脏衣服拿去洗衣机洗。杨志殷勤地说不用了，他自己来，说完赶紧将脏衣服拿了，丢进洗衣机去。他拧开水龙头，加了洗衣粉，看着洗衣机转动起来，心里才镇定下来。

上床和妻子做爱的时候，他显得十分有激情。事后，妻子楼住他，感叹说，看来人家说得有道理。杨志问她别人说什么啦。妻子说，小别胜新婚啊。杨志只是嘿嘿地笑。

杨志照旧很忙，过了些日子，他竟然有点内疚起来，他发觉自己回深圳后，就没给上海那边打过电话了。他有时候想起来了，或说是抓起电话，甚至在开始拨了几个号码后，又在犹豫中停了下来。

当然，吕雪青也没电话来过。日子就这么慢慢地流逝，似乎与从前没什么两样，但杨志的心中好像多了点惆怅。只是一忙起来，就无暇顾及了。

直到有一天，他收到了一张红色的请贴，是放在一个大信封的。当时他正在上班，那张请贴是寄到他公司的。其他同事见了，都与他开玩笑，说，哈哈，杨志又请喜酒啊。说得他有点脸红，他赶紧声明是别人的喜帖。

他拿到那张红色喜帖，还真的是以为哪个朋友请喝喜酒。但他也觉得奇怪，怎么也没听有朋友打过招呼啊。他没马上打开请贴，他在猜想新郎新娘会是谁。实在猜不出，他只好自己揭开谜底。

喜帖是吕雪青的。里面还夹了一封短信。她说她要做新娘了。她说真的很感谢他。有些东西她终于搞懂了。她说有的道理很简单的，就像是一层窗户纸，这差被人轻轻捅破。至于她具体指的是什么道理，她没有明说。杨志也不是很清楚，觉得有点暧昧。

杨志看得呆了。此时他才想起，那次上海之行是一年前的事了。他不禁回味起那些有点遥远的人和事，那座让人惆怅的繁华城市。直到公司的秘书过来，说老总喊他，杨志才回过神来。

杨志最后没有去上海参加吕雪青的婚礼。他认为不去比去好。他心想这是很简单的道理。这也是他在心里斗争了许多日子后才作出的决定。不过，他还是精心挑了礼物给她寄去。

后来，杨志在一次校友聚会上见到了董日军。聊起一些校友的情况，杨志突然说，吕雪青结婚了。其他人都没在意，因为大家谈的大多是深圳的校友，对吕雪青不熟悉。只有董日军愣了一下，眼睛好像混杂着茫然和失落，但很快又恢复了常态。

他们离开的时候，两人走在一起。董日军迟疑地问了句，说，是，真的吗？杨志很肯定地告诉他，说自己收到了她的喜帖。董日军好一阵没说话，然后如释重负般说，是啊，她也该结婚了。

Flowers and Fruits

By Xie Hong

Translated from the Chinese by Sun Jicheng

1

Yang Zhi clung to those words like a mantra: “Shanghai took a bite out of Shenzhen” — and, of course, his own riposte, “Shenzhen bit back.” It had been a private joke between him and Lyu Xueqing, one of those fleeting exchanges that inexplicably fossilize in memory. Years might weather them, decades even, yet he sensed these syllables would outlast him, calcifying into lifelong relics.

At that moment, Yang Zhi was bored out of his mind in the room. He paced back and forth, occasionally drawing back the curtains to gaze at the pedestrians and cars passing by outside before collapsing onto the bed to watch television. He had been in Shanghai for five days. Five days in Shanghai had emptied his agenda: meetings checked off, alumni obligations discharged.

What remained was the expanding void. He could flee back to Shenzhen, but the thought of his desk’s accumulated trifles—unpaid invoices, his assistant’s anxious Post-its — made him crave stolen hours. To his office, he’d lied: Nearly done. Just tying loose ends. A bureaucrat’s haiku.

On arrival night, fifteen classmates had converged from Shanghai’s peripheries for his xǐchén (洗尘, “dust-washing”) banquet. Some now wore their success like tailored suits: a vice president at Pudong Development Bank, a tech founder whose IPO made headlines. Baijiu flowed, lubricating grand pronouncements. “The Pearl River Delta’s yesterday’s news,” declared one, jade cufflinks catching the chandelier’s glare. “This century belongs to the Yangtze River!” Another slammed his glass: “Tencent’s just copycats! Real innovation happens here!” Their laughter rang with the metallic confidence of men reshaping skylines. Yang Zhi had clapped along, moved yet dislocated — the prodigal son returning to find his playmates now kings.

Yang Zhi finished his errands and felt bored while staying in the hotel during the day. He tried calling several old classmates, hoping to chat but realized they were all too busy. He thought about it—at this moment, he was idle while they were at work. Yang Zhi also tried to arrange a meet-up in the evening, but most had other engagements and politely declined.

These rejections dampened Yang Zhi’s spirits, and he lost his enthusiasm for reaching out to his old friends. He lay on the bed, trying to devise excuses for them, telling himself that they had been kind to him and made an effort to entertain him. Reflecting on it this way, he felt a bit better. But after waking up, he still felt bored.

Yang Zhi had originally planned to go for a walk, but the crowds and traffic outside quickly dampened his interest. He returned to his hotel room instead. After watching some television, he couldn’t resist pulling out his contact list and flipping through it. His eyes landed on the names of his Shanghai classmates. He hesitated, scanning each name and skipping some until his gaze finally stopped at one name—Lyu Xueqing. This name wasn’t one of his classmates; it was his senior, one year ahead of him in school.

Yang Zhi hesitated about whether to call her. He hadn’t seen her in fifteen years and didn’t know what her life was like now. The number she had left him was from after her graduation, and a few years ago, he had contacted her a few times over the phone. But after that, they lost touch. Yang Zhi flipped through his contact list again, but after some hesitation, he returned to the same name. He closed the contact list, turned on the TV for a while, and then turned it off again, finally deciding he would call her.

Yang Zhi dialed the number, adding the area code because Shanghai’s phone numbers had changed. When the phone was picked up, it was a woman’s voice. Yang Zhi asked for Lyu Xueqing. There was a brief pause on the other end before the woman answered, “This is Lyu Xueqin speaking. Who is this?” Yang Zhi was momentarily taken aback but mischievously asked, “Can you guess who I am?” After a short pause, Lyu Xueqing replied, “Sorry, I don’t recognize your voice.” Yang Zhi chuckled and said, “It’s me, Yang Zhi.”

Lyu Xueqing paused momentarily, then remembered and smiled, saying, “So mischievous.” Yang Zhi replied, “Didn’t expect that, did you?” Lyu Xueqing, laughing happily, said, “How long has it been since we last met? Where are you now?” Yang Zhi answered, “I’m in Shanghai.” Lyu Xueqing asked, “Are you here on business?” Yang Zhi replied, “I’ve already finished my business trip.”

Lyu Xueqing said, “Then let me treat you to a meal.” Yang Zhi laughed, “I should be the one treating you.” Lyu Xueqing joked, “I’m the local, right?” Yang Zhi teased, “I’m eating on the public’s dime, so let’s indulge in a little corruption.” Lyu Xueqing hesitated momentarily and then said, “How about tonight?” Yang Zhi agreed, “Alright, it’ll save me from spending the long night alone.”

Lyu Xueqing chuckled, “Are you really Yang Zhi?” Yang Zhi asked, “Why do you say that?” Lyu Xueqing remarked, “The old Yang Zhi was practically mute.” Upon hearing this, Yang Zhi burst into a hearty laugh, “I’m Yang Zhi’s son!” Lyu Xueqing, amused, said, “Alright, see you tonight.” They agreed on the location—at the “Fishbone” Bar on Hengshan Road. Yang Zhi thought the bar’s name was a bit... unusual.

2

Yang Zhi was unsure about the scene in Shanghai’s bars; his usual social engagements were at restaurants having meals with clients. He didn’t have much of a tolerance for alcohol, so he decided to eat something to line his stomach first. He took a taxi, and as he got out, he realized that Hengshan Road had quite a vibe. The entire street was lined with bars and cafes, exuding a “night Shanghai” atmosphere, with the neon lights and the hum of the city creating a scene of indulgence. He got out at the street corner and started walking leisurely.

He entered the Fishbone Bar, standing at the door, looking around. Lyu Xueqing waved at him from the corner. Yang Zhi smiled and walked over to sit down. Lyu Xueqing asked what he would like to drink. Yang Zhi said, “Anything is fine.” Lyu Xueqing told the waitress, “Get him a glass of ‘random’.”

The waitress smiled and asked again, “What would you like?” Yang Zhi repeated that he didn’t know much about alcohol, so anything was fine. The waitress went back to the bar, whispering something to the bartender. Lyu Xueqing chuckled and said, “You’re making things difficult for her.” Yang Zhi shrugged, “I don’t know anything about drinks.”

A while later, the waitress brought him a drink. Yang Zhi asked what it was. Showing some cleverness, the waitress replied, “It’s random.” All three of them laughed. Yang Zhi lifted the glass, examined it closely, and commented on the color, saying it looked beautiful. “Tastes good?” he asked again.

Lyu Xueqing replied, “It depends on personal taste.” Yang Zhi asked if she often came here. Lyu Xueqing said, “Not necessarily.” Yang Zhi turned his head to look around at the bar, admiring the environment. “It’s quite nice here,” he said. Lyu Xueqing didn’t respond immediately, smiling as she gently tapped her glass against his and took a sip.

Yang Zhi also had a sip, but the taste was strange. He remarked, “It’s not very pure; it has a mixed flavor.” Lyu Xueqing laughed and said, “It’s the random drink.” Yang Zhi smiled and said, “Looks like you have a bit of a bohemian vibe.” Lyu Xueqing responded lightly, “Just passing the time, really.”

Yang Zhi leaned back in his chair and sighed, “It’s hard to believe so many years have passed.” Lyu Xueqing nodded. “Yes, things have changed,” she said. Yang Zhi smiled and said, “But there’s one person who hasn’t changed.” Lyu Xueqing raised her eyebrows and asked, “Who?” Yang Zhi smiled and replied, “You. You’re still so young, still making people’s hearts flutter.”

Lyu Xueqing was taken aback momentarily, then smiled happily and said, “We’re all getting old.” Actually, Yang Zhi wasn’t wrong. Lyu Xueqing, despite being forty, seemed to have hardly changed since their university days. It was as if time hadn’t left much trace on her face. Her skin was still as fair, and the muscles on her face were still firm. Under the soft light, her skin emitted a faint glow. Yang Zhi found himself staring at her, slightly lost in thought.

Lyu Xueqing asked him how he had been these years. Yang Zhi was honest and told her his life had been uneventful, full of trivialities, and after divorcing, he remarried. Lyu Xueqing said, “Oh, that’s fine.” Yang Zhi smiled and said, “Well, it’s still something.” Lyu Xueqing replied, “At least you experienced a lot.”

Yang Zhi was slightly surprised by her words but didn’t respond immediately. He fell silent for a moment before asking about her life. Lyu Xueqing smiled and replied, “Same old.” Yang Zhi was confused, but after a moment, he decided not to press her on what she meant.

They continued sipping their drinks, reminiscing about their fun times during university. Back then, they were both involved in the university’s literature society. Lyu Xueqing was the president. When she stepped down, she recommended him to take over. He didn’t disappoint her, and the literature society thrived, gaining a reputation in universities across Shanghai and even nationally.

At that time, Yang Zhi had developed a crush on a younger girl from the literature society, a girl from Lyu Xueqing’s department. Yang Zhi was too shy to confess his feelings, so he poured them all into his poetry. The girl read his poems, as did all the poetry enthusiasts on campus. Lyu Xueqing understood his feelings and occasionally helped him. Still, nothing substantial happened with the girl, and his love story failed. His relationship with Lyu Xueqing, however, deepened. Sometimes, he would call her “big sister” and confide in her.

Lyu Xueqing always listened patiently, and there were times when Yang Zhi thought he might not have had so many worries if he had been with her. At the time, Lyu Xueqing was in a relationship with the student council president, Dong Rijun. Yang Zhi’s feelings remained just a fleeting thought.

Thinking about this, Yang Zhi asked, “I wonder how that girl is doing now.” Lyu Xueqing said, “She got married and moved abroad. I heard she’s divorced now.” Yang Zhi sighed, “I didn’t expect that.” Lyu Xueqing said, “Well, at least she had the experience.” Yang Zhi felt a little thirsty and lifted his glass again. He clinked it with hers and took another sip. He felt the alcohol already swirling in his head and body. He could almost hear the hurried footsteps of it moving through him.

At this point, Lyu Xueqing suddenly glanced up at the wall. Yang Zhi noticed and looked at his watch. “It’s late. Is it okay if I head back?” he asked. Lyu Xueqing smiled and replied, “Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.” Yang Zhi was a bit surprised by her words. He clinked his glass with hers again and took another sip.

Lyu Xueqing glanced at her glass and asked, “What about him?” Yang Zhi knew she was referring to Dong Rijun. Dong Rijun, a year ahead of Lyu Xueqing, had gone to Shenzhen after graduation. They had agreed that once she graduated, she would join him there.

Later, for reasons unknown, they broke up. According to Dong Rijun, it was due to the pressure of survival in Shenzhen and meeting someone more suitable. Lyu Xueqing had written Yang Zhi a simple letter about it. At that time, Yang Zhi had also moved to Shenzhen after graduation.

Sensing her question, Yang Zhi replied, “I saw him at an alumni gathering. He’s in the trading business now.” Lyu Xueqing said, “He came to Shanghai. He said things are going well for him—he has everything now.” Yang Zhi replied, “You’ve met him?” Lyu Xueqing leaned back slightly and said, “It was a few years ago.” Yang Zhi nodded and didn’t say anything more.

After a while, Yang Zhi remarked, “You should have some changes by now.” Lyu Xueqing sighed, “Yes, I’m getting old.” Yang Zhi said, “You should take some initiative.” She asked, “How?” and smiled afterward. Yang Zhi also laughed. “You used to be the one who advised me.”

Lyu Xueqing smiled, “It’s easy to heal others but hard to heal yourself.” Yang Zhi responded, “There’s always a process.” He looked at her for a while and said, “You’re still very beautiful.” Lyu Xueqing replied, “I’m practically an old woman now.”Yang Zhi said, “You really haven’t changed much.” Lyu Xueqing, slightly embarrassed, lowered her head with a faint smile. Yang Zhi chuckled, “If only I dared to pursue you back then, it would’ve been great.”Yang Zhi didn’t know why he said this.

Lyu Xueqing froze for a moment, staring at him without saying anything. Yang Zhi smiled at her gaze and said, “Now you’re only realizing I’m good-looking?” Lyu Xueqing also smiled and said, “You really have changed.” Yang Zhi asked, “Have I become worse or better?” Lyu Xueqing said, “You’ve become more open-minded, though,” and smiled, “And a bit more slick with your words.”

Yang Zhi didn’t respond; just grinned and asked, “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Lyu Xueqing furrowed her brows and said, “I’m not sure. But now, at least, I get to know two versions of you.” Yang Zhi teased her, “Which one do you like better?” Lyu Xueqing replied, “I like both.” Yang Zhi laughed happily, clinking glasses with her.

As time passed, Yang Zhi observed people staggering out and new faces coming in. He was somewhat surprised that he could drink so much. He had already had quite a bit, and his head was beginning to spin. When he went to the restroom, he felt a little unsteady.

He thought back to the time when he had drunk to this level due to heartache, nearly drowning in the campus river. That had been his first experience drinking that much. Since then, he has always kept his distance from alcohol.

Yang Zhi gently swirled the drink in his glass. Lyu Xueqing asked, “Aren’t you someone who can’t drink?”Yang Zhi smiled and replied, “It’s different today. I have a beautiful woman sitting opposite me.”Lyu Xueqing shook her head and laughed, “Your mouth!” She added, “You’re drinking alcohol, but it’s like you’re drinking honey.” Yang Zhi asked, “Do you often come here?”

Lyu Xueqing replied, “I come when I feel like it.” She paused momentarily, then looked at him and smiled without saying anything. Yang Zhi asked, “What are you thinking about?” Lyu Xueqing, looking a bit serious, said, “I was wondering what would have happened if you had dared to pursue me back then.” Yang Zhi smiled, “I guess we’d still be sitting here drinking.”Lyu Xueqing tilted her head back, brushing her hair behind her ear.

Yang Zhi saw the flash of her white neck, and the slight redness on her face made her even more charming. He lifted his glass to clink with hers, then finished it. He waved to the bartender and added,

“But if we’re drinking, we’d better go to another bar.”Lyu Xueqing asked, “What’s wrong with this place?” Yang Zhi said, “The name isn’t great—Fishbone. It’s stuck in the throat. It’s not a name that makes you feel good. People who come here must mostly be disappointed.” Yang Zhi, feeling a little excited, rambled on.

Unexpectedly, Lyu Xueqing suddenly covered her face and began to sob. Yang Zhi was stunned and didn’t know what had caused her to cry. He hurriedly apologized, saying he shouldn’t have spoken carelessly. Lyu Xueqing took the tissue he handed her and wiped away her tears. “It’s not your fault,” she said, then went to the restroom.

Yang Zhi felt uneasy, wondering if he had said something wrong. He drank another sip and glanced towards the restroom. A while later, Lyu Xueqing returned, her face looking fresh and new.

3

They chatted for quite a while. Yang Zhi glanced at his watch—it was already 3 a.m. He thought it was about time to leave. Although he was wide awake, Lyu Xueqing had to work tomorrow. Yang Zhi gazed at Lyu Xueqing with blurry eyes and said, “Let’s find another time to talk.”

Lyu Xueqing looked back at him and replied, “I didn’t plan on leaving, but you’ve had too much to drink. Let me take you home.”

Yang Zhi protested, “I should be the one taking you.” They insisted on their respective roles, exchanging pleasantries, until they stood outside the bar, still debating. Just then, a taxi pulled up in front of them. Lyu Xueqing grabbed Yang Zhi’s hand, pushed him into the car, and instructed the driver.

Yang Zhi found it odd—he fell silent whenever she held his hand. After getting into the car, he grabbed her hand in return. Lyu Xueqing didn’t pull away, and soon, they held hands.

The car wound through the streets and stopped in front of a hotel. Yang Zhi pulled Lyu Xueqing’s hand and got out. He was surprised at his own actions. Originally, he had planned to have the driver drop her off first and then go back to the hotel himself, but Lyu Xueqing refused. “I’m the local, so you’ll do as I say,” she insisted, and he had no choice but to follow her wishes. Seeing her expression, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

Once inside the room, Lyu Xueqing said, “Well, I’ll leave now.” Yang Zhi noticed her steps were a little unsteady. He couldn’t bear to let her go and stopped her. “Why don’t you stay here tonight? You can go straight to work tomorrow,” he suggested.

At the door, Lyu Xueqing embraced him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and rested her head on his shoulder, murmuring, “Alright, I’ll stay.” Yang Zhi felt a sudden warmth rush through his body. He remembered he hadn’t turned on the air conditioning yet but didn’t feel like doing so. Lyu Xueqing’s body felt incredibly supple in his arms.

Yang Zhi was reluctant to let go. He wrapped his arms around her. After a long time, he said, “Go shower.” Lyu Xueqing hesitated, holding onto him, and after a while, she let go, threw her handbag onto the bed, and walked into the bathroom to shower.

Yang Zhi walked back to the edge of the bed and sat down, feeling a bit at a loss. He sat there in a daze, thinking about his concerns. He didn’t know when, but eventually, Lyu Xueqing emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. Her body emitted a soft glow in the dim light. Her face was flushed, and she said to Yang Zhi, “You should go wash up now.” Yang Zhi turned around and stood still for a moment, gazing at her, then said, “You’re really beautiful.”

Lyu Xueqing lowered her head shyly, her long hair cascading down, covering half of her face. Yang Zhi stood up and walked into the bathroom. He washed slowly inside, his mind chaotic and filled with turmoil. His emotions were complicated, and he had no idea what to do next.

When Yang Zhi came out, he found Lyu Xueqing crying on the pillow. He panicked, rushing to her and asking, “What’s wrong?” Lyu Xueqing didn’t respond. He gently stroked her hair and said, “If you have something on your mind, just say it. It will feel better if you speak.”

He could not see her face, only the tremors rippling across her half-bare back. “Don’t cry,” he murmured. Lyu Xueqing’s sobs crescendoed instead. Sensing the misstep, he corrected: “Cry. Let it out.” Lyu Xueqing began to weep.

After a long while, her tears subsided. Yang Zhi helped her, gazing at her tear-drenched eyes that quivered like lotus petals after rain. Her slender, willow-leaf eyes carried a poetic melancholy unique to southern Chinese women. He wiped the crystalline trails from her cheeks with his thumb, noticing how Lyu Xueqing’s unbound hair cascaded like a waterfall of midnight silk, her faint sobs echoing the rhythm of tidal flats at twilight. Overcome by her fragile beauty, Yang Zhi cradled her face and pressed his lips to her eyelids. She flinched momentarily, then surrendered to his kisses like a scroll slowly unfurling.

His mouth began charting new territories - tracing the lunar curve of her nose, mapping the constellations of freckles on her cheeks, brushing through the fragrant forest of her hair, and finally anchoring at the delicate hollow of her neck. Lyu Xueqing initially trembled with the shyness of a migratory bird. Still, gradually, the dormant alcohol in her veins ignited, flames licking through capillaries until their bodies merged like two dough masses kneaded into one, thrashing like intertwined white-scaled carps upon the rumpled bedsheet that rippled like Shenzhen Bay’s moonlit surface.

Afterward, Yang Zhi stared at the crimson stain on the sheets, panic rising like morning fog over Dapeng Bay. His trembling hands turned Lyu Xueqing’s body with the caution of porcelain restoration, fearing he’d fractured her migrant fragility. “Does it hurt?” he asked, the question hanging like a misplaced character in a classical poem. Lyu nodded contentedly, her smile containing generations of Pearl River Delta women’s silent endurance. “We must go to the hospital,” Yang insisted, his Shenzhen-accustomed pragmatism surfacing through the haze. “Could be internal bleeding.”

Lyu Xueqing fell silent momentarily, then said softly, “It’s fine.” Yang Zhi kissed her and replied, “Better to check, just to be safe.” Blushing, Lyu Xueqing murmured, “It’s nothing… just a torn hymen.” Yang Zhi froze at her words. For a long while, he couldn’t speak. This was an outcome he’d never anticipated—Lyu Xueqing was still a virgin. The revelation struck him as surreal.

Yang Zhi said nothing. He pulled her closer, his fingers tracing the porcelain curve of her bare back. Lifting a few strands of her hair, he let them cascade down her spine, the stark contrast between black silk and pale skin arresting his gaze. He stared blankly at this interplay of light and shadow, his heart brimming with unspoken emotions.

By now, the alcohol in his system had mostly dissipated, his mind gradually clearing like the lightening sky outside the window.

When Lyu Xueqing saw that he wasn’t speaking, she asked him what he was thinking. Yang Zhi honestly replied that he hadn’t thought of anything. Lyu Xueqing pressed, asking him what he hadn’t thought of. Yang Zhi said, “I didn’t expect that you were still a virgin.” Lyu Xueqing pinched his ear and teased, “You used to be a literary youth, huh?” Yang Zhi responded, “This is a bit surreal.” Lyu Xueqing sighed and said, “Ah, you men…” and fell silent.

Yang Zhi said nothing but urged her to sleep a little longer. Lyu Xueqing, however, coquettishly said, “I’m sick.” Yang Zhi asked if she was going to work. Lyu Xueqing replied, “Don’t be silly, I already told you I’m sick.” She said she would call her workplace to take a sick day. Yang Zhi chuckled and said, “Well, then I’m sick too, I’ll take a day off as well.” They embraced each other and fell into a deep sleep.

Of course, when they woke up, they couldn’t control themselves again and tangled together like dough. Then, Yang Zhi couldn’t resist and said, “I really didn’t expect that you were still a virgin.” Lyu Xueqing replied, “So what?” Yang Zhi jokingly added, “That Dong Rijun must be a fool.”

Lyu Xueqing slapped him, saying, “You took advantage and then talked coldly about it.” Yang Zhi quickly apologized. Lyu Xueqing said, “It’s nothing. I should thank you. Actually, we both have our issues.” Yang Zhi vaguely understood but couldn’t find the right words. Lyu Xueqing, following the conversation, spoke about her past with Dong Rijun.

Yang Zhi nodded as he listened, saying, “So that’s how it is. I really didn’t expect that.” After Lyu Xueqing finished speaking, it was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She took a deep breath, then fixed her gaze on Yang Zhi. Yang Zhi, caught off guard by her intense stare, was momentarily dazed. He chuckled and asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Lyu Xueqing shoved him down, then bit down hard on his shoulder. Yang Zhi hissed in pain as he sucked in a sharp breath. He didn’t shout out. When Lyu Xueqing released her bite, Yang Zhi pressed his hand to his shoulder, feeling the uneven imprints of her teeth.

Yang Zhi said, “You almost bit me to death!” Lyu Xueqing smiled slyly and said, “Shanghai bit Shenzhen.” Yang Zhi laughed, “What kind of theory is that?” Lyu Xueqing replied, “Surrealist theory.” Yang Zhi chuckled and pinched her ear, “Well then, Shenzhen should bite Shanghai back.” He then pushed Lyu Xueqing down and pretended to bite her shoulder. Lyu Xueqing pretended to resist. The two of them started playfully wrestling on the bed.

After stopping, Lyu Xueqing leaned close to Yang Zhi’s ear, exhaling gently. She whispered, “You’re worth biting.” Yang Zhi whispered back in her ear, “Of course, you’re even more worth biting.” He told her she had a blend of maturity and innocence, a womanly charm.

4

Yang Zhi and Lyu Xueqing didn’t get up until after noon. After lunch, they decided to visit their alma mater. They took a taxi there. The school gate had changed a lot. The iron sheet house on the left of the driveway leading into the campus from the school gate had been torn down and replaced by a large gymnasium. Further in, some new buildings had been constructed.

Yang Zhi stood on the first bridge, pointing to the riverside and saying he had almost died there. Lyu Xueqing pointed to a nearby café and said it had changed slightly. They walked along every path and rested in a pavilion when tired.

Yang Zhi looked around and said, “Do you think we’re late?” Lyu Xueqing didn’t understand. Yang Zhi explained, “If we were lovers back then, we would have walked every path long ago.” Lyu Xueqing, embarrassed, told him to stop talking nonsense. Yang Zhi playfully said, “Now we are lovers, making up for lost time,” and tried to hug her.

Lyu Xueqing twisted his thigh hard. Yang Zhi yelled in pain, drawing stares from afar. Lyu Xueqing became nervous. Yang Zhi tried to hug her again, asking what she was doing. She pushed him away, saying, “Others might see.”

Yang Zhi said, “Who’s afraid of whom? Besides, we don’t know them, and they don’t know us.” Lyu Xueqing replied, “I have classmates who stayed on campus, though.” Yang Zhi had to stop. He suggested having dinner at the school. Lyu Xueqing agreed.

Leaving the pavilion, they wandered around places like the library until sunset. They sat on the lawn, watching the students leave their classrooms for the dormitories and then head to the canteen with their lunch boxes. Yang Zhi pulled Lyu Xueqing up and said, “Let’s have dinner too.”

They dined at the school’s restaurant, a way to reminisce. After dinner, instead of going to the Hengshan Road bar street, they returned to the hotel, both tacitly in agreement. Entering the room, they were both eager. They tumbled on the bed like fish, sending things flying to the floor.

Afterward, the two former literature enthusiasts lay in bed and conversed with a touch of literary flair.

Yang Zhi asked, “So this is what they call ‘fish and water in harmony,’ right?” Lyu Xueqing said, “I think it’s more like ‘water and milk blended together.’”

Lyu Xueqing grinned and said, “Hey, Shenzhen—”

Yang Zhi also chuckled and said, “Shanghai, so it turns out—”

5

The next day, Yang Zhi returned to Shenzhen. His company had been constantly calling from Shenzhen, urging him to return quickly. Yang Zhi replied that things were almost done. The company’s CEO insisted that the matters at hand in Shenzhen were more urgent. Still unwilling to let go, Yang Zhi said, “What about the matters in Shanghai?” The CEO replied, “If necessary, I’ll send someone else to replace you.” Only then did Yang Zhi panic, quickly replying, “I’ll follow up tomorrow.”

Yang Zhi took the noon flight back. He went to the company and reported to the CEO that he had settled everything that morning. The CEO was pleased, saying, “That’s good, that’s good.” Yang Zhi hurried off to deal with the more important matter.

When he returned home that evening, his wife asked how things had gone. Without thinking, Yang Zhi answered, “It went very smoothly, even better than expected.” His wife, however, seemed puzzled. “Wasn’t it supposed to take three days? You’ve been gone for a week, and now you say it went very smoothly?” Yang Zhi was startled and quickly responded, “The company assigned me a new task.”

Upon hearing this, his wife seemed to understand and said, “Oh,” as she took his suitcase and started to take out the dirty clothes to wash them. Eager to show care, Yang Zhi quickly said, “No need, I’ll do it myself.” He hastily grabbed the clothes, threw them into the washing machine, turned on the faucet, and added detergent. Watching the washing machine begin to spin, his mind finally settled.

Yang Zhi demonstrated fervent passion when making love to his wife in bed. Afterward, his wife embraced him and sighed: “People say it’s true.” When Yang Zhi asked what people said, she replied: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Yang Zhi merely chuckled in response.

Yang Zhi remained immersed in his busy routine. Days later, creeping guilt began to surface - he realized he hadn’t called Shanghai since returning to Shenzhen. Sometimes, he’d remember, even pick up the phone and dial a few numbers, only to hesitate and hang up mid-dial.

Naturally, Lyu Xueqing didn’t call either. Time flowed onward as usual, yet Yang Zhi’s heart accumulated vague melancholy. Though buried beneath daily bustle, it lingered.

The revelation came via a scarlet invitation envelope delivered to his office. Colleagues teased: “Another wedding banquet, Yang Zhi?” His cheeks flushed as he insisted it was someone else’s celebration.

Holding the red card, he initially assumed it was from acquaintances, though puzzled by the lack of prior notice. Delaying the unveiling, he mentally cataloged potential couples before surrendering to curiosity.

The wedding invitation was from Lyu Xueqing. Inside, there was a message. She said she was going to be a bride. She expressed her sincere gratitude to him. Some things, she said, she had finally understood. Some truths are simple, like a thin layer of windowpane waiting to be gently pierced. As for the specific truth she was referring to, she didn’t say. Yang Zhi wasn’t entirely sure either and felt slightly confused, as if it was ambiguous.

Yang Zhi stared blankly at the message. It was then that he remembered—this trip to Shanghai had happened a year ago. He couldn’t help but reminisce about the distant people and events, the bustling city that always left a touch of melancholy. Only when the company secretary came over and said the boss was calling for him did Yang Zhi snap out of his thoughts.

In the end, Yang Zhi didn’t attend Lyu Xueqing’s wedding in Shanghai. He thought it was better not to go. It seemed like a simple truth. This decision was made after he had struggled internally for many days. Still, he carefully picked a gift and sent it to her.

Later, Yang Zhi met Dong Rijun at a class reunion. While chatting about the situation of some of their classmates, Yang Zhi suddenly said that Lyu Xueqing had gotten married. The others didn’t pay much attention, as most of the conversation was about classmates from Shenzhen, and they weren’t familiar with Lyu Xueqing. Only Dong Rijun paused momentarily, his eyes mixed with a sense of confusion and loss, but he quickly regained his composure.

As they left, the two walked together. Dong Rijun hesitated momentarily and asked, “Is it true?” Yang Zhi confirmed, telling him that he had received the wedding invitation. Dong Rijun stayed silent for a while, and then, as if relieved, he said, “Yes, she was bound to get married eventually.”

About the Author:

Xie Hong, born in Guangdong, China, is a fiction writer, writing in both Chinese and English. Xie Hong is the author of fifteen books, including eight novels. He has received numerous awards, including the Shenzhen Youth Literature Award and the Guangdong Province New Work Award. His works have appeared in English magazines such as World Literature Today, Renditions, LARB China Channel, and Pathlight and were introduced to Western readers through The London Magazine and Literary Hub. His debut English novel, Mao’s Town, was published in 2018.

Xie Hong graduated from East China Normal University in Shanghai with a degree in economics and worked for the Bank of China for fourteen years before he moved to New Zealand and studied at the English School of Waikato Institute of Technology, known as Wintec, in New Zealand.

About the Translator:

Sun Jicheng is an Associate Professor of English in the Department of Translation Studies at the Shandong University of Technology. He studied English writing and translation at Shandong Normal University (1988-1992), Shandong University (1995-1999), and Peking University (2001-2010). His publications include translations such as The Verse of Shao Xunmei (with Hal Swindall, Homa & Sekey, 2016) and academic articles on D. H. Lawrence, Mark Twain, and W. Allyn Rickett. Email: sunjicheng@hotmail.com.