I was fairly surprised when I saw the two of them here. Then again, no one else would do this.
The afternoon sky was grey, and the Chengs had settled down for this cold day. With a coat draped over his shoulder and a shirt that was not completely buttoned up, Zheng Zhiwei came up the stairs with one hand holding the rails. Looking obviously upset, he turned and fixed his gaze on Tan Jiao and I.
Cheng Baozhu was behind him. Wearing a sweater and a dress, her hair was a mess, and her face was glowing red. She looked down and seemed very embarrassed.
The four of us stood there in that cramped shed. In the end, Zheng Zhiwei put on a smile and said, Why have the two of you come here? He took a glance at Cheng Baozhu and continued, I thought no one would come here during the afternoon.
Professor Cheng asked me to help with some plumbing issues, so I came to grab a wrench. I had no plans of telling him the truth. Fortunately, Tan Jiao picked up on that and said nothing.
I did not really like people like Zheng Zhiwei. Arrogant and pretentious.
Oh I thought the two of you were looking for somewhere like this, Zheng Zhiwei said in a joking tone.
My brows had knitted but Tan Jiao, who was standing behind me, asked, Mr. Zheng, what do you mean? Why would we look for a place like this?
In the past, I had flipped through the novels Wu Miao read. Thinking that Tan Jiao must know very well what he meant, I could not help but let out a chuckle.
However, Zheng Zhiwei did not get angry at Tan Jiao's indifferent retort, merely smiling at her.
Cheng Baozhu, who had been silent the whole time, spoke out at that moment, Ill go back to my room.
Grabbing her by the arm, Zheng Zhiwei said lovingly, Dont be mad. Its all my fault.
Then he turned to us. Look for whatever youre looking for. But remember to keep this a secret.
After receiving an affirmative nod from me, Zheng Zhiwei placed his arm around Cheng Baozhu and left.
Are we still going down the basement? I mean they were just there...it wouldnt be Tan Jiao asked in a hesitant voice.
I could not help letting out a laugh and giving her head a gentle smack. What lewd thoughts have you filled up your mind with?
The two of us headed down to the basement, with her following closely behind me. With a ray of sunlight shining through one of the only windows in the basement, I saw the nervousness and excitement in Tan Jiaos eyes.
The basement was crammed with stuff, but there was nothing that could start a fire. There was only some scrunched up tissue on the floor and a womans coat laying on some boxes.
Lets go. I did not want to stay here any longer.
With her face glowing slightly red, Tan Jiao asked, Should we bring Cheng Baozhu her coat?
No need. Shell come grab it on her own.
Tan Jiaos face was still glowing red when we left the basement, but her expression seemed to say that she had experienced this countless times.
A thought came to mind, and I said, Now, do you still think that Zheng Zhiwei is a good guy? He has absolutely no regard for his girlfriend, bringing her to such a place. He didnt even close the door properly.
He is too playful and not reliable. I dont like people like him.
Thats right, I said, looking at her. I must admit, I was quite pleased when I heard that.
Suddenly, she chuckled as though she had understood what I meant. Her cuteness once again activated something in me. I became alert knowing that I should not indulge myself in such feelings or have expectations that I should not have. Ultimately, I turned to look somewhere else and said, Lets go.
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