Chapter 11: There Is No Future
Translator: 9inetales
Sponsor(s): n/a
Fortunately, Jiang He continued her trend of obedience, sparing the surveillance camera from timely destruction.
“This is called a traffic light. See how the colors alternate between red and green? The red light means to stop and wait, while the green light means you can go,” Xu Qing directed Jiang He’s focus onto the traffic lights above, “This is the law. If you disobey, not only are you violating the law, but you’re also putting yourself and others in danger. Remember it carefully.”
Two people: one short and one tall, stood by the traffic lights while gazing fixedly at its countdown as if hypnotized. In a way, they resembled a pair of dolts.
Xu Qing was accustomed to lazing around the house at his own leisure— watching movies, eating, then sleeping was the norm for him. However, he wasn’t discomforted by the idea of strolling around town with the ancient beauty; he found it rather interesting. Though initially perturbed by the unpredictability of Jiang He’s reactions, his mind gradually relaxed.
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With earnest steps, Jiang He tailed steadily behind Xu Qing. With every stride, her senses experienced the unfamiliar world around her. There was the smell of delicious food mixing with the rustic air; resplendent banners and signs decorating buildings of all sizes; buzzing of blaring horns from the traffic, and the feel of even ground beneath her feet.
“Oh yeah, which one would you like?” Xu Qing stopped in front of a stall that sold small trinkets and headpieces, “You can choose a ribbon similar to the one you wore or something else.”
While looking around, he subconsciously picked up a furry-eared headband, picturing its cute design resting atop Jiang He’s black hair. He shook his head, quickly suppressing his daring thoughts.
She was already modern-looking enough. Flaunting eye-catching accessories would only attract unwanted attention. Still, a dude could imagine, couldn’t he?
Jiang He didn’t say a word. She gave the headband a curious but reproachful look before setting her sights on the various other items in the stall, carefully examining each one.
After a while of waiting, a blue hair tie decorated with a pair of small, delicate butterflies caught Xu Qing’s attention. Seeing Jiang He’s silent indecisiveness, he retrieved it and requested the price from the stall owner. The transaction was successful and he handed the hair tie to Jiang He.
“I think this will suit your hair perfectly.”
“...”
Jiang He scrutinized the hair tie before reaching out to feel its silky-smooth material. She stretched and tugged while figuring how to wear it.
In a moment, she gathered her cascading long hear and bounded its messy parade into that of a neat stream, flowing neatly behind her head. The appearance was a little less striking compared to when it was scattered, but in its place, a unique charm exuded. Before moving on, Xu Qing took the time to appreciate the little beauty.
Night eventually fell and tickled the surroundings with a slight frigidity, sparking the emergence of warm lights all about the streets. More people wandered the streets after evening hours which eventually stifled Xu Qing’s explanations.
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The two decided to grab a bite at a nearby home-style restaurant. After entering, they took a seat in the corner and ordered two fried cakes[1] and a plate of cucumbers from the boss.
Fried cake was one of the major dishes of Jiangcheng. The cakes were cut into thin strips and stir-fried with bean sprouts, beans, and sometimes cabbage. Of the mix, the bean sprouts packed the most punch, having the best fragrance and taste.
The most enjoyable thing about eating good dishes in these small restaurants wasn't narrowed to only the taste, but also the quantity of food. Xu Qing was never left dissatisfied from the day he entered middle school until now, even after university.
“Man, this is the place to eat. The lunch from today was bought from here, and the meals delivered yesterday were also from here. No matter what food or what service you order, the food is always good. I’ll give them my money any day.”
The shop was rather noisy so Xu Qing had to resort to whispering when he wanted to talk to Jiang He. Since they were located in the corner, there was little risk of being eavesdropped on.
Though she listened to his words, Jiang He didn’t respond. Her hand rested on the table and supported her soft cheek as she gazed through the glass panes. A complicated expression painted her face.
The bustling people on the streets, the flashing neon lights, the traffic lining the road— everything was strange to her. She didn’t fit here…
Noticing Jiang He’s depressed mood, Xu Qing decided to hold back from starting a conversation. He reclined in his chair while observing the forlorn heroine who sat at the opposite side of the table.
He sighed, If you can’t go back and end up alone in this world...all that awaits is a black house[2]...
This encompassed a gloomy life: no work, no income, no proper home, limited travel, and negligible chances of getting married. One could only settle in a backwater place and eke out a living through manual labor or otherwise.
There was simply no future.
However, there was also another option. She could take the risk of revealing her identity, leaving her fate to the mercy of the state. Though risky, Xu Qing didn’t think they would reduce her to a mere guinea pig. But considering Jiang He and her cautious nature, it was unlikely for her to surrender her life to the mercy of others.
Xu Qing’s stray thoughts stopped when the food arrived at the table; it was also the same for Jiang He. They paused and looked at each other for a brief moment.
“Here, let’s eat.” He pulled out a pair of disposable chopsticks from the holder and gave one to her.
“Un.”
Jiang He didn’t daddle for long, immersing herself in the warm meal.
Xu Qing discarded a bit of worry after seeing her eat. At least her state of depression didn't reached the point of loss of appetite. After a few bites, he stood up and went to the nearby cooler to grab a bottle of mineral water and beer.
After returning to the table, he skimmed the water bottle across the table toward Jiang He and took the beer from himself. He poured a bit into the bottle’s cork and took a small sip to moisturize his dry tongue.
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If by chance she can’t return, I guess I’ll have to take responsibility for this girl. This is more complicated than I originally thought…
I can only take one step at a time.
Xu Qing didn’t bother to compliment his food with any garlic as he was busy thinking about the future. For the first time since dining here, he left food on his plate. On the other hand, Jiang He’s chopsticks echoed against her empty plate. After downing the rest of the beer, he went to pay with a hiccup.
The duo left the restaurant and basked in the bright lights and entangled noises of the outside. It was the prologue to the city’s nightlife activities which boasted a lively scene no weaker than if it was daytime.
Though the plenteous light pollution drowned the visibility of the night sky, some stars still managed to radiate their brilliance alongside the moon. Xu Qing admired their celestial beauty for a while.
The same moon then; the same moon now...
He sighed, blooming a smile soon after, “Let’s go home.”
…
The two were quiet throughout the return journey. It was half-past seven when they finally arrived home. By that time the news broadcast had already ended but Xu Qing didn’t care much. He closed the door and turned around to face Jiang He who sat on the sofa, lost in her own thoughts.
“What do you think? Do you believe now?”
Jiang He turned her head to look at him, her eyes a little dull. She took out the iron dart from her clothes and rubbed the scratches and grooves on its shaft with her slender fingers.
“...it’s not bad, right? You can see that everyone works in peace and enjoys a contented life for the most part. There are fried cakes, Coke, wine, and computers. You don’t have to worry about being robbed or killed all day long...well, maybe a bit in some areas…”
Xu Qing tried his best to comfort her but somehow felt he wasn’t doing that great of a job. He rubbed the back of his head while slowly approaching the sofa. Sitting together, he continued:
“To be honest, if your identity problem can be solved, you can enjoy a lot of things you otherwise couldn’t before. Even if you have to lift bricks for a living, with your strength, it shouldn’t pose a problem[3]. Isn’t that a good thing?”
In his eyes, this age was a flourishing paradise compared to the struggles of ancient times after all.
“I just want to go home.”
Jiang He clenched the dart tightly, causing its tip to accidentally stab her palm. The prick was painful, but not as painful as the reality she currently faced.
Xu Qing shook his head with a sigh, “But you can’t go back.”
“...”
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The clock ticked on, cars honked, and neighbors ruffled upstairs.
After a long while, Jiang He interrupted the stately silence with an audible sigh and relaxed her taut shoulders.
She threw the iron dart onto the table and asked, “This identity problem...how do we solve it?”
“Hmm, I’m not a member of the government so I’m not really sure at the moment. There will always be time to tackle that issue in the future. But first, you have to integrate into society and not expose yourself,” Xu Qing spoke and assured, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you…”
“Thank you, junior,” Jiang He cupped her fist, “But if it’s too troublesome…”
“No, your identity is very important. As long as you accept my help, we can take things slowly.”
“Oh yeah,” Xu Qing suddenly hopped out of the sofa, “Where is the piece of paper I sorted yesterday?”
Jiang He blinked, “Didn’t you roll it into a ball and throw it away?”
“Ah, I did? It should be somewhere around here then!” Xu Qing kneeled in front of the trash can and shook it around.
“...”
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