Explore Chapter 28 of '老张的哲学' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Wang De left Aunt Zhao's home, his heart a tangled mess. The words of Li Jing-the urgency of his uncle's situation, the pressure from Lao Zhang, the futility of Dong the Philanthropist-all intertwined in his young heart. He loved Li Jing and was willing to go through fire and water for her. Yet at the moment, he couldn't even scrape together a few dozen dollars. A sense of powerless anger burned through him, making his whole body flush with heat. He wandered aimlessly down the street and, before he knew it, found himself at the entrance of the Newspaper Office.
The Newspaper Office was brightly lit, with colleagues on the night shift bustling about. Wang De recalled the Editor-in-Chief's admonition to "never tell lies" and thought of the news patched together with scissors. A wave of disgust washed over him. But he needed money, even if it came dishonorably. He hesitated, but in the end, he pushed the door open and went in.
The Editor-in-Chief was somewhat surprised to see him back. Wang De lowered his head and said he was willing to continue working, but hoped to get an advance on his salary. The Editor-in-Chief squinted at him for a moment, then took a few dollars from the drawer and tossed them on the table. "Young man, a wise man adapts to circumstances," he said. "Take this money for now. Work hard and stop dwelling on useless thoughts." Wang De took the money, which still smelled of ink, feeling as if he were holding a burning coal in his palm.
Clutching the money, he went to the vicinity of Yinding Bridge. Dong the Philanthropist's residence was dark and silent. He stood outside the small red door for a long time, knowing in his heart that this path was blocked. The numb faces of the girls chanting scriptures were like a basin of cold water dousing his last shred of hope. He had to find another way.
The night grew deeper, and the wind died down. Wang De suddenly thought of Long Shugu, the Salvation Army Officer who owed Lao Zhang a Debt. He had heard Li Ying mention that Officer Long seemed to value Li Ying highly. Perhaps... perhaps he could borrow some money from Officer Long through Li Ying? Although the hope was slim, he had to try. This thought lit a small glimmer in his heart. He quickened his pace, eager to return and discuss it with Li Ying.