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No matter how time flows through space, love always remains fresh in undying sincerity and unfading desire. Nothing is more timely than tenderness. They embraced and mingled, like holding hands and walking into a deep place with no light and no direction.
Every employee in the company had been taking turns going into CEO Xing’s office for talks recently, and the entire office was filled with unease. In CEO Xing’s small company, no one held an idle position; everyone could find a suitable job if they left, but they might not be able to work so happily again. Before the new year, they probably needed 20 more episodes. Yu Zhimei gathered 10 sports cars and 10 new energy vehicles, working intensively to film and prepare for timed releases during the Spring Festival. Lei Zheng’s F-Type couldn’t escape this. But when Yu Zhimei stood at the subway station waiting for Lei Zheng to deliver the car, Jian Zhaowen drove up.
“Why are you here?”
“Lei Zheng is training the newly hired product manager in the office, he doesn’t have time to come out. He needs an opportunity to showcase his lifelong expertise.”
“How did the car feel driving over?”
“I drove with the windows down the whole way, it was so noisy. And where’s the air conditioning in this car? I’m dying of heat!”
Yu Zhimei drove Jian Zhaowen towards the suburbs. Waiting for them there were Monkey, who had driven over in a Porsche 718, and an intern in an A45. Jian Zhaowen flipped through Yu Zhimei’s script and couldn’t help but ask, “How familiar are you with these sports cars exactly?”
“Not bad, I can give you a rundown. For example, within the same million price range, a macho, rough guy would choose a Mustang, a straight, no-nonsense guy would choose an M2, a slightly more flamboyant straight guy would choose a Mercedes A45, a gay person would choose a Jaguar F-Type, and a Porsche 718 is a rich woman’s happy car.”
“No M2 today?”
“Originally wanted to borrow one from the coach, but I fell out with him last time because of Sister He’s issue.” Yu Zhimei sighed, “A small impatience can ruin big plans.”
“Driving over just now and hearing that engine roar, it’s too seductive. I suddenly feel my quattro is boring. Can you help me get a new car after the next round of financing?”
“What’s up, got a chance to cash out?”
“How could that be? I’m the founder.” Jian Zhaowen stared at the script: “The 3.0 supercharger is really explosive, the exterior looks like a compact little leopard. How could Lei Zheng be worthy of this car? Before driving this car, I might have considered a 718 or a 911, but after driving it, I think the F-Type is truly a thug in a suit.”
Jian Zhaowen occasionally came up with some good metaphors. Yu Zhimei sat in the driver’s seat and pressed the accelerator: “The 718 is indeed not cost-effective. Change the body color, wheels, add a sound system, reversing camera... you can’t even leave the dealership without spending a million. If I really have to point out a flaw, it’s probably that the Jaguar’s repair rate is relatively high after two or three years, with engine and gearbox problems. But it’s a British car, so it’s inevitable.”
“Then why did you urge Lei Zheng to buy this car?”
“Can Lei Zheng drive this car for a full three years?” Yu Zhimei laughed, “I’m still waiting to help him sell it as a used car and make a profit.”
“Such a dirty middleman.”
Deeply understanding the psychology of car buyers is the first step in sales, especially for used car dealers who deal with more brands and also have to haggle with customers on price. Jian Zhaowen and Yu Zhimei had been dating for so long that he had actually forgotten she was a money-grubbing car dealer. After finishing filming with Monkey, Yu Zhimei went to Jiading to negotiate a used Corolla for someone. Not only did she push the price down to the extreme, but she also planned to add 20,000 when selling it, all going into her own pocket. Jian Zhaowen watched his girlfriend’s beaming expression when she received the transfer. As an artist, he didn’t extend his love to her profession, frowning and saying, “You look so cunning when you receive money.” Yu Zhimei wasn’t angry, and without even looking at him, she got into the car: “Oh really? I was originally planning to ask you out for a hotel room.”
“Okay, okay, which one?”
“Wait a minute, I need to pick up Xiao Ma nearby.”
Jian Zhaowen, choking with anger at the echo of the engine roar, asked, “Yu Zhimei, I’m asking you, every time we want to get a hotel room, do we have to run into Brother Xiao Ma? Is he our sex amulet?”
Yu Zhimei drove the used Corolla to pick up Xiao Ma. The two-door Jaguar was driven back to the city by the intern. Brother Xiao Ma sat in the back seat leisurely counting money, celebrating his earnings with Yu Zhimei, who had also made money. He had found scalpers in Jiading and bought ten Huawei phones. The new product launch required an extra thousand to buy one. Brother Xiao Ma took an afternoon off work and successfully earned ten thousand yuan in cash. On the way to meet Yu Zhimei, he even took out a POS machine to swipe his credit card for cash advance to invest, earning several thousand yuan in interest each month by paying only the minimum repayment amount. Jian Zhaowen looked at Yu Zhimei in the driver’s seat and then glanced at Brother Xiao Ma in the back seat, who was smiling from ear to ear: “A den of snakes and rats! How did Shanghai breed such exquisite and selfish petty traders like you?”
“Maybe Xiao Ma’s monthly income is higher than yours now.”
“Can’t compare with the big boss, they earn an annual salary, we small fry earn hard-earned money.” Having made money, Brother Xiao Ma spread his hands on both sides, sitting in the Corolla with the posture of a CEO: “Yu Zhimei, I think you should just quit your job. How much money can you make filming videos? Move into Jian Zhaowen’s house, raise cats and grow flowers, resell used cars, and you can even save on rent.”
“The landlord is suddenly so considerate? Oh, I see, you’re planning to take over my house and raise the rent.”
“What future does a car have? Being a rich wife is comfortable. Listen to that old Shanghai aunt telling her little girl to do hard labor, even working in an office, she has to go home on time after work, okay? Jiading is full of car companies, Zhangjiang is a gathering place for internet and pharmaceutical companies. Look at where the housing prices are higher?”
After saying this, Brother Xiao Ma fell asleep. Jian Zhaowen’s heart itched at the mention of a hotel room. While the car was stopped at a red light in the city, his fingers circled Yu Zhimei’s earlobe a few times, and he was pleased to see her shake her head and tuck her ear into her hair—she was blushing. Jian Zhaowen, however, looked calm: “This sports car video today didn’t have me in it, the views definitely won’t reach a million.”
“How about we make a bet? If any of my videos on any website reaches a million views, you’ll spend a whole day on your knees at home on a double weekend.”
“Why should I kneel? Will you give me a 20% cut if I do?”
Xiao Ma perked up in the back seat: “What? You’re hiring me to kneel! I’m not afraid of kneeling or pain, you give me half when the time comes.”
Jian Zhaowen was dumbfounded: “You even want to earn a hundred yuan, and you call yourself a landlord.”
“What about landlords? Landlords also have to make a living. Do you know that a hundred yuan can buy ten sets of Coke with coupons on Pinduoduo?”
“Then would you agree if I also asked you to bark like a dog?”
Brother Xiao Ma vividly imitated: “Woof.”
Just as Jian Zhaowen was helpless, Yu Zhimei suddenly stopped the car next to Zhongshan Park subway station: “Xiao Ma, get out.”
“Why?”
“I need to deliver the car, and then go to a hotel with Jian Zhaowen. Haven’t you noticed he’s already horny?”
The originally excited Jian Zhaowen walked with Yu Zhimei to Huaihai Road. He was just about to enjoy a relaxing bath and some passionate lovemaking when a uniquely colored building, completely different from the surrounding style, suddenly appeared before his eyes. Upon closer inspection, he belatedly realized that Yu Zhimei’s “going to a hotel for some fun” meant bringing him to the Moller Villa.
The initial inspiration for the Moller Villa Hotel came from a daughter wanting a dreamy castle. Her father, Moller, then commissioned an architectural firm to design a garden villa. It had a tumultuous fate, changing hands several times before finally being renovated and rebuilt into a hotel. As Yu Zhimei passed through the lobby, she whispered that she hadn’t dared to reveal her plans to Brother Xiao Ma on the way, otherwise Brother Xiao Ma, upon hearing it, would definitely harp on about the food being bad, the wedding banquet being uneconomical, and it being purely a pretty but useless thing—she knew Jian Zhaowen, who liked old houses, would definitely like this place. The terrace room’s decoration was old and not very spacious, and even toiletries weren’t provided in the room. Yu Zhimei sat on the bed and smoothed her hair: “Although Brother Xiao Ma and I are both greedy and lustful, I still know how to satisfy my boyfriend’s preferences. Although this place is indeed full of commercial atmosphere, it fulfills your beautiful dream of entering an old building to appreciate the flavors of life.”
Jian Zhaowen hugged Yu Zhimei and kissed her: “This room really makes it impossible for me... to think about that kind of thing.”
“No rush.” Yu Zhimei lay on the bed: “We’ll talk about it later tonight.”
After eating at Kings Villa, the elegant and charming garden was separated by the curtains. Jian Zhaowen hugged Yu Zhimei from behind. It rained outside, and the damp sound of rain was like draping the room with the echoes of history, making even kissing feel like lingering with time. Yu Zhimei’s hands still seemed to carry the chill of a winter night, held and wrapped in Jian Zhaowen’s palms. Jian Zhaowen had absolute patience, able to wait no matter how slow the rhythm was. This old house seemed to require the film to be played slowly to have any charm. No matter how time flowed through space, love always remained fresh in undying sincerity and unfading desire. The room was cold, every part of their bodies snugly wrapped in the quilt and then embraced by the light. Nothing was more timely than tenderness. They embraced and mingled, like holding hands and walking into a deep place with no light and no direction.
“I have an idea.”
“What?”
“When you go back for your next vacation, I want to meet your parents.”
These words stunned Yu Zhimei. Jian Zhaowen held her in his arms: “You can show me some photos or something, so I can prepare in advance and won’t be lacking in compliments when we meet.”
Yu Zhimei’s hands didn’t stop: “They’re just ordinary men and women. Because they had me early, they haven’t had time to get old yet, especially my dad, his hair is still black despite being exposed to wind and sun.”
“You really look like your father.” Jian Zhaowen stared at the photo for a few seconds: “Your parents’ relationship looks very good.”
“Not really. Because of them, I probably know that feelings can’t be forced. It’s impossible to love one person for decades of companionship. You always end up looking at the scenery outside the window.”
“That sounds like a story.”
“My dad had someone he liked very early on. When I was in junior high, I came home and found the TV smashed, and I also heard a name called Bai Ling. A beautiful woman in her early thirties learning to drive at the driving school suddenly fell in love with my dad and confessed madly. After learning to drive, she drove a white Jetta to the driving school to find my dad and gave him a very expensive pair of sunglasses, worth two thousand yuan back in the early 2000s.”
“It seems the charm of driving in your family is hereditary.”
“She also seemed to have gotten pregnant and then had a miscarriage. My mom didn’t divorce for my sake, and in the blink of an eye, we’re here now. That year, I was in my second year of junior high. When I found out about this, I was very angry and even tried to drive my dad’s driving school car to kill her. Later, when I was in my third year of junior high, I liked a boy in my class who played the piano. We secretly passed notes to each other, it was very ambiguous. I only found out after I liked him that the school beauty in the next class was his girlfriend. The boy even wanted to break up for me, so the two of us girls had a fight in the alley behind the school. We really hit each other’s heads with bricks, the kind that left us with bloodied heads. I wasn’t punished at the time, probably because Aunt Bai was the principal’s younger sister. I also saw her once before the high school entrance exam. She was wearing a white dress, and it seemed she had a fishbone corset underneath, which was very conspicuous. She and I made eye contact in the crowd, she smiled at me, and I suddenly forgave her.”
“The mutual appreciation between women.”
“That’s right.”
“What happened later? Did your dad... divorce?”
“No. If my mom hadn’t had me, maybe her strong temper would have really led to a divorce. Actually, romance is really a talent. My dad is the kind of refreshing man who isn’t very popular with men. When he meets a new student, he’ll considerately ask if they need sunscreen. He always has a cheap bottle of sunscreen in his chest pocket. Aunt Bai was in her early thirties when she went to learn to drive. Sitting in the passenger seat with such an instructor, it really felt like a literary film. Later, during my high school summer vacation, I also went to teach driving and got tanned like a charcoal head. Only then did I realize that the summer sun is very dazzling, and the midday sun keeps chasing you until evening. My mom would never have thought of buying sunglasses. She was used to being economical and didn’t throw away the sunglasses Aunt Bai gave her. My dad always kept them in his pocket and wore them whenever it wasn’t windy or rainy. He used them for ten years, and the words on the temples disappeared. Some women do indeed manage their homes well, but they are indeed just not romantic.”
“So what about that Aunt Bai now? What is she doing?”
“Dating. She settled in Dalian in her fifties and married a Japanese man. All the photos she posts on her WeChat Moments are like those of a Japanese noblewoman. She only chooses clothes in cream orange, denim blue, and sunset yellow, probably those elegant and intellectual Japanese noblewoman brands... My dad couldn’t find those sunglasses after he found out she married a Japanese man.”
“This extramarital affair developing into this result is also quite唏嘘 (xīxū - sigh-worthy, lamentable).”
Yu Zhimei changed the angle of her head: “Yeah.”
“So, you inherited your father’s features and temper?”
“Maybe. My figure is probably very similar to my mother’s. She was a well-proportioned and beautiful clothes hanger.”
“Yeah, I know. Some people’s thinness is due to large bones and thin ribs; you are round and graceful, with a beautiful figure.”
“Smooth talker. Let me ask you a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“If I... I mean if, I didn’t live in the old house and went to work in another city for a while, would you be angry?”
“Probably.”
“Why?”
“Not being able to see you and only hearing your breathing, only seeing your face on video, that feeling would make me panic. I like you too much. Hearing noises other than your voice would make me think there’s someone else beside you. Seeing unclear figures in videos would make me afraid you’d fall for someone else. Don’t use the ‘feelings fade’ trope to define me anymore. This is the first time I’ve liked someone this much. If I don’t keep you by my side and watch over you, I’ll be beside myself—I’m serious.”
“...You really are like old vinegar.”
The neon lights of the Great World were cheap toys for children, while the buildings of Lujiazui soared into the clouds, glittering and colorful. On the terrace of the Moller Villa, what was enjoyed was the quiet amidst the prosperity, a corner to dream in, hidden in a castle. Jian Zhaowen opened the terrace door and leaned against the headboard, looking out into the courtyard. Under the vast sky and the night as cool as water, his expression was no longer the stubborn and artistic one he had when they first met. Just as time had carved angles onto his face, his eyes held more coldness and indifference. His true feelings were all guarded in his heart, only slightly released by the light of tonight. His spirit remained, but youth was hard to chase. There was no reason to ruin the current mood. Yu Zhimei leaned against Jian Zhaowen without saying a word, her worries and secrets hidden deep in her heart.
Ou Jinghe was also awake in the cold night. She took a taxi in the heavy rain, hastily tidying her makeup in the car, anxiously waiting for the car to drive to Lujiazui. Late night and rain made it hard for year-end employees to get a taxi. People with umbrellas were inconvenient, and drivers on the road were afraid of accidents, so no one dared to move easily. Ou Jinghe seemed to have Yu Zhimei’s road rage taking over: “Can’t you drive just because it’s raining!”
Before going to find Cindy, the lawyer had given Ou Jinghe a detailed due diligence report on assets. Zheng Zeyan, who came to the old house, carefully read it and reminded Ou Jinghe that Gao Yuan’s gambling debts in Macau and his investments in small loan P2P platforms would all be troublesome in the long run. This settlement only needed to secure a share of the property she deemed appropriate. Zheng Zeyan, with his background in private equity, was most pessimistic about lending to businesses, only dabbling in gold and foreign exchange for extra income. If they really dragged out the divorce, even if both parties had made mistakes during the marriage, after dividing the property and money, these small loans would still cause problems later. Taking a smaller amount of money and giving up all control could avoid major hidden dangers in the future. Ou Jinghe had originally wanted to be greedy, but the reality of the film and television company’s back taxes immediately woke her up. For this role of a wealthy wife, she had worn the costume for seven years, and everything she had now was her due. The out-of-court settlement documents were finalized late at night. Next, she had to close the dessert shop, sell the more expensive properties, and gradually withdraw from the identity of a wealthy wife—she was free. Gao Yuan seemed quite satisfied with this outcome. Standing in the elevator in front of the lawyer, he extended a hypocritical invitation with a face full of feigned sincerity: “Do you want to have one last meal with me?”
The elevator door opened just then. Ou Jinghe rushed out, not even turning her head back: “Having dinner in the middle of the night, are you sick? I’m very busy, who cares about your last supper? Contact me when it’s time for the specific asset transfer. Oh, you better gather everything together before calling, I don’t have time.”
The car stopped a few blocks away. Ou Jinghe ran up and down the overpass in her high heels, the heels clicking loudly. The rain wet her makeup on her face. When she arrived downstairs at Zheng Zeyan’s company, the end of the year was filled with a Christmas atmosphere. He was just coming out of overtime, preparing to take a taxi home. His colleagues looked at him and then at Ou Jinghe, knowingly and gossipy walking away.
Ou Jinghe said straightforwardly, “I’m divorced.”
“Yeah, of course I know. You’ve ruined my reputation too. Are you happy?”
“Liar. Doesn’t a bad reputation really affect the earning potential of you finance people?”
“How can you be so shameless? A femme fatale.”
“Not everyone has that kind of capital. Now I’m a notorious divorced old woman, do you still love me?”
“I do.”
“But if you become an ordinary person, I won’t love you.” A trace of moisture appeared in Ou Jinghe’s eyes: “I’ve lost everything, but I’m not willing to be with an ordinary person. I need you to be strong, confident, and accepting enough of my flaws.”
“Who are you kidding? You clearly got money, you just don’t have the properties anymore. The Ou Jinghe I know is so greedy. If you really had to leave with nothing, you wouldn’t have made me wait this long to go to court and appeal.”
“So what? If I really had nothing, would you love me? You keep saying you hate married women, but haven’t you accepted a still-wealthy and still-beautiful rich woman now?”
“Bitch.”
“Scumbag.”
“Vixen.”
“Sucker.”
The tight expression on Zheng Zeyan’s face began to crumble from the corner of his mouth. Although only one side loosened, the smile quickly collapsed across his entire face like a landslide. Ou Jinghe forcefully threw herself into his arms, successfully falling into a strong and warm embrace. The temperature in Shanghai in December wasn’t high. Embracing too tightly, she could feel the other’s body temperature even through several layers of thick clothing.
The New Year was approaching.
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