Explore Chapter 10 of '啼笑因缘' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Now, Fan Jiashu lay fast asleep in bed. When he awoke the next morning, it was another fine day. Having felt either stifled or vexed lately, he thought, why not go out to dispel the gloom? After washing up, he slipped out quietly without letting Tao Bohe and his wife know. The weather was pleasantly warm, and wearing a lined jacket, he felt no chill at all. So he made his way once more to Shuiche Hutong to see Feng Xi.
No sooner had he entered than Auntie Shen bustled out to greet him. "Oh! Mr. Fan, you're so early. My girl hasn't even gotten out of bed yet." Fan Jiashu said, "Since she's not up, I'll just sit outside for a while. Don't disturb her." Auntie Shen replied, "I hardly dare invite you in, but my girl is truly blessed to have a good friend like you. Must be her good fortune from a past life. Today, if her mother says sleep, she sleeps; says rise, she rises. Only, the child is a bit too simple-hearted. Being too simple, she's easily taken advantage of. If it weren't for a clear-sighted gentleman like you, Mr. Fan, willing to look after her, I'd truly fear for her future. She often says, if you offered her a ladle of water, she'd follow your lead and ask for nothing more. Her words may be clumsy, but her heart is in the right place." Fan Jiashu smiled. "Uncle Guan was just telling me how much you trust me. That's splendid." Auntie Shen said, "How could we not! When all's said and done, we're all shackled by that one cursed word-poverty. Look at our girl. She's quiet and proper with people, hardly the sort for a drum-song performer. It was only for want of any other way that she took this path. But now it's better, with your kind attentions, Mr. Fan. What more can we say? She'd be happy just to be near you every day; even a sip of plain water would taste sweet."
Fan Jiashu, paying little heed to Auntie Shen's garrulousness, walked into the courtyard. The tender leaves of the locust tree were a glossy green in the sunlight, looking almost oily with freshness. Lost in contemplation, he saw Shen Sanxuan enter from outside, beaming. "Mr. Fan! I was just thinking, I was terribly remiss yesterday with my business, but I knew you'd surely come-and here you are! Come, sit inside. The sun in the yard is too harsh." Fan Jiashu said, "Uncle Guan was here just now. We had a chat." Shen Sanxuan replied, "That old fellow-all talk. If you don't mind, Mr. Fan, please come sit in my room." Hearing this, Fan Jiashu followed him inside.
Shen Sanxuan's room was never tidy to begin with, and on top of that, having drunk a few cups the previous night, his belongings lay in even greater disarray. Shen Sanxuan invited Fan Jiashu to sit and bustled about looking for tea leaves and hot water. Finding the room quite unbearable, Fan Jiashu excused himself, saying he still wished to see Feng Xi, and stepped out again.
When he reached Feng Xi's room, she was already up. Seeing him enter, she smiled. "You've come so early today. My mother told me first thing." Fan Jiashu said, "Your mother told me quite a lot, but she cuts you off whenever you start to speak. She says you're too simple-hearted and fears you'll be taken advantage of. Tell me, would you let people take advantage of you?" Feng Xi laughed. "My mother always says that, but really, how could I be? People's hearts are made of flesh. You treat me so well; if I still didn't know what's good for me, wouldn't that make me no better than an animal?" Fan Jiashu smiled. "You always know just what to say."
As they were chatting and laughing, Auntie Shen called from outside, "Mr. Fan! Our girl hasn't had her breakfast yet. Won't you join her?" Fan Jiashu assented and went with Feng Xi to the north room. On the table were four small dishes: pickled radish, preserved cucumber, dressed cabbage, and stir-fried bean sprouts. There was also a plate of sliced salted duck eggs and a dish of peanuts seasoned with oil and salt. Auntie Shen had already ladled out two bowls of millet porridge and placed them on the table, smiling apologetically. "Mr. Fan! We don't have anything fancy to offer here." Fan Jiashu said, "This is perfectly fine. There's no need to stand on ceremony."
Feng Xi sat down first, and Fan Jiashu took the seat opposite. Auntie Shen sat to the side and smiled at Fan Jiashu. "Our girl, starting today, won't be going to the teahouse anymore. The tuition fee you gave, I've already handed over to the school. Our girl's fate is tied to yours now, Mr. Fan. In the future, if she prospers, she'll never forget your kindness." Hearing this, Feng Xi smiled faintly, stirring the millet porridge in her bowl with her chopsticks. Fan Jiashu said, "Auntie, you can set your mind at ease. As long as Feng Xi is willing to study, I won't abandon her midway. Besides, I'm not helping her for any reward." Auntie Shen replied, "I know that, of course. But when we receive such generosity, our hearts are never quite easy."
Fan Jiashu smiled. "Auntie, please say no more. The more you say, the more embarrassed I feel. Just keep a close watch over Feng Xi. Don't let her mix with those unsavory characters. That would be good enough." Auntie Shen declared, "Mr. Fan! I swear to heaven I won't let her associate with that lot. Besides, now that she's in school, where would she find the time? As long as she studies hard and makes something of herself, I'd gladly give up this old life of mine, just to see her happy." Feng Xi, seeing her mother getting carried away, shot her a glance. "Mother! Eat your meal. Don't go on." Auntie Shen laughed. "Alright, alright! I won't say another word. You two eat."
After Fan Jiashu and Feng Xi finished eating, rinsed their mouths, and washed their faces, Auntie Shen had already cleared the table. Fan Jiashu said, "Feng Xi! Today's your first day at school. Let me see you there." Feng Xi replied, "There's no need. The school is very close. I can go alone." Fan Jiashu insisted, "It's no trouble. I've nothing to do today anyway. I'll take you and get to know the school gate." Delighted to hear this, Feng Xi went into her room to change.
Before long, Feng Xi emerged wearing a pale blue bamboo-cloth jacket and a black skirt. A light dusting of powder on her face made her appear even more delicate. Fan Jiashu smiled. "A proper schoolgirl now. Very good." Feng Xi laughed. "Don't tease me. I'm hardly worthy of being a schoolgirl yet." With that, the two went out together.
Auntie Shen saw them off at the door, saying to Fan Jiashu, "Mr. Fan! I'm entrusting our girl to you. Once you've taken her to school, please see her home again." Fan Jiashu smiled. "Auntie, don't worry. I won't let her out of my sight." Auntie Shen stood watching until they had turned the corner of the alley before going back inside.
Fan Jiashu and Feng Xi walked along, chatting happily. Soon they arrived at the Women's Vocational School. Two signs hung at the entrance: one read "Beijing Women's Vocational School", the other "Affiliated School for the Common People". Fan Jiashu stopped at the gate and said to Feng Xi, "You go in by yourself. I won't come in. When school's out, I'll come to fetch you." Feng Xi asked, "You'll really come for me?" Fan Jiashu replied, "Of course I will. When have I ever lied to you?" Feng Xi smiled and entered the school.
Fan Jiashu stood at the gate for a while. Only when Feng Xi's figure had vanished from sight did he slowly walk away. He thought to himself that as Feng Xi attended school and gradually acquired knowledge, she might one day become a complete person. To be able to nurture someone was, after all, a worthy deed. Pleased with this thought, he made his way home in high spirits.
When he arrived home, Mrs. Tao came out to greet him with a smile. "Cousin! Where have you been? Miss He came to visit you today. You weren't in, so she waited here a good long while before leaving." Fan Jiashu said, "I had no idea she was coming. I went out for a walk." Mrs. Tao replied, "A young lady pays you a special visit, and you're not home. Naturally she wasn't pleased. You ought to return the visit tomorrow." Fan Jiashu said, "I'll go tomorrow."
Mrs. Tao said, "Miss He is such a pleasant person. She sat here and talked with me at length. She even asked why you haven't been to see her. I said you're busy studying every day. She didn't say much, but I think she seemed a little disappointed." Fan Jiashu smiled. "Cousin-in-law, you're always playing matchmaker. Miss He and I have only met once or twice. How can we talk of such things?" Mrs. Tao replied, "Though it's only once or twice, she seems quite taken with you. Have you forgotten what happened last night?" Fan Jiashu asked, "What happened last night?"
Mrs. Tao laughed. "Important matters slip your mind so easily! Last night, Miss He sat in your room for quite some time and even leafed through your books. Don't you remember?" Hearing this, Fan Jiashu suddenly recalled the photograph and was startled. He asked hastily, "Which book did she look through?" Mrs. Tao said, "That red book you left on the table. She flipped through it, said nothing, then handed me her calling card and left." Fan Jiashu said, "Oh! That book."
Mrs. Tao asked, "Is there some secret in that book? Why are you so alarmed?" Fan Jiashu smiled. "What secret? I was merely asking." Mrs. Tao said, "If there's no secret, why worry about people looking at your books? Let me tell you, Miss He is a very nice girl. You shouldn't miss this chance." Fan Jiashu laughed. "Cousin-in-law, you're always so eager to help. I really don't deserve it."
Seeing he would not admit to anything, Mrs. Tao said no more. Fan Jiashu returned to his room and promptly picked up the red book to look. Sure enough, Feng Xi's photograph was tucked inside. He thought to himself, fortunately He Lina did not know Feng Xi. Had she recognized her, it would have been disastrous. From now on, he must hide this photograph more securely. With that thought, he took out the picture and concealed it in a chest.
The next day, Fan Jiashu remembered Mrs. Tao's words and indeed went to pay a return visit to He Lina. He Lina lived in a small Western-style house on a very quiet lane in the eastern city. Fan Jiashu walked to the entrance and rang the electric bell. A houseboy answered the door. Fan Jiashu presented his calling card. Not long after, He Lina herself came out to greet him, smiling. "Mr. Fan! What an honor to have you visit. Please, do come in and sit."
Fan Jiashu followed her inside. The furnishings in the room were exceedingly opulent. A thick carpet covered the floor, muffling all sound of footsteps. He Lina invited Fan Jiashu to sit on the sofa, and the houseboy brought tea. He Lina smiled. "Mr. Fan! You're so diligent, studying at home every day and scarcely seeing friends." Fan Jiashu said, "I'm not that diligent. I merely read to pass the time."
He Lina said, "I admire diligent people most of all. It's a pity I myself am not diligent; I only know how to amuse myself all day." Fan Jiashu smiled. "You're too modest, Miss He. I'm sure your learning is excellent." He Lina replied, "What learning do I have? I merely know a few characters. Mr. Fan, I still haven't mastered that dance you taught me the other day. When you have time, you must teach me again." Fan Jiashu said, "You're so clever, Miss He. You'd pick it up in no time and hardly need teaching."
He Lina laughed. "Mr. Fan, you do know how to talk, saying things that make one feel rather embarrassed. Let me tell you, I asked you here today because there's something I'd like to discuss." Fan Jiashu asked, "What is it?" He Lina said, "In a few days it's my birthday. I'd like to invite a few friends over for some fun at home. I wonder if you would honor us with your presence?" Fan Jiashu replied, "For your birthday, Miss He, I shall naturally come to offer my congratulations."
He Lina said, "That's wonderful. I'll send you an invitation later." As they spoke, the houseboy brought in some pastries. He Lina kept Fan Jiashu company as he ate a few, and they chatted a while longer before Fan Jiashu rose to take his leave. He Lina saw him all the way to the main gate, smiling. "Mr. Fan! In future, whenever you have time, do come by for a visit. Please don't stand on ceremony." Fan Jiashu assented and returned home.
On the way back, he thought about He Lina. She was truly lively and charming, and her family was so wealthy. Being friends with her would be quite delightful. Yet he already had Feng Xi and should not entertain other thoughts. But when he compared Feng Xi with He Lina, Feng Xi seemed too poor and simple in comparison. His heart was in turmoil, and he could not discern his own feelings.
Upon returning home, he saw an invitation on the table from He Lina. It read: "On the fifteenth of this month, celebrating Lina's twentieth birthday. A humble feast is prepared, awaiting the honor of your presence." Fan Jiashu read it and put the invitation away. He thought to himself that for He Lina's birthday, he ought to give a gift. But what? Something too lavish might invite ridicule; something too modest would be embarrassing. After some thought, he decided to go to the department store and buy her something novel.
On the fifteenth, Fan Jiashu bought a box of fine candies and a bouquet of flowers and took them to He Lina's home. He Lina received them, smiling. "Mr. Fan! You are too kind, bringing gifts." Fan Jiashu said, "Just a little something, please don't mind its unworthiness."
He Lina invited Fan Jiashu to sit in the drawing room. He saw that many guests had already arrived, men and women, creating a lively atmosphere. He Lina introduced Fan Jiashu to each one. Among them were film stars, opera performers, painters, and musicians-all fashionable people. Fan Jiashu mingled with them for a while but felt somewhat ill at ease, so he sat to one side and listened to their animated discussions.
Before long, the banquet was served, and He Lina invited the guests to be seated. Fan Jiashu was placed beside He Lina. Throughout the meal, He Lina was vivacious and full of witty talk. The other guests also joined in the fun, telling jokes. Fan Jiashu found it quite amusing.
After the meal, everyone dispersed to sit in small groups. The houseboy served coffee. He Lina said to Fan Jiashu, "Mr. Fan! Let's go upstairs and sit. It's rather noisy here with so many people." Fan Jiashu agreed and went upstairs with her.
Upstairs was a small study. The walls were lined with bookcases holding many finely bound foreign books. By the window stood a large desk furnished with elegant stationery. He Lina invited Fan Jiashu to sit on the sofa, smiling. "Mr. Fan! What do you think of my study? Does it pass muster?" Fan Jiashu said, "It's excellent. Miss He is truly a person of refined taste."
He Lina went downstairs. Left alone in the study, Fan Jiashu looked about idly. By chance, he wandered to the desk and saw a photo album lying there. He picked it up and began leafing through it casually. It was filled with pictures of He Lina-dancing, swimming, playing sports, captured in various poses. Fan Jiashu looked at them and thought to himself that He Lina's life seemed one of pure enjoyment.
Just then, He Lina came upstairs, smiling. "Mr. Fan! How do my photos look? Are they any good?" Fan Jiashu said, "Very good. Miss He is truly accomplished in many ways."
They chatted a while longer. Seeing it was growing late, Fan Jiashu rose to leave. He Lina saw him off to the main gate, smiling. "Mr. Fan! You must come often in future." Fan Jiashu promised he would and returned home.
The next day, Fan Jiashu still went to Shuiche Hutong to see Feng Xi. Feng Xi, returning from school, was delighted to see him and smiled. "Why didn't you come to fetch me yesterday?" Fan Jiashu said, "I had some business yesterday, so I couldn't come. Today I came specially to make amends."
From then on, Fan Jiashu still visited Feng Xi's home daily, and Feng Xi went to school each day to study. They got along very happily. Yet in Fan Jiashu's heart, the shadow of He Lina always lingered, a subtle disturbance.