第六十二回 叩户喜重逢谁能遣此 登门求独见人何以堪 (A Joyful Knock Reunites Hearts Beyond Words; A Lonely Visit Tests the Limits of Endurance)

Yanxi glanced inside and immediately spotted Liu Baoshan. He smiled and asked, "How is your intelligence so swift? You knew the moment I stepped through the door." Liu Baoshan replied, "We have a little informant here. He reported your arrival as soon as you entered." "Who? Who is this informant?" Yanxi inquired. Liu Baoshan pointed towards the corner of the room. "Isn't it them?" It was White Lotus and Bai Yuhua, sitting together on a sofa. White Lotus was holding a small teaspoon, stirring Bai Yuhua's coffee. Hearing themselves called informants, both women laughed. Without answering Liu Baoshan, Bai Yuhua waved at Yanxi and smiled, "Seventh Master, come over here. I have something to tell you." Seeing her lively manner, Yanxi suspected mischief and simply smiled back, "Just say it. I'll stay right here." Bai Yuhua laughed, "Come on, I won't bite. What are you afraid of?" Yanxi replied with a grin, "It's not you I fear, but the person beside you." He glanced at White Lotus as he spoke. White Lotus pursed her lips into a smile, gave Bai Yuhua a gentle push on the shoulder, and whispered, "You go ahead." Bai Yuhua then looked at Yanxi, nodded, and said with a smile, "Seventh Master, I have a small account to settle with you." Hearing this, Yanxi was somewhat taken aback. Could she be asking for the gambling money after just one night? But since she brought it up, he couldn't ignore her. He smiled and said, "A debt owed is a debt to be paid. What's the hurry?" Bai Yuhua said, "It's not a money account. It's an account of favors." Yanxi chuckled, "What favor do I owe you? I'd love to hear it." Bai Yuhua pointed around the room, looked at Yanxi, and laughed, "How could you forget? Your memory is truly poor." Yanxi thought for a moment and smiled, "Ah, right. Didn't I promise to take you for a photograph yesterday?" Bai Yuhua said, "The photograph isn't the point. You promised me a pair of bracelets. You, the important gentleman, have such a short memory." Yanxi said, "Yes, I admit to that. But you seem to have forgotten another entry: I promised to treat you to a meal. Why not mention that?" Bai Yuhua laughed, "Are you serious or just joking?" Yanxi replied, "Of course I'm serious. I'll treat you today, how about that?" Bai Yuhua pouted, "You'll treat me? To a meal in the kitchen?" Yanxi said, "Not that bad. But I'm not quite sure where to take a guest like you, a place befitting your status." Bai Yuhua said, "No need to worry about status. Just take me to any decent restaurant and spend three or four dollars. I'd be quite pleased." Yanxi thought to himself this was clearly her looking down on him, thinking him stingy. He smiled and said, "Then just name the place. Once you do, and state the price, I can consider it." Bai Yuhua said, "If I name it, you certainly won't go. Do you think you can manage the Beijing Hotel?" Yanxi smiled but did not reply immediately. Liu Baoshan chimed in from the side, "Miss Bai, you underestimate Seventh Master too much. Is Seventh Master someone who would frequent the Beijing Hotel?" Yanxi's expression faltered slightly at these words, but he maintained his smile and said, "I go to the Beijing Hotel often. It's nothing extraordinary." Bai Yuhua said, "Well then, let's go together. But let's be clear: we'll eat, but I still want those bracelets you promised." Yanxi said, "Naturally. Since I promised, I won't go back on my word. But we can't go to the Beijing Hotel-too many acquaintances there." Bai Yuhua said, "What's wrong with acquaintances? Are we not allowed to eat?" Yanxi explained, "It's not that. We eat ours, they greet theirs, that's fine. But if these acquaintances ask why we're dining together, how should I answer?" Bai Yuhua said, "I don't care about that. That's your affair." Liu Baoshan laughed, "Seventh Master, I think you should just agree. Since you want to treat her, it's the same wherever you go. Why insist on the Beijing Hotel?" Yanxi said, "How about this: let's go to the Six Nations Hotel instead. Their Western cuisine is no worse than the Beijing Hotel's." Bai Yuhua said, "Western food? How dull. We might as well go to Dong'an Market then." Yanxi smiled, "There's no good Western food in Dong'an Market. At the very least, it needs to be a restaurant like Xieying to be considered proper." Bai Yuhua said, "Then Xieying it is." Yanxi hesitated for a moment and smiled, "Let's still go to the Six Nations Hotel." Bai Yuhua asked, "Why do you favor the Six Nations Hotel?" Yanxi said, "The Western food there is truly excellent. I'm thinking of you." Bai Yuhua said, "If you're thinking of me, we should go to Xieying, because I love their oxtail soup." Yanxi laughed, "Alright, Xieying it is. Everything can be negotiated. Why insist on one's own view?" Everyone laughed at this. By the time they finished speaking, they had also finished their snacks. Bai Yuhua insisted that Yanxi treat them to lunch immediately. Although Yanxi was reluctant, he had promised and could not go back on his word. He had no choice but to accompany them to Xieying for the meal.

The Xieying Western Restaurant was among the highest class, only a notch below the Six Nations Hotel. Yet its interior decor was even slightly more refined than the Six Nations. Yanxi, Bai Yuhua, White Lotus, and Liu Baoshan went there together. Upon entering, the waiter recognized Yanxi and led them to a room overlooking the garden. Throughout the meal, Bai Yuhua chatted and joked with Yanxi. After eating, Yanxi asked the waiter for the bill. It came to twenty-five dollars and some change. Yanxi happened to have thirty dollars in notes on him. He took out three ten-dollar bills and handed them to the waiter, saying, "Keep the change as your tip." The waiter smiled and thanked him. Yanxi said to Bai Yuhua, "Are you satisfied now?" Bai Yuhua laughed, "Seventh Master is truly generous. Actually, twenty dollars would have been quite sufficient." Yanxi smiled, "As long as Miss Bai approves, even spending a hundred or eighty is well worth it." Bai Yuhua said, "Seventh Master really knows how to flatter." Yanxi replied, "I speak the truth, it's not flattery. Miss Bai, consider this: I lost over two thousand dollars yesterday, yet here I am, putting on a brave face to host a meal." Bai Yuhua thought for a moment and found this true. She smiled and said, "Seventh Master is certainly willing to make sacrifices for us. But how can we ever repay you?" Yanxi smiled, "If only Miss Bai understands this sincere effort of mine, that is repayment enough." Bai Yuhua said with a laugh, "How could I not understand Seventh Master's meaning? It is merely that I lack the fortune for it." Hearing this, Yanxi felt a stir in his heart. He smiled and said, "Miss Bai, you are too modest. In what way could someone like me be unworthy of you?" Bai Yuhua said, "Seventh Master, why say such things? Who are we to dare claim you are unworthy? It is simply that I have my own difficulties." Yanxi said, "What difficulties? If there is anything troubling you that requires my help, I will certainly do my utmost." Bai Yuhua glanced at Yanxi, then gave a slight smile. "Is that true, Seventh Master?" Yanxi said, "Of course it is. I never speak falsehoods, especially not before Miss Bai." Bai Yuhua said, "In that case, I shall speak plainly. My mother is gravely ill, and I wish to find her a better hospital. But the medical costs, I truly cannot bear." Yanxi said, "That's simple enough. Which hospital does Miss Bai have in mind? I will take care of all expenses. How does that sound?" Upon hearing this, Bai Yuhua immediately stood up and bowed to Yanxi with a smile. "I thank you in advance, Seventh Master. With your help like this, I shall never forget it." Yanxi smiled, "It's nothing. Since we are friends, helping a friend in need is only natural. How much is needed?" Bai Yuhua said, "It's not fixed, but probably around three or four hundred dollars." Yanxi said, "That sum is not much. I shall deliver it this afternoon." Bai Yuhua said, "Why the urgency?" Yanxi replied, "In matters of illness, how can one delay? The sooner, the better." Liu Baoshan watched from the side, merely smiling with pursed lips. White Lotus, however, could not hold back. She laughed and said, "Seventh Master treats our Second Sister with the utmost consideration." Yanxi said, "We are all close here. No need for such formalities." With that, the meal concluded. Yanxi said, "I have some matters to attend to and must take my leave first. If Miss Bai needs anything, you may telephone me." Bai Yuhua nodded in agreement. Yanxi settled the bill and departed.

Leaving Xieying, Yanxi thought to himself that today would cost another three or four hundred dollars. He had lost over two thousand yesterday, and now today required four or five hundred more. This month, his expenses were simply exceeding his income. But for Bai Yuhua, even spending a little more was worth it. With these thoughts, he took an automobile home. Once home, he immediately wrote a check and withdrew four hundred dollars in cash, keeping it all on his person. By four in the afternoon, he telephoned Bai Yuhua to ask her location so he could deliver the money. Bai Yuhua said she was at the East Asia Hotel, playing a small game of cards with some friends, and invited Yanxi to come there. Yanxi did not refuse. He took an automobile straight to the East Asia Hotel. Arriving at Bai Yuhua's room, he saw that besides Bai Yuhua and White Lotus, there were two other men: Zhao Mengyuan and Zhu Yishi. The moment Yanxi entered, Zhao Mengyuan smiled and said, "Old Seventh, you're here. I was just about to telephone you." Yanxi asked, "What do you need me for?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "I have two theater tickets for tonight's show at the Qingle Garden. It's no fun going alone. I wanted to invite you along." Yanxi said, "What's worth seeing at the Qingle Garden? I won't go." Zhao Mengyuan said, "Tonight is Yang Xiaolou in 'Pacifying Heaven Society'-a very fine play. You should come see it." Yanxi said, "I have plans tonight." Zhao Mengyuan asked, "What plans? Nothing of consequence, I'll bet. Come on, let's go together." So saying, he grabbed Yanxi's arm to pull him along. Yanxi said, "Don't be hasty. I have some business here first." Zhao Mengyuan asked, "What business?" Yanxi glanced at Bai Yuhua, who immediately understood. She smiled and said, "Seventh Master is here to deliver something to me." Zhao Mengyuan laughed, "Oh, I see. Then we shall go ahead." He gave Zhu Yishi a meaningful look, and the two left together.

After they left, Yanxi said to Bai Yuhua, "Here is four hundred dollars. Use it first. If it's insufficient, I shall bring more tomorrow." Bai Yuhua took the money, counted it, and smiled. "Thank you, Seventh Master. Actually, it might not all be needed, but I shall accept it for now." Yanxi said, "Since your mother is ill, you should send her to the hospital sooner rather than later. Do not delay." Bai Yuhua said, "I will take her tonight." Yanxi said, "That is good. Once she is admitted, telephone me to let me know which hospital. I would like to visit her." Bai Yuhua nodded in agreement. Yanxi sat for a while, feeling there was nothing more to say, and stood to take his leave. Bai Yuhua saw him to the door. Yanxi turned back, smiled at her, and asked, "Are you not going to the theater tonight?" Bai Yuhua said, "With my mother ill, how could I have the heart for the theater?" Yanxi said, "That is understandable. Once your mother recovers, I shall treat you to a play." Bai Yuhua smiled, "Then I thank you in advance, Seventh Master." Yanxi nodded and went downstairs. At the hotel entrance, he saw Zhao Mengyuan and Zhu Yishi still standing there. Seeing Yanxi emerge, Zhao Mengyuan smiled and said, "Old Seventh, finished with your official business?" Yanxi asked, "Why are you still here?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "We were waiting for you. Come on, let's have dinner together, then go see the play." Yanxi said, "I have no appetite now." Zhao Mengyuan said, "Even if you don't want to eat, can't you at least sit with us?" Unable to resist their insistence, Yanxi had no choice but to accompany them to a nearby restaurant for dinner. During the meal, Zhao Mengyuan kept up a stream of jokes, while Yanxi spoke little. Zhu Yishi said, "Old Seventh, you seem preoccupied today." Yanxi replied, "With what?" Zhu Yishi said, "If not, why so downcast?" Yanxi said, "I am not downcast, merely disinclined to talk." Zhao Mengyuan laughed, "I know why you're quiet. You're thinking of someone, am I right?" Yanxi said, "Who would I be thinking of?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "You know who. Why ask me?" Yanxi said, "Nonsense." Zhao Mengyuan replied, "It's not nonsense at all. Let me ask you: why did you look so utterly lost when you left the hotel?" Yanxi, somewhat embarrassed, smiled and said, "From a dog's mouth, no ivory can come." Zhao Mengyuan said, "This particular dog's mouth happens to produce ivory. Admit it or not? If you admit it, I'll tell you some good news." Yanxi said, "What good news? Speak first, then I'll listen." Zhao Mengyuan said, "First, admit it or not?" Yanxi asked, "Admit what?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "Admit you are thinking of someone." Yanxi smiled, "Suppose I admit it. What then?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "Since you admit it, I'll tell you: the object of your affection is also in Beijing now." Hearing this, Yanxi's heart gave a leap. He asked, "Is that true?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "Of course it's true. Why would I lie?" Yanxi asked, "How do you know?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "I saw her this afternoon in Central Park. She was having tea at the Lai Jin Rain Gazebo with a female student. She saw me and even nodded." Yanxi asked, "Was she alone?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "She was with two female students." Yanxi asked, "Do you know where she is staying?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "That I do not know. But I can make inquiries for you." Yanxi said, "Then I shall entrust this to you." Zhao Mengyuan laughed, "And how will you thank me?" Yanxi said, "I'll treat you to a grand meal." Zhao Mengyuan said, "A grand meal is not enough. You must treat me to the theater." Yanxi said, "That will do as well. Once you have the information, I shall treat you." Zhao Mengyuan said, "Good. It's settled then."

After dinner, the three went together to the Qingle Garden to see the play. That night featured Yang Xiaolou in "Pacifying Heaven Society," and it was indeed splendid. Yet Yanxi, sitting in the box, could think only of Zhao Mengyuan's words. He thought, if Leng Qingqiu had returned to Beijing, why had she not come to see him? Had she truly forgotten him? Perhaps she was too embarrassed to seek him out; he ought to go to her first. But where was she staying? That was the problem. Lost in these thoughts, he paid little attention to the play on stage. When the performance finally ended, he pulled Zhao Mengyuan aside and asked, "That matter you promised to inquire about-when can you have news?" Zhao Mengyuan smiled, "You are too impatient. I only agreed tonight. How could I possibly have it so soon? Give me a couple of days." Yanxi said, "Two days, then. Do not break your word." Zhao Mengyuan said, "I shall not. But I have a favor to ask of you as well." Yanxi asked, "What is it?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "I am rather short of funds lately. I wonder if I might borrow a few hundred dollars from you. Would that be convenient?" Though Yanxi was unwilling in his heart, since he needed Zhao Mengyuan to inquire about Leng Qingqiu, he could not refuse. He said, "How much?" Zhao Mengyuan said, "Five hundred dollars should suffice." Yanxi said, "I shall bring it tomorrow." Zhao Mengyuan smiled, "Thank you, then."

Yanxi returned home close to midnight. Entering his study, he saw a letter lying on the desk. Picking it up, he recognized it as Leng Qingqiu's handwriting. His joy at that moment was truly immense. He hastily opened it to read.

To Mr. Yanxi:

It has been over half a year since we parted. These past months are truly beyond words. After returning south, I had intended to live in seclusion and cease all correspondence with Beijing. Yet events have conspired against my wishes. Due to various circumstances, my mother insisted I return to Beijing. I am now back, staying at my uncle's house in the western city. I know you may still resent me and be unwilling to see me. But I have always felt it a great pity that we, who were once so close, should suddenly become strangers. If you have the time, please come to my uncle's house for a talk. My uncle's surname is Song, and he lives at No. 2 Fengsheng Lane in the western city. I am at home every day. You may come at any time.

Respectfully, Leng Qingqiu

After reading the letter, Yanxi felt both joy and shame. Joy that Leng Qingqiu had actually written to him and asked him to visit; shame that for these past six months he had been indulging in wine and revelry, nearly forgetting her. Now that she had returned and taken the initiative, he naturally ought to go see her. Thinking this, he wished he could run straight to Fengsheng Lane immediately. But it was already midnight, so of course he could not go. He would have to wait until tomorrow.

That night, Yanxi tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He waited impatiently for dawn. As soon as it was light, he rose immediately, washed, rinsed his mouth, and changed into a set of new clothes. Fearing he might arrive too early and find Leng Qingqiu not yet risen, he waited in his study. By nine o'clock, he could wait no longer. He summoned Jin Rong to drive him directly to the Song residence at Fengsheng Lane.