Explore Chapter 99 of 'The Story of the Golden Powder Family' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Now, Jin Rong noticed that Yanxi had been frowning and looking gloomy for days. He said, "Seventh Master, why are you so downcast all the time? I'm sure you have something on your mind." Yanxi replied, "What could I have on my mind? Don't make wild guesses." Jin Rong laughed and said, "Can't I guess? All right, I won't say anything then." Yanxi said, "Go on, say it. If you guess right, I'll reward you." Jin Rong chuckled, "What's there to guess? I've known for a while. Ever since you came back from the opera with Miss Leng, you've been like this. Isn't it because of Miss Leng?" Yanxi retorted, "Nonsense! Miss Leng and I are merely acquaintances. How could it be anything more?" Jin Rong said, "Acquaintances or not, you just can't get her off your mind. In my opinion, since you like her, why not express it openly? Keeping it bottled up not only makes you suffer but also looks awkward to others." Yanxi said, "What do you know! Such matters aren't to be expressed lightly. Besides, Miss Leng is different from ordinary people. If I were to get rejected, it would be truly embarrassing." Jin Rong asked, "So, you plan to go on like this?" Yanxi replied, "What else can I do? For now, there's no other way. I'll just have to wait and see." Seeing that Yanxi was unwilling to listen, Jin Rong didn't press further.
A few days later, Yanxi, feeling stifled at home, went to visit Leng Residence. By chance, Song Runqing was out. Mrs. Leng and Leng Qingqiu, mother and daughter, were tidying up chrysanthemums in the courtyard. Seeing Yanxi arrive, Mrs. Leng invited him into the house. Leng Qingqiu followed, poured a cup of tea, and placed it before Yanxi. Yanxi quickly stood up, saying, "I don't deserve such courtesy." Leng Qingqiu smiled faintly without a word and retreated to the side. Yanxi stole a glance at her. She wore a light blue cotton jacket with a black velvet vest over it. In her simplicity, she exuded an air of refined elegance. He thought to himself, "Such a person is truly rare. If I could be with her often, I'd willingly live a few years less." As he pondered, Mrs. Leng suddenly said, "Mr. Jin, why haven't you visited lately? Our place has become quite deserted." Yanxi smiled, "You flatter me, Auntie. I've been tied up with minor matters and haven't come to pay my respects. Please forgive me." Mrs. Leng said, "Mr. Jin is always so polite." She then chatted idly with Yanxi. While speaking with Mrs. Leng, Yanxi couldn't help stealing glances at Leng Qingqiu. He saw her sitting by the window, holding a book and reading with her head down. Yet, she occasionally looked up and glanced his way. Seeing her ambiguous demeanor, Yanxi felt his heart stir once more.
After sitting awhile, Yanxi rose to take his leave. Mrs. Leng said, "Why the hurry? Stay a bit longer." Yanxi replied, "I won't linger. I have some business to attend to." With that, he walked out. Leng Qingqiu also stood and saw him to the courtyard gate. Yanxi turned back and said, "The wind is strong outside. Please go back, Miss." Leng Qingqiu nodded and went inside. Returning home, Yanxi felt both joy and vexation. He was glad to have seen Leng Qingqiu again. Yet, he was troubled that he couldn't say anything during their meeting. He wondered when this longing would end. At this thought, he couldn't help heaving a long sigh.
Lost in thought, he suddenly heard footsteps outside, followed by a call, "Is Seventh Master home?" Yanxi recognized Wang Youchun's voice and quickly responded, "I'm here. Please come in." The door curtain lifted, and Wang Youchun walked in with a smile. Yanxi said, "What brings you here today?" Wang Youchun replied, "I heard you haven't been well lately, so I came specially to check on you." Yanxi smiled, "Thank you for your concern. I'm not unwell, just a bit downhearted." Wang Youchun said, "What's bothering you? Come, let's go out and unwind." Yanxi asked, "Where to?" Wang Youchun said, "Anywhere will do. How about we go to Sino-Foreign Hotel for coffee and music?" Yanxi was initially reluctant, but after Wang Youchun's persistent urging, he agreed.
The two arrived at Sino-Foreign Hotel and chose a quiet seat. Wang Youchun ordered two coffees and a plate of pastries. As they drank, he said, "Old Seven, you seem off these past few days. Is something weighing on you?" Yanxi said, "Not at all. Don't speculate." Wang Youchun laughed, "Come on, you can't hide it from me. We know each other well. If you're in a bind, speak up. I might offer some advice." Touched by his words, Yanxi sighed again. Wang Youchun said, "See? I was right. What's making you sigh like this?" Yanxi pondered a moment and said, "It's nothing major. I just feel a bit bored." Wang Youchun said, "If you're bored, why not find some amusement? People like us have money and leisure. Isn't it easy to seek diversion?" Yanxi said, "I've thought of ways to amuse myself, but they all seem pointless." Wang Youchun said, "I'll tell you a method that's sure to interest you." Yanxi asked, "What method?" Wang Youchun said, "Playing mahjong." Yanxi shook his head, "That's even more boring." Wang Youchun said, "Then how about dancing?" Yanxi said, "I'm tired of dancing too." Wang Youchun said, "If this is boring and that is boring, what would interest you?" Yanxi said, "I don't know myself." Seeing him like this, Wang Youchun knew persuasion was useless and changed the subject. "Old Seven, I heard you've been close to a certain Miss Leng lately. Is that true?" Hearing this, Yanxi blushed slightly and said, "Who told you that?" Wang Youchun grinned, "Who needs to tell me? Your every move gives it away." Yanxi said, "Don't talk nonsense. Miss Leng and I are just ordinary friends." Wang Youchun said, "Ordinary friends? I don't believe it. If you were just ordinary friends, why do you visit her place day and night? And why do you hesitate when mentioning her?" Stumped by his questions, Yanxi said, "All right, all right. Stop asking. Let's talk about something else." Seeing his embarrassment, Wang Youchun didn't press further.
After sitting awhile, Wang Youchun suggested going to a movie. Yanxi wasn't in the mood, but unable to resist Wang Youchun, he went along. At the cinema, they found a huge, bustling crowd. Wang Youchun said, "What's playing today to draw such a crowd?" Yanxi said, "Who cares? We're here to kill time. Any film will do." They bought tickets and squeezed in. After much effort, they found two seats and had just sat down when the film started. Yanxi watched the figures moving on the screen but had no idea what was happening. His mind had long flown to Leng Residence. He thought, perhaps Leng Qingqiu was reading, sewing, or talking with her mother at that moment. He wished he could fly to Leng Residence immediately to see Leng Qingqiu. Yet, he didn't dare. He feared going without anything to say and only annoying her. Lost in these wild thoughts, he didn't take in a thing from the film.
The movie ended around ten in the evening. Wang Youchun said, "Let's get a late-night snack." Yanxi said, "I don't feel like eating. You go ahead." Wang Youchun said, "How can that be? I came out specifically to cheer you up, and now you're ditching me." Yanxi said, "I really can't eat. Let me go back and rest." Seeing his insistence, Wang Youchun said, "Fine, I'll see you home." Yanxi said, "No need. I can manage." He hailed a rickshaw, climbed in, waved to Wang Youchun, and said, "See you tomorrow." Wang Youchun also waved, "See you tomorrow."
Returning home, Yanxi felt utterly drained and collapsed onto the bed. But he tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The image of Leng Qingqiu kept flitting before his eyes. He recalled her every smile and gesture, finding an indescribable beauty in them. He thought, if he could be with her often, even simple meals would bring happiness. Yet, he also thought, someone like Leng Qingqiu might not fancy him. Though he had money, she might see him as vulgar. Moreover, her family was so refined, unlikely to marry their daughter into a household like his. At this thought, he felt disheartened again.
That night, Yanxi only fell into a fitful sleep near dawn. He woke at noon the next day. Getting up, he felt dizzy and uncomfortable all over. Jin Rong came in to help him wash. Seeing his pallor, she asked, "Seventh Master, didn't you sleep well last night?" Yanxi said, "I slept, but kept dreaming." Jin Rong asked, "What dreams?" Yanxi said, "A jumble. I can't remember." Jin Rong said, "Seventh Master, I think you should go out and relax. Staying cooped up at home will make you ill." Yanxi said, "Where should I go?" Jin Rong said, "How about a walk in the park?" Yanxi shook his head, "The park is too crowded and noisy. I don't want to go." Jin Rong said, "Then what about Western Hills?" Yanxi said, "Western Hills is too far. I can't be bothered." Jin Rong said, "If this won't do and that won't do, what do you want?" Yanxi said, "Leave me alone. Let me have some peace." Seeing him like this, Jin Rong had no choice but to withdraw.
Pacing alone in his room, Yanxi felt utterly bored. He suddenly realized he hadn't visited Leng Residence for days and wondered how Leng Qingqiu was faring. He longed to go immediately, but feared being too frequent a visitor and causing annoyance. As he hesitated, he heard the telephone ring outside. Then, Jin Rong came in and said, "Seventh Master, a call." Yanxi asked, "Who is it?" Jin Rong said, "It's Master Wang." Yanxi frowned, "Tell him I'm out." Jin Rong acknowledged and went to reply. After a while, Jin Rong returned and said, "Seventh Master, Master Wang says he'll come over shortly." Yanxi said, "What for?" Jin Rong said, "He says he's bored and wants to chat with you." Yanxi said, "How annoying! When he comes, say I'm not home." Jin Rong said, "How can I? You know Master Wang's temper. If he comes and doesn't see you, he won't leave." Yanxi said, "Then let him come. I have nothing else to do anyway." Jin Rong assented and left.
Not long after, Wang Youchun indeed arrived. He barged in and exclaimed, "Old Seven, you put on quite airs, not even taking my call." Yanxi said, "I didn't refuse. I was about to answer when Jin Rong said you hung up." Wang Youchun said, "Come on, don't lie. I know you've been upset lately, so I came specially to keep you company." Yanxi said, "Thank you for your kindness. But I'm really not upset. Please have a seat." Wang Youchun sat and looked around. "Your room is quite elegantly arranged." Yanxi said, "Elegant? It's just haphazard." Wang Youchun said, "Old Seven, let me tell you something novel." Yanxi asked, "What is it?" Wang Youchun said, "Yesterday at Hundred Flowers Stage, I saw a dan actress who looks quite lovely, almost identical to Miss Leng." Hearing this, Yanxi felt a stir and quickly asked, "Really?" Wang Youchun said, "Why would I lie? If you don't believe me, go see for yourself." Yanxi asked, "What's her name?" Wang Youchun said, "She's called Little Coral." Yanxi said, "Little Coral? That's a distinctive name." Wang Youchun said, "Not just the name, but the person too. If you're interested, let's go see her tonight." Initially reluctant, Yanxi was moved by curiosity upon hearing the resemblance to Leng Qingqiu and said, "All right, let's go see." Delighted by his agreement, Wang Youchun sat a while longer before taking his leave.
That evening, Yanxi and Wang Youchun went to Hundred Flowers Stage together. Sure enough, they saw Little Coral, with delicate features somewhat resembling Leng Qingqiu. But upon closer look, though her face was similar, her demeanor was far different. Leng Qingqiu had natural grace, while she was artificially coquettish. Leng Qingqiu exuded refined elegance, while she had frivolous manners. After watching awhile, Yanxi felt bored and said to Wang Youchun, "Let's go." Wang Youchun said, "Why leave so soon?" Yanxi said, "I have a headache. I want to go back and rest." Wang Youchun said, "Then I'll see you home." Yanxi said, "No need. I can manage." With that, he stood and walked out. Wang Youchun had no choice but to follow.
As they reached the entrance, Yanxi suddenly saw a familiar figure walking slowly ahead. Looking closely, it was none other than Leng Qingqiu. She wore a pale green blouse with a black skirt, holding a small package, head bowed as she walked step by step. Yanxi felt a surge of joy and hurried forward, calling, "Miss Leng!" Leng Qingqiu turned and saw Yanxi, blushing slightly. She said, "Mr. Jin, you're here too?" Yanxi said, "I... I came to watch the opera. Miss Leng, why are you alone here?" Leng Qingqiu said, "My mother isn't feeling well. I came out to buy her some medicine." Yanxi said, "Auntie is unwell? Is it serious?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Not serious, just a slight cold." Yanxi said, "Then let me see you home." Leng Qingqiu said, "That's unnecessary. I can manage." Yanxi said, "It's late. I wouldn't feel at ease with you walking alone." Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu didn't decline further.
Thus, Yanxi accompanied Leng Qingqiu, walking slowly. Wang Youchun trailed behind, seeing the situation and knowing Yanxi didn't need him, so he quietly slipped away. As they walked, both Yanxi and Leng Qingqiu felt somewhat awkward, neither daring to speak first. After a while, Yanxi began, "Miss Leng, how have you been these days?" Leng Qingqiu said, "Quite well. And you, Mr. Jin?" Yanxi said, "I'm fine too, but I often feel downhearted." Leng Qingqiu asked, "Why is that?" Yanxi said, "I don't know. Perhaps it's loneliness." Leng Qingqiu said, "But you have so many friends. How could you be lonely?" Yanxi said, "Though I have many friends, few are truly close." Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu lowered her head in silence.
After walking a bit more, they reached the gate of Leng Residence. Leng Qingqiu stopped and said, "I'm here. Please go back, Mr. Jin." Yanxi said, "I'll wait until you go in." Leng Qingqiu said, "Well then, goodbye, Mr. Jin." With that, she turned and entered. Yanxi stood at the gate until Leng Qingqiu's figure disappeared before slowly turning away. He felt much lighter tonight, even though he had only exchanged a few words with Leng Qingqiu. He thought, perhaps Leng Qingqiu wasn't indifferent to him. She was just too reserved to show it. If he tried a little harder, he might succeed. At this thought, he grew cheerful again.
Lost in thought on his way home, he felt energized, even forgetting his fatigue. Entering his study, he saw a letter on the desk. Picking it up, he found it was from Bai Xiuzhu. He opened it and read: "Yanxi: I haven't seen you for days. Where have you been? Have you made new friends and forgotten me? I warn you, don't do anything to wrong me, or I won't let you off. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll wait for you at Sino-Foreign Hotel. You must come, or I'll go to your house to find you. Xiuzhu." Reading this, Yanxi frowned. He thought, Xiuzhu was truly troublesome. If he went, she'd surely cling to him. If he didn't, she might really cause a scene at home. This was a dilemma. After much thought, he decided it was better to go once, lest she make a fuss and embarrass everyone.
The next afternoon, Yanxi went to Sino-Foreign Hotel. Upon entering, he saw Xiuzhu sitting at a window seat, waving to him. He approached, and Xiuzhu said, "Why are you so late? I've been waiting forever." Yanxi said, "I had some business. Sorry for the delay." Xiuzhu said, "What business? Did you go see that Miss Leng again?" Yanxi said, "Don't talk nonsense. I went nowhere." Xiuzhu said, "Come on, don't lie. I know all about your movements. I tell you, don't think you can ditch me. I'm not one to be bullied." Yanxi said, "When did I ever want to ditch you? Don't be suspicious." Xiuzhu said, "Suspicious? If I weren't, you'd have fooled me long ago. Tell me, why have you been avoiding me these days?" Yanxi said, "I'm not avoiding you. I've been feeling down, so I didn't go out." Xiuzhu said, "Why are you down? Is it because of that Miss Leng?" Yanxi said, "Here you go again, always bringing her up." Xiuzhu said, "What's wrong with that? If you have nothing to hide, why fear me mentioning her?" Stumped, Yanxi said, "All right, let's not argue. I'll treat you to some pastries." Xiuzhu said, "Who wants your pastries? I want you to accompany me shopping." Yanxi asked, "What for?" Xiuzhu said, "Clothes. I've taken a liking to a few outfits. Come with me to see them." Reluctant but fearing her anger, Yanxi agreed.
They left Sino-Foreign Hotel and went to a silk shop. Xiuzhu picked several pieces of fabric, demanding Yanxi buy them for her. Though unwilling, Yanxi didn't dare refuse and agreed to each. Seeing his compliance, Xiuzhu's anger turned to joy. She smiled and said, "That's more like it. I tell you, if you're always this obedient, I'll dote on you." Hearing this, Yanxi inwardly groaned. He thought, Xiuzhu was becoming increasingly difficult. If he didn't find a way out, he'd surely suffer later. But what could he do? For now, he couldn't think of anything.
After shopping, Xiuzhu wanted Yanxi to accompany her to dinner. Yanxi pleaded other business. Xiuzhu's face darkened. She said, "What business? Are you going to see that Miss Leng again?" Yanxi said, "Don't be so paranoid. I really have matters." Xiuzhu said, "Fine, go ahead. I'll come to your house tomorrow." With that, she stormed off. Watching her leave, Yanxi sighed in relief. He thought, if Xiuzhu kept this up, trouble was inevitable. He had to find a solution. But what? The more he thought, the more vexed he became. He hailed a rickshaw and went home.
Back home, Jin Rong told him that Leng Residence had sent someone with a pot of chrysanthemums. Yanxi hurried to look. The chrysanthemums were in full bloom, golden petals against green leaves, utterly charming. Beside the pot was a small card reading, "Planted by my mother's own hand, presented to Mr. Jin for your enjoyment." Yanxi knew it was from Leng Qingqiu and felt a surge of happiness. He thought, by sending these flowers, Leng Qingqiu clearly had feelings for him. If he didn't act now, when would he? But then he remembered Xiuzhu and frowned again. He thought, unless he settled matters with Xiuzhu, even if he and Leng Qingqiu became close, future troubles were unavoidable. This was truly a dilemma.
As he pondered, he heard footsteps outside, followed by a cry, "Is Seventh Master in?" Yanxi recognized Wang Youchun's voice and quickly responded, "I'm here. Come in." Wang Youchun entered, saw the chrysanthemums, and asked, "These are lovely. Where are they from?" Yanxi said, "A friend sent them." Wang Youchun said, "From Miss Leng, right?" Yanxi said, "Don't guess wildly." Wang Youchun laughed, "I guessed correctly, didn't I? Old Seven, you seem much brighter lately. Have things progressed with Miss Leng?" Yanxi said, "Progressed? We're just a bit more familiar than before." Wang Youchun said, "Familiarity is good. I tell you, in such matters, don't rush. Take it slow. If you scare her off, that would be worse." Yanxi said, "I know that naturally." Wang Youchun said, "Good that you know. I came today to tell you something serious." Yanxi asked, "What is it?" Wang Youchun said, "My father wants me to take an official post. He pulled strings for a position. I'll be assuming duty in a couple of days." Yanxi said, "That's wonderful. Congratulations." Wang Youchun said, "Congratulations? I don't know how long I'll last. After I leave, you'll be lonelier. Take care of yourself." Yanxi said, "Don't worry. I'll manage." Wang Youchun sat a while longer before taking his leave.
After seeing Wang Youchun off, Yanxi returned to his room and stared at the chrysanthemums, lost in thought. He thought, by sending these flowers, Leng Qingqiu clearly meant for him not to forget her. If he failed her goodwill, what kind of man would he be? But what about Xiuzhu? After much deliberation, he felt he must first clarify things with Xiuzhu to avoid future entanglements. He decided to visit Xiuzhu the next day and have an honest talk with her.
The next day, Yanxi went to Xiuzhu's house. Seeing him, Xiuzhu was delighted and smiled, "What brings you to think of me today?" Yanxi said, "I've long wanted to visit, but I've been a bit busy." Xiuzhu said, "Busy with what? Accompanying that Miss Leng?" Yanxi said, "Here we go again. Let's not argue today. Can we talk properly?" Xiuzhu said, "Talk about what? Go ahead." Yanxi said, "Xiuzhu, we've known each other for a while. What do you think of me?" Xiuzhu said, "You're sometimes good, sometimes bad. I can't really say." Yanxi said, "Then, do you think we're suited to be together?" Hearing this, Xiuzhu's face changed color. She said, "What do you mean? Do you want to discard me?" Yanxi said, "That's not what I mean. I just feel our temperaments don't match well. Being together, we'd likely quarrel. So..." Before he could finish, Xiuzhu cried out, "So you want to ditch me, right? I tell you, don't dream! I'm not someone you can summon and dismiss at will. If you dare wrong me, I'll make your whole family miserable!" Yanxi said, "Why be like this? Wouldn't it be better to part amicably?" Xiuzhu said, "Amicably? You make it sound easy! Do you know how much effort I've poured into you? Now you think you can leave just like that? Not so simple!" Seeing her unreasonableness, Yanxi knew further talk was futile. He stood and said, "Fine, since you say so, I have no choice. I'm leaving." With that, he headed out. Xiuzhu grabbed him, "Don't go! Explain yourself clearly first." Yanxi said, "I've already explained. What more do you want?" Xiuzhu said, "Tell me, have you fallen for someone else?" Yanxi said, "That's my business. None of your concern." Xiuzhu said, "I'll make it my concern! Is it that Leng woman?" Yanxi said, "What if it is?" Hearing this, Xiuzhu trembled with rage, pointing at Yanxi. "Fine, very well! We'll see!" With that, she buried her head in her arms and sobbed. Seeing her cry, Yanxi felt a twinge of pity. But on second thought, if he softened now, it would be harder to break free later. Steeling his heart, he walked out without looking back.
Returning home, Yanxi felt utterly confused. He thought, with Xiuzhu's outburst, who knew what trouble would arise. But things had come to this. There was no other way but to leave it to fate. His only hope now was that Leng Qingqiu would understand his heart and not misunderstand him because of Xiuzhu. He thought, tomorrow he would go to Leng Residence and explain everything to Leng Qingqiu. If she could forgive him, he would formally propose. If not, he'd have to accept his lot.
Thinking this, he felt slightly calmer. He went to his desk, spread out a sheet of letter paper, and thought to write Leng Qingqiu a letter. But picking up the pen, he didn't know where to start. He wrote and tore, tore and wrote, struggling for a long time, yet the paper remained blank. He sighed, put down the pen, and muttered to himself, "Forget it. I'll go speak to her in person tomorrow."
That night, Yanxi tossed and turned again, unable to sleep. He thought of Xiuzhu, thought of Leng Qingqiu, his heart a tangled mess with no clear thread. He thought, would his life just pass in such confusion? He needed a resolution. But where was it? The more he thought, the more vexed he became, and he couldn't help heaving another long sigh. Outside the window, moonlight like water silently shone on the ground. In the distance, someone's clock struck twice. The night was already deep.