Explore Chapter 14 of "Divorce" with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
The next day, Old Li arrived at the yamen unusually early. One reason was the heaviness in his heart. The other was his fear of being late and inviting Little Zhao's gossip. When he reached the department, there was no one else. He sat on his worn-out chair, staring blankly at the calendar.
Colleagues arrived one after another. As soon as Little Zhao entered, he shouted, "Old Li, did you have another quarrel with your wife last night? Look at those dark circles under your eyes!" Old Li ignored him. He kept his head down to read the official documents. Little Zhao, feeling snubbed, turned to speak with Mr. Qiu.
Elder Brother Zhang came over and asked in a low voice, "Old Li, is everything all right at home?" Old Li shook his head. Elder Brother Zhang sighed and said, "Couples don't hold grudges overnight. Just go back tonight and apologize. It'll be over." Old Li smiled bitterly in his heart. Apologize? The problem wasn't about apologizing. It was the fundamental estrangement.
The day passed uneventfully. After work, Old Li didn't want to go home. He wandered aimlessly on the streets. Unconsciously, he walked to Xidan Pailou. Watching the crowds come and go, he felt hollow inside. He wanted to find a place to sit. But the teahouse was too noisy. The bookstore was uncomfortably quiet.
During dinner, his wife didn't speak. Old Li said nothing either. The room was filled only with the sounds of bowls and chopsticks and the children's chewing. Old Li wanted to break the silence. But he didn't know what to say. Suddenly, his wife spoke up. "Today, Young Mrs. Ma brought over a plate of pickled vegetables. She said she made them herself."
Old Li grunted in acknowledgment. His wife added, "Young Mrs. Ma is really a good person. Just unfortunate in life." Old Li grunted again. His wife glanced at him and said no more.
At night, Old Li lay in bed. He listened to his wife's snoring, unable to fall asleep. He thought of all the events of the day. He thought of the boredom at the yamen. He thought of the dullness at home. He thought of his own elusive ideals. Moonlight squeezed through the cracks in the window. It shone on the floor, cold and pale.
He quietly got up. He walked into the yard and lit a cigarette. The light in the east room was still on. Young Mrs. Ma's shadow was cast on the window paper, motionless. Old Li looked at the shadow. His heart was in a tangled mess.
The next day, Old Li heard a piece of news at the yamen. Little Zhao had been promoted to section chief. Everyone went to congratulate him. Old Li followed along. Little Zhao, beaming with pride, patted Old Li on the shoulder. "Old Li, work hard. When you get promoted too, I'll treat you to a meal!"
When work ended, Elder Brother Zhang called out to Old Li. "Come to my place for dinner tonight. Let's chat." Old Li agreed. When he arrived at the Zhangs' home, Sister-in-law Zhang had prepared a table full of dishes. Elder Brother Zhang brought out wine. The two drank together.
Elder Brother Zhang said many comforting words. Old Li listened, but his heart grew even more unsettled. He thought: Elder Brother Zhang has been smooth and accommodating all his life. He pleased everyone everywhere. What has he gained in the end? He didn't want to be like him. But there was no other path to take.